Hey Kittie, we will all keep our prayers flowing for Lynnie...She has been fighting this for so long. We all love her and pray for her. We also will pray for you and Gary Dale to keep you strong through all of this. Really sorry to hear about little Michael too. He will get better real soon, I just know it. Love you guys!

Gary's bunch, hope you all had a great Christmas too. Maw said she came over and spent Christmas with ya'll. Wish all of us could be there together. Hey, let's try for this Summer. I'm thinking about having the Mike's Memorial Golf Scramble in May this year. That way it's not too hot and not on a holiday.

Aunt Peg and Judy, wasn't that the coolest that Jay ran into Judy's mom and brother at the airport on Monday while he was picking up Bailey. Bailey is here this week while she is on break. Bailey's original flight was at 9 a.m. leaving Lubbock. But the flight was cancelled. So, anyway, she got bumped to the next flight. Jay called me all excited going you won't believe who I just saw get off the plane here in Dallas. He said it was Judy's mom and brother. Jay said his mom gave him a big ole' hug. I thought it was real cool too, because of all people to give you your last big ole' Texas hug would be Jay. Anyway, really cool stuff!

Maw, thanks again for all you do for all of us...We love you so much!! Your the best grandma a guy could have.

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year....
Love,
Blair

Hey,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!! Seems like there was so much to do, mine kind of went by in a blur....I still haven't even got my Christmas candy made?!?!?!? Maybe it will be New Years Candy!!! haha...
Michael is sick. Megan took him to the ER yesterday and they said he had RSV, so she took him in this morning to see Dr. Stripling and he confirmed it was RSV and she had to get a nebulizer, so she can give him breathing treatments and he has to go back on Wednesday....He sounds so pitiful...he is really congested and coughing....but he seems to manage a smile when you talk to him!!! As Megan is beginning to find out....IT IS ALWAYS SOMETHING!!!
I am continuing to take Lynnie for treatments. She has two months to go....she has good days and bad days...With it being metastatic there is no telling where the cancer might go next...they think it may already be moving to the bones...But her cancer markers were improved on the lung cancer, so guess the chemo is helping that some....Time will tell....She just does not seem to enjoy anything anymore...it is hard to keep her emotionally uplifted....I am asking that everyone please just say a prayer for her....
I didn't get around to calling or seeing everyone at Christmas but I am assuming everyone had a good holiday...Mother said Christmas with Gary Lee's bunch was alot of fun....sorry I did not get over to see ya'll....It looks like from the pics that Mike's bunch had a good day too!!
I miss you all and hope everyone has a Happy New Years Eve and Day....and I pray that this next year will be a good one for everyone!!
love to all,
kittie

Hey everyone,.....check out griffinsisters front page, tribute to best of 2008, love blair

Thanks so much...I'm really glad that everyone enjoys the website....I still after almost 3 years in February enjoy doing it...

Really sorry to hear about Imagene...Sounds like her service will be right be us in Fort Worth..If I can get off work, I will make an effort to go the funeral.

I love how this website keeps us all connected.
Love,
Blair

Hey Family
Just read Eletia's blog on the GS side and I have to totally agree that I too live for this family web site everyday. Blair and Jay, I hope you know how much it is appreciated by all!! Thank you so very very much. Without it we would not have the special bond and be in touch with one another like we have been able to.

Just received a phone call from Wilma Gowens to let me know that Imagene Reed passed away Friday and her funeral is tomorrow, Monday, with viewing at 10:00 and the service at 11:00 at Davis Funeral Chapel, 6912 NE Loop 820, North Richardland Hill, just off Rugus Snow. Don't know if any of you Ft Worth bunch would be able to attend ?? Her daughter, Donna Lynn Sydow was just a few months older than Mike and Imagene and I spent lots of time together with our babies while Dalmer and Vernon (her husband) were in the Army. This is A J Grisham's oldest sister.

Yesterday was so miserable with the weather. So very cold and the wind was blowing terrible so I just did not get out much. Took a long nap and just watched TV. Nice to just have a good day of rest I guess. I went over to Gary & Susan's Friday night after work and joined in their family Christmas with them, James, Shavonne, Brock, Jill, Brandon, Stormy, Peggy, Judy, her mom, Dorothy and her brother Mike. It was very nice. I played dominos with Brandon and then Gary Lee and beat them both so I guess I learned a few things from Artie, Ha.

Will have another crazy week coming up with being off Thur and then work Friday and then off the weekend. Be glad when things get back to normal. Hoping everyone had a great Christmas and looking forward to a Happy New Year. Love, Maw

Merry Christmas, Ctown,
Hope all of you have very nice Christmas. We will be spending time at Jared and Betsys today. I have got most of my food done and will get up in the morning to start the rolls. Jared wanted rolls and asked me to make them. I hope they turn out as I have not made them in a long time myself. I am only off work today. Worked yesterday and back at it tomorrow.
Hope this finds you all well and most of all at peace and happy.
Love you guys,
Eletia

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!!
Went to church tonight to the Candlelight- Carol Service and it was so good. Kittie sang O Holy Night and did a beautiful job. Just a good way to start Christmas off. Not sure what all Ryan adn I will be doing tomorrow or in what order but we want to get around to see everyone. Both Gary Lee and Kittie has ask us to dinner. Today I made a little dressing and 2 pumpkin pies to go with a ham that Terry (my boss) gave us just so we would have something here to munch on. I love the smell of pumpkin pie cooking too.

Last night I woke up at 3:00 AM and too early to get up so I lay there and reflected on all my blessing of this past year and there have been so many. God is so awesome and so good it amazes me everyday. I went back to sleep, counting blessings and not sheep.

Hoping everyone has a great Christmas full of joy, happiness and most of all love.
Maw

Merry Christmas to all!! We will have our Christmas for several days. Christmas lunch will include about 13 of our family members with others coming for dessert and James , Shavonne, & Brock coming in Christmas night. Our family Christmas will be Friday night. It will be good to be together at this special time of year. It was good to talk to Jared, yesterday. We love all of our families wherever they may celebrate. Merry Christmas from all the Gary Gowens bunch.
Love, Susan

Merry Christmas to everyone.....I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday filled with peace, joy and love....HoHoHo....Love, Blair

JW has really been on my mind alot the past few days. This time last year was really hard and he fought a long hard battle. I too miss him very very much.....I was telling Blair the other day about how wonderful it was to have Mike here last year at Christmas....He was so kind, caring, concerned and loving when he was here and I will always be blessed that I got to spend some time with him on his last Christmas on earth!! This past year has been quite a ride for everyone and I hope and pray that we all have a better year this next year...although, I did get two new grandbabies this year and that in itself is reason to be happy and thankful!! We just have to take the good with the bad...I think it is called LIFE!!
I love you all so much,
kittie

Family
It was one year ago today that J W left us and went to live with the Lord. It has been a rough year and I miss him just as much today. Thank you J W for sharing the last 25 years of your life with us! Love you, Kathryn

Hey Everyone...Well weekend is almost here....Enjoyed seeing everyone this past weekend..

I think we are going to Jared and Betsy's on Christmas day. Looking forward to that.

Blair

It was great seeing Blair, Jay and Eletia this weekend.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday....
love,
kittie

Hey Family
Happy Birthday to Jay!! Sorry I do not have all these birthday dates, sorry. The Raider "dance" was so cute. Boy that Caden can really dance!! The pics at the cemetery were awesome, Blair. Looks like someone was looking over you.Somethings we just can't explain, right. I checked out the wedding pics and the wedding looked like it was beautiful. Now you have another daughter, Jay. I loved the pic of everyone dressed up and there was Bailey with no shoes on, that's our Bailey. Ha, Love, Maw

Happy Birthday Jay!! Love, Blair

Hey CTown, was really good to get some spend some time with family on Saturday night. I really enjoyed that.

We got the wedding done with and now we can look forward to Christmas.

I will be posting an updated webpage sometime this week, and I'll have some pictures of the wedding for everyone to see.

Hope everyone is staying warm....
Love, Blair

Hey Family
Gosh it was so good to see Eletia, Blair and Jay Saturday night and was glad Kittie, Megan, Michael, Peggy and Judy were able to come by. Kittie brought an old home movie of Blair and April and Megan dancing as kids and Blair laughed until he cried. Was good to hear!!! I was disappointed when I got up at 5:15 am and they were already gone. Didn't get to say goodbye and my mistake in not telling them before we went to bed that I had the quilt for Carson and some little gifts for Caden, Toby and Kate to take back with them, so there they sat by the side door. I'll just have to go to Plan B and mail them I guess. I guess that was my Christmas get-to-gether and I enjoyed it so very very much. When we got out of church (me, Kittie and Gary D) a terrible sandstorm was blowing so had to stay inside all afternoon.

Had a great afternoon Sat with Stormy. She stayed with me while Jill and Brandon moved more stuff to storage. She seemed to really enjoy playing with my "old" toys and most of all playing with Flower (our dog) She carried her around and held her like a baby. Hope you will come back soon Stormy to play with me and Flower.

Sunday afternoon then Kittie, Megan, Maggie and Maddie came by to bring me some pictures and Maddie got lots of kisses from Flower. Maddie loves doggies in case no one knew, ha.

To sum it up, I had a really good weekend, thanks to all of you!! Hoping a good week for everyone!
Love, Maw

Ctown,
Wishing all of you guys a very Merry Christmas. Hope all of you get to be together and well. Kittie you have a very lovely family. Michael is a doll. It was good to see you all. We made it home safe and sound. Just one deer and Thank God, just stood there and did not move. My heart was in my throat for a while, but soon settled back down. Kathryn thanks for the place to lay my head and the good food. I know Blair really enjoyed the old movie and laughter you guys brought him. He needed that and the love of his family. Peggy and Judy it was so good to see you too. Peggy you have to be the most loving great aunt to my kids. Thank you. They all love you too. Sorry did not get to see Gary and Susan.
All please have a Merry Christmas, Eletia

We are all thinking of you today, Mike, on this your birthday. I just know you are having the greatest of all birthday party's in heaven today with Jesus and all the family members that are there with you. Love, Mother

awesome quote....it really does say it all....we learn and grow so much more from sorrow....guess that is when our hearts are the most open....
love,
kittie

I walked a mile with pleasure, she chatted all the way, but left me none the wiser, for all she had to say.

