in case you missed it...

Both of our families, the Baggetts and the Franklins, had many birthdays to celebrate this month, so just in case you missed some of them I am posting this link to my slideshow for March birthdays.  Click  to view

In case you missed the news, Americans everywhere are remembering the past or as my sidebar label reads "Summoning the past" in that the American Civil War began 150 years ago.  I had bookmarked this link to an AJC article back in 2009 which is quite interesting to read "Science digs into Civil War sites." Click to view

In case you have been asleep the last few weeks, March Madness (the NCAA tourney) has been extended into April!  Oh joy!  So the semi-final games are this Saturday and the championship game is Monday night, around 9 PM.  Should be over by midnight, but don't forget to stay up for the "One Shining Moment" highlight of the tourney.  CBS has come to their senses and will be using the Luthor Vandross arrangement this year.  Click to view

If you were born in 1990 or later, you probably missed the Civil War PBS Series by Ken Burns.  PBS is broadcasting this excellent documentary in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. It will air Sunday, April 3 through Thursday, April 7th from 8-10pm EDT.  Click to view details

In case you missed it, the major league baseball season began today and the Atlanta Braves beat the Nationals 2-0 Click to view Braves.com

And last, but not least, if you missed this you missed a good laugh.  This you tube video of the talking twins is making the rounds on facebook, etc. Even making the local news here in Atlanta last night and this morning on the local ESPN radio show - he was explaining what they actually were saying to each other - something about how to get the freezer open.   Click to view

Video- Face the Cross part 2 of 4

This is part 2 of our church choir's program last fall,"Face the Cross".

If you missed viewing part 1 CLICK HERE. The program was presented at Berean Baptist in Lilburn under the direction of our music pastor, Rob Finch.

decisions, decisions

Now that "my" teams - Duke and Florida - are out of the "Big Dance" I guess  I will have to be like the rest of the country and start pulling for the underdog. However there are two underdogs this weekend and they are playing each other - VCU vs Butler. Who do I root for now? By the way, Butler's coach Brad Stevens(right) called Florida's coach Billy Donavan for coaching advice back in February of this year.  I wonder what Coach Donovan is thinking now? 

After listening to some of the sports guys (or talking heads) I learned that VCU is the team to beat now (Coach Shaka Smart at right). Butler lost to Duke last year in the championship game, so it would be neat to see them in the title game again.  Decisions, decisions, hmmm.  Arizona somehow was able to beat Duke and then turn around and lose the next game to UConn. (Ahh, the curse on those who beat Duke strikes again!) 

Since I don't care for UConn coached by legendary Jim Calhoun (picture at left), will I be able to pull for a Kentucky team coached by John Calipari? (typical picture of the Kentucky coach in action at right)

At least Kentucky is an SEC team!  I thought the North Carolina Tarheels would be able to beat Kentucky, but the Tarheels did not play like the team that beat Duke during the regular season. 

That's the way the ball bounces, or as Coach K (pictured at left) said last week after the loss to Arizona: "It was just one of those days." 

Happy Birthday to Joel Baggett

We wish a "Happy Birthday" today to Cindy's nephew Joel Baggett! 

Hope you had a great day!

Joel is pictured above with him mother, Wendy Smith.

Baggett Family Connection:  Joel Baggett is the son of Cindy's brother John Dale Baggett: who was the son of J.L.Baggett, Jr.: who was the son of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett  of Pine Bluff, AR.

family photo Sunday

Dad and Mom at the Wagon Wheel Fish Camp yesterday, as we celebrated his 85th birthday!

Happy Birthday to Payton Wilkie

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to my cousin Barabara's granddaughter, Payton Wilkie, who turns 10 today!

Franklin Family Connection:  Payton is the daughter of Annette Wilkie: who is the daughter of Barabara Dorman Wilkie: who is the daughter of Annie Mae Franklin Dorman: who was the daughter of Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC.

