HAZEL'S SISTER

Everyone: I read in the paper this morning that Hazel's sister, Neva Day, passed away on Monday. There will be a graveside service in Bryson Friday at 2pm. Neva had been ill for a long time. I worked with her daughter at WalMart several years ago. Joy quit work to be her mom's caregiver. Remember, Hazel's brother died and was buried the day of Moma's funeral. In lieu of flowers the family is asking memorials to be made to Graham Regional Hospice, 523 Elm St., Graham 76450. I thought everyone should know. Love to you all, Jody

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HAZEL AND MINDY RENEA

Happy Birthday to two CUSENBARY ladies. Hope you both have a great day. Love, Jody

Sounds like the Graham and Wichita Falls crews had lots to eat along with their Christmas fun! JoAnn, the banana pudding sounds yummy! I'm back at work today so that everyone else in my department can be off--someone has to hold down the fort so they tell me. Here are a couple of pics of our bunch in Flower Mound. Happy New Year in a few days!

This is our baby, Sam, last year at Christmas. She wasn't as cooperative this year (picture below) with the antlers because she didn't like them in front of her ears!

Photos from Christmas with the Bodas

Here are some photos from Christmas day. We had a great time and ate too much. LOL!

Here is Eden and her boyfriend, Eric, who goes by "E.T"

SANTA CAME TO GRAHAM

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Santa showed up here - I guess I was better than I thought I was (LOL) We opened presents at the Bodas' last night and ate like we hadn't eaten in a week. I made the famous cheese ball. We also had pigs in blankets, queso and chips, plain ole "pigs", salsa, Keri's COW PATTIE chocolate cookies, sugar and chocolate chip cookies and I also made a yellow cake with chocolate icing. (Needless to say , this stuff is NOT on Weight Watchers recommended list!!!) But never fear, I'll be back on tomorrow. This morning after Eden and I had our stocking, we went again to the Bodas' to see what Santa had brought. I had the kids wonderful DUNKIN DONUTS coffee (I quit drinking coffee 'cause I can't stand Sweet & Low in hot drinks) with SUGAR and it was wonderful!!!!!! Now I'm at home and will go over about 10 or 11am for Keri's LASAGNA (Which she is famous for), Garlic bread and salad and for desert I got a WallyWorld cheesecake and made one of those RICH Banana Puddings with Eagle Brand, Cream Cheese and Cool Whip.( I think I'll make one of them for the reunion this summer)I know all of you are eating just as well. We quit doing the "traditional" turkey and dressing years ago. We've had barbeque, enchiladas, and roast over the years. I wish for all of us good health, love and maybe winning the lottery ( you have to enter to win). Think about all our loved ones who are the angels who watch over us. We miss them terribly but know we'll see them again. I love all of you. Jody

Merry Christmas, Everybody!

Cousins and off-shoots,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We are still in a tizz from sharing part of Owen's first Christmas. My goodness, what a special time that was! As expected, an empty brown box was the hit of the morning. I THINK (wishful at this point) that he liked the stuffed giraffe with counting neck and ABC rings, but who can tell. He's happy with a magnet from the refrigerator. He's at his house now, waiting for Santa to come to good little boys...and I'm drinking coffee in the quiet of a nearly empty house. The quiet will be short-lived as we expect "phase two" to begin arriving this afternoon in the person of Tommy, followed by Jennifer and her husband, Reed the next day. Our holidays just go on forever. It's great. Happily, they do give me a chance to change the sheets and sweep the floor.

I can't wait to share my new hardcover picture book that Rachel and Matt made for Steve and me. It's all about Owen's first year. What a keepsake. Bula, I have a meeting in Lubbock in January. I'll bring it for you to see then. And, Cathy, I got two more place settings of "our china" from Steve. We can nearly have a dinner party. Woo-hoo.

Enjoy your day, dear cousins.
Love,
Candy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW FOR PAUL BOTTONI

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!!! I remember well the day you were born, for more than one reason. You brought hope for all of us. You were precious then and precious now. I love you!! Jody

Nathan Graduates Magna Cum Laude

Nathan and Rachel at his graduation

Nathan holding Owen at his graduation.

Probably the best picture I Have EVER seen of Nathan.

