Franklin family portrait, Dec. 24th

We all took a moment to pose at cousin Judy's for a Franklin family portrait :)
14 family members made it this year for the Christmas Eve gathering!
Gene and Martha (mom and dad) and from left to right:
Loretta (my younger sister) Meredith, Leah holding Ethan, Cindy holding Natalie, Stephen holding Sophie, Kenny and Casey holding Caden, and of course Ginger had to pose with us (Darrell's dog)

family photo Sunday

I tried to get all four grand kids to pose in front of the tree, but no success on Christmas Day. (I will keep trying this week.) Natalie and Meredith were ready to open presents and quickly struck a pose for me.

Christmas at our house 2009

On the 11th day of Christmas, I posted pictures from Christmas day at our house in GA opening presents. Today we get to try on clothes, take clothes back to be exchanged, play with toys and enjoy the memories. Lots of food left over and more to be cooked.



Also more gifts will be exchanged Sunday after Brandon, Rachel and Charlie arrive. Special memory: Ethan, Charlie and Layton's first Christmas!

and today we say to all.....

Christmas photo - born in a manger (2 more days)

Luke 2:1-7
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Christmas photo - the birth of Christ is announced to shepherds(2 more days)

Luke 2:8-11 (KJV)

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Christmas photo - Mary had a baby (3 more days)

Luke 2:1-7 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Christmas photo - memories of years gone by (4 more days)

Memories of Christmas past, this photo was from 1979 - Christmas in Arkansas - with Josh on the floor in front of me and baby Stephen on Cindy's lap. I think the other kids are Brandy, Carl, Zach, Allison and Kim.

Christmas past - 2006 (5 more days)

From Christmas 2006, when we only had 3 grandchildren (now we have 7!). This was Brielle and Meredith (right of Natalie) enjoying their first Christmas with us in Jacksonville, Florida.

we say "Merry Christmas" - only 6 more days

It is unfortunate that many retailers want us to spend money for gifts at their stores, but refuse to use the word "Christmas" in their ads. Some do not even allow their employees to say "Merry Christmas" when you check out. Well, just in case you are wondering, we still celebrate Christmas in our family and hope all of my readers have a very, merry Christmas!

Christmas photo (7 more days)

We lived in Jacksonville, Florida for 30 years, and this photo above is from Christmas 1989. It is the only white Christmas that I can remember - even growing up in Cowpens, SC. According to the weather channel, we have a chance of snow on Thursday this year in Georgia!

Christmas photo (8 more days)

From Christmas past, Natalie picks oranges from Paula's satsuma tree on Christmas Day 2005 in Jacksonville, Florida - so this is a FLORIDA CHRISTMAS PHOTO!

Christmas photo (9 more days)

We can always dream of a white Christmas, and this picture from National Geographic makes me want snow for Christmas - put that at the top of my list :) The weather forecast calls for a chance of sleet or snow this weekend - Hmmm, we'll wait and see!

Christmas photo (10 more days!)

This is a really nice photo that reminds us to say "Merry Christmas" ! I actually received this via emails from several people this week and really like it. After a busy weekend of music at church, I am starting to realize Christmas is almost here. We presented Handel's Messiah on Saturday night, with our first "community sing" at Berean. Sunday night, we presented our Christmas program with lots of special music. Our mens ensemble sang "Mary Had a Baby" accapella. It was very challenging (especially to sing the high tenor part), but it turned out well. One of our young men played a cello solo, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" that was almost as good as Yo Yo Ma! He also accompanied a mixed trio for "Away in a Manger." Just a lot of good Christmas music this past weekend!

family photo Sunday

My cousin Pat's grandson, Logan Daly (my 3rd cousin), is a member of the high school band. Being the bandsman that I am, I enjoyed finding his picture on facebook recently! He joins a long list of "Franklin family" instrumentalist: I played baritone horn and was the drum major (Sr.year); Loretta (my sis) played the flute; cousin Tony Mitchell played clarinet; all three of my sons were in band - Josh played tuba, Stephen played euphonium, and Brandon played trumpet. Two of my sister Debbie's were in the band: April Logan played clarinet and was drum major (Sr. year) and Philip Logan played tuba. (Did I miss anyone?)

like father, like son

Josh sent us a couple of recent photos of his son, Layton and Daddy Joshua - two true Gator fans!

nice to live where the seasons change

Now that fall is almost over and winter is on the doorstep, and I have these few photos to remind me of the beautiful fall we enjoyed this year. Now if it will stop raining long enough for me to pick up the rest of the fallen leaves!



