Happy 4th of July to everyone...Jay and I will be doing our road trip beginning Sunday through Friday...Woohooh! I'll post pics when I get back.
Love,
Blair

It was good seeing everyone at the golf scramble that got to come. Also, Peggy and Judy we had so much fun with ya'll here this weekend. The Il Divo concert was fantastic, but just having ya'll here for the weekend was the best.

Gary Lee and Kittie, did ya'll get the invitations to a Gowens' reunion here in the metroplex in Mesquite in August. The Gowens group is related to Clarence Preston Gowens. Ya'lls grandpa and my generation's great grandpa. I would really like to try and go. I didn't know if ya'll had put any thought into it?

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads..
Love,
Blair

Thanks for the memory

Just wanted to thank the Forth Worth crew for the wonderful weekend. Gary, James, and I had a great time. So good to see everybody. Wish the rest of our bunch could have made the trip. Love to all, Susan

Kittie...Ouch on Boston's eye, but glad he's okay. Wow, he got to pitch...I bet he did awesome. Go Boston..We had a blast. I'm hoping we can have it on a Saturday next year and even more folks can come. Hey check out facebook too, cause I put a video montage of the weekend.

Gary, Susan and James...It was awesome to see ya'll this weekend. It was a blast.

Love to all,
Blair

Blair,
Enjoyed the pics!!! May be I can work it out for next year....Glad I did not miss Boston's games though. He got to pitch(for the first time)!!!! I felt like I was at the World Series!!! He also got hit in the eye and now has an "awesome" black eye....lol....He was thrilled that I captured it on video so he could see himself get hit!! Looks like ya'll had a great weekend.
Love ya,
kittie

Thanks Kittie...Wish ya'll were here...Love ya'll...Blair

Hey, Just wanted to say I hope everyone has a great weekend at the golf scramble....Please be careful on your way to and from!!!
You will all be in my heart!!
love,
kittie

Quick question?. . .what are the "non golfers" going to be doing on Sunday? Just thought I'd ask since Brice, Brock, and I won't be golfing!!!

Just a few more days until the golf scramble. We will get together at Blair's house on Saturday between 4 and 5. I've got down that Gary, Susan, James, Shavonne, Brock, Brice, Blair, Jay, Bailey, Jared, Betsy, Kate, Carson, April, Toby and Caden being there on our side. Kelly Wall and his wife will also be there. Did I miss anyone? We're having mexican food!

We will miss everyone that's not able to come.

Love,
Blair

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN OUR FAMILY....I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!
LOVE,
KITTIE

Happy Mother's Day Weekend to all the Mom's.....

Maw, I think the mysterious rose arrangement is awesome....God is awesome on how he brightens our days in the most mysterious ways.
Love, Blair

Hey all...Coming soon...Jay and I are working on something really cool...As soon as we get it up, we can create your own page on gsisters and you will be able to just go in and cut and paste pics and all kinds of stuff on your own page for Gsisters....Too cool huh...Stay tuned! Blair and Jay

Hey Shavonne...That's awesome that you James and the boys are coming down..We are so excited!!! Can't wait to see all the little ones together...Also, got James down on the list. Jared is keeping the list and making up the teams so it should be interesting and fun too...

Hope everyone is having a great week!
Love,
Blair

Hey Blair count us in for the Memorial Scrammble weekend!!! We're going to head that way Saturday morning and hopefully do lunch with my family that lives down there. James will be golfing so add him to the golfers list.
We are REALLY excited to see everyone, it's been too long, plus we can't wait to introduce Brice to more family!!! I can't wait to get Carson and Brice together, Brock and I were looking at pictures of Carson yesterday and every profile shot of him Brock kept telling me it was Brudder Brice!!!
Guess that's about it, see you all in a few weeks!

Sending love and prayers,
Shavonne

Hi Everyone....Okay, I think I have a number pretty much on who is going to get to come to golf scramble. Next question....Who is planning on being here Friday or Saturday.....We would love to have one or both nights. I'm planning on having some supper on Saturday for everyone just like last year....That way we can also be able to visit too. So let me know what day you plan on being here as there are plenty places here with all the Fort Worthites to stay....
Love,
Blair
P.S. If you haven't decided yet or changed your mind, still not too late...Also, you don't have to play in the scramble to come...That's why I'm doing the Saturday thing too.

That is really sad....Ella was always so sweet. Is anyone from the family going to be able to go to the funeral. If you are please let them know that we are thinking about them. This is the first word of it I have heard of her passing away.

My heart also goes out to Jean Trull's family. She was a sweet lady too.

My heart also goes out to Buzz Parkhill's family.
Love,
Blair

Just to let everyone know, Ella (Gowens) Rogers passed away 04-23-09 at midnight. Her funeral is tomorrow, Tuesday April 28 at 2:00, First Baptist Church at Ft Phantom, just outside Abilene, North. Not sure exactly but sure we can find it.

