I've Known This Wonderful Woman Longer Than Anyone And I Love Her

A YOUNG Timothy Scott

 A few years back I decided I should celebrate my day of arrival with my Mom.  It made very good sense to me. Mom should get something for my birthday.  Yes, she should receive SOMETHING for all her hard work. Recognition for "...a job well done" in giving LIFE to me. 

Me & Mom, Mom & Me 5/2013

I was the one that doctor's said wouldn't make it and forty-seven years later I'm still here.  It proves some doctors don't always know what the hell they're talking about, but I digress.  Mom gave birth to me and I want to show my appreciation.

Me & Mom, Mom & Me 1967

It's not bragging, but Mom does enjoy my cooking.  She'll tell anyone that will listen how much she likes the food I prepare.  So I'm cooking her dinner (still not sure what that will be) and dessert.  I couldn't decide which I wanted more, so I'm baking a 7UP cake and a chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream frosting.  Yep, two cakes.  I'm doing it all for my mother to say, "Thanks Mom, I appreciate all that you've done and you're my favorite Mom because you're my only Mom."  It goes without saying how much I Love My Mom, but I will say, "I Love My Mom very much."  Thanks Mom!!!

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

Go Vicki, It's Your Birthday!

Young Vicki
The little girl in this picture is all grown up and goes by the name of "My Mom." Today is her birthday and I spent part of my day with her. We did a lot of talking, laughing and sharing stories. I must say a fun time was had by all. I know I'm her favorite child, but I won't tell the others about this.


Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, María Elena!!!

Much love to you, NORFDAKOTAH Cooley Cousin!

Happy Birthday, Edward Johnson

I wanted to acknowledge Grampa Johnson on his 139 birthday. This picture shows all property east of the railroad tracks was Ed Johnson's farm.

Happy Birthday, Kevin

I don't have my days mixed up. Today is Kevin's birthday. I know the picture was taken at Christmas time in the 1960's, but I couldn't wait until Christmas to share this picture. I found this "cute kid" pic while paging thru some of the UNRULEY one's photo albums. This is our Kevin (and brother Michael)at a very young age.

This is our Kevin now. Another year older, wiser and better. Happy Birthday, Kevin. Much peace, many blessings and an abundance of love - today and everyday.

Eugene Lawrence Cooley

Happy Birthday, Uncle Bud

Dideo and Bessie's Boy

Marvin and Bessie Cooley were blessed with two children; Marlene and Cheryl. Their daughter Marlene and her husband John were blessed with one child; Brandley DeForrest. He was welcomed with open arms into the Cooley Clan on November 26, 1978. Young Brandley was born two years after the death of his grandfather, Dideo. Many have said and the pictures prove it, Young Brandley looks very much like young Grandpaw Marvin. Brandley shows an interest in and has some knowledge of the Cooley family history. I'm certain what Marlene didn't tell him he learned from his Grandma Bessie and his aunt, the UNRULEY one. Young Brandley can perform a memorable RASTA remix of the hit, "Meeting In The Ladies Room." Handsome, intelligent, talented AND a Cooley. With these great features and so much more, this young man has a very successful life ahead. Happy Birthday, Brandley!

Ethyl Mae Johnson Cooley

There was a time I worked with a woman that made my workday hellish. One day in particular, she made things very difficult for me. In a heated moment, I allowed my reply to this woman to be peppered with profanity. I came close to cussing her completely out, but I didn't. It's not something to be proud of, but I felt I had been pushed to the point. My supervisor suggested I take a longer than usual lunch break to calm down. I decided to go home and take a nap. While I was asleep, my great grandmother paid me a visit. I felt the bed go down when she sat on the side. Great Grandma Ethyl patted my hand and told me I knew better than to act the way I had been acting. I tried pleading my case, thinking she'd understand my point. She wasn't having any of that. Great Grandma Ethyl suggested I would, "...most certainly know this isn't acceptable behavior." She looked at me and smiled. I was told to behave and that she'd see me later. About the time she stood up is about the time my dog Bud barked. I woke up and looked around the room for her. Bud continued to bark and wag his tail. I believe Ethyl's presence was felt by Bud as well. The rest of my workday went without an issue or problem. I wanted to share MY personal story of Ethyl on her birthday. We've not physically met, but I assure you we're connected. Happy Birthday, Great Grandma!

