Happy Birthday Baby Brother!

Happy Birthday to one of the most amazing men I have ever had the privilege of knowing...Billy Hawks!   Today my baby brother is tuning 22!  That makes me feel super old!  I am so glad God gave me a little brother to love and who loves me back! I am so proud of all that he has done in his young 22 years and I know that he will continue to do much much more!  Here are a few pics of the handsome young man taken recently while he is living in Spain and working on his MBA.  I have to say spending you B-day in Spain isn't a bad way to go! 

Happy Grandparents Day!

I just want to wish a happy Grandparents day to two of the the most wonderful people I know, Joy and Carl Markey! We would also like to wish a Happy grandparents day to O. F. Bengtson Joe's Grandfather. We are both so lucky to have such wonderful relationships with our grandparents and we are so thankful for all that they have done for us over the years. I can't imagine my life with out them. They are a pure source of joy in my life and they always make me smile! I love you Grandma and Grandpa, thank you for all you have done and for always being such a big part of my life and all of your grand kids lives! We are so lucky that God gave you to us!
I would also like to wish a happy first Grandparents day to my mom and dad Marty and Peggy Hawks. They became grandparents for the first time this year when my nephew Fletcher was born.
Happy Grandparents day everyone!

My dad marty...aka...papa......with Fletcher

My mom Peggy....aka Nanni with Fletcher when he was born!

Joe and I with my grandparents Joy and Carl and my cousins wedding about a year and half ago!

Birthday Wishes...

I have to start by saying this blog is WAY late! I have had this in my head for several weeks but life has been a bit crazy in our neck of the woods and I wasn't able to write as much as I would like! All that to say.....this blog is in honor of my mom! Her Birthday was July 28th and she turned......we'll just say 29 again! My mom is a wonderful lady who loves so many in her life. She wears so many hat's she is a mother, wife, sister, daughter, nonnie, teacher, friend, Master scholar, follower of Christ and so much more! Oh...and did I mention that she is just beautiful! My mom is such a special lady and I am so thankful for her life. She has taught me so much and is such a joy to be around! So even though I am about a month late in getting this posted.....Happy Birthday Mom! I love you so much and I wish I could see your beautiful face everyday!

My Baby Brother is a Graduate!

When I was a little girl I remember praying and praying that my mom would give my sister and I a baby brother. We literally said it every night as part of our bed time prayers! I remember being so thrilled when mom and dad told us that mom was going to have a baby and my dad even made a deal with me that if it was a boy I could get my ears pierced. Well on October 24, 1988 I got my ears pierced on the way to the hospital to meet my baby brother William Christopher Hawks ....who goes by Billy. It was such an amazing day not just because I got my ears pierced but because God had answered my prayers and given me a baby brother who I love more than anything!

This past weekend Joe and I traveled to Wilmington, NC to celebrate something amazing...my baby brother/grown man graduating college! It was so wonderful to see lots of family and enjoy to beautiful beach, but the highlight of the weekend was watching Bill walk across the stage at 2:00 on Friday afternoon. Not only did he graduate in three years but did it with a great GPA and also earned a distinguished service award that only a handful of students received from UNCW. My brother has grown so much over the past three years. He often worked 2,3 and even 4 jobs in addition to an internship, and full time school. He has done so much work for UNCW as an orientation leader that they placed him charge of the entire thing. He is well respected by his peers as well as the academic professors and school leaders. He has become very involved with his local church in Wilmington and is growing leaps and bounds in his walk with the Lord.

I am so proud of my little brother. He has become such a good friend to me over the years and I am so thankful that the Lord answered my prayers 22 years ago. I am so thrilled to see what the Lord has in store for this next part of his life. Congratulations Bill, I love you so much and I am so thankful to have you in my life......you are the best little brother that a girl could have ever asked for....and trust me I asked for you.....a lot!! Job well done!

Bill with Mom after ceremony!

Meredith, Joe and I with the New Grad!

This is bill walking across and getting his diploma! Hard to hear since we are all screaming! He has on the teal shirt as he walks down the isle! Sorry I took the video sideways! oops!