He's Not Just a Dog - He's the "Babee"

Wednesday - June 2, 2010

Toby turned 14 today! In human years that would be 98!!! Some of you know that Toby is blind; has lost most of his hearing; has three fused vertebrae; and has arthritis through out his entire body!!! We have been told our time with him is shorter than we would like.

We knew this would be his last birthday and wanted to make it a special one. Once, many years ago, we got a cake for his birthday, but he didn't get to eat it!!! This year was going to be different. He always got a new toy which always excited him!! He is no longer interested in toys! So, what do we get him for his birthday??

Thus the plan of getting things he can eat!! The vet has told us he can eat ANYTHING he wants!! Were he a younger dog, he said he would never advise that. He wants Toby to enjoy everything - he said he had earned it!!! We both agree - he has earned it. He has unselfishly given us love, companionship, and a back to scratch! :) His love is unconditional - well maybe he thinks there will be a treat in there some where! :)

On days that we were so stressed, he would greet us with enthusiasm and was ready for us to play with him. He loved when we would go in the back yard and play with the Frisbee!! This was one of his favorite games! He would turn it into a "keep-a-way" game when he caught the Frisbee. He has been with us since he was eight weeks old! He is our "Babee!"

Many people are not animal friendly! They do not understand the love we have for this little fellow. To them I say, I'm sorry you do not have the experience of knowing what it is like to have the unconditional love of a pet.

Toby had a great day. He got to go out a dozen (oops a hundred) times today! He got his OWN birthday cake. Received a new box of treats; cheese and hot dogs to use when he takes his medicine; and he got some gourmet canned food!!! Now this is a happy "Babee!"

From the pictures, I think you can see how much he enjoyed his "presents!"

The "doggie" cake!

Toby's "presents!"

WOW, is all this really mine?

It's oh so good!

Attacking the cake!!!!!!

Mmmmmmmmm

He made a big dent in the cake for today - he will get more tomorrow!

We cherish the days we have left with Toby and hope he knows how much he means to us!

He Would be So Happy!

Tuesday - May 25, 2010

For the last couple of weeks I have been feeling a little low. Why, I asked myself over and over. Then it occurred to me that I was thinking of John and missing him even more!! I think I know why! His ninth grandchild was about to make an entrance into this world! He would have been crowing like a rooster on top of the barn to let the world know of the latest addition to the Layne family.

I remember how thrilled he was when his first grandchild was born fourteen years ago. Yes. Emily Paige is now 14 years old!!!!! Then came along Courtney, Alex, Jenna, Aaron, Caleb, Allison Grace, and Brooke Irene. Oh how he loved those grand kids! He was always telling stories about them when calling Mom daily. He was not only proud of his children and their spouses, but those grandchildren were the tops. He was a great son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He loved those grand babies with all his being!! To think he will not be here to see them grow is heart breaking. To know that he will never know his newest grandson has triggered this melancholy feeling I have! When looking at the beautiful smiles of these "babies " just makes me see how lucky he and Laurie are to have all these grandchildren. They are so adored and give so much joy. John would be so proud to see how they have grown and what they have accomplished. I pray that they will always know how much their Pappaw loved them!!!

One week ago - March 18, 2010 - Gavin James Neininger was born. The happy parents, Dawn and Brian, welcomed Gavin (8 lb 3oz, 20 in) into their family at 4:59 PM. Gavin is Dawn's fourth child (Emily, Alex, and Brooke are number one, two, and three!) Following are pictures Dawn has shared with us. I can't wait to hold that precious baby boy! Welcome to the family Gavin and know that you are loved!!!!

Shortly after birth!

Brian is holding him on his first day home!!!

Awwww - snuggling with his dad!

Gavin giving his Mom a big smile!! Just melts your heart doesn't it?

Sisters - A Gift to the Heart

Thursday - May 13, 2010

Sisters! I always envied those I went to school with who had sisters! Don't get me wrong - I loved my brothers (and still do), and we had great times growing up, but I think it would have been great to have a sister to help me with the dishes and the brothers!! I was always out numbered!! Many would think being the only girl in the family would make me the "spoiled" one! That wasn't the case with me! :) Of course if you were to ask the boys, they wouldn't agree with that! I love my brothers, and I cherish the memories I have growing up with them.

