Blast from Connor's Past...

I couldn't resist showing you Connor's smiles from babyhood and beyond. What a cutie-patootie! I love that boy! I love all those boys (and that girl!)!

ConMan the 12 year old!

This month marks the occasion of our sweet, sweet Connor's 12th birthday. Can't believe it was 12 years ago I was holding that chubby, bald baby in my arms. I promise you he practically was born smiling. :) People would alway comment on what a smiley, happy baby he was. He would also let anyone hold him. Little did we know then that was a sign of things to come. What a lover of people our Connor is today!

His Daddy and I see such a precious gifting from the Lord in His life. His love for people around him, his excitement for life and the joy he has just in trying to live the life God has called him to live is evident. We love being his parents and are honored and privileged to lead this young man into adulthood. What a blessing to have him as OUR son!

Connor, we enjoy sharing life with you. I can't tell you in words how much I love you. The sunshine and laughter you bring to us is priceless. I can't imagine our family without you. I tell you often that there is a Connorman space in my heart that only you can fill. Thank you for being my precious son and bringing me much joy. I can't thank God enough for you. I look forward to seeing the man of God that you will be as you continue to follow our Lord and Saviour! You are da Man Con-Con!

Blessed beyond Measure!

Chris took all of us to celebrate this afternoon at Longhorn Steakhouse for it was a VERY, VERY HAPPY day in the Watkins' home! We finally closed on our old house this morning at 11:00 a.m. The most amazing thing about this closing is the fact that real estate in Atlanta right now is not good at all. That our home was only on the market for 4 months is really a gift from God. We do not take any of this lightly and give our heavenly Father all the glory and honor for this undeserved blessing. We do serve a mighty God and we as a family hope to stay coninually amazed by His grace! He is so good to us!

Thank you family and friends who have prayed for us during this time. May you also be encouraged by yet another example of God's faithfulness!

Our Ballerina has her own style!

Ok, All you Mamas of girls out there have told me this would happen. It's happened....actually it happened a couple of years ago. I just recently have given it up! You know what I mean....given up the battle for style. I mean who really cares if you wear go-go boots (thanks Aunt Jenny) with a leotard and tights. I would not pick this outfit, BUT Caroline would. Believe it or not (I'm sure you Mommys of girls out there have no problem believing this) but this is not the most eccentric thing she has pulled together. I DO draw a line with stripes and plaids or floral and stripes or oh my goodness all kinds of stuff. As Chris says, "There are bigger hills to die on." Oh how tempted I am to climb this hill though.

I do take joy in the fact that God has made my little girl in a unique way to bring glory to Him. I just have to constantly remember that the unique way He made her is not like the way He made me. Neither one of them is right or wrong....just both for His glory in different ways. But somewhere in the Bible doesn't it say we should at least match? :)

What a snazzy guy!

One of the joys of being a part of such an awesome school for homeschoolers is being able to have athletics and such things as homecoming football games and dances. Riley and a group of friends went to the homecoming dance at school tonight. They have had swing, ballroom and all kinds of fun dance lessons for the last few weeks offered at school.

Girls Weekend in Huntsville, Alabama

Caroline and I went with Aunt Joni and Avery to visit Aunt Jenny, Elise and Uncle David (who actually went camping for the weekend) in their new town of Huntsville a couple of weeks ago. We visited the Huntsville Botanical Garden where there was a scarecrow exhibit. I love my sweet family and am always thankful for the opportunity to spend time with them!Jenny took all the pics this time cause I forgot my camera. I guess that's why she's not in any of the photos. :(

Jen, This is for you! :)

My friend Jen "tagged" me to post some of my favorite recipes. I am not known for my cooking abilities like some. But these recipes are some of my favorites; so here goes:

Spaghetti Pie -adapted from my Mom's recipe
(This makes 2 pies.......great to take for dinner for someone)

2 pounds hamburger meat (or ground turkey)
1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
12 ounce package of thin spaghetti noodles
1/2 stick of margarine or butter
2 eggs
2 cups of cottage cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Cook spaghetti; drain; stir in butter, eggs and parmesan cheese. Cook meat; drain and add sauce. Put 1/2 of spaghetti mixture in bottom of large pie pan or casserole dish. Add 1/2 of cottage cheese (do not mix). Put 1/2 of meat sauce on top of cottage cheese. Add 1/2 of mozzarella cheese to top of pie. Cook @350 for 30 minutes.



Taco Soup -this is from my sister Jenny
(this also makes a lot and is good to take to someone else)

2 pounds gound beef (browned and drained)
1 large onion (chopped)
2 envelopes Taco seasoning
2 envelopes Ranch dressing mix
2 cans corn drained
2 cans diced tomatos
1 can Rotel tomatos (undrained)
1 can black beans (undrained)
1 can pinto beans (undrained)
1 can kidney beans (undrained)
2 cups water

Simmer 2 hours. Serve with grated cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, salsa, tortilla chips.


Hot Artichoke Appetizer
(this is a yummy dip to take to Caregroup)

1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup mayonaise
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Mix all ingredients well; then sppon into a lightly greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Serve with melba toast or tortilla chips.