1st Photo of Baby Shanks

Portia had her first official doctor's visit today.

The ultrasound revealed a "very strong" hearbeat and everything looks great!

Praise the Lord!

Little Johnny or Little Portia's expected date of arrival is

 August 3, 2010.

YIPPEE! 

Now to get Portia through the morning sickness.

Bless her heart!

Thank you, Lord, for this blessing!

I can't wait to hold this little pinto bean in my arms!

Grammie loves you so much already!

HO HO HO...Is that you...Santa?

Poppie played Santa today for his friend, BJ, at his real estate office.  He listened to over 75 children disclose their "wish list" and he had his picture taken that many times too!  It was a fun day for the children and Santa.

HO HO HO...Merry Christmas!

Tandi and I stopped at Cool Springs Mall on our way to take Madi to meet Lyssa in Columbia.  We were afraid she would be scared of Santa but she wasn't the least bit afraid!  Madi's been such a good little girl this year that I'm sure she'll get everything on her Christmas list and more!
 
We love you, Madi Lynn, and we can't wait to see you again. 
Kisses and more kisses,
Poppie and Grammie

Family = Blessings

                                                         Hunter and Kim

                                Our little blessing...Madi Lynn

We are truly blessed....

Proud Parents...to be

Portia holding the book that Johnny gave her as a birthday gift

These two will be great parents!

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6

THE GIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This gift is from Johnny Van.  He was so proud of it and himself!  He said, "I went to Cracker Barrel and picked this out all by myself and they even gift wrapped it free."

SURPRISE!

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!

Portia is looking at Tandi in this photo.  I took the picture!  It took me a second to realize exactly what the gift is...AND IT'S A BABY...Johnny and Portia are having a baby!  I think Tandi and I screamed about the same time.  We are soooo excited! 

This Thanksgiving was just wonderful: I was able to walk around without crutches; We got to spend time with Madi; I spent Thanksgiving day in Chattanooga with Peggy and her children for the first time in many years and I enjoyed every minute of it; and Johnny and Portia surprised us with the ultimate gift...a baby!  Thank you Jesus for our many, many blessings...we are so grateful. 

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Portia..."

Portia's happy birthday was officially yesterday but we were shopping so we celebrated today along with our Thanksgiving meal.  Johnny couldn't wait to cut the cake and open gifts!  He was ready as soon as dinner was over.  Madi enjoyed helping Portia blow out her candles.