Saturday, June 20, 2009

The things one learns when the power goes out

Last night we were travelling home from a nice belated birthday dinner, and when we came to the light at the top of the mountain, it was out. We subsequently discovered that all of the traffic lights were out on the south end of town, going towards our home. Here are some things I learned about power outages:

1. The majority of people do not know how to handle a stop light that is not functioning, especially when there is not a policeman directing traffic. It becomes a 4-way-stop, people!!!!! I'm impressed we made it through 5 intersections without dying--both from not getting hit by another car, and not having a heart attack watching other cars get through the intersection safely.

2. When it's been 95+ degrees all week long, it makes for a warm house when the power is out. It was after 7:00 p.m. when we got home, but the upstairs of our home was already like an oven. Naturally, all of the bedrooms are upstairs.

3. My children do not like changes in their routine, even if it is as simple as brushing their teeth by candlelight.

4. Said children depend on both a nightlight AND a sound machine (aka an air purifier in our house) in order to go to sleep. Oh yeah, and they also like to not be sweating to death while trying to go to sleep. 8:00 bedtime became 11:00 because they could not sleep.

5. Apparently I sleep better before the power comes back on than after it is restored. As I was finally cooling off at midnight, I continued to stay awake for half the morning.

6. When the kids are awake until 11:00 p.m. they sleep in until 8:00 a.m.! This is a good thing.

7. There are so fewer distractions when the power is out. I didn't have to think about whether or not to prime the walls, get on Facebook, play the Wii, talk to my husband, do the dishes, etc. The choice was simple: hang out with husband, pray the children go to sleep, and go to bed early!

God Bless when the power is restored!!! My exact words when it came on: HALLELUJAH!!!!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

What to say?

It's been so long since I posted, but summer has completely taken over our lives lately! Thankfully, it's taken over in a good way.

So, I'll just do a quick update of my recent blessings.

1. My children are a daily blessing, but when they do something that is extraordinarily sweet, it takes my breath away and makes me love them even more. Today is my birthday, and now that I'm well into my 30's, birthdays have lost the shine and glimmer that they once had. My kids have been doing and saying very sweet and special things all day, unprovoked, and it really makes my birthday shine.

2. When I see someone triumph through adversity, it reminds me of how blessed I am. I have some friends who are currently struggling in their marriage and a divorce is imminent, but I truly foresee them coming out as stronger individuals in the end. I'm very sad about their marriage, but I also know that God will work in them to accomplish His purpose, whatever that may be.

3. I'm very blessed to live in a place where I feel completely at home. I love Huntsville, and over the past 10-15 years it has really become home for me. It's perfect for us right now.

4. I had a visit with Dr. Gannon (my son) earlier, and he gave me a clean bill of health! I did require a few pretend Band-aids for some minor boo boo's, but overall I'm still hangin' in for being an old lady! Whew.

5. I'm so thankful that my sister will be moving closer to us soon! Our family is so excited about it and we can't wait to see what the future holds.

I hope everyone is having a blessed week and summer! Stay cool.