I walked a mile with sorrow and not a word said she. But oh, the things I learned from her when sorrow walked with me.

Sorry I missed telling you Happy Birthday Betsy. I do not always know when all the inlaws and outlaws (ha) birthdays are. Guess I need to get all this info and fix me a list for each month. There are so many of us now including all the great grandkids. Afraid it is too much for me to keep up with.

Certainly hope Kate is better today. Have had ya'll in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Maw

Hey Family
I want everyone to know that I now have my Christmas tree up. None of my lights would work this year so I tossed them, went to the Dollar Store and bought new ones. All they had with a green wire was colored lights. (I have always had white or clear) I put them on and I LOVE it. I could not believe how much different my old tree looks with colored lights and they only cost me $12.00. 4 strands at $3.00 each. Can't beat the Dollar Store!

Just want to mention that we all need to remember Gene, Bret and Jed today and their boys. I know this is a really hard holiday for them as well. It is still so very very hard for me to realize that Donna Beth is gone.

Sorry to read on Betsy's blog that Kate is sick again, bless her little heart.

Love,
Maw

Hey Family
Congrats Blair on your ARK's. Bro Les talked about that movie Sunday at church and said it was a re-make (or whatever you call it) from the old 1950's version. It is cool and I bet you really enjoy it. Way to go BEAR !!! It is so cold and windy here today, about 32, cloudy but no snow. Should be better tomorrow. Just a front moving through.

Hope everyone is having a great week and sure hope Kate is feeling better. According to my mail today, I see we have a new name in the Gowens family, wonderful!! I love it!
Later, Maw

Wooohooh...I got ARKED today....Man I'm going to a movie...Woohoooh...There is a new movie called The Day the Earth Stood Still....Thank you who ARKED me....

Also, thanks to another ARK I got a couple of weeks ago....You know who you are too...Thank you very much. Man, this ARK thing is really nice...

Also, I have updated my other website www.healthyhappyme.com with a circuit on the front page. My Christmas tree is to the side. Hehehe..

Love to all,
Blair

Hey Family
Just read Alli's blog and thank you Alli for your great words of wisdom. I think of you often about all the things you had to deal with at such an early age. I can remember the first time I ever saw you was when ya'll lived at Houston and J W and I went to your house for a short visit. You were the cutest baby girl and your mom was so very very proud of you. I believe she called you the Princess ? Your outlook about your parents is great and I know they both are looking down on you with much pride. Of course you are right that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and this has to be the most most awesome goal in our whole life. I know we start to die the day we are born. However knowing all these things there is still this void and empty ache in your heart. The sermon yesterday was directed at me (I guess). Bro Les was saying how the Lord is our comforter but sometimes things have happened to us in our life or things going on in our life that are so huge or bad that we refuse to let Him comfort us. We shut everything out when if we would allow Him to put His arms around us and hug us tight as we need to be hugged, He is always there and ready. It just takes some of us longer to get to this point than others. It seems harder when you are older also (or it has for me). God Bless you Alli and I appreciate your love and concern always. I was just thinking this morning about your Mom and Renee and Cindy and myself going to her house and trying to do what we could for her when she was too sick to eat. Now Renee has gone thru cemo treatment but apprears to be doing good. We never know. Was so glad you got to be with your aunts and cousins for Thanksgiving. It was such a long drive but worth it I'm sure.
Love, Maw

Good morning CTown. I was checking posts before I got started this morning and Blair's latest blog hit a note with me. Then of course I read what Kathryn said and I felt more compelled to write. It's hard during the holiday season when you've lost a close loved one. Actually, hard doesn't do the pain any justice. It hurts, point blank. Then when you have birthdays or anniversaries on top of that, you have no choice but to remember the fact that your loved one is no longer with you.

I just wanted to share something that I always do. When it comes time for my parents birthday, instead of being sad all day I still choose to celebrate their birthday. I've have done various things to honor them, sometimes I still bake a cake (doesn't do too good for the waistline since I'm pretty much the only one that eats it :) I would share the other things I do, but they are very personal to me. I suggest that instead of dwelling on the fact that you have a void in your life, do the opposite. Celebrate that they went home to be with the lord. It has helped me to let go. I'm blessed that the church I go to looks at death in a more positive light. They don't deny that death is hard for those left behind, but it views it as a time to celebrate their life. Cause I know that once I pass, I don't want my kids to sit around crying cause I'm not there. I want them to be laughing and telling stories about the dumb or funny things I did (so I'm sure they will have alot to talk about).

Ok, I'm off my soap box for now. Just though I would share. Love you all and I hope you have a blessed week.

Alli

Hey Family
Just read Blair's blog today and I can certainly relate to his feelings. I have really been having a rough time too. I guess it is because we remember the special dates like holidays and the holidays last year were all at the time when J W and I were going through so much. Then of course as a parent, you always remember special times with your kids, which makes me realize I am one short this year. As Blair said, I have already been dreading Mike's BD coming up. I'm sure everyone gets tired of hearing about the sadness but I can only say what I feel and who better to say it to than my family. Like Blair, Thanksgiving was very nice and was with lots of family but it just had that cloud hanging over it. Maybe once we get past all the special days once, it will get easier??? All I know is I have no desire to put up a Christmas tree or anything. You young ones can go on with your Christmas for all the precious grandchildren (and you should) because this is all new and wonderful to them. Make memories with them and I am content to just remember all of my memories when I was young, with Mother and then my young married life with Dalmer and having my babies and then my older years with J W. God, it seems like I have lived forever. It is strange but most people can always remember where they spent nearly every Christmas of their life. Can you?? Do you have a favorite one??

Megan is gone today to take Michael for his doctor checkup. He is 2 months old now and so cute. It was good Thanksgiving to get Kittie's babies and Gary's babies together for a few minutes. They are the next generation. It is hard for me to realize that I am the oldest generation now. Where did everyone go?? Better get back to work. It is so cold here today and cold wind blowing. A good day to stay inside. Love you all, Maw

Hey Everybody....Hope everyone is having a great week. Man it's already Thursday...Next weekend, me, Jay and Mom will be coming to Lubbock for Adam's wedding. We hope to get to come through Crosbyton on Saturday night after the wedding.

Man, I didn't realize how sad I would be right now. Dad's birthday would be next Friday and Christmas is coming up. Thanksgiving was nice this year, but wasn't the same.....

Well love everybody very much!
Love,
Blair

Yeah, the website is now back up and updated...Enjoy. Love, Blair

Hey everyone, I am having a little trouble with the webpage. I am having to reload and republish everything. Thanks for being patient and I hope to have it back up real soon. Love, Blair

CT,
Good to be home. I finally was able to sleep the whole nite, or my nite, in my own bed. It always makes you feel better to be home. I was taken real good care of by my sisters, bother and children. We had a nice Thanksgiving at Waco and the GS get together was also nice. We had Besty a small family shower and I must say CJ got several real nice things. He will have a good start. We had Jerry a BD celebration. I was so tired and had to leave early due to just needed some rest before work begins tomorrow.
Hope you guys were able to be together some and had a wonderful time. Missed seeing you guys and hope your holidays are just the best.
Gary, will be thinking of you on your retirement from the FD. Hope the Christmas party goes well and have lots of fun. I guess there is no longer a Gowens on the FD, I know Brandon is still on, he'll have to serve as one, huh? Jill and Brandon glad your house sold. I know you have wanted this for some time. Hope only good and wonderful things for you guys in the future. Jill you fill my heart with true honest love. You are just JILL. I like that in a person. I will not be able to make the party cause I couldnt quite make it by myself this year. I will be in Lubbock on the 12 & 13 for Jays sons wedding. I will be staying in Lubbock, with my aunt and uncle Bernice and Bennie. I have already made that promise. But maybe can atleast get to stop by and say hi.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU. love eletia

CT,
This is my usual early morning blog. Just want to let everyone know, thinking of them and hope you guys all have a good Thanksgiving. Cant help but remember all of them with all the extra people there besides family.
We will be celebrating with the Watsons and the Odoms this year. It has been a long time since we have all been together for a holiday. We are even being blessed with Allison and here boys this year.
It wont be long till Carson will be here with us. I will turn around twice and it will be Christmas and I will be either keeping Miss Kate or anxiously waiting to see Carson.
All of my children will be here at the Watsons, which is so perfect for me.
Hope this finds all well and good. Happy Holidays, Eletia

Blair, Sorry that Tech did not do better on Saturday...But that is no reason not to still love them!! They just could not seem to get it together. That happens sometimes...
Yeah, Cowboys. The Cowboys can be really unpredictable but had a great game yesterday!

Eletia, I am glad to hear that your surgery went well. I did not know you were having surgery, until a couple of days ago, I saw something about "it" (what ever it was) on the blog...So I am glad to know that "it" went well and you have such a wonderful family to take care of you!!

Looks like a busy week ahead. Getting ready for Thanksgiving!! I hope that everyone has a great holiday being together and for those that I will not see this year, I will be thinking of each and every one of you and praying that you all have a wonderful day!! We all have so many things to be thankful for!!
love to all,
kittie

Hey Maw, thanks for the encouragement on Tech...If they had gotten beat and played as hard as they have all season, I wouldn't be so disappointed. But you are right, they have had a great season....Love, Blair

Hey Tech Fans
So Sorry, but we still love ya Red Raiders!!! You have made us proud this year, thanks for all the hard work., Maw

Hey Family
Ooops, I forgot to mention having to get my heater at the house fixed and I was expecting to get a bill for it however after reading Kittie's blog, looks like that is taken care of?? My kids are so great!!

Blair, I went to Lubbock yesterday after work to pick up Ryan (he had been in Brownfield with the Boyds for 2 weeks) and I wish you could have seen the stream of traffic headed for Okla for the ballgame. It was nearly solid, Tech flags flying on their vehicles, made me want to roll down my window and do the guns up sign as I met them. You could just feel the excitement as they started the trip East. Just was wishing Blair could see it!!

