Slideshow - December Family Birthdays

Happy Birthday to cousin Emily Mitchell

Happy 21st Birthday to cousin Emily Mitchell today! (picture with her brother Elliot was taken Christmas Eve)

Franklin Family Connection: Emily is the daughter of cousin Tony Mitchell: the son of Judy Franklin Mitchell: the daughter of Earline Franklin Gwinn: the daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Franklin

walking in a winter wonderland

I took the grandgirls for a walk to check out the snow that was left over on Monday afternoon. It was very cold but we needed the exercise and fresh air!

(from top clockwise) Natalie, Brielle, Sophia and Meredith

Duke update

Duke has released this year's digital yearbook for the Duke Blue Devils Basketball program. Their next game is at UNC Greensboro this Wednesday at 7 PM. It should be broadcast on ESPNU

Check it out at this link. (digital yearbook)

Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith are two seniors that lead the team this year.

family photo Sunday

We hope you all had a very merry Christmas like we did. The house was full (15 of us) and the grandkids were all excited. This photo is from Christmas morning with my grandson, Layton Andrew (Josh and Janelle's boy). We enjoyed our "white Christmas" in Georgia (first time in Lawrenceville for snow on Christmas since 1882) and snow is still falling today, light flurries. Church is one service today at 10:30 AM so hopefully we will make it there safely! Our snowbirds from WI and PA are not too impressed with our snow event so they are not worried about driving to church today :)

Happy Birthday to cousin Brooklyn Baggett

Cindy's cousin Noel and Lisa Baggett's daughter, Brooklyn Grace, turns 7 today! What a special day to have a birthday, Christmas Eve! Cindy's dad (J.L.) was also born on Dec. 24th. Hope you have a great day! (You can tell from the photo above that Brooklyn loves being in the Girl Scouts)

Baggett Family connection: 2nd cousin Brooklyn is the daughter of Noel Baggett: the son of Kelsea Baggett: the son of Joe and Mildred Baggett.

Happy Birthday to cousin Kimberly Arthur

We wish a happy birthday to my 2nd cousin, Kimberly Arthur, today! It must be rough having a birthday right before Christmas :) Pictured above with her family, Husband Paul and three children: Dylan, Kaitlyn, and Derek.

Franklin Family connection: Kimberly (Walker) Arthur is the daughter of my cousin Gloria Dorman Walker: the daughter of my dad's sister Ann Franklin Dorman: daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin

Happy Birthday to cousin Miranda Pettit

I noticed on facebook that my 2nd cousin Miranda Pettit has been celebrating her birthday for the last week. So let me add my "Happy Birthday" wishes to all the rest. (Pictured above with her mom and youngest brother, Preston)

Franklin Family connection: Miranda is the daughter of my cousin Diane Dorman Pettit: daughter of Ann Franklin Dorman (dad's sister): daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin

signs of Christmas along the journey

We finally finished decorating our tree, and Christmas is "around the corner." We are looking forward to having our three sons and their families home for Christmas this year. With seven grandchildren, it should be a fun time for all!

Happy Birthday to Nyah Brown

Cousin Jeff Brown's little girl Nyah turns 2 today! Happy Birthday and hope you have a great one! In this picture from the past summer, Nyah is pictured on the right with her sister, Neeley on the left and cousin Emilee in the middle.

Franklin Family Connection: Nyah is the daughter of Jeff Brown, whose mom is Pat Brown: daughter of Emily Franklin Kirby Jones: daughter of Charles C. and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin.

family photo Saturday

We finally finished decorating our tree (the ornaments above have adorned our tree each year since Christmas 1984) and I added some more lights outside. Just one more week to go until Christmas day! Looking forward to our three sons and their families joining us for the holidays. They should all be with us for the family Christmas Eve party at cousin Judy's.

(Note: since I will be posting some birthday blogs on Sundays now, I have decided to post my photo of the week on either Saturday or Sunday each week now)

early winter for Georgia

Winter has come early this year in the south. It is still a few more days until the official start of winter, the 20th of December, but we have already had snow in Atlanta and enough ice last night to cause about a thousand wrecks on the local highways and byways. Fortunately for me, I worked at home yesterday so I did not have to slip and slide like others. We made it home from church last night safely, even tho Cindy did slip on the ice outside church. Thankfully no bones broken! This morning we had our first icicles of the season!

