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