Just wanted to stop in and tell everyone Happy New Year!!! I'm sure that 2008 will bring blessings upon us all.
God Bless,
James, Shavonne, and Brock Allen Gowens

Happy New Year everybody!
Love,
Blair

Hey family. It was really good to see everyone. I'm really sorry under the circumstances that we are all there. I enjoyed all the fellowship, the laughs, and the tears.

Maw, we love you very much and we are all here. I know the coming days are going to be really trying for you, but we are all here. I know all the gang will pipe in too on the blog.

Everybody check out the pics on the ctown page.

I love you all very much.
Blair

Good morning everyone,
We are sorry to hear of JW's passing yesterday. Know that you are all in our hearts and prayers.

Love,
Tressie & Mark

Hey bro, I couldn't agree with you more about JW and Maw. I talked to Maw and Kittie today. He is still pretty much in and out. Still in lots of pain but not very coherent. We are all sending our love here in Ft. Worth. Love you very very much.
Blair and Jay

Hey Fam.........I just received the phone call from dad about JW...........We all have a special place in our hearts for JW and the man that he is. He will be missed when that hour comes. I feel 100% sure that we do not need to worry about JW and where he is at! He needs to go see Jesus! His pain is too much and no one needs to experience that. We need to love Maw and pray for her because she is his supporter and surviving half. Maw we love you and hate to see how your past week has turned out, but being the great Christian woman that you are you will get through this.........We love you and always have you on our hearts, even if we cant be there with you in person. Jared and Betsy

Love you very much!

Anybody there???? It's almost Christmas. Blair

Good Morning CT.

Hope this finds everyone as good as can be.

Maw, it was good to hear from you. I know this was a very hard time for you and hope your pain is lightened by all the memories you have of Donna Beth. It is hard sometimes to know just what our siblings mean to us until we have to face loosing them, but after all she was your sister and sisters do have a special bond. You can fight with them, but by golly everyone else better leave them alone!!!!

Hope JW gets the pain relief he needs to be comfortable. I know it is so hard to sit and watch someone hurt so much and there is abosolutely nothing that you can do to help. But I know just being there and the love and care from you is the most he could every wish for.

Glad to see Gary, Susan and Peggy had a safe trip. I know it was hard to not see Donna Beth where she should be. We will all miss her and keep her dear family in our prayers.

Our guys have all been under the weather and missed work. Jared, Me, April, Toby, Caden have all had the head cold stuff and are doing much better now.

I visited my stomach doctor Friday and had a good report and he also chewed me out at the same time. MORE EXCERCISE!!!! I finally joined Blairs gym and guess I will start today.

Keep me in your prayers! I will need it, as I have not worked out now in about two weeks, since the cold weather came in and since I started my new job. OH well, he can be tough and I guess that is just what I need.

Hope you all have a good and safe Holidays.

Love to all of you and MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Eletia

Hey Family
Early morning and I am on my way back to the hospital. This has been such a terribly hard week for us. My heart is so broken about about Donna Beth. Being 1 year apart in age, we went thru so many things together in our young life. I still can't believe she is gone.....it is so hard to realize. Kittie came to the hospital at 10:00 the morning of her service and sat with me for that hour and we could only try to be there with her family in spirit.So many of our friends have come to the hospital, sent flowers and cards, memorials, to let us know how sorry they are for this terrible loss. J W grows weaker everyday and is never awake much at all. He builds up lots of "stuff" in his throat that he has trouble getting up and has to be suctioned several times a day, bless his heart. His pain is really great, even when he seems asleep, he will start to moan a lot and I know he needs relief. He only had 1 extra dose of pain med yesterday besides his pain "patch" med. The hospital has been so wonderful to us. They all came around and cried with me when we got the news about Donna Beth. They bring me a tray every meal and all the clinic staff come by everyday to check on J W. We are so lucky to have this wonderful facility. Got to get gone so I can see if I can get J W to eat a little. They are bringing him baby food now for lunch and supper. Oatmeal at breakfast goes down pretty good, we think, then hours later we find it stored in the corners of his throat. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, these are terribly hard days.
Love
Maw

Susan, thanks for the update from this week. I'm glad ya'll made it back safely.

Happy Birthday to Mike (Dad) on the 12th!

Maw, how you and JW doing? Everybody else, how you doing?

Love,
Blair

We appreciate all the prayers as we traveled to San Antonio, Wednesday. It was great to see all the Williams family again. It was very hard not seeing Donna Beth come strolling down the hall of her home. The memorial service was really nice. The 7 grandsons all had a part and it was wonderful, Brett also had a video of Donna Beth's life. The church was adorned with many of her quilts that were so very beautiful. Gary, Peg, and I had a safe trip and arrived home around 10:30 PM, Thursday night. James Lee surprised us and walked up at the church for the service. Gary and I didn't have any idea he was coming, it was a very wonderful surprise.
Please keep praying for James and Shavonne that some door will open in the job situation. Gary is keeping Stromy today, because her babysitter is out of town. They will have a great day and watch alot of comedies. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Love, Susan

I'm was very sad today to hear that Donna Beth passed away today. I am thinking about her family as well as Maw and Aunt Peg. Love ya'll..
Blair


Betsy, Happy Birthday today! Love, Blair

Oh my gosh. We will keep Donnna Beth in our prayers. That is horrible. Blair

New update....
I don't know all of the details yet, but sometime last night Donna Beth became unresponsive and Gene called for an ambulance to come. They got her to the hospital and found a blockage in one of her arteries and did a balloon angioplasty and placed a stent in the artery. That part went fine, but she has still never regained consciousness. She is on a breathing machine and not responsive at all. She is too unstable for them to run any kind of tests on her at this point. It sounds like something else happened to her besides the blockage but they are just not sure yet what. So I will try to keep you posted as I find out anything. Please pray for her, Gene and the boys.

love,
kittie

Hey Everybody......Kittie thanks for keeping us up to date on Maw and JW. We are praying for them. I know it's really pretty hard right now.

Shavonne thanks for the holiday pics of James and Brock. Loved them.

Hope everyone is ready for Santa? Hehehe.
Love,
Blair

Hey,
Someone from Hospice was suppose to come and talk to mother this afternoon but I haven't talked to her to see what they said or what she has decided but as of this morning, they were planning on trying to move JW home Monday and set him up with Hospice care. I was gone for awhile this evening and didn't want to call her now, hoping she was in bed asleep. So I will talk to her in the morning and see if that is still the plan. Eletia, thanks for calling her yesterday...
I am sure any calls to mother would be greatly appreciated, just so she knows that we love her and care...
JW's brother Cecil came over yesterday to see him and I think a couple of his sister-in-laws were coming to see him this afternoon....That is all I know right now.
Shavone, we will keep you and James in our thoughts and prayers...Be patient(easy to say, hard to do)....God has a plan!!! He always does!!! I was glad to hear you were sending Blair a picture of your decortations...I was beginning to think I was the ONLY ONE WITH A TREE!!! haha
Griffin Sisters, Hope ya'll have a fun weekend together this weekend!!
love,
kittie

Hey everybody.....Hope you had a great week.

Kittie, any new news on Maw and J.W.?

Jill, thannks for emailing me today. Love you bunches.

Maggie, thanks for the Christmas tree pic. Love you bunches.

Shavonne and James, move to DFW! That's my prayer for ya'll. There are good jobs and I could see ya'll more and especially that little Brockster. Hey, we got more room now for ya'll to come down and do the interview thing!!! Love, Blair

Kittie, Thank you for keeping everyone updated on Maw and J.W. We will continue to pray that God wraps his loving arms around the two of them to get them through this rough time.

I know it's been a while since I've been on, for that I appologize. We have been super busy and I just can't seem to find the time for much of anything. We got some of our decorations up last weekend and plan to do the rest this weekend so maybe we can get some pictures for you Blair!

Please include us in your prayers. James and I both are trying like crazy to try to find real careers. I am enjoying my job but to be honest they know that they've got me hooked, they are paying a certified teacher (me) to do an aide's job- which is hardly anything. I know that this is my only foot in the door but man are they slamming that door on my foot!!!

Anyway, hope everyone else is doing well. Can you all believe that Christmas is just around the corner? James and I finally did some Christmas shopping this evening, sure was fun buying gifts for Brock he's still young enough to pick them out but not realize they came home with us!!! Isn't that just wrong!?!?! Ok, better go. . .

God Bless,
James, Shavonne, and Brock

Maw and J.W. you're in my thoughts. Maw get some rest. We all love you very much! Blair

UPDATE.

The hospital has started JW on morphine to try to keep him as pain free as possible. But they say once they start an elderly person on morphine it can really take a toll on the body. So things do not look very good for him....Just wanted everyone to know.
I talked to mother about 8 tonight and she was going home and straight to bed....hopefully she can get a better nights sleep tonight....She had a terrible stomach virus this weekend and was up sick most the weekend...

kittie

First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ZAC....HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY!!

Just to let everyone know, JW is back in the hospital here in Crosbyton. Mother just cannot take care of him, 24 hours a day, with the condition he is getting in. He really does need constant care and mother, like the rest of us, HAS to work!! She cannot work all day and then be up half the night. The stress and lack of rest is really beginning to wear on her, so maybe if they can keep him in the hospital for a few days it will help her some to get a little bit of rest. Dr. Alley is going to see if he might could qualify, through his Medicare, to stay in the swing bed unit for maybe about three weeks or so. It really is a stressful situation when you HAVE to work to pay your bills and JW's Medicare will not pay for any help. So I guess time will tell.
And I know for her, it is hard to be in much of a holiday spirit when her husband is so ill....So just continue to pray for God's will and hopefully things will get better....

kittie

Hey everybody....Kittie can't wait to see your Christmas decorations. Cheer for Boston for all of us here in Ft. Worth.

I have today off and am going to go do a little shopping myself. Big on the "little", hehehe.

Yeah, Go Cowboys. Oh my gosh, the traffic was crazy yesterday afternoon here in the metroplex. Mixing rush hour traffic with a big football game, was CRAZY!!