Well, Dear Cousins,

Steve and I packed up and drove with Rachel, Matt and Owen to Austin to see Nathan walk the stage at Texas State University. I only cried once! They had the graduates walk in from the top of the stadium and fortunately we were about 10 seats away from the processional. We got some great pictures that I'll try to share. When he shook hands with the president, he pumped the air. I have to tell you, I felt the same. The school then took two professional pictures. One in front of the American flag draped over the school flag, then a second about 10 steps away from that one. Nathan struck a typical "Nathan" pose in front of the flags. He grasped the folder to his chest and turned his face to the right like Errol Flynn. He's so funny.

After the ceremony, we drove to Salt Lick bar-b-que. Really quaint place in the Driftwood area. It was all you can eat, family style. Yummy. It's hard to talk about right now because, one by one, we have all gotten sick except Rachel. Matt and Steve are much better. I am weak, but not nauseated any more. Nathan is also better and is driving to WF tomorrow for Christmas.

I hope your holidays are very merry and that you all realize the blessings we have in our family.

Love you,

Candy

AMANDA HAD THE BABY BOY ON CELESTE'S B/DAY

Hi!! Congratulations to Amanda & Lance on little BRADY MATTHEW BEACH!!!!! Bula told me. I guess Celeste might be a tad bit busy right now. From what Bula says CADEN isn't sure yet if she wants to keep her little bro. (LOL) Can't wait to hear all the details from the Grandmommy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUNDAY TO PHIL BRAZEEL

Happy Birthday Phil!!!!! I hope you will put a picture of you and your wife and the girls so all the family can see what you look like!!! I remember you as a goodlooking kid and handsome young man. I'm sure you are aging as well as your Dad is. Your cuz, Jody

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CELESTE!!!!!!!

Hi there!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day. Maybe that grandbaby will come today. Remember when you, Wade and I went to see "PSYCO". Boy, we were young then. What fun!! I love you, Little Cuz!!! Jody

The Boda Christmas Tree

Hello again!
I am sorry I don't have a new pic of the kids, but they are never here or agreeable for a pic, so you'll all have to settle for a pic of the tree. LOL.
No real news here, Eden is going to be in a High School Choir Christmas Concert tonight and I am the only one able to go, I am now the commercial teller at the motorbank, so I have a new area and I am attempting to decorate it and 'make it my own'. Buster has been working ALOT and loving his job, yes, his stupid cast is FINALLY off. Nick and Madison are doing GREAT. Nick isn't playing basketball, so no after school stuff. Madison is in two small class plays Friday she is looking forward to it. LOL.
Ok, here is the Boda tree, we DO have lights and etc outside, maybe I'll get a pic of that too.

Grandbaby Christmas Cards

What could be better than getting a Christmas card from your daughter and her family that includes a picture of the best grandson in the world? NOTHING!!!

So, share what you have received and let's see some of those grandkids in their Christmas gear.

Here's my grandson Owen to get you in the spirit.

Love you,

Candy

Post from Bula

I got email from Bula today. I've copied it so you can all read it.
Love,
Candy

If you all think all these names on the birthday list are confusing, those are just the cousins that have stayed in touch. I think I could do a family tree on mother, Auntie, Velma (possible great-great grandchildren might be missing), and George, but when we get to Bob in Charlie's family, I don't have his grand- great-grands. That would be up to Deb. but that's a whole 'nother thing.

It's mighty cold here today. I made stew yesterday and we're planning on staying in.
Love you, Bula & John

BIRTHDATES 12-12-08

I added several others...keep 'em pouring in! I still need Marcus McCrary's birthdate and any others that anyone can find. Please, if you find ANY mistakes, let me know....we all want this done right....Right?
Bill


