Almost Christmas!!!

CHRISTmas is almost here! Remember to keep the Christ in Christmas this year.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

public correctness

STOP PICKING YOUR NOSE IN PUBLIC!!! I can't take Amy anywhere anymore.

Hannah Moved to Varsity

On Monday, Hannah was moved to the Varsity VB team! Although very excited, she is apprehensive about how much time she'll get to play since she's a newbie. Very proud of Hannah for working hard and being included. Go Lady Foxes!!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Ra Ra

 

Ran across this picture of Rachel from years ago as I was making a video tonight for Keith and Lauren's Africa trip. How can you not love that face! Ra Ra - you make me smile!

My new toy

OMG I got an iPhone for my birthday!

Texas Bound!

It's 9:35 Monday night and Keith and Lauren are headed home! Can't wait... Their flight was to leave at 7:30 Eastern time, but they sat on the plane for over an hour and a half, waiting to take off. Keith was not happy and Lauren fell asleep!

We've felt very lost without you guys! Can't wait to see you.

Keith - I was sure hoping to see you on our anniversary, but it looks like I may not, since your flight was delayed. I'm sure glad we were married 18 years ago today. It's been a fun time with you, raising our girls. You're such a fine, Christian man and I'm so glad that God chose for us to be together. Looking forward to many more!

Keith and Lauren Back in the US

Last night (Saturday), Keith and Lauren arrived back in the United States from Africa. They said the plane ride was OK, which is great news from Keith since he and plane rides are not the best of friends!

They spent last night in Times Square and were amazed at the amount of people they saw! Today, I got a call before we left for church and Lauren wanted me to guess where they were...they were at the Statue of Liberty! The rest of their day was spent WALKING a lot, seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway, which they said was fantastic and taking a bus tour around the town.

Keith called tonight and said that Lauren fell asleep early...jet lag has set in! We miss them tons and can't wait until Monday night to see them.

Greetings from Ghana

First of all, I want you to know that it is cooler in Ghana than it is in Caddo!!! Isn't that strange. Things are good here. No one is sick or overly injured. The work is moving along at a quick pace. The biggest struggle for the Hopkins clan is missing american food. Lauren is already planning a trip to Snuffers when we get back and a bacon cheeseburger when we get to NY. Almost bed time here. Miss everyone and we will see you soon.

Keith

First Day of Work in Africa

I heard from Keith and Lauren today at 4:00 which is 10:00 pm their time. They had their first day of construction on the church today and Keith said that we would all be proud of Lauren - she worked extremely hard with all men and boys! That's my La!
Lauren said she also had an opportunity to meet some kids and interact with them, which was the part she was most excited about prior to the trip. Can't wait to hear how God works in her relationships with the African children.

The congregation now meets in a rented space, so construction of this church will enable them to have a church of their own. Construction there is, of course, much more physically demanding than construction here. The Africans insist on doing things "the hard way" - no equipment to make the job easier....just lots of physical labor!

They worshiped yesterday with the congregation and Lauren got to experience worship "African style!" Africans aren't bashful in praising the Lord! Keith, Lauren and the others also went to the market and were able to do some shopping for African treasures!

I'll keeping posting as often as I hear from them...thanks to all friends and family for your prayers.

Mark 16:15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."

Keith and Lauren Arrive in Ghana

Keith and Lauren arrived in Ghana, Africa today after a 15+ hour plane ride through New York - pretty difficult for anyone, much less a 6'5" man! We're already missing them, hating to be separated as a family, especially because Lauren is not feeling well...ALREADY! I knew it would happen, but didn't anticipate it quite this quickly. Keith said it was either the spicy meal (everything there is seasoned with strange spices) or the bumpy car ride (she gets carsick easily!) Either way, her stomach is not agreeing with her. It's 7:35 pm there and they were already heading to bed - don't blame them one bit. I'll be sure to update the blog often on their church work and evangelism.