Happy Birthday, Payton Arthur

Happy 1st Birthday to my sister's grandbaby, Payton Noelle. She looks a lot like Loretta, doesn't she?

Franklin Family connection: Payton is the daughter of Benjamin Arthur, who is the younger son of my sister, Loretta Franklin: daughter of Gene Franklin: son of C. C. Franklin.

turning our thoughts to Christmas

After spending several months preparing music and drama, our church choir presented this year's Christmas program, "We Wish You Christmas," six times this past weekend. Our message this year was focused on the simple truth that God became man, took on himself the form of a servant, and by being born in a humble, lowly fashion in Bethlehem. Pastor Finch did a great job as usual putting together a great program of music for the Christmas season. It was actually the first time for me to sing the choral arrangement of the popular song, "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." We began the program with this song which has lyrics such as "everyone telling you 'Be of good cheer' and "there'll be parties for hosting, Marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow." Truly for the Christian this is the "happiest season of all." I feel sad for those who can not stand to hear Christmas songs even during this time of the year.

Other songs included "A Winter Walk" by the ladies and "Bring a Torch Jeannette Isabella" sung by the men. A couple of songs came from the files of Becky Bonam, songs she had written some time past but never publicly performed. "All the Trimmings" was a light, fun song but the song about teaching your kids about the symbols of Christmas ("No Sweeter Thing") seemed to set the tone for the rest of the program. I will not list all the songs here, but my two "new" favorites were the last two songs. A Dan Forrest arrangement of "The First Noel" is now my all-time favorite arrangement of that song. John Rutter's "I Wish You Christmas" was a special ending as we closed the program in a circle around the audience (surround sound for sure)!

Now I am ready to focus on the true meaning of Christmas as we finish decorating the house, buying and wrapping the special gifts for the loved ones, and preparing our home for Christmas.

family photo Sunday

Charlie T had fun picking out a Christmas tree!

Happy Birthday to Garrett Michau

Wishing a happy 4th birthday to Garrett Michau. We hope you have a great day.

Family connection: Garrett, a 4th generation Baggett, is the son of Allison B. Michau; her father Leslie Baggett is the 5th son of Joe and Mildred Baggett

I took the picture at left (with his mom and older brother Gavin) this past summer.

Happy Birthday, Cousin Amy York

Cindy's cousin Amy (Baggett) York turns ..... today! Happy Birthday and hope you enjoy your day!

Family connection: Amy is a 3rd generation Baggett; her father is David Baggett, the 4th son of Joe and Mildred Baggett.



This picture of Amy holding Charlie T was taken last spring when Cindy, Rachel and Charlie visited Arkansas. Also in the picture is Charlee Ann (Lori's girl) and Easton (Amy's boy)

today in history

Today is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Sunday, December 7. 1941. Check out this link to photos of Pearl Harbor from the National Archives

family photo Sunday

When Cindy's flight landed in Little Rock a few weeks ago (October), she ran into her aunt Dolores Frank's daughter, Mary Ann -far right, and son Monk Franks and his wife and kids at the airport. Mary Ann and Monk are the children of grandmother (Mam-ma) Baggetts's brother, the late Uncle Jesse (Bo) Franks.

Duke update for the week

Wow, if you missed the game maybe you can still watch it on replay at ESPN3.com. The Dukies were very impressive in the game Weds night against Michigan State. Considering that Michigan State was no. 2 until they lost a game last week, this could have been a match up of no.1 and no. 2 and definitely had the feel of a "March madness" type game. The ESPN link below has a video highlight of the game.



Kyrie Irving, pictured, is a freshman from NJ. He has adjusted quickly to college ball and is said to be the next "John Wall". Not sure how Coach K does it every year, but this year's "Diaper Dandies" are exceptional. Just ask ESPN's Dick Vitale :)
***Click to read "Kyrie Irving scores 31 points"

***Another take on Kyrie Irving by Jeff Goodman of foxsports.com - "Irving already playing like a veteran"

For a recap of Weds game, with videos, photos and replay links go to ESPN.COM - Final Score Duke 84, Michigan State 79

Next up for the Dukies, a rematch from last year's championship game - Saturday at 3:15pm on ESPN - it's Duke vs Butler. This game will be played on a neutral court in NJ. **Click to read Game Notes at GoDuke.com

Our granddaughter Meredith turns 4 today!