JANUARY------
- 6th BOYD BRAZEEL
- 9th AUDRA LEE ANN BRISCOE
- 11th OWEN DANIEL WEST
- 16th LAUREN NOEL PATTESON
- 22nd LEIGH ANN TAYLOR
- 23rd RONNIE THETFORD
FEBRUARY------
- 3rd LEVI DOWDLE
- 3rd MARK BRAZEEL
- 9th SHERI BRAZEEL
- 14th NATHAN EDWARD HENSLEY
- 15th LANCE BEACH
- 22nd KAYLEE BRAZEEL
- 23rd SUSAN DANICE CUSENBARY
MARCH------
- 2nd NICK BODA
- 2nd RACHEL ELIZABETH WEST
- 4th DIANE DOWDLE BOTTONI
- 13th BRANDON STUART THETFORD
- 17th BILL DAN DOWDLE (WILLIAM DANIEL)
- 22nd NICK CUSENBARY
- 23rd SHERAMI GERBER
- 29th LAUREN DOWDLE
APRIL -------
- 9th LINDA GAY PRICE
- 16th ZACK TAYLOR
- 18th DANNY CUSENBARY
MAY-------
- 3rd JODY LYNN HAIGOOD
- 5th MIKE PATTESON
- 17th KERI BODA
- 29th MELTON CUSENBARY
JUNE-------
- 5th VICKIE BRISCO
- 6th AMANDA BEACH
- 10th CATHY HAIGOOD
- 13th STEVE TUCKER
- 14th MAYLEE McCRARY
- 18th SUZY BRAZEEL
- 26th MARCY RIZOS STEWART
JULY------
- 1st ESTELLE DOWDLE
- 7th CADEN MARLENE BEACH
- 7th MARISA BRAZEEL
- 8th DON BOTTONI
- 13th VALERIE BRAZEEL
- 17TH FLOYD BODA
- 21st JENNIFER BLAKE
- 28th JENNIFER RAE THETFORD
- 30th MINDY CUSENBARY
AUGUST------
- 4th JIMMY STEWART
- 8th EMMA WOOD
- 22nd LILLY GRACE CUSENBARY
- 22nd HEIDI LYNN CUSENBARY
- 27th BRAD CUSENBARY
- 28th BUSTER CUSENBARY
- 31st MADELINE GRACE BLAKE
SEPTEMBER------
- 2nd JOYCE CUSENBARY
- 8th EDEN BODA
- 10th COLLIE CUSENBARY
- 18th MICHAEL GERBER
- 18th KATHERINE ELIZABETH BLAKE
OCTOBER-------
- 6th GRANT CUSENBARY
- 9th LAURA CUSENBARY
- 12th LYNDELL HAIGOOD
- 14th MARISA PATTESON
- 15th DYLAN CAGE THETFORD
- 15th BENJAMIN PAUL THETFORD
- 15th MATT WEST
- 17th PRISSY CUSENBARY
- 21st MOLLIE CUSENBARY McCRARY
- 21st JAXON LYLE CUSENBARY
- 25th SARAH EMILY BLAKE
- 27th CHUCK GERBER
- 27th MAYER ALLAN McCRARY
NOVEMBER--------
- 5th MARTHA THETFORD
- 6th SULLIVAN WADE PATTESON
- 7th MADDISON MARIE CUSENBARY
- 8th JOANN LEMING
- 12th JAIME DAILY
- 14th CANDY TUCKER
- 17th MARK CUSENBARY
- 18th MADISON CATHERINE BODA
- 21st MADDOX CUSENBARY
- 25th JOHN DOWDLE
- 28th BRETT BLAKE
DECEMBER-------
- 6th WADE CUSENBARY
- 18th CELESTE GERBER
- 21st PHIL BRAZEEL
- 24th PAUL BOTTONI
- 31st HAZEL CUSENBARY
- 31st MINDY RENEA CUSENBARY

The List Just Keeps Growing!

Bill, You must have writer's cramps (or is that typer's cramps??). The list is awesome! I do have a few additions/corrections.

Mollie's daughter: Maylee McCrary, June 14; and it's actually Mayer, instead of Meyer.....and Mollie's husband is Marcus, but I have to get his birthdate. (see any pattern here??...ALL M's, and it all started with Melton & Mindy)

It's Leigh Ann Taylor, married to Zack Taylor, DOB April 16; Brad's wife is Laura, DOB Oct 9.

You just thought you were finished!!

Birthdates 12-7-08 - Old List Gone!

Happy Birthday, Wade!

Need more birthdates

Hey, all you other branches, please send in your birthdates and I'll add them to what we already have. Thanks.
Bill Dan

Hi from Di

This is a test. This is only a test. If this was a real blog contribution, you would know it! Ha! Paul has set up everything for his blog-challenged Mom, so here I am! More later.

