Jamie - Another Year

Friday - August 27, 2010

It's time!!!! Jamie, it's your time to be the subject of the blog! :) I have written a blog about all in the family in one capacity or another. Some, of course, have gotten more space, only because I know more about them! :):) Today you are a year older Jamie, and we want to wish you a very Happy Birthday!!!!!! You are loved because you are the love of someone very special to us! You are also loved because of who you are - a caring and loving person. Billy use to come home and talk about this really nice girl he had met at work!!! Hmmmm - the way he was talking was telling me it was someone who was going to become very special to him. Then as the days went by, you became that special person to him as well as becoming someone special to us.

The help and attention you give Mammaw comes from your heart and is greatly appreciated. The special attention you have given Dink to help with his arm and back also comes from your heart. I know that you are truly loved by not just Billy, but the rest of us too. I loved the Friday night chats and crocheting lessons. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and that you know how much you are loved!

Here's our birthday girl - Jamie Smith!

The engaged couple - Billy Layne and Jamie

Jamie and Billy were both a part of Mom's Rosie the Riveter luncheon in Charleston.

Billy and Jamie in attendance at Todd and Cassie's wedding - 2009

Happy Birthday Jamie!!! We love you!!!!

I Believe . . . and Here's One Reason Why

Tuesday - August 24, 2010

I believe! Do you????? I believe in the power of prayer, and that God is always in control. Sometimes we pray for "what we want," but sometimes that doesn't mean it will happen. There were so many times I prayed to God to help my Dad and make him well. Dad was at death's door many times, and we all prayed, as did many people who did not know him. He was on the prayer list of many churches in the area, as well as individuals. Several times the doctors did not encourage us as to the progress of Dad's recovery. It was those same doctors who said that Dad's recovery was a miracle. Yes, it was. Dad was the first to say he was still with us because it was God's will. We prayed for Dad that last week he was with us, and it was God's will that Dad was to go home. He knew it was time; we knew it was time; but it was still hard not to pray again for him to get better.

It is so hard to see loved ones fighting for life, and we always pray that they will recover. 18 months ago, the family was praying for the recovery of another loved one - my oldest brother Dink. Dink believes that God is truly in control, and will tell you he has been at death's door many times. But, he says he was told it was not his time to leave this world, and that God still had a plan for him here. Dink is recovering from a severe stroke which left him with his right side paralyzed and his speech affected. However, he has come a long way in his recovery. Is he back to 100% as he was before the stroke - no, but he is able to do many things through shear determination and hard work. He has the love of his life, Rhonda, and his two sons, Billy and Bobby, who are there to help him. He also has the love and prayers from his mother, brother, and sister, as well as the rest of the family which includes nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

When I see where Dink was, and where he is today, I thank God! He has the sneakiest grin, and still has that sense of humor!! He loves his family very much, and gives thanks to God for what he has! He may not be able to communicate as well as he use to, but we are able to figure out what he is saying! I believe in miracles and in the power of prayer, because without them, I would not have my big brother here to give me a hard time. Even though he loves to tease me, I know he loves me as much as I love him. When Toby died, he came out to the house with Bobby to make sure I was okay!!! He knew how much Toby meant to Bill and me. I love my big brother very much and am so proud of the progress he has made. He is and always will be in my prayers.



Dink, I love you more than I can say and am so very proud of how hard you are working. The entire family is proud of you. You are an inspiration to us all. You are so much like Dad - you may be knocked down, but you do all you can to get back up!!!! You know the power of prayer, and you believe too!!! You are a hero to so many! We all love you!!!!!

Dink and Rhonda - 2006

Dink's first visit with Mom after his stroke!


On that same visit, Todd helped him use the computer! He has adjusted to many things using his left hand!

Rhonda brought Dink to Todd and Cassie's rehearsal gathering - May, 2009

He enjoyed watching Meghan helping Mom play 'Deal or No Deal!

A happy smile with the bride, Cassie!

Dink came to Cora's dedication picnic - here he is talking with David and Jeni. He has always loved David! He wanted to be part of this special day!!!

Talking with Rhonda, after eating and enjoying time with Mom!

Christmas, 2009. Bill ordered us all sweatshirts from our high school - Dink showing off his Pony Express Pride with the year he graduated!

February 27, 2010 - the surprise gathering for Mom's 90th birthday! Dink had a great time visiting with the many family and friends who attended!!!

The next time you feel low and sad, think about Dink, or someone else who has overcome obstacles that have changed their life. Be thankful for your health, family, and friends and remember that God is always with us, and if we believe in Him, then we know He is the One we need to thank and praise for all we have!

A Visit With Cora Ann - Part 5

Saturday - July 31, 2010

After a great but hot time in the park, we came back to our motel that had a living room area for a nice cool visit. Cora found ways to entertain not only herself, but us as well. Oh the mind of a young child and the adventures of exploring new places. This was our last evening with her before we had to head back to WV!

