Hey, I'm so excited! Now I can keep up with a dear relative & her family in Morocco !
I know I could through email but this is way cooler!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
After . . . .
Derek's off the phone and the following happen but I may have some sequencing wrong. What do you expect? A tornado just hit our house!
Derek immediately thinks of my mom who lives in town. I'm still stunned and not thinking anything but - Wow! (Sorry Mom!!) So he's trying to call my mom - no answer. He calls my dad and leaves a message. He calls his mom. He calls his dad. Basically to let them know that we were hit but okay and that we couldn't get a hold of my mom. He thinks to call our Pastor and friend, Terry Tyler, who is going to go check on Mom.
As Derek is making these phone calls, he steps out from under the stairs but makes us stay because we're not sure if it's secure enough yet. I pray for us and for Mom. God was so awesome - he kept me calm and I was with the kids.
After the calls are made, we do find out that Mom is okay. And apparently everyone gathered at her house. Terry went there, then, Derek's parents ended up going there because they couldn't get through to us.
The police officer in the neighborhood and some others started going door to door to make sure everyone was OK. After they yelled in and checked on us, Derek let us come out from under the stairs.
Oh and in between phone calls, he asked me where the emergency kit was and if there were flashlights and batteries in it. And I have to say that I have been MADE FUN OF MANY times because of this kit and other safety ideas.
So where was I? Phone calls are made, we're out from under the stairs and ready for the next step. Derek goes upstairs with the flashlights to see the damage or at least what he can. He continues to narrate . . . "Oh yeah, there's damage, roof gone, etc."
He finds shoes and jackets for us and brings them down. Of course I am not happy with what he brought me so I ask him if the closet is still there and tell him exactly what pants & shoes I want and where they were. I also ask him to get my purse too!!
So now that were set, we shove our puppy, Sally, in the cat carrier. And we head upstairs. Derek directs us and says "We're going up and finding a place that's safe to go to. Go STRAIGHT out!" We do. As I walk up the stairs I see things - pillows, basket, DVDs, etc. blown down the stairs that were in other rooms of the house.
It was VERY dark out. Debris everywhere and insulation EVERYWHERE!! It looked like mud on everything.
We head to our neighbors. Their house looks the best, there's others there, and he's already got his generator going! We gather in the basement because there is another storm heading our way.
While we're there, Derek's mom, step-dad and brother make it into our neighborhood. But the other storm is still possible so we wait there till it's safe to go back to his mom's.
We finally get the OK to go and it takes quite awhile to get to Wakarusa. There was traffic, detours, etc. But we made it!! I set up Emma's stuff, we made a bed for Sally in a container, and Jesse went to bed. Derek and I ended up on the floor in the living room with Emma. Emma fell asleep. Bob and DeeAnn went to bed. Derek and I finally "talked."
We were both still in shock. WOW! A tornado had hit our house! We didn't know quite what to expect the next day when we saw our home. We thought about stuff we had out . . . Derek's laptop for work, bills, etc. And we remembered the Yoda Halloween costume we had got for Emma. It was hanging in the laundry room above the sink. It was so cute. Jesse wanted to be Darth Vader (Surprise) and so we were searching for the perfect costume for his side kick and there it was. YODA!! So funny! I'll have to add a picture.
Anyways, that's the last thing I remember talking about. We just layed there arm in arm completely amazed at the nights events. Then we fell asleep. When we woke the next morning . . . . . .
Derek immediately thinks of my mom who lives in town. I'm still stunned and not thinking anything but - Wow! (Sorry Mom!!) So he's trying to call my mom - no answer. He calls my dad and leaves a message. He calls his mom. He calls his dad. Basically to let them know that we were hit but okay and that we couldn't get a hold of my mom. He thinks to call our Pastor and friend, Terry Tyler, who is going to go check on Mom.
As Derek is making these phone calls, he steps out from under the stairs but makes us stay because we're not sure if it's secure enough yet. I pray for us and for Mom. God was so awesome - he kept me calm and I was with the kids.