Love,

Di

Hi, y'all! I sent Candy some pictures of my older two granddaughters at Homecoming this year, for Argyle High School. She said to post them on the blog, so I guess I will. Homecoming outfits and mums have come a long way since the early 60's!!! Just to remind you, Kaylee is 17 and a senior, and Marisa is 14 and a freshman. Kaylee's boyfriend is Tyler, a junior and a really sweet boy. Words fail me in trying to express my thoughts regarding "the mum" Kaylee is wearing. Frankly, I don't know how it keeps from pulling the front of the dress off, and causing her humiliation and embarrassment that will last through countless class reunions in the future. Oh, well, I guess someone has engineering background and has figured out a way to avoid such calamities.

Up Here in the North

Okay, Cousins, I finally posted on the blog! We had 12 inches of snow last night (Sunday) in Monument, Colorado, and to celebrate, I was carrying a five gallon bottle of water from the store to load into the car. I slipped, fell on my back, with the water bottle (yes, it was full) fell on my chest. I lost my breath, went to the ER, had xrays (nothing broken), and am on pain killers. So, it has been an eventful few days.
Hopefully, other posts won't be so dismal!

BULA & JOHN

Hi all Cousins (first, once-removed and second). Just a note to let you all know that our John and Bula are feeling better. I called this morning and Bula said they were much better. The doctor seemed to think that it was a virus that is going around in the Lubbock area. They still threw away the turkey and the stuff they had eaten that night. She said they had a grilled cheese last night and cereal for breakfast. Diane and Don didn't go as was planned. He had come down with a cold and running fever and he didnot want to infect that Grandbaby!!! Diane said she just got her computer home from the hospital and will try to figure out how to do our blog. I just got home from the feast at the Boda's. Keri did such a good job (she loves to cook and likes to try different receipes) and I ate myself silly. Eden stayed with them because they have to do this again tonight at Floyd's folks. I plan to have 100 calorie popcorn. If I don't go to sleep first. Hope all of you had a super day today. God bless us everyone and thank God for those wonderful ones that aren't with us now, they are deep in our hearts! Love to all, Jody

Parsons Grandchildren

Suzy sent me this picture to post on the blog. She tells me that it is a picture of the first 5 Parsons grandchildren. They are, from left: Jean Parsons Collier, Marguerite Carter Collard holding Mary Catherine Cusenbary, Bob Parsons, and Dorothy Dan Carter Stewart.

I'm sorry I couldn't make it any bigger. Suzy says it was taken in 1917.

What do we hear from Kay?

Love you all,

Candy

As Promised!

Presenting Zephyr Rose Cusenbary, 2nd grade teacher in 1909. The back of the card says "Don't I look handsome (?) standing up in the middle?"

This handsome dude is Elijah Stith Cusenbary with his mother, Cecelia Cogswell and wife, Mary Catherine Hopper Cusenbary.

Lucky we all got our good looks from Elijah. Don't the women look dour?

check out Lala's neat handwriting.

Candy

Wonders Never Ceasing

Y'all,
Last week or so, we were all talking about Aunt Zeph. Susan has all of the papers from Lala that she and Granny (Cushen, MamaCush) typed about our family tree. About that same time, Nathan sent an email to Susan and me asking about some family history. (Now, what did I tell you about coincidence?) He had found some stuff about Elijah Stith Cusenbary and wondered what we knew.

Susan dug through her house and found the papers and a picture of Aunt Zeph with her students. I'll get it scanned in tonight, if I can. She and Nathan have been teasing each other with little bits of information. Then today, this is the email that I got from Nathan:

Here's what else I found on the e-webs:William Deupree (1759-1854) had a son, Overton Deupree (1798-1832).Overton married Mary Cheatham, and they had a lot of kids. One of the kids was Mary Elizabeth Deupree (1825-1920). Overton died for some reason. Mary Cheatham was remarried to a Daniel Parsons who already had a son, Joseph George Parsons (1823-62). Mary Deupree and Joseph Parsons decided to get married. Before Joseph was killed at the Battle of Corinth (Civil War), they had a son named John Edwin Parsons (1858-1947). He married Martha McLaren (his second wife), and they had a daughter named Ida Fay. She met a good looking guy named Daniel Cusenbary, and y'all know the rest.