Okay Mom, what can we do now???? It didn't take her long to find the empty cabinet under the sink, and then the fun began!
This is a great hiding place Mammaw!

Now, what should I do????

I'll hide behind the chair and play " peep eye!"

. . . And then I'll put Mom's sunglasses on and become a movie star!!!!

We enjoyed our visit so much, albeit short. We know there will be other times and hopefully more opportunities to visit with this precious baby girl!!!!

A Visit With Cora Ann - Part 4

Friday - July 30, 2010

You might ask, how can you get so many postings from a two day visit? When you are visiting our precious baby girl - Cora Ann - there is never a dull moment, and we wanted to capture as many pictures of her as possible. Since we don't get to see her that often, these pictures bring smiles to both our faces. She is such a joy to be around. Oh, I know she has days when she is being referred to as "Miss Crabcakes" due to the teething issues. But over all she is a very happy and contented child. She knows she is loved, and she has so many who love her. I pray that as she gets older she knows how much we do love her.

The following pictures are of various places - in the van and at a park. It was so hot outside the two days we were there, that it was hard to find a cool place to sit and relax and let Cora play. We did manage to find some cool spots, and we most assuredly enjoyed our time with the family!

Cora loves to look back in the back seat to make sure I am still there. She also knows Mammaw has the camera, and she is not camera shy!!! Hi Mammaw!

Cora loves to hold hands with whomever is sitting beside her - she and Grand-dad are holding hands in the next two pictures!

Jeni had just put on the walking harness, and Cora wasn't at all sure about this!

. . . but a loving hug from Mommy telling her is was going to be alright did the trick . . .

. . . and away we go . . .

. . . our Little Miss Sunshine enjoyed her walk after all!

Great shot of the family - Jeni, David, and Cora Ann . . .

. . . and then one with Mammaw and Grand-Dad!

We had a great visit and LOVE this little girl even more!!!!!

A Visit With Cora Ann - Part 3

Thursday- July 29, 2010

On our visit last week, Jeni took this picture of Cora Ann and her Granddad. This has become my favorite of the two of them so far! So much could be read into what is going on with this one shot.

The Age of Innocence and the Age of Experience

Youth and Maturity

Exploration and Knowing

Present and the Future

Time Moving Forward and Time Already Gone

The one thing I see in this picture is LOVE! The love of a grandfather for his grand-daughter; the love of a grand-daughter sitting on her grandfather's lap and "learning" something new! Yes Cora that is a watch in which we can tell the time. The love I see in this picture is priceless!!!!




Thanks for such a great picture Jeni. Thanks for the Memories!!!!

A Visit With Cora Ann - Part 2

Wednesday - July 28, 2010

After we ate at the Mexican Restaurant - Catina Laredo in Columbus, we went out in the open space of the Polaris Mall. Pay Day - we found a fountain. It was so hot, but Cora Ann found a way to get cool! We wanted to join her, but alas, I think we would have gotten in trouble had we done so! :) We all enjoyed watching her having such a great time in the fountain!

Once she realized she wasn't doing something to hear the word "no," she had a blast!!! She is such pure joy to watch. She was definitely a happy baby on this hot evening!!!!

She got soaked, but it was so worth it when looking at these pictures!!!!! Her soaked dress was taken off before heading back to the house for a dry one!!!

A Visit With Cora Ann - Part 1

Tuesday - July 27, 2010

Having not seen Cora in four months, we were a little apprehensive as how she would relate to us. Would she remember us? Would she be timid and bashful?? Would she let us hold her? So many questions, but they soon flew out the window after being with her just a few moments.

I want to think she DID remember us! We had such a great time with the little family. Cora has grown so much, and her little words she says are soooo cute!!! She loves saying "Hi," "Huh-oh," and gives us "five." She will take her mother's hand when praying at the table, and it sounds as if she also says "Amen" at the end of the prayer.

Needless to say, I took a lot of pictures!!!!! I will be doing several posting on our visit to Columbus because I want to do justice to the pictures I will be posting!!! The first set are when Cora and her parents came to the motel, looking at the fountain in the Coldwater Creek store, and eating at a Mexican Restaurant the first evening!!! Enjoy the pics of our gorgeous baby girl - who is growing up way toooooo fast!

Warming up to Granddad

Still a little bashful

We had a living room area in the motel room so Cora could run around and visit!

Looks like her hair is going to be curly!!!!

Taking a penny from Granddad to throw into the fountain.

Cora and her Daddy contemplating throwing the penny or keeping it! :)

Cora and Granddad checking the fountain over.

A happy baby!

Such a big girl - eating with a fork!!!!

We love you Cora Ann!