Happy Belated Birthday Cotton Top!

Friday - May 22, 2009

I am almost a week late with this post, but better late than never! I have three brothers whom I love very much! Even though John has left us and gone home, the love for him has not diminished, it has gotten stronger! My oldest brother - Dink - is progressing with his recovery. It hasn't been an easy recovery, but he is hanging in there and doing what is asked of him. Then there is my "little" brother. He has had a very busy two weeks. Last week he was the best man for his only son - Todd. The day after the wedding, Mike had his 57th birthday! It was a day in which he and Debbie along with the rest of the family were resting up from the preparation of the wedding!

I had not forgotten you Mike!!! I had to organize and choose the pictures I wanted to post! I'm sure I have others, but little brother, this post is a tribute to you, and to let you know how much you are loved! Life has not always been easy, but with God by your side and the love and support of your family, you are a survivor. You do have the Layne and Whitman blood flowing through your veins!!! You know you are loved by all of us!!!!! - especially those two adorable children of yours - Todd and Meghan; by our mother; and your buddy and brother who watched over you as you grew up - Dink! All of the extended family love you as well. Just in case you don't know it - I love you very much too!!!!

Here are a few shots of you through the years. as the readers look at the pictures, I'm sure they will figure out how you became known as "cotton top" as a youngster!!!!!!!

Hugs from Mom

A good-bye kiss from Dad as he was going back to work!

How about playing in the water up at Mammaw and Pappaw's in the celler door!
Play pen??? No, just playing in an old tire up in the country!

Pappaw holding you with the rest of us hanging close!!! Cute weren't we?????

One of the many pictures taken of the four of us!

Sitting on the back of the couch for one of our first "color" pictures!

Graduation Picture!

The family! - (the hair and the glasses - oh my!)

The Layne men - the baby is now the tallest!!!!!

Mike and Todd - Jan 22, 1989 (mine and John's birthday)

The Sore Thumbs - Sue, Mike, and Donetta!

Ahhh - your and Debbie's wedding day!

Mike, Debbie, and Taco!

Mike, Todd, and Cassie chillin' out a few days before the wedding!

Mike and Todd - Best Man and Groom - waiting for the rehearsal to start.

Wedding's over and Mike's clowning around - cute!

Mike, I hope you like this posting and know that you are loved by a lot of people. Sometimes the simple words of "I love you" are not said or heard enough! Know that you ARE loved!

Simple, Elegant, Beautiful

Monday, May 18, 2009


The wedding is over; the newly weds are on their honeymoon; and the rest of us who were in attendance are reflecting back on their day! It was simple, elegant, and beautiful. Pictures were captured before the ceremony and at the reception, but alas, none were taken during the ceremony except by the professional! The pictures will be online for us to view, so when that happens I will let you know!


Todd and Cassie were absolutely gorgeous! No "bridezillas" or groomzillas" were present in the eyes of those us there to share this special occasion with them. Both Cassie and Todd had many family members present who had traveled many miles to be there for them. They also had many friends with whom they have become close to while participating with the group from Marshall. Campus Crusade for Christ! All in attendance was there to wish the happy couple a wonderful life loving one another and serving God.


The following are only "some" of the picture taken, we may try and share more later! Hope you enjoy!

Todd and Mammaw before he left to go to the church to get dressed!

Both are now dressed in their finest!
Bill was even dressed up! Looks pretty nifty in his wedding bow tie! :):)
Well, it seems I had to dress up as well!!! Had new shoes - whoa my feet by the end of the day! :):)

Another look at how pretty Mom looked!

The reception was held at the church camp - all was ready for the reception. The wedding cake was looking over the room. It had Calla lilies on top - just what Cassie and Todd wanted! It was beautiful and delicious!

The couple has arrived after picture taking at the church! They got to the reception right before we had a heavy downpour of rain!
Mr. and Mr,. Matthew Todd Layne and Pastor Paul behind them making the introduction!

My brother, the best man, and the father of the groom! Mike wore many hats that day!
Wedding guest included the Layne side; l-r Darcie Layne, JD Layne, Laurie Layne, Mammaw (Irene) Layne, and cousin Patti Blevins. I see Bill's hands! :):)
Mom and Patti - hmmmm - what are trying to put in your purse Pat?? :):)
Darcie, JD, and Laurie traveled in from Doylestown, Ohio. John had plan to be in attendance - he was there in spirit! Mike is standing in the background!

Billy Layne and Jamie Smith

Billy with his Dad - Dink Layne. We all were thrilled Dink felt like coming - It really pleased Todd and Cassie that he and Rhonda were there!

Meghan was one of the bridesmaids and look absolutely beautiful - I may a little prejudice - but that's what aunts are for! :):):) Grant looks great too!!!!

From the time Meghan was born, Todd was her "bubbie" and her protector! They are very close and I love them so very much! Todd was so handsome while Meghan was an absolute doll. I am proud of them both!

Dink did not really want his picture taken - we had to coax him to have them taken, but he did have one taken with Cassie as a gift to her!!!

Todd does love his Mammaw! She told him she was going to miss him - he said in return, why, I'm not going anywhere, I'm just getting married! Todd lived with Mom for the past four years - she will miss him, but he will be close!

Todd's other Grandma was also in attendance - Peggy Wilson (Ma) who was accompanied by a friend, Frank, her daughter Vicki Simmons, and grand-daughter Andrea Clark.

Also in attendance from the Wilson side included, daughter Jill Templeton, grand-daughter Sarah, and her great- grand-daughter (sorry I didn't get her name)!
Todd's cousin Joe Simmons and his family came in from Virginia Beach, Virginia - he is in the Navy!
Cousins Eli Simmons and Andrea Clark from Centerville, Ohio

Friends of Todd and Cassie's from Marshall and Campus Crusade for Christ.
More friends!
Let's cut the cake!

Cassie just might be warning Todd NOT to smear the cake in her face - which he didn't!
A closer look at the cake and the champagne glasses (which held ginger ale!)
Their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Todd Layne!

Cassie dancing with her Dad!
A worn out bride carrying her bouquet! Notice the feet!!! :)

She opted for comfort!!!! Smart girl!!!

We wish Cassie and Todd all the best and pray that their life together will be smooth, and that they will depend on one another and most of all our Heavenly Father!

. . . And then they shall become one!

Friday - May 15, 2009

On Saturday, May 16, 2009 Todd Layne and Cassie Bordea will become man and wife! Both are Christians and will do and go where the Lord leads them. They met at Marshall while being active with Campus Crusade. They both love the Lord and eventually found out they loved one another. I would like to wish them much happiness as they begin their life together. They are a loving and caring couple whom we all love very much!

I have posted a few pictures of them through the years! First as babies, then as toddlers, on to grade school, participating in sports, as young adults, and then as a couple. Hopefully I will be able to post some wedding pictures next week!

Matthew Todd Layne

Cassandra Dawn Bordea

Todd and Cassie as toddlers!

Grade school years!

They loved playing sports!

It must have been their smiles that attracted one to the other!

All dressed up for the wedding of family and friends!

The engaged couple!!!!!!

We love you Cassie and Todd!!!!!!!