Happy Birthday to Someone Very Special

See if you can guess who. This is his 3rd grade picture.

Happy 22nd Birtday - Kass

Years and years ago, when my husband and I were just twenty-one years old, and Gene was only five months old, we found out that we were expecting Kass. At first, we must admit we were a little stunned to find out we were expecting another baby so soon. However, it didn't take us long to get excited! We were so happy the day that Kass was born. She was born Sunday morning at 11:05 a.m. -- right in the middle of a fiery sermon, I'm sure. The moment she was born, screaming, into this crazy world, we fell in love! She was precious.

She has brought us much delight throughout her life. Her spunky way, funny little humor and sweet ways have delighted us throughout all of these years. When she was little, she loved to be tickled, and she also took great joy in imitating her big brother's scream. He would scream, then she would--oh joy! Of course, all of this was done for fun.

Before she learned to walk, it was hilarious watching her scoot through the house on her little elbows and knees--she looked just like a little army guy scooting through the brush. We were always amazed by her hula-hoop abilities at the young age of four, and we always loved the homemade cards, and gifts that she loved to make us. The funny little acts performed by her and her brother were so much fun to watch, and the day we looked out the window and saw her streaking down the gravel road in front of maw-maw Lay's house riding her bike with no training wheels made us laugh (she was four). We had tried to teach her to no avail, but she learned all on her own. She was and still is such a determined little booger.

Of course, we had the dramatic moments like the time she climbed on top of the house and was too scared to come down. Finally, when I was at my wits end trying to get her down, the mail lady came by and saw the situation. Fortunately, the mail lady was able to coax her down. Funny! And also the time Kass and Kay snuck out to the bedroom window late at night to roll the house--we threatened to punish her for the rest of her life from sleepovers.

Next, we watched her develop physically, mentally, and spiritually into a beautiful young woman. We laughed at the funny hairdo's she created, and the creative way she dressed. We watched as she stood strong throughout the entire ordeal of hurricane Katrina, reaching out to others giving no thought as to her own losses. Our heart swelled with pride when the reporter, Lois, with the Washington Post, told us, "Your daughter is amazing. She is an ambassador!" Little did she know that she truly is. She was, still is, and will always be an ambassador for Christ.

Lastly, we watched as she progressed through high school being her lovely, wonderful self. Endearing teachers and friends alike with her generous heart and giving ways. These were special days-days we will always cherish and remember.

Today, she is a beautiful, mature, wise, compassionate, and generous young lady, and today, we would like to say to this sweet girl of ours. We love you and hope that you have a wonderful 22nd birthday and many, many, more!

Below are a few pictures of Kass in her younger years!

Yes, believe it or not Kass was born with brown hair and blonde roots!

Riding her tricyle in Granny Lay's yard.

I started her young! Always mommy's little helper.
Kass making a silly face.

She still loves her phone time.

I always loved to hold her in my lap.

Happy Birthday Kass - Love you bunches!

Happy Birthday Brother!

Today is my almost twin brother's birthday (he is 15 months younger than me).

This is a picture of him at 10 years of age. I'm not sure, but my mother probably cut his hair unless he did it himself.

He's my favorite brother of all. For the first fifteen years or so of his life, my big sister and I was able to boss him around, dress him up in dresses, and play baby dolls with him (with him being the baby doll). In fact at one point, I could most definitely put him down in arm wrestling, beat him in a foot race, or any other competition we had. I was the champion! However at around 15 years old something happen. He started growing, and growing, and growing. Suddenly he was taller, bigger, and stronger than me, and I was no longer the champion.

In our teen years we did a lot of things together - we both got our driver's licenses on the same day. He was fifteen and I was sixteen. This resulted in a race home everyday from school to be the first one to get the keys of the car so that we could be the one to pick up our big sister from work. For some reason driving the car was the highlight of the day. I sure was upset if he beat me home!

My brother became a hard worker and a courageous hero. Many may not know it, but one day when my brother was probably around 19 or 20 years of age, on his way home from work, on a desolated highway, he came across a lady being attacked by some men. We didn't have cell phones at the time, so he put his life on the line and through his courageous acts was able to save her life and contact the police.

My brother has grown up to be a wonderful man. I am very proud of him, and I love him dearly. He's a great husband and father to his two children. Happy Birthday Brother - Your The Best Brother Ever!

My Daddy! - Happy 67th Birthday!

My Daddy - the strongest, smartest, bestest, and nicest daddy in the whole widest world! Am I a Daddy's girl? You better believe it! I must admit, I was blessed to be born to two of the world's greatest parents - and today is one of their birthday's - my dad's birthday!

