West Virginia Day; Father's Day; Anniversary

Monday - June 21, 2010


Happy Birthday West Virginia

Yesterday, June 20, was a day we could have celebrated in three different ways! To begin with, it was on this date back in 1863 that West Virginia became the 35th state of the United States. Bill having taught West Virginia History for over 30 years, this is a date he would never forget! West Virginia has been officially a state for 147 years! Happy Birthday West Virginia!





Happy Father's Day Bill (and David)!

June 20 was also Father's Day. Even though Bill wasn't able to spend the day with his son, he did receive happy wishes via a card and a phone call. Even though there are many miles between them, the love is just a heart beat away!!! The love Bill has for his only child can not be measured because the sky is the limit when measuring it. He wants David to be happy and content with his life and worries like most father's do when he's not.

A proud father holding his new born son!

David was active with the Boy Scouts earning up to the level as an Eagle Scout.

The first of three graduations - this picture was the graduation from high school; four years later he graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan; and then two years later from seminary. Bill was a proud father for the hard work David put into his studies! (We all are!)

Happy Anniversary Bill!

Where have the years gone???? The last twenty-two years have been full of much happiness and sadness. I know the sorrow you felt when you lost Granny, your Dad, Uncle Mack, and then your Mom. There is no pain as the pain when we lose a loved one. I know how much you helped me when I lost loved ones, and I hope I helped you as well!!!

We have made many great memories, and for that I am thankful to you. You have been my sounding board, my supporter, encourager, and strength for the last 22 years. You have helped me love your precious Reds more than I thought I could; you encouraged me when we had the Sunday School class of young adults; you cheered me on when we did our first conference presentation knowing I was scared to death - still not sure how I let you talk me into that; and now since retiring, you have introduced me to some of your music through different concerts. You know how I feel, therefore I don't need to be mushy on here! :) ♥ ♥ ♥

June 20, 1988

At the Greenbrier presenting a session for the Reading Conference

Kiawah Beach - June 20, 2008

Christmas at Granny's - 1988

January 28, 2008 - being a part of a very special day!

Another special day was Cora Ann's dedication at church!!! I feel like a real Mammaw!

I love this baby girl more than I can ever put into words! The love I see in your eyes when holding your grand-daughter just makes me smile!! I know how much you love your family!

Three celebrations in which you are a vital part of - the teacher of West Virginia History; the loving father of a great son; and the husband I have loved for 22 years! Hope your Day was a great one!

The Fathers in Our Family!

Sunday - June 20, 2010

Bill's father, Clyde, and my father, Buck, have gone home to a greater reward. They are now with our Heavenly Father. They left behind a legacy that the next generation of fathers are carrying on with their families.

I found a poem that sums up for me one way to look at what a father is!

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of the summer sun,

The calm of the quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in the spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it . . . Dad.

(from myorkutglitter.com)

I saw my Dad as strong and powerful, but he had the gentleness and faith to give his family all that they needed. I know we all think our father is the best - and that's the way it should be! The following pictures show the next generations of fathers!!! To all of you - Happy Father's Day!

My grandfather - William J Layne was a great role model for Dad and my brothers!

He is pictured here with my grandmother - Virginia Belle Davidson Layne.

My father - Elmer J Layne (Buck) - who was the greatest father a person could have!

Dad holding and playing with his crew!!!! Oh how we all loved him so!

We're all grown up and posing with our mother - Relma Irene Whitman Layne!

My oldest brother - William Allen Layne (Dink)

Here he is with his sons William J Layne (Billy), Robert Allen Layne (Bobby) and his wife Rhonda Ann Adkins Layne.

The boys are now grown and are with their cousin Todd! Todd, Bobby, and Billy Layne.

John Philip Layne and his wife Laurie. John is also with our Heavenly Father
Laurie is with their three children - Dawn Neininger, Lindsay Krummel, and JD Layne!
Dawn with her family - Brian Neininger,Alex Beyer, Brooke Neininger, and Emily Beyer. Gavin James is now with them as of May 28, 2010!

JD with his wife Darcie and their children - Courtney, and twins - Caleb and Aaron Layne!

