Taking Cover

Well, not long after we moved here, I came to the brilliant realization that we have placed ourselves in the previous paths of several major tornadoes.  Gotta love this little town. 

We got our first glimpse of the fun on Monday night as the storms rolled through the metro. Thanks to Gary streaming live online (and a couple of phone calls from my mom), I had time to get everything prepared. I definitely have a different mindset than I used to when it was just me.  The thought of being completely responsible for three little ones is a bit daunting - and requires a little more preparation. 

Charis decided that she needed her umbrella to prepare for the rain and did a really good job of standing with it RIGHT in the way while I was rushing around throwing anything and everything into the bathroom. When all was said and done, we had a mattress, a quilt, towels, 2 pillows, sippy cups, radio, phone, flashlight, granola bars, 3 pacis, and helmets. 

The girls were not having fun when we climbed in the bathtub (neither was I).  They did a really good job of screaming the loudest just as Gary would give exact intersections on the radio.  Helpful. :-)  No, seriously, I can't blame them for being a little freaked out.  They did calm a little when I offered granola bars through the front of their motorcycle helmets. 

The whole time I'm thinking, "I need a picture of this." Well, I was also thinking, "I think I'm gonna pass out."  And then there was, "Maybe I should just laugh." (which I did at one point) And finally, we arrived at, "Okay, Lord, You're in control. We trust You." 

Except for some fun holes in our roof from the GIANT hail, we were spared other damage.  The car was in the garage, so no broken windows -- unlike every car that was outside on our block.  Looks like someone drove through and shot out all the windows with a shotgun.  Weird. 

Dad and Mom arrived soon after it passed and helped with the decompressing.  Dane and Lisa also ran over to check on us. So glad to have family so close.  And speaking of, I think I'll plan ahead a little better next time -- the Browns' cellar is only a 7-minute drive away.  Don't want to visit the tub again any time soon. 

Oh, to think that storm season is just beginning...