Exhausted, grateful, and exhausted again

My emotions and thoughts are scattered. The last 72 hours have been both a whirlwind of activity and a whirlwind of nothingness. Thanks to the latest in technology, we have known for days about Ike. We've had plenty of time to prepare (which is wonderful!) but also lots of time to think and wait, wait, wait...

Over the last 3 days, we've played alot, watched too many cartoons, and eaten too much junk food. There is something about "hunkerin' down" that just makes you crave Oreos and chips and salsa. I'm still waiting for the brocolli/carrot craving to arrive at our house.

I'm so grateful that our community was spared the wrath of Ike. We had some downed trees, limbs, and fences, but other than that...not much. Our community is full of people who don't know when they'll be able to go home. It may be weeks. Our church shelter is full for the foreseeable future. Hubby and others who've been volunteering around the clock are tired. Mommas at home with their kiddos (who can't go outside and run!!!) are exhausted. (Truly, I'm speaking about me here, but I'm sure there are others like me?!?)

The headquarters of my company is in Huntsville --I think they were hit hard, but don't really know for sure--I do know a lady was killed who lives in the same neighborhood as my boss.

Today, the kiddos and I headed back to the grocery store and boy, that was an experience...no bottled water or bread on the shelves. Very little cereal. And a guy from Freebirds was there buying every package of tortilla chips---I'm guessing their chip shipment didn't make it into town. The grocery store was pure chaos, but chaos beats devastation every day of the week.

Pray for the people along the coast of Texas and those in Houston as well. The days ahead will be tough ones for them.

Welcome Ike!

I'm blogging in a hurricane --o, my dedication is high!

No, really this is the first hurricane I've been in where we actually got some rain. Right now, the wind has been blowing pretty hard since about midnight...I know this because a certain 3 y.o. came and got in our bed about that time last night. Of course, she did go to bed at 6pm last night. You know it is extremely exhausting staying home all day yesterday and playing. And watching cartoons. That will wear a girl out. We were up again at 4 this morning--it's like having a newborn again.

It's also raining a bit---I think today will be pj day at our house--this is an executive decision by momma as daddy is at church serving the guests at our shelter. We have a crockpot full of cowboy stew and nothing else on our schedule--this will be good and perhaps L will stay up until 6;15 tonight!

We do live an exciting life!

The big tease

Ike, are you like your friend Gustav? Are you going to merely tease with your bad behavior? I know Gustav was bad and it was good to evacuate, but....in our town 200 miles from the coast, we are constantly being teased with these storms.

For instance, during Rita everything here shut down including the mall. The mall which only closes for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. And the result of the closings...a little bit of wind and I think 5 drops o' rain.

Now, Ike, I do believe you will give us some rain, but I'm not sure about anything else....

Big Mama has a funny post today on her blog about this very subject. She lives in San Antonio. Please read to the end of her post and you will be glad you did. Chuckle, I did...oh yes.

So, tomorrow, while it rains, our community will be loving on those from affected areas and enjoying quality indoor activities with our children. Sounds good to me!