Happy Birthday to our oldest son, Joshua Franklin

We wish "Happy Birthday" to our oldest son, Joshua Franklin, who turns 33 today!  Boy I feel old now!  Joshua is the Assistant Pastor at Hope Baptist Church in Hanover, PA.  Josh is pictured with his wife, Janelle and two kids, Brielle and Layton.  

Franklin Family Connection: Joshua Sherman Franklin is the oldest 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.

Special Happy Birthday to my Dad, Gene Franklin

Happy Birthday to my dad, Rev. Gene Franklin, who will be celebrating his 85th Birthday today!  We are looking forward to taking him out to supper at the Wagon Wheel Fish Camp in Cowpens this afternoon!  "Y'all come!"  Dad is pictured above with Mom(Martha), and me and my sisters, Debbie and Loretta.

Franklin Family Connection: Gene Franklin was born on this day in 1926 to Charles C and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin. 

Happy Birthday to Christopher Pettit

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to my 3rd cousin Christopher Pettit today!   Christopher is cuz Dianne's grandson, and is pictured above in the middle with brother and sister. 

Franklin Family Connection:  Christopher Pettit is the son of Jamie Pettit: who is the son 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.

Duke season ends on a sad note

I did not know how far this team would go in the tourney, but I was kinda hoping to see them play UNC in a rematch or the Florida Gators.  Oh well, maybe next year.  It was a sad ending to an exciting year of Duke basketball, but as Coach K would say "It was just one of those days" 
Click to read headline " Wildcats knock Duke out of NCAA tourney, 93-77"

Enjoy the last photos of the year below:

Happy Birthday to Nick Williams

We wish a "Happy Birthday" to Nick Williams who turns 8 today! 

Nick is the son of Cindy's 2nd cousin Christina. 

Nick (red shirt) is pictured with his brother Matthew.

Baggett Family Connection:  Nick Williams is the son of Christina Blackstock Williams: who is the daughter of Morris Blackstock: who is the son of Aunt Robbie Kay Baggett Blackstock: who is the daughter of Joe and Mildred Lorena Franks Blackstock of Pine Bluff, AR.

Happy Birthday to Jeremiah Baggett

Happy Birthday today to Cindy's nephew Jeremiah Baggett. 

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Jeremiah is pictured above with his son Colin.  

Baggett Family Connection: Jeremiah Baggett is the son of Cindy's brother John Baggett: who was the son of J.L.Baggett, Jr.: who was the son of Joe and Mildred Franks Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR.

Happy Birthday to Jamie Pettit

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to my 2nd cousin Jamie Pettit today!  

Hope you have a great day!  Jamie is pictured above with his wife Kathy.

Franklin Family Connection:  Jamie Pettit is the son of my cousin 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. 

after a wild weekend of basketball, ready for some more?

The article linked below pretty much sums up this past weekend of the Big Dance, the NCAA tourney - and what we can expect in the next two days of tournament play.  We are down to the Sweet Sixteen playing on Thursday and Friday, and then the Elite Eight play on Saturday and Sunday. By Sunday night we will know who will be in the Final Four.  Could we see another rematch of Duke and UNC (pictured at right)??

Click to read at foxsports.com: For the second straight year, the NCAA tournament had a wild first weekend filled with upsets, buzzer beaters and virtuoso performances by star players.

Click to view current ESPN BRACKET

that must be why they call it "March Madness"

Now I know why they call it "March Madness" because I was about to get really mad at the Dukies last night.  Duke blew a 15 point lead and almost lost the game in the process.  I don't usually question Coach K, but after going to four guards and one big man for most of the second half, I am not sure if this was such a good idea.  Kyrie Irving made some great shots and was 9-10 at the free throw line.  But without "player of the year" Nolan Smith to direct the offense, I think Duke would have lost this one.

