Happy Birthday to Emily Mitchell

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to my cousin Emily Mitchell.  

Hope you have a great day!   

Emily (Left) is pictured with her family at our Christmas Eve family party.

Franklin Family Connection: Emily Mitchell is the daughter of Tony Mitchell: who is the son of Judy Franklin Mitchell: who is the daughter of Earline Franklin Guinn: who was the daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC. 

Christmas Day Photos 2011

Christmas Day, the Franklins -

 With my parents, Gene and Martha

Our middle son, Stephen and wife Leah and children (L to R) Sophie, Natalie, Meredith and Ethan

With my wife Cindy

Our youngest son, Brandon and his wife Rachel, and their children  Haley Grace and Charlie

Our oldest son, Joshua and his wife Janelle and their children (L to R) Brielle, Layton and Hudson

Our granddaughter Brielle in a picture with the rest of her K-5 classmates taken during Hope Christian's Christmas program.  Brielle was Mary (the first person from the left).

Video - Tebow talks with Hannity

For Christmas, I surprised my wife with her own copy of Tim Tebow's new book, "Through My Eyes". Of course, I will get to read it too :) 

I am posting Tim's interview with Sean Hannity above, and you can click to read more about this year no. 1 Christian author...
 

family photo Sunday

Christmas Day after the morning service at 
Berean Baptist Church in Lilburn, GA.  

Stephen and family from Wisconsin, Brandon and family from Florida, and my mom and dad from South Carolina.

Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Today we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. It is hard for our human mind to fathom that God would humble himself and become a baby and then grow up to die on a cross for the sins of the world. But we know from scripture that God planned this to happen from the beginning. He spoke through Old Testament prophets that this would happen, and it happened just as He said it would. So many scriptures were fulfilled by the birth, life and death of Jesus that is hard to understand that so many people in our world today reject Christ the Savior. Let us celebrate and sing "Happy Birthday to Jesus" on this special day!

Happy Birthday to Brooklyn

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to Brooklyn who turns 8 today!  

Hope you have a wonderful day. 

Baggett Family Connection:  Brooklyn is the daughter of Cindy's cousin Noel Baggett: who is the son of Kelsea Baggett: who is the son of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR.   

Happy Birthday to Kimberly Arthur

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today to Kimberly Arthur. 

Hope you have a great day!  

Kimberly and her mom, Gloria, in a picture from last Christmas. 

Franklin Family Connection: Kimberly Walker Arthur is the daughter of my cousin Gloria Dorman Walker: who is the daughter of Annie Mae Franklin Dorman: who was the daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC. 

something special took place sixty years ago

Congratulations to my mom and dad as they celebrate sixty years of marriage today!  

Happy Birthday to Miranda

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to cousin Miranda Pettit. 

Hope you have fantastic day! 

Miranda is pictured with her Mother, Dianne. 

Franklin Family Connection: Miranda is the daughter of Dianne Dorman Pettit: who is the daughter of Annie Mae Franklin Dorman: who was the daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC.

Christmas Video "Somewhere In My Memory"

"Somewhere In My Memory" is one of my favorite "secular" Christmas tunes. It is from the movie "Home Alone" and was composed by John Williams. The recording on this video was published in 1992 when John Williams was the conductor of the Boston Pops. Enjoy this slideshow of pictures with lots of Christmas trees and lights "around the town." And remember, it's just 5 more days until Christmas!

Happy Birthday to Nyah

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to Nyah Brown who turns 3 today! 

Hope you have a wonderful day.  

Nyah(L) is pictured with her mom (Charity) and sister Neeley.

Franklin Family Connection:  Nyah is the daughter of my cousin Jeff Brown: who is the son of Pat Franklin Brown: who is the daughter of Carrie Emily Franklin: who was the daughter of Charles C. and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC. 

family photo Sunday

Brielle sat on Santa's lap to get a free kid's meal recently.  

Sure is a small list she's reading...:)

Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas

Hugh Martin wrote "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" for the movie "Meet Me in St. Louis" back in 1944.  Years later Hugh became a Christian and wrote Christian lyrics to the same tune calling it "Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas".  Hugh died this  year. This video was recorded when he appeared with Joni Eareckson Tada on her "Joni and Friends" television show awhile back.  Click this link to read more...