After the calls are made, we do find out that Mom is okay. And apparently everyone gathered at her house. Terry went there, then, Derek's parents ended up going there because they couldn't get through to us.
The police officer in the neighborhood and some others started going door to door to make sure everyone was OK. After they yelled in and checked on us, Derek let us come out from under the stairs.
Oh and in between phone calls, he asked me where the emergency kit was and if there were flashlights and batteries in it. And I have to say that I have been MADE FUN OF MANY times because of this kit and other safety ideas.
So where was I? Phone calls are made, we're out from under the stairs and ready for the next step. Derek goes upstairs with the flashlights to see the damage or at least what he can. He continues to narrate . . . "Oh yeah, there's damage, roof gone, etc."
He finds shoes and jackets for us and brings them down. Of course I am not happy with what he brought me so I ask him if the closet is still there and tell him exactly what pants & shoes I want and where they were. I also ask him to get my purse too!!
So now that were set, we shove our puppy, Sally, in the cat carrier. And we head upstairs. Derek directs us and says "We're going up and finding a place that's safe to go to. Go STRAIGHT out!" We do. As I walk up the stairs I see things - pillows, basket, DVDs, etc. blown down the stairs that were in other rooms of the house.
It was VERY dark out. Debris everywhere and insulation EVERYWHERE!! It looked like mud on everything.
We head to our neighbors. Their house looks the best, there's others there, and he's already got his generator going! We gather in the basement because there is another storm heading our way.
While we're there, Derek's mom, step-dad and brother make it into our neighborhood. But the other storm is still possible so we wait there till it's safe to go back to his mom's.
We finally get the OK to go and it takes quite awhile to get to Wakarusa. There was traffic, detours, etc. But we made it!! I set up Emma's stuff, we made a bed for Sally in a container, and Jesse went to bed. Derek and I ended up on the floor in the living room with Emma. Emma fell asleep. Bob and DeeAnn went to bed. Derek and I finally "talked."
We were both still in shock. WOW! A tornado had hit our house! We didn't know quite what to expect the next day when we saw our home. We thought about stuff we had out . . . Derek's laptop for work, bills, etc. And we remembered the Yoda Halloween costume we had got for Emma. It was hanging in the laundry room above the sink. It was so cute. Jesse wanted to be Darth Vader (Surprise) and so we were searching for the perfect costume for his side kick and there it was. YODA!! So funny! I'll have to add a picture.
Anyways, that's the last thing I remember talking about. We just layed there arm in arm completely amazed at the nights events. Then we fell asleep. When we woke the next morning . . . . . .
During . . .
So as I was saying, We're all asleep but Derek. He's is getting ready to come to bed when BOOM a tornado hit our house!! No just kidding. It wasn't quite that quick. Here goes . . .
CRACK!!! There was a lightening strike and it was LOUD. Loud enough to wake me up. The window by my bed was cracked open and we immediately heard sirens. Now I'm half asleep still and telling Derek "Oh it's just a fire". He's telling me, "No, that's the tornado siren!"
As he is putting everything back on he tells me to turn on the satellite. "It's out," I tell him. "Go to the 3 season room and see what it says."
In there we had a small TV with an antenna. So Derek's listening to Mike, (Yes, he was telling the truth. WNDU Channel 16 is our severe weather station!) and he hears "6 minutes to Nappanee."
So Derek tells me to get Emma and go downstairs!! And I'm like, "Are you serious? Seriously? Seriously???" "YES" he says!!
I get my phone, (WHY??) and see Buttercup, our cat, just lounging at the top of the stairs. (This is one of those rare animals that must not sense a storm!!) Anyways, I almost bend down to pick her up but looked in Emma's room and she was awake. So, I went in to grab her. I also grabbed her small diaper bag. I didn't want to look like an unfit mother!! And we head downstairs.