GO TECH! WIN BIG!
Have a great weekend and so glad Eletia's surgery turned out good.
Love to all
Maw

Hey,

MOTHER, I forgot to mention earlier but I have thought of you off and on today, knowing that today was yours and J.W. anniversary. This is your first one without him and I am so sorry. Also 6 years ago today is when Boston lost his daddy. We will always miss Brian.
love to all,
kittie

Hey Everyone....Hope everyone has a great weekend....Mom's surgery went really well. She is recovering here at my house and Tressie is also here. Man I hope Tech wins this weekend!
Love all, Blair

Hey Family,

Well I got ARK'ed today too!!! WOW...what a nice surprise! I was really feeling sorry for myself this week having to spend $500. for a new windshield for my car (see Michael's journal for details), getting mother's heater fixed and Lynnie's dishwasher repaired and low and behold I got ARK'ed...really made my day and then to top it off, Boston just called me and he was sooooo excited! His school science project won second place at school and he got a trophy. But that is not all, he said the judges said it was "PHENOMENAL" and they had not seen anything that creative in over 3 years. Now his project will be taken to be displayed at Texas Tech and entered into a city wide competition! That would be MY GRANDSON!!! Way to go Boston!! I should never, never complain because God always gives me just what I need. Thank you God!! He always has a way of reminding me, it is not about the money, it is about my family and He will provide what I need!!
Hope everyone has a great weekend....GO TECH....GO COWBOYS!!
love,
kittie

HAPPY WEEKEND FAMILY!!!!!!
Wow family, guess what?? I (Maw) am the recipient of the first A.R.K. in the mail today from another family member. What a great feeling and I feel so honored. Thank you to the mail elf!! Hope this catches on among other family members. In our own way we can make each other feel really loved and feel good about ourself.

This happened before Blair introduced ARK to the web site but I felt a recipient last month when Gary Lee put tires and a sticker on my van. Then this week, Kittie came over and mowed my yard so lucky me, I have little elfs all over the place. I realize everyday how blessed I am.

Hope Eletia's surgery went good for her today. There is excitement in the air, of holiday time coming. Thanksgiving is so great because all we have to do is be thankful and eat like pigs. No gifts to buy, etc. Just enjoy family in a simple way.

Hoping everyone has a great weekend!!
Love,
Maw

Hey Blair
What is A.R.K. on the spotlight?? I can't get it to open anything??
Maw

Hey Family
Sorry I did not post earlier in the day yesterday because we had no power all afternoon, so here it is a day late-----HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SHAVONNE!!!!!! AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO JILL AND BRANDON!!!!! Looks like November is going to be a busy month for special dates.
Love to all,
Maw

Hope everyone had a great week end. We visited Brock and had a wonderful time. Happy Birthday to all the November Birthdays. Wow, I think ya'll are a close run for all the October Birthdays. We are great and are counting down the days till Thanksgiving. Blair, the fireman party is going to be early this year, it is December 6th. Gary plans to retire in December from the fire department. He said he needs to let the young ones fight the fire now! If any one ever needs a place to stay ya'll are always welcome. Love to all, Susan

Hey everyone...Hope you had a great weekend....Kittie, Maw said you sang beautiful yesterday...Is there a way to record you on video or something so we could put on the web?

Hey, big game this weekend! Guns Up!! Go Tech!
Love,
Blair

Hey Family
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!! Blair and Jay, the quilt room looks really great, such an honor to me!! The Texas Tech quilt looks really great the way you have it displayed. I guess you knew the blue quilt ( that I gave to Mike) was made from one of Artie's dresses so that makes it really special.
I went to Lamesa yesterday, leaving here about 9:00 (thanks to Gary Lee I now have tires I can trust) Mine and J W's anniversary would have been this Thur, 20th. I was really sad about how his grave looked. It must have caved in because you could see the whole outline of it and it was still lower than it should have been and there was no grass on it at all. There were no flowers or even a trace of a flower left and there were tire or wheel marks going across the grave ?? Anyway I talked to him and ask if they had been running over him?? I put out beautiful new fall flowers that Kittie had brought for me back in Sept to put out for his birthday (didn't get to go then because of the blowout) They sure made things look a lot better.
Blair, you know you are always welcome here if you get to come back over here after the wedding, any or all can always come. I'm sure the wedding will be really beautiful. Hope the Griffin Sister have a great Thanksgiving together and it is so great that Allison is getting to come.
Got to get ready for church. Kittie is going to sing this morning so I sure don't want to miss that. Everything is going okay here (as far as I know, never see anyone except at work). I love you all very very much. Oh, as an after thought, I was remembering yesterday about J W's casket, that Mike provided it, picked it out and went to the funeral home with me to take care of everything and was such a great help to me with all his love and support. My heart still aches so badly for him.
Love, Maw

Hey Everybody...Hope ya'll have a great weekend....Man it is getting cool here this evening, Fri. Night. Suppose to get cool over next several days. We've had it nice this week in Fort Worth...We have another volleball game tonite at 9 and 9:45. Think only Jared, Jay and I are playing tonite. Well, can't wait to see everybody again soon...Any ideas of us all getting together?

Jay's oldest, Adam is getting married on December 13th...I've been told that is the same night as the fireman's dance. We should be through with the wedding by no later than 9 and maybe we could come out to that, stay the night and then spend a little time on Sunday before coming home.
Love,
Blair

Eletia, Oh "those" expectations!! You have to remember I am a little slow...lol...I know that is a news flash to everyone!! Actually, I guess they are just the "normal" now. They are just part of the daily routine. But that is okay. I am just glad that I am able to do things for people. I hope everyone has a great weekend!!! GO TECH.....GO COWBOYS!!!!!!
love to all,
kittie

Kittie, Just meant sick family members and all that we must do to help them. That is all. eletia

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, DEAR KITTIE. EVERY MOTHER SHOULD HAVE A GREAT DAUGHTER LIKE YOU!! HOPE YOU ARE FEELING BETTER,
LOVE, MOTHER

Thanks Eletia! Not sure what the "expectations" are? My birthday around here is just another day! But it is a day to be grateful for. I have three precious grandbabies that mean to world to me, so I am a very lucky Big Mommy!!!
Hope everyone has a great day!!
love,
kittie

Happy Birthday Kittie. Hope you have a very nice day. You deserve it, I remember all the expectations. I now have so few that it all seems a life time away for me. But I know the feelings you are going through. Thank you so much for the flowers on Mikes headstone. They were beautiful. eletia

Hey Family
Having beautiful fall weather here in West Texas!! I was talking to Wayman last night and he wanted me to let all the Texas Tech Ft Worth bunch know how thrilled he was for the wins the past 2 weekends. He said he could hear the cheers all the way to his house, Ha. Enjoying having Megan back to work and we got to have little Michael yesterday as Kittie and Gary Dale were both sick. He was really a good little baby and no trouble at all.
Not much going on around here except I was able to find some fabric for Carson's quilt and I have it nearly finished pieced together and should be able to start the quilting by end of this week. I hope Jared and Betsy will be pleased.

Waiting now to hear from James and Shavonne to see if they have picked out a name or have a theme for baby boy #2. Our family is really growing fast.

Guess Thanksgiving plans are underway for everyone. I just want to wish a great holiday for each and everyone. Blair the cover page is so cute on the web site. Thanks for taking care of us.

Love to all, Maw

CT,
Good morning. I was great to see the pictures of you guys on the ship. I hope you all had the most marvelous time you could have. Looks like you did. Will have to hear all about it.
Peggy Happy Late 60th BD. eletia

Happy Birthday Megan!!!! Love, Blair

Hey Kittie and Everybody...Here we go Raiders, here we go....I think Dad has called up the Red Raider angels, as tech is doing awesome...I'm very proud of them...Tech is for real this year.

Love, Blair

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU DEAR MEGAN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE, MAW

Blair......YEAH TECH!!!!! TECH ALL THE WAY!!!!
love,
kittie

Good morning CT,
Hope this finds all you guys doing good, well and happy. Hope all those grandbabies are doing real good. It is cold here this morning/ 47, but guess it is time to get cold. It is nice here most of the time but when it is cold it is bone chillin cold. I will never forget just how cold it was at Jared and Betsys wedding. Gosh, but beautiful wedding made up for it. Chicago cold.
Everyone is doing pretty good, waiting for that TECH game today. GO TECH!!! We had wind last week here and it felt just like home to me. There is a guy from Lubbock that works at Citi now that I worked with at the Lubbock CAD and we both said the same thing. Feels like West Texas here today. It was nice for a change. I kinda miss some of the wind blowing on your face.
I played in a volleyball game with Blairs work. Jared, April and Zac played too. It was kinda fun had to stay out of the way of those hard spiked balls, didnt want my face turned around. I dodge them pretty well. I am having surgery Nov 21 will let you guys know how all turns out. Blair and Tressie are going to be with me.
April is having a pretty hard time these days, dont know how to get her out of her depression, cause I have to fight it myself daily. I think I may try to take her to church somewhere, she really needs some interaction with some good friends since Zac works so many hours. She misses her Dad. She needs that male figure or someone to talk to. Will try to help her as best I can. Mom just doesnt seem to have what she needs right now. Any help would be greatly appreciated here. Words of wisdom or something. Gary Lee might have to call on you some.
The ft worth crew will be going to Sherons for Thanksgiving. I will be there most of the week. Allison and her boys are coming. Looking so forward to it.
Jays son Adam is getting married Dec. 13. We will be coming on the 12th. I know the firemans party is the same nite, might just join the party for a while. Who knows.
Come see us, any and all. Love Eletia

Maw....Thank you so much for the Lubbock AJ of the Big Tech win....I love it...Will have it for years to come...
Love to all and everybody ye'll loud this weekend for Tech!!!
Love, Blair

Congrats James, Shavonne and Brock...Yeah another Gowens' boy.
Love ya, Blair

congrats to the Gowens 3 and there exciting news. another boy. thats always ok. can try for the 3rd one. boys are great, and being so close in age will be very close. eletia

For anyone who hasn't made it to Brock's website, we had our sonogram today. . .we're having another Gowens' BOY!!!
I must say I was shocked but thrilled just to know that he is healthy and we both are doing well.
We wanted to share the exciting news with EVERYONE!