School Starts Soon

 

In looking through pictures on my laptop, I came across this precious picture of my girls and had to share it in our family blog. This was taken on the first day of school in 2005. Hannah would have been starting 4th grade, Lauren starting 1st and Rachel would have been 3 - attending Mother's Day Out! Time flies...it's so sad.

I really enjoy where my girls are now - their activities, friends, and academics are fun for us as a family. But I miss my young babies with their sweet faces, cute questions, and precious voices. As they continue to grow, I pray that Keith and I are giving them what they need to become lovely, Christian women, pleasing to the Lord.

School starts again in a few weeks. May we enjoy each year more than the last and always strive to honor God in all that we do.

Ma and Pa Hoppy Go to Mexico!

On Sunday, Keith and I left for a trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico...just the two of us! The resort where we are staying is called Valentin Imperial Maya. Although we hated to leave the girls behind, it's been very nice sitting by the beach, swimming, reading, listening to our iPods, watching movies and sleeping! More than anything, it's been nice to spend some quiet, thinking time, observing God's beautiful nature and worshipping Him.

The food here has been interesting! Because it's a 5 star resort, the food is "fancy." They give you very small portions of food with very strange sounding names! We've been to a steak restaurant called Tierra, and a french restaurant called "El Alsace". Very odd food but the apple tart for dessert was the best we've had.

Of course, not all is well with the girls...nothing ever flows just right! Rachel is missing us and Lauren has had fever. Hopefully everything will stay OK with Hannah! We miss you girls so much and can't wait to see you on Friday. Many thanks to the O'Leary's, the Smith's and Jordan Hammack for being with our girls.

Below you'll see some pictures from our first two days here - we'll include more later.

Laurens Africa money

Lauren has been trying to get all the money she needs to go to Africa. She has 20 more days left and has 2,800 dollars she needs 2,800 dollars and is ready to go.

Lauren in Gods house

This week my sister, Lauren went to Camp Gamp which is church camp with the 3rd - 6th grade. I bet she is having so much fun there. If all of you could keep my sister in prayers that would be great!

Money Raised for Lauren's Africa Trip - God is GOOD!

Image via Wikipedia

Today it's official...Lauren has enough money to make the trip to Africa! She's thrilled.

Lauren and Keith have been preparing for months for a mission trip to Africa July 30-August 10. This will be Keith's third trip and Lauren's first. Lauren has had a heart for this trip since she was 7 - the year that Keith and Hannah made the trip to Ghana. Now is her time!...

She and Keith will join Bud and Brayden Jones and Nathan and Isaac Green on the 10 day trip to Ghana. She's been doing a lot to prepare for the trip. She's made and sold more pies than we can count, she sent out approximately 50 sponsor letters to friends and family, and our funnest fundraiser involved flamingos!

We got the idea from my sister-in-law, Kris, who received a yard-full of flamingos herself. The idea is to place an enormous amount of pink, plastic flamingos in the yard of a family friend with a letter attached explaining the fundraiser. To remove the pretty flamingos, the family must pay $10.00. For $15.00, the family can also have the flamingos placed in another yard of their choice and for $20.00 the family can also have "Flamingo Insurance" so they won't be "flamingoed" again! It's been really fun to deliver the flamingos "in secret!"

With these fundraisers, Lauren has raised the $2,800 needed for the trip. Also, with the 5 shots needed behind her, now she waits for the packing....

Proud of your effort, Lanie and we can't wait to see how God will use your sweet spirit in serving Him in Africa.

Hannah - Top GPA!

This blog post is a little overdue, but I still wanted to include it in our family blog. On the last day of school, June 11th, Hannah received the most awesome award...one she worked really hard for and one, I believe, she TOTALLY deserved! ;)

Hannah's award was for the female with the top GPA in 8th grade - YEA!! We were all really excited, especially me (ACH). I totally knew that she could accomplish it because she is a dedicated and hard-working student. I should know - being one of her teachers, I saw every day what she can do.

Hannah, I'm really proud of you. You're so bright and you apply yourself in the classroom just the way Dad and I would expect you to. I'm really sad that you're leaving me to go to high school. I can't imagine not seeing you every day. I'll miss you more than you know, but I'm sure that you'll excel there, too, and continue to make our family proud.