Lindsay Ann with her husband Nate Krummel and their daughters - Jenna Layne and Allison Grace.
The youngest of the Layne "boys" - Michael David Layne
Mike's two children are Todd and Meghan Layne

Bill's grandfather - Charley McCoy was a great role model for him and his brothers. He is pictures here with his wife - Hattie McCoy.

Bill's father was a hard worker and very family oriented. He cared for his mother and younger brother, Mack, before starting his own family. When he married Bill's mother -Bertha Marrs - his mother had already passed away, but he was still caring for Uncle Mack. Uncle Mack lived with them for many years.

THE REAL McCOYS - John, Charles, and Bill Hardin standing behind their mother - Bertha Marrs McCoy Hardin!

Bill's only child - David Austin Hardin - whom he loves very much!

David is now grown, married, and has a child of his own - Cora Ann.
Three generations of Hardin's - Bill, David, and Cora Ann.



David is pictured here with his wife, Jeni Reynolds Hardin and daughter, Cora Ann.
Charles, the middle brother, is pictured here with his wife - Angie, and his daughter - Ashlea.
Ashlea is all grown up and pictured here with her friend Treble Ray!

To all the fathers out there - we wish you a very blessed and happy day with your Dad!

You Would Have Been 89 - Happy Birthday Dad

Wednesday - June 16, 2010

Today would have been Dad's 89th birthday. We all miss him very much. I am posting some of my favorite pictures of Dad through the years. Dad, we love you and miss you - Happy Birthday!!!

AGE - Never Let It Get In Your Way!

Wednesday - June, 9, 2010

My mother is 90 years old and does not stop - too often. Yes her body tells her at times that she needs to slow down, but she still keeps plugging onward doing things she feels like doing!!! She will dust, sweep, mop, do laundry, light cleaning, cook, and many other things she has always done since setting up house and raising her family.

There are many times we think she should slow down, but then why shouldn't she do "light" work if she chooses too?? This is what keeps her going. She is not ready to sit in a rocking chair with an afghan over her and rock from daylight till dark.

Her eyesight is preventing her from doing many things she has enjoyed doing the past 90 years, but she still is able to do many things she enjoys. She loves being involved and helping out any way she can. It wears her out, but oh how she loves being where the action is!

Yesterday, I decided to plant her flowers and clean up a little around her back yard. SHE decided she was going to help. I told her she didn't have to, but she insisted she wanted to. She wanted to be there with me doing what she has done many times before in years past. I went ahead and did what I was planning on doing all the while keeping an eye on Mom. I did not want her to overdo it! She emptied old flower pots; raked up leaves, stems, etc around the steps; she even swept up what she had raked up and put it in the trash!!! Then she decided to water her flowers. She took her time and did not overdo it.

She said it felt good working outside. Mom has worked hard all her adult life. She helped Dad recover from his injuries he received during WWII; raised four "wonderful" children :); and helped take care of many relatives who needed the care. She would cook for as many as twenty people who would come to our house to visit my grandparents as they lived in the house behind us. She doesn't know what rest means!!!!!

She doesn't understand (and neither do I) when we hear so many people say "I am tired" and they haven't done anything!!!! By anything I mean - no physical labor!!!! I have done my share of physical labor - working in the garden, canning, mowing the yard, and house work - plus working at school all day. Yep - I think I know what tired means! Mom most definitely does.

We try to keep Mom involved and active. We do not want her to feel she is not being productive and helpful. If she wants to do "some" work, we just let her go. However, we have placed some stipulations on what she "can" do!!! - there is to be NO CLIMBING to clean windows, curtain, or walls!!!!!!

I took pictures of her as she worked away in the yard - she had no idea I was snapping away until the last picture I've placed on this post.

I hope we all will be able NOT to let AGE get in our way as we get older!

Emptying a flower pot!

Raking up some debris!

Ready to scoop up her little pile!

Watering her plants!

Showing off her work gloves!!!!

Notice the long sleeve shirt??? It was in the 80's and she was comfortable - I was sweating! :)

I love my mother and her willingness to never stop doing what she enjoys, and knowing when it's time to take a break!

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!