Troupe for Maceo!

Maceo did it!!! On Monday Maceo auditioned for troupe at the Springfield Little Theatre. He had to perform a one minute vocal selection and a monologue. Additionally, while at the audition he was taught a dance piece that he had to perform. On Thursday we learned that he had been selected to be a part of one of the troupes. The troupes meet once a week for training purposes and then have the opportunity to share with the community the musical numbers that they have learned. It is a big commitment but will be wonderful for Maceo. It will provide him with much-desired social interaction and much-needed training and experience that will aid him in meeting his long-term goals involving acting.

The Rainbow After the Storm

Lots of wind and rain took its toll on my gladiolis, breaking their stems, and requiring that I bring them inside. I am so glad. They make me smile. They are like a rainbow after a storm.

First Time Fishing Fun

Bishop and I had such a delightful adventure tonight. I accompanied him on a fishing expedition sponsored by a local church. The church supplied the transportation, the rods and bait, and personalized instruction.
Bishop experienced the lows of fishing - enduring a bit of heat while having to wait patiently for a bite, a rod that wouldn't cast properly, and a tangled line.

But Bishop got to experience the great highs of fishing, as well. In the end Bishop caught 8 fish!

I see another adventure involving fishing in his future!

Acquisitional Giddiness

I had four dollars in bills and a handful of change as I headed in to two of my favorite thrift stores, stores where the prices are truly thrifty. And I scored! I am so excited about my acquisitions that I am giddy! I scored the dearest floral print apron complete with pockets. This little beauty will go to Keegan who absolutely adores a good apron. I also scored a small white tablecloth that only set me back one dollar, as did the apron. I acquired a quirky yet sweet salt shaker and a pair of shakers with a smidge of red, perfect for my kitchen. Together these cost me three dollars. I had no problem parting with those four bills and an additional four quarters. Do you see why I am a little giddy?


Here is a closer look at my salt and pepper shakers sitting on my kitchen counter alongside some of my favorite things.

Here is Keegan giving the apron a trial run. I just knew that the apron would be perfect for her.

God's Bounty and Provision

We are blessed to have a master gardener in our church family who felt called to create a garden on our church grounds. He prepares the garden and then allows us to have a plot if we desire. He, also, maintains a good-sized plot himself. His produce is sold to the congregation and the proceeds go to the youth group. Although I am pleased to pay for his fresh produce, I am also blessed that this gentlemen feels compelled to share his abundant bounty with our family. He seeks me out nearly every Wednesday and Sunday so that he may share his potatoes, okra, green beans, squash and gardening advice. I am not entirely certain as to why he has chosen to gift our family in this way but I am SO blessed to have this quality produce to prepare for my family and even more blessed to have his friendship!

Happy Independence Day!!!

Happy Independence Day...
and welcome to our family's celebration!

Roxie, Samantha, Maddox and I watched the Independence Day (actually on the 3rd) parade...

while Maceo and Bishop rode on a float.

There were games, food, live music, friends, and fabulous fireworks.

On the fourth proper we had a family BBQ

with Herb grilling up some fabulous ribs.

He is the grillmeister!

We played some backyard croquet ...

and, at nightfall, lit some fireworks.

Although hard to say, possibly my favorite moment of the evening was Christian teaching Bishop how to light fireworks. I love this series of photos...

and I love having all of my family together...

and I love celebrating the birth of our nation.

Happy Birthday, America!!!

Flea Market Fun with Roxie

Saturday was Roxie's birthday and I had the honor of spending the day with her and treating her to some birthday fun.

I took her to a neighboring town that is rife with flea markets, vintage stuff abounding. We spent the day exploring these shops and finding some treasures.

Roxie with some of her finds...

and some treasures of my own.

We stopped for lunch at this resaurant...

where we were served by a feisty waitress...

after making the difficult decision as to what to have.

I love living near my sister. It was a delightful day.

Happy Birthday, Roxie!!!