At the same time I'm getting her, Derek goes in to Jesse's room: "Jesse, wake up! Get your dog! Jesse, get up!!
Jesse is half-crying, "What, why are you yelling at me?"
Derek: "Jesse get up now and get your dog - TORNADO!!"
Now as soon as Emma and I got downstairs, my ears popped. I watched enough of Discovery Channel and the Weather Channel to know that something was happening!! So I'm kind of pacing and yell, "My ears are popping are your ears popping???"
Derek is yelling "Yes!" as they come down the stairs. So we all huddle under the stairs. We prayed, the wind picked up and "BOOM!!!" a tornado hit our house!! No freight train sound. It was just an explosion and then we could hear the cinder blocks falling in from the fire wall that separated us from our neighbors.
Derek kind of narrated as it happened. I was still in shock. I knew it was for real when Derek called 911 and said, "My name is Derek Odiorne, gave our address and said I think a tornado just hit our house . . . . "
CRACK!!! There was a lightening strike and it was LOUD. Loud enough to wake me up. The window by my bed was cracked open and we immediately heard sirens. Now I'm half asleep still and telling Derek "Oh it's just a fire". He's telling me, "No, that's the tornado siren!"
As he is putting everything back on he tells me to turn on the satellite. "It's out," I tell him. "Go to the 3 season room and see what it says."
In there we had a small TV with an antenna. So Derek's listening to Mike, (Yes, he was telling the truth. WNDU Channel 16 is our severe weather station!) and he hears "6 minutes to Nappanee."
So Derek tells me to get Emma and go downstairs!! And I'm like, "Are you serious? Seriously? Seriously???" "YES" he says!!
I get my phone, (WHY??) and see Buttercup, our cat, just lounging at the top of the stairs. (This is one of those rare animals that must not sense a storm!!) Anyways, I almost bend down to pick her up but looked in Emma's room and she was awake. So, I went in to grab her. I also grabbed her small diaper bag. I didn't want to look like an unfit mother!! And we head downstairs.
At the same time I'm getting her, Derek goes in to Jesse's room: "Jesse, wake up! Get your dog! Jesse, get up!!
Jesse is half-crying, "What, why are you yelling at me?"
Derek: "Jesse get up now and get your dog - TORNADO!!"
Now as soon as Emma and I got downstairs, my ears popped. I watched enough of Discovery Channel and the Weather Channel to know that something was happening!! So I'm kind of pacing and yell, "My ears are popping are your ears popping???"
Derek is yelling "Yes!" as they come down the stairs. So we all huddle under the stairs. We prayed, the wind picked up and "BOOM!!!" a tornado hit our house!! No freight train sound. It was just an explosion and then we could hear the cinder blocks falling in from the fire wall that separated us from our neighbors.
Derek kind of narrated as it happened. I was still in shock. I knew it was for real when Derek called 911 and said, "My name is Derek Odiorne, gave our address and said I think a tornado just hit our house . . . . "
Before . . . .
Okay, it's 9:45am. "Our tornado story" will be an ongoing project but I have to start somewhere. I'm trying to remember what all went on that day - so here goes . . .
10-18-07 was a Thursday. I'm sure Jesse went to school. Emma probably slept in till 11am because she was probably up late!! (Our bedtime trials with this one could be a book itself!) Derek would be at work in South Bend and I would have been "catching up" on anything and everything. Oh yes, and we had only had our puppy, Sally, for about two weeks.
Now it's coming back to me! So I would have been going outside frequently to potty train. I do remember that our house was for sale so there would have been some cleaning and picking up going on in case someone wanted to see the house.
I remember finishing our Christmas gift for everyone. My friend, Rocki, had shown me these awesome books she had made online so I got the info from her and worked hard to get these done. I remember telling Derek that we were going to be busy (moving or something) because I had Christmas done so God had other plans for us the next couple months. (WOW!) I know you women know what a relief it is to have this task done or at least know what you're doing for sure!! It takes the stress away from the upcoming season!
