The Circus

Well, I have been putting off blogging about the circus, because while it was an overall  success, the stress that ended up occurring, makes me throw up in my mouth a little.

The night before we were going, I asked PD if it started at 3 or 3:30.  So he got out the tickets to check.  WELL the tickets very clearly read 7:30 Friday Night.  It was now 9:30 Friday Night. They had sent us Friday night instead of Saturday matinée.

PD just kept saying "NO NO NO."

We took turns freaking out and comforting each other.  He made some phone calls, but no one was at the box office.  Just to make himself feel better he started leaving messages for everyone from the guy that drives the clown car all the way up to the Secretary of State.

I finally calmed down and said, "Look the worst that can happen is we have to buy the tickets again."  We looked online and there weren't really any good seats left but resigned ourselves to the worst case scenario.

Well the next day, PD still couldn't get anyone on the phone, so he drove down to the fairgrounds to see what they could do.  (Insert fake smiles displayed for daughters who were talking about the circus)

It did work out that they exchanged the tickets..the seats were not as good, but it was fine.

PK1 (our animal lover) rode an elephant.

PK2 stuck to something a bit more tame.

We ate cotton candy.

The best acts were trained elephants

and a clown wedding.

The smells did not end up being too bad, or maybe I just didn't notice them because I was so glad it all worked out and we actually got to go!

A Blog Award

My friend Kelli, who is the most encouraging person I have ever met, has given me a blog award!

Thanks Kelli!

I would like to pass it on to my actual sister Susan.

I know I owe the blog a follow up post on the circus (I am still recovering) and I am eager to write about PK1's performance in a talent show. But I have been distracted and unmotivated blogwise lately.   Thankfully it isn't because of anything bad happening, just lots of good actual, non-virtual events and people right now!

The greatest show on earth

We are headed to the circus on Saturday!  In true homeschool form, I ordered a few books about it to prepare the kids.  They have very little base of knowledge on this. 

We got this beautiful book:

And PK2's favorite:

And did you know that even Mr Roger's went to the circus:

I have to admit, I am not crazy about the circus.  It combines my least favorite things..clowns, weirdos and animal smells.  Plus I get to drop fifty bucks plus incidentals for the privilege of smelling the elephant droppings.  But who am I to deprive my kids of this classic childhood experience?

Water Babies

We started up with swimming lessons last week. 

PK1 has had a lot of lessons, but this was PK2's first time.

She was so excited and she did a great job. 

Her teacher is fantastic.  How can you not love anyone who will splash around in the pool with someone else's kids for $3 an hour?

 But she is particularly good.

I feel like PK1 is not being pushed enough to work on her technique and I almost feel like I could teach her better myself, but since I already teach them the 3R's, I just decided that I would farm out the swimming for now.  It is so fun to just sit on the bleachers and watch.  I never get to just watch someone else do the work.  And PK1 is going off the board with gusto now!

Cryin Out Loud

Back during the election season, when I was only seeing PD for a few seconds a day, we started e-mailing each other little songs that we heard and thought the other might like. 

Well, I was having a really hard time last week.  I am really struggling with contentment lately.  I know I am blessed, but my flesh keeps taking over and I start comparing to what others have.  Then I get mad at myself for not having slain my old demons yet.

PD is so great for me.  He listenes, he prays for me, he distracts me with fun projects and reminds me of truth.  He reminds me that it is ok to cry out to God.

He sent me this song today to cheer me up: 

American Girl Doll: An Update

To read the back story on an American Girl doll for PK1 click here: American Girl

Well, we have had a development. Kansas Grandma had the best find the other day at an estate sale:

They aren't exactly American Girls, but they are really quality dolls that are remarkably similar. And they were only a tenth of the price!

The PKs are absolutely thrilled with them:

We have never had many dolls around the house because PK1 has never been interested. She likes to play dress up and pretend and animal rescue. And PK2 likes to play with PK1.

So we scrounged all over the house for any doll or baby clothes that might fit them.

So far we have two outfits from the Cabbage Patch doll I had as a child, some pajamas from a Snoopy doll, and a few other things.

They have been playing with the dolls constantly between our regular activities. They brush their hair:

And get them ready for bed every night when they get ready for bed:

PK1 even called her little friend to tell her all about it and they planned all the things they will play with their dolls next time they get together.

It has been a wonderful surprise blessing in the middle of this long cold winter.

Thank you Kansas Grandma!