Duke advances to the "Sweet Sixteen" - Duke 72, Michigan 71
Click to read recap "Duke Holds Off Michigan"
Read the article and decide for yourself "Four Guards Are Better Than One"


Enjoy the slideshow of photos from the Duke Chronicles below:

family photo Sunday

Our granddaughter Meredith Joan enjoying the snow up in Wisconsin!  

Happy Birthday to April Logan

Happy Birthday wishes today to my niece April Logan.   Hope you have a great day!   April is pictured with her mom above. 

Family Connection: April Logan is the daughter of my sister, Deborah Franklin Logan: who is the daughter of Gene Franklin: who is the son of Charles C. and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin of Clifton, SC.

ACC Tournament Highlight Video with dramatic music!

Another highlight video of the ACC Tourney Championship game - Duke vs UNC. And this one has my kind of music!

NCAA Top Seeds

Duke plays Hampton in the first round on Friday - 3:10 pm on TRUTV cable network.  Clark Kellogg (analyst)  will be calling the game, along with Jim Nantz (play-by-play) and Tracy Wolfson (along the sidelines)  

The ACC TOURNEY Highlight video below is from Duke Blue Planet - the music is a little loud and annoying at times, so just turn down the sound as needed...

Happy Birthday to Derek who turns ONE today!

Happy 1st Birthday today to Derek Randall Arthur, my cousin Gloria's grandson.  Derek is pictured in a recent photo his mommy posted on facebook.

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

Video - Recap, post game comments by the Dukies

Duke wins the ACC tournament

What a great game!   I have to admit that lost a few finger nails during this game - I just expected the Carolina Tarheels to come back from behind as they did Friday and Saturday night. 

But I should have relaxed when the TV broadcaster described the first half saying:

 "It was emotional, and it was physical, and it was all Duke!"   

Nolan Smith led the Dukies to a fantastic finish!  But it was a team effort, which gives me a good feeling about the Big Dance - the NCAA Tournament.  Duke could repeat as National Champs - we will see. 

**Read more at this link to ESPN.COM Duke 75, North Carolina 58
**Recap at Ashville Citizen-Times.com

Check out the photos below from the Duke Chronicles website - 57 photos from Sunday's game:

family photo Sunday

Brielle and Layton called us last week to let us know that they are going to have a baby sister(or brother) in October.  Brielle informed us that she knows they are having a girl because she was the first baby and Layton was the next(a boy) so it has to be a girl this time:)

Kids are so cute and say the funniiest things!  So if you have not read this on Facebook by now,  I am announcing our ninth grandchild is on the way! Congrats to Josh and Janelle!

Singler's Magnificent Performance Propels Duke over Maryland

Click to read recap:
Singler's Magnificent Performance Propels Duke - Duke University Blue Devils Official Athletics Site - GoDuke.com

Next round at 3:30 today, Duke and Virginia Tech.
Enjoy the photos from last night's game:

Happy Birthday to Leslie Baggett

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today to Cindy's uncle Leslie Baggett.  

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Baggett Family Connection:  Leslie Mark Baggett is the youngest son of Joe and Mildred Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR. 

video- Face the Cross, part 1 of 4

Last fall our church presented this musical/drama titled "Face the Cross".  Sharon Kent, a choir member, wrote the drama and Pastor Finch added all the songs to fill out the program.  This is the first part of the program and features the Berean Baptist Chorale singing "The Power of the Cross" and the entire choir singing "So High the Price".  I will post parts 2, 3 and 4 at a later date.  Hope you enjoy this program. It was a blessing to us as we presented the powerful message in song and drama.

Happy Birthday to Allison Michau

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today to cousin Allison Michau.  Hope you have a blessed day!   (Pictured above with her family, husband Randy and sons Garrett and Gavin)

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

Slideshow - more toys means...

If slideshow does not appear below, click this link

Happy Birthday to Loretta Franklin

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today to my little sister, Loretta!   Hope you have a great day!  Pictured with her youngest son's family - Ben, Chelsea and Peyton.