I can't remember if Jesse had football practice or not??? I know we did go to Raymond's for dinner. We would have met Derek there. On the way home, Jesse & Emma rode with me. The clouds looked cool. Jesse and I were actually talking about tornadoes. (WOW!)
When we got home It was about 7:30pm or so. My mom called to see if she could come over. See, she had gotten a puppy from the same litter as us. So, Harry, her pup, wanted to come play with Sally. I know, cute isn't it? Mom named Harry first and Jesse named Sally after our neighbor's dog, Sally. And FYI he is not allowed to see that movie!! (When Harry met Sally)
So Mom came over and the two pups played. Boy were they CRAZY!! Well, they still are at times. Anyways, I remember we were sitting in our three season room with them. The little TV was on channel 16. I believe the storms were starting. Derek actually showed me the radar on his computer at one time and said, "That one, that's the one that will hit us." (WOW!)
Well, Mom and Harry finally left maybe around 8:30pm. We got the kids to bed. I went to bed. But Derek stayed up. It was when he was coming to bed that . . . . . . .
10-18-07 was a Thursday. I'm sure Jesse went to school. Emma probably slept in till 11am because she was probably up late!! (Our bedtime trials with this one could be a book itself!) Derek would be at work in South Bend and I would have been "catching up" on anything and everything. Oh yes, and we had only had our puppy, Sally, for about two weeks.
Now it's coming back to me! So I would have been going outside frequently to potty train. I do remember that our house was for sale so there would have been some cleaning and picking up going on in case someone wanted to see the house.
I remember finishing our Christmas gift for everyone. My friend, Rocki, had shown me these awesome books she had made online so I got the info from her and worked hard to get these done. I remember telling Derek that we were going to be busy (moving or something) because I had Christmas done so God had other plans for us the next couple months. (WOW!) I know you women know what a relief it is to have this task done or at least know what you're doing for sure!! It takes the stress away from the upcoming season!
I can't remember if Jesse had football practice or not??? I know we did go to Raymond's for dinner. We would have met Derek there. On the way home, Jesse & Emma rode with me. The clouds looked cool. Jesse and I were actually talking about tornadoes. (WOW!)
When we got home It was about 7:30pm or so. My mom called to see if she could come over. See, she had gotten a puppy from the same litter as us. So, Harry, her pup, wanted to come play with Sally. I know, cute isn't it? Mom named Harry first and Jesse named Sally after our neighbor's dog, Sally. And FYI he is not allowed to see that movie!! (When Harry met Sally)
So Mom came over and the two pups played. Boy were they CRAZY!! Well, they still are at times. Anyways, I remember we were sitting in our three season room with them. The little TV was on channel 16. I believe the storms were starting. Derek actually showed me the radar on his computer at one time and said, "That one, that's the one that will hit us." (WOW!)
Well, Mom and Harry finally left maybe around 8:30pm. We got the kids to bed. I went to bed. But Derek stayed up. It was when he was coming to bed that . . . . . . .
Friday, October 17, 2008
Kids with cell phones, what's your opinion?
This is too funny! I have to blog about it!
Before I get to the funny though . . . . . . . . . .
A couple years ago, I remember two boys trying to convince their mom's that they needed a cell phone. I was one of those Mom's and Jesse was one of those boys. I think he would have been 9 or 10. So we - the Moms - let them state their case. Of course we thought they were ridiculous! Who were they going to call?
Then, I knew my son didn't need a cell phone. I also knew the time would come when it might be an option but I never thought it would be before Middle School. Through circumstances, we ended up with one extra white phone. It was one of those phones that you add twenty bucks to every 3 months to keep the number and minutes. We kept it and added the money when needed but rarely used it.
After the tornado, we rented a house in Nappanee Elementary's school district. So, Jesse crossed 19 and caught Darlene's bus. (This is his FAVORITE bus driver ever!!) Anyways the first time he did it, we sent that white cell phone with him just to make sure he made it okay. You probably see where this is going . . .