Isn't that cool? He's going to pick up where we all left off. I'm so excited.

Also, Nathan checked out the blog and said he was impressed that we were all so savvy. How about that?

Martha, keep us posted on Kay...or get her to post herself. Hee.

I will be in Lubbock tomorrow and Friday. I'll see John and Bula tomorrow night and we're going to "waller" in the blog. Bula will set us all straight. Diane, don't be jealous!

Love you,
Candy

Hi Cousins!
Something told me to call Kay on the way home from work today, and I just got off the phone with her. It seems that she's scheduled for surgery on Thursday in Dallas. She has a detached retina. Evidently, this has been coming on for awhile, but she hadn't gone to the doctor until recently. I've encouraged her and Sef to come to our house tomorrow and spend the night tomorrow and Thursday, too, since she'll go back for a follow-up on Friday.

Will keep you posted on what's going on.

Hope all is good with you guys!

Madison's Birthday Dinner 11-15-08

Since her birthday is on the 18th and we are too tired on workdays to party, we had Madison's dinner Saturday night. I fixed, per Madison, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, sweet peas and rolls. We had a Hannah Montanna butterfly cupcake cake and it was gorgeous and yummy.
Mom said she wanted to see some home videos, and so we watched Christmas '98. when Madison was a year old. Nana was there and we cried like idiots. It was wonderful. Saw Lala and Nana on the tapes quiet a bit. I had puffy eyes by the time it was over, but I thank God that we had the camcorder.
Here are some pics of the 'party'

Mimi,Madison,Eden, and Nick

Jody, Buzz and Keri

Keri and Floyd(aka Buster)

The Elder again

Oh, I just love this blob!!!!!! Candy, much love and thanks for starting this. Martha, here is my take on the photos. In the first one I think that is Suzy instead of Sue. And in # 2 I think is Bula, Mrs. Owens, Aunt Margaret, Hazel and whomever! What do the rest of you think????? Celeste, try to get your kids and Marisa to blog once in a while. Does Nick have a 'puter --- would love to see some pictures. And is Wade's hand broken 'cause we've only heard from him once. And I hear that Diane's computer is in the hospital - hope it isn't terminal. Cathy, how about your girls. Would love to hear about life as a doctor and life in Alaska!!! Eden took me out to eat for lunch today because she missed my birthday (or rather, just got her paycheck) I picked the new Pizza Hut Cafe or whatever they call it. It was nice and clean and the buffet was good. Earlier in the week Keri had off for Veterans' Day and she took me out to the new Eastern Buffet (across from United where Vetoni's use to be). We let Floyd come too. It was good, I love rice and Sesame Chicken and Sweet & Sour Chicken. And they are telling us in the Graham Leader (and if it's in there it MUST be true---LOL) that a Huddle House resturant may be coming, located next (or close) to the new Holiday Inn Express that is being built on my side of town on the 380 ByPass. They think that will be really convenient for the people who come to the Arena events and the baseball games. I personally think it will be great when the Dowdle's come to visit. Hey. Deb!!! Need new pictures of the baby!!! And I know that somewhere out there in the great beyond Buster and Joyce and Melton and Mindy are somewhere. I've still not given up on the Dowdles and the EC Cusenbarys getting on line (if nothing else to defend themselves.) You know how Bula loves to visit. Let's all write Santa and tell him that they have been good girls and boys and really need a laptop each. ( well, just 1 to a family, that is). Eden has only worked two weeks at United but she got a free turkey so that is on our menu. We'll be at the Boda's since they have the new house. I guess all you former student of GHS have heard that Mrs. Pauline Jones passed last week. She was 92 and such an inspiration to all of us. I got to really know her when I went to work at GHS in the cafeteria. She loved my Raisin Bread -- always had to save her two slices. I went by Morrisons and signed the book. Nita was there so I was glad to see her. She had set out several of her mom's famous hats. I think Polly had over a hundred. It seemed so natural, just like the cologue that Keri did for Moma. Love to all of you and keep the blog a-going. Jody the Elder

Saturday in Flower Mound

What's up with your Saturday? Even after teaching computer applications class for the past 15 years or so, I never really had an interest in blogging, but this is fun! The reason is the posts that you've all made---I can just hear each of you when I'm reading them, and it's like having a long-distance reunion by keeping us up-to-date on each other's lives.

