The Birthday Boy - Bill

Tuesday – December 16, 2008

Today in History - December 16
1431 Henry VI of England is crowned King of France.

1653 Oliver Cromwell takes on dictatorial powers with the title of "Lord Protector."

1773 To protest the tax on tea from England, a group of young Americans, disguised as Indians, throw chests of tea from British ships in Boston Harbor. Boston Tea Party!

1835 A fire in New York City destroys property estimated to be worth $20,000,000. It lasts two days, ravages 17 blocks, and destroys 674 buildings including the Stock Exchange, Merchants’ Exchange, Post Office, and the South Dutch Church.

1863 Confederate General Joseph Johnston takes command of the Army of Tennessee.

1864 Union forces under General George H. Thomas win the battle at Nashville, smashing an entire Confederate army.

1939 The National Women’s Party urges immediate congressional action on equal rights.

1944 Germany mounts a major offensive in the Ardennes Forest in Belgium. As the center of the Allied line falls back, it creates a bulge, leading to the name–the Battle of the Bulge.

1950 President Harry Truman declares a state of National Emergency as Chinese communists invade deeper into South Korea.

1998 The United States launches a missile attack on Iraq for failing to comply with United Nations weapons inspectors.

Born on December 16

1485 Catherine of Argon, first wife of Henry VIII, who bore him five children.

1770 Ludwig Van Beethoven, German composer best known for his 9th Symphony.

1775 Jane Austen, novelist (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice).

1917 Arthur C. Clarke, English science fiction writer (2001: A Space Odyssey)

1950 William Harvey Hardin son, father, husband, teacher

According to the birthday boy, another year has gone by too quickly! Sorry to say, the older we get the faster the years seem to pass. We tend to open up our memory box and relive those memories. But what makes it so sad is that many of those memories were shared with loved ones no longer here with us. We will remember those fond moments and create new ones as another year comes our way. Bill read and edited this posting - then I re-edited! :)

William Harvey Hardin was born a little after midnight on December 16, 1952 to Bertha Marrs (McCoy) Hardin and Clyde Austin Hardin. He is the oldest of three sons with approximately seven years between each brother. Bill was born and raised in Williamson, WV; graduated from Williamson High School; and earned an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in History from Marshall University. He taught for over thirty years in the Wayne County School system. For most of those years he taught West Virginia History to eighth graders. Several of those eighth graders went on and earned a Golden Horseshoe for their knowledge of WV facts. Bill also taught one year at Glenville State. There he taught history on the graduate and undergraduate levels. I saw his syllabus – no way would I want to take his college course!!!!

Bill became a proud father on May 7, 1980. David Austin Hardin was born and has given Bill much happiness and many proud moments. David and his lovely wife Jeni will soon be giving Bill another name to go along with William, Bill, Dad, Ox, and Mr. Hardin; he will soon be going by the name of Granddad! David and Jeni are expecting a daughter at the end of March, 2009. Bill was known as Ox because he was so clumsy. David is known as Ox Jr. by his dad. Does this mean the baby girl will be called Oxette? For her sake, I hope NOT! There is no doubt in my mind that the baby will have Bill wrapped around her little finger. The first time she looks up at him – it’s over! That’s what grandchildren tend to do – so I’m told. I know that my nieces and nephews go by with way more than my brothers and me! Somehow the grandchildren have it all figured out – Mom and Dad are the tough one while grandparents will give in most of the time! Bill and I both are anxiously awaiting the birth of our granddaughter!

We have been married a little over twenty years. It has been “a wonderful life” – they should use that for a movie title – oh – they already have! Not only is Bill my loving husband; the person who gives me support when I’ve had to have surgery; has always been by my side when I’ve lost loved ones; but, he is also my true friend! He is very considerate and tries to help me out when I have had to go and stay with Mom and Dad during an illness. He understands completely how close I am to my family, and has supported me in all that I’ve done to help them. He knows how hard it has been for me when Dad and John passed away. He holds me and gives me comfort when the tears flow and won’t stop. For that – I love him even more. I just hope that I give him the same support. I will add only because Bill does not want this posting to be "mushy" - we do have our moments when it's not a bed of roses - more like a bed of thorns! :) But the one thing I will say is that we married for better or worse. We do disagree, but we also know how to say "I'm sorry!" Never go to bed mad or upset because you may never get the chance to say those magical words. Love may mean "never having to say you're sorry"- a good line for a movie (Love Story) - but it sure helps!

