The Perfect Storm

So incase you haven't been keeping up with the weather in the Midwest, we have been getting storms and tornadoes and more storms and tornadoes. Last Friday was the first of them. Aaron was still gone with his buddies on vacation. I was determined to have a fun last night with the kids. This, of course, entailed ice cream at the Chief. I didn't KNOW it was supposed to storm like crazy with 80 mph winds. So we took off in our Swagger Wagon just as it began to rain. I had my white load out on the line but I thought it would be ok. Nothing a little rain would hurt. So, we get to The Chief just as all hell breaks loose. There's like 3 people there and we are all wondering what we are doing out in this. It was raining and blowing so bad. Did I mention the scary lightning? We ran to the van drenched with rain with sloppy cones. The kids were fussing and sticky. I decided against sitting there and waiting out the storm. I can do this.

As we began to drive, I realized I couldn't see. At all. The rain was coming down so hard. One guy I barely saw drive by with a tree under his vehicle. Just driving around like he had nothing hanging on him. Then things started falling on our van. Not sure what they were but could just hear and feel them. Stop lights were out. Trees were on the roads and people were stopped and driving around them. Emma could sense my spirit at this point and started to cry, "We're not going to make it." Laish is behind me saying, "Just take 2 deep breaths." He's just as calm as his Daddy would be. Thanks, Laish.

Well, we made it into our garage. One of our columns that holds our porch up had completely fallen down. Plants from the porch were strewn all over. And yes, my laundry, practically ripped to shreds. All over my neighbors yards. I never did find my little bucket I keep the clothespins in. Even though most my family lost power, we actually didn't.

Now, fast forward to Wednesday night. My sister had just gotten her power back on and WHAM, in comes another storm. Laish and Emma were gone to their PA grandparents so we didn't have to deal with them being scared. Aaron and I sat outside for awhile just watching the storm come closer and closer. Until all of a sudden it grew very dark and windy and rainy. They claim there 5 tornadoes in all - one was just 1-2 miles down the road from us but we only lost power for a day and that was it. I'm posting some pictures of the destruction that happened downtown on 8th street bc we know people there. But if you get a chance to look at other pictures. It's amazing the power of a storm!

Who's Your Daddy?

Aaron is getting ready to go on a trip. It's been a long time since I can remember him escaping life and heading to the mountains. He leaves with his buddies on Saturday to venture out into this world, to Ohio, to Hershey, PA and to his beloved mountains in Virginia. The week ahead looks wild. Work, babysit, Bible study, babysit, be with my kids, work and work & play. He's checked his list which included asking people to mow so I wouldn't have to and probably asking other things that I unaware of. He made sure to fix the van's a/c before he left with the BMW so me and the kids were taken care of. Who's the man?

It's close to Father's Day and my heart is so in love with this man. He works. Hard. He loves his children. A lot. He's not your typical guy - he does the laundry and the dishes. He mows our lawn because I hate our mower. I love that he doesn't get a new mower just because it's not self-propelled. He's simple. It's fine. He unloads the dishwasher because I don't like to. (You might be wondering what the heck I do all day????) I know that I have more free time as a Mother to spend with my children and that is such a precious gift. Thank you, babe! Thanks for making sure you kiss me at the beginning and end of each day. I love your tattoo. Well, both of them but I love the bird floating on your back. Your back full of muscles. I trace it when he sleeps, unware of my touch!

Enjoy your trip, babe, your Phish shows and your buds. Me and the kids will miss you....