God Bless,
Shavonne

Happy Birthday Eletia!! Hope you have a great day!
love,
kittie

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ELETIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much Blair for keeping us all together!!!, Can't speak for others, but, YES, I check out all the sites you have. Sorry I don't have a new camera that I can download pics for you but I was so thrilled to be able to see all the kids in their Halloween outfits. Please don't give up on us, we do really appreciate what you do.

Wow, Texas Tech really did their stuff. I can imagine all the cheering that went on in your homes as you watched the game. GO TECH!!

The time change is going good, an extra hour in the morning because my internal clock is still waking me up at the same time. I do feel rested this morning.

I read your blog Eletia on the Griffin page and what is this surgery you are having?? Guess you may not want it on the blog but I certainly hope you are okay?? I love you and care for you very much. Sounds like you had a good birthday weekend and I am so glad. Everyone loves some TLC.

Kate looked so cute in her Tech bow and shirt and her laugh on the video is priceless. Thanks Betsy. I plan to go fabric shopping soon for Carson's quilt.

Well it is off to work this morning and get this month started. I am so thankful for my health and being able to still work. Thank you Lord! Have a great week. Love, Maw

Does everyone look at all the pages on here and the connections I have on here

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

Hey Family
Wow, I got up waaay too early this morning and forgot about the time change until I had been awake for about an hour. Silly me. Now I am all ready to go to church and it is still another hour. I really wish "they" (whoever they are) would leave the time alone.

October seemed like a really busy month, lots of birthdays and etc. Of course there are lots in November also. Our family has grown so much, makes a lot of BD's. Hope everyone had a great birthday!!

Halloween was a busy night here too, with Trick or Treat and football game. Kittie had ask me to come over for supper and be with them. Maggie, Kraig and kids came over. Somewhere in between, I missed Stormy. Sorry Stormy. So glad Blair posted all the kids in their outfits, thanks Blair. Everyone was so cute!! Made me remember when we use to dress up all you grown grandkids. My goodness how fast time flies by. Looked like everyone had a great time, I am so glad.

Eletia, sorry I had to hang up on you so fast Friday but the phone just kept ringing. I sure have missed Megan being at the office. Hopefully she is returning soon. Little Michael even had on a little Halloween t-shirt. He is gaining weight and looking so cute.

Hoping the kids have a great time on their cruise this week. Kittie and Maggie will be busy with transcription. My office will be really busy tomorrow (the 1st of the month). Looking forward to Shavonne's doctor visit this week and see if they are getting a boy or girl ???

The pics of Allison and boys were so good. Adian (did I get his name right?) looks so much like Ben!! The boys are super looking, Ali. I loved the tree scenes. It is so beautiful up there.

Okay, got to finish up get ready for church. They have started construction now so church is in the fellowship center. I'm sure it will all be beautiful when finished.There were so many memorials given on it for Mother, J W and Mike so I take lots of pride in it. Have a great week!!
Love, Maw

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR BROCK, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE, MAW

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MAGGIE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you enjoyed your dinner out with Kraig and Boston!!

Love you !
Maw

Eletia, April, Zac and boys....I am so sorry that I did not get to see you this weekend. Things were just too busy with trying to get Jackie and Lynnie moved this weekend. I hope to see you next time.
love,
kittie

Hey Family
What a great weekend we had being with Eletia, April, Zac, Caden and Toby. I can't ell you how wonderful it was to be with you. Wish more local people had turned out for the school stuff but April and zac seemed to enjoy walking the campus and going in the high school building. The school buildings always "smell" the same don't they? Toby and I got to spend some good quite time together while Caden and Stormy went to the street dance. They are all so sweet and so precious to me.

Then Maggie came over and brought Maddie and Boston so I got to take Boston back up to school so he could jump in the jumping thingy and visit with some of his old school friends. Maddie showed me how fast she could crawl, boy she is really on the move and looks like she is always planning her next move, ha. Sorry the Ft Worth bunch did not get to see little Michael. They are not early risers yet (they are up and down all night) but he is growing and looking so cute and different every time I see him. Megan is being a good little mother.

Kittie and Gary D worked really hard all weekend getting Linnie and Jackie moved to their "new" house. They were able to stay there starting Sat night, so they are offically moved in. The house look really great and I'm sure they will much more comfortable there.

Sunday morning, I sure hated to tell the Ft Worth bunch bye, I wasn't really for the visit to be over. Eletia you said your kids are still family, well I have news for you, you will ALWAYS be my daughter-in-law, no matter what your future turns out to be. You ARE one of my kids and don't you forget it, okay??? You have had a really hard year (as I have) but we are putting one foot in front of the other and going on. Being with ya'll makes me feel closer to Mike somehow. I love you for coming and I will plan to try to come your way soon for a weekend.

Thanks to Gary L and Susan for opening up their home (and kitchen) to all of us. You made it a wonderful weekend for everyone!!

Kittie, the pot of soap and cornbread was so great yesterday, thanks so much. I am so lucky all of my kids are wonderful cooks. I just don't cook any more but I sure enjoy sharing food with all of you, ha.

Got to get to work, just wanted to say it was a wonderful weekend!!, Maw

Ctown,
I was so good seeing you guys this weekend. We may it home pretty well. Toby was very restless and wanted out of the car really bad. He does good for about 2 hours then he wants out of that car seat.
Gary and Susan, thank you guys both for being such gracious host and hostess. As always you made us feel right at home and very welcome. It was nice to be with you and have some nice visits. The weekend was full of fun, food and much hospitality. It is ashamed that Ctown does not take after you guys. Everything would be a hit. I want you to know just how loved and cared for I felt. This trip was very dreaded and very nervously anticipated by me. I know I am accepted for just being me. I love you guys and will cherish our friendship always. My children are still family and thank you guys for loving them so very much. I know all three of my kids just love yall to death. Jill, Brandon and Stormey, thanks also for sharing your time with us. Stormey will have to come and visit us some time real soon. Stormey and Caden could sure cut a rug together. The next generation of Gowens' is going to be dancers also. Peggy and Judy it was nice to see you guys also. Glad everything is going real well for you. You both seem so happy. Hope the cruise is good and restful and FUN!!! Kathryn, as always great to be with you and thanks for sharing your weekend (of rest) with us too. I know Caden and Toby really did enjoy being with you. Come anytime any of you can. Would love to have all and any of you in my home. Love you guys, Eletia

Hey Family
As a reply to Blair, I totally understand how "life" catches up with you and don't you worry about the change of plans for one minute!! We will do it another time. I have tires now (thanks to Gary Lee) so maybe we can get down there sometime. Will Eletia and April still be coming ?? Just wondered, will call them later in the week to check. We had a cold front blow in this morning with cold wind however I believe it is going to be nice this weekend.

Hope they did not cancel Bailey's game because of the parent that pulled a gun on a lady coach last weekend at the soccer game. Did you hear about that?? People are crazy!! You are not safe anywhere.

Hoping Jared is feeling better from his fall??

Back to work, just wanted to tell Blair I understand disappointment in having to change plans because I have to do it all the time now. In fact I just don't make plans, ha, ha. That way I am covered. I do know we all live in a very fast pace world any more and it gets so hard to keep up. Try it at age 72 , it gets scary at times. Get some much needed rest Blair and you will bounce back with a great week next week. I love you!!
Maw

Hey Everyone....Bailey does not have a game now this weekend in Lubbock, so Jay and I will not be coming to Crosbyton this weekend, since we were there in September. Somebody come see me sometime too....I am in the middle of a real busy time with teaching 8 exercise classes, personal training 13 people and teaching 3 classsroom classes and I need some down time on this weekend and I hope everyone understands. I hope everyone has fun at all the festivities.....Love, Blair

Hey Kittie......Wow it's amazing that Dr. Stripling is still going strong...That's awesome....I'm so proud for both Maggie and Megan.....And also Poppy and Big Mommy!!! Yes, can't wait to see ya'll too later in the month.

I really need to see Dad's headstone....Give me a little peace.

Well, love all of ya', Blair

Hey Family,

I hope this finds everyone well. Just wanted everyone to know that Michael is absolutely ADORABLE!!! Spoken like a true Big Mommy!! He really is so precious. He is doing very well and should start to fill out soon....He eats like a little pig!! Megan is beginning to feel better too and has taken to motherhood like a pro. I just wanted to thank everyone for their love and prayers while they were in the hospital. It means alot to me. Friday he will pay his first visit to Dr. Stripling. Can you believe it?!? I guess all the kids starting with Blair were Stripling babies and now my grandkids are too!
I talked to Maggie today and Miss Madelynn has "officially" started crawling now!! She has been rolling and scooting backwards for a while now, but today she figured out the forward move and Maggie says that she is so proud of HERSELF! She said everytime she crawls forward, she giggles! Maggie will have to be on her toes now, the race is on!!! haha...
I will be taking Lynnie to chemo tomorrow...she has good days and bad days....and four more months of it...continue to pray for her!
Just wanted to touch base and Blair I hope to get to see you when you come this month. We didn't have enough time visit the last time.
love,
kittie

Happy Birthday to Susan on Saturday!!!

Yeah, glad Michael is home. Can't wait to see him..

I'm planning on coming to Crosbyton on October 24-26th...Bailey has a volleyball tournament that weekend....I'm looking forward to seeing the headstone too...

Hope everyone is doing well.
Love, Blair

P.S....Thanks Maw for the Tech homecoming newspaper clippings....

Hey Family
Was wonderful to see James, Shavonne, Brock, Stormy, Gary, Susan and about 8 new puppies at the Gary Gowens house this morning. Stormy said there were 20 puppies and from the size of them, at 3 weeks old, there looked like nearly that many.

Then my next thrill was to go by and get to finally meet little Michael. Oh my, I never saw a sweeter little tiny face. He was asleep so I still have not seen his eyes but he looks like a little pixie doll you just want to get your hands on. Maybe Megan will post sme pics now that they are home. They got to come home yesterday and boy was Megan glad!! She looks really good herself. I have really missed her so much. She said she missed me too but not the office, ha.

