{ Hunkering Down }...

We are in the midst of preparing for hurricane Ike. Actually, we are completely prepared. Now we are just using the advice from our political leaders here in Houston to "hunker down".

Note: this post is not intended to make anyone worry about us or freak out our family and friends anymore than they already are. This is a way for me to relieve a little bit of stress and record this happening in our lives.

We have decided to stay, obviously, that's why we are "hunkering down", but that was a hard decision to make. We aren't in a mandatory evacuation area. Our political officials have told us to stay put if we aren't in the evacuation areas. They know much more about the situation than we do, so I will listen to them. Plus our bishopric is all staying put. In fact, I went to visit a family in our ward last night and they had a family staying with them for the weekend from one of the mandatory evacuation areas. That made me feel much better, that people were evacuating to our part of the Houston area. My husband is not freaking out at all, only me. I can't help but worry and wonder "what if" constantly. I spent my ENTIRE day yesterday pacing around my house getting absolutely nothing done. We have prepared all that we can. When I was at Y/W the other night I sent Casey on a "honey do" that consisted of filling the cars up with gas and a last minute Walmart run. This trip was insane he said. Everyone panicking. I didn't need anything major at the store just the normal weekly items, bread, milk, fresh fruit and of course my Coke. I have to have something to calm my nerves, especially now! He said there was nothing left on the shelves. No bread, no canned goods, toilet paper...you name it - gone. It made me so grateful that I have listened to the council from church authorities to be prepared. We have our supply of food, water, candles, matches, toilet paper, batteries, flashlights...the list goes on and on. I did have to run to the bank to get some extra cash. I'm always bad at carrying cash, but we have what we need now. Casey worked in the yard last night putting away our trampoline, BBQ and lawn furniture. I'm a little mad that our neighbor behind us hasn't put away their things. I'm working on having Casey go ask very nicely if he can help him put their things in the garage. He says I'm overreacting, but I don't want anything flying into my windows. I don't think that's too much to ask!!! We'll see what happens with this debate. It might be me, the mother hen, marching over to politely offer my husband's help. :)

This morning consisted of me sleeping in until 9:00 because I had to take a sleeping pill last night. It knocked me out - relief to my husband and myself! Casey has been very good with trying to keep the day normal. I'm really trying! School was canceled for the kids and work for Casey. I would have had them all stay home anyway. He took the kids to the park this morning to get some energy out before we are confined to our house, maybe even a closet in our house. He went out with Kaylee to try and take advantage of a little bit of the wind and fly a kite. It was really cute. I took a picture, but I'm not in the picturey mood, so I'll post it later. I on the other hand, kept myself busy making beds, cleaning the kitchen and vacuming the house. Can you believe I VACUMED??? Like I said, I'm trying to keep things normal. This is my obnoxious way of calming my nerves and keeping myself busy.

We are expecting to have a power outage for a couple of days. If that's the worst, than I can definately deal with that. Anyway, I really feel like things are going to be just fine. We are at the point where we have made the decision to stay, we have prepared ourselves, so now we just have to be faithful. Anyway, I will keep everyone posted. Hopefully my next post will be a VERY boring post!!! :) Just remember that we live an hour north of where it's really hitting. So no reason to worry. Thank you to all of our family and freinds who have called to check on us. Don't let the news on T.V. scare you! Remember: it's their job to make news! Love you all!

I changed my mind about the picture. Here's one to lighten the mood! :)

Anyone want to fly a kite??? I think I'm going to start reading the Twilight series today. That'll keep me busy!