My father was raised a preacher's boy. His father, my grandpa, was the founder of several wonderful churches throughout the south. This meant that my dad's childhood was filled with many delightful and dreadful experiences. Delightful because he, as a small boy, saw first hand many miracles and wonderful works of God. Dreadful because he changed schools fifteen times, and was teased unmercifully by other children because of his beliefs. This included rocks being thrown at him and his sister as they walked (ran) home from school. Throughout it all God blessed him and his family mightily despite the persecution.

As a young man, my dad obtained success in the business world through determination and hard work, but God had other plans for him. My father was even offered vice-presidency of the company that he worked for. This meant certain success, wealth, and prosperity as far as material things were concerned, but my father felt the calling of God in his life and knew that God wanted him to go full time into the ministry. My father, chose to reject material wealth and instead chose to submit to God's calling in his life. I am so happy that he made this choice! Although the choice must have been difficult - he never looked back nor regretted the decision. Today, he has been the pastor (now the bishop) of the same church for the past thirty years.

Reflecting upon the past, I can remember my dad having tea parties with me and my sister when we were little. I can remember him singing silly songs to us while playing his guitar. He also taught us to love the Word of God (The Bible) and prayed for us. When I was a teenager learning to drive, my father didn't get angry at me even after I wrecked his vehicles three times in just a few short months or weeks (I can't remember which). I also remember my dad working hard and providing for us, and teaching us that whatever we put our mind to do that with God we can accomplish it.

Even today, I still seek my father for advice and wisdom, and I want him to know ---

Daddy - You are the greatest Daddy ever and I love you so so much!

Another Special Day-A Day Late-Happy Birthday Sugar!

We were and still are so proud of our little Sugar!

(PlainoldKristi, Sugar, and Me)

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I remember how excited we were when we found out that our mom was having another baby. A real life baby doll for us to play with. I went around the neighborhood and told all of my friends. I was ten years old at the time, and was so proud! I thought my mom was too old to be having a baby, but I was still excited. She was only thirty years old at the time. I suppose when your only ten years old, thirty seems to be awfully old. We had so much fun with Sugar (this is her nickname).

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We played with her, teased her, spoiled her, and changed her stinky diapers (I really like telling her this). One of Sugar's favorite things to do was ride her big wheel and she loved sucking her thumb. She said that when she went to school that she would stop sucking her thumb, and she did. Sugar had no bedroom of her own, but would take turns giving us each the privilege of having her sleep with us. Of course, this greatly depended on who would tell her the best stories!

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Sugar, is still our sweet little sugar. She is a great cook, choir leader, and such a wonderful wife and mother to her children. She has a 3 year old, a 1 year old, and one on the way! Yikes Sugar, your getting kind of old to be having babies-Just kidding!

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I love you Sugar and hope that your birthday was wonderful. I am so happy mom had you even though she was soooooo old. Love you bunches and bunches.

The Special Day-Happy Birthday NeKee!

Adorable at 7 years old--Still adorable today!

NeKee is another one my precious little sisters and today is her birthday! Today is a very special birthday for her because she is celebrating her 2nd 39th birthday-It's amazing we are all catching up with my mom who has been 39 years old for several years now.

Nekee and her husband snuck away to a cabin in the Smoky mountains to celebrate her birthday so that no one would throw her a big party. Little did she know that several of our family members were hiding in the cabin when she arrived. Unfortunately, I was not able to go but my heart is there! I can't wait to hear all of the details. I am sure she was completed stunned! So much for the quite little birthday.....

Well, now for a little about Nekee....She is my popular sister. Even when she was little she would socialize and visit with all of the old ladies in the neighborhood (discussing important topics such as who makes the best biscuits), plan parties (slumber parties for herself) that my mom didn't know about, and during her college years bring ALL of her friends home with her for the weekend (Party time). In high school she won, "Most Popular" and tied for Ms. Andrew Jackson (the best all around student). Why is Nekee so popular? NeKee's so popular because who wouldn't want to be around NeKee? She is warm and makes you feel so special. She is giving, caring, and a good listener. She gives great advice and counsel. She sings like an angel! She is a ton of fun. She will make you laugh and laugh. Most of all she is a dedicated christian, pastor's wife, and mom to her two beautiful children. Her life, I have no doubt, has impacted so many people in such a great positive way! It certainly has mine!