Maw, good hearing from you on the blog. Hope JW is getting to feeling better with the new medicine. Him getting up in his chair is good progress.

So anybody have decorations? Send them to me.

Hey everybody start to mark your calendars for a get together her in Ft. Worth in June.
Love,
Blair

TGIF!!!!

Seems like I keep a "hot road" to Lubbock these days...It is just run, run, run....

I go every Tuesday and Wed to pick of Boson from school anyway but seems like I am always having, needing or wanting to go back more than that!! We went to Maggie and Kraig's last night to watch "the game" and eat supper....."WAY TO GO COWBOYS"
Boston has his first basketball game tomorrow (Satur), so looks like I will be heading back again...Oh well, I can't think of anything more important than seeing my kids!!

I hope everyone has a good weekend...Blair, hopefully I will get my Christmas stuff up this weekend and I will send pics...It looks like the Christmas fairy threw up in my living room and dining room right now!!! I hope that EVERYONE will send pics of your trees and decorations since we never get to see each others....
love to all,
kittie

Hey Family
I am at work but will take a minute to leave you a note. Took J W to Lubbock yesterday morn for his 3rd Procrit shot and they also drew blood for a CBC. On the schedule, it looks like they will do that every other time we go. He was not strong enough to walk to the van so I had to take him out in the wheelchair and then same thing after got to Lubbock. That chair is sort of heavy for me to load but I did manage. The cold wind was hard to deal with. Had Home Health to talk to Dr. Alley about starting him back on Predisone (he was taking a low dose before all this started) Dr Alley agreed that it might help him so started him back on it plus after the 3rd shot of Procrit it is suppose to boost his red blood cells enough to help him feel better. Last night he had me help him get up, put some clothes on and sat in his chair in living room and ate supper. This was a HUGE step. I was encouraged!!!! We are getting a little more sleep at night but this has reminded me how it was to have a new baby. (look out Betsy and Jared)
Kittie brought us over Thanksgiving dinner and checks on us daily. Thank God for her. Her and Gary have had to come over twice and get J W up out of the floor. Betsy, this past weekend I did manage to get started on Kate's quilt. Got the blanket stitch finished on all 15 squares. Now next step is to set the quilt all together with the pink stripping and then it will be ready to "sandwich" together and do the actual quilting. I did the blanket stitch while sitting on the bed with J W. I can't go off to the sewing room, too far away and I can't hear him call me.It was like a dream that I got to see all the Ft Worth bunch. I was so very very tired from the week at the hospital with not over an hour sleep at a time plus I got my famous ear infection from wearing my hearing aid all night. Have been able to get that cleared up now tho since we are home. Anyway all your sweet faces smiling at me sure did cheer my heart up. Caden is acting so grown up and Toby is so sweet. Wish I could have had time to love on them more and play with them. Home Health coming sure took away from our time. Anyway you all looked so good and it was wonderful to see you!!!!Got to get to work......Later....Love, Maw

Hey Kittie, wow ya'll had a bunch at your house too for Thanksgiving. It's hard to believe Christmas is almost here. Kittie, great idea about the trees and decorations. Send them my way and I will be sure to put them on the web.

JW is getting weaker and weaker. He's in my thoughts and prayers. Maw, you too. Take care of yourself as much as you can.

Love everybody,
Blair

Hey,

Another thought!!!! I don't have them very often so I have to share immediately when they come to me!!

I think everyone should send pictures of their Christmas trees and/or other decorations for Blair to post on the site....It would be fun to see everyones trees and decorations...

love,
kittie

Hey family,

Blair, thanks for sharing the Thanksgiving pics...Looks like y'all had a great bunch!!

We stayed home for Thanksgiving (as always), since no one in Gary's family cooks, of course, they all come here every year. We had about 25 here ALL DAY!!! Mother and JW could not come because JW is getting weaker everyday... Some days he is not even able get out of bed. I took them their Thanksgiving meal and visited for awhile....Home Health is coming to the house daily and a PT is coming twice per week to try to help JW get some strength back. It looks like a long road to recovery.

Well, now it is time to get the "ole" Christmas stuff out!! And for me that takes several days but it is worth it when I see how much the kids like it (and expect it) every year!! haha

Glad everyone had a good Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.....
love to all,
kittie

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I will get back to the web as soon as the kids go home. Blair

Blair you are doing a great job! Now shut up and get to work! :)

Love Jared!

Blair, I completely understand your frustration! I have found myself slacking on Brock's webpage and I've decided it's for two reasons: 1. Now that I'm working I have less time, and 2. I feel like I'm putting in so much effort for nothing. I know that you are a busy guy and I'm sure we haven't helped much either. I want you to know that all you hard work and efforts aren't going unnoticed!!! We know that you work your butt off, and it's to keep us connected. . .We love you Blair!
On that note, we send our love to you all!!! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
God Bless,
James, Shavonne, and Brock Allen

Happy Anniversary to Mother and JW....

love,
kittie

Hey Blair,

Just wanted to tell you that you are doing a great job with the website and having the blog....This is a really busy time of year and so not everyone is able to respond probably as much as they would like to but I know that everyone really does enjoy it!! Even though I don't write a note or sent things very often I check it out every day....So keep up the good work with keeping the family connected....
Love ya,
Kittie

I know that Eletia and Jared have blogged before me but I just wanted to thank everyone again so much for this week end. Kittie, thank you SO MUCH for opening up your home and organizing the most perfect shower. It was so good to spend time with you and get to know you better. i will never be able to thank you enough. Jared is right. Everything that we received is either hanging in her closet, on the wall, or being stored in her closet eagerly anticipating her arrival. I am so grateful to all of you for making it such an enjoyable week end. It was so good to see everyone. Maw- you have been on my mind and heart ever since we hugged you good bye. Please take care of yourself and try to get some rest. I know it is hard when you are trying to take care of everything but I just really wanted to tell you to take care of you. Jared and I prayed for JW and his health yesterday and we will continue to pray for him. Love to all of you and thank you so much again!
Betsy

Hey family! Maw is was good talking to you and Papa J on the phone. Hope those weekly procedures will help him out.

Glad everybody that was able to get together for Betsy's shower.

Hey, what day is Megan's birthday?

So, I've been told there is plans for a Fort Worth get together in June!! Woohooh, bout time!! We will have a blast.

Okay family, need some help! Guess, I need some motivation. Been doing webpage for almost 2 years and losing a little momentum on keeping it up. I apologize I haven't been updating as much as I usually do.

Well, I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Love, Blair

Hey Family

I did not have much time to write yesterday but wanted to say, AGAIN, how much fun this weekend was.....It was so nice to visit and see FAMILY!! I hate Boston could not be here but I loved seeing all of the other kids....Caden is such a "live wire" and so much fun to be around....He is so smart and also very grown up for his age....Miss Stormy was such a delight....She actually felt comfortable enough to talk to me some and I LOVED that!!! You can just see those little wheels turning in her head....She is absolutely beautiful!!!! Mr. Brock is ADORABLE!!! I have not seen him since he was a baby and he is cuter (in life) than any of his pictures....That smile and those eyes just make you melt!!!! Watch out mom and dad....the girls are going to be all over that little boy!! And Mr. Toby is just the sweetest, loving and happy baby I have ever seen....He is smiling or grinning ALL the time and has the most beautiful blue eyes!!!
Just wanted to tell all the "Mommies" that ya'll are doing an excellent job....
Gary and Susan, I enjoyed getting to see your remodeling at your house...I know you are proud of it and it was so nice...As our families get larger we keep looking for more space!!!
We loved having Eletia, Jared and Betsy stay with us.....you know you just fret and fret when you know you are going to have company but when it is family things just work out however and you go with the flow!! The weekend was a very positive experience for me and I look forward to everyone coming more often.....
I hate that Mother had to miss the shower and the visiting but maybe next time things will be calmed down some and she can join us....We missed you Mother!!!
Ok, got to get some work done....it will be a busy week getting ready for Thanksgiving....
Love to all,
kittie

Hello family! Betsy and I cannot thank you guys enough for the great shower that you gave us. Kittie, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the perfect shower for Kate. Betsy was just blown away by the amount of things that she received and believe me that they all either went up or decorated with immediately when we got home. Tell Gary Dale that the picture he painted her looks great in her room and of course we will have a picture of it on Betsy's blog.

I was very excited to see everyone and spend some great time with you guys. It was only a day, but it seemed like atleast 3 days. Us guys could not have asked for a better day to play some golf. Gary failed to tell me that he is shooting in the 80's now though. That was the most relaxing round of golf that I probably have ever played. It was like that golf course was closed down just for us. We will be doing that again soon!

Maw, we will continue to pray for you and JW for his health. I will also pray for you to have your house to yourself and JW. You are a wonderful woman and too big of a heart for your body! :) Betsy and I love you guys very much and hope that everything settles down for you. Take care and I cant wait until June!

Jared

Hey,

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed having everyone here this weekend. It was fun and nice to "touch base" with everyone.
Everyone PLEASE pray for Mother and JW.....Mother is stressed to the MAX and really does need all of us to support her...It is hard to hear "the dreaded speech" AGAIN from the doctor that there is nothing they can do for your husband....She has ALOT on her shoulders....

Hope everyone has a good week getting ready for Thanksgiving....

love,
kittie

Good Morning to all. It was so good to see all you guys this weekend. Again, THANK ALL OF YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING. I cannot express just how much it meant to Jared, Betsy and Mike and I, for all the love you guys have for us. Kittie everything was just perfect, you could not have asked for a nicer more enjoyable trip and visit. Thanks to you and Gary for the great meal, place to sleep, and fellowship on Friday night. I have forgotten just how much fun you can have setting around and visiting. The shower was AWESOME. Thanks for all the pretty little girl things and such useful items. It was so good to see Peggy, Gary, Susan, Jill, Brandon, Stormy, James, Shavonne, Brock, Gary, Kittie, Maw and JW. Jared really did enjoy the golf game and comrodery with his uncle Gary and cousins James and Brandon. Again you guys are the greatest and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Maw and JW get better and better real soon.

