Monday, July 26, 2010

It All Started with You

You made me a mother. You turned "Michael" into "Dad." You led us through the boot camp of parenthood and tenderized us for the job. You make clear to us that there is beauty, hope and promise at every turn, that it is up to each of us to pick it out and savor it, to let other things fall away. I could not get through a day without you - an effervescent sprite sent to sprinkle her smiles and joy dust on everyone while reminding her mother what matters and what does not.

Sweet Catriona, I don't think I'll ever be able to find words for what you mean to me, what a remarkable young lady you choose to be.

But I'll keep trying.

Happy 11th birthday, my love. The way I see it, the beauty around you begins with you.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Kids in the Summer. Nothing New Here.

All photos taken by Cate, 11 yrs old. Her assignment: snap a good sample of what happens at Inclusive Playground Camp. These are just a few...











FJC: So, Cate. Thanks for taking the job for this one day as observer. You were my eyes today. What does happen at Inclusive Playground Camp?

Cate: Uh. Playing, running, crafts, games like Mr. Fox, jokes. I don't have any pictures of the craft time because I wanted to do that, too. They let me. We made this cool sand art where part of it is sticky and you -

FJC,interrupting: Child, do you remember the question?

Cate: Ah, yeah. What happens at Inclusive Playground? [shrug] Same thing that always happens at Playground Camp. Just more kids.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Captured, Coveted, Captured Once Again

After a primitive few days without cable or internet... I'm back. Not here, though. At Hopeful Parents.

Click below to see what we've been busy with:

Captured, Coveted, Captured Once Again

A clue on a tiny stained hand...