Long story short, we ended up giving him my phone and adding him to the plan. It was cheaper than adding to this white phone. So now he has his very own cell phone - every kids dream!! It's funny to see him whip that phone out and "act" like he's doing something with it just so someone notices he has one. (I always discourage this, but it's funny!) He knows that it is just for calling us or grandparents.
Now that we're back home, he rides his bike into town a lot. So it's nice he's had it and we've even had two emergencies:
This summer, he broke his wrist and was able to call for help. (And no, he wasn't talking on the phone as he crashed on his bike!)
Second emergency was this morning. He's left for school and I get a call. He wants me to come and get him. He likes to ride his bike to school. His bike is broke so he rode Derek's bike today. He called because his pants got caught in the chain and ripped up to his underwear!! Now here's me on the phone, "Are you serious? Jesse Alan, you better not be making this up!!" I question and threaten because I don't want to get up! I'm just settling in to read and have my coffee.
Anyways, I grab my phone, Emma, and an extra pair of pants and head to the golf course entrance. I wasn't sure what I'd find or how bad the rip would really be. As I pull in, there's our Pastor smiling and waiting with Jesse. He normally walks every morning. And there's Jesse smiling and saying "I told you so!" His pants were truly ripped right up to his underwear!!
So what's your opinion about kids with cell phones. I still could go either way. God provided a friend walking by when he had broken his wrist that could have gotten help. And today, he provided Pastor Terry who could have called me. God always provides one way or another!!
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
PSALM 46:1
Before I get to the funny though . . . . . . . . . .
A couple years ago, I remember two boys trying to convince their mom's that they needed a cell phone. I was one of those Mom's and Jesse was one of those boys. I think he would have been 9 or 10. So we - the Moms - let them state their case. Of course we thought they were ridiculous! Who were they going to call?
Then, I knew my son didn't need a cell phone. I also knew the time would come when it might be an option but I never thought it would be before Middle School. Through circumstances, we ended up with one extra white phone. It was one of those phones that you add twenty bucks to every 3 months to keep the number and minutes. We kept it and added the money when needed but rarely used it.
After the tornado, we rented a house in Nappanee Elementary's school district. So, Jesse crossed 19 and caught Darlene's bus. (This is his FAVORITE bus driver ever!!) Anyways the first time he did it, we sent that white cell phone with him just to make sure he made it okay. You probably see where this is going . . .
Long story short, we ended up giving him my phone and adding him to the plan. It was cheaper than adding to this white phone. So now he has his very own cell phone - every kids dream!! It's funny to see him whip that phone out and "act" like he's doing something with it just so someone notices he has one. (I always discourage this, but it's funny!) He knows that it is just for calling us or grandparents.
Now that we're back home, he rides his bike into town a lot. So it's nice he's had it and we've even had two emergencies:
This summer, he broke his wrist and was able to call for help. (And no, he wasn't talking on the phone as he crashed on his bike!)
Second emergency was this morning. He's left for school and I get a call. He wants me to come and get him. He likes to ride his bike to school. His bike is broke so he rode Derek's bike today. He called because his pants got caught in the chain and ripped up to his underwear!! Now here's me on the phone, "Are you serious? Jesse Alan, you better not be making this up!!" I question and threaten because I don't want to get up! I'm just settling in to read and have my coffee.
Anyways, I grab my phone, Emma, and an extra pair of pants and head to the golf course entrance. I wasn't sure what I'd find or how bad the rip would really be. As I pull in, there's our Pastor smiling and waiting with Jesse. He normally walks every morning. And there's Jesse smiling and saying "I told you so!" His pants were truly ripped right up to his underwear!!
So what's your opinion about kids with cell phones. I still could go either way. God provided a friend walking by when he had broken his wrist that could have gotten help. And today, he provided Pastor Terry who could have called me. God always provides one way or another!!