My Saturday morning was spent cleaning closets---getting out the winter clothes and putting away the summer ones. Do you have different sizes of clothes? The last time I lost weight, I gave away all my "fat clothes", but then I gained it all back again and had to shop for new ones. Now I wear "fat clothes" but I have all these really cute smaller things that I want to wear again someday....so I broke down and boxed them all up so the clothes I can wear are the ones in my closet. Once the kids moved out, I had taken over their closets, so there were three closets to clean out. At least I pared them down to two--one for summer and one for fall---with lots packed in boxes and lots to give away to CCA.

Ronnie, Ben and I went to see the new James Bond movie this afternoon. Daniel Craig is a pretty good Bond, but there'll never be a better one than Sean Connery!

I found that I had some more recent pictures from a Cusenbary reunion, so I'll share.

Hope you have a restful weekend!

Love you all, Martha Ann

Sue, Cathy, Dorothy Dan and Hazel with Cynthia Layfield and me standing.

The only one I recognize here is my mother standing in the middle. Any help on the others?

Also, had to throw in one of our oldest and his family---Brandon, Jenni and Dylan from their vacation to Destin this summer.

Jody here again!

Hi!, Suzy was by here and I showed her the pictures and here are some changes: Of course, as I reread Candy's note and saw that she said to start with Granddaddy's picture, I realized that I did not. (Trust me to get confused) I just started with the first photo. Anyway, here is what Suzy and I think now -----#3 is Uncle George, not J.E. (I really wasn't thinking about the year) #7 we think, from left Bula, Jimmy Stewart, Dorothy Dan holding maybe BillDan?, s tanding Aunt Velma (?), Deb, and Pat. What do you think? Jody P.S. We had a birthday supper for Madison tonight at Keri and Floyd's. We took pics so maybe Keri will post some of them.

Candy's request for names in photos

Jody, the Elder here. This is what I figure on the photos Candy posted (hey correct me if I get someone wrong, please) #1 Pearlie Matthews (John's aunt), Bula, Granny, Sue and Lala. #2 Ricki, Suzy(?), Paschal, Jody, Rinda, Kay and Deborah. #3 J.E., Bob Stewart, Dorothy Dan. #4 Aunt Margaret, (?), Bobby Collier, Deb, Eugenia. #5 dark-haired girl- Cathy(?), Granddaddy, Lala holding Martha Ann(?), Edgar Steele (old family friend of Granny and Granddaddy's) #6 Lala holding Susan(?), Suzy, Granny (look at those hands on her hips!), Mrs. Owens, Candy. #7 I have absolutely no idea - woman holding baby sorta looks like Dorothy Dan. #8 Martha Ann (?), Collie, Pat (look at that sexy sundress!), Bobby and Clyde Owens with uke. #9 same as #6. Loved the photos of the new baby - Sullivan Wade, and Owen in his costume. And yes, Lala wouldn't be able to wait to get her hands on those two adorable babies. Isn't Collie just the cutest guy! And yes, he does look 14 in that one but oh so rugged and handsome in all his gear. And those three wonderful guys, my Uncle Dan, my Granddaddy, and my Uncle Collie (when I was little the guys would come home and I had to sing the Marine Hymn for Dannyand "Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder" for Collie. (Iwas soooo talented!) LOL Someone please tell Keri how to put old photos like you guys did into this blog -- I've got some doozies. I love this blog and getting to hear from all of you. Cathy, you need to get Buster and Melton to get on. If we could just get John and Bula and Collie and Hazel to get a laptop we'd have it made because if I can actually do this, any one can. Love my cousins!!!!! Jody

Set Two of Reunion Pictures...

...hopefully with no duplicates. DUH! Again, any help you can give me is appreciated. Bula, you've seen all of these. They are in my "Family" album. I'll bring it when I come to Lubbock.

There are four pictures again. Who knows everybody?

-Candy

Reunions Past

OK, you know-them-alls,

I finally got to scan some of the pictures that I need help with. These are old reunion pictures from Graham. I don't know who all the people are. I recognize some of them because some of us look JUST like our parents. That's the only clue. I can pick out Lala, of course, because she always has the baby...I think I'm one of the babies (number 2?).