I will start planning the date for our early Summer 1st annual Gowens Reunion.

Love to you all. HAVE A VERY HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING.

Hi Maggie!

Congratulations on baby Madelynn Dae and am thrilled that she's healthy and having her first glamorous pictures, LOL! BRING ON THE PINK AND FRILLS!

Love,
Tressie & Mark

Hey Family,

Maggie had her sonogram today and it's a GIRL!!! We are all thrilled!!!

Her name is Madelynn Dae Van Hoose.....

See everyone this weekend....

love,
kittie

Hey C-Town, make sure you take pictures this weekend for the shower, pretty please.
Love, Blair

Thank you everyone for the sweet birthday wishes!!!

I survived turning 50. It really was pretty painless....Just another day...

love,
kittie

Happy Birthday Kittie!!!!! Mike, Eletia and Blair all sitting here. Me and mom just got through walking.
Happy 50th BDAY!!!!! You're looking greta!


Happy Happy Birthday Kittie from the Fort Worth bunch!

Love, Blair

Happy Birthday Kittie!!!!! Mike, Eletia and Blair all sitting here. Me and mom just got through walking.

Happy Happy Birthday Kittie from the Fort Worth bunch!
Love, Blair

Happy Birthday KITTIE!!!
Hope your day (and everyone elses) is going just fabulous. Looks like we won't be able to make it to the shower, we really wanted to though. We really can't afford to come down for the weekend, the turn around and come back for Thanksgiving. :( I think James and Brock are planning on taking me out for a birthday lunch Saturday then we are just going to relax and take advantage of the weekend!!!
My new job is going very well!!! Keeping up with 98 1st graders is rough! They sure do keep me busy. I am hoping that this will lead to a teaching position so hopefully it'll all be worth it in the end. . .who knows!?!?!
Well, just wanted to stop in to say Hi and to wish Kittie a Very Happy Day!
Love to all,
James, Shavonne, and Brock

Happy Birthday Kittie!
50 and kickin' it Miss Fabulous! Could you look any better? Come on give me a break will 'ya? We've got to get together to see what trouble we can stir up, LOL! 'Cause WE'RE 50 AND WE CAN KICK AND STRETCH! (Remember Molly Shannon from Saturday Night Live?)

Love,
Tress

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Kittie, Happy Birthday to you!!! Wow 50, you are going to catch up to the Gary's and I!!! Hope you have a great day. Hello to everyone and we are looking forward to seeing all at the shower, Saturday. Love, Susan

Hey,

Just wanted to update everyone on mother and JW....The hospital here transferred JW to Covenant in Lubbock yesterday...He is just not getting any better and now is running a high temperature...They will be running a colonoscopy on him in the morning....He is also very anemic. Hopefully, they can find out what is going on with him...I just wanted to let everyone know...
kittie

Hey,

I was late getting the baby shower invitations out...and I forgot tomorrow is a holiday so you probably won't get them until Tues or Wed. but I just wanted to remind everyone that Saturday, November 17 I will be having a "family" baby shower for Kate Elizabeth Gowens!!! It will be here at my home at 10am until whenever!! Hope everyone can come and let Jared and Betsy know how happy and blessed our family is to have a new addition....
Hope to see you then...
Love,
Kittie

Happy Birthday to Aunt Peg!!!! Love, Blair

Kittie, your birthday is coming up soon too and so is Megan's?

Hey, I need to get a list of everyone's BDay's so I can put them on the website.
Love, Blair

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AUNT PEGGY!!!!

Love,
Kittie

Hello everyone in Crosbyton!
Shavonne thanks so much for posting to my blog. It's so good to see your comments on there. I am right about 6 months now and still feeling good. We are going to birthing classes on Thursdays nights. Pretty funny to see Jared's face. Probably a little bit more information than he wants. We are looking forward to the 17th and seeing everyone that week end. Take care everyone. Love to all!
Betsy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELETIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SORRY I WAS SO LATE GETTING ON BUT HOPE YOU HAVE HAD A REALLY GREAT DAY AS I'M SURE YOUR FAMILY HAS TREATED YOU LIKE A QUEEN.
LOVE YOU!
MAW

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELETIA!!!!
Hope you have a wonderful day.....
love,
kittie

Happy Birthday Mom (Eletia) November 3rd. Love, Blair and Jay

Well, hope Brock and the Gowens group has a good time this weekend. Big hugs and kisses coming your way!!!

Susan, thanks for the cruise pics. Very cool. I have them on Weekly Wipe.
Love all,
Blair

Happy Halloween to everybody! I'm went to work today as a Cowbody and a judge at a Chili Cook off. Can't wait for Caden and Toby to come Trick or Treat tonight. Love, Blair

Happy Halloween to everyone. Hope everyone who had a birthday in October had a great one. Mine was wonderful. Peg and Gary made me queen of the day and had lots of surprises for me.
Blair, I will get you some pics of our cruise when things calm down. You know anytime you are gone from work it takes time to catch up.
Also hope JW starts to improve, it is so hard not feeling good. Maw, try to keep you strength and spirits up.
Betsy, I am so glad you are feeling great. You are in a very special time in your life. Jared, good luck going after your dream. As with James, I am excited for you and also a little scared. We do need good policeman out there and I know you would be great.
To all the rest of you hope this little message finds you all well. We will be going to San Angelo this weekend to help celebrate Brock's Birthday. Love to all, Susan

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween....

love,
kittie

Happy Late Birthday to Maggie too! Love Blair

Hey wasn't Susan and Gary Dale's birthday this month too???? Happy Birthday

HEY FAMILY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BBIIRRTTHHDDAAYY TO YOU DEAR BROCK
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT PARTY THIS WEEKEND
WHAT IS THIS, JARED, YOU ARE WANTING TO BE A POLICE OFFICER?? IS THAT SAFE??????I REALIZE YOU ARE A LITTLE DARE DEVIL, RIGHT?? SERIOUSLY, GOOD LUCK IF THAT IS WHAT YOU HAVE YOUR HEART SET ON. YOU KNOW ME, I AM FOR WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT. KNOW YA'LL ARE GETTING EXCITED ABOUT KATE. MAGGIE HAD HER BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY. KITTIE, GARY & MEGAN WERE GOING TO GO TAKE HER OUT TO EAT, ALONG WITH KRAIG AND BOSTON OF COURSE. SURE THEY HAD A GREAT TIME. TIME FOR THE SPOOKS TOMORROW NIGHT. UP THE STREET FROM US THEY ARE MAKING A SPOOK HOUSE AND GOING TO CHARGE $3.00 TO GO THRU IT. OOPS, JUST NOTICED MY CAP LOCK IS ON, OH WELL NOW YOU CAN READ IT WITHOUT YOUR GLASSES.J W IS STILL NOT DOING ANY GOOD. AM TAKING HIM TO PT EVERYDAY AND HIS SHOULDER IS NO BETTER AND NOW HE HAS AN INFECTION IN PROSTRATE GLAND AND DR ALLEY PUT HIM ON MED FOR THAT. HE IS UP TO ABOUT 15 MEDS A DAY NOW. YOU WOULD ALL BE SHOCKED TO SEE HOW HE HAS GONE DOWN.....LATER...MAW

Happy Birthday Brock!!! Wow, big 1 years old today! Hope you have a great birthday this weekend too! Love, Blair and Jay

Jared, good luck on your tests. I just know you did good. Good talking to you today! Give Bets hug.

Hi Everybody else! Love, Blair

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROCK!!
I hope you have a wonderful day...
love,
kittie

Hey guys and gals! I just wanted to drop a line and say "what up"! I have been somewhat busy lately with my current job, as well as, taking these tests for the different cities for a police officer. There are so many cities up here that are hiring and to even have a chance of getting a position you have to apply to all of them. Probably around 20+???
Passing the written and physical tests are no problem its just getting through the amount of people doing it as well. Bets and I are getting very excited for Kate to come and have a fun time watching her belly dance at night. Kittie, we were thinking possibly November 17th for the shower if possible???? Please let me know. Hope all is well and we love you guys!

Jared

Hey family! Just wanted to stop in and say hi. We have been so busy around here that time is just slipping away. Between getting ready for Brock's party and me (finally) getting a job, there's no time! Hope everyone is doing well.
Blair, I love all the Halloween pictures! I noticed that you added the one of Brock and Stormy. She thought that it was SOOOO CUTE that he was the dragon from Sleeping Beauty (she came up with that on her own), Jill and I search San Angelo for her Cinderella costume because that's who she wanted to be. She kept saying "but I want to be Cinderelly for today!!!" Jill and laughed all day, this kid is too funny and smart.
Well, I guess that's about it. Maw, J.W., Blair, and Jay- we will miss you all at the party but understand why you can't make it. Don't worry though, we'll have LOTS of pictures between our camera and Gary Lee's camera!
Take care and God Bless,
Shavonne