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
PSALM 46:1
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Isn't God Great?
I feel moved to somehow put my feelings together so bear with me. I'm not sure where this is going!
I've been blessed to be a stay-at-home Mom since my son, Jesse, was born way back in 1996. Although, back then I may have said blessed but didn't really "understand". Jesse was the best baby ever! A big 9 pounder (9lb. 10oz.) so not to scary to hold! He slept good wherever. Oh, was I blessed!! I used to rock him in my glider rocker - a must have for moms (& grandmas). I would even hold him his whole nap and just look at him. He can be quite the stinker now but he truly was the best baby ever!
So tonight, as I rocked my two year old, Emma, I thought back over the past 2yrs and 10mo. What a journey our family has taken. Emma was the total opposite of Jesse. She is and has been quite the stinker. I'm hoping it will get better!! But, tonight I just was rocking this precious child of mine with the biggest smile ever.
Shortly after we found out I was pregnant, Derek lost his job. Not so bad at first but time took it's toll. We weren't down to our last drop of oil and bit of flour like the widow in 1 kings 17 but it was starting to get a little scary!
However, there were blessings. We had a lot of extra time to spend together. We took up a paper route that covered southern Nappanee. Beautiful drive. I don't know, I think it started at 1 hr & 10 minutes but Derek just knew he could get it shorter! I think he did get it down to 50 minutes. I know those of you that have had a paper route are laughing because you've probably done the same thing!
Once Derek got a job, Jesse and I did the route during the week in the afternoons. We had great conversations while listening to our friend, WFRN, and seeing the countryside. Funny memories would be the the 1 pony standing amidst the large work horses and of course the older Amish man in a bathing suit! My favorite was the Sunday morning route with Derek in Rusty. It was so peaceful! The country side was just beginning to awaken.
Rusty was our truck. Trying to make ends meet, we sold some vehicles and purchased one little, rusty, red truck for $495 - no payments ever! Derek humbly drove this truck every day. I think it was a 1984 Chevy S15 or something. Rusty was great. Eventually, Derek upgraded for his 1992 GPA (Grandpa's Park Avenue). We still kept rusty. Two winters ago, we had some snow. Derek & Jesse threw our inherited 19something Gilson snow blower in the back of old Rusty and drove into town to clear some paths. I guess they almost got stuck, hit a sign and LAUGHED really hard!! Good times were had in Rusty. But, poor Rusty didn't make it through the tornado.
The tornado has been on my mind this week as the 1 year anniversary approaches. I'm hoping to write some blogs about that as well.
Anyways, I can remember rocking Emma after she was born. She had acid reflux so we spent A LOT of time rocking and singing. One night I realized I was mad at God. Derek had a job but the time without was just too much. Our house was for sale but like MANY others, we were having no luck. There was just so much "life" going on that I was ready to crack! And I knew God is not supposed to give you more than you could handle. I was pretty sure I had way more than I could handle! I also knew that God is always right which makes it impossible to win an argument with Him!
It's okay though, God brought me out of that hole. He helped me find my smile. I got back into His Word (lack of it is what usually starts the funk). And just in time because . . . BOOM, a tornado hit our house! You'd think I would really lose it now, right? I am so thankful that I was in His word. I can say that if I had not been, I would be committed right now.
When the tornado hit, we had just celebrated Emma's first birthday. Still rocking before bed, but that's okay. Rocking a baby is the best! And I missed that after the tornado. While we rented, I didn't have that glider rocker in her room. We had some of our furniture at the rental but not the glider rocker.
About 6 months later, our home was rebuilt and we were back in. I remember that first time I rocked Emma. What a comforting feeling! Tonight, I just smiled as I rocked that precious child of mine. I thought about the past couple years. I smiled as Buttercup, our cat, checked in on Emma and I. We weren't sure what happened to Buttercup the night of the tornado. But here we are a year later with her safe and sound. We're all safe and sound. Isn't God great? I think He is!
