Hurricane Irene

{I started this post on Sunday afternoon. I really don’t want to go back and change the “tenses” to make it sound like I’m writing it today {Monday}
Let me start off by saying how blessed we were in the wake of Hurricane Irene. They were predicting it to be a lot worse, we were prepared for the duration, and we only had to go without power for 24 hours.
It's nice to be typing this with the AC running. Really nice! It's amazing how heat and humidity can make you go cRazY!! We did have a generator, which I am SO thankful for. The fridge was able to stay on, we had ceiling fans, and the TV {as long as the satellite was cooperating and the cable was still working.} The phones went out for a while, but we did have cell phone reception. We were able to have running water and we all took showers this morning.
The wind howled through the last 2 nights, making for some sleepless children! {Ben has been at work since 5am on Friday. He'll be home tomorrow. I can't wait to hear about his adventures.} The boys would wake up saying they were scared. So, I would hop into bed with them, until Parleigh would wake up wanting to nurse. Then Paisley would wake up and start rubbing my face. Erg! I really don't know how parents sleep with their children on a regular basis! It would drive.me.crazy!
Like I said, we faired really well. I can't believe the power is back on already. I'm not complaining. Trust me. I should be headed home this afternoon. It's been nice having extra hands to help with the kids. I'll be forever indebted to my in-laws!
Hurricanes are funny. You expect when there is a storm, for it to be chilly outside with all the rain and wind. But, it's the opposite. It's really warm. {From the storm coming from the tropics.} For the most part it was constantly windy. And then, we just had bands of wind and rain. The eye was predicted to come right over us, but it missed us passing just to the east of us. If the wind would have been about 10-15 miles per hour stronger, we might have been in a lot more trouble. But, I actually think we've had stronger Nor' Easters. Which are cold, not warm. {I think I would rather have the warm tropical rain!}
My in-laws did lose 2 trees. Which was almost to be expected. These trees are top heavy. And when hurricane Isabel hit,these same trees had tipped over and we had to stake them back up.

They also lost some siding on their house.

How blessed we are that we had minimal damage.
Coming home {sunday} evening, there was a beautiful sunset. And, we drove by our new church building and they are making excellent progress!


The extent of our damage! Thank goodness!