Hey Susan...Can't wait to see ya'll too.....Man it is crazy raining here today! We need the rain though. That will make the golf course in May real pretty when everyone gets here......I'm loving the pics of Stormy, Brock and Brice on Shavonne's website.
Love,
Blair

Blair, Jill will not be playing. She said it would be hard on Stormy. Hope all of your Ft Worth bunch are well. Sorry Carson and Kate have been sick. We are all fine and looking froward to seeing each of you. Love, Susan

Hey Everyone...The golf scramble is closely approaching.

Here is who I have so far from this side of the family that has said they are playing: Gary Lee, Susan, Jill, Brandon, Peggy & Judy????, April, Jared, Betsy, Jay and Blair...

Am I missing anyone?
Love,
Blair

Happy Easter to all. Love, Blair

Hey Happy Easter Ctown crew..

I was on facebook this evening and matched up with one of our cousins. His name is Jim Gowens, no not the Jimmie Gowens in New Deal. He lives here in DFW. Anyway, his Dad was brothers with Papa Dalmer's Daddy, Preston Clarence. Anyway, were are all directly related through General Washington Gowens all out there at the Crosbyton Cemetery.

Next cool thing is he is going to send me a family pic of General Gowens family....I'm so excited to see it and I promise I will share.

Next really cool thing is there is a huge Gowens Familiy Reunion every year in August in Mesquite which is here in the metroplex just west of Dallas.

Love,
Blair
P.S. And yes us Gowens' are "Melungeon Descent"

Just wanted to stop in to wish everyone a Happy and Blessed Easter!
James, Brock, Brice, and I will be heading to Crosbyton tomorrow morning sometime, staying the evening, and then heading back to San Angelo after lunch Sunday. A quick (well semi-quick with a 2 1/2 year old and a 2 1/2 week old) trip but we're excited to introduce Brice Jackson to those family members that haven't had the pleasure to meet him. Wish all of you could be there too, not just to meet Brice but for us to get to see too.
This Easter will be so much different this year as we have another child! Super exciting, I'm anxious to see if Brock shares his Easter egg hunt with his Brudder since he kept giving his eggs away to his "girlfriend" at school yesterday!!! We'll see. . .

Sending love and prayers,
James, Shavonne, Brock, and Brice

Happy Easter

We hope all the families have a wonderful Easter. We will be celebrating this year with Brandon, Jill, and Stormy in their new house. We will have a house full, but always room for more. If any one is in the area stop by. Baby Brice will be here for everyone to see. Love to all, Susan

We're getting excited about the Golf Scramble in June...Hope you're making plans to come...Some of you have already let me know that you are coming...If you are then just let me know...We are going to have so much fun...
Love,
Blair

Wow it's a birthday blitz....

Okay first....Happy Birthday to Maddie on the 4th....1st Birthday...Can't believe your already one!

Happy Birthday to James on the 4th.....Can't believe you are 26! Old man.

Happy Birthday to April on the 5th...Wow, 29....You're catching me! LOL

Happy Birthday to Bailey on the 9th....14 years old.

Love ya,
Blair

The joys of homeownership....Well came home from work this afternoon and had a huge area of shingles blown off of my house from the high winds today!!! Lot's of fun..Hehehe....No vacation this year....Sorry just had to vent...Love, Blair

Thanks Kittie for doing that for us there...That is so sweet.

Gary and Susan, thanks so much for the text today..

Mom, Jared, Besty and April it was good getting your text's this morning too.

Maw, it was good emailing with you this morning too.

Love you all very much!
Blair

Hey, Just wanted to tell the Ft. Worth Bunch that I am thinking of all of you today...And I love you all very much...

Eletia, I got the flowers, but am going to wait a day or two to put them out....The wind is blowing terrible today....

love,
kittie

I miss him too, Blair.
love,
kittie

Hey Everyone....Hope everyone is having a great week...It's hard to believe that a entire year has past since Dad passed away. Parts of the time seemed like forever ago and then parts of the time seem just like yesterday. I guess the hardest part is remembering that day so vividly right now. That is a day that I will never forget. Watching my Dad leave this Earth was up to this point in my life the most overwhelming, scary, heartbreaking, yet also peaceful feeling I've ever felt. I guess thats normal. I don't know. I have also had that question run through my mind since he has passed on why I could feel all those emotions at the same time. I guess what has been so weird about this situation is that it seems like dejavu this past week. The week before Dad past away, I got finished with our health screenings at work and went directly over to April's house for a birthday party for Toby. This year, did the exact same thing...Next, we had an Griffinsisters gathering that weekend, and we did kind of had an informal Griffinsisters gathering this past weekend. I'm not trying to reach on anything, I'm just looking at this is a time of reflection and healing. Life is so funny like that and for those of you have lost a parent, probably know exactly what I'm talking about. Anyway, the main thing that I wanted to say is that I miss and love you Dad. Blair

Mike's 2nd Annual Memorial Golf Scramble is set for Sunday, May 31st in Fort Worth....Can't wait..Love, Blair

James and I just wanted to tell everyone thank you for your love, thoughts, and prayers!!! We made it home with Brice on Thursday evening and all is well.
I added more pictures just today of Brice over the past few days so feel free to get familiar with him!!! (we aren't at all proud. . .)

