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