Hello Everyone!
Just wanted to let everyone know that when you visit my blog PLEASE post a comment. When I read the Crosbyton blog I realized that Kittie and Shavonne were commenting on my blog and I didn't get to see it until now! I would love for everyone to leave comments on my blog. :) I think if you sign in under this blog you can go to my blog and leave a comment as Crosbyton. Everything here is going great. So glad it is much cooler! I am getting bigger and staying active. This is the best part of pregnancy (or so I'm told) and I am trying to soak up every minute! Love to all! And please leave a comment when you visit my blog! I just did 2 posts on our trip to Cincinnati!
Betsy

hello to everyone. How is C-town? Mike, Caden & I went to see Walking with The Dinosaurs last nite at the American Airlines Center. It was quite a show and we enjoyed it, we were just a little cold because they had the airconditioners on, so we all snuggled throught most of it.
I have been working flex hours for the last two months which means I work for 6 am to 4 pm. I am keeping Caden and Toby on Fridays to help detour some child care costs. I do enjoy keepting them, but they sure show me just how old I am getting.
Blair and I try to walk atleast everyother day. Oh, Blair runs, I walkd and he laps me twice. Oh well, I did "jog" a little. Doing great, just can only eat small amounts, but hey, thats great. Like my doctor says, you don't need as much food to stay alive as you think you do."
Mike is still off on most Thursdays and still works at least every other weekend. Last weekend, was really busy for him. He was called out twice in one night and was gone most of the weekend. Today he goes to Athens for a funeral. Last Monday, he took chili beans, mexican corn bread, pecan and coconut pie to his office and fed about 12 people. He said they really did enjoy it.
April is having to get the month of November worked out on child care, her new sitter is taking most of the month off to go to Mexico and see her family. I have one week vacation 12-holiday the 22. Back to work Fri the 23, and will work the rest of the month in appraisal department and then I transfer to the REO dept as an Assest Manager. I am looking forward to learning something new and most of all getting to stay with Citi and keep my tenure and benefits.
Mike, April, Caden, Toby & I had dinner last Wed nite here in Ft Worth with Sheron, Jerry, Cameron, Diane and Brock at Chilis. We sure did enjoy that. We plan on seeing them tonite also at Cameron & Dianes home. Brock is having tubes put in his ears this morning and Diane is having a little surgery today also. They will both be home tonite if all goes well.
Jared & Betsy enjoyed there trip to Ohio last weekend to see their anual Bengals game. They did however get caught up in the change of weather in Chicago and had to spend another unexpected nite there. They did get home and back to work.
Maybe if all goes well we can get to C-town real soon.

Love to you all, Eletia

Hey Family
Thanks for putting the pics on your Halloween page Bear. Thought all might enjoy them.It was fun to look for them through all the many albums I have. I'm sure I had lots more, Ha
I tried to encourage Peggy to join us Sat night on the Chat so maybe she will. I told her she was missing lots o fun. (Even if she does not know why I ask her about pie) I would just like to point out a fact I'm sure no one else has noticed and that C-Town now has more Blogs on this site than Griffin Sisters and they started first. What's up Griffins????Don't let Bear down now!!!!! Get busy posting!!!Later, Maw

Hey Maw and everybody!

Maw, thanks for the old Halloween pics. They are great. All pics you sent are on Halloween page.

Hey, Jay said he had fun too on the chat. It is like the back porch, shootin the breeze.
Love,
Blair

Hey Family
Love Blair's Halloween pics. I E-mailed him some old ones this morning so watch for them. He may not have room for all of them. If we could turn the clock back, as my Aunt Alta use to say, we could have a great family "spook" house again, Dalmer style, right?? Now after Stormy and Boston come by I am ready to turn out the lights and go to bed, ha ha ha. The Sat night Chat was fun. I love how fast Jay comes in with all his digs at us, right Bon? He has quite the wit. Anyway if you have not tried getting on, please do. It is like we are all in a room together talking or like Jay said, sitting on the back porch. Shavonne, congts on the JOB!! way to go girl!! Loved Brock's shiner too. The farmers are all striping cotton so it is a busy place, trucks, strippers and etc running up and down the hwy. Later, Love, Maw

Shavonne, Maw, Eletia, Jay and Tress had fun on the blog too on Saturday. Maybe we will have people chat tonight, Tuesday. Hope everyone is having a great week. Blair

Just wanted to stop in to tell Maw, Blair, Jay (yes, even you), Eletia, and Tress that I had a blast chatting with you all on Saturday evening. Ya'll are too much fun!!! It's been a while since I laughed so hard!

Hope everyone is doing well. Looks like winter is upon us here in San Angelo. . .YEAH!!! It's cold and rainy here today and it's supposed to stay cold all week.

Betsy, I can remember Brock doing the same thing!!! It is such a blessing to watch your baby move around inside of you. Just wait until she gets the hiccups, Brock was always active but he got the hiccups every night around bed time. It's an odd sensation but you get used to it. I hope you are feeling well, from your Blog it seems that you are really enjoying your pregnancy. I am thrilled for you and Jared!!!

Eletia, Congrats on your employee awards!!! It pays to work your butt off!

Alright, better get back to work. Hope everyone is well, love you all!
God Bless,
Shavonne

Hey Family
Just have a minute before closing time, so HEY!!! I have my quilts loaded in the van and my old treadle sewing machine and a batch of divinity to take over to enter in the CROSBY COUNTY FAIR, for tomorrow. Kittie and Peggy have taken some stuff over too. J W is doing good with his PT and getting some stronger. Flower had her surgery Tuesday and she is doing good too. Has to go back in a few more days to get stitches out.Buddy misses her being outside with him.There are cars buzzing around town today. A ballgame here tonight and had a pep rally this afternoon and people taking stuff to memorial bldg for the fair displays.
Eletia, congrats on the awards. Well deserved I'm sure!!!!!!!!!!!By the way, how is Mikey doing????????No one ever mentions him?????????Hope he is not working too hard. Oh yeah, Eletia, the appraisal dist moved again over to the old newspaper bldg. How bout that???They bought the bldg this time. Tom was going up on their rent and the bldg had problems. Later, Maw

Hey Family
Just to touch base....J W is now in PT (started yesterday) so maybe that will help him. Wayman & his family came last weekend and Wayman gave him a good pep talk, made him promise to get to PT and try to get his life back on track. They stayed at Trina's Friday & Sat night but they ame on way thru Friday and then Sunday morn on way back home. I left at 6:30 this morning to take Flower to Lubbock Pet Hosp for her surgery. She is 6 months old this month so she is getting spay and her hernia fixed. She will stay overnight and Kittie is going to pick her up for me tomorrow when she goes to stay with Boston.Seems like we all run a train back & forth to Lubbock. Trying to get my quilts rounded up to enter in the Crosby County Fair this week-end (20th) I am also going to enter the antique treadle sewing machine and an antique quilt that it the same age as me that Mama and Alta made. It will be fun. I love to see all the quilts that are entered. Got to get back to work....Eletia, are you not feeling good????? Sorry. Maybe it was the trip & get-to-gether??Take it easy. I loved the new pics of Caden & Toby. Can't believe how Toby has grown!!!!!!He looks like Eletia to me and Caden looks so grown up.The town is putting out things for Halloween so it is looking like Fall in the air.Everyone take care and I love you all, Maw

Hey everyone, yep we are alive!!!
This week has been crazy and I've allowed it just to pass me by. I hope everyone is doing well, we will be praying for J.W.
I hope everyone received their invitation, we sent them out last week. I can't believe that we are getting ready to celebrate our baby's first birthday!
. . .Betsy, it's amazing how long my list of "nevers" has become. Some of them extemely silly but some just happened as I realize what works best for Brock. You'll be amazed at how you and Jared might change your parenting ideas to what's best for the three of you.
I better get going, Granty, Gary, and Susan decided to come this evening instead of tomorrow afternoon so Brock and I are doing a little bit of spiffing up (acutally for anyone who has raised a child, I'll do so cleaning and Brock will go right behind me to turn that same place back into a disaster area). . .ahh the joys of a little one!!! And I wouldn't trade it in for anything!
Wish you all well.
God Bless,
James, Shavonne, and Brock

Hey Family
I have not had time to post lately but checking out the Blog at work. J W is out of hospital AGAIN. He is sure having a time trying to get back to going!!!!
The results of the cat scan are all good. Nothing showing up. He has not been able to start his PT on the shoulder yet. I keep thinking if he could get started on the PT he would feel better?????????? It seems sometimes that he is giving up but he keeps telling me that something is wrong in connection to his left side and shoulder. The C-scan did state calcified pleural plaquing and thickening in left lung base.However this is stable from past scans and x-rays. I guess he just feels it and it does not feel normal and will never feel normal. Somehow he can't seem to accept any of this to try to move on. He had called me Wed about 1:30 and said he thought he was having a heart attack and wanted to go to ER. That is when they kept him over night just to watch him but they didn't even have him on a heart monitor (??) so guess the doctor was not too concerned that it was his heart????????Anyway, hopefully he will get better soon!!!!!!!! That is about all I know for now, love, Maw

Hey Everybody. Hey Kittie thanks for keeping us updated on JW. I talked to Maw last weekend and she said he wasn't feeling good at all. I admire her strength too. I hope I half of what she has been able to do.

Okay, yummy on the chocolate cake. I bet yours is good just like Artie's was. Will you make me one? YUMMMY!!! Happy Birthday to Kraig. Maggie's Birthday is almos here too.

Happy late Birthday to Susan too. Hope they had fun on cruise.
Love everybody,
Blair

Hey family,

Just a short note to say Hey to everyone.
J.W. is in the hospital again...I don't know if he is ever going to feel good again...He continues to lose weight and is very fatigued and weak all of the time. Continue to pray for him and Mother as she tries to work and take care of him....Seems like she is having to take care of Artie all over again....I admire her strength and I am thankful to have such a strong mother....Hope I inherited some of that strength.
I talked to Peggy today and she said their ship has docked so they will be heading home in a day or two...she talked like they had a wonderful time, which I am sure they did....They were going to stop by Donna Beth's for a night or two and then on to James and Shavonne before coming home...
Happy late birthday to Susan....I am sure it was alot of fun spending your birthday on a cruise....
Tomorrow is Kraig's birthday and Maggie wanted me to make him a chocolate pie....Does that sound familar?? Remember Artie used to make everyone their favorite pie for their birthday...yum-yum...sure do miss those pies!!!
I hope the Griffins and Gowens have a fun time this weekend at Mark and Tressie's....
Hey, Jared and Betsy....let me know if ya'll have come up with a time for the shower....
Ok, I have to get back to work...I have four doctors to type today.....
love to all,
kittie

Hey Family,

First of all the pics of Caden and Toby are absolutely adorable!!! They are toooooo cute!!

Sorry I missed the live chat last night....I have just really been swamped with work and haven't had any time to write or chat...