As we await the birth of the grand-baby, I would like to share with you some of my favorite pictures of Bill – past and present!

A very young Bill - notice the next photo and compare it to this one!

Besides the obvious difference of it being in color - this is a very young David and not Bill! Look at the smiles!!!!

Awww - look how sweet and innocent!

Being from Williamson, WV - he has always loved the trains!

Looking sad because the Reds are losing? Notice the pen and score book in hand - he still loves keeping score!
Attending a Reds game in Detroit with David, Jeni, and me! We Won!!!

With Jeni and David - Thanksgiving 2008.

Cupcakes made this Santa Birthday cake possible - mmmmm good.
One big breath and out goes the flame on the candles!

Opening a present he had NO idea he was getting! I surprised him! Yeah!!!!

The following pictures are of Bill and David!

Blessings, Miracles, and Birthdays

Saturday - December 13, 2008

Happy Birthday Darcie!

I'm starting backwards from my title. Those who know me would probably say I do a lot of things backwards! That's okay because I get finished with what I need to do - sooner or later!

Birthday wishes go out to my niece Darcie. She is the wife of my nephew JD; the mother of the beautiful Courtney (who happens to look like her mother); the mother of those adorable twin boys - Aaron and Caleb; and was my brother John's cohort in crime when making "new" dishes in the kitchen. He always called and talked about what he and Darcie would be working on for a special supper, party, or family gathering. They would catch Laurie and JD at work and to the kitchen they would go. Knowing John, I'm sure he gave Darcie a lot to laugh about and to remember!

Darcie and JD attending Lindsay and Nate's wedding! Great looking couple if you ask me - but then I may be a tad prejudice! :)

The Miracle that took place Thursday:

Since I'm going backwards, I'm going to tell you about a miracle. Some of you already know what happened to Jeni on her way home from work Thursday - she was involved in an accident. As David said, it appeared there were no visible injuries, but precaution had to be taken to make sure there were no internal injuries to her and the baby. She spent an uncomfortable night in the hospital - those beds are not made for sleeping! We consider it a miracle that she was not critically injured and that the baby was fine. With so many wrecks on our highways , anything could have happened. Apparently, there was a total of four cars involved and Jeni's car was totaled. We are so thankful that Jeni and the baby are fine. The baby's heart beat was strong, and I'm sure she was doing a little bit of kicking!! It was the safest thing to do when the decision was made to keep Jeni in for observation to assure that she and the baby would be okay. They were released Friday morning to go home! We love her and are so thankful she came away with only a few bruises - probably from the seat belt - and that she is going to be okay! Thanks you sweet Jesus for miracles such as this.

Here is our precious Jeni showing off her "new" profile - second pregnancy picture where she really looks pregnant! :)A couple of pictures of Jeni and David taken during the last month:

Counting my Blessings everyday!

I start with thanking God that I had two great and loving parents - pictured below. Dad is no longer with us, but Mom is as spry as she can be. At 88 years of age, she gets along pretty well. Her eyesight is dwindling fast, or so it seems at time, and she has recovered from a heart attack/stroke she had almost two years ago. She gave us all a scare! These two people have been an inspiration to my brothers and myself as well as the rest of the family for a very long time. They have touched the hearts of so many in the family as well as those they have had contact with over the years. Thank you Mom and Dad, you have been and will always continue to be a blessing to all who know you and love you!

Food for thought!

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball, and we don't seem to get out of its way fast enough. When you lose someone so unexpectedly, it is hard to come back and be part of the game. But God does not want us to quit; he wants us to get back into life and give it all we have. Death tends to take the life out of those left here on earth, but we need to remember that we will all be together again.

