Maurice Is Eighteen

Happy 18th birthday to Toyia Lynn's baby, Maurice.  

 It goes without saying, but your family loves you very much.

A Day In My MinneSNOWTA Life

A snow storm hit the Twin Cities, the likes of which we've not experienced in many years. The airport was shut down, public transportation slowed and taxi cab companies stopped answering their phones. The weather was bad, but I didn't allow it to stop me from leaving home. In the middle of the storm, I ventured out and about. I went to the grocery store and brought along Nephew for the experience and it was memorable. Like so many teenagers today, he wears his pants hanging off his ass or sagging. This would prove to be a problem for him. While we were walking home from the bus stop, his pants began to fall down. We stopped several times on our walk home. Nephew needed to pull up his falling pants every ten feet or so. As we approached the building two teenage girls stepped outside. It was about this time Nephew's pants fell down completely around his ankles. He said, "Thank God I was wearing basketball shorts." I mentioned a belt would have prevented all of that from happening. He agreed. While we were out in the storm and when we were home safe and sound, I thought about the Cooleys living in Iowa in the early part of the 20th Century. How would they have dealt with weather like this? There was no television, cable, radio, cd or dvd player to pass the time. My guess is the family spent the time reading, singing, playing games or simply talking. They endured a Midwest Winter with none of the modern conveniences we have today, We complain about the weather and the horrible condition of the sidewalks, streets and highways. My thought is, if they could make it then, I most certainly can make it now. I have all the things I need right here, with no plans for venturing out this evening or tomorrow. That seems to be the best idea for handling a Winter storm. I think they felt the same way back in 1915. Good ideas are timeless!

Happy Birthday Maurice

I do not have children of my own, but my nephews have been like my children. Anthony was the first baby I ever watched - ALONE. He's very much alive and doing well, so I did a pretty good job watching him. It prepared me for the arrival of Maurice twelve years later. Today, Maurice is celebrating his sixteenth birthday!
I remember that early morning call from Toyia, telling me she had given birth. Who knew you'd want to talk on the phone after such a life altering experience??? I noticed this strange sound in the background while she was talking. I asked what the hell it was, and she told me it was her baby - crying. Those little lungs were working overtime! Later that day I went to the hospital to meet my newest nephew. "Toyia had a baby!" That's all I could say when I saw him.

I have watched him grow from a newborn into teenager. I am proud of the young man he is becoming. Maurice is doing well in school, he volunteers his time in the community and he has a firm idea of making a successful life for himself. His dream is to attend college and he knows what is necessary to make that dream a reality. If I had a son, I'd want him to be like Maurice. Happy Birthday, Maurice. Uncle loves you very much!

Old People

We've got a couple of birthday milestones happening this year. Tony is turning fifty and Maurice is turning sixteen. Those kats are getting old.

This picture was taken more than a few years ago. We were together at Toyia's house for a family dinner and this picture was taken. We'll not physically be together on sunday, but we'll all be supporting the Minnesota Vikings. Go Vikings!!!

Some Folks Got A Little Older

I'll need you to work with me for just a moment. This post will acknowledge some of the October birthdays I missed. Come to think of it, I have missed a couple this month. Yeah well, I've been busy, tired or sleeping. Depending on the day, I may have been doing all three at the same time. With all that behind us, here are some pictures of those family members born in October. Over a span of ninety years, these three; Georgia Elizabeth Cooley, Constance Jean and Maurice Jr were born on October 2nd. Toyia Lynn's birthday is October 26th, with Bessie Colbert Cooley's birthday being the 27th. Anthony Lovell was born on October 30th. Not pictured, but born in October are Louis Branch Jr on the 14th and Denise Marie on October 23rd. Whether here in body or in spirit, we honor and celebrate each family member's special day. Happy Birthday to all the relatives born in the month of October. Folks born in November -- fear not. Plans are in store to celebrate your days. Stay tuned for something just for you. Pictures from top to bottom: Georgia Elizabeth Cooley White, Constance Jean, Maurice Jr (October 2), Anthony Lovell (October 30) and Toyia Lynn (October 26), Bessie Virginia Colbert Cooley (October 27).

Maurice graduates from eighth grade!

It's hard to believe this young man graduated from middle school with honors last friday evening. Not because of the honors, but because he's reached this milestone. Next stop - high school. I clearly remember each step of his educational path. We took pictures on his very first day of school a few years ago. Actually, it was more than a few years ago, but who remembers the exact number??? Toyia, Maurice Sr and I watched him get on the school bus and we got a little teary-eyed. When I told Grandma, she said we were "silly" for crying. Be that as it may, we three were touched by the moment. At fourteen, he begins another stage in his life.




He did it!










A kiss for luck, and you're on your way. Congratulations, Maurice!!! We are so very proud of your accomplishments.