A special thanks to Maw for the quilt!!! We absolutely LOVE it and already have pictures of Brice laying on it, I added one to his website if you'd like to see him enjoying it!
Betsy, hope all is well with work. You were on my mind all week as I knew this was your first week, let me know how things are going and went.

Alright, that's really about it. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone and this seems to be the best way to get in touch with you all!!!

Sending love and prayers,
James, Shavonne, Brock, and Brice

Hey everyone...Well, I'm sitting here at Boomerrangs with all of you right now...We were having so much fun until they bumped us off the bouncy stuff..Hehehe...This is so much fun...Tress, Sheron and Eletia ran over to Tuesday Morning. We're about to have birthday cake for Mr. Toby.....It's been so much fun having Alli, Manny and the boys here...Also great to see Mer Mer, Mike, and Mark too. Also great to see Sheron and Jerry....Sorry Baylor lost Uncle Jerry. They did great...

Well of to the birthday party....Love, Blair

Congratulations to James, Shavonne and Brock...Welcome little Brice! We are so glad you are here.
Love,
Blair and Jay

We are so exited Brice is here. Can't wait to see him in person. The pics on his site are great. Can't tell who is more proud....Brock, mom or dad. We thought it was so special that he was born on Donna Beth's birthday. Hope everyone is doing fine.
Love,
Peg & Judy

Brice Jackson Gowens is here!!! Born at 6:29 PM March 24, 2009 Wieght 5 lb 10 ozs and 17" long.

Hi Everybody,

Hope everyone had a great weekend...Man this year is just moving right along...Happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. Today would have been Papa Dalmer's 76th birthday..That's hard to believe..Also tomorrow would have been Great-Grandma Artie's 94th birthday..Also very hard to believe...I miss them...

We had fun yesterday..The Fort Worth crew came over as we had an early surprise birthday party for Bailey yesterday. She flew in yesterday and is here for Spring Break. She was very surprised. Thanks Mom, Jimmy, Jared, Betsy, Kate, Carson, April, Caden and Toby for a great time. I will post some pictures some time this week.

Maw...How are you? Haven't heard from you in a couple of weeks.

Kittie and Gary, how are ya'll? How's Lynnie doing?

Gary and Susan, how are ya'll? Looking forward to seeing you guys when you come here.

Aunt Peg and Judy, how are ya'll? Me and Jay are so excited about going to the concert with ya'll in June here at the Nokia Theatre.

Well, Happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!
Love,
Blair

Maw, Happy Birthday!!! We hope your day and every other day is full of love and blessings.

To everyone else, it's been a while since James or myself have blogged so we hope you all are doing well too! As of today I am 35 weeks and I found out at my appointment that I have started to dilate! We'd like to get super excited thinking that Brice could be here any day now but my "labor" progressed all month before I actually went into labor and had Brock. Who knows what the next month could have in store for our family! I will be making weekly visits to the doctor so I'll try to keep everyone informed.

Blair, I have to tell you that I've been thinking about you for the past 4 days too! I officially have preggo sausage fingers and toes!!! (you better remember the horrifying story you told me) No, they aren't too bad but yesterday I decided I better play it safe and put my wedding rings away, I'd for them to get stuck and have to have them cut off.

Sending love and prayers,
James, Shavonne, and Brock

Happy Birthday to my beautiful mom!!!
love ya,
kittie

Happy Birthday to Maw on Tuesday!!! Love, Blair and Jay

Aunt Peg, did you get the workout connection of me for your knee? Love, Blair

Hey Aunt Susan,
Really good to hear from you...Big hugs...You feel that? Okay, good..Hehehe....I can't wait to see the next Gowens boy...I love it....