Find rest my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He
alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken

Psalm 62:5-6

Sometimes we feel like we are floundering and don't know where our feet will land. We feel as if our life is being swamped with so many decisions; we have no idea which way we need to turn. That's easy - turn to God. He will guide you through all the trials and tribulations you may be going through at this time. I have many loved ones and dear friends whose lives seem to be spiraling out of control. But they feel blessed because they know the Lord is with them as well as the prayers and support of family and friends. We take one day at a time and trust in the Lord.

Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust
also in me . . . I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me."

John 14: 1, 6

As we go through this Christmas season, remember whose birthday is approaching; think about the miracles he is responsible for in your life; and continue counting your blessing regardless of how hopeless things may seem to you at any given moment. I try to do that, but I still miss Dad and John; I still cry when I think I can't pick up the phone and call them; but I also know that someday we will have a happy family reunion with all the loved ones who have gone home! Miracles happen everyday, some I know about and others I don't. I am thankful and feel blessed to have family and friends who support one another during our "down" moments. We know there is no quick answer to some of our problems, but we do know that we are not alone! It is easy to be pessimistic when some around you are that way - stay around the as many positive people you can. Stay with the people who will help you stay uplifted and trust God - He will show you the way!

We are putting together a "Hardin Herald" which has turned out to be something some of our family and friends like to read and see what we have been up to the past year! If I can figure it out - we may post it here on our blog, or send via e-mail (both of which are cheaper)! :) In any case, some of your will receive it the old fashion way - no not horse and buggy - but through the US Postal Service! Some even may receive them from our hands to yours!

May God bless and keep all of you safe this Christmas season!

"Little Mamaw" - Happy Belated Birthday!

December 8, 2008

Little Mamaw - Lindsay Ann (Layne) Krummel

I apologize to "little Mamaw" for being late with this posting! I love you very much, but your birthday sneaked up on me and had come and gone before I realized it. I hate to admit it, but I think my age is starting to catch up with me!!! Could have been all the things going on in my head of things I needed to do to get ready for Thanksgiving! But whatever the reason, I want you to know how much you are loved by your entire family!!!

A picture Papaw could not resist taking with his Polaroid! (and I couldn't resist posting!) :)

On November 21, 1981 Laurie and John gave Mamaw and Papaw a second granddaughter! Dawn was outnumbered and with your birth she would not only have a baby sister, but someone who would eventually be able to stand up with her against all those boys!! By the time you were born there were four grandsons in the Layne family! Your Dad called us to tell Mom and Dad they had another granddaughter. I know that Mom and Dad couldn't wait to see you - none of us could.

Mamaw and "Little Mamaw"

Papaw holding a wide eyed Linnie!

The moment we laid eyes on you we saw the strong resemblance you had to Mamaw. There was no doubt you were related! When we looked at Mamaw’s younger pictures and then looked at you – wow! Your Mom and Dad even told us you “acted like” Mamaw!! Could that be because you both are very strong willed?? Whether your Dad would ever have admitted it – he was like Mamaw too. Dad always said they were so much alike!!!

A picture of a much younger Mamaw with two of her foster sisters - Mom is on the left, Aunt Frankie, and Aunt Ruby. Can you see a little bit of John in Mom's face??

Laurie - holding JD; and cuddling Dawn; John hold Lindsay: 1982 ?

The family on January 22, 1989 in Wayne, WV.
Dawn, John holding JD, and Laurie holding Linnie. (Happy birthday John!)

You were the baby girl until Meghan’s birth in 1984. Then there were three girls against the four boys. The odds were getting better, but our generation had decided it was time to stop with giving Mamaw and Papaw more grandkids. They did get another grandson when Bill and I married in 1988. David was eight and was taken into the folds as the eighth grandchild! The odds again were not in the girls favor. You may have been small in numbers, but you three were able to hold your own against the boys!

The three Layne girls in Aunt Sue's bedroom - 1987:

Notice the space between the boys and girls? Dawn - holding Meghan, Lindsay; JD, Billy, Todd, and Bobby - January 22, 2989 - Wayne,WV.