Happy 4th Birthday to our granddaughter, Meredith Joan Franklin.

Hope it is not too cold for you to celebrate! And we wish we could be there - (Mamma and Pappa)

Family connection: Meredith is a 5th generation Franklin; her father is Stephen Franklin, the 2nd son of Tim Franklin and grandson of Gene Franklin (the youngest son of C.C. and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin)

Picture above was posted on Leah's blog, Meredith is helping take care of her brother Ethan :)

family photo Sunday

Brandon, Rachel and Charlie - family photo at Victory Baptist, October 2010

Our youngest son's family is growing as

Charlie will have a baby sister in April 2011

Happy Thanksgiving from SC

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal today at Mom and Dad's house in Cowpens. My sister Loretta, and nephew Kenny, Casey, and Caden joined us for a meal of turkey and "crockpot dressing" and all the trimmings - Mom's creamed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and corn, along with Casey's macaroni and cheese, Loretta's green bean cassserole, and pumpkin pie, pecan pie and choc eclair cake.

Video - For the Beauty of the Earth

Enjoy this slideshow to the music of John Rutter's "For the Beauty of the Earth"
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Video - Duke, Home of Champions

College basketball season has begun - Can the Dukies repeat as National Champs? I think they can!

family photo Sunday

Grandson Charlie T posed recently for his one year old photoshoot. This is one of my favorites - just love that expression!

don't worry, be happy

Even though I know what the Bible says about "worrying for nothing" I have to admit that I do worry from time to time, about nothing! This week was no exception. We usually receive a "Harry & David" fully cooked turkey from my company the week before Thanksgiving. So when it did not arrive on Weds I began to worry that I would not get one this year. Welll, praise the Lord, Fed Ex delivered our turkey this morning! I guess we are spoiled a little, getting this gift now four years in a row, but we are surely thankful for this gift from my CEO. Now we can make our final plans for our traditional journey, "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house" in SC. It will be a smaller crowd this year, but we will not worry, and eat and be happy, that is for sure!

>>Phil. 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

many hands make light work

Cindy spent last Saturday with her "Frontline" group of children and workers from our church doing yardwork for an elderly couple. The kids enjoyed raking and planting flowers for the Mabry's. They ended the afternoon with hot dogs and snacks around the fire.

extreme makeover

Pastor's Sweatt's daughter Sue Ellen and family were also able to be there for the "reveal" - Sue Ellen is the one taking pictures in this photo.

Administrator Brian Sweatt and wife and kids yellng "Move that bus!"

The finished building looks beautiful!

It was neat to watch the "Nashville Build"episode of Extreme Makeover on TV last Sunday. Our pastor's son is the administrator of Lighthouse Christian School in Antioch, TN and one of their buildings was washed away and across the interstate during the great flood on May 1st. ABC's Extreme Makeover chose to re-build their preschool building in September.

>>Click to view more photos and videos regarding Lighthouse Christian

Video - "Hallelujah!" Random Act of Culture

This video kinda gets you in the mood for Christmas doesn't it? The Opera Company of Philadelphia sponsored this "Random Act of Culture" at the Macy's in Philly a couple weeks ago. Choirs from approximately 20 organizations participated.

Video - Decision Points by George W. Bush

Former President Bush has been on TV quite a bit this past week. Some of the interviewers have been kind to him, some have not. This is the video he posted to advertise his new book, "Decision Points". I may not have agreed with everything he did as President, but I sure do miss him now!

family photo Sunday

Apple picking (and eating) time in Wisconsin

Ethan, Meredith and Natalie

signs along the journey

While in Arkansas last month, Cindy took this picture at the home of some friends who live on the Arkansas River in Pine Bluff.

Video - BEHIND THE SCENES with Jeremy Gray

Enjoyed this video of behind the scenes of the recording of a new CD by Jeremy Gray. The string quartet players are members of our church in Georgia - Hannah, Rachel, John and Mark Dalrymple.