I am so pumped that ya'll are coming to Fort Worth in September...Okay, this calls for some fun. Let's plan it!
Love,
Blair

Blair, we are always so proud to have a place to keep up with all the family news. Sorry, I don't always have time to blog. We are all doing well. Jill and Brandon are waiting for the Robertsons to get everything done so they can close on their house. Gary and I probably can't let them move and take Stormy. We have really enjoyed the time with her. She is a delight and such a good girl. Gary and I are going to San Angelo the 28th to get lots of hugs and kisses from Brock. It has been to long a spread since we got tho visit the Gowens bunch. When Gary came to bed last night he said he need to see those boys and also how much that girl had grown. (he is excited to see the progress of Shavonne's belly.) We are also getting very excited about the birth of our new grand boy. We also will be going to the San Angelo rodeo. It will be the finals, so should be lots of fun. We try to go every year if possible. It will so much fun to watch Brock. Continue to pray for Brice and Connie, he has good days and not so good days. We hope in September to make a trip to Fort Worth to see all the babies and family. We will vacation for two weeks in September. Blair, wish we could cruise with ya'll, but we never can go in July. I guess I have rambled enough, Sending our love to all the families.
Susan

Hey if you're having a bad day or just want a laugh, go down to bottom of page on griffinsisters and click on the caution sign...LOL

Hey Everyone...We have improved the Send your pics to where you can copy and paste pics off of your computer and send to us....We tested and it works...If you have Vista though, let us know and we will tell you what to do...Blair

Hey Kittie...Man you are busy too. Hope you are able to find a little time for rest...Hang in there....I know I can always count on you on here....Miss everybody and love all the new facebook stuff.....I like your pic too....Love ya' Big Mommy! Blair

Hey,
Sorry I have not had a chance to blog in a while....Between work, Michael, Lynnie, etc. my days pass before I even realize it. I hit the floor about 6 am and usually don't get to bed until midnight or after....I do try to check everyone's websites a couple of times a week and I have to say I really, really do enjoy them!! Like Shavonne said, the babies are all growing so fast, with one more on the way (Brice).....
Anyway, I hope everyone is well....Blair what is this Biggest Loser thing your trying out for?? Are you going to be a trainer?? GOOD LUCK WITH THAT, THAT IS EXCITING!!
love to all,
kittie

Hey Shavonne...I knew I could count on you...Good to hear from ya'll...Hey, Jay is rechecking on why you can't send pics...Hang tight with the answer...Love ya'll Blair

Hey Blair, it's Shavonne proving you wrong(leave it to me)!!!
I know it's been a long time since James or myself have blogged, sorry! Things have been absolutely INSANE and I know that in a few months I'll be saying to myself "Crazy, you just thought you knew what INSANE was!"
Hope this finds everyone well! James and I both have tried to drag the pics to the little boxes for the Cho Po Lo portion but it always comes up with a message saying we can't. . .who knows. I do have newer pictures up on Brock's site though, and we've still got pictures of Brice's 3D sonogram.
Can't wait to meet Mr. Carson!!! Who knows when that'll work out, I just can't believe how fast all of these kiddos are growing up! Everytime we see new pictures of Caden, Toby, Kate, and now Carson we just can't believe it, then we get on Miss Maddie and Michael's totsite and are blown away all over again. . .babies growing up EVERYWHERE!
Sending love and prayers to you all!
James, Shavonne, and Brock

Hey, where is everyone at? I'm beginning to think no one wants to blog anymore? Come on, prove me wrong. Love ,Blair

Hope everyone had a great weekend....Back to work tomorrow. I can't believe we are already halfway through February. Not much going on here...I've got two more weeks of my exercise training classes before we do our annual health screening during the entire month of March...I use to always love the month of March...Hehehe....

Well, hope everyone has a great week. Love, Blair

Hey where's everybody at....Hope all is well. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone on Saturday. Love, Blair

Happy Birthday to Kate today!!! She is 1 years old...Love, Uncle Blair and Jay

We have pictures on the web from Kate's party....She was so cute yesterday in her little pink dress....

Hope that Stormy had lots of fun at her birthday party.

Maw, you are doing great on the computer..You can hang with the best of them....
Love,
Blair

Hey Family
Just a quick note to say Hoping Kate's birthday party goes great today. Sorry I could not be there. As usual, I have too much month left and not enough money, ha. Anyway I'm hoping that Uncle Blair will post some pics of the party.

Stormy has a party this afternoon at 4:00 so maybe Gary can post some pics from it as well, joint parties via internet. How cool is that?? Hope Maw can continue to "keep" up with all of you on my computer. Don't feel as sharp as I use to, but keep trying.
Love, Maw

Hey Everybody....Question for ya'.....Jay and I are wanting to go on a cruise in July.....We would really like for family to come a long...Let us know if you would be interested in going....The fares are pretty good....Like $500-600 a person for a 5 day...That would be out of Galveston...Let us know if you would be interested in going? Love, Blair and Jay

Hello everybody! This is the brains behind the beauty! hahahahahaha! In other words this is Jay! Send me pictures using the new drag and drop feature on the website, we will take your pics and make you famous! Well.... at least family famous!!! Ha! Love ya! JM

Happy Birthday Stormy!!! Wow, 5 years old.....I can't believe it! You are getting so big. I need a Stormy fix....Happy Birthday Stormy! Love, Cousin Blair and Jay


Hey Kittie was good to hear from you too...You are so sweet too and tendered hearted too. Always there to help everybody...Guess it just runs in our blood, eh? We all have that in our family...That's why I have the best family in the world...Yeah, I'm braggin on all of you..Hehehe.