Please count the first picture with Granddaddy Cusenbary as number 1. Comment by picture number (there are 5) and give a sister a helping hand.
Thanks,
Candy
P.S. There are more where these came from.

Sullivan Wade Pictures

It took a little bit of patience and some amazing technology, but I've finally received some pictures of the adorable little Sullivan Wade! Isn't he precious? The text that Amanda received from Marisa said that he weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long, so he is a big boy! I'm hoping that my sweet big brother has received some hard copy photos by now since we are like the dinosaurs who don't get txt msgs - haha! Wade has talked to Marisa, though, and she has reported to him that all are doing well. He is hoping to be making a trip to San Antonio to meet his newest grandson soon. Can't you all just picture Lala being so tickled with another new baby to play with?

Halloween at the West House

Cousins,

I promised a picture of Owen when Rachel sent me some, so here's a picture of him in his Halloween costume. He went to visit his Papa and Gran (Matt's grandparents) as his only stop. He wasn't really wild about the idea. Matt managed to coerce him onto the porch where he stood, unable to see because of his duck bill.

As Matt said, "You quack me up."

Later, gators,

Candy

Here's Another Great One!

We have been in and out of town a lot lately, and I finally got the chance to jump in here! I have a picture of Daddy that may have been taken the same year as the one you posted, Celeste. Although in this one he looks to be about 14 years old!! Just kidding! I guess the flight suits all came in standard lengths back then. "High water" for the taller guys!

-Cathy

More Handsome Dudes

It was a dreary, rainy day so I decided to scan some photos of these extremely good looking guys! Don't you just love them? The picture of Daddy is one of my very favorites and all I know is the back of it says Oklahoma City, but I believe it was taken in 1945. The gorgeous picture of Uncle Dan, Grandaddy and Daddy was taken in July 1966 when we were all gathered in the back yard for MamaCush & Grandaddy's Golden Wedding Anniversary. When y'all have had a chance to digest these and enjoy, just wait - I'll post the one of all of us grandkids gathered and you'll just roll at how adorable we all were! Love you all!

Celeste

It's great that we're all using this. We all need to give Candy a big rousing "hooray" for her efforts to get it started. Actually, we can "repay" her when we have the reunion at her house next year! She has more nerve than I do!
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. We're going to be at our little house in Graham from Sunday night, the 23rd, until Wednesday afternoon, the 26th. If anyone is interested and has the time, call me on my cell phone 972-746-9556 (it's iffy in Graham, as it's Sprint), but I will get the message. Would love to see anyone who might want to come by.
We'll also be there from Dec. 26 until probably Jan. 2.
For anyone who's interested, the Graham Steers beat Brownwood and Breckenridge this year! Unfortunately they missed getting into the playoffs, but any time they beat those two, it's been a good year! I think the rivalry with Breckenridge is still going strong. And beating Brownwood was icing on the cake!
Looking forward to more messages and replies.

Love to all!

Suzy

Last Week in Choctaw, OK

Well, Family,
Matt went out of town and Rachel asked me to stay with her for the four nights that he wouldn't be in town. I dragged myself up there (yeah, right) and watched Owen from Wednesday to Sunday morning. What a good time I had! The kids (Do ya'll do that? Our children are "the kids" and their kids are "the babies") had tickets to the Celtics game in OKC so Matt was chomping at the bit to get to the game. He was all decked out in his Boston gear...green Celtics shirt and a Red Sox hat. True fan. I shoved them out the door and started playing with the baby. He is just so sweet. He is walking so he has to be followed everywhere because he is CUR-I-OUS!!! If it has a knob, he can pull up on it; if it can be opened, look out!
One of his favorite toys is the magnet that opens all of the locked cabinets and doors. On Friday morning, Rachel and I were unable to find it. We searched high and low. We looked under chairs, behind cabinets, in baskets, in toy chests. No magnet. Luckily Rachel has a spare or we wouldn't have been able to wash the dishes. and the down side is...? On Saturday afternoon, we came home from shopping and put Owen down in the living room. He began his patented "cammo crawl" from the kitchen to the couch. He dug around under neath like a dog with a missing toy...(you already know where this is going, so why don't I stop here?) HA! Psyche!! He came up with the magnet, right where he had put it. So proud because we were clapping for him and squealing like fans at a rock concert.
I would post a picture of Mr. Precious, but his momma and I didn't take one new picture while I was up there. Bummer. She says she has some new ones to share so I'll get them on here as quickly as I can.
On a more serious note, did you guys know that Lauren Dowdle's mother died? Lauren, Bill and Levi went back to her home for the services. They ask for our prayers, but no flowers, please. Cards would be nice. Lauren and Bill, you are in our prayers.
Love you all,
Candy