Eletia.....you are a true inspiration....keep up the good work!!! You look wonderful (even after a workout)!!
Hope everyone is well. Peggy called me yesterday and they are having a good time on the cruise....Carol's sister, Sherri and her husband Bill, surprised Peggy by booking the same cruise and so it sounds like they are all having a great time....
Hope the Griffins have a fun get together next weekend.....
got to get back to my "doctors" !!
Love to all,
kittie

Hey family....Hope all is well. Maw hope Papa gets to feeling better.

Everybody tonight is chat night from 7-9? Will you be on there?
Blair

HEY FAMILY
Did not get to take J W for the Cat Scan this morning. He just could not muster up to go so I called and re-scheduled for Friday morning at 8:00. He has really had a pretty fair day today. I was really busy at work (being the 3rd) Will try to keep everyone posted. Love, Maw

Hey family
Just checked on the live chat but no one on so will leave a quick note here. J W got out of hospital today but he is not feeling any better. They did the Doppler test this morning of heart and tummy. In the morning have to go to Lubbock for Cat Scan of head, chest and tummy. He sayes he does not feel like making the trip so we'll see how it goes in the morning. I tried to work this afternoon (had the office locked up all morning) He called me twice to run home so finally at 4:30 I gave up and came on home. His shoulder is still hurting him so bad. Maybe he can start the PT next week. Wanted everyone to know that Ella is in really bad shape. Darlia and then Kelton called me. She is in hospital at Abilene. Everything is progressing really fast. Darlia said her mind is about like a 3 yr old now. They will proably go home with Hospice, if she gets to go home. Got to go to bed. I have been really tired the past few days trying to keep up with everything. Caden was so sweet when I talked to him. He was all excited about having some "keys" to drive his car with. Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Family,

Jared and Betsy.....LOVED the baby room....Maggie and I are beginning to gather some stuff to start on her baby room too....It is so much fun!! She met her doctor for the first time Friday and she really did like her....her due date is April 1st....

Caden!!! Looks like you had a GREAT birthday party....I really enjoyed the pictures...

Sorry I haven't blogged sooner...We made a "quick" trip to Menard this weekend so Gary could do some "grandson do's" for his grandmother...Boston went with us and we had a nice weekend...

I have been really busy with transcription and with Peggy going on vacation next week, I am working on her doctors as well so I can do them too while she is gone!! I love it though and I work better under pressure...so bring it on BABY!!! This week and next will be really, really busy for me so I might not get a chance to blog or talk on the live chat but I will as soon as I can...

April and Zac....your house looks amazing....It already looks like home!!!!

Eletia...You look wonderful....I hope you are feeling well and I admire your dedication to be healthy....I am so hard on my poor old body....I need to try to take better care of it....although I am sure it will outlast my brain!!!!

Ok, got to get back to work....just wanted to say HI to all.....
love,
kittie

Maw, glad Papa is feeling better. We had fun at Caden's party. You'll have to check out his page of his party. Love, Blair

TGIF
Update from my noon visit to the hospital, they are going to do a Doppler test on J W Tuesday, at Crosbyton and then on Wed a Cat Scan at Lubbock of his stomach area. He is feeling some better than he was yesterday, proably all the TLC he is getting from the nurses.
Someone give Caden a hug for us and tell him we said. Happy Birthday. Wish we could be there!!!!, Maw

Hey all...Yeah it's Friday!!! We are having a birthday party for Caden tonight at his new house. He turned 4 yesterday.

Well, hope everyone has been able to enjoy the new live chat so far. I'm thinking about designating a couple of nights a week to have lots of get on so we all know when someone else is on there. I will keep the live chat up all the time, but maybe a couple of nights for several us to get on there would be better.

Maw, hopefully Papa J will get to feeling better soon.

James, tell us how the football game was last weekend.

Susan and Aunt Peg, tell us how the play was last weekend.

Love all, Blair

Hey family
New update.........Took J W to see Dr Alley this morning at 8:30 and he put him in the hospital. Lab work all looked okay except elavated blood count. Chest xray did not show anything different. Urine checked out okay. He is running a low grade of fever for 2 or 3 days now and is nauseous and won't try to eat, weak and dizzy. Anyway, they are hooking him up to IV to give him his meds that way and let his stomach rest and do a blood profile or study which will take a couple of days or so. Maybe they can make him feel bettr just being up there. He gets so worried about himself at home and that makes it worse. His cartoon is really cute Blair, I tried to get him to come look at it this morning but he didn't even feel up to it so he will see it later. Later.....Maw

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CADEN!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

I am so sorry I did not get Caden's card in the mail in time fo r him to have it today....Someone please tell him Happy Birthday from us...and I hope he has a wonderful day today...

love,
kittie

HAPPY, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CADEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mailed you a card yesterday so it will be late but maybe you will get it in time for your party Friday. Took J W to orthro doc Tuesday and he said his shoulder problem is arthritis causing impingement syndrome (pinching).The bursa or tendons become swollen and reduce space squeezing the soft tissue painfully against the bone.He could do surgery and debride to make more room but said it would proably come back in time. He is going to try therapy first, here at Crosbyton PT and see if that will help. Right now his stomach is all upset from taking pain meds for so long. He started leaving them off yesterday and taking Tylenol only but he is not in good shape this morning. May have to get him app with Dr. Alley today, if possible.Poor thing, he is having a terrible time. Sorry Brock is sick too. Hope Stormy is getting back to normal!!!!We had a terrible storm front roll through last night (cold front). Got to get to work, Maw

Hello All!
Please check out my blog for pics of Kate's room that her Daddy worked so hard on this week end! Take care.
Betsy

Hey family
This is strange but I seem to have more time at work now than I do at home to check the Blog. Worked all weekend rearranging bedrooms, moving a daybed from front bedroom to Ryan's room. Kittie came over after church and helped me set it up. She was going home to do some of the same stuff to rearrange Boston's room and closet. Now after reading Jared's blog, I would say we are a working bunch! Jared, the dresser sounds beautiful and something I know you and Betsy are really proud of. You are true to Gowens tradition, get an idea, jump in and get her done right then!!!!! We are so happy for ya'll getting to fix and plan for this new little baby girl. Just hope Betsy is feeling okay. J W is no better with his shoulder so I called the Lubbock doc office this morning and they are going to see him 2:15 tomorrow. Maybe he can come up with another treatment plan. The injection did not help at all. I feel so sorry for him. It has just put his life on hold (and mine too).Hope everyone got back home okay (the ones that were gone) Have not talked to anyone yet. That's all for now, back to work to earn my pay ha ha ha ha. Maw

Hello all! Betsy and I first and foremost want to thank everyone for the kind words. We feel blessed to have a great family that cares for us. Betsy and I have had a long weekend getting some things done for my little girl. We, of course, the Gowens way could not wait until January to do her room. It had to be done now! :)
Betsy's mom flew into town on Friday and suprised her mom with the news of Kate. Then they went to a few places shopping for her bedding and such. On Saturday Betsy and her mom went to do a whole lot of more shopping while I painted Kate's room Pink! And no, its not pepto pink!
Betsy picked out a great chandelier along with curtains and new knobs for a dresser of Betsy's grandmothers that I re-did! It is very special to us being that it is a family heirloom passed down, plus something that I did with my own two hands. I also installed a dimmer light complete with a couple of minor shocks! :) Not to worry, I am O.K! I think!

Kittie, Betsy and I think having a shower down there would be great! Please let us know what you need us to do and what date you would like to do this. Thank you very, very much for offering to do this. That really touched Betsy very much to know that you guys care that much! We love you guys. Take care! Jared and Bets!

hey everybody....Gary Lee Happy Birthday. Hope you had fun in Houston with James at the football game. It was an exciting game huh?

Susan, hope you and Aunt Peg had fun at the Lion King play.

Kittie, glad ya'll enjoyed the Gary cartoon.

Maw and Shavonne, we had fun on the chat huh? Can't wait for others to catch on.

Love everybody.
Blair

Hey Family.....
First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BIG BROTHER GARY!!!!! Hope you had a wonderful time in Houston this weekend!!!! Love ya!!

And also to Gary and Susan...I drove by your house today and the siding is awesome!! Looks really nice....I know ya'll must be really pleased with the results....

Jared and Betsy....Just wanted to throw this out there.....I would absolutely be thrilled to HOST a Baby Shower for ya'll up in this area....I know you will probably have one there where you live but I also know there are alot of family and friends around here that would love to get together and help you celebrate the coming of your baby girl....let me know....ANYTIME will work for me....

Hope everyone is having a good weekend....Blair, I promise I will try to join the live chat soon....Ma told me today how much fun she had last night with you, Jay and Shavonne....

And Gary dancing is toooooo cool!!!!! I had to drag him in here today to see it...but he had to chuckle, so you know it was good!!! He is NOT a computer guy but I am working on him....

Love to all,
kittie

Just wanted to stop in and say that I had a blast last night with Maw, Jay, and Blair on the "Live Chat." I don't think I've (as in just me without James) ever had the opportunity to just enjoy the Gowens'. Ya'll made me laugh harder than I've laughed in a while!!! Hopefully I'll get to join in on some other chats, and maybe we can get more involved next time.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Love ya' lots, God Bless,
Shavonne

Hi Kittie.. . Tress here! Thanks for the sweet comments about my new business. I'm continuing my present work with Derms and Plastic Surgeons, but wanted to get something started that could add another outlet for my creative juices! I do that from midnight til sunup, LOL! I'm so proud of you about being the opening singer for the Tech Volleyball games. Really impressive! Would you be able to have someone record it and we could have Blair upload it on the site? I'd love to be there in person to hear you! I just had a weird blast from the past memory while bloggin- (remember your mom shouting at us at the Cornelius's house- "Kittie, lower your booming-voice!" Well this is the time to let it ring-out girl!

