The Day the Brasfield Nation was Born.

"Wake up, Jill.  We're getting married today."

She didn't have a house phone, and it was the days before cell phones, so I headed to her house.

We were planning to get married by the Justice of the Peace on December 23, 1987.  I was scheduled off work at both of my jobs.  But, the 22nd was to be a busy pre-wedding day, with a job interview followed by three jobs.  I had applied for a management position with Eckerd Drugs, which would be more appropriate for a family man.  After the interview, I would go to my job as Santa in the mall, then to my next job as a shoe salesman, and finally don the suit again at 10:00pm for a paid gig at a company Christmas party.

One phone call on the morning of December 22 changed our plans.  The big job interview was postponed to the 23rd, at the same time we were planning to go before the JP.  The only option, if we were to keep our decision to be wed over the Christmas school break, was to rush to the courthouse right then.

Since she didn't have a phone, I drove to little house which she shared with her cousin.  It was the same house we affectionately called "The Love Shack",  so you know what I think of every time I hear that song by the B52's.

We quickly rounded up some of our closest friends, including Jennifer Morton (Perkins) and the Bounds family, and caravanned to the Knox County Courthouse where the Justice of the Peace performed a most excellent little ceremony for us, Mr. and Mrs. Brasfield.  The Brasfield Nation was born. 

I was late for work that day.  My boss thought I was telling one when I said I had just gotten married.  The ring on my hand helped convince her.

I can't believe that was 25 years ago today.  I hope the next 25 years are as great as these.

Jill, I love you.  You were made just for me. 

Andy

That's my boy!

I am often amused by how people will follow suttle suggestions, like
the line that formed outside the coliseum before the Billy Currington
concert.

We got there early. The doors weren't opened yet. A short line had
formed at the doors. Jill and I broke ranks and sat down down on a
bench-like concrete edging. As we waited comfortably, people rushed to
claim their place in line. The line followed the covered walkway. In
other words people were standing under the cover even though it was
neither rainy nor hot. It was amusing because there wasn't any real
need to form such a line.

On another evening, we took the kids downtown to Market Square for
dinner. Afterwards we wandered out on the Square to hang out. That's
when I saw a street magician setting up for a show. He began by
carefully placing a rope on the ground in the shape of a large letter
U. Then he positioned his paraphernalia top center of the U and people
instantly began to stand around the rope as though we had been
trained. Yes, I followed along this time.

After the magic show, we headed back to the van. Jill took the lead
and I took the rear. The kids filed along between us. I had Levi's
hand as we walked. Levi and I had a hard time keeping pace but I had
everybody in sight before me. We were spread out as we walked.

Suddenly a man approached Asher, who had distanced himself evenly
between us, not close to anyone. The man was talking to Asher but I
had no idea what he could have been saying.

I shouted, "Sir!" while trying to pick up speed against Levi's drag.

He didn't hear me.

"SIR!!" I knew he heard me this time. He continued at Asher's ear.

I didn't know what to say as we rushed along to catch up with them,
all the while not releasing Levi's hand. Jill was simultaneously
encouraging Asher to keep moving toward the van which was parked just
ahead of him now. I was worried what this strange man might do to
Asher. And I was very frustrated that he had ignored my "Sir!"s.

These words got the mans attention:
"THAT'S MY BOY!!"

With those words the man broke off from Asher and tried to explain to
me that he was innocently asking if my boy was going to the movies.

I've replayed that scene over and over in my mind. I am thankful it ended well.

And I am proud of "My Boy".

God bless,
Dadofmykids

Warning: Grandparent posts never-before-seen photos of Grandkids.

Meet Colten, the newest Brasfield.  

Father (Daniel) and son.

Mumzie and Colten.

Grandpa, Uncle Levi, Aunt Kk and Colten.

Aunt Tilley and Colten.

Grandpa and Colten, age 3 weeks.

As you can see, Colten is a precious gift from The Lord.  We are thankful that he is healthy and his mom and dad are well, too.

Here are a few photos of big brother, Drake.

Giving Drake a ride at the circus.

Daniel and Drake at the fall festival at church.

Drake uses The Chair as at the dinner table.


Here are some bonus photos for you.

Mumzie and Colten are content.

I took this from outside the window.



Colten, welcome to The Brasfield Nation.  
We love you very much.

Grandpa
(aka Dadofmykids)

Happy Memories of Baby Georgia

Today I want to share a few precious photos of Georgia Rose.  Today marks six years since she passed.

This first photo was taken the day we brought her home.  Jill wrapped her like a burrito in this home-made crochet blanket.  Who made the blanket?  I don't remember.  Doesn't she look sweet?

Homecoming was so exciting.  Here, Jilly shows off Georgia.  It was a great day for The Brasfield Nation.  We couldn't explain why Georgia brought us so much joy.  Maybe it was because we had come out of a dark period.  You can see the happiness on Jill's face.  There's not a mother on Earth that can take care of a baby better than my Jilly.

Look how little Levi was.  That's his Aunt Sandra holding his hand.  She rightfully wanted to keep him from touching too hard.

Here we are playing cards - probably Go Fish.  Or maybe it was Crazy Eights.  I like it better than Go Fish.  I think Jilly took this photo.  After Georgia died, I was thankful that we had held her so often.

This was also taken the first day.  A few days later, I shaved my beard because I thought my whiskers might be too rough on Georgia's face.  However, I quickly grew it back.

Today, I am able to see the happiness in memories of Georgia.  Other days, memories of her death over-ride.  Please say a prayer for Jilly and me, plus our whole family, today.

God Bless,
Dadofmykids