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
His greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3
I've been blessed to be a stay-at-home Mom since my son, Jesse, was born way back in 1996. Although, back then I may have said blessed but didn't really "understand". Jesse was the best baby ever! A big 9 pounder (9lb. 10oz.) so not to scary to hold! He slept good wherever. Oh, was I blessed!! I used to rock him in my glider rocker - a must have for moms (& grandmas). I would even hold him his whole nap and just look at him. He can be quite the stinker now but he truly was the best baby ever!
So tonight, as I rocked my two year old, Emma, I thought back over the past 2yrs and 10mo. What a journey our family has taken. Emma was the total opposite of Jesse. She is and has been quite the stinker. I'm hoping it will get better!! But, tonight I just was rocking this precious child of mine with the biggest smile ever.
Shortly after we found out I was pregnant, Derek lost his job. Not so bad at first but time took it's toll. We weren't down to our last drop of oil and bit of flour like the widow in 1 kings 17 but it was starting to get a little scary!
However, there were blessings. We had a lot of extra time to spend together. We took up a paper route that covered southern Nappanee. Beautiful drive. I don't know, I think it started at 1 hr & 10 minutes but Derek just knew he could get it shorter! I think he did get it down to 50 minutes. I know those of you that have had a paper route are laughing because you've probably done the same thing!
Once Derek got a job, Jesse and I did the route during the week in the afternoons. We had great conversations while listening to our friend, WFRN, and seeing the countryside. Funny memories would be the the 1 pony standing amidst the large work horses and of course the older Amish man in a bathing suit! My favorite was the Sunday morning route with Derek in Rusty. It was so peaceful! The country side was just beginning to awaken.
Rusty was our truck. Trying to make ends meet, we sold some vehicles and purchased one little, rusty, red truck for $495 - no payments ever! Derek humbly drove this truck every day. I think it was a 1984 Chevy S15 or something. Rusty was great. Eventually, Derek upgraded for his 1992 GPA (Grandpa's Park Avenue). We still kept rusty. Two winters ago, we had some snow. Derek & Jesse threw our inherited 19something Gilson snow blower in the back of old Rusty and drove into town to clear some paths. I guess they almost got stuck, hit a sign and LAUGHED really hard!! Good times were had in Rusty. But, poor Rusty didn't make it through the tornado.
The tornado has been on my mind this week as the 1 year anniversary approaches. I'm hoping to write some blogs about that as well.
Anyways, I can remember rocking Emma after she was born. She had acid reflux so we spent A LOT of time rocking and singing. One night I realized I was mad at God. Derek had a job but the time without was just too much. Our house was for sale but like MANY others, we were having no luck. There was just so much "life" going on that I was ready to crack! And I knew God is not supposed to give you more than you could handle. I was pretty sure I had way more than I could handle! I also knew that God is always right which makes it impossible to win an argument with Him!
It's okay though, God brought me out of that hole. He helped me find my smile. I got back into His Word (lack of it is what usually starts the funk). And just in time because . . . BOOM, a tornado hit our house! You'd think I would really lose it now, right? I am so thankful that I was in His word. I can say that if I had not been, I would be committed right now.
When the tornado hit, we had just celebrated Emma's first birthday. Still rocking before bed, but that's okay. Rocking a baby is the best! And I missed that after the tornado. While we rented, I didn't have that glider rocker in her room. We had some of our furniture at the rental but not the glider rocker.
About 6 months later, our home was rebuilt and we were back in. I remember that first time I rocked Emma. What a comforting feeling! Tonight, I just smiled as I rocked that precious child of mine. I thought about the past couple years. I smiled as Buttercup, our cat, checked in on Emma and I. We weren't sure what happened to Buttercup the night of the tornado. But here we are a year later with her safe and sound. We're all safe and sound. Isn't God great? I think He is!
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
His greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3
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