A Saturday of graduation celebrations

We visited @ a couple high school graduation celebrations today. Maddie had to stay on the porch this evening with all the rain so we had to have a play dough ice cream social.

A last day of school celebration.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.          

Back to school and work.

Maddie is so sweet when she says "thank you for everything" as she leaves for school at the beginning of each week.

Two of our hydrangeas have begun to bloom.

Memorial Day

A good day at the pool and a cookout @ Uncle Jimmy's house. Madison tried on Michaela's shoes and Amelia Grace decided that Maddie's shoes were big enough.

Memorial Weekend Sunday

Poppy, Charlotte,  and Cousin Anthony went fishing for redfish. Mimi took the gremlins to the pool and park. We all met Carrie, Wes and Spencer for dinner.

A busy Saturday this Memorial Day weekend.

Shopping this am (Jack is suddenly wearing a size 6 in everything), lunch, pool, and a boat picnic this evening.

Sunday, Fun day.

Today was Maddie's last CCD class for the term. Spencer stayed home and practiced hand to mouth exercises:)

Saturday in Beaufort

It is a joy to work in such a beautiful location.  Thanks to Poppy and Maddie for making the trip with me today.

Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour - Official Trailer - Cirque du S...

77 of our foster youth and familes enjoyed this production at the N. Charleston Coliseum this evening. I must say that it was utterly fantastic.

A rainy day in Beaufort ...

... is better than most days inland.

Just another spring day in May?

Not in Colorado as this picture shows the six inches of snow in my sister's backyard.

Mother's Day Sunday

Maddie made a rosary in class today.  She wanted to wear it in a picture. We enjoyed time at the pool in between rain showers this afternoon.

Weekend Frenemies

Aunt Charlotte and Maddie enjoy arguing, but I caught them working puzzles together and sitting beside each other at Moe's.

Retreat Day, 2014 @ Riverbanks Zoo

A meeting of all the regional and state offices with an inspirational speaker.

Happy 24th Birthday!

We had a birthday dinner last night as Carrie and family left on a camping trip this morning. Charlotte went fishing today and caught two redfish (over the limit and swimming again after a picture.)

Jasmine in Bloom

Smells so good.

A Maddie Monday

Take care of Amy while I go to school, Mimi.

A Beautiful Spring Sunday

Chuch, a neighborhood luncheon, and the first pool time  of 2014.

Fam Jam @ Marion Square

Plus the crowds of the Children's Museum.