My prayers and thoughts continue to go out to Brice and Jimmie Lynn.

Love,
Blair

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR STORMY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hear your party is Sat but you are now a big "5" year old today. We love you Stormy and wishing you a wonderful birthday week.
Love, Maw and Ryan

Hey Everybody!
WOW....the days just fly by in a blur....so many changes with no end in site!!! I guess that would be called "Life"!!!
I have not had a chance to write in a while but wanted to touch base today and wish everyone well!
I would like to congratulate Eletia and Jimmy! I wish nothing but love and happiness for the two of you. Life needs love and love makes life alot more enjoyable! I hope that the two of you will enjoy many, many happy years together!
Jared, Betsy and Kate, congratulations on the addition of Carson to your family!! He is absolutely adorable!! Personally I think he looks like his daddy (from the pics so far). Babies change so much daily that he may change a million times in the next few months, but I have seen that face before! Your little family is an inspiration to me. It is definitely full of love! Keep up the good work!
I would also like to pass along to April and Zac that your boys are toooooo cute!! I really need a Caden "fix"....and I need to get to see Toby again now that he has become a little boy, instead of a baby! He looks so grown up....
Blair and Jay, AS USUAL, you two are the best!! Thanks for all that you do to keep the family connected....Blair I am so proud of you with your job and your continued efforts to keep everyone healthy and fit...it is so important on so many levels!! You absolutely have the most tender heart of anyone I know. Love just seeps from your pores!! Love ya.....
I heard from Pat McClure that Jill is now working at the bank in Idalou....I hope that you like your job Jill. And I am not sure when ya'll are moving into your new home, but I know you must be very excited!! I cannot wait to see what you do with it...you have a natural knack for decorating!! I see Stormy from time to time and she is growing up so fast.....GORGEOUS!!
James, Shavonne and Brock....I know that ya'll are anxiously awaiting Brice Jackson....we are all anxious and sending our prayers for an easy delivery and healthy baby. It will be so much fun to have two little boys running around the house!
Susan, I hope that Brice continues to do well...Peggie told me that he was doing okay!! Wow, talk about an inspiration...He is just like the energizer bunny!!! KEEPS ON GOING AND GOING AND GOING......We should all be so lucky!
Brother Gary, hope you are doing good!! I have a John Wayne picture here for you if you want it...I will try to get it over there sometime....
Lynnie is doing a little better since she is home now....Michael is growing into a little butterball now!! Madelynn is having a procedure on her eye on Thursday...I am not sure what exactly it is called, but since she was born her eye waters all the time and evidently it is a clogged tear duct or gland, so the doctor will have to insert a probe to unclog it...the procedure I believe is fairly simple but they will have to put her to sleep...Maggie is really worried about them putting her baby to sleep but I am sure everything will be fine. And Madelynn will be very happy that we are not all constantly rubbing her eye!! Boston continues to be AWESOME!!! He never ceases to amaze me....ok enough for now!!
love to all,
kittie

Hey Everyone...I have a new circuit for everyone on http://www.healthyhappyme.com/ It is low impact and a good workout for those of us who have bad knees...Give it a try and see what you think. Love, Blair

P.S. I am loving my new little nephew Carson....I also love my 2 other nephew, Caden and Toby and my little niece, Kate.....

I'm luckiest Uncle in the whole wide world!

Hey Family,
Again, Blair, you are the man with the camera and the knowledge to post all the pics for the rest of us. The pics of the "homecoming" are great. Now there are 4 little "Gowens" off-spring there in Ft Worth so ya'll are growing in leaps and bounds. Carson is really wonderful, cute, handsome, the whole thing!! Blair, you look like the, Oh So Proud Uncle of all these little ones. I know they love you so very very much. You too, Jay Boy, ha.

Betsy you look really great with a 2 or 3 day old baby. Jared, your eyes look a little tired, Ha. Seriously, hope you guys can get some rest and get back on your feet right away.

