Surprise in a Box!

Update on the pillow. The second box from Fed Ex arrived from the hotel I stayed at. I never got my pillow back, but I was sent the 2nd feather pillow that they found at the hotel that they thought was mine. I ended up washing both pillows with their accompanying cases and now they are my new pillows. I figured I couldn't waste them, something had to take the place of the lost "Squish"

This summer has flown by, it seems like all of July we didn't have "JULY Weather" Now don't get me wrong, I don't miss the humidity, but I did miss the hot weather. We had 60's most of the month and even though having the air conditioner off was super nice, not being able to take the children swimming was a real bummer.

Now it's August and the children will start school in two weeks. Where did the time go? This year the elementary schools have decided to charge fees. So now I'll have fees for all the schools. I feel that since you pay your taxes to send your children to public school that you shouldn't have fees to go with that. It will be over $600 in school fees for us this year and that's just an estimate. I'm not sure how we will swing all that. Then, Caleb has All-State camp this week, that's for Choir and then Band Camp next week. Both of those programs need money as well. Maybe I'll need a 5th part time job?????????? Donations accepted at our home anytime. :) Feel free to send Large bills. :) :)


Caleb turns 16 in just over a week. I can't believe it. This means dating and driving and all that comes with age 16. In our family we don't let the children date until they are 16. Since that is drawing near, Caleb has been counting down the days till his first date. He is very excited. I told him he should date his sister for his first date (I was kidding, he thought I was serious and he said , "Oh No Way MOM!"

Two weeks after Caleb's birthday will be Brenden's birthday, he will be 12. This means little Brenden passing the Sacrament at church. I can't believe I'll have 4 boys passing the Sacrament.

I'm still playing piano in Primary at Church. It's amazing what you learn in Primary. However, I do miss Relief Society.

Jason is still in Utah. I miss him greatly. It will be so nice to have him home again. Mainly because we didn't get to finish celebrating our anniversary. It was actually a very disappointing anniversary since he had to leave. I just hope this trip doesn't set us back financially. I'm worried with all the birthdays and school fees. Children sure do cost a lot to raise.

Meanwhile Alyssa has been reading like crazy. She read the 2nd Twilight book in less than a week. She is so into that series. However I had to put a halt on her reading since I heard that the 3rd book has less than desirable things in it that I should read first before letting her read it. So I'm working on reading the 3rd book to see what the heck is in there.

Today the plans are to go to the Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City/Coralville area. It's a great FREE activity to go do. Then we are off to the beach at Lake McBride in Northern Coralville for a swim.