What would we do without electricity?

I never thought we would find out the answer to that question until Hurricane Ike blew through and virtually cut the line and stranded 2.2 million customers. Some for a few hours (how fortunate), some for a few days, and then some for weeks, like us. And then there are those South of us on Galveston who will not have electricty for months.

All is well in our house. The girls jumped with glee the night we returned to the house from dinner and saw the garage light on. It took a LONG time to get them settled down and to reassure the older one that we should not have another outage for quite some time. Dare I say that?

So. Back to the question at hand.
Emma learned how to ride her bike, sans training wheels. Yay!
We read all of the books on her 1st six weeks reading list. Well, she did, I should say. Yay, again!
Rechargeable batteries and your neighbors' generator will become your lifeline.
I realized how dependent we had become on the TV (it was eerily quiet most of the time here, with the exception of all the generators whirring noise that just sort of became white noise) and was kindof sad to see it come back on. There is a timer for the TV now and there is a list of things to do to earn tube time. So far, so good.
We learned how to cook breakfast on the propane grill. Oh, and frozen pizza. Well, semi-frozen pizza until HEB reopened. Hee hee.

I'm glad to see life resuming for the most part and am glad to have weathered the storm unharmed.

I'm off to catch up on some blogs and other cyberspace whatnot.

Oh, internet how I have missed thee.

I don't like Ike

Go away, Ike. Far, far away.

Looks like we're in for one heckuva storm. Please keep the area and their families in your prayers. I'll update as I can, pending power outtages.

2nd day

*sigh*

Did not go as well at first, but I figured as well. You were the first one there and started to get weepy when I signed you in. You marched on through the gate, Miss Beth closed it and once you heard the click, the tears started streaming. I blew a kiss and around the door I went-just out of eyesight so I could *check in* on you.

You settled down pretty quickly and I left for the morning. Upon my arrival, you were all smiles and had a pretty good day, with the exception of the teary start. However, next time, you might want to settle down quickly or your pity party will include the rest of the class!

It will get better, sweet birdie.

Love,
Mama

100% ready

Dear Claire,

Today is your first day of school and from the priceless expression above, I know you are ready to go. It was such a delight to see you march right in to your classroom, find a spot at the puzzle table, and have fun right away. No tears from you, babe. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised by that!
Have fun, make new friends and miss your mama a little, okay?

Love,
Mom