April it was good to see you and Zac and Caden and Toby. Boy they are really growing up fast too. Just love and miss all of you....... Maw

Hey Everybody...More pics of Carson and the Fort Worth Crew on the website. Go to the tabs on the bottom left on front page of griffinsisters.com. Love, Blair

Thanks so much Uncle Blair for geting us all pics of new Baby Carson. He is so cute!!! We appreciate you more than you will ever know to keep us all informed.
Megan is back to work today, Michael is better and Big Mommy is back in her slot. Hoping things are going good with Brice (Susan's dad) This is going to be hard with two Brice's. Guess they will be Brice A and Brice J ??
Love, Maw

Okay, I've got some hot of the press of Carson...Check it out on Carson page on the front tabs..He is precious. Mom (Betsy) is also doing great....Jared and Betsy are in great spirits....Nana is keeping Kate. They took pics of her and little Carson earlier today. As soon as Betsy and Jared get home they will put those pics up.

Susan, we will be praying for Brice and his return home....

Kittie and Gary, glad to hear that Lynnie is coming back home too....

Love,
Blair

Congratulations to Jared, Betsy, Kate, andCarson Jared Gowens . It is so exciting to have a new little Gowens boy. Brice will be joining soon and it will be like having Blair, Jared, and James Gowens all over again!!!!Also we are proud for Eletia and Jimmy, congratulations on your marriage.
Please keep Brice and Connie in your prayers. Brice had cryo surgery today to freeze his rapidly growing prostate cancer. Surgery is always hard, but especially if you are 93. He seems to be doing ok. Time will tell, and he should come home from the hospital Friday,30th.
Love to all, Susan

Congrats and praise God that Carson is here and all is well. We will be waiting to see pics or at least get a description from someone that is there and can see him. Is he a Kate clone?? So happy and proud for them!!!!!!!!!!

Lynnie is getting out of hospital today so that is more good news. I know Kittie will be glad to get home or at least have eberyone in the same town, ha

Love, Maw

Congratulations to Jared, Betsy and Kate....Carson Jared Gowens was born today, January 29th, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Not sure on the length yet. I will be going to the hospital after work to see him and take pictures. We are all so excited about him being here! Blair

Hey Family
The sun is SHINING this morning, YEAH. The ice should all be melted this afternoon. I did not have even one person come in to the office yesterday and only 2 phone calls. Wish I could have stayed home and worked on Brice's quilt. It is coming along great.

Received a call from Eletia this morning letting me know that she and Jimmy had gotten married last Sat in Las Vegas. I can say that I was not surprised as there have been some "sparks" flying around that I have picked up on. I am very very happy for her and wish her only the best. Life does go on and she is too young to live the rest of her life alone. She has my best wishes and I hope they will be very happy. We can't walk in another persons shoes and we can't live another person's life for them. This will be her "second" lifetime or maybe her third. I have made the statement that my first lifetime was as a child living with my mother and sisters. I have very great and wonderful memories of that time in my life BUT I know that I can never go back "there". That life, as I knew it is gone forever. My second life was when I met and fell so deeply in love with Dalmer. He was so very very handsome and charming. We made our way, him trying all the time to keep mother out of our business (ha). We had our 3 wonderful children and watched them grow up and make their own way. We never had much but gave them all we could. Our life was not perfect, no one's is, in case you did not notice but we had the one thing we all needed and that was love for each other. When Dalmer passed away I thought my world was over and I never intended to re-marry, be "faithful" to our memory.

Well seems that God had different plans for my life and even tho I never knew
J W, God sent him my way and he would not take no for an answer. How empty my life would have been for the last 25 years with out him. This was my "third" lifetime. My love for J W was very different than my love for Dalmer. It was a different time in my life (age) and life was just different. I will always have my young love and respect for Dalmer and always have my later in life love and respect for J W. They each have their own place. This is very hard to explain to others maybe that have not walked down this road. One does not take away from the other, can't you see??

Kids, be happy for your mom, she is still the same mom and she still loves you unconditionally and always will and yes, she still loves your dad.

Kittie has been spending some time at the hospital in Lubbock with Lynnie and Michael is sick with cold like symptoms and running a fever so she has not been able to come in to work this week.

Waiting for news of Mr. Carson's arrival and praying for everything to go smooth, won't be long now. Jared, praying for you to be able to find work. It has got to be tough out there with everything that is going on with the economy. Everyone is laying off, not hiring. Upside is that you are able to be home right now with Betsy and Kate as you wait for baby Carson.
Love, Maw

Hey Aunt Peg and Judy, just got your bday card today in mail...Thanks so much.

Hey everybody...Bailey says ya'll are getting really bad weather up in Crosbyton/Lubbock today...Be safe and stay warm.

Kittie, how's Lynnie doing?

Gary Lee and Susan, how are ya'll?
Love,
Blair

Hey Kittie,
We are all thinking about you guys right now.....Our energy and love is with you and Gary Dale...If anybody can help Lynie feel at comfort through this, is you.....

