"Todd-a-Roo"

Saturday - November 1, 2008

Thirty years ago today a blond haired blue-eyed son was born to my youngest brother, Mike and his wife Renee. Matthew Todd Layne was to be the second grandson for Elmer and Irene Layne. He looked so much like his dad, Mike! Now I had two nephews to dote over and spoil! Billy was the first and was only three months older. These two boys were together constantly when visiting Mamaw and Papaw. Then along came nephew number three, Bobby Layne. These boys were unique in their own individual ways. Billy and Bobby were a little more adventurous, while Todd was more cautious. It paid to be cautious especially when their papaw and dads were around! Nephew number four came along in May 1980, JD. These boys did not get together as much as they would have liked, but oh when they did - fun, fun, fun!

I use to call Todd, Todd – a – roo. Why? I have no idea! I had bought three mice from Home Interior. They were eating items supposedly taken from the kitchen. I named them Bill, Bob, and Todd. They knew which one was their name sake! Sometimes I would forget, and they would inform me which one was who!

There are many things I remember about Todd as he grew up into the wonderful man he is today. It is so hard for me to realize my boys are no longer boys! One Saturday, my cousin Pat and I decided to take the boys on a trip to McDonalds and let them order their own meals. Some were hesitant that we would be able to “handle” three boys at McDonald’s. Our response was that if we can handle over 20 kids in a classroom, surely we can handle three four and five year olds!!! Todd led the pack. We had them hold hands with Pat and myself leading and following the pack! Todd was the first one to go up to the counter and place his order. He did a great job!, Next went Billy and finally Bob, who needed a little help – after all he was the youngest.

Todd was and is very athletic. Once when playing T-ball, he had to put on the brakes when running the bases so that he would not pass Bobby who, with his short legs, was running as hard and fast as he could. Todd with his long legs ran like the speed of lightning and was trying to get home and not make an out. It was so cute; everyone was telling Bobby to speed up and for Todd to slow down!!! Had Todd passed Bobby and reached home first, he would have been out! Both boys made it home safely and in the correct order.

Another fond memory was the time we decided to take the kids to the rodeo! Now, Bill and Bob were all up for it as they lived on a farm. They actually thought they could ride the broncos and lasso the steers! Dink, Pat, Donetta, and I were the adults in charge of Billy, Bobby, Todd, and Janetta. Bobby was the youngest at about three and Billy was the oldest at four. It was going to be a fun time! Dink took charge of Billy; Pat took charge of Todd – she knew which one would be the easiest to watch; I had Bob; and Donetta had her little one, Janetta. Dink got the bright idea to buy cotton candy for the kids! Billy and Janetta did okay with only a little mess; Todd did great with hardly a mess – smart move Pat; and then there was Bob, who literally took a bath with the cotton candy. I just looked at Dink and said, “He’s all yours!” I took Billy, and he took Bobby and cleaned him up!! What a night. Todd was glued to his seat and he didn’t take his eyes off what was going on in the ring. He was not about to get close enough for those big horns to get a hold of him – can’t say I blame him! He really had a great time as did the rest of us!

One thing about Todd that you will soon learn while being around him is that he is a true "HERDS" fan. He bleeds green all the way - rain or shine; win or lose; Marshall is his team and always has been. Wonder how much of that is his dad's fault???

There are so many “cute” stories that I could write about Todd, but it would take a while to write them all down on paper. What I can and will write now is about the man he has become. He has been a member of the Campus Crusade at Marshall and was involved with doing some missionary work during the summer. He went to Gatlinburg one summer; worked at a local restaurant; and witnessed to all around him. There was a group from Marshall that went down as well as members from other campuses. It was on this trip and in this group that he met his fiancée, Cassie Bordea. These two will be married in May, 2009. Todd is working at “Brite-Rite” mainly doing delivery and pick-ups for the lab while attending Marshall majoring in physical therapy. He knows what he wants to do and is going after it. One day he may be able to help me with my back!!!!!

We all love Todd very much and are very proud of his accomplishments and his dreams. He has come a long way from that baby 30 years ago. Happy birthday Todd! We love you!
I am including pictures of Todd through the years. Hope you enjoy them!

Todd and Billy sitting together at Mamaw and Papaw's.



Todd giving us the "Hulk" impersonation!



The following two pictures are similar but different. One is of the father, Mike; and the other is of the son, Todd! Which is which?




The living room couch has been a place in which many pictures have been taken. The oldest sibling holding the youngest. One is of my three brothers and me; another is of Billy, Bob, Todd, and Meghan; and then we have Billy, Bob, Todd, Dawn, and JD.





Todd with his cousins and sister! (Dawn, Billy, Todd, Bobby, JD, Lindsay, and Meghan)(Oldest to the youngest!)




Todd and Meghan - then and now!





Todd the boy; Todd the man!




The future Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Todd Layne