Video - Spartanburg Christmas Parade

When our kids were growing up we always went to the Spartanburg Christmas Parade on the morning after Thanksgiving. Well, I guess people have to shop of "Black Friday" now, so the parade was moved to Tuesday nights in December a few years ago. Thanks to the Herald-Journal for posting this short video from December 13th.

Happy Birthday to Peyton

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to Peyton Arthur, who turns 2 today!  

Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Photo taken Thanksgiving Day.

Franklin Family Connection: Peyton is the daughter of my nephew Ben Arthur: who is the son of Loretta Franklin: who is the daughter of Gene Franklin: who is the son of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC. 

family photo Sunday

Nice Thanksgiving pose of Cindy's mom with

her brother's family taken at Susan's home. 

L-R: Winnie, Airel, Josie, and Sam 

Happy Birthday to Garrett Michau

Wishing a "Happy Birthday"  today to Allison's boy, Garrett, who turns 5 today.  Garrett (left) is pictured with his family at the reunion in AR.  

Hope you have a great day! 

Baggett Family Connection:  Garrett is the son of Cindy's cousin Allison Baggett Michau: who is the daughter of Leslie Baggett: who is the son of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR. 

Happy Birthday to Amy York

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to Cindy's cousin Amy.  

Hope you have a wonderful day!  

Picture above of Amy and her son Easton 

was taken at the reunion in Arkansas. 

Baggett Family Connection:  Amy Baggett York is the daughter of David Baggett: who is the son of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR.

family photo Sunday

Our granddaughter Meredith turned 5 this week.   

We remember when she was a little Christmas baby, 

seems like only yesterday (picture above from Christmas 2005)  

They grow up so fast!  

will fall ever end???

I decided today that Spring is my favorite season after all!   I'm beginning to wonder if the leaves will ever stop falling around here!  So thankful that the city sends a truck once a week to suck up these leaves. I would hate to bag all of these up :) 

Happy Birthday to Meredith

Our granddaughter Meredith turns 5 today!  

Hope you have a wonderful day!  

Meredith (R) is pictured with her sisters Natalie and Sophie.  

Franklin Family Connection:  Meredith is the daughter of Stephen Franklin: who is the son of Tim Franklin: who is the son of Gene Franklin: who is the son of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC. 

Baggett Family Connection:  Meredith, the daughter of Stephen Franklin: who is the son of Cindy Baggett Franklin: who is the daughter of J.L. Baggett, Jr. : who was the son of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR. 

Tebow Time

Yep, it's officially Tebow Time - Tim Tebow is featured on the cover of the premiere issue of the NFL Magazine, December 2011 issue.  Click to read more

family photo Sunday

It was a very special Thanksgiving in Cowpens as my mother got to spend time with her three week old great-grandchild, Hudson, and three other great-grandkid: Brielle, Layton and Peyton.   We are also thankful and  praising God for mom's recovery from the car accident in July. 

over the river and through the woods

I spent a little time this afternoon at the park in Cowpens with Brielle and Layton, Cindy and my mom.  Who needs to shop when you can spend time with the grands?  

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Birthday to Elliot Mitchell

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to my cousin Judy's grandson Elliot Mitchell.  Hope you have a great birthday this year!   

Elliot (r) is pictured with his sister, Emily, in a photo taken last Christmas.

Franklin Family Connection: Elliot Mitchell is the son of Tony Mitchell: who is the son of Judy Franklin Mitchell: who is the daughter of Earline Franklin Guinn: who was the daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC.  

family photo Sunday

Our oldest granddaughter, Natalie, saved her money from her summer lemonade stand to buy her own American Girl Doll recently! 

Video - Tim Tebow Game Winning Touchdown vs. Jets

I rarely watch NFL football on Thursday night, but we watched the Denver Broncos and Tim Tebow this week. The last five minutes was "Tebow Time" and he scored the game winning touchdown. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to Kelsea Baggett

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to Uncle Kelsea Baggett.  

Hope you have a wonderful day!   

Kelsea is pictured with his sister, Aunt Robbie, 

at the reunion in Arkansas. 

Baggett Family Connection: Cindy's Uncle Kelsea Baggett is the son of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR.  He is married to Roxanna and has four children: Dan, Sheryl, Noel and Doug.

Video - Madison Scouts "You'll Never Walk Alone"

 

Nice highlight video of the Madison Scouts (from Wisconsin) warming up with "You'll Never Walk Alone", an all-time favorite song of mine!