To you Sissy:

I love you so much! I hope that you have a marvelous birthday, and I wish that I was there to celebrate it with you. Have a Happy Happy Happy Birthday!

A SPECIAL DAY IS COMING UP!

Tomorrow is a very special day---look me up tomorrow and find out why!

Who is this man living in my house?

Twenty-two years and eight days ago this sweet little blue eyed bundle of joy came into my life.
My dear friend below, "Bebesie", helped and encouraged me as I struggled to bring this sweet little baby into the world. During the process, I urgently warned her to never ever have children. She didn't heed my warning and now has two of her own. Thank the lord!

The baby has grown up, and I now I have a man living in my house who strangely still looks very much like the dimpled little blue eyed baby born just over twenty two years ago. This man loves to eat, work out at the gym, and play the guitar at all hours of the night. Another favorite activity of his is to chase his little brother around the house, tickle him, and annoy his sister, all the while laughing, blue eyes sparkling and dimples deepening.

I love this man, and I am proud to call him son.

Happy 22nd birthday Gene!

Happy Belated Birthday to My Little Sister Plainoldkristi!

Good news! Plainoldkristi's daughter came out of her surgery wonderfully and is now recovering at home amongst all the really cool gifts she received for being a damsel in distress, all the while banging on a metal bowl with a metal spoon whenever she needs someone to come heed her requests.

Now on to the birthday girl - June 20th.

A Photograph of Plainoldkristi at age 6

Plainoldkristi is my shortest sister, but do not let that fool you she is a short package of dynamite. Her creativity and energy never ceases to amaze me. When she does anything she does it in a big way! Put her in charge of something and expect to be amazed.

Over the last few years Plainoldkristi has faced a few battles, one being Graves disease. She showed nothing but optimism and faith throughout the entire ordeal of treatment, and continues with this same optimism and faith even today. Many people do not realize it but during this period of time Plainoldkristi was deathly ill, yet she did not complain! I am not just saying this - it is the truth. What an example.

Kristi has always been extremely loyal to those she loves, and stands fervently for all that she believes in. In school she always got on the bus before me, so she was my loyally little seat saver. Thanks lil sis.

She's adventurous and not afraid to try new things. She's definitely a leader, and has been extremely influential in many peoples' lives. For example, she has influenced me to take up bike riding and I'm glad she did.

Love you sissy and hope your birthday was special - Meboo (this is what Kristi nicknamed me when she was little)

The Greatest Mother Ever!

On June 14, 1945, the greatest mom on earth was born. That mom belongs to me and my one brother and four sisters. We are so proud of her.

My mother is the perfect example to not only me and my five siblings, but also to a church full of people. She is always there to listen, and advise. Growing up I remember her picking me up from school and my friends all telling me how pretty my mommy was. I was so proud of her and I still am.

My mom is a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and pastor's wife. She can put together a meal faster than anyone I know, and always seems to have plenty for everyone even if a few extra mouths show up. She's the best at bathing and feeding babies, babysitting, listening, cooking, advising, counseling, cleaning house, gardening, being a pastor's wife, taking care of my dad....the list goes on and on. How does she do it (never complaining at all!)? I have no idea!

Above is a picture of the home that my mother was born in. She was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but was born into a home of hardworking parents who taught her to work hard, to live a pure and honest life, and to cherish family and friends.

Here is a picture of my mom and her sisters. They were the beauty queens of the community. My mom is the one with the scarf wrapped around her neck.

This is another picture of my mother in her teens. She is the one with the dark colored shirt on.

Happy birthday mama - you are the greatest ever and I love you so much!

Happy Birthday to My Big Sister!

My big sister and me in 1983 (my sister is the one with the pony tail)

Today is my big sister's birthday. She is two years and four months older than me and has always been my idol. Growing up, in my eyes, she was the authority on any subject and knew more than anyone else I knew. If she said it, then it was so. She was always so sophisticated, mature, and beautiful. Regardless, she tolerated my unsophisticated methods of decorating the room we shared and my immature ways. She prepared me for every stage of my youth - 1st grade, middle school, high school, etc. We would lie in bed at night and she would tell me these wonderful stories both real and fiction about school and life in general. When she got her first job she always bought me things - a new shirt, a new swimsuit. She paved the road for me by being a wonderful example to follow.

Today, she is still sophiscated, mature, and beautiful, along with patient, kind, and loving. I do her husband's accounting for his business, and while I am working she always brings me these wonderful things to eat and sample. I just love it. She is the mother of four precious children, and a fabulous artist.

I love you big sis and hope that your birthday is lovely - you deserve it!