Pops the Amazing (A tribute to Daddy from Garrett)

You can find him working for our family, his company and our God. My Dad is always doing one of these. Never taking time for himself always doing something for the benefit of another person is his goal. His care and love for our family is such an example to me.

A few days after Christmas I had the pleasure of being able to go to work with my Dad. Everyone who I talked to and encountered had something good to say about my Dad. Plus, they always smiled and appreciated him. I could tell that my Daddy had impacted the live of many just by being kind to others and doing numerous favors in his life as a business man.

His love for God impresses me and makes me want to be just like him. Every morning that I see him in his room he is praying and reading his Bible faithfully. Just by him doing this it encourages me to read the Bible and pray to God more faithfully.

In all (I mean all) of his spare time he is doing something for the family.

Examples:

1. Taking time off work to coach Brady's baseball team

2. Taking every child on a date monthly

3. Even if he works on the house he does it with us and rewards us very kindly

4. Watching the Braves game with us (which he enjoys) while working on IBM stuff. However, he answers all our questions about baseball and listens to us about new baseball info such as new trades, contracts etc.

5. The other day I went on a date with him. We went to breakfast together. Then went to the hardwood flooring place to pick out some samples for the new house. Before we got to the store I was thinking how boring! However, it wasn't, he took my opinion into high consideration and helped me understand the difference between engineered flooring and solid wood flooring. Just by spending time with me and talking to me about hardwood floors blessed me greatly. Because he cared about my opinion and my ideas he made me feel very special.

Dad, I love the way that you put what is important to you first in your life which is serving God!

I love you!
Garrett

Lost Finale Drowns Fans in Answers

For several months now Garrett and I have been keeping up with LOST, an ABC original drama. Last week's episode was the season finale and was a drawn-out, two hour long, heart beater. Many questions were answered and many more were not. Throughout the seasons, the show has "flash backs" to the characters' lives before the island, but in this episode, the flashes were forward, which was not known until the last five minutes.

In the show, forty people have crashed on an island filled with mysterious creatures and people. The show follows fourteen main characters and their specific journeys to the island including several years in the past for some. The show has some daunting elements, but also has many valiant expressions of love and bravery. No one knows when the next season starts, but many are wanting more already.

Here is something else that makes me smile...Jan

It's me Jan again. I love this blogging world. How fun! Thanks Sara, Billie and Terresa for inspiring me and showing me such fun examples. Isn't God good to give us such fun tools to share our lives with each other?

This is a book my Mama brought to our kids. It is hilarious! It's my new favorite kids' book! Y'all gotta read it. Joni (my sister) found it at the library and then bought a copy for Avery (her sweet little girlie). I haven't heard Joni read it yet but she is the best at reading it Mama says. Joni is such a faithful Mommy to her precious daughter.

What are some of your favorite childrens' books? Who else out there loves kids' books? I soooo enjoy reading and cuddling with my children. Don't ya love the smell of their clean little bodies all snuggled up against ya? One of my favorite times is when I sing to Caroline in the cozy rocking chair in my bedroom and she falls asleep in my arms. I love it, love it, love it! I've decided I'm the most blessed woman in the world. I have the sweetest, most patient husband and the "funnest" , "bestest" kids ever! Yea God!

Our Caroline's Graduation

Hey Guys! It's me, Jan! I thought y'all might enjoy seeing our sweet Caroline at her Kindergarten graduation last week. Our children attend The Kings Academy (school for homeschoolers) on Tuesdays and Fridays. I have really enjoyed working there on Tuesdays this past school year and I'll look forward to doing the same next school year.

Caroline's wonderful teacher Mrs. Comstock spoke about each child at the graduation ceremony and shared characteristics that stood out to her about each one. She gave Caroline the "Good Conduct" award! Yippee for our girlie!

The Watkins World.....of boating?

Yes, it's true, the Watkins have chipped in with the Andrews and Padgetts to buy a fun pontoon boat for all to enjoy. God blessed us by giving us the opportunity to get this boat from Daddy's friend at work. It is not the biggest or the fastest thing on the water, but still is very fun to be on and experience. Here are a few pictures...

Daddy Taking Charge, Don't worry... that's me in the background, We are happy! For those of you wondering, Caroline went with Aunt Joni and Avery to visit Aunt Jenny, Uncle David and Elise in Eufaula, Alabama this weekend. :) That's why she's not in the boat pics!

MVP Brady Watkins leads Phillies to Championship Victory!

No, that's not John Smoltz, it's Brady Watkins, better known as Frenchy to his teammates. Brady's team came back from a 3-6 defecit to win the championship 6-7. Not only did he pitch well, with a couple of stikeouts, but scored the winning run as well. Connor loved being a part of the action by being a benchcoach.The night before at the team party, head coach Tony Chaapel honored Connor with an award for being so helpful in the dugout. Along with the superb, award-winning benchcoach,

Daddy did a great job giving signs from third base.

What a wonderful gift God has given our family!

Daddy Gets New Job! Sort of...

I am proud to state that my dad, after working 18 years at IBM got a fantastic promotion and job opportunity. Though he wouldn't be the first to tell you, God has honored him at work and he is a light to the people he works with. Way to go Dad!

Welcome to the planet, everyone's here

Hey everyone! This blog is the Watkins family blog from Acworth, Georgia, soon to be Woodstock Georgia. I, Riley, eldest child and weekly babysitter, will be the writer for this blog most of the time. We are working hard to get our current house ready to be put on the market and making important decisions regarding flooring and other aspects of the new house...It's in Towne Lake in Wellesley.