August 30th

The boys are off to school-this might have been the first day we were ever ready early. I enjoyed watching the boys on the playground as they waited for school to start. Joseph is handling first grade great but I think it is still a little overwhelming. Alex talked to Joe this morning at breakfast and explained that first grad is"different" than Kindergarten. This conversation took place with Alex's hand on Joe's shoulders while they both munched on their Rice Krispies.

Today it is a gorgeous, blue sky day. I have Paige and Perri along for the day. Perri is with me everyday and Paige comes once a week. We hit Seerley Park (right by UNI) for a quick playtime. I watched a very tired college student try to parallel park his car again and again all the while the girls were saying "why is that man making his car go back and forth." He didn't know he had an audience of 4 girls!!

The next stop was for an oil change. I always hold my breath as I take the three girls in the waiting room. They enjoyed a full bag of popcorn and a huge chocolate doughnut. Probably will not have to do lunch today. That was an impressive and non-eventful trip to the car shop!!

We are hanging outside right now. The girls are playing in Abby's playhouse making me more food. Abby likes to get in her car, wave, and blow me a kiss. She pretends she is going to work. Of course, she ALWAYS has her purse on her shoulder.

Last Saturday there was an article in the paper about a family in Waterloo that lost everything in a house fire. I was really drawn to this story and felt like I should and could do something. I am sending out a letter to our St. Pat's families asking for donations. Our family will deliver them next week. The family has five boys from the toddler age to 8th grade. They need lots of clothes and household items. I hope we get a good response.