On her mouth, that is really good on the soft serve such as dairy stuff...Some other things that might help bring her some quick relief and that would be natural is to let her drink some real warm tea without any sugar...Peppermint and chamomile is the best. But also to have her place the tea bags in her mouth where it is sore as it would help to naturally numb the area and that way she doesn't have even extra medicine in her system. This is like a sits bath for the mouth and won't do her any harm.


Hi everybody else.....Hope you all are having a good weekend...Man, it has gotten cold today from the past few days.

We're waiting on anyday now for litte Mr. Carson to make his appearance. I was hopeful that he was that going to be born on my birthday, but looks like he is going to get to have his own bday.

Well my love to everybody!
Love,
Blair

Blair,

Lynnie is not doing very well. Thanks for asking about her. She is really having alot of problems from the chemo. It seems like it is something different all the time. This week she has sores all in her mouth and throat and so she is not able to eat anything because it hurts to swallow. I have been trying to keep her supplied with ice cream, yogart, milk shakes, buttermilk, etc. Things that do not hurt going down. They gave her some medication to numb her mouth and it works for a little while but then wears off and she hurts again....They have increased her pain medications since it has moved into her bones and she is either hurting or out of it......It is just a really trying time. Not for me....for her.....I just feel so helpless to know what to do for her...She is really an independent person too and does not want help....I guess her defenses are down and she has begun to let me do more for her....Usually when I go over she just wants me to sit on her bed and talk to her. But after that I do that I try to do some things in the house like laundry, vacuuming, wash dishes, etc. while she is asleep....Her legs and hips hurt alot as that is where the cancer has located now and it is hard for her to walk without assistance. Mother loaned her a walker to help her get around in the house but she does not always use it and she has fallen several times. I keep trying to warn her that if she breaks a bone things will really be bad, but she is hardheaded (like the rest of us)!! Anyway, I just take a day at a time and try to do what I can.
I hope all of you are well.
I love and miss all of you very much.......
kittie

Hey thanks Kittie......How is Lynnie doing? I think about you guys a lot with Lynnie right now.
Love ya',
Blair

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAIR!!!!!

Sorry my BD wishes are late, but this was chemo day and I am just now getting to work....

I hope you have had a great day!!
all my love,
kittie

Hey Everybody...Thanks so much for thinking of me today....I just now got to sit down for a few minutes. I got up early this morning to teach a group exercise class that I started at 7:30 -8:30. Then I had to rush and change into nice clothes, because I had an interview at 10 a.m. for a Supervisor advancement position within the City of Fort Worth to oversee the community centers and then also bring in a fitness component. Right now I'm doing the classroom classes and the fitness classes I've created with the Wellness Program here at the City. That was draining. Then, I rushed back and changed back into my trainer clothes and doing personal training over the lunch hour to train some more folks...Then I came back answered my emails and phone calls...Now I have two more people coming for me to do a consultation. Wooohooh!! Okay sorry for all that....Anyway, all that to say that I'm tired now...

The Fort Worth crew took me out for my birthday last night to supper. I had a Chili Relleno in memory of Dad. I really appreciate my Fort Worth crew giving me some love last night.

Thanks again everybody...Hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
Blair

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday, Blair!!!!! All the Gowens and Henry's will be thinking of you today. Wow, 33.
Love you bear bear, Susan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, DEAR BLAIRRRRRR......
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YOU, MAW

Peggy & Judy,
I know this is going to sound kinda funny, but thanks for the Christmas CD. I just got it this week. 1/20/09. It was so special of you guys to remember me for Christmas. Thanks Again, Eletia
Hey, I'll enjoy it next year.

Hey Family

Was just looking at Blair's directions to "Drag" and "Drop" and wanted to say. yeah I understand that terminology alright, that is what you do after you get off work after a really hard day, right??

Ryan and I went to Lamesa yesterday to a funeral for one of J W's favorite nieces, Nell Ray. Her daughter, Metta was the one that sang at J W's funeral. Anyway she was having back surgery Friday and died on the operating table. She was 66 yrs old. After the funeral we went to the cemetery to put new flowers on J W's grave. The family did not go out there because Nell was cremated.

Went to Lubbock Sat afternoon to Hancock Fabric to get fabric for Brice Jackson Gowens a quilt. Ran into Kittie and Gary Dale. Ryan was with me and Gary was teasing him about being in a fabric store (being a man) and we pointed out to him that he (being a man was there too). Runs in our family, I guess, we all like fabric. Anyway, I did pick out what I think will make a really cute quilt and will be getting started on it ASAP.

We had to open the office today (boss said) but have not had one customer nor one phone call all day. Guess everyone thinks we are closed. Ha

Was good to talk to you, Jared and Kate, Sat morning. Kate is quite the talker.

Sure hope Allison is doing okay. She must have taken a really bad fall.