We just have babies everywhere and more on the way. I love it. Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Love
Maw

Happy Birthday Susan....hope you have a good day!
love,
kittie

Hey family,

Just a note to let everyone know that Michael will possibly be coming home this weekend!!!! YEAH!! I cannot wait to get my hands on him!! He needs some of "big mommy's" love and kisses!!
Thanks again to everyone for your prayers, calls and concern for him and Megan....
I hope everyone has a good weekend.
love,
kittie

Mr. Michael is even more PRECIOUS than I ever dreamed!!! I'm so glad to finally put a face to his name (even though he'll grow and change before we know it)! I hope you all are doing well and feeling better with each new day.

Maw, glad you are doing better too! I'm sure it'll take a while after dealing with a kidney infection, I know that it takes me a while to get back on my feet after a kidney stone. Heck, I'm still trying to find my darn feet with how sick I've been with this pregnancy!!!

We're heading to the "Big City" this weekend. Everyone was starting to get on us about a visit, besides it would be a whole three more weeks before everyone will be in San Angelo for Brock's 2nd birthday. It'll be nice to get away for the weekend and see everyone! I just wish I didn't have to sit in the car for three hours, anytime in the car for a preggo is torture.

Well, I guess that's about all Brock's going to let me type. He's starting a screaming fit saying "No, Ama." . . .little turkey!

God Bless,
The Gowens' Family Trio

So glad that baby Michael is improving everyday. He will be home soon for all of us to get some sweet kisses. Megan, take care of yourself, we all remember the first few weeks after our babies were born. We are all fine. Stormy really loves school and is doing great. She is learning so much everyday. James, Shavonne, Brock, and baby are coming this weekend. We are always so blessed by their visits. Jill still loves her new job and is really learning, she can talk like a farmer now!! I am just going to have a couple of test Monday. A stress test ( not on tread mill) and an echo cardiogram. These are just a precaution, because of a few episodes of heart racing. Eletia, hope you are feeling better. You take good care of yourself. Blair, once again thank you for the website. Just wanted everyone out their to know they are in are thoughts and prayers. Maw glad you are better, those bladder infections can really be nasty. Love to all, Susan

Hey Family
Wow, got to see a picture of little Michael without so many tubes, etc. Megan and Roderick, he is just perfect! Can't wait until he gets to come home so we can all "make" over him. Hoping Megan is also feeling stronger. Sleep and rest while you can girl........
Susan, are you okay?? Having tests??? Hope all is well.

The doctor said I am all clear now and I am feeling better every day so that is good since I am at work by myself again (lost my helper, boo hoo).

There is suppose to be rain again this weekend, Sat, heavier on Sunday and Monday just for those that might be thinking of coming up from Ft Worth. Didn't know that anyone had plans but it is always good to know what the weather is going to be. I have still never gotten down to Lamesa to take J W 's new flowers, after having the blowout on his BD, Sept 16, having to turn around and come back home..but...maybe I can get down there soon. Maybe we will hve a weekend soon that it does not rain, hope so.

April it was so good to talk to you last night. Caden is really growing up, he sounds like your little man for sure, the big helper. The age Toby is right now, I'm sure he is quite the handfull. Wish you were closer, maybe I could help you out some, give you a break. I will never forget how hard it was when we lived in Brownwood and Mike was 6, Gary 4 and Kittie 2. I never got a break from them. I would take them to the park sometimes and put them on the swings, slide, etc and I would go to the other end of the park where I could see them, but not be right near them, just for a break. I well remember those days, April and I know how hard it is. I also know you are a great mommy to them!!

Hope everyone else is doing good, got to get off to work.
Love, Maw

Hey Family,

Allison, thank you so much for the words of encouragement. You certainly know what Megan is going through. I hope you and the boys are doing well!!
Michael is improving daily. All he is on now is a couple of antibiotics for the lung infection, which he will probably be on for about 6 to 7 more days. Hopefully after that he can come home!! Megan gets to go in all through the day and hold him. He looks better and better every day!! I wanted to thank everyone for your love, prayers and support during this time.

Peggy told me that Susan was having some tests this week, I hope those go well and nothing serious is going on. Susan, you are in my prayers!

Mother goes back to the doctor today and hopefully she is clear from her kidney infection. Lynnie is feeling a little better this go around with her treatments. She has not been quite as sick physically. She does have bouts of depression and it makes me feel helpless. Hopefully we are having an upswing right now as far as everyone feeling a little better. Last week I thought the whole world was falling apart. I hope that everyone else is doing well.
love,
kittie

Good Morning everyone. This is my first post on this side of the blog, but after reading some posts I thought I should leave a little note.

Congratulations for Megan and Rodrick. I feel that I have walked in their shoes so that is why I feel compelled to say something. It's always hard to know that your child isn't well and there is nothing that you can do to help them. One of the hardest things I have ever done was to leave the hospital without Aidan, so my heart goes out to Megan. I'm sure people understand to some degree, but there is an inner struggle that is heart wrenching. I too stayed at the Ronald McDonald house. It's a blessing that that R.M House is even an option. It was the only comfort I had knowing that I was a stones throw away from the hospital. The nurses and doctors that work in the NICU are truly God's angels because when I saw them give Aidan an IV in his head because his other veins were so small it took my breath away. Even though all the babies in there are quite ill, there is still a sense of hope when you walk in there.

To this day, whenever I go to the hospital or the Dr's office and wash my hands with the soap, it immediately takes me back to the time Aidan was in the NICU. 5 years later and it feels just like yesterday.

Keep your faith strong because this is God's child and he is taking care of him right now. All you can do is pray and send your love to Michael. I will be praying for Megan, Rodrick and Michael.

To everyone else in Crosbyton and the surrounding area, I think of you all often. Hopefully I will be back to visit soon. Even though I live in a big city I still get homesick for a small town. Take care and I hope that God has something great for you around the corner.

Allison, Aidan and Alexander Gillespie

Good Morning Family
Wow, I think we could sell our family story to some TV soap's writer, what do ya'll think??
I guess I am some better but I still am not back to normal (whatever that is). Just feel weak and washed out. I have done nothing this whole weekend trying to recover from the hard day's Thru and Friday at the office. Will be going back to the doctor Tues to get lab work run again to make sure I am clear.
Kittie came by yesterday afternoon for a few minutes to let me know how things are with them. Megan did get released from the hospital and her and Roderick were going to stay at the Ronald McDonald house. Megan wanted to be near the baby. They were feeding him some of her breast milk now thru a tube. I'm sure he will take off. Babies just seem to bounce right back. He just was not ready to be here yet so he not really in a hurry. Be glad when he gets to come home so I can see him for the first time. Megan is feeling better also, just real tired feeling. Everyday will bring new reports I'm sure.
It is raining and cool here this morning, feels like fall. If Mike were here we would make a pot of soup and a pan of cornbread, right?
Eletia, I am sorry last week was so hard for you. That just happens and no need to fight it. Our memories are all we have now but aren't they wonderful? I talk to J W and Mike both a lot. Seems like they are still around here close. And truly they are. They live on in all of us everytime we remember something or thinking about them. Artie pops up there all time too. Boy I am relating to her more all the time. I miss them all so very very much but they are still here in my heart.

Hoping everyone has had a good weekend!
Love, Maw

Kittie,
Sorry to hear about all your problems and know that everything will turn out better for you. Hope Megan and Michael get to come home real soon. I know that has to be one of the hardest things to not do. IS HOLD THAT NEW GRANDBABY. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Eletia

Kittie,
Thank you for the update, I'm just so sorry to hear that things are the way they are. We will be praying for everyone and their healing. James said he called Megan the other day and it was very good to hear her voice. He was very worried about her and Michael.
I hadn't heard about Maw's kidney infection either, that's never any fun. Hopefully she is on the road to recovery and will be back to herself in NO time. Poor Miss Maddie too. I'm sure it's harder on Maggie and Kraig knowing thier baby is in pain.

To everyone else, hope things are going well. We are still getting by. . .although James woke up early this morning with what seems like a the nasty stomach bug going around. He was up most of the night and is still in bed now. Brock and I have just been taking it easy here today, the last thing we need is to get sick too. Take care and hope to hear from you all soon.

God Bless,
The Gowens' Family Trio

Hey Family,

I came home this morning to try to get a few things done. Wanted to give a quick update on everything, since I haven't had a chance to call everyone.
Megan and Michael are slowly improving. They finally determined that Megan had HELLP syndrome. She has really been sick but is finally beginning to feel better. Her platelet count got really low, should be at least 100,000 and hers was down to 24,000. Anyway as of yesterday it had begun to rise and was up to 37,000 last night. She only got to move to a room yesterday. Michael is slowly improving as well. He has an infection in both of his lungs, low blood pressure and had to have a tube to breathe. The tube has now been removed and he is breathing good on his own. The blood pressure medication was weaned off and completely taken off yesterday and so now he is on an antibiotic for the lung infection. He will probably remain in the NICU unit though for several more days. We were not even allow to touch him for the first two days. Now we can touch him and talk to him but still have not got to hold him. This has been especially hard for Megan. She has been really down the past couple of days. But we are so thankful that the problems that he had are all curable. There are so many babies in the NICU unit that will probably have lifelong problems. He just is having a slow start, but should recover completely. Thank God!! He is a beautiful baby (and I am not just saying that..haha). He weighed 5 lb and 6 oz and was 18 inches long. He has a TON of black hair....He really is a beautiful baby and I cannot wait to get my hands on him.
Boy, when it rains it pours.....Lynnie started her chemo treatments again this week, so I pray that they go better this round. She has really been sick. Mother had a severe kidney infection earlier this week and is recovering from that. Maggie had to take Madelynn to the doctor yesterday and she had an ear infection. I just feel pulled in a million different directions. I hope that everyone reading this is well and keep us in your prayers.....
love,
kittie

Hey Ctown....Everybody keep your prayers and thoughts for the Hamersleys'. Megan and Michael are still getting some extra attention so they can both start feeling better. We all can't wait for them to come home. Happy Birthday Gary Dale.....We're thinking about Jimmy Lynn too...

