Refreshing friends. sweet memories.

We had a fun weekend in Waco celebrating Oak Jackson Hopkins 1st birthday and then hanging out with some of our best friends.  We love the Gaines family.  These boys had more fun than they knew what to do with!  Lots of wrestling and adventures to be had when these boys get together.

 Duke, Nate, Drake and Beau

This is what we did to get ready for bed--dog pile BEAU!!!

We had so much fun, and this night Joanna and I had the kids to ourselves...we had the sweetest bedtime devotional with the kids, and lets just say the Holy Spirit showed up to surprise us! :)  I'm so thankful for those friends God brings you along the way that bring such life and refreshment.

Oak's 1st Birthday!

My Brother's little boy Oak just turned ONE!  I can't believe it's been a year since his precious life came into the world.  It was such a sweet time with the family on both sides, cousins, grandparents and friends there.  My sister-in-law Laura knows how to throw a birthday party. WOW, wish I had pics of all her decor because it was so thought out, hand-made, and perfectly her own.  It was pretty much amazing, like her.

 Brooks was excited about the cake coming out, 

wanted the first lick with Oak.

 My big bubba Greg with the boys.

 Such a sweet pic. This is Nate, always wanting to take care of the little ones.

I love Oak's face...it says "yep, its my birthday and I'm the man!"

 This is Greggy praying over Oak Jacksons life.  He is one blessed

 little boy to have that man as his Daddy.  

Greg's life is truly a picture of a man after God's own heart.

 Some of my besties from Waco. 

Loved the creative milk mustaches Laura made.

 Oak opening his gift for the Bennett boys.

We love Oak Jackson!  He has such a sweet spirit and we love who God is making him to be.  Greg and Laura are truly two of the greatest parents in the world, who loves this boy with every fiber of their being.  Oak will radically pursue the heart of God and see a great movement among the nations for the glory of God!!  

Tender Hearts.

Beau and Nate.  Brothers. Best Friends. Men of God. Tender.

I love my big boys...and big boys they are becoming.  These two have just warmed my heart today.  I'm daily reminded of how fast they do grow, how fast the little moments of life go by.  I can't believe they are 7 and 6, is it possible?   They are like their daddy-- 50% ruff and tumble, 50% sensitive.  

Yep, perfect.

 From legos, to spy gear, to outdoor adventures,  homeschool, crazy Beau inventions, more legos, throwing the football,  knock-knock jokes, priceless Jesus time together, questions--lots of questions, sweet hugs after discipline takes place, books and drawing...I pray the precious moments of their lives are buried deep.  Beau and Nate make everything in life a little sweeter.  The Lord was speaking the word "tender" over them today.  They each carry the tenderness of the Father inside of them, and that tenderness has a unique flavor of its own, like no other.   People will come to know the Savior because their love is tender towards them.  

Okay, gonna stop typing, I'm crying now....mmm love my men.

Let the games begin!

Beau had a fun day at his 2nd grade Greek Olympics!  

He won 5 first place ribbons and 2 second place. He did awesome in the events, and a great job during his assembly with his speaking part.  He is becoming such a confident man of God!!

 Annie B came to support!

 Joy....madly in love with her biggest bubba Beau.

Beau and Oak

 This pic is just too sweet, had to post it!

Beau and sweet cousin Oak

Our new niece!

 Meeting our sweet new niece 

Mihaila Audra Bennett

The brothers with their little ladies

Finally, our first lost tooth!

This great event of Beau's first lost tooth was truly a glorious day!  Beau has been one of the last of his friends to lose a tooth.  He has waited and waited for the experience of losing the tooth, putting it under his pillow and anticipating the surprise in the morning.  Well, the day finally came a few weeks ago, and now he has already lost one of his two front teeth too.  As a mom, there is nothing sweeter than watching the excitement of your children over the little things in life....like losing a tooth.

THANK YOU BEAU, for making everything new in your life so much fun! 

First tooth on the bottom right....he was SO proud!