Love,
Tress

Blair,

Loved your Walk Across Texas pictures and also the pics of your office!! Thanks for sharing...I will try to get on the live blog sometime soon....
Love to all,
kittie

Yeah hopefully we will get more people on here to do live chat. Anytime your on, especially in the evening see if anyone is on there.
Blair

Congrats to Jared and Betsy!! Your little girl will become such a blessing in your life just like mine have been in my life....

Love,
Kittie

CONGRATULATIONS !! Jared and Betsy. Wow Kate Elizabeth will have two wonderful parents. Little girls turn into wonderful women, you will be very blessed. Sorry I missed the first live chat. Hope everyone is doing fine, I will not be checking the website till Monday so until then Have a Wonderful Weekend. Love, Susan

Jared and Betsy, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I know the two of you must be thrilled! I know that when Brock was confirmed to be Brock, it helped us bond much better with him. Betsy I hope you are still feeling well, good job on keeping up with your exercise. I think that's what helped me through my pregnancy, delivery, and recovery. . .too bad I haven't kept up with it afterward! :)

Hope everyone is well.

Blair, I heard the live chat was great last night. I was getting Brock ready and down for the night so I missed out. Maybe I can get in on one soon.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

God Bless,
Shavonne

Hey Family
To Jared & Betsy, I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am to hear you are having a baby GIRL! This is so great! I thought you might get on the live chat last night and I could tell you there. Little Kate Elizabeth ! I am so thrilled!!!!!! Just got on this morning to see if ya'll left us all a message. The live chat was fun Blair, after I figured out how to do it. Takes me awhile.Love to all, Maw

Yes first night on live chat was great. James, Maw, Eletia, Jay and Blair talked. Woohooh!!
Get on here.
Blair

Check out the new live chat room. Love, Blair

Well, I took the personality quiz and. . .surprise, surprise- I have multiple personalities!!! I am Blue, nearly, Gold and nearly Green. Yep, of course that's what it would show.

Anywho, glad everyone seems to be doing well. With the constant weather changes around here we've bounced from allergies to a cold, which is always fun.

Blair, I too am super anxious to make it back down there. Hopefully everyone can make it for Brock's birthday party (hint, hint) so you all can see our home!!!

Betsy and Jared. . .I will be waiting on pins and needles! Betsy, did you get my e-mail with the information you asked about? If you need anything else just let me know, either e-mail or call! I have no problem discussing this with you if it's something you are interested in.

Ok, I'm writing at work so I really better get. I need to go work or rather, I need to go do other people's work.

Take care, we send our love, and I just added new pictures on Brock's webpage.

God Bless,
James, Shavonnne, and Brock-man

Oh my gosh, I love the communication. I'm so excited don't know what to do with myself. All this stuff going on, gotta send me some pics. okay!!!!

Also, Papa J, keep positive. You will feel better. Get up and do the walks that you've done. Not as far, but exercise is like a magic pill. Also, I have it on my calendar last week and got sick over weekend with sinus, completely forgot to say Happy Birthday Papa J. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Aunt Peg, tell us what's up????

Everybody, thanks so much for the nice things. Love you all.

Gary and James, tell us about the game. Pics???? Susan, you sweet thing, I can't wait hug you!!!!

Kittie, can't wait to hug you either. We're working on Gary Dale's cartoon. Sorry we slacked off on getting some new cartoons. But more will come. Also, awesome, Kittie, that you are singing National Anthem at Tech Volleyball games. Go Kittie...... You know the lady that sang at the basketball games, Terri Hawkins, that quit now I know because she was an attorney there in LUbbock when I did the CPS thing. You need to do Lady Raider games too. Okay, yes, that gives me another reason to come see everybody.

James and Shavonne, wow Brock is almost 1!!!!! Little Halloween Boy!! Love him to pieces.
We have a very special room for ya'll when you come again. Me and Jay are just waiting for the day that ya'll call up and say we are coming.

Maggie and crew, Megan, Jill, and everyone else, come on down.

I am so proud of my family!!!!! Everyone of you..

Hey big possibility!!! We are working on trying to work on a live chat in the website once a week or so.....Stay tuned.

Oh yeah, I'm blue, and almost green.

Love, Bear

I took the color test and I am Gold! The web site is great, Blair and we love you for all your hard work. This weekend Gary and James are going to Houston to See the Texans and Colts play football. They are both very excited. Peggy and I are going to see the Lion King play since I will be home alone. The trip to Houston is Gary 52nd Birthday present.
Yes we are remodeling. We bit the bullet and refinanced so put on seamless siding and turned our garage into a den. Our family is growing and my living room is shrinking.
We leave for our cruise on October 6th and we are all really excited. Gary and I would rather cruise than anything else. We have been on several and this will be Pegs first. I know we will have a great time and will have lots of pic to share.
Hope JW's new treatment will help the pain. It's so miserable to be in pain. I have had my share of bad pain and it is no fun.
We will be anxious to hear from Betsy and Jared today!!
Love to all, Susan

Hey Family,

Hope everyone is well....Blair, I took your test and I am a BLUE....It was very interesting...

Boston continues to do well in his new school, although, he did tell me yesterday that he does miss going to school over here too...I'm sure he is missing some of his friends...
Maggie has her first doctor's appointment Friday. She has been very frustrated in finding a doctor because Covenant no longer accepts Blue Cross coverage and that is what they have...It has been a really big deal around here for the past month or so. Anyway she finally found a practice that she felt comfortable with and so she will be delivering at UMC.
I have been asked to sing the National Anthem at the Lady Raiders Volleyball game next week and I am very excited about that...I have always wanted to sing in the Spirit Arena. The guy in charge of the music wants me to audition to sing at one of the basketball games and I MIGHT depending on how I do next week...I think I should start out with the volleyball game (not as many people)...Anyway, I will let you know if I totally screw up or not!!! hahaha....
Peggy told me that Gary and Susan are remodeling their house...That is so exciting...I love home improvement...can't wait to see it...Susan, let us know how it is going...
Peggy, Gary and Susan are also going on a cruise around the 6th of October...that should be a lot of fun....
Ok, guess that is all I know for now...
love to all,
kittie

Hey Family
Took J W to the doctor appointment yesterday at Lubbock (orthro) and the doctor was just sure he had a tear in rotator cuff but he looked at the MRI report and it stated that there was no visible tear so he said he would start with giving him an injection in the shoulder, which he did after freezing it and then the shot with a really mile long needle (ouch). He said if that did not take care of it to call his office back and he would tell him what he was going to do next. He did go ahead and set up a follow up appointment for 3 weeks, when he is back in Crosbyton Clinic again. His shoulder seems to be better this morning. He thinks some of it is a different type pain and some might be from the injection site ??Don't know yet. Anyway he really did like this doctor and hopefully he can help him.Later, Maw

Hey Blair, and everyone else!!! Yes, we are alive and well here. Sorry I've been slacking so bad, I haven't even been keeping Brock's page updated as much as I'd like to. My goal is to get new pictures posted by the end of the week so stay tuned for that!!!

Glad to hear that Blair and Jay, and The McGaughy's got settled into their new homes. I can't wait for the three of us to go back that way and see them!

Jared and Betsy, I CAN'T wait to hear about the sono! I know that you've really enjoyed getting to hear the heartbeat, but you'll never forget what it's like to really see your child for the first time!!! I can still remember the look on James' face like I make belly was all jellied up yesterday!

Maw, sorry to hear the JW is still having so much trouble. I will pray that he will get an appointment soon and the doctors can give him an answer/solution to his problem.

Like I said, we are doing well just busy busy. Our upcoming "adventure" is Brock's 1st birthday!!!. . .don't worry, you'll all be getting invitations weather you can make it or not!!! I can't believe the little booger is going to be one. It makes me smile and tear up at the same time! Ok, enough! I better get.

Hope everyone is doing well. Kittie, sounds like your schedule is crazier than ours. Try not to over do it.

God Bless,
James, Shavonne, and Brock

Hey....Forgot to post HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO J.W. YESTERDAY!!

Hope you enjoyed your puddin'......

Hope all is well....been busy, busy with work...The oldest grandson of one of the lady's that works for my new boss was killed in an auto accident near Tahoka late Friday night, so I pitched in over the weekend to help with her work...Seems like since Boston has been gone my work has more than doubled...guess God knows I need to be busy...

more later...
love,
kittie

Hey Everyone.......Susan, you have a smokin' body. I just love watching you do the Electric Slide. You go!!!

Maw, me and Jay are thinking and praying for Papa. I really hope he gets some comfort really soon.

Yeah, Stormy is doing good!!! I knew she would. Mom (Eletia) called me at lunch time on Wednesday to tell me she was doing well. Yes!!! Glad she is good!!

Betsy, yes, this uncle is excited and always asking Jared everytime I talk to him, when's the appointment. Can't Wait!!

April and Zac are moved in. The house looks great. Jared, Zac and Dad (Mike) and April have done a lot on that house and wow it looks great. Caden showed me his room tonight when me and Jay helped Zac and Dad get the fridge in. I'm so proud for them.

Shavonne, James and Brock where are ya'??? Love ya. Need to hear from yall. Okay, craving to see Brock again. Hehehe. Seriously!!!

Kittie and crew, whats goin on????? How's Boston doing in school in Lubbock??
Megan, how you doing in college????

Aunt Peg, you better get your self on here and say how you're doing. Only cause I love you...