Maw, you get to feeling better too........Don't over do it.

Miss everybody......Hey Gary Lee and bunch and Peggy/Judy......
Love ya'll,
Bear

CT, hope this finds you all well and happy. Today marks 6 months. It has been a long six months for me. Seems like an eternity already. Today was not a real good day. I finally gave up working and just called in sick and went and did some things just for me. I had one of those headaches where I lose my vision so make it hard to type when you cant see good. Doctors think it is stress. I think so too, or maybe onsite of seizure like activity. Who knows, hard to explain but it is very real to me. Probably stress. The computers appear to bring it on what ever it is. Thanks for all you guys help with the headstone. Kittie thanks for the flowers they are pretty. Linda Mc had a picture when she was here. Gary & Susan thanks for the pictures of the headstone the day it arrived. It sure is pretty and it sure is an odd feeling also. So many mixed emotions about so many things. Well love you guys and see you later. Eletia

Yeah, Little Michael is here!!! Congratulations to Megan and Rodrick. Can't wait to see pics.
Love, Blair

Hey Family
Good to hear from you Eletia. Sounds like ya'll had a great BD party for Mister Caden. Hope he got my card by today, was a little late getting it off. Looking at his pics, I thought maybe he got the swings and trampoline for his birthday. Bet he was thrilled with the Wii.I don't know much about them but guess they are the latest thing.

We are having beautiful weather lately. Cool nights are great, raise the window and no AC going. Went to church yesterday morning. Not many people there but it was a good service. Cooked me and Ryan some 4 year old blackeyed peas out of the freezer and some corn and they tasted really good! Surprising what you can get by on when you don't have any groceries, ha. Wed will be the 1st and payday so we can make it until then. The rabbit has even learned to eat dog food and loves it. Ha.

Quilted some on my "stamp" scrape quilt and it is really going to be cute. The Hamersley's are all working fast and hard on getting Linnie and Jackie's house ready for them. Gary D, Mark and Brendan are all working on it.

Megan is not feeling good at all. Guess these last few weeks or days are going to be the pits for her. Sure be glad when little Michael gets here and she can get back to feeling better.

Eletia, anytime you can come out, it will be great and I'm sure it would be great if Sharon could come also so ya'll could fix all those flowers you wanted to do. This is a pretty time of the year out there.

Better get back to work...slow for Monday. Guess everyone is waiting for the 1st of the month. Today would have been mine and Dalmer's 57th Wedding Anniversary.
Love,
Maw

goodmorning CT,
Well quite an eventfull weekend. Mr Caden is now 5 and must say growing like a weed. His birthday party was just great, Spongebob and all. He was blessed with tons of clothes and he finally got a Wii. He was so excited and had a blast with learning the new games. Blair of course had a beautiful tribute to him being 5 in pictures and song which of course made me cry. But it does take too much to do that to me now adays.
Toby is growing up so fast and he will wink at me which just melts my heart. Yesterday at the restuarant he was singing I love you, you love me, were a happy family. so cute.
Was good to see Linda and Melyssa for a while this weekend. Sheron and Jerry spent Sat nite with me and always enjoy there company.
Jared and Betsy are always busy and they joined us for the BD party, but did get to see them too much. It was Jareds week on the Oilrig.
Blair and Jay, were at the BD party and then had work to do around there house so only with them friday nite. All stay busy with work and chores around here.
Sheron and I talked about the weekend of oct 11 trying to go out the CT way. Not sure who all could or would come, but will see. The GS get together may be around Thanksgiving if may could come. Well, I will go for now and hope this finds all of you well and happy. Love to all Eletia

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GARY LEE TODAY!!!
Love, Mother

Hey Maw and Ryan, I'm so sorry to hear about Buddy. He was a good little ole' dog. So sweet everytime I saw him. He lived a long time. He was a happy little dog. :(
Blair

P.S. Also Happy Birthday to Gary Lee today!!

Hey Family
Just a note to let you know that Ryan's 14 year old Buddy died this morning. He was sick Sat and all day yesterday. Ryan wanted him in his bathroom so he could watch over him. He would lay on his stomach and put his head on Buddy's head and talk to him, telling him how much he loved him.
Kittie came over and helped me dig his grave and we buried him by Papa's work table in the far backyard. Buddy use to lay under that table while J W did his woodwork projects and Buddy had gone there to died. When I looked for him yesterday, he had dug him a spot under the table (it is rotten and falling down) so I figured that was the spot he had all picked out.
Sad for me and Ryan, one more loss..........
Love, Maw

Hey Everybody....Really glad the headstone is out there now. Thanks everybody for going out there to see it. Gary and Susan thanks for taking pics of it, and I will have to get that from my mom. It's really nice to know that it is out there now permanently.
Blair

Gary, Stormy, and I went to the cemetery at 4:30 and the headstone is there. It is really beautiful and we e-mailed Eletia pics. Love to all. Susan

Hey Bear Bear
I'll check up on Mike daily and let you know if it is there. We had a really bad scare in our block this morning, about 8:30. I heard some really loud shouting and yelling (men's voices) and I thought there was a fight going on in the street or something. Opened the front door and my neighbor on the South, her car was backed out into the street and people gathered around kneeling around and I thought maybe she had hit a dog but one of them stood up and I could see it was a little blonde headed girl, small, about 2 years I would guess. My heart nearly sank. The ambulance came and picked her up and left for Lubbock. Her family was those people visiting across the street from me. I knew they had guests for about a week and seems they were from Houston. I guess geting away from the storm and they were loading up to go home this morning and a little dog ran by and the little girl ran to chase the dog just as Vicki was backing out to go to work and she hit her. I checked at noon and was told that the child had some broken ribs but had not found any internal bleeding or anything. I worried about that child all morning so I was thankful she is going to be okay. Those things can happen so fast.Vicki never saw her, she just heard the men yelling and stopped, opened the door and reality set in. She was really torn up about it all as you can imagine.
Love, Maw

Hey Maw, didn't know you had a blowout....Glad you are okay....Yes, I've got to come and stay longer...It was not long enough, and I want to get to see everybody....Love, Blair

P.S.. Please let us know CTown when the headstone is at the cemetery.

Hey Family
Bear & Jay, you didn't get to stay long enough! Try to come back again so we can visit longer. Stormy, I loved your school pics. You are growing up too fast. Sorry your turtle got away. Maybe he will come back for more of your TLC. Your pic with Bear was really really good.
I was going to Lamesa yesterday to take flowers for J.W.'s birthday, which he would have been 85. Got nearly to Lorenzo and had a blowout so had to come back home. Kittie said she would take me soon. Her family really has their hands full right now with Jimmie Lynn taking treatment and not doing well with it AND little Mister Michael will be here in one month.Things have to be done to get ready for him. I will go to the baby shower Sat morn with Kittie.
I enjoyed talking to April, Jac, Caden & Toby last night. They were having picture day at school today. Caden really fooled me on the phone, changing his voice to make me think it was Toby. He had me going for a minute, I thought, Wow, Toby is learning to talk fast.
Will need to start planning a quilt for Carson Jared soon, when I can shop for fabric. Jared will have his nursery room all finished. Then will be waiting to see what Great Grand Baby #12 will be??
Love, Maw

Thinkin of everyone in CTown....Love, Blair

Eletia, thanks for calling me about the pic being on the web site. The headstone is really really beautiful and I am so happy that it is everything you had hoped it would be. I'm sure Mike would have approved and been proud. It is a beautiful tribute to him, you and the kids.
I hope the ground is dry enough to set it this week. People are still getting bogged down trying to pull off the hwy onto a dirt shoulder. The ground is really soaked but I sure the people setting the stone will know if it will be okay to go ahead. We have had lots of sun today so that has helped.

Now we all have something special to look at when we go to visit Mike. I still have trouble believing it is real, don't know if it will ever seem real to me or not. I do know it has affected me a lot, aged me a lot and made me feel really empty..............

Love,
Maw

Thinking of you today, Mother....Maybe we can go sometime this weekend!! Hopefully, Lynnie will be feeling better...
love,
kittie

Hello Everyone
Just realized it has been awhile since either Jared or I have posted on the blog. I try very hard to keep my blog updated but thought I would stop in and comment here. We have been doing well. Kind of busy but not too bad. When Jared works at the rig during the week it is different. He comes home pretty beat but very happy. He really likes his new job and is learning new things everyday about this business. I get home from work to spend as much time with our girl Kate as I can. I get some smiles but let me tell you when her Daddy walks in the door it is like sunshine just filled the room. She starts laughing and squealing and smiling and talking and bouncing.It's quite a scene and makes him smile from ear to ear matter what kind of day it is. This girl is a Daddy's girl through and through. It has been such an amazing blessing to watch my sweet husband interact with our girl. A relationship that cannot be duplicated. It just defines sweetness. We are so excited by the news of our boy! Carson Jared is already being prayed for and planned for. Jared works on his room on his weeks off and I must say it looks spectacular. I took a lot of liberty with Kate's room doing it just as I wanted but with Carson's room I really wanted Jared to take it and run and I must say it will be awesome. Can't wait to post pictures. I pray for the health and safety of my babies every night but most of all I pray that they will grow to have a relationship with God and Jesus. Nothing could make us more proud of them. Love to All!
Betsy

Ctown, as I told you guys on the phone. The headstone is everything I could have wished for. It is absolutely beautiful. The wait was worth it to have something so special to honor such a love in my life. I loved Mike with all my heart. He and I had a very different, but very special relationship. We finally learned how to be friends as well as lovers. I was honored for 34 years to be his wife and to be a part of the Gowens family. As I start my new life without Mike, I will always remember him with deep love and affection. I will carry a piece of him with me always. I was very blessed to get to have 3 wonderful children with Mike, to carry on his legacy. They were his pride and joy and the additions to his children, our beloved grandchildren, he swelled with pride, just talking about them. I must go on with my life, I have to enjoy the time I have left here on this earth. If this is for me to love again, I am ready. Thanks for letting be a part of your lives and know, I love you and think about you all often. Wish me luck and happiness. Eletia

Blair,

We will be going to church but will be home right after. You are welcome to stop and have lunch with us before heading home. Or whatever works for you and Jay.

love,
kittie

Awesome thanks for the updates.......Man time flies.....

