Quick Update

WOW.  Nearly a month since I last blogged.  In that time, we did our annual battle with the flu.  Shelby ran what can only be described as a "freakishly high fever," then Kaitlyn got it, then I had an extremely mild touch of it, then Benjamin had an even milder touch of it, but somehow, the remainder of came through unscathed.  I have no idea how Emma did not get it.

Stacy had her spring break from college.  No beaches for her this year.  She still had to work, of course, because the colleges and the other schools cannot get together on a schedule.  The kids' spring break is next week.  Anyway, back to Stacy.  She came home from work last Monday (at a decent time, actually), walked in, put on her PJ's, sat on the couch, and read a book.  That was her excitement.  I can't wait until she gets old and settles down some.

Emma can and will say anything now.  You can even understand 60-70% of it.  She now loves to talk on the phone.  I think her favorite people to talk to must be her Uncle Steve and Aunt Renee.  She has been going to GCS and hanging out with the 3 y/o's some lately.  She loves going to school, mostly because Lori will let her do anything she wants (haha).

On a sad note, our next door neighbor, Mr. Dick Carter, passed away Saturday.  The kids never really got to know him, as he has been pretty sick since we moved here, but oh, how they know and love Mrs. Becky.  There is no telling how many flowers Kaitlyn and Shelby have carried her over the years.

Shelby tried to skip school today, but is obviously feeling fine.  Emma and I are now off to take her there, whether she likes it or not!

Be back soon (maybe).

"Dare's Bugs in It"

Last night while eating at a restaurant (which shall remain unnamed to protect the innocent), Emma refused to drink from her cup of Sprite.  Her Sprite was in a clear cup, and everyone knows that Sprite is somewhat fizzy.  Well, she looked at the bubbles on the side of cup and declared: "Dare's bugs in it!"  Yes, a few heads turned.  Fortunately, a riot did not ensue.

Flags and Rumples

Poor Emma.  So deprived.  I think this past Saturday night was only the third stormy night of her life.  We had a very windy day.  The dogwood tree laying atop Mrs. Becky's garage was about the most impressive part of it.  We were in the yard when it fell.  Well, actually, it just sort of laid down, but it scared the girls.  Then after dark, the storms finally began to arrive.  The kids sat in the dark (by choice) in the living room watching the lightning flash (Emma: "flag") and listening to the thunder rumble (Emma: "rumple").  It was a pleasant evening.

I believe that we are all finally well.  After the girls' flu episode, I experienced the condensed version.  I had the same signs and symptoms as the girls (minus any fever), but I did it all in four days as opposed to the girls' eight days.

I just want to stop for a moment and say that I try and try to appreciate how blessed I am.  I have the world's most wonderful wife and the world's most wonderful kids.  I love them all so much and am so proud of them.  And I also want to add how much we all love this congregation and the wonderful years we have had here.  God truly is good.

Ice Storm Pics

Thanks to Renee for these pics.

This is the top of the driveway at Mom and Dad's
Relaxing at Aunt Barb's.  Yeah, they're suffering
There's a house back there somewhere
What is left of the black walnut, mulberry, and box elders trees in the back yard
A picture of trees
Looking at the southern edge of the farm from the highway

Emma Goes to School

Emma spent the morning at K3 with "Aunt Lori" yesterday.  She was one tired girl after that new bit of excitement.  When I got there to pick her up she stood up and screamed, "My daddy's here, my daddy's here!  I go home now."  She ran to me and gave me the biggest hug ever.  We went home where she ate Goldfish, chips, and a "butter jelly" sandwich.  Then she announced she was ready to take a nap.  I don't know what Aunt Lori did to her, but I like it!

Update on the Folks

I talked to Mom yesterday evening and things were much improved.  Renee, Steve, Sanford, and Sanford's brother arrived yesterday afternoon and began clearing the road.  They were able to get all of the trees out of the road while Dad worked on grading the road.  For some reason, the road is rutted very badly.  And, thanks to the generator Sanford took them, they are able to run the blower on the wood furnace, so they have heat!  Which is a really good thing, because they are forecasting lows in the teens again soon.

Mom said that the damage is very widespread, but it looks like right there at the farm took an especially hard hit.  This person says that, and that person says this, but in all honesty, they have no idea when they will get power restored.

Stacy's mom and dad are fairing a little bit better.  They were able to go to West Plains yesterday and get water.  They have purchased small propane heaters for their house and Stacy's grandparents' (at an exorbitant price, I might add), so they have been able to keep the temp in the houses in the upper 50's to lower 60's.  They live right on the edge of Thayer, so without doubt they're on a much higher priority list than my folks are.

Hopefully, Sis remembered to clear her memory card on her camera before she went over and I'll have some pics to post when she gets back to Nashville on Monday.

Thank you all for your prayers and concerns.  We have had numerous offers of help (and they may still need some before this is over), and you cannot imagine how deeply touched we have been by everyone's concern and generosities.

Oh, and let me add a little good news out of the midst of the mayhem.  Cousin Nichole's baby was born yesterday, so McKenzie has a new playmate!  Moriah Kate was born yesterday morning, January 30 (Pappy's birthday).  She weighed in at 6 lbs, 9 oz and is 19 inches long.  Proud Grandmother Jan reports that she looks a lot like McKenzie did when she was born.  Congrats Chad and Nichole!  I think I will nickname her the "Ice Princess."

Not the Promised Post

I'm actually still working on our Christmas post.  I know, it's almost February, but what can I say....

Mom and Dad were OK at last report following the worst ice storm to hit Southern Missouri in 80 years.  Renee, Steve, Sanford, and Sanford's brother pulled into Thayer a little bit ago loaded with food, water, and a generator.  I just got word that the highway out to the farm is now open again, at least to local traffic.  I'm pretty sure they will at least be able to get to Ted and Barb's, but their road was still utterly, completely impassible at last report.

Stacy's mom and dad and grandparents are in a little better shape.  They managed to get water in West Plains this morning and were trying to get their tractor going (broken hydraulic cylinder).  If they can get the tractor running and keep supplied with water, they should be OK.

The reports are saying that it will be at least two weeks before power is begun to be restored, possibly a month before mom and dad have service returned.  And the phone company can't do much out there until they get the power poles reset.

The universal description is "war zone."  Tornado-like damage to everything except structures, and now roofs are starting to collapse from the weight of 3-4" of ice on them.

Please keep them all in your prayers.