The one thing I remember about you as you grew up was your “sweet” little smile! That smile was so infectious and could melt a cold heart. That smile always got what you wanted when you came to visit – even with Mamaw! She and Papaw always regretted not being able to see you, Dawn and JD as much as they did the other grandchildren. Be assured –you were loved as much as we loved the kids here in WV! I’m sure that now as you are grown and have your own family you get a better understanding of how hard it was for your Mom and Dad, Mamaw and Papaw, and the rest of us to get away from work to visit. Keeping in contact with family is a little easier today because of the computer and cell phones! Regardless of where you are or what you are doing, know that you and your entire family are being prayed for and thought of daily.

Mamaw, John, Lindsay Nate, and Laurie - 2006

We all love you Lindsay Ann and hope that your birthday was a good one. I also know that your Dad was singing "Happy Birthday" to you through the wind!! He loved you very much!

Our Fathers - American Heroes

Sunday - December 7, 2008

67 years ago today Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese under the command of Admiral Nagumo. This event caused many of our loved ones to embark upon an adventure that would affect them for the rest of their life. This was the beginning for the United States to have an active part in WWII. Most of us had fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were some how a part of WWII, and we have heard some of their stories. Most of those who were in the service or connected closely to what our country and the world was going through know enough facts to realize how hard it was for our family and friends. Many of the WWII veterans did not talk about what they saw or did.

Both of our fathers - Clyde A. Hardin and Elmer J. Layne - were in the army during WWII. Both were injured and carried with them memories and scars from the war their entire life.

Clyde was a Tech Sergeant in the 10th Armored Division serving in France and Germany from 1944 – 1945. This division served under General George S. Patton’s Third Army and was activated from Fort Benning, GA. Clyde was part of the “Battle of the Bulge” and was surrounded at Bastogne during Christmas 1944. If you’ve ever watched the movie with George C Scott playing General Patton, then you will get an idea as to what Clyde and his unit went through. Clyde came out of the service with wounds to his legs and side. Clyde’s division nickname was “Tiger” with the “Battle of the Bulge” being one of its main battle engagements during WWII.

Clyde in uniform:

Clyde worked for Borden’s delivering milk and ice cream to schools and stores until his retirement. He worked hard to support his family. He kept in contact with many of his army buddies through the years. The “Tigers” had reunions with Clyde trying to attend the ones close to home. The last one he attended was in 1987 in Cincinnati, OH.

Clyde in the field:

A more quiet moment with Clyde overlooking the Alps:

I remember Bertha Marrs, Bill’s mother, talking about going to Virginia during the War. She was still in high school, but would go down with her father and mother while he did work in the “Navy Yards.” Many of the American people who were not eligible to fight in the war found other ways to do their part to help.

Bertha Marrs - high school picture:

Mom also talked about her and some of my aunts going to Ypsilanti, Michigan and working as a “Rosie the Riveter.” She worked on B 24’s. She said they never saw a finished plane because of high security. They would catch the train ion Logan and head north to MI! Imagine – my mother was a real “Rosie the Riveter!”

Rosie the Riveter - Mom! She knew how to wrap her hair even before she went to MI!

Dad was a Corporal assigned to the “D” Battery of the 195th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapon Battalion. He was inducted on September 30, 1942 and was discharged on February 7, 1946. He reported to Fort Eustis, VA for basic training and then went on to Camp Haan, CA for training on half-tracks equipped with anti-aircraft guns in the Mohave Desert.

Dad and a little buddy at Camp Haan.

A proud soldier in camp - Dad:
Dad began his voyage across the Atlantic on New Year’s Day 1944. His unit was attached to the 2nd Armored Division for the long planned invasion of Europe. June 6 was marked as D-Day, and it was the day Dad and his unit was initially scheduled to hit the beach. History tells us of the atrocities that occurred that day. Dad was almost had an active part of that day’s event. We, as his family, had no idea of that until the 50th anniversary of D-Day. He told us his ship had been schedule to be on that first wave to land, but for reasons unknown to me, his ship was not where it was suppose to be causing them not to land until June 12 – six days after D-Day and a part of the 10th wave to land on the beach! He said the worst of the fighting was over and he and his unit pushed onward into France’s interior, then they went on to Belgium, Holland, and finally Germany.