Love all of you special little people!!
Blair and Jay

hello everyone! Hope everyone is doing well. Just wanted to tell everyone in case they don't read my blog that we are finding if we are having a boy or girl September 20th. Stay tuned!
Betsy

Hey Family
Thanks Eletia for calling to check on Stormy and J W yesterday. Talked to Brandon last night and Peggy this morning and Stormy seems to be doing okay. Hopefully she will feel better in a few days. Took J W to the appointment they had set up for him, at the clinic here yesterday at 1:30. When we got there we were told, Oh that doctor was here this morning and has already gone back to Lubbock. They said we could go home and call his office and see what they wanted us to do??????Took him back home and called and was told that his name was never on their list of appointments for Crosbyton.Don't know who did not do their job but now we are waiting to see when he could see this doctor at his Lubbock office. It may be a month before he can get in. This is so crazy!!!!!!!In the meantime, he is still in pain and on pain meds. He is really getting discouraged.
Eletia, sorry you are not getting back to par real fast. I pray that one morning you will wake up and be able to say, Wow, I really do feel better this morning.
Are April and Zac going to try to move this weekend?? Hope everyone is doing okay, Jared & Betsy, James & Shavonne, Maggie & Kraig, Megan Lee, Blair & Jay, you know, just everyone.Later, Maw

Hey Blair, Can you really give me that body!!!
Just a quick note to let everyone know that Stormy's surgery went fine. The doctor said her tonsils were really bad. She was a little mad at all of us, but that is to be expected. She will stay in the outpatient surgery until around PM to make sure everything is fine. She went into surgery at 8AM and was in recovery by 8:35. Thanks for all the support of our little baby girl. I printed out the well wishes for Stormy's baby book. Love, Susan

Hey Stormy and family
We all will have you in our thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I know you can not read all of the sweet messages left here on the blog for you but maybe your Nana can tell you about them. We all love you so very much baby girl and just know you will get well soon and then feel so much better. I'm sure you will be in good hands as all the doctors and nurses will fall in love with you.
Love, Maw Papa and Ryan

Stormy, your in my thoughts too. Love you sweetie. You will do great and feel so much better. Hi Aunt Susan, can't wait to see ya'll again too. Congrats to James and Gary Lee on winning fantasy football.
Love, Blair

Stormy, sure do hope all goes well for you Wednesday. I know you will do great. Get ready for popsicles and ice cream. We love you and wish you the very very best. Eletia

I hope that Stormy's surgery goes well Wednesday. We will definitely be thinking of her. If she is having a lot of trouble because of them then she should really feel alot better without them.

love to all,
kittie

Blair and Jay just love your house. Can't wait till Gary and I can come to see ya'll. I know April and Zac are getting real excited also. Not much going on this week end. We have had a very restful and football filled day. Looks like Gary and James will win their first fantasy football game this week. Everyone pray for Stormy on Wdnesday the 12th. She will have her tonsils and adnodes out. Don't know what time yet, the hosptial will call Jill on Tuedsay night. Also check in on Brock's website. Our baby boy is really growing. Love to everyone out there. Susan

Hey Everybody...Thanks Maw and Kittie for welcoming us home and back on the web. Yeah, I loved how I got you dancing Maw. Our patio faces the north. We have solar panels on all the windows too. Should be very efficient with heating and cooling. I have one of those water softener dispensers like you do Maw on your kitchen sink. Really cool. Every time I drink out of it, I think of you. Ahhh, okay everybody don't get teary eyed on me. Sorry Papa is still hurting. Maybe the pain will start to get better with time. Love, Blair

Hey,

Blair and Jay....LOVE YOUR NEW HOME!!! It is very nice and I know ya'll are must be very proud...I would love to come and see all of you...

Also, Love Ma dancing!!! Very cute!!

love to all,
kittie

Hey Web Master and All
I am so glad you are back. Missed you!!Your new house is awesome. I am so happy and proud for you both. Looks like you just about have it all together. I can see in the future that you will be building a patio cover. Is your patio on the West, East, North or South??Not important, just wondered how much sun you will be getting in the evening.Hey, Right-On, with me doing the twist. I don't know how you do that but it is jst too cute. Thanks you for thinking of me. Made my day. J.W. is still in pain and not able to do much for himself. I got him in Ryan's big shower yesterday morning and shampooed him and scrubbed him all over. He said it was wonderful and I told him I proably created a monster. Ha.We have had rain yesterday and today. The Sunday morning newspaper got wet so I have it spread out to dry. Did see where Fay Mooneyham and John Criswell died. Do you remeber when Fay had the West Side Drive-in and made wonderful pies?? John was 90 years old.Anyway, that is about all I know so am going back to my quilting for awhile this morning.Again, so glad ya'll are back!
Maw

Hey Everybody....Me and Jay are hooked back up on the internet. We are moved in and loving the new house. I can't wait to have everyone over. Mowed my yard today. Bought some more decorations too. Trying to get things situated, you know how that it is with a home. April and Zac are getting ready to move into their new house. Very exciting. You know, couple nights ago, I sat down in my living room and looked around, and thanked the Lord for blessing me with such a wonderful place to call home. I am so thankful. Love you all!!!! Blair

Hey Family
This is getting pretty silly, me & Kittie talking on the Blog..Just kidding.. J.W. went back to Dr Allen yesterday and he gave him another shot, cordizone and made an appointment with an orthro doctor next week, 12th to see what he thinks. He is some better but still not able to do much for himself. Seem like this is all I have going on for now.Go to work and then home to take care of J.W. I did find out that the County Fair will be October 12, here is Crosbyton to I will try to enter some of my quilts I have made in the last 3 years (since the last fair) Of course I do not have Brock's, Toby's or Mike's quilts anymore but that is okay. I am so proud they have them. How is the painting going on April & Zac's house?? Hope Blair and Jay have all the computer equipment set up and ready to go at their new house. Kittie is right, you can feel fall in the air lately. Later, Maw

Hey Family,

Sorry I haven't written...been pretty busy this week...I have started another new doctor and that takes TIME!!! They all have their own way of saying things OR not saying things that you are just suppose to know!! Very challenging, but I love it!!
Even though it is still hot most days, you can tell the season is changing.....
Boston is doing really go at his new school...He really does like it, especially the Science lab they have there...He is beginning to make some new friends and even got some of their phone numbers so he could talk to them after school...He told me Wednesday that he would like to come "home" this weekend because he does miss it, so me and Pappy are anxious to have him for the weekend...
Maggie and Kraig are doing really good...I think Boston is getting them into a routine!! Which will come in handy once the baby gets here. Maggie has decided to do the baby's room in Old Nursery Rhymes, using green gingham checked material...so that should work for a boy or girl...They have been making a list of possible names, so I will keep you posted...
Megan is doing good too...she is working and going to school...that takes up just about all of her time!!
Ok, I think that should catch everyone up on us for now...How is everyone else?? I don't ever see anyone anymore, except Mother...I know everyone is busy...I basically never leave the house anymore and actually I like it!!
love to all,
kittie

Hey Family
Is anyone out there???J W went back to see Dr Allen yesterday and he is some better. The lung doctor had looked at the Cat scan and told Dr. Allen there was no change from last year so that is good news! I guess it has been a severe attack of arthritis in his shoulder.He is still taking pain meds but he not yelling out quite so bad. Ha.Dr. Allen also gave him a cortizone shot yesterday so maybe that will help.Been pretty busy this week at the office, first of the month pmts, etc.
Later, Love, Maw

Hey Family
We will try to keep the Blog alive for our Blog "Master" Blair. Hope his & Jays move is going smooth. If you have not checked our the C-town and Griffin Sister's sites you really need to. Mike, Kittie and Gary Lee look really "cool" with their dance routine, thanks to Blair. The sister's also look really cute on their site. Keep us laughing Blair.
J W is no better. He had a really rough night. All we can do is try to keep him comfortable (which is NOT possible). I was up several times last night, try heating pad here, try pillow props here and there, take pain pills, sop up glass of water he turned over, it just goes on and on but none of this has helped his pain. I'm sure it will be Tuesday before he can talk to a doctor again with the holiday.

Okay, I have an "order" or request from Maggie as to what she would like for her baby quilt. Since she has picked something that would work for boy or girl we do not need to wait to find out. So, Jared & Betsy I will be waiting to hear some news from you as well. Maybe someday I will make it over to the fabric store to start the projects. I am looking forward to it!!!
Hoping everyone is having a great, long, weekend! Love, Maw

Hey...Just wanted to say I hope everyone has a good holiday weekend...even though some are going to be working hard moving...but the end result will be so wonderful...

Betsy, I love reading your blog...I really have not had the privilege of getting to know you very well since ya'll live so far away but I must say, I can see why Jared loves you so much...and the new baby will be so blessed to have two such loving parents...Keep up the good work...

Hey, Blair THANKS for the "smoking" body!!!! WOW, where can I really get that done?!?!? I can remember 100 years ago when I really could dress like that and DIDN'T!!!! Man if I knew then what I know now I might have strutted my "stuff" just a little more!!! hahaha....
love to all,
kittie

Hey Family......Well we moving tomorrow.....That means website won't be updated for several days....Please keep talking.....Love you all.....Help me keep the flame going while I can't update....Love, Blair

Blair & Jay, way to go, closing on your house. Thanks for the new address and phone number.I "will" you to have all the power, strength, ambition, super drive and whatever else it takes to get moved this weekend. I can feel your excitement! Did April & Zac's move get delayed? If they do get to move also, I certainly wish them the very same things. I realize you will be taking your computers down for the move but anyway, here are my wishes for you. J W is no better and they have not called him with the test results yet. He is completely worn out and me too. Maybe we will find out something today however I know that won't be a magic thing to take away the pain.

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BOSTON TODAY!! WE ALL LOVE YOU LITTLE MAN AND HOPE YOU ARE MEETING SOME NEW FRIENDS IN YOUR NEW SCHOOL. SORRY WE CAN NOT MAKE YOUR BD PARTY TONIGHT BUT SENDING YOU A HUG AND ASK THAT YOU EAT A PIECE OF CAKE FOR US.

Hoping everyone has a really great weekend. Eletia try to get rest these next 3 days.
Glad you are doing so good. Hoping James, Shavonne and Brock are well by now. They have had a rough week too. This seems like the last day of summer with Sept 1 being tomorrow. Got to get to work, so later.....Maw

Hey Everybody,
Well closed on the house today. Wanted to give you updated info. We will be moving in this weekend.