Our house is on the left with the country porch, and I really enjoyed sitting in our wicker rocker this fall. We only have 11 trees now, so the leaves seemed less this year. Also, we had all the branches trimmed that were hanging over the front and back of the house.

family photo Sunday

We enjoyed spending time for a few days with Brandon, Rachel and Charlie T. We had a great first Thanksgiving in our Georgia home, with 16 for the meal on Thursday (including the baby). (Charlie T with his sunglasses, ready for the trip home to Florida)

Tim Tebow's Bracelet - ESPN Video

Slideshow - December birthdays

family photo Sunday

My "favorite fall photos" would have to include this one of our sons, Josh and Stephen, helping clean up the leaves at Mam-ma Baggett's house in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Slideshow - Charles Timothy

I finally finished editing photos on the gallery from our first visit to see our newborn grandson, Charles Timothy, about 9 days after he was born.

Click link to view photos.

Duke wins Tip-off NIT over UConn 68-57

Duke improved their record by beating the 13th ranked UConn Huskies in the NIT Pre-season Tournament championship game Friday.

Link to recap of game at goduke.com

"It was a big-time game, shots were so hard to come by, open shots. Both teams are very, very good defensively and you know, you get by one guy and it's hard to get to the bucket," Krzyzewski said. "But we rebounded very well and we played outstanding defense."

family time at Thanksgiving

There is nothing quite like getting together with the family is there? We have friends at church who are just as dear to us and friends at work who we don't really know as well, but family times are special. This year we will be spending our first Thanksgiving in our home in Georgia. My mom and dad are coming down from SC with my sister, Loretta. Kenny, Casey and Caden are coming tonight from SC. One of our sons will be joining us - Brandon, Rachel and Charlie T arrived last night from Florida. Thanks to Paula for sending the satsuma oranges from her tree in Jax. And my sister, Debbie and Charlie (April, Jonathan and Philip) are driving up from Florida Thursday morning. Looks like we will have a full house for Thanksgiving dinner.

Hope the rest of our family enjoy their Thanksgiving day as I am sure there will be a lot of family gatherings in California, Texas, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Missouri, Virginia and Louisiana - to name a few states where we will have relatives feasting tomorrow!

IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, AND TO SING PRAISES UNTO THY NAME, O MOST HIGH: (Psalm 62:1)

family photo Sunday

Layton Andrew, our Pennsylvania grandson, cute shirt, cute photo!

Video - Jennifer Cook plays "Wonderful Peace"

I just found this on youtube tonight and had to post it on my blog! A friend of ours who ministered in Jacksonville with us back in the 1990's, Jennifer Cook has her own youtube channel and her website at thechurchpianist.com.

what in the world!

No. 9 Duke 101, Charlotte 59

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) - Nolan Smith scored a career-high 24 points in his return to Duke's lineup, and the ninth-ranked Blue Devils routed Charlotte 101-59 on Tuesday night in the second round of the NIT Season Tip-Off.

Click link below to read more...
No. 9 Duke 101, Charlotte 59

No. 9 Duke Defeats Coastal Carolina, 74-49 in the NIT Tip Off

Kyle Singler had 23 points and 11 rebounds, and No. 9 Duke routed the equally short-handed Coastal Caroline Chanticleers 74-49 on Monday night in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off.

Duke will play the 2nd game of the tourney Tuesday night. Click link below to view recap of the game:
No. 9 Duke Defeats Coastal Carolina, 74-49 - Duke University Blue Devils | Official Athletics Site - GoDuke.com

family photo Sunday

We were surprised at how much baby Charlie looks like baby Brandon!

Duke thumps UNCG 96-62

Sparked early by Kyle Singler, Duke cruised past spirited UNG Greensboro 96-62 last night at Cameron Indoor Stadium to open its 30th season under Coach Mike Krzyzewski

click link below for recap of the first game of the season for the Dukies!
Duke thumps UNCG 96-62

Slideshow - Favorite Fall Photos

rain, rain go away. . .

Some of us (me included) are never satisfied! Now that we are officially out of the drought in Georgia, we are wondering when the rain is going to end. For the record, we have only had two weeks of dry weather, 5-7 days in a row, since August. Last week was one of those week and it was wonderful. But today we have rain from the remnants of TS IDA and it may not end until after Weds night. Hmmm.

family photo Sunday

Great Grandpa Franklin traveled with us to Pennsylvania to meet Layton!

Layton Andrew, Photo Gallery from October

I have posted pics from our trip to PA to see newborn Layton Andrew, born October 7th to Josh and Janelle. Click link to view all

Slideshow - November family birthdays

family photo Sunday

(Click photo to enlarge)