Gwinnett athlete born without full arms and legs

An amazing and inspiring story for a Monday - This local athlete was born with arms and legs, but became a successful wrestler. ESPN2 will be airing this documentary about Kyle Maynard and his quest for a title in the MMA(Mixed Martial Arts). It is scheduled to be broadcast today and then again on Nov. 11th. Also there is a 90 minute video at this link http://www.fightingchancemovie.com/

Read the complete article and interview on line at AJC.com:
Gwinnett athlete born without full arms and legs to be featured on ESPN2 accessAtlanta

family photo Sunday

Our Wisconsin granddaughters are growing up so fast!

(left to right - Natalie, Sophie and Meredith)

Christian based family show

A few weeks ago, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday paper had an article about a Georgia family that hunts together. Their cable show is sponsored by an Atlanta furniture company, and it will soon be available to wash via Dish TV. What caught my eye was that this was a "Christian based family show." Even though I am not a hunter, I appreciate those that do. Plus, I love to hear the kids talk - nothing like a Georgia accent! Click this link to read the article on line.

At their website, you can also watch episodes of the Brannen family's adventures in the wild. Click link below:

Join Jarrod Brannen and family as they explore some of North America's finest hunting and fishing opportunities. Aaron's Outdoors is a Christian based family show that strives to promote and preserve the great American tradition of families in the outdoors.

"Jarrod Brannen wanted a relationship with a woman who could handle a rifle and reel, didn’t smoke or drink, and looked good in camo. He found Leanne.

"Leanne wanted love and work in balance. She pursued a medical career, but when being on call didn’t fit with 24/7 mom duties, she found her calling at home.

“Take your kids hunting, and you won’t have to hunt for your kids,” Leanne tells her audience each week.

Slideshow-November Family Birthdays

Video - O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing

Just found out this week that the FOUNDATION BRASS from BJU will be performing for our church's "Guest Christmas Concert" on Sunday night, December 19. They also want our brass players to join them on one song, so I get to play my tuba with the Foundation Brass! How neat is that!

family photo Sunday

Our youngest son's family in Jacksonville -

Brandon, Rachel and Charlie in a recent photo taken by Julie Paisley.

Blue Devils Ranked No. 1 in AP Preseason Poll

College basketball season begins on November 14th, when Duke will begin play against Princeton in the CBE tournament. With Singler and Smith returning as seniors, the Dukies should have a very good season. See link below to read more - Duke has been voted the no. 1 team in AP Preseason Poll.

Blue Devils Ranked No. 1 in AP Preseason Poll - Duke University Blue Devils Official Athletics Site - GoDuke.com

changes to my blog

I made some changes to my sidebar today. Since I have added a couple more bloggers to my blogroll, I decided to move the political blogs to the "News, Sports, Politics, and More section."

I have added several new sites to keep up with the latest political news - Huck Pac, Jack Kingston, Politico.com and Townhall.com. The next two years should be very interesting. I also discovered a new site related to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War - specifically related to sites and events in Georgia.

The newest bloggers added to my "Blogroll" are by Ben Hulin and Danny Logan. Danny is now Dr. Dan Logan and a professor at Liberty Univ. I was privileged to be one of his teachers when he was a high school student at Victory Christian in Jacksonville, Fl. His wife has a very nice family blog called "Back Home". Ben Hulin was in two of my son's weddings and I am so glad to feature a link to his new blog "Ben Hulin". He was injured in a motorcycle accident a few years ago and did not let that slow him down at all. He is an encouragement to all of us!

family photo Sunday

Our grandson Ethan

Who need toys when you can play in a box? :)

signs along the journey

So where do think I was headed? A very important sign along the trail at Rock City!

signs along the journey

How is it that something so small as a cookie

can make things so much better? :)

Video - Duke History

With basketball season just around the corner,

I have to share some Duke videos this week!

family photo Sunday

Our grandkids call us Mam-ma and Pap-pa! We are already looking forward to spending Christmas with all the family!

(Lord willing and the creek don't rise!)

Left to right:

Meredith, Ethan, Natalie, Sophia, Brielle, Layton and Charlie