It’s been almost a year since our grand Texas vacation and already I’ve got the planning bug for another grand circus family trek. Remember how I thought we’d just swing by Houston since we’d be in El Paso? Well, I have similar aspirations for a trip to California in the fall. (I know originally I’d been thinking we’d do a Florida trip, but baby number 4 has changed that aspiration a bit)

Last year when we decided to home school our son, we said that we would take it a year at a time, and evaluate our situation each year as we planned for the next. Well, the time has come for us to make plans for next fall and we have decided to continue home schooling using our tutorial for first grade. (or grammar I as the classical folks like to call it)

I typically schedule my OB appointments for first thing in the morning so that the kids can stay home with Scott. This time however, his work schedule didn’t cooperate, so I brought the circus crew with me for my check up. I knew at 28 weeks they wouldn’t be doing an exam, so I felt comfortable having them tag along. I did come prepared with coloring books, crayons, snacks, and even lollipops which I saved for the very end if they were “super stars.

There is an envelope sitting unopened on our kitchen counter. It’s been sitting there sealed tight since January 6th. The contents of this envelope bear great repercussions for our entire family. Many people question why we even have the envelope. We could have known what was inside of it 8 weeks ago. But we like to be surprised. (of find some strange joy in self-torture) So, we turned our heads.

The other day my son told me he wanted to make all of us breakfast the next morning. The only problem with this very sweet gesture was that it was the end of the month and we were at the “creative” stage of the month/meal plan. Bread? No Milk? No Cereal? No Not much available for a 5 yr old to fix, so I convinced him to wait till after I went grocery shopping on Monday.

“You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have The Facts of Life, the Facts of Life.” Blogging is funny, as many of you bloggers know, because when you write a post, you’re really writing a snapshot of a moment in time. And as as the author (or photographer, if you will) you get to choose which moment in time you post and thus you can largely shape the perception of your self and your family life that you present to the world.

Guess what the kids and I spotted outside this afternoon?  Crocuses!!! Oh, how I love those little purple blooms… they are the signal to me that spring is around the corner! And as much as I have loved, (and truly, I know I whined that one day, but really, I have loved this record breaking snowy winter), but I am excited for spring. And I am really excited… I am looking forward to taking walks with the kids in the evenings.

My girls, especially my youngest, love to change clothes. And often. It borders on ridiculous. I knew if I didn’t document it, no one would believe me. So, take a look at Thursdays attire here at the circus. (I will mention that we never left the house today). The day started at 7:00am, didn’t have the camera ready then, but here she is at 8:30am. (wearing the clothes she wore last night plus a coat)

I love Christmas. One of the things I love most is that it is celebrated for an entire month. I love the time of preparation and the focus on Christ’s birth. But without Easter, Christmas truly is meaningless. As awesome as it is that God sent his only Son to earth, it is only the first part of the story. His death on the cross for our sins and the fact that he rose from the dead 3 days later is what gives not just this story, but every life story purpose and meaning.

I know that many think Valentine’s day is just a day created by Hallmark. Others think it’s a cheesy holiday for saps. Say what you will, I’ll jump at a chance for a date night with my hubby. And I don’t mind a sweet card and some cinnamon heart candy either. But, after having kids, Scott and I found it rather difficult to go out for Valentine’s day. Since we don’t hire babysitters, we typically rely on friends or grandparents for babysitting and you can’t ask another couple to babysit for you on Valentine’s Day.