Missing Girls - Abducted; Evansdale, IA; Little New Evidence

As of today- August 31- it has been seven full weeks since Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins disappeared. Elizabeth has had a birthday and the children have all returned to school; still no sign of these two little girls. Local law enforcement and the FBI are working in conjunction with each other to figure out where Elizabeth and Lyric are. 

According to kwwl.com, hundreds of people spent the first three days after the girls disappeared scouring the area in and around Meyers lake. Ultimately, most of Evansdale, surrounding neighborhoods, and wooded areas were searched in that first few days. The FBI visibly concentrated on the lake for the next several days: draining the lake, sending in divers, and using sonar equipment. 

Once it was determined that the girls were not in the lake, other information began to come to the surface of the FBI's investigation. Parents' of Lyric have criminal backgrounds and were asked by law enforcement to take lie detector tests on two separate occasions. After two full weeks of the Lyric and Elizabeth missing, the FBI determines that the girls had been abducted.

Another five weeks have passed and the case seems to be cooling off; which is not good for Lyric and Elizabeth. No credible leads to speak of. This is one of the scariest situations that has happened near where I live. I do not know how I would keep it together for my other children. I am praying for the family and the safe return of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook.

Back to School: Back on Schedule

By the first day of school, I am beyond ready to be back on a schedule. The first month of summer break is not so bad because of band, orchestra, swim team, swim lessons, and softball. However, by middle of July, they are finishing up with their lessons and games. My girls lazy this summer.

Of course, I could not seem to get us back on schedule before school started. They were in bed the night before the first day of school by 7pm and we had a very successful first day of school this year. It doesn't take long for school to put the kids back on schedule. They are all so exhausted after school the first week or two they have no problem going to bed before the sun does.

With the first few days under the belt, I am gearing up for the first full week of school starting tomorrow. Now that the excitement of school starting and seeing friends is done; the kids have to get settled in to the routine. The second week is always worse than the first week, in my experience.

Back to School: Break the Wallet

Every year I dread the back to school season and all that it entails. Some of the supplies seem excessive to me. My 2nd grader doesn't need 24 pencils a school year. Is my 6th grader going to use 12 dry erase markers in one year. 

Then I have supply shopping. The stores are crowded;  and we have to make two trips. On average I spend $700 for back to school. That cost increases as each child gets older.

Then there are all the extra things during the year that have fees. The kids have limits when it comes to school activities and sports. For example, the kids cannot be in both Orchestra and Band. And they may each choose one school year sport and one summer sport to play.

I wish you all luck as you finish up your back to school shopping this year.