I had a special cousin, Donetta, who was very close to me. When I stayed with her during the summer, another cousin, Sandy, would come up and we would have the best time. During family gatherings, the relatives always wanted to take a picture of the three of us together - we were always told we looked alike! I never saw the resemblance, but looking back at the pictures, I now see it a little! Donetta is gone ( and I miss her tremendously), but Sandy and I do still stay in contact!! (as well as her daughter, Kimberly!)

Donetta, Sandy, and Me! Oh my look at my bangs!!!!

Donetta and Me! We were still in high school visiting our grandparents who lived in the house behind ours.

During my elementary days, I had many "girl" friends. We had great times when at school. Mom and Dad did not allow us to travel around the neighborhood! They were parents who kept us within eye and ear shot! :) As we got older, we did venture away to close friends homes. The problem was, there were more boys in the neighborhood than girls - thus I stayed home, and the boys went to their friends and played! :)

Peggy became my friend during elementary school. When we see one another, it is just like the "old" days! Once we went to junior high we became acquainted with more girls who eventually became good friends with us. There was Sharon, Trudy, Valerie, Amy, Drema who all were from the same elementary school. "Our gang" was starting to get larger. Then high school came along, and we added even more friends to our gang!!!! What times we had when we were all together. We even had a gathering place in the old Science Building while attending Marshall!!! It was our little get-away from the studies!

Peggy, Trudy and Me! Graduation day from HHS - 1968!

Me, Valerie, Trudy, and Peggy - Trudy's bridal shower 1970?

When I started junior high, I made more friends and became very close to them. One was a girl who had three brothers and was the only daughter - just like me! The girls I was close to in elementary ended having a different schedule than me, but we remained close. I was placed in a class with no girls I knew! That was a scary feeling for me! I was always backward and shy, and being in a class with no one familiar was very uncomfortable! It didn't take long for me to become acquainted with a special girl who ended up being in all my classes! Sharon Grubb Whitley is her name. We became the best of friends. Even though life sent us down separate paths once we graduated from college, we remained close in spirit. We kept in contact - not as much as we would have liked. We always exchanged cards at Christmas and shared pictures throughout the years.

Before we knew it, we were both retired (the same year) and the world of Facebook began! Through FB we have become close again!! We have finally been able to have a "girls' day" together. We both love movies with Sam Elliott in them!!! So, we made a date to get together and watch "Did You Hear About the Morgans?"

We had such a great time!! Catching up is fun to do!! We are planning on getting together at least once a month - if not more! It was almost like we were back in college - when we even got closer! Sure, we have other friends and made great ones through the years, but it is great to reunite with one who is like a Sister - the sister neither one of us had!!!!!

When my brothers married, I felt I was getting sisters who would then be sharing my last name!! They became close and I love them as my sisters too!!! I love your girls!!!!

I am including pictures of my "sister" and me through the years. Hopefully we will have more to share as time moves forward!!

Sharon and I got together during Christmas break. We were working on our crocheting skills!!!

Together on a summer day before we graduated from Marshall that fall!!!

Sharon and her family helped us celebrate Mom and Dad's 50th Anniversary - August 17, 1996. Ironically, Sharon and Jack were also celebrating an anniversary - they were married August 17, 1973!

Back together again for a celebration - Mom's 90th birthday - February 28, 2010. This picture was actually taken on February 27th!

Our first get together for "Sisters of the Heart!"
May 12, 2010
Oh we both love Sam Elliott!

For those of you who have a biological sister - I pray you enjoy your times together as much as Sharon and I do! I also hope for those who do not have a biological sister, there is someone out there to whom you are close to as I am to Sharon. If you have gone down separate paths, try and reconnect!!! It is well worth it!!!

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.-- Isadora James

Hug your sister or call them as soon as you can! :)

A big thank you to Bill and Jack for understanding the need for the "Sisters" to get together! :) We love you!!!!!