Congrats Jill on the job!!!! Go Ralph Go!! Can't believe Stormy is in Pre-K....Wow! She is growing up too....Mini Jill.....Hehehe....Love it!! Proud of James and Shavonne too!! Little Mr. Brock is getting so big.

Man Kittie, you are right, the next time we all get together it will be a blast watching all of the kiddos. I know Megan is getting excited....I'm excited for her. That Madelynn of Maggie and Kraig's is just too adorable. And Boston is just growing up before our eyes.....Man oh man!

Kittie and Gary Dale, I will praying for Jimmie Lynn. Let us know if there is anything we can do here.

Jared and April's kiddos are growing like crazy......I'm such a lucky Uncle.

Well, I hope to be stopping in to Crosbyton on Sunday before lunch.....I want to be able to see everybody that can.....What would be easiest or best way for that to happen? I know everybody is busy and my stay won't be long either. I'm open too anything....

Love all you,
Blair

Hey Family,

Sorry haven't posted in a while...Time just seems to get away from me these days. The "grandbabies" (yes Boston that includes you too) are doing great. Maggie has posted some new pics on Madelynn's page of her and Boston. They are both doing really good. It seems like I have so much going on right now. Mr. Michael will be here before we know it. Megan's actual due date is Oct. 17th and so her and I are trying to get things ready for his arrival.
Jimmie Lynn started her chemo last week and her sister, Brenda, is here for now staying with her but I have been going back and forth everyday taking meals, etc. I would appreciate any prayers concerning her. She is scheduled to have chemo for the next six months, so it is going to be a hard time for her.
Susan, Boston had Mrs. Weems too in pre-K and she really was good with him that year. That was the year that Brian died and Boston had a hard time expressing his emotions and feelings and she was very kind and patient with him. I hope that Stormy has a good year. I cannot believe how much the "little" ones are growing up. And now Brock and Kate are going to be the big brother and big sister....That just does not seem possible!!! Wow, I just cannot get over how much our family is growing. It seems like forever it was just Boston and now the babies are coming out of the woodwork!!! Our family truely has been blessed.....
Love to all,
kittie

update

Stormy is in pre K. Her teacher is Patsy Weems. She goes all day from 7:45 to 3:10. She seems to be getting use to real school. Jill is working in Spur for the USDA, Farm Service Agency. She wasn't looking for a job , but this offer came in and the salary was nearly double. She loved the credit union, but they could never pay her very good . She commutes with another lady and so the drive and gas isn't very bad. Gary and I had a wonderful visit this past weekend with James, Shavonne, and Brock. He is the best little boy and is really smart. (sounds like a grandma, ha) He can say all his name and is great at puzzles. Shavonne has some good hours in the day and then quite a bit of nausea. James is enjoying his job. All is good at the Gowens home front. We will be home Sunday if you need a place to stop. Love all of you, Susan

Hey All....Me and Jay will try to be in CTown on Sunday morning and hope to maybe see anybody we can in the short time that we are there. I don't want anybody to change any plans that might have for this weekend, but anybody and everybody I can see would be great. I will be going out to the cemetery on my out home for a few minutes......The headstone should be out there the following weekend and then I am hoping I can come out again in October to see it. My main thing, is I just want to make a visit....

Maw I bet Kittie's singing was awesome. Anyway, you or somebody could record it for all to see....That we really cool.....Maybe we could put it on the website. Kittie, wish I could have heard you sing....I bet it was awesome. How's those grandbabies??

Jill congrats on the new job!!! What are you doing now??? Susan, how's those grandbabies...I saw on there where Stormy started school...Is she is Pre-K or Kindergarten....

Caden because his birthday falling on Sept. 27th will turn 5 and have to wait to start next school year. Him and Toby are in the daycare at Junior's Junction still. He is ready for school though. He and I worked on a workbook that his Mom got him yesterday when everyone came over for dinner at mine and Jay's.

Aunt Peg and Judy, hope ya'll are doing great too..

Hope everyone is doing great!!!
Love Blair

Hey Family
Just want to say to those not at church this morning, FBC, Crosbyton, you truly missed a wonderful blessing not hearing Kittie sing, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE. It was so beautiful.
Love, Maw

Blair, We will all be around on the weekend of the 13th. Love to see ya'll if you have time. Jared and Betsy, we are proud ya'll are having a baby boy Gowens. Betsy, hope you are feeling good. April, hope your family is all doing good. Is Caden in school? Stormy seems to be adjusting to school. She is really tired in the afternoons. Jill is loving her new job, and the drive isn't very bad, she travels about 30 minutes each way. We are also very excited about the new baby Gowens addition to our family. Eletia take care of yourself and hope to see you soon.
Love to all, Susan

C-Town whats goin on? Me and Jay will be in Lubbock on Sept. 13th to watch Tech game. Anybody gonna be around that weekend? Love, Blair

Happy Birthday to Boston today!!!!! Love ya, Blair and Jay

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BOSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey family,
Can you believe that Boston is 10 years old?? He is really growing up so fast, like you said Blair, life goes by so fast it makes your head spin. Boston had a party yesterday with some friends his age and Maggie taking them to some "fun" palce. I can't remember the name of it, Kittie told me but then they had cake and etc at 4:00 at Maggie and Kraig's house. I did not go but sent him a card. Right now I am very saving on my gas (setting on empty) and we don't get paid until Tuesday, ha. Anyway I'm sure he had a good party and day.

Eletia, the news is good about the headstone, finally, for you. I know you have been disappointed about it but it will all work out, you'll see. The yellow roses will still be great, even if it is getting on to Fall. Who cares? J W's BD is 16th so I am going to Lamesa on the afternoon of 14th to take some new flowers for him. Sooooooo, Blair and Jay, if you need to stay with me any that weekend, I'll be here Sat and Sunday morning. It will be great to see you!

Blair, I understand how you are feeling about your dad. You can keep pushing the reality of what happen to the back of your mind but then once in a while, it pops forward and there it is looking you right in the face and in your heart. I too miss getting to talk to Mike on the phone. He called me a lot when he was driving, either on a "run" or on the way home. He was so loving and thoughtful. He always knew the right things to say and I miss him so very very much too.

Wayman is having the same feelings you are having about the football talk. J W always called him up and they talked "football" so he is really missing that too. I sent him a clipping of Dirk West cartoon last week where Raider Red was spanking the "hog" for leaving the SWC and going to SEC. It was a really cute cartoon and Wayman called and said he loved it. You know me, I don't "talk" football but am trying to fill in for J W where I can.

I will enjoy the exrta day off tomorrow. I can always find things to do around here to entertain myself. If I was ever able to retire, I would never be bored, for at least 10 years, ha. I know how mother felt now about trying to weed things out and get rid of things. I look around and think, OH MY GOSH, I have got to start working on purging "stuff". I have already spent hours, just cutting up old, old papers and records that are all out dated. I never throw anything away and now it is beginning to show, ha.

Okay, guys, have a great holiday and stay in touch. I love you all!!!!
Maw

Hey everybody.....Wow time passes huh.....Man, Tech won tonight, but it wasn't the same.....Cause I wish i had the opportunity to talk to Dad about the game and all the excitement about the season. I really miss him right now........I really hurt too for Mom, Jared, April, Maw, Gary and Kittie and everybody else. I know all of you loved him very very much. When I look at the grandkids I think of what they think of Pops.....Anyway, wow, life is really funny that way. Life has been so fast and I think it is just now kind of coming full circle. Dad's gone.......There are days when I have this weird feeling of I can't call my Dad or this panic feeling I can't ask my Dad. Damn what I would give right now to critique a Tech game or hear him get pissed about a call or whatever. Wow......Hey CTown, me and Jay are coming on Sept. 13th to watch tech game with Adam.....We will be there on that Sunday for a little bit.....Anyway, love you all...Blair

Hello CT,
I just got word today that the granite will be state side Thursday Sept 4. I dont know how long it will be before it will be engraved and then shipped to Crosbyton for placing out at the cemetary. I will let yall know, when I find out. I am anxiously awaiting the day. I have plans on the weekend of Sept 13, but the next one, the 20th may be the date I come out. I just may take some vacation and come on during that week. I dont know who will get to join me, but all that can, would love to have you all. I know the yellow rose thing will be kind of summery for September, but I still think they will be beautiful. Since they are already bought I guess I will just go ahead with this. I have cancelled the bag piper and the dove release, since I could never get a certain date on delivery. It will still be a nice honor just to have a beautiful headstone and family members, who can be there, to help dedicate this headstone. I know Mike is so happy and is having a wonderful time where he is. That does my heart good. I miss him so very much. Was hard to shut the door to the house the last time, but it had to be done and the couple that bought it is so very proud to have it. Working at home from 6-3 now, so many things in my life have changed and are so different. I know life goes on and I am. The hurt and pain will never be gone, but I know Mike would want this for me. Love to you all. Eletia

Aunt Peg and Judy, Jay and I had so much fun with ya'll on Saturday night. Thanks for supper. Love, Blair and Jay

Good morning CT,
Happy BD to everyone and Anniversaries to all. August is a full month. I forgot no one just did not post. We had a great time together for Jared BD and April & Zac Ann. We ate a Genghis Grill and then to the mall, to buy Jareds BD present. I let them pick out the BD since we do BD bigger than Christmas now.
Susan good to hear from you. You need to come and see me and stay like Tressie has done. We make some mischief together. I did get that tattoo, on my ankle. It is a yellow long stem rose, in honor of Mike, since this was his favorite flower and always gave me and all the girls yellow roses for every occasion. Cant say it didnt hurt, or stung. Glad I finally got it done.
The headstone will be in the US next week, yeah. From there he said it would be on extreme rush. We will see. It does sound like we will be there in Sept for the dedication of the headstone. I guess instead of elaborate it will just be something small and from our hearts.
It feels like I am having to learn how to work all over again, trying to keep up with daily work and learn the new process of working from home. I sure do hope it is next week that I get to do this. Since I know I am going to, the drive gets longer and more traffic every day.
I am going to Sheron and Jerrys this weekend we are going to the Margarita and Salsa Festival there. Tressie and Mark are going also. This should be fun.
Love to you all. Eletia