Mine and Jay's new info is:
8721 Lake Meadows Lane
Hurst, Texas 76053
new home number is 817.595.2996
Ya'll have our cells.
Love everybody and thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Blair and Jay

Hey everyone! Brock and I are here at home, he's been out of school all week due to a virus. . .fun fun so I thought I'd check in to see how the family was doing.
Maw, I'll be praying for J.W. I know how it is to have a shoulder injury, while I was playing volleyball in high school I dislocated mine and it hasn't ever fully healed.
Betsy, I'll be sure to keep the three families from your blog in my prayers as well. I hope you are feeling well, I'm sure these hot summer months are no fun as you and the baby continue to grow!!! I know I've already told you this, but I really enjoy reading your blog and I'd love to see some belly shots (even if there is very little belly to see- if that's not too much of a personal request!!!)
Blair and Jay~ we'll be thinking about you this weekend as you move into your new home, please be sure to e-mail us the address because we are going to to have to start getting Brock's 1 year birthday organized and we can't send an invitation without an address!
Hope everyone is doing well! We thought about traveling to Crosbyton this weekend but with Brock and I getting this virus we decided it'd be better not too. We'd hate getting anyone else sick, and to be perfectly honest I think it's best if we stay home and rest from all this. Sending you all our love!
God Bless,
James, Shavonne, and Brock

Hey Family
Had a really terrible weekend with J W's shoulder. He has been in so much pain. Can't dress himself, etc. Took him to Lubbock yesterday morning for the cat scan and today he is to have an MRI. From all I have pulled up on the internet, he must have an injury (?) to his rotator (sp?) cuff in the shoulder. Other people I have talked to that have had the condition tell me that it is very very painful and very slow to heal (tendons)Doctor gave him some pain pills last week but he got no rest at all Sat night (or me either) so same thing coming up on Sunday night so I took him back to ER so see if they could give him something stronger.They did not have any meds in stock that he could tolerate so doctor told him to double up on the pain pills and take 2 every 6 hours instead of 1 every 8 hours. Wish we had done that Sat night, oh me....Anyway maybe they can see what the problem is after MRI today but I'm sure not much can be done about it other than time to heal. We are both pretty worn out.
Eletia, hope you are strong enough to go back to work tomorrow. You have been in our thought and prayers and we are hoping for a good recovery for you. Guess you will have Monday off so that will give you another good day off. Stay out of the moving process with the kids!!!I know they are excited and they will make it fine. Did not know for sure when April & Zac are moving but understood that Blair & Jay are moving this weekend. School got started here so maybe things will get back to normal business wise. It has been a really slow summer.Kittie came and mowed our yard last night but haven't seen anyone else..Got to get to work. Love, Maw

Hey,

Eletia, I am so glad to hear that you are slowly doing better...Just don't over do it this next week with everyone getting ready to move...I am just so happy for all of you...

Hope everyone else in the family is well...

love,
kittie

Good Morning to everyone.

It has been a long, but short 3 weeks for me. I go back to work Wednesday. I guess I am ready. I did make it through the 2 weeks of liquids and am now on the mussy foods for two weeks. I still am a little weak at times. This surgery sure did hit me kind of hard, but doing real good.

Sorry to hear that JW is having some health problems. Hope they get straightened out soon.

The pictures of the Maggie & Kraigs wedding were sure good and as usual Maggie looked so pretty. Hey, so did everyone else in the pictures. It looked like it was a very pretty and special wedding, as I knew Kittie would make it so.

Next weekend starts a busy and new time for Blair, Jay, April, Zac, Caden and Toby. It will be nice for them all. I know they all are looking forward to having a home of their own.

Toby has been sick since Thursday and has had high temperature and just in general felt horrible. So congested with other end having problems also. After visit to doctor and medicine he is feeling a little better now.

School starts tomorrow, wow, the summer was so short.

Well, will go for now and hope to see you guys sometime real soon.

Love to all. Eletia

Hey Maw....Yeah our house is real close to my parents house. It is on the other side of Trinity. So, it's Hurst, but also Fort Worth. I know weird huh? We are getting very excited. This weekend is the box up weekend on most stuff. Unfortunately, moved several times in my life, and kind of a pro at it now. Hehehe. But hopefully this move will be permanent, or least many years. Anyone is welcome to come and see us, stay a while.

That's sad about flower shop? That's true, what about when there are funerals, weddings, etc. Maybe you all could make a suggestion to Lowe's Grocery to store to stock flowers.

Aunt Peg, you're making chow chow...Yummy. I know Susan said her and Gary were doing that last weekend. Yummy! Save some for me. If ya'll are making it like Grandma Artie used too then please please save some for me.

I hope Papa J gets to feeling better real soon. Tell him hi and that Fort Worth bunch is thinking about him.

Boston, good luck at your new school next week. Maggie and Kraig congrats again.

Love everybody,
Blair

Hey Family
Here it is Friday again. I do not know where the time goes???Blair & Jay, I know you are so excited about your new home. The address shows Hurst. Is that closer to Mike & Eletia?? Just wondered. J W is having a lot of pain in his left shoulder and side (where he had the surgery last year). He has been to the doctor everyday this week except Tuesday. Dr. Allen has him scheduled for MRI on Tuesday and then C-scan after that. He said he will get him set up with a "pain" doctor after they see what is going on. X-ray's yesterday indicated scar tissue building up from the surgery last year. Anyway he is on pain pills and muscle relaxant pills but they are not helping, very little. Anyway that is our goal for now is to try to get him pain free. Things at the office have been very slow. School starts Monday so maybe things will get back to normal. The little flower shop we had has shut down now.Don't believe they have one in Ralls either so don't know what one would do if one needed flowers?? Go to Lubbock I guess.Peggy is making chow chow and canning blackeyed peas as well as freezing some, um um. Got to get to work so catch everyone later...Maw

Thanks Aunt Kittie for thinkin' about us.......Yeah can't wait to move in. Only 1 more week. Now, I can finally have a home that I can have family over and spoil rotten. Love Blair

Blair and Jay....CONGRATS on the new house!! You will have so much fun putting your personal touches to it as time goes by...It is a beautiful home and I am so proud for you...
love,
kittie

HEY BLAIR
THANKS SO MUCH FOR POSTING THE WEDDING PICS OF ALLISON AND JORGE, MAGGIE AND KRAIG.
YOU AND JAY HAVE DONE SUCH A WONDERFUL JOB OF KEEPING US ALL IN TOUCH. I READ THE HISTORY OF THE GRIFFIN SISTERS WEB SITE AND YES, YOU HAVE GROWN!! PLEASE DON'T EVER GET DISCOURAGED BECAUSE SOME OF US DON'T SIGN IN OFTEN. I READ THE BLOG AND ETC EVERYDAY AND LOOK FORWARD TO IT SO MUCH.

HOPE ELETIA IS CONTINUING TO HEAL AND FEEL BETTER. MY HEART FELT THOUGHTS HAVE BEEN WITH YOU. YOU ARE INDEED A VERY BRAVE GIRL!!
GOT TO GET TO WORK (UGH) LOVE, MAW

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JARED!! I MAILED YOU A CARD YESTERDAY SO OF COURSE IT WILL BE LATE. LOOKS LIKE YOU HAD A REALLY NEAT BD PARTY. I AM SO GLAD. LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND SO PROUD AND HAPPY FOR YOU AND BETSY.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO APRIL AND JAC. YOU ARE SUCH A SWEET COUPLE! HAPPY FOR YOU THAT YOU WILL GETTING TO MOVE INTO YOUR VERY OWN HOUSE SOON. KISS AND HUG THE BOYS FOR US. IN JARED'S BD PICS, LOOKS LIKE TOBY IS REALLY GROWING.

LOVE TO ALL, MAW

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARED!!!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO APRIL AND ZAC!!!!!

love,
kittie

Happy Birthday Jared!

Kittie, thanks so much for the pictures of the wedding. They're posted now on the web. Maggie looked beautiful. I loved the Rocking Kiss Tongue picture. Love it, love it!!

Love,
Blair

Hey,

Well the wedding is over...it was short and sweet!! We are going to try to have a reception/party sometime in about a month and I will be sure and let everyone know in case you want to try to come...They moved Boston's stuff out over the weekend, so I am fixing to bury myself in work and not surface for awhile...Just wanted to let everyone know that I love ya'll and appreciate your thoughts and prayers...I sent Blair a few pics to post on the website...
Thanks again,
love,
kittie

It's Friday!!! Hi everyone, just wanted to stop in to send love and prayers to you all. We are doing well, just busy busy busy! Between work, still trying for a teaching job, Ama-hood (motherhood), and just life in general it's been hectic. I've even gotten behind on Brock's webpage. . .but I recently added new pictures so for anyone who would like to see the Little Man, they are there.

Hope everyone is doing well, have a great weekend.

God Bless,
James, Shavonne, and Brock

***Betsy, keep on blogging!!! I really enjoy reading how your day or even your week is going. I think about you often and wonder how you, Jared, and the baby are doing. It's amazing how things will change during your pregancy, you never know what's next. That's the joy of it all, God blesses you each day with a new emotion and it seems like only you and your child will understand!***

Best Wishes to Maggie and Kraig today on your Wedding Day. I know Boston will love being in Lubbock and going to his new school. Judy got a teaching job in Friendship School District. She will be teaching 5th and 6th grade English. Peg, Gary, and I made Artie's "Chow Chow" last night. It turned out great and I know she was supervising us! Eletia, hope you are feeling better and make that Mike wait on you hand and foot. Blair, of course it's a given the web site is GREAT. Jared and Betsy hope everything is going well and ya'll can just settle back and enjoy waiting for the big day. April, hope you and your family are all doing fine. We really need to see that little Toby before he's grown! Love to all and have a great weekend. Susan

Hi Gowens crew!
I know this is crashing with me adding a post over here, but after all, I could be a sister since I've been Kittie's friend since we were 5?

Just wanted to add my congratulations to you again Maggie! It was wonderful seeing you in person and getting to chat. Mark and I are thrilled for you, Kraig, and Boston. We hope your day is extra special and we'll be thinking of you all!

Maybe sometime you can get that mom & dad of yours to come see me? We would love that!

All the best,
Tressie