Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Welcome to the Hoffman Times blog. We had a tough time picking out the photos we wanted to include on our Christmas card, and we also thought inviting more friends and family to enjoy our blog might keep you updated on what we’re doing since lately (ever since the kids were born) I have been a poor correspondent!

Chuck should really be the one writing this as he just finished his Writing II course at Metro State University with an “A” – darn good for a man who hasn’t been in college since 1985! He took two courses this fall and he earned A’s in both of them. I should have realized he would be an overachiever in college! He has registered to take 3 courses starting in January and working towards his Bachelor degree in Science for Management. He is still working at Norwood Promotions in Red Wing, which works out nicely with his college schedule.

Chuck’s oldest son Chris is 24 and continues to work full time at Epiphany church and school in Coon Rapids and refers to himself as their gravedigger! He is the stage manager at the Lyric Arts theatre in Anoka – www.lyricarts.com. He doesn’t make a lot of money doing that yet, but he is building his resume and enjoying himself! This August Chris moved in with his girlfriend, Allie Lenton, in St. Paul. Allie is a manager of a group home in uptown and has become part of our family over this past year. They graduated from Coon Rapids High School together and reconnected last year. We all enjoy the time they spend with us.

Mitchell turned 5 years old in May and started kindergarten this fall. He loves his school days and his teacher, Mrs. Townsend. Grandpa got to go on a field trip with Mitchell’s class this fall to the Children’s museum and both of them had lots of stories after that. His favorite place is still Grandma & Grandpa’s house. He has started inviting himself to stay overnight there, and they are happy to have him and Maria. We are lucky they have grandparents who want to take them so often!

Our little girl, Maria, celebrated her 3^rd birthday in April at Grandma & Grandpa’s house with her best friend, Mitchell. She likes to tease and Mitchell takes her so seriously that they often have little quarrels, but they are learning how to be friends. They sat for a while the other day and Mitchell helped Maria play Go Fish with him. She enjoys singing & baby dolls, princesses & dressing up, and coloring. She is always making sure we include everyone, especially Grandpa!

This is my third year as the school counselor at Cannon Falls High School. I enjoy working with the students and have some great friends – at work and in the community. I really enjoy being back in the community where I grew up and I am happy to have the opportunity for my kids to grow up here too!

We look forward to the holidays with family and friends and good things happening in 2010!

Chuck, Kirsten, Chris & Allie, Mitchell and Maria