Dad and a couple of his buddies in the trenches - Dad's in the middle:

It was as the unit was pushing towards the Roer River around Freialdenhoven, Germany that Dad’s time overseas was about to come to an end. It was a Sunday and the date was November 26, 1944. The half-track he was on hit a landmine wounding him with shrapnel and requiring minimal medical attention. He went back to his unit, boarded another half-track, and was wounded again that same day. This time his wounds were more severe; he lost part of his left foot, had shrapnel lodged in his right arm and right heel, and had a broken left arm and leg. Needless to say, he was about to begin a long trip home. His road to recovery had him in the hospital in England for three months and ended with him being in Walter Reed Hospital for a year where he was fitted with an artificial left leg and a special shoe for his right foot. (I was able to give accurate details not from memory but from an article written about Dad receiving his medals after being hit 57 years earlier.)

Dad never let his wounds stop him from doing what he wanted or needed to do to support his family.

Dad is the one on the right! They are on the grounds of Walter Reed Hospital.

Dad also was able to attend some of the reunions for his group who had the nickname of “Hell on Wheels.” Dink and Rhonda took him and Mom to several of these reunions. They went to Hershey, PA, and Gatlinburg, TN. One of his army buddies and his wife came to Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary which was held at the house. He corresponded and called several of them through the years.

Dad is the "best looking" one in the picture! :) (2nd from the right)

Clyde and Dad were not the only ones to be in the service. Mom had a brother and brother-in-law who served. Dad had a sister (Aunt Oma) who had seven sons in the service at the same time. They all weren’t serving during WWII, but the years that followed saw the US involved in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Even the years following those wars caused concern as to whether we would become involved in another world war! David’s other grandfather was also in WWII. He was in the Navy and lives in Huntington today. Bill's father had a nephew, Ray, who was in the service at the same time he was. They actually made a connection while overseas.

Clyde and Ray in Europe:
Through the years we have had many family members, friends, and former students who have served their country to help preserve our freedoms. To all of them we say thank you!!!

Sadly, as the years have come and gone, so have the soldiers of WWII. To Bill and myself, our fathers are two of America’s true heroes. We miss them and love them very much!

Bill's father - Clyde A. Hardin:

My father - Elmer J. Layne:

An Old Fashioned Christmas in the Making

Friday – December 5, 2006

My Christmas box given to me by Dad and handmade by Dink. Each figure of the nativity was made using different types of wood and then glued to the box. I love my box and it stays out all year long!


An “old fashioned Christmas” is how Bill wants to decorate. We have scoured the stores the last several years looking for the decorations our parents and grandparents used. Bill especially wanted to find enough of the three bells entwined together that blink to hang around the carport and on the front porch. He also wanted to find enough candelabras with eight candles each to place in the windows. We had to find enough orange bulbs, and we were lucky enough to find them at our local Wal-Mart.

Our old fashioned bells:


Christmas is definitely going to be different for our family. We have lost so many family members – they will all be missed; our Christmases will never be the same. We now know how our grandparents and parents generation felt as the years went by with family members leaving this heavenly world for a far better place.

This desire of having an “old fashioned Christmas” may help us bring back some of those good memories. We all will definitely try to help Mom have a great Christmas. It is not about giving her tons of gifts, but letting her know how much we all love her! Because her eyesight is leaving her, we need to come up with something nice but practical. Anything to keep her warm is an idea – that way we can turn the heat down just a little so we can breathe when visiting/ staying with her!

Toby has picked up one of Dad's favorite things to do - snoop to see where his presents were:


An “old fashioned” Christmas brings back so many memories for us both. Jeni’s sister, Ruthie, had a great idea on her blog – she asked her readers to respond as to what traditions and memories you have about Christmases in the past. I responded in that I remember we got socks every year from my grandparents. They had little money, but always wanted us to get a present from them. They would give Mom the money, and she would shop for them. Mom was always practical – no toys – get something we could use and needed. Apparently we always needed socks! Not many kids enjoyed getting socks –where’s the toys???

