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!