Someone GREAT is having a birthday tomorrow but I'll get to that post tomorrow. Love ya......Maw

We have added a new link that you can use to send us pics, videos or whatever! If it is on your computer you can send it too us! Click on the Send_Your_Pics link on the main page in griffinsisters then drag and drop your files to the window that opens. If you don't understand drag and drop let us know we will explain it to you! Ha! Love ya, Jay and Blair!!!!

Hey I saw a funny saying that Aunt Peg sent me the other day. I have to repeat it....
Live life like a dog.....If you can't eat it or hump it, then piss on it and walk away.....Hehehehe.
Blair

That is awesome Maw...I'm so glad he's gonna be okay. Prayer does work! Love you God! Thanks so much for helping Delbert out. Love, Blair

Thanks Family!!
All the thoughts and prayers helped my Uncle Delbert. Yesterday the gastro doctor was able to remove the "escaped" stone from his liver and then this morning he had his gallbadder surgery and all went well. His daughter, Jody reported that if he continued to do okay, he might get to go home tomorrow. The tube they used yesterday will be left in place for two months to relieve "irritation" and he will go back to have it removed after two months.
Again, thanks!!!! Maw

Okay, Maw, my prayers are headed his way. Hope all turns out well for him. The doctors waited too long. That's not good. I hope he recovers fast. Love, Blair

Okay Family
Polling the Prayer Warriors on behalf of my Uncle Delbert Jackson in Oklahoma. He was suppose to have his gallbladder removed right after Christmas (had several stones and giving him trouble) The doctor kept putting him off and now he went into the hospital Friday very very ill, got nothing done ovr the weekend and he is very juandice, not able to eat, very weak, etc and now they told him he has a gallstone in his liver. Tomorrow they are going to try to remove it with some sort of "tube" procedure and then try to get him built up some before removing his gallbladder......Anyway, he is a very sick man (84 yrs old)....things could go bad in a hurry... so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers so he can feel our love and concern for him.
Love, Maw

Hey everybody...I have a new workout circuit at home for you on www.healthyhappyme.com. If you're not taking time for exercise then you should...Seriously.....You Should...

Well Good Morning to everybody....The Fort Worth Crew had a blast last nite. We went to the stockyards last night and danced at this place called Rodeo Exchange. Jill, I wish you would have been there for sure, we would've had a blast and it would have even been on your birthday. I danced for us. It was good talking to you and Brandon on the phone yesterday.

Wow, the weather is being crazy...One day like Spring the next Winter....Hang tight for a wild ride into Spring time.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Love,
Blair

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JILL,
HOPING YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!!
LOVE, MAW

Happy Birthday to Jill, Friday, January 9th!! Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Jill, Happy Birthday to you!!! 31 years old! Love your cuz, Blair

Hey Everybody...Wanted to take a minute and blog...Man, the new year has started off busy for me. I feel like I am personally training all the employees of Fort Worth..WOOOH!! Oh, I love it....Keeps me in tip top shape! Hope everyone has started the year out well. I am thinking about having Mike's Memorial Golf Scramble the weekend of Memorial Day. That would be a 3 day weekend. WE could get a nite together and also a full day of golf in too. Let me know if you think that might work for you!Love,Blair

A special thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement as my family experienced the passing of my grandfather. Words can't express how grateful I am to have you all to call family!
God Bless,
Shavonne

Special note to Eletia..................
I KNOW this will be a really hard day for you today,
Love you,
Maw

Shavonne, I'm so sorry to hear about your grandpa. All of us here are thinking about you and your familly right now...We love you very much! Blair and Fort Worth Crew

Shavonne, James, Brock,
So sorry to hear of your grandfathers passing. Know how much he meant to you. It is hard to loose grandparents that mean so much to you and are such a dear part of you life. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Eletia

Hey Family
Just a short post to let everyone know (that doesn't already) that Shavonne's grandfather passed away yesterday and his funeral service is tomorrow at Earth, Tx.

So sorry, Shavonne.
Love,
Maw

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to be the first to wish everyone a happy new year on the blog this morning. The town is all sleepy and quite sounding this morning. Nothing much went on here at our house. I went to bed early (to get warm) and watched TV, kept dosing off. Ryan, his friend Liz and friend Joey watched Blockbuster movies in his room and raided the kitchen some cooking frozen pizza, etc.
I am going to have some blackeyed peas for lunch and hope for a better year this year.

Talked to Kittie yesterday to check on Michael and he was better but Megan was not much better. Doctor said it had to run its course like a cold. I have missed her at work this week. Will go back to work tomorrow for one day and then the weekend coming up again. Crazy days, be glad when all the days are back to normal. Hope everyone has a great restful and happy day today!! Love to all, Maw