A view which shows the outside decorations:


We had been brought up to respect, love, and be thankful for what we did receive. Some Christmases were more abundant than others, but we loved them all and were thankful for what we did receive. The real meaning for Christmas was not about receiving gifts! However, when we would open those socks, the looks on Mamaw and Papaw’s faces made us all know how much they loved us and had sacrificed in order to get those socks. Money was sparse, especially for them, but they wanted to give us a present. Those looks are embedded in my mind forever. I really appreciate the sacrifice my parents and grandparents made so that my three brothers and me could have an “old fashioned” Christmas. We all would run and hug them and tell them how wonderful the gifts were. It didn’t matter that there was an erector set, a race car set, a new doll, or a craft set under the tree that we were dying to get to and play with – first things first! We only received one toy, apples and oranges in the stockings, and maybe a quarter or two! Wow – we felt rich and thankful. We were rich for that one day. But we were rich with love throughout the entire year!

It was never until I returned to school that I found out that what I received for Christmas was nothing compared to some of my classmates. They would always come in bragging about what they had gotten and then wanted to know what I had gotten. “OH,” was always the response from them. It appeared that the meaning of Christmas to them was who received the most and the best presents! It wasn’t until later that I realized the difference in their Christmas and ours – ours was filled with LOVE and was not about how many gifts and how much they cost. Our gifts were given in love, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Bill’s Christmases were similar. They would go to Granny’s and have Christmas with his grandparents. They received a toy, clothes, and fruit just as we did. One of his great-aunts was a high school librarian, Aunt Daisy. She would make sure they had something to read. This may have been the beginning as to why Bill loves to read!

Our angel high on the tree:


I also remember other things about Christmas – Mom and I would make Christmas candy and Orange Cakes as gifts. Mom did this by herself until I was old enough to really help. I look back now and remember the smells of the kitchen and what a good time we had. Dad would always come in to “sample” what we had made! This always drove Mom crazy! What fond memories we both have of Christmases past.

Even though we have loved ones not here, we will carry on for the rest of the family. We have a granddaughter who will be with us next Christmas. I’m sure a tradition will be started just for her!! David always came to our house by 10:00 Christmas day. He would celebrate Christmas with his grandparents, aunt, and mother on Christmas Eve after attending Christmas Eve services and celebrating his grandfather’s birthday. Then early the next morning, he and his mother would have Christmas together. He was always an excited little boy – wow – three sets of Christmas presents. Here was a kid’s dream that came to life and was enjoyed by all. It took him a few years before he realized that he needed to give us all a different Christmas list! That way he didn’t have any duplicates! Even with all the presents and Christmases he celebrated – he never forgot the reason for this Christmas season. None of us have! “Joy to the World, the Lord has Come!”

Mine and Bill’s first Christmas tree together was also “old fashioned” in that we found bubble lights. Oh what a beautiful tree they make. After Bill’s grandmother and father passed away, we had his mother come to our home. She loved going into the living room, laying on the couch, and watching the lights. I’m sure it brought back many memories for her. After having these lights for 20 years, we find it difficult to find replacement bulbs. When we put the tree up, it will have some old fashioned aspects as well as a few updated decorations.
Here are the bubble lights:



I love decorating for Christmas, listening to the tradition Christmas music, and being with family and friends. I love receiving gifts, but I enjoy giving more. (No Bill, this does not let you off the hook!) Last year I tried to crochet gifts for everyone – for the immediate family they received hats and scarves! This took a lot of time, but I enjoyed doing it. They only ones I didn’t make a set for was Bill and me – maybe that’s what he will get this year for Christmas!!! How about an orange set Bill????

So what does this “old fashioned” Christmas mean – will everyone receive a stocking with an apple, oranges, and a piece of coal? Probably not – but you never know!!!
It means that as a family we will be able to celebrate our savior's birth and shower our family and friends with love!



My geese dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Santa:


My old fashioned wooden Santa will welcome you:


A view of the house from the driveway showing our bells and candelabras:


A picture of our big wreath in the front with a shot of the moon high in the sky: