I heard the alarm go off and was grateful when Scott woke to take the first shower. Shortly after I heard the enthusiastic chatter of my youngest daughter in the bathroom and I happily rolled over for a little more shut eye. Next thing I know I hear Scott turn off the tv and gather the big 3 to “have a chat”. I then hear, “ Guys, what does Daddy do for her job?

So many things I want to remember from this stage of life…the sweet way she mispronounces her baby brother’s name…. and the way his face lights up with recognition when I walk in a room…the raspy way she belts out songs in the back seat, and the sweet way he kisses his sisters goodbye before heading into school… I know I think I’ll never forget and yet those who’ve gone before me say I will.

5 years ago this month, God took her home to heaven. Though the truth is, Alzheimer’s/Dementia took Grandma from us long before then. At first she’d just forget what time we’d be leaving for church the next day or when we’d be eating dinner. Later she forgot her grandchildren, children, and eventually even her own identity. Bit by bit the disease took more of her. I remember walking into the care facility the weekend Scott and I had gotten engaged.

A few pics to sum up the week and highlight a few of my favorite moments. My favorite part of our home schooling day is the beginning. We start with the pledge and a very loud and off key rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. Warms my patriotic soul! Q: What do home schoolers wear to school? A: whatever they want.. ie leotards and camos We made a discovery this week.

Last week my dad entertained the kids by letting them take pictures with his phone. My youngest daughter had so much fun! I laughed out loud when after taking this picture, she exclaimed, “Papa, you didn’t smile!”

First Day of School (1st grade and preschool) County Fair Soccer Games Waiting on the sidelines Learning to play with toys Steelers 3-0. It’s been a fabulous month here at the circus!

It began innocently enough. It kind of drew me in with its rich, sweet aroma. For years I’d enjoy the hint of the flavor… in mud pies or Frappuccino’s…even an occasional cappuccino. But I wasn’t quite ready to sell out and drink a cup of joe for breakfast on a regular occasion. Then I went to our annual Labor Day getaway. Which, in addition to being a house full of my closest life long friends and their chillin’, was also a house full of serious coffee drinkers.

Get out your 2011 calendars and circle Sept 19th. It is International Talk Like a Pirate day. I assure you it is one holiday you do not want to miss. (If, by chance, you happen to get the date wrong, ahem, and celebrate it on the 20th per say, no worries, your children won’t know the difference and you can still have just as good of a time).  We celebrated in 2008, but sadly missed the holiday last year… something about being in my first trimester and starting my first year of home schooling, caused me to forego the optional holidays last year.

As I left the house for my second sewing class I eagerly told Scott I’d return with 2 aprons in hand. I recall him lovingly tried to temper my expectations by suggesting even returning with one would be exciting, but I blew him off as ran out the door material, machine, and new sewing scissors in hand. I returned 3 hours later having sewed the neck strap for one of my aprons.

Writers block Momnesia Mushy brain Call it what you will, but I am sorry this circus mom has nothing to give ya. I’ve sat down and started posts 3 separate times this week only to stop half way through. I wanted to fill you in on our hamster wheel paced life the past few weeks but when I write it all out it just seems boring. Really, do you want to hear about the circus family’s daily routine?