Sweet Caroline

Our precious girl turned seven in early December, but I have had little time to spend blogging. However, I do not want to miss the opportunity to honor our little sweetie. Caroline is a blessing in so many ways to our family. We are forever changed by the way God has used Caroline in our lives. Her sweet way of thinking of others first, giving gifts from her heart and serving us is cherished by each of us and by her heavenly Father.

I remember the first night I spent with her in the hospital when she was born. She looked so much like my boys did as babies yet there was a definite girlie look to her. It was that night that I knew I needed a little girl. I never had a strong desire for a daughter until I looked in her little tiny face that first night. Then my heart was captured. She and I have been "tight" ever since. :)

She might tell you she's a "Daddy's girl" but I know better. :) Caroline and I love being "da girls" at the Watkins' house. We do girlie things together and she has taught me that being a girl is even more fun when you have someone being a girl with you. Even though our boys (not the Daddy) tease us about being girls and even roll their eyes at us on occasion, we know they really like the fact that we are girly. :) What would they do without us?!

Caroline, your Daddy and I love you with all our heart and are amazed and honored that God picked us to lead you through this life as your parents. We rejoice with you as God led you to make the decision last month to ask Jesus to be your Savior. We know that as you trust in Him He will always be faithful. He loves you even more than we do. What an amazing thing He did for us by choosing us to be His children. We can rejoice for all eternity together now. Yea Caroline! Yea God!

Caroline with Coach and cousins Elise and Avery

Caroline and Piper (best friends through thick and thin)

Our "Garr-Bear"

December 5 marked the 14th birthday of our precious Garrett. Garrett is a multi-faceted guy. His interests include everything from sports, fishing, creating, to making us laugh at him and with him. But the thing that stands out to me the most about my Garrett is his merciful heart. The best way I know to tell you about this is to give you a real life example of the tender heart that God has blessed us with through Garr.

As most of you know, my sweet Mother experienced colon cancer within the last couple of years. She (praise God!!) is doing well now and is back to a somewhat normal lifestyle, which none of us take for granted. When she had her first surgery to take out some of her colon, I went to be there for the surgery. As you can imagine it was a highly emotional time, even though we all felt and knew God's grace in a very tangible way through the entire process. I had planned on just being in Auburn with my parents and sisters for the day of the surgery. But as night rolled around I decided to spend the night with my sister back at my parents' house and return home early, early the next morning in order to homeschool my kids that day. I woke up to a dark, foggy, rainy morning. I was feeling the weight of my mother's situation and was overwhelmed with sadness and pain for her and all of us. To be honest I cried most of the way home as I listened to praise music. I knew God would supply the grace and mercy needed. But it hurt. As I arrived home, having navigated through Atlanta's terrible morning traffic, needless to say I had a weary soul. Chris had already left for work and I knew I had to pull myself together to get through our school day. I walked through the front door feeling very fragile and then I saw my sweet Garrett waiting for me. He had gotten up and was waiting for me on the sofa in the family room. As I sat down next to him, I began to cry again. And as I did, Garrett did not say anything. He simply put his arms around me and cried with me as he continued to hold me. What a gentle man! God blessed me through my merciful son. Nothing he could have said would have been any better or more powerful! His arms around me showed me my Father's love for me.

God's grace is evident in Garrett's life in other ways also. His passion for life is evident. He takes a strong stand and will not easily be moved when he believes something is true. I see the way God uses Garrett in his friends' lives. The strength God has given him is amazingly blended with God's kindness.

We so deeply love you Garrett and are committed to continue to walk with you and lead you to be the man of God that you desire to be. We are encouraged by the fruit we see in your life and give God all the glory for it. I would not trade you in for any other ole boy and am honored and humbled to be your Mom. What joy feels my heart when I think you! Thank you for being my sweetheart! You are dear to me!

We have a Christmas Baby!

Here are some shots of the new baby at our house! Chris and I surprised the kids with a labradoodle puppy named Charlie for Christmas. Isn't he adorable? Come see him!