Happy Birthday Tyra

I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow.









Tyra Lynn Fowler

Happy 5-0 Tony!!

My "kid" brother is fifty years old today. WOW! That man is getting older and sure ain't gettin no prettier! That's a joke we share with each other. We get a good laugh when I say it to him. It's good to laugh with my brother, my friend. Tony is a cool, laid back and pretty easy going man. There is the time when he gets very excited and yells. When he watches a football or basketball game it's not a quiet occasion. This brotha gets completely involved in the game, yelling at the television as if he's at the game. The same is true if you call him on the phone. If a point is scored or there's a bad call on the play, the man is LOUD in your ear! Once the game is over, it's all quiet again. Make some noise Tony! You're fifty and that's a blessing. As you celebrate turning another year older, wiser and better, I wish you much peace, much love and a bounty of blessings too many to count.

Bessie's Birthday

Some people go about life quietly doing "their thing." Never one to complain, upbeat, optimistic, offering advice and encouragement to everyone. These people enjoy giving a warm smile or sweet laughter when needed. That would describe Bessie Virginia Colbert, born on this day ninety-one years ago to James and Josephine (nee Robnett) Colbert. Bessie would marry her high school sweetheart, Marvin Cooley. They had two daughters; Marlene and Cheryl, the "UNRULEY" one.
Aunt Bessie could make you feel so comfortable, so at ease. If it was your first time meeting or if she had known you for years, she always greeted you with her beautiful smile.
"Both of my brothers married women that reminded them of momma," is what my grandmother Veltirea said many times. Being compared to Ethyl Cooley would be a high honor. Happy Birthday to Bessie Cooley. One of the kindest, gentlest, cool as a cucumber members of the Cooley Clan.

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.

Happy Birthday Niecy

I love the idea of the picture exchange with my family members. Cousin Larry was kind enough to show this one to me. I had to have a copy. I thought this would be the PERFECT pic for a birthday post. Happy Birthday, Denise Marie. Peace and blessings on your special day.

Donna and Niecy

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.

Dideo Cooley

MARVIN DEFORREST COOLEY

I never met him face to face, but I spoke to Marvin DeForrest Cooley on the telephone. Some thirty odd years later I can't say I remember all that we discussed. One thing I will always remember - his voice. My high pitched ten year old boy's voice was the polar opposite of his. Uncle Dideo's voice was deep, rich and warm, the typical Cooley voice. The next time we spoke he remembered I was Velt's youngest grandson. He got my name right and I was pretty pleased with him for that. I know Grandma made that call around his birthday in 1976. Today would have been Uncle Dideo's 91st birthday. We celebrate and honor the birth and memory of Marvin DeForrest "Dideo" Cooley.

Happy Birthday Aunt Lizzie

Georgia Elizabeth Cooley was born to George and Mary (nee Washington) Cooley on October 2, 1904, in Northeastern Missouri. She was the baby sister of Edward, Victoria and Curtis. Aunt Lizzy is the reason I have a developed interest in family history.

Some of my posts are based on the people or stories Aunt Lizzie shared throughout the years. Writing this blog is another way to share our rich history.
We salute, honor, remember Georgia Elizabeth Cooley Williams White on her one hundred and sixth birthday.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Lizzie -- Cooley Family Historian

Happy Birthday Connie

Helen, Eckie Bud and Connie

Another relative to celebrate a birthday today is cousin Constance Jean. There had been a couple of years that I didn't see Connie. It seems when I was in Des Moines she was away. I had the chance to see her again in 2007 and was I pleasantly surprised. All of my life my cousin was always the thin one. She looked good, not sickly or crackish -- no, nothing like that. Just thin is all.


Connie Jean

Seeing her again after several years showed me just how good she looked now. She had packed on a few extra pounds. I asked her the secret to making the gained weight look good. Connie said, "I stopped worrying and stressing." I'm glad she stopped worrying and stressing. Connie has always beautiful, but age and weight have been wonderful to her.


Connie

Bud and Helen's baby girl turns sixty-three today. I wish my Cousin Connie, much peace, love and a stress-free life. Happy Birthday, Constance Jean! You make sixties look sensational and sexy.