Franklin Family Connection: Loretta Franklin, my youngest sister, is the daughter of Gene Franklin: who is the son of Charles C. and Mattie Belle Keeter of Clifton, SC. 

Happy Birthday to Sheryl Griego

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today to Sheryl Baggett Griego.  We hope you have a great day! (pictured with her husband Anthony)

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

Video- "Face the Cross" - Berean Baptist Church Choir

One of my favorites songs from our church choir is "Face the Cross." I first heard the Steve Pettit team sing this last year in the revival service at Berean. Then I bought a CD from the Wilds, their men's quartet CD "Creator, Redeemer and King" which features this song also. And then in the fall, our church presented a program built around this song. "Face the Cross" is a special song that makes you stop and realize anew that God gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins. It would make a great Easter selection also.

family photo Sunday

Our picnic in the park from a week ago, the last Saturday in February.  Also our first visit to Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, GA.  We will be going back for sure - especially since it is only about 30 mins from home!

web site dedicated to Matthew Brady

While thinking of the past and searching for websites about the American Civil War, which began 150 years ago, I discovered this site dedicated to the photographer of that war - Matthew Brady.  There is a wealth of information on this site.  Matthew Brady was able to photograph almost every general of the North and the South according to this site.   We recently watched a program on the History Channel about Brady and learned that he would take pictures of a battle, and then post them in town for people to view.  One way to make a living, I guess.  But most people don't realize that he almost lost his life several times taking these photos.  He was almost killed at the Battle of Bull Run, and lost his way for three days and finally made it to Washington, DC, nearly dead from starvation (Click to view the site)

"My greatest aim has been to advance the art of photography and to make it what I think I have, a great and truthful medium of history."

- Mathew B. Brady

Photo at top from the National Archives "Lincoln at Antietam"  by Brady

The home page includes links to some of his portraits of famous people during this period of our country's history.  (Click to view)

Happy Birthday to Denton Bell

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today to Denton Bell.  Hope you have a wonderful day! (pictured with his son Layton)  

Baggett Family Connection:  Denton is married to Cindy's cousin Rhonda Baggett Bell: who is the daughter of Uncle David Baggett: who is the  son of Mildred and Joe Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR. 

topsy-turvy week for Duke fans

Duke was no. 1 for a week in the polls as they lost to Virginia Tech Saturday night.  When Duke pulled ahead with about 12 minutes to go in the 2nd half I thought they had the game won. But the Hokies came back and won the game.   Last night, Duke played their last home game of the  year beating Clemson 70-59.  It was a tight game until the last few minutes.  Click to read recap 

The ACC tourney begins next week, and hopefully the Dukies will win their last game of the season this weekend.  It will be a tough one as they play the North Carolina Tarheels at UNC.  

Enjoy the slideshow of pics from the Duke vs Clemson game last night:

Happy Birthday to Bradley Blackstock

Wishing a "Happy 24th Birthday" to cousin Bradley Blackstock.  Hope you have a great day!

Family Connection: Bradley is the son of Cindy's cousin Mike Blackstock: who is the son of Aunt Robbie Kay Baggett Blackstock: who is the daughter of Mildred and Joe Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR.

Happy Birthday to Josh York

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" today to Josh York, the husband of Amy Baggett York.  Hope you have a great day! (pictured above with his son Easton)  

Baggett Family Connection: Josh is the married to cousin Amy B. York: who is the daughter of Uncle David Baggett: who is the son of Mildred and Joe Baggett of Pine Bluff, AR. 

Happy Birthday to Mike Daly

Happy Birthday wishes to Mike Daly, cousin Donna's husband.  Hope you have a great day!  

Franklin Family Connection:  Mike is husband of my 2nd cousin Donna Brown Daly: who is the daughter of Pat Brown: who is the daughter of Emily Franklin Kirby Jones: who was the daughter of Charles C. and Mattie Belle Keeter of Clifton, SC.