HAPPY HAPPY "BELATED" ANNIVERSARY TO MAGGIE AND KRAIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here I am again, 3rd time today. Wow when you have so many grandkids and great grandkids, it is hard to remember them all. Sorry I missed it back on Sunday, the 17th kidss but anyway better late than never I guess. Hope you had a great day and just enjoyed Boston and Maddie. I do believe that your wedding was the very last social thing that Papa went to.
Love ya, Maw

HAPPY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY APRIL AND ZAC

Hoping you have great memories today of your wedding day and all the reasons you fell in love and got married. Can't believe you have been married 9 years already. I have a pics here of Mike and Artie made just before your wedding, in the bedroom at Kittie and Gary D's house. I took note that your dad had on a yellow rose. Love you guys!!
Love, Maw

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY JARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love you and thinking of you today on this your 30th birthday. You will always seem like that little boy sitting at the bar in my kitchen trying to learn your ABC's. I love you Jared!!!
Enjoy your evening out tonight!
Love, Maw

Hey everybody....Sorry for the long delay on updating the website....I will do better getting things updated with everyone's news and keeping us informed. Thanks Susan for the motivation....Miss everybody....Love bunches, Blair

August 21, Birthday Wishes

Happy birthday Jared! We will be thinking about you on your special day Thursday. We remember the day your were born, we were so excited to have another little baby boy Gowens 30 years ago. Love you, Gary and Susan

Looks like the pizza party was fun, wish Gary and I could have been there. We miss all of you guys and always have each of you in our thoughts and prayers. Eletia, we are excited about your new home. Hopefully we can come see you and yours before to long. We just need to find a weekend free and head on out. I also can't believe Jared will be 30!!!. All of you look great and just wanted everyone to know we love each of you. Blair, Blair thanks for all the hard work you do on this great website. Love to all, Susan

Hey Family
Thanks for the fast reply Eletia. Maybe someday (in my next life) I can get down to see your apt. Is it groundfloor ?? Just wondering, with all the storms now days. I still sound like I came from Oklahoma, ha. Sounds like you also have a pool included? I'm sure Caden and Toby love that as well as the grown kids.
Kittie told me that Peggy and Judy left to go to Dallas today to see Dawn before Dennis takes her back to Arkansas. Don't know if they will look you guys up or not? I have not seen or talked to her since the Sat morning I went to visit her at her house. I'm sure she has been busy getting her house back in shape.

It rained most of the weekend which is good on the yard. I just worked on my new quilt project (1" squares) and made a few potholders. Not anything going on in town. Tax free weekend I guess anyone that could, went to Lubbock shopping. I don't have any gas or money so I have to find my entertainment at home, ha. Guess school will start next week so maybe that will generate some activity downtown too. I went to the bank after lunch to get change and there were only 2 cars parked in the whole block where the Dollar Store and etc are. That is pitiful.

Oh Jared, I talked to Heidi Hays at the grocery store and she said your tenants went to Florida for a week, drove in a suburban. Can you figure what they spent on gas, motels, theme parks, etc?? Too bad they can't pay you rent or move out.
Oops, maybe I need to mind my own business!!!

Eletia, don't give up on the headstone. I was talking to Robbi that use to work here. Her and one of her husbands use to sell headstones and set them and she told me that China is the only place you can get the black granite.She also said it takes a long time. When ever it does get here, don't worry, we will do something special. I know you have been disappointed but I'm sure it will be worth it.

Guess I better get back to work. Megan and I are holding down the office and I am watching her tummy grow daily!!
Love, Maw

Kathryn, I am doing great. I think I am really going to like my apt. I just signed a 6 month lease, to make sure. It will be tight, but it will be OK. I have had company already. Tressie was here last week and is coming back tomorrow nite. Sheron, Jerry, Cameron, Diane and Brock were here this afternoon. I have had Blair and Jay twice, Jared, Betsy and Kate once and April, Zac, Caden & Toby, twice. They came and swam this afternoon.
Work is really taking lots of my time. I hope I will be here working from home by the end of August. The good thing is I wont be in the traffic for an hour and gasoline shouldnt be too much. It is kind of sad though, because another era of my life is coming to an end and I know change is the way, but it is sad to see. I will have to make myself get out and go.
I got an email from the headstone guy, Matt, last week, telling me he would let me know more on the arrival date, but as usual I got nothing else. I will be in Crosbyton whenever it arrives to see it and I hope it is as special as I want it. I guess I will just cancel all plans for a memorial service, since nothing appears that it will correspond to my dates. I will probably have to work the Labor Day Saturday, but not real sure yet. Will let you know. Sorry, I havent written as of late, it has been kinda busy. I am OK and I am trying to go one with life. Hard sometimes, but I know Mike would want me to do so. Love, Eletia

Eletia, Are you okay?? You are heavy on my mind. Love Ya, Maw

Hey Everybody....Sorry I haven't updated the webpage a lot this Summer. Hope everyone is doing really well. Love, Blair

Hey Family
First of all, Eletia, I was thinking of you all day yesterday. This is for sure a new beginning for you and I hope it will be a good one. You are stronger than you realize and you will be fine. It seems our life is made up of all these series through the years and when you look back, it is as if we have lived several lifetimes, our childhood, teenage years, getting married, having our children and on and on. We just have to go the path we are led through life and will never understand it all in this lifetime. Just have to put our faith and trust in God and His plan and His mercy. He is in control and we will be fine. Hold on to that. Life is for the living and we can manage to hold on to the ones we have lost for awhile and then we realize we must go on and do the best we can. Looks like you already have your computer hooked up so that is a great big plus. I am thinking of you daily and love you.

Happy anniversary to Gary and Susan . 34 years and that is a great record. I hope this is a good day for you as you reflect back. You have 4 wonderful children and 2 and 1/8 grandchildren. What more could you ask?

Was able to see Maddie some this week while she was at Kittie and Gary D's. She is so sweet. I know they enjoyed getting to spend some special time with her and am sure Maggie, Kraig and Boston enjoyed their trip. School will soon be starting in a couple of weeks I guess.

Megan is doing great with her pregnancy. She is feeling good and really "filling out". I have enjoyed her company at the office this summer. Before she came, I was talking to the walls a lot.

Enjoyed the video of Kate for her half birthday. Can you believe she is already that old?? I will be waiting to hear what baby #2 is in Sept. Will need to get started on yet another baby quilt. I already have Michael's made, basketball theme. It is really cute. Then will also be waiting to hear about James and Shavonne's baby #2. Gives me something to look forward to. I love making the quilts once I decide on the color and theme. I am between quilts right now so I am piecing one out of leftover strips of fabric from Toby's quilt and the pieces are 1" squares. I believe it is called "stamp" piecing because they look like stamps. Kittie said I had too much patience! Ha.
Has April heard back from her test yet??Hope there is some medicine to get her cured of the ulcer. Have enjoyed Blair's e-mails this week. Okay, got to get some lunch started. Hoping everyone has a great week. Love, Maw

Congratulations to James and Shavonne. Love you Eletia

Congratulations Gowens Trio.....Another Gowens coming our way. Couldn't get any better. I love it! Love you all bunches, Blair

Spreading the News (If you don't already know)

I just wanted to stop in to say we missed many of you at the get together this weekend, but we still had a BLAST!!!
I'm not too sure how fast word travels from Jared, or if who all has visited our website so I'll go ahead and announce it here: James and I are pregnant!!! Yes, that's correct. Brock is going to be a BIG Brother! James and I are thrilled, and Brock keeps saying "baby" so we are just walking around with a permenant grin on our faces! God is good!!!
I also wanted to personally thank Maw, Maggie, and Kittie for your congratulatory entries on the webpage! When we read of everyone elses excitement we seem to get excited all over again! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

God Bless,
The Gowens' Family Trio

Hey Family
Was so glad Eletia called this morning to tell me April's procedure went okay. we want our Baby A to be well for sure. Hope she can rest up this weekend. It is so very very hot and dry here. Too hot to get outside for anything. I will call her tomorrow to check on her again and see how she is feeling.

So glad it is the weekend coming up so I don't have to keep getting in and out of the hot car going to work and back. Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Love, Maw

Hey Everyone.......I hope that everyone that is getting to travel to San Angelo has fun this weekend. I will be there in spirit. I am planning on helping Mom this weekend with finishing getting all the rest of the stuff out of their house.

Maw.....I'm thinking about you right now too. Kittie, is was good to visit with you even if it was just for a minute last night.

Life is definitely a roller coaster ride. With our faith in God, the love in our hearts and the joy of hope, our family can get through anything.

I'm really looking forward to seeing everybody again when we get to Crosbyton. Mom has worked really hard to get some things scheduled and just waiting on the headstone date. Thanks to everyone that is helping her with some of the plans.

I love everybody very much!
Blair

Especially to Eletia, Blair,Jay,Jared,Betsy,April and Zac,
Jesus told us that in this life we will have trouble. "Unfair things will happen to you." But here's the key: "Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." God says if we'll keep the right attitude, if we'll stay full of joy and full of hope, even though He may not stop all the trouble,but when we come out, we won't be the same as we were before. We'll be more blessed, healthy, and prosperous, better off than we were before. God is keeping the records in your life. If someone has mistreated you and done you wrong, don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Let hope fill your heart. Know that God will bring you out with TWICE what you had before. Don't magnify your problems. Magnify your God. The bigger you make God, the smaller your problems become. God will make the enemy pay DOUBLE for bringing adversity into your life. I may have been knocked down, but I'm not going to stay down. I'm going to get back up again, knowing that God is on my side, and if God be for me, who dares be against me? We will all be better than we were before. Our loved ones that are gone on, expect it of us and they know what rewards are waiting for us. God Bless and be of good cheer and have faith that God will take care of the ones who have wronged us and our family.
I love you all and am here for you always. Love, Maw