Rachel at Camp of Champions

Great picture of Rachel at Camp of Champions last week. All three girls went to camp where they participated in basketball each morning and volleyball in the afternoon. Keith took his "toy" to the camp every day he was home from work and took pictures from the top of the bleachers. Cute Ra Ra!

Rachel is GROWING!

Rachel was going through some momentos from her 2nd grade year - work she had done, art she had created. She came across a long piece of red string. She brought it to me and said that the string measured how tall she was at the beginning of the year. They measured and cut the string in Mrs. Colwell's class.
When we showed the string to her dad, Keith took Rachel outside to the garage where we measure the girls and mark the date and their height on the garage wall. When he measured Rachel, it showed that she has grown 2 inches in the past MONTH! Unbelievable...it's obvious that she's sprouting, but, my goodness.... My baby is not a baby anymore!

Dive In!!!

Why is it so hard for us a humans to commit ourselves whole heartedly to something?? I just don't get it. I understand selfishness and laziness but come on people!!! We only get one chance at this thing called life. Step up and blow the doors off of this place. Get off you rear and do something productive. Sorry, just had to get it off of my chest.

Pies for Lauren!

We sold 11 pies Saturday, May 2nd. I made $114!!! Altogether I have $750.40! I still have $1749.60! A lot huh? Well, goodbye!

Mother's Day

Hey this is Lauren! I want to wish my mom a Happy Mother's Day! If you read this blog before Sunday, wish your mom a Happy Mother's Day. Make it all about your mom on Sunday!!!!!!!!! I have no more to say, so BYE!

One proud husband!!!

I can't tell you how proud of my family that I am. Today, my wife is teaching at Texas A&M Commerce. She was asked to help math and science teachers utilize technology in their classrooms and preparation time. What a great honor for Amy. She really is a remarkable teacher to both children and adults. I couldn't be more proud.
My girls have also made me extremely excited lately. Their grades are outstanding (except for Hannah's algebra, but she's working on it), they have excelled in athletics, community service and most importantly their faith. They are a joy to have.
I'm not sure why God has blessed me with such a great family, but I sure am thankful.
Signed,

A proud husband and dad!!!!

I'm Going to Dream About Pies!

Lauren and I made 11 pies tonight to prepare for her Africa fundraiser at FoxFest tomorrow. We're both pros at baking but oh my......will I dream about chocolate, cherry or apple? Hope to raise good money tomorrow...the Lord ALWAYS provides when we're following His will.

Rachel Turns 8!

Today was Rachel's 8th birthday! Of course, she woke up feeling like a princess! And she was treated like one ALL DAY! The day followed with donuts at breakfast, out to eat with Keith at lunch (followed by a swing by the house to "try out" the bounce house that we rented for her party), then cupcakes with her classmates. After school today we had 11 cute girls over to our house for hamburgers, jumping in the bounce house and face painting. WHAT A DAY! She seemed to really enjoy her day and I was proud at how excited she was about her gifts. She made sure to show such excitement with each one. She read each card carefully and sincerely thanked each friend. I was proud of her actions and made sure to tell her so at bedtime.

In the last year, Rachel has grown and matured so much. Not that she doesn't still "fuss" at her sisters, but overall, she's really grown up a lot. This year we also got to be a part of her salvation experience and baptism. We were so proud. She seems to think that's the reason for her big change in attitude! Probably so.....

We love you Ra and your family is glad that you were born.

I'm A Blogger!

This is Lauren - Mom included me as an author on our family blog, so now I'll be updating you on happenings with our family. Stay tuned....

Lauren and TAKS

I've been meaning for months now to post on this blog about family happenings...don't know why I haven't. Today is the perfect day to kick it off. GREAT news about my Lauren. She got the results from her Math TAKS and found out that she got a perfect score! Didn't miss ANY! So proud of her...and I feel so fortunate that God allowed us to raise girls that are smart and care about their studies! Thank you, Lord and thanks Lauren for all of your hard work!