Bacon Bits Little Cousin (a.k.a Zoe-Zoe) Turns 9!!!

Remember one of the Cooley Cousins had a birthday yesterday? Today is her sister's birthday. The Cooley Cousin named, Zoe Elizabeth is turning nine years old today! Zoe knows how much I love bacon and has given me the nickname, "bacon bits." It works for Zoe only, so don't get any ideas. I won't answer and you'll look stupid. I love Zoe's smile, sense of humor, charm and love for her family. Those key elements will take her far in life - I claim it for her now. As you're getting older, I say hold on to those qualities and your life will be BRILLIANT in all ways for you. Happy Birthday Zoe. Much love to you today and everyday from ALL of your family.

Jessica's Turning Older...

Take a look at this Cooley Cousin. Today is this young lady's birthday. Yep, our Jessica is seventeen years old today. When Jess was a little girl she colored a picture for me. I was most impressed - she stayed within the lines and everything. I rarely throw things like that away. I still have it! As you turn another year better, my artistic cousin, may this day be as beautiful for you as you are to all of your family. Happy Birthday, Jessica with lots of love!!!

Happy Birthday Larry!!!

Happy Birthday Mr C - one of the COOLEST people I know

WARNING - Cute Kid Alert!!!

I had to take a moment from my vacation and post this. Neveah Grace, for those that need a score card, is Lacy and Aggie Cooley's great-great-great-great granddaughter; George and Mary Cooley's great-great-great granddaughter; Edward and Ethyl Cooley's great-great granddaughter; Eugene and Helen Cooley's great granddaughter. Proud grandparents Larry and Seretha love this little bundle of beauty. Anyone that knows me knows I am not particularly fond of children. I'm being honest here. Somehow when they're related to you, you have a totally different feeling. As you can see, this little one has captured her big cousin's (that's me) heart. It is easy to see she gets her beauty from her mother, Keyaria. I'll keep on saying it, there are no ugly people in my family. Okay, some got some ugly personalities, but they still look good. This Cooley Cousin is definitely a pretty one.

Somewhere, In North Dakota...

It's always good to recognize the accomplishments of our loved ones. The new year brings a new home for Cooley Cousin Maria and her family. North Dakota (norfdaKOLDah) is where this Cooley has settled. That's several states and many miles away from the small town of Coaling, Alabama; where Great-Great-Great Grandparents Lacy and Aggie Cooley established their home and raised their children.

The purchase of a home makes it official; these Cooleys are norfdaKOLDahns!!!

Congratulations, Maria and Ted on your new home.

Happy Birthday Zoe!!!

Go Zoey, it's your birthday! Happy Birthday Zoe Elizabeth. The little Princess is seven years old today. Zoe is the great-granddaughter of Eugene "Eckie Bud" and Helen Cooley. Something interesting happened the last time we were together. After having a large breakfast at Perkins, it was time for us to leave. Zoe and I played while waiting for the rest of the family. We were having a good time, just the two Cooley cousins. I happened to turn my head and noticed an elderly white woman looking at us. She looked at me as though I was a predator preying on this small child. It appeared as though she wanted to say or do something. I'm glad she didn't. She was dead wrong and I would have snapped her right up! I was playing with my cousin Zoe and making her laugh. I guess to look at us it would not be so obvious that we're related. No matter - she's mine and I am hers. Sometimes you have to overlook the ignorance of others. This taught me to let the love of my family be known to everyone. Zoe is the great-great-great-great granddaughter of Lacy and Aggie Cooley. I am their great-great-great grandson. It doesn't matter if all of my family "looks like me" or not, we have that common bond -- Cooley blood. I love you, Zoe. Happy Birthday to you. You are my little Princess.

Happy Birthday Jessica!!!

Happy Birthday, Jessica. Jess is the great-granddaughter of Eugene and Helen (nee Anderson) Cooley. I have witnessed first hand her ability to speak her mind, "the Cooley way." I see a promising future for this young lady. I have to teach her one small thing; I require a complete pound of bacon for breakfast. I don't usually share, but I will her. Stick with me, Jess. I'll make sure there is plenty of bacon.