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I don’t remember what magazine or book I read it from, but a few years ago I found an idea for having a wise man celebration. For some reason I recall it being on January 6th. And I decided it was a good idea. But that year my entire family got struck with the stomach virus, so we skipped it. But last year and this year we celebrated, thus making it a tradition at our house.

Much like the decorating of the pumpkin, the constructing of the gingerbread house didn’t happen according to the traditional time line. We here at the circus like to do things in our own time, thank you very much! I mentioned before that this year I decided to go with the kit over baking from scratch. I bought the kit in early December and kept waiting for that evening when we were all home and not already busy with something else.

I often don’t bother scrambling around the house looking for shoes before heading out the door. We give a good attempt, but if we’re running late, I bank on the fact that we’ll be able to find a pair in the van. One afternoon when my husband asked where to find my daughter’s shoe and I told him, these are what he found on the floor of our van (and believe it or not, there are more that just didn’t fit into the shot).

Lucky for Maggie today is her special day, otherwise, I don’t think I’d have been so nice about finding this on my couch cushions today.

Our beloved pooch turns 6 today! Where does the time go? We got her two weeks after moving into our new home and before we had kids. One of my fourth grade language arts students loved corgi’s and did a book report on Pembrooke Welsh Corgi’s. He got an A and I was sold on Corgi’s. I distinctly remember him telling me that they were “light shedders and good with kids.

2008 was a good year at the Circus. In February, I was blessed with a new niece. You wouldn’t have known this though because I didn’t begin blogging until the end of March. The spring was also filled with fun family activities like going to a real circus, celebrating Easter, and watching the Blue Angels. Summer held a trip to the beach, patriotic celebrations, my birthday, camping, sailboat races, and a reunion with friends.

After spending Christmas morning at our house with my wonderful in-laws and grandpa in law, we went to PA this weekend to celebrate with my parents and my brother’s family. I just had to share some more candid gems because they just warmed my heart and I feel my hubby did a great job of capturing the love and fun of our day together. We all had lunch together on Sunday and afterwards the youngest two of our crews took naps while everyone else enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of play.

While these were beautiful sights to behold, [ ] (https://latc.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/img-11623.jpg) She stole the show for me. [] (https://latc.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/img-11263.jpg) And while we did enjoy taking in the lights, and some holiday cheer, Everyone’s favorite part was the journey home. <– Last Mondays Post Visit 5 Minutes for Mom for more Wordless Wednesdays.

Christmas provides you with many gems…photos which capture the moment, in real life. Nothing like posing in front of the tree to bring out the true personality of your child. Yes… this is def what I meant when I said , “Smile in front of the camera so Mom can have a picture of you in your nice church clothes.” I love this pic… I am entitling it Christmas bliss… I love that it is not posed.