Looking Out...

For quite a few years the family gathered on this weekend to enjoy The Cooley-Johnson Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner in Des Moines. Two weeks before Thanksgiving the Cooleys and Johnsons would come together for a big feast. The food at these dinners would consist of many delicious, traditional favorites. One year something new was served at dinner - ELK. Cousin Jenny and her husband prepared this additional side meat for the family. Tony had a large HUNK of it on his plate. I had turkey and dressing with a pile of greens on mine. There was no room for the "roast beast" on my plate.We enjoyed the dinner and talked with the cousins not seen in a while. Cousin Marc asked Tony, "Hey Cuz, how do you like that roast?" Tony replied, "Aww man, this is good." That's when Marc asked if he ever, "had ELK before or was this the first time?" Tony's eyes grew WIDE open! It seems he didn't know that "roast beef" was ELK. Tony looked at me and asked, "Why didn't you tell me this was ELK, Timmy?" He's funny! We had a good laugh about it and my brother continued to eat and enjoy the ELK. I thought about that family gathering when I looked out the window this morning and saw the SNOW. This is the weekend we'd be together in Des Moines. Seeing the snow makes me happy to be home chillin this year.

Cooley - Johnson Family Reunion 2009

I did not take pictures this year, but I did find someone that did. Of course I did what I'm supposed to do -- make copies and share them here. The young ones in these pictures are the great-great-great-great grandchildren of Lacy and Aggie (Lewis) Cooley, John and Nancy (Crouden) Johnson. The family continues to grow. Looking into these young faces, you can see characteristics of relatives from the previous generations. The one thing each one of us possesses is the "Cooley Spirit of Independence." Long before Frank Sinatra, each one of us could say we did it, "my way." Looking into the eyes of this generation, I see things that remind me of myself and other relatives as well. It's safe to say it's genetics. The kids had a great time and the adults enjoyed themselves as well. Cousin Armon provided a feast second to none. This one man cooking machine set one incredible table, filled with so much delicious food! Other family members contributed, but the majority of the food was prepared by him. Another family tradition continues -- good cooks. I will place Armon in the ranks of all the other good cooks in the family.

Timmy and Larry

I have a great amount of love, respect and admiration for this man, my cousin. If you have ever had a person to stay in your life, with all your ups and downs, then you most certainly can relate to what I'm telling you. My cousin Larry is that person. That's my dude. Much has been said about him. Hell, a lot has been said about me. At the end of the day, who cares? We're family and that's all that counts. Not taking no for an answer, Larry and his son Justin drove to Minnesota to get me. He made a way for me to attend the family reunion this year. I stayed with Cousin Larry and his family. I enjoyed each moment I spent with them and the other relatives. As I have been known to say, "A fun time was had by all." To my cousin, my buddy, my friend, "Thank you."

Reunion News...

I'm not sure if this has been made clear, but I'll try. At this point, Armon is not requesting any help with the reunion meal. He has the menu planned and is ready to prepare it. There are options available for those that don't eat pork products. He does have one request for the family. Beverages and ice will be needed, so I'd suggest bringing that. I have some news -- I won't be able to attend this years reunion. I'll need someone to take pictures and get them to me. Thanks.

The Cooley-Johnson Family Reunion 2009

I still haven't found what I'm looking for, but I did find this. This is one of four flier/announcements I created for the family reunion. The day of the mailing I could not locate them. I put together something completely different and mailed it out. I like this one, but I'll be damned if I'm going to do a second mailing. If you click on the picture, you'll be able to see a larger size. I look forward to the family reunion each year. I enjoy being with my family, sharing old stories and creating new memories. Armon has shared with me the plans for the reunion this year. This brutha is proving he knows what to do. I like that. On behalf of the entire family (yeah, I'm speaking for ev'ry last one of them), THANK YOU, for taking charge and pulling this together. I am proud my cousin stepped up to the plate and is making it happen. Much love and much respect!

Cooley-Johnson Family Reunion 2009

It's official. We have a date, location and a time for the reunion this year. Armon confirmed the details this morning. We'll gather at the Martin Luther King Park, 1650 Garfield Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. EASTSIDE, BABY!!! Put a big red circle around September 19th on your calendar. Everything will kick off at 2:00pm, with dinner being served between 3-3:30pm. There will more information mailed out soon. Feel free to send me an email with your contact information. I want to ensure all the family is "in the know" for the reunion. A fun time will be had by all.

Is The Family Reunion September 12, 2009???

The Fourth of July was spent with the family. The tradition continues and I'M LOVIN IT! I like spending time with my family -- holiday or no holiday. We will find a way or a day to get together to eat. With that in mind, I'd like to share a thought. The Fourth of July is all about barbeque and the "barbeque queen" did an excellent job. It was some of the best she's done this year. You go, Toyia! Good food always leads to good conversation. Old stories were told and new memories were created and NOTES were taken, so I'll put them together for another post. At the end of the day, a fun time was had by all. Will we have a chance to do the same at the family reunion? Well, I've been told it will be the second weekend in September. Since various relatives have talked about this amongst themselves, I decided to check this out, for myself. I placed a call to Armon, but he didn't answer and I left a voice message. It's time to know the plan and make the necessary arrangements to attend. I hope to learn something soon. As always -- when I know more, you'll know more. Who are the folks in this set of pics? A few Cooleys and a few Johnsons -- The Fam.

I'm Still Waiting

Hey fam! I wish I could report something about the reunion, but this year's organizer has not given me any information. This proves to be a little frustrating. We'd all like to know what's going on, for the purpose of planning for the event. I will make another attempt this weekend to get some answers. Hang in there! When I know something I'll be certain to post that information here.

Yes, We're Having A Family Reunion

I spoke with Armon and he assures me we're having a reunion this year. It's going to be in September. He's going to contact me with further information. I will be certain to forward the dates, times and location to the family. We shall see what it will be.

Family Reunion

Yesterday, I was talking with a friend about the upcoming family reunion. The location is the same, but the dates changed. Not a problem. It's always nice to get together with the family, eat some food, have a couple of adult beverages and fellowship. An event to look forward to each year. Not long ago, a reliable source told me there may NOT be a reunion this year. That's f*&$ed up! I'm hoping the one in charge can get their sh!t together and make it happen. The reunion encourages the family to come together for a joyous occasion. So, i'm going to do my part to assist. I'd like to offer a few tips for my cousin, the organizer.

Do you need help? We're here! As a family, we work well together and can make it happen.

When in doubt, talk to someone that knows how to do it. Call Donna - a.s.a.p.

Communicate. You have to let the family know what's up at all stages of the planning.

Do you have a plan? If you don't have one now -- you'd better get to work fast! Time is of the essence.

Still not sure what to do? If none of these suggestions proves useful -- you're screwed, but not chopped. No matter, you're still loved.