Along with posting stories from my past, devotional thoughts, and photos of the family here on my blog, I also want to keep you abreast of the latest news in our fair city. Recently, we, along with millions others, were visited by Hurricane Ike. Needless to say, we could have done without that visit! We are thankful that no one here was injured or without power for very long. The Lord was very good to us. We did have some minor damage to trees. In fact, I was surprised at how many, and how large, some of the tree limbs were that fell. I thought you might like a peek at some of the damage in our yard.
We all went out and pitched in cleaning up. The city graciously comes by and picks up and limbs, leaves, etc. and hauls them away for us at no extra charge!! I started out helping, but then I got a little carried away taking pictures of the others helping. I know this was invaluable to them. Of course they wanted photos of their own labor! And I was there to meet this need! I was there cheering them on and encouraging them to bend the knees to protect the back while lifting. Like I said, I was a great asset that day! 🙂

This limb was the largest one that fell. Only the Lord stopped it from landing on our trampoline, or worse, our children! I saw the rain and wind coming like a troop, drenching all that was in it’s path. Our kids, and some neighbor friends were out on our trampoline. I ran out on the back porch and ordered our kids inside, and to hurry!! They scampered inside, as quickly as possible. My little Leslie was the last one in, and was pretty wet. Just then, this giant branch fell to the ground where my little ones had just been. The Lord was so good to us!
A better view. Not sure where that bucket came from. I think it was on our porch. Hmmm.

While I was busy outside picking up limbs, snapping photos and being a great help to my husband, Laci sweetly stood at our front door watching…and enjoying smashing her face against the glass!!
Great job, guys! I gave them the wonderful idea of using the wagon! I told you that I was a great help!! 😉

Go, Lauren, GO!!

Wow, Mitch, you’re strong!! Keep up the good work!
Terry is under there. He’s asking me to put down the camera and help out. He didn’t realize what a great help I was already being by preserving these moments for all our posterity to enjoy.
Teamwork. It warms a Mom’s heart! 🙂 This experience is also teaching my children an excellent work ethic.
Our limb pile by the street is growing!!

Whew. I’m worn out. I think I’ll go get a glass of tea and put my feet up. Child rearing is hard work.