America's Best Coach

Another good one by Gary Varvel - 

price gouging at its best! 

family photo Sunday

"Look what we have!" 

Layton and Brielle admire their new 

baby brother Hudson! 

Happy Birthday to Peggy Granderson

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to Cindy's 2nd cousin Peggy Granderson.  Hope you have a wonderful day!

(Peggy and her husband Charles in a photo from the reunion in August.)  

Baggett Family Connection: Peggy is the daughter of Cindy's Aunt Josephine Stahl: who was the sister of Cindy's grandmother Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR.

Dukies start the season with a win!

Click to read the headlines at GoDuke.com

The sixth-ranked Blue Devils held off the pesky Bruins 77-76 on Friday night in the first round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational to move Krzyzewski within one victory of tying Bob Knight atop the Division I men's career list.

Belmont definitely played a great game and came close to tying the score twice near the end of the game.  Even with a 16 point Duke lead in the 2nd half, the Belmont team turned this into an exciting finish for the Dukies.  Andre Dawkins came off the bench to shoot a long range three pointer which helped to keep Duke in the lead.  Belmont is a better yeam than most people think - this game was not a blow-out.  Today Duke plays Presbyterian at 4:30 pm.

Click to view PHOTOS at GoDuke.com

Also read Coach K set to tie Bobby Knight at 902 wins today!

Happy Birthday to Travis Baggett

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to Noel and Lisa's son Travis. 

Travis turns 5 today!  

Hope you have a great birthday!

Baggett Family Connection: Travis is the son of Noel Baggett: who is the son of Kelsea Baggett: who is the son of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR. 

Happy Birthday to Daniel Baggett

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today to Cindy's cousin Dan Baggett.  

Hope you have a great day!  

Dan is pictured with his parents, Kelsea and Roxy.  

Baggett Family Connection: Daniel Baggett is the oldest son of Kelsea Baggett: who is the son of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR. 

Happy Birthday to Judy Mitchell

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to cousin Judy Mitchell.  

Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Judy is pictured with Cousin Jeff's daughter Neeley.

Franklin Family Connection: Judy Mitchell is the daughter of Earline Franklin Guinn: who was the daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC.

more baby pics

 More photos of Hudson Noah...

 Cindy took lots of photos with Brielle and the baby.

I think she is going to enjoy being a big sister!

And a cute picture of Layton with his baby brother!

new addition to the family

Welcome to our world little one - 

our fourth grandson Hudson Noah was born 

this past Tuesday (11.01.11)!

Congrats to Josh,Janelle, Brielle and Layton!

go Gators!

Haley Grace with daddy (Brandon) ready to cheer on the Gators today! 

(some weeks there's just more than one photo of the week)

birth day for Hudson Noah

When the month of November began, we only had 9 family birthdays to celebrate (combining the Franklin and Baggett clans). But now we have a number 10 - as of 3:22 pm on November 1st.  Hudson Noah came into this world - proud parents are my oldest son Joshua and his wife Janelle.  Of course, Janelle did most of the work but we are happy for both and sister Brielle and brother Layton.  We walked everywhere last week trying to speed up this baby, even halfway up the Longstreet Tower at Gettysburg!  So I had to drive back home and go to work on Monday and missed the birth. Well at least Cindy was able to be there for the birth (that was a first also).  We usually end up going a few weeks after the birth to help out, etc.   Hopefully, they will be coming to Georgia or South Carolina for Thanksgiving and I will get to see the little baby in person.  

Happy Birthday to Darrell Mitchell

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today 

to cousin Darrell Mitchell.  

By God's grace, Darrell will turn 43 today. 

Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Franklin Family Connection:  Darrell Mitchell is the son of Judy Franklin Mitchell: who is the daughter of Earline Franklin Guinn: who was the daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC. 

Happy Birthday to Michael Blackstock

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today to 

Cindy's cousin Michael Blackstock.  

Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Mike is pictured with his wife Susan. 

Baggett Family Connection:  Michael Keith Blackstock is the son of Robbie Kay Baggett Blackstock: who is the daughter of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR.  

family photo Sunday

Visited Gettysburg this week with Joshua's family.  

Brielle and Layton are in front of the Florida Memorial.

what a difference a day makes

Well, we just went from fall to winter in one day in PA.  I took the picture(Left) from Joshua's porch a couple days ago, and then today(Below) after a few hours of snowfall.  


This tree may never be the same again :)