Maurice Is Eighteen

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

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

Happy Birthday Toyia

Sometimes you don't know what you've got until it's gone. I know how BLESSED I am to have a sister named, Toyia Lynn. I'm not going to say we are in total agreement all the time, because that would be a lie from the pits of hell. What I will say is my sister always has my back. All of my life, Toyia has always been there supporting, loving, caring and defending me. Yes, she's a good sister to have. My wish for her as she turns another year better is the BEST life has to offer in ever conceivable way.

Eat, Laugh, Learn and Love...

I spent the July 4th with the family and it was very nice. We had (yes, I'm going to tell it) a lot of delicious food. The "barbeque queen" worked her magic once again. Toyia knows how to work a grill and does a damn good job. Much better than I could, for she has the patience I know I don't. I say, know your talents and utilize them. She braved the morning heat to barbeque ribs, chicken, pork chops, three types of bratwurst and a slab of bacon. Yes, the "barbeque queen" barbequed a slab of uncut bacon and it's good. She picked, cleaned and cooked twenty bunches of collard and mustard greens. I love me some greens! My contribution to the meal was macaroni and cheese, baked beans (try them with sweet Italian sausage, green and red peppers and diced onion), corn, cole slaw, dinner rolls and cornbread. I made a pineapple upside cake and caramel pecan brownies for dessert. After the meal we sat around and discussed family history. One story lead to another and soon we logged on Ancestry.com, Snookie and I discovered more information about the Lowry side of the family. We located census records about Maggie Lowry Smith, her husband Henry and their three children. I will add all of this to the family tree. I enjoyed Snookie and Mom telling me their recollections about the family's neighbors/friends in Lawrence, Kansas. They have long lasting memories of their summers spent in Kansas with their grandparents. Yeah, I know some people would rather, drink, smoke, shake a tail feather, cuss or fight with their family at a gathering. I say go for whatever makes you happy and ensures you have a good time. Me? I prefer talking, sharing good food, laughter, stories and learning my history when I gather with my clan. We had a Happy Fourth of July and a fun time was had by all.

Miss Toyia

...and the winner for looking good while holding an orchid in Walmart is, Miss Toyia!

Happy Birthday Toyia

My sister Toyia wears many hats. I have wondered how she does it all??? "Dr Toyia" advises you on medical issues, while "Attorney Toyia" will give you legal advice. "Mother Toyia" is parent to all, including our own Mother. "The Barbeque Queen" will work a grill and give you the best tasting meats and poultry. "Best Friend Toyia" is always there - in good and bad times. She may not want me to admit this, but if you cross her, she'll kick your ass. Yes, she IS every woman. Happy Birthday to my sister Toyia Lynn. Get ready, something good is coming your way as you turn another year better.

What About Me???

I can't say when it started, but I liked getting gifts for Toyia and Tony's birthdays. For many years, Grandma would get something for me when she got a gift for them. I liked it! It's several, many and quite a few years later and I haven't received something for their birthdays in a long time. I'm overdue for a gift! I wonder if it would be wrong to ask my siblings to give ME a gift for their birthdays??? Toyia's birthday is October 26th and Tony's is October 30th. She's entering the second year of her fifties and this will be his year to "cross over." To be honest, I wouldn't expect them to give me anything. Knowing they're MINE is gift enough.

Scott and Lynn Spend The Day Together

I spent a major part of the day with my sister Toyia. I had a small list of things to do and she tagged along for fun and games. We laughed the entire time we were together. Another reason to enjoy having summers off -- I can spend the day with my loved ones.

Timothy Celebrates Sixth Birthday in Des Moines

My sixth birthday was a memorable one. It was the first time I left town to celebrate my birthday. Grandma, Grandpa, Toyia and I stayed with Aunt Mac and her sons, Kevin and Michael. I'm smiling as I write. I smile because I recall how excited I was. My cake wasn't homemade, it was purchased at Dahl's - the grocery store where Grandma would shop whenever we were in Des Moines. Grandma and Aunt Mac allowed me to pick the birthday cake of my choice. I chose one with orange frosting, thinking the frosting would taste like an orange. I was so happy! That soon changed when we got home with the cake. I learned I had to eat dinner before I could have any cake. I don't recall the exact time, but I know preparing, cooking and eating dinner took an eternity in my six year old mind.

When we finished dinner, it was time for the cake. Before the cake was cut, candles were lit, a picture with my BIG cousins was taken, and "Happy Birthday" was sung. When I got the first piece of cake, I smiled and dug right in. It took what I deemed a long time, but I finally got to taste my cake. Though the frosting did not have any orange flavoring, the entire cake was good to me. That was thirty-eight years ago. I will always remember the fun time and love of my family when I think of my sixth birthday.

Happy Easter

I'm sure I should be asleep, but I'm not ready to lay it down. My thoughts have been of the dinner I'm cooking later. This is my last official family/holiday dinner until Thanksgiving. Well, I'll help with a dish here and there. Planning the menu and preparing the majority of the food is now in the hands of Miss Toyia. She takes over all main meals from this point on. The "Barbeque Queen" fired up the grill a few weeks back and barbequed a few slabs of perfectly seasoned, moist, tender, delicious ribs. Finger licking good. So the family will be in good hands. By the way, Miss Toyia is serving pineapple upside down cake. Call ahead to ensure there's a piece for you.

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).

Vicki's Kids

Collectively, we are know as "Vicki's Kids." Of course we three have our very own unique
personalities. Thank God. A couple of things we do have in common are music and dancing.

I don't remember the exact year, but I clearly remember dancing with Toyia and Tony in our dining room at 914 Carroll. The Jackson 5 were on Carol Burnett and we couldn't sit and watch the show. We had to get up and do the bump and the robot like Michael, Jackie, Marlon, Tito's big ass, Jermaine and Randy were doing. I'm sure anyone that remembers watching the show would also recall getting up and dancing as well. The Jackson five were the "IT" group, period.


Michael was always, ALWAYS a talented performer. We may not have all wanted to be him, but we sure as shit wanted to dance just like him. I found a clip of the performance on YouTube. I'm posting it here, because when I think of Michael, I think how one saturday evening, in the 1970's My sister, brother and I were on one accord. For that moment were not growing "thought we were smart-ass" kids, but three people so enjoying the performance, we had to get up and dance. That was a good time for us. It has been a couple of years since the three of us have danced together. We last danced together in 2006. I feel it's time we danced again.

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.