A Day for All Mothers

Sunday - May 9, 2010

Today was Mother's day. It is a day in which we "officially" tell our mothers how much we love them and how much they are appreciated! I don't know about you, but I do that daily. Mom just spent her 62nd year as a mother. Her three living children spent time with her today. She loves it when we are all there. It was a good visit, but we missed John and Dad. Even though John was not there today, Mom was so pleased to have received a beautiful vase of flowers from Laurie, the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mother's Day is a happy day for many while others are sad. Why? Many have lost their mothers, while others have lost a child. There are many out there who are sad because they have not become a mother.

Many of us who have not given birth to a child feels a void. Society has basically said that a woman who has carried a baby for nine months and given birth is to be called "mother." We all know there are many (way too many) women who have given birth to a child, but can not be considered a "good" mother. There are also women who would love to have a baby, but due to conditions out of their control are not able to have a child of their own. In these instances, many women will adopt a child, others may marry and have step-children, while others just give their love to the extended family and their children.

I have always loved kids!!! This was one of the reasons I became a teacher! When my nephews and nieces were born, oh my, the love I had for them was unbelievable. I could never imagine being able to love anyone any more than I did those sweet babies. I loved them as their parents did/do. I worried about them as babies, and I still worry about them as adults.

My three nieces and four nephews whom I love more than words will ever tell.

Meghan, Dawn, Lindsay, JD, Billy, Todd, and Bobby

January, 22 1989

I have been a step-mother for almost 22 years. I love David as if he were my own. I have never tried to take the place of his mother, but I have loved him as much as a mother could love their child. The first Mother's Day of being a step-mother brings back great memories. David was with us for the Saturday before Mother's Day. He and Bill went shopping. David picked out a beautiful hanging basket for his mother, and then he decided he should buy me something too. He picked out an eight pack of marigolds for me. They were good healthy plants. I was tickled with them. I waited until David came out the next weekend, and he helped me plant them at the foot of the hill in a small flower garden. He had a great time helping me. What was really wonderful was how excited he got when they started to grow and grow! He was so pleased at how "our" flowers were growing. I got as much joy from that as I did the flowers! He has always remembered me on Mother's Day and for that I am so thankful. It has helped fill the void I have in not having a child of my own.


David did not give me my "first Mother's Day gift. It actually came from my nephew Billy. I always stayed home and cooked for the mothers in our family - Mom and my sister-in-laws who were close! This particular weekend, Dad and Dink took Mom, Rhonda, and the boys to a big flea market. The were browsing around and Billy spotted a couple of bells. At the time I was collecting bells of all kinds. He decided that they would be a great Mother's Day gift for Aunt Sue. He has always had a tender heart and was at the age he understood that I had no children that made me a mother. These bells have always held a special place in my heart and always will. They are dressed as Carolers and would normally be exhibited during the Christmas season. Not for me, they are out every day of the year in our study on the book shelf. They remind me of a ten year old boy who thought about his childless aunt!

My first Mother's Day Gift!

Billy and Aunt Sue

Today I have the pleasure and honor of being called "Mammaw!" There is now another baby who has won my heart! I love this baby girl with all I have. Cora Ann Hardin is my "grand-baby" whom I will love and worry about just as much as I have her daddy!!!

Mammaw Sue and Cora Ann

I hope and pray that all had a wonderful Mother's Day and know that they are loved! Remember the lonely widow, the childless woman, the caring aunt, the hopeful wife, and the ladies who cares for a child - let them know they are appreciated and loved! It will help fill that void!

Serenity, Peace, and Trust

Saturday - May 1, 2010


There has been many many things weighing on my heart lately, but I know I am not alone in "worrying and praying" about these issues. This morning as I awoke way too early, I recited the "Serenity Prayer" to myself. Then I decided to share it with you hoping it will help with any issues that may be burdening your hearts!

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Here's a Bible verse that I also think about and say to myself just to remind me I know I can't do it alone!!!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3, 5-6

May you all find peace and joy today, and that you remember regardless of the path you choose, God is with you!!!!!