Ike update

I just talked to Uncle Richard & got an update on how things are in Orange. A friend of his was able to drive around to check things out. Uncle Richard had water 1 1/2 feet high outside his house, was missing a few roof tiles & the awning on his porch was gone. Mike & Shiela didn't have water in the house, but there had been about 16 inches inside his "Party Barn". The part of town that Uncle Mark lives in seemed to avoid heavy damage.

Here is a link to some pictures of the damage around the town:

http://orangepolice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=130&Itemid=39

There is a curfew in town & still no power, so they don't know when they will get back.

IKE

Well, this huge hurricane has now uprooted my family! My Uncle Richard (Dad's brother) & Uncle Mark (Mom's brother) & Dad's cousins, Mike & Shiela, all live in Orange, TX. They are under a mandatory evacuation. I've talked to Uncle Richard - he left with a cousin & her son & headed to New Iberia, Louisiana. The police knocked on the door at 6 AM telling them to leave, so he didn't have time to pack anything. We are afraid that he will come home to nothing & all those memories will be lost. We spent MANY fun times in that city - Uncle Richard lives in the house where Dad grew up & Mike lives across the street in the house where he grew up (my Aunt Sadie's old house). I'm just thankful that they are safe - the house can be replaced. We haven't heard from Uncle Mark yet, but I'm sure he is fine, too. Please keep them in your prayers!!

Pics of house

Here are some pics of why we are staying away from the house for a while.

This was hidden behind the mirror in the bathroom

Separation between living room & dining room - same thing is on other opening & around the stairs

Corner in living room that was behind couch

Leaking pipe in kitchen

Uprooted

Well, we have been kicked out of our house for a while. We came home from our Destin trip & found a wet spot on the carpet in the living room - it was in a corner behind an end table & under a lamp. I called my friend that has a plumbing company & the contractor I work with & they came by a few days later to take a look. After finally finding where the main pipe was, we realized that there was a leak in the main sewer pipe that runs from upstairs to downstairs. It was NASTY!!! Not really sure how long it had been leaking (it was just a small trickle), but the damage keeps multiplying. When they removed the baseboards in my living room & kitchen, they discovered some mold. The water that is leaking is sewage water (GROSS!!), so needless to say, Dusty & I took the kids & have moved into his parent's house for a while. The good thing is that we will probably get an entirely remodeled lower level. The carpet in the living room & hallway has to be replaced. The linoleum in the kitchen & hall bath has to be replaced. The sofa that was sitting where the water was is probably ruined. The wall between the kitchen & hall bath has to be replaced. Part of the wall between the hall bath & living room has to be repaired. The cabinets on one wall in my kitchen were damaged, so we may end up with all new cabinets. Today, the restoration company was there to put plastic walls with zippers to close off the dining room & the stairs to prevent stuff from getting in there. We also have a POD in the driveway to hold all of our furniture! This is NOT fun!! Thank goodness for insurance. Please pray for my sanity - I feel like I could break down & cry at any minute :)

I have pictures & will try to post some soon.

Destin 2008

We headed to Destin for some rest & relaxation before heading back to school. Uncle Bobby, Aunt Kay, David (& his girlfriend, Katrina) & Erica met us there. The kids had so much fun! The weather was GREAT & the water was GORGEOUS! There were a few jellyfish & Colton got stung one day - but was very brave. We went out snorkeling one day - a first for all of us. Colton loved seeing all the fish in the water & Kenleigh was happy just floating around with us.

1st Grade

Colton started 1st grade!! His teacher, Mrs. Goodwin, seems really sweet - Colton went right to her & gave her a hug. Told me 1st Grade was GREAT & was even better than Kindergarten. Lets hope that attitude continues all year!

Fun in the Mountains

Dusty & I took the kids up to the mountains for a picnic & walk in the creek with Andy & Amber. Then the four of us drove through Cades Cove. It was the first time the kids had been up there. We saw turkey, deer & a black mommy bear with two cubs. Colton even saw bats in the ceiling of one of the old houses. They loved it! We will definitely be going back.