Jody the Elder of the Clan

Well, hurrah for me -- it only took me eleven tries to finally get on!!!! I hope all of my sweet cousins are doing good and feeling well. I think most of you know that I've been on Weight Watchers for almost a year now and I've lost 45 lbs. so far. Moma was really proud of me. After I had my knee replaced and could get around better but something was still wrong. Keri had a friend at the bank who was on WW and she got me a bunch of stuff off the 'puter and then I talked with Candy and she and Susan really helped me. I think most of you know also that Keri's eldest, Eden, has moved in with me. It was just too lonesome here with Moma gone. Anyway it has worked out very well. We also got a dog. Her name is Angel and she is very sweet. She was found by a friend of Keri's at the bank - she had been dumped and was very thin - you could see her ribs - but we've got her looking really good now. Haven't had the cash to get her to the vet yet but will soon and certainly want to get her fixed. Eden is working at United now, Sonic just wouldn't work with her school hours and her drama class commitments. She likes her new job a lot so that is good. I went to the Boda's Sat. night for my birthday supper. My request had been Mexican Cornbread and Red Beans. I know - it's not WW but when it's your birthday you can (and should splurge). And beside that, there was CHEESECAKE, 'nuf said. Where are all of you going for Thanksgiving? I understand from Bula that Marisa had her baby and he's sweet! (and we would expect that, it's a given) Now that means that we need pictures, Wade. Can you believe thatit's time to start Christmas shopping. I do love Christmas so but this year will be bitter-sweet. I love all of you guys, keep us posted on going-on. (Not that we are nosy but hey, we are LOL) Jody

Had a good weekend!

Mom had her birthday Saturday and I made one of her favorite meals. We ate and had cheesecake and just had a good time. It was a sad birthday for her, but we worked through it. I hope we can do as good for the holidays. We all miss Nana terribly and it's hard to get through it.
On to happier things, Eden ordered her (EEEEK!) graduation packet already! Lord have mercy!
I am only working two days this week due to Veteran's Day and some time off I had scheduled. Party, party!
The kids are doing great.....Nick's football is done for the season, I think he is going to want to be a Graham Steer next year when he starts High School. He's taller than I am and getting taller all the time!
Madison is a bunch of fun. She is writing songs, stories and she loves to read. That is a big deal seeing as how she is dyslexic. Yeah for her!
Our "other son", Buzz , is fat and sassy. Please, if you meet him, don't tell him he's a dog!
I am really enjoying the photos on this site. I wish I had more on my computer, maybe soon.

Having fun!

Hi Cousins!

I'm having fun reading all your posts and catching up on all the grandchildren in the family. It just makes me realize how much time has flown by!

Our only grandchild, Dylan, came with Brandon's marriage to Jenni. Brandon adopted Dylan officially almost a year ago, and with a birth certification replacement, Dylan is proud to be called a Thetford! He's now 11 and quite the fisherman!

I've scanned a few old family pictures that I found recently, so I'll share. The one of Paschall is probably about 15 years old. The other one is Catherine with Paschall and Kay.

Hope you all are having a restful weekend.....Martha Ann (ha, ha)

Keri wants to brag about something dumb!!!!!

Sorry to bother ya'll with things you might find stupid.....but....I am proud that I have been nominated for three video awards at gsrart and I'd like you to check them out. I have two nominations for Sexiest Video

And another one for Drama/Angst
Come see my website that I have created and run. I do tons of work on it and have a bunch of great members.
GSRForeverLove

Since Candy put a picture of her gorgeous daddy on this, I decided to do the same. I am adding Staff Sgt. Robert Perrin Stewart, Army Air Corps. He's pretty gorgeous, too. Actually, this is, in my opinion, the best picture he ever took.

Suzy