Thankful Thursday

Our power has been restored! I am back in the land of light and warm showers. But as I sit here writing this under the glow of a brightly-lit lamp, I must confess that my time without power really wasn't that bad. It allowed me the opportunity to pause, reflect and realize all of the things I take for granted on a daily basis. It reminded me that all too often, the line between luxuries and necessities get blurred. And, although Mia is too young to understand, it started to open Leila's eyes to some of these things, too.

Recent natural disasters really put things in perspective for me. Here I sit, more than 1,200 miles from Galveston, in a Midwest town that was hammered hard on Sunday afternoon with winds up to 75-miles per hour from Hurricane Ike. 1,200 miles away!! All I could think about was if it felt like OUR house was going to blow away, what must it have felt like for those who endured this storm, and others, when they were full force? As we all walked outside our homes Monday morning, we saw fallen trees and debris every direction we looked. Yet, having just seen on tv all of the flooding and devastation caused by recent hurricanes, I could not help but think how fortunate we were. Unlike other cities, it will take crews here a few days, not months or possibly even years, to clean up after the storm.

So, on this Thursday, I am reminded of the many things I have to be thankful for. Most of all, I am thankful for my family that is safe and healthy and that all we lost was electricity and two freezers full of food. Those are minor things to lose. I continue to think about and pray for all the families who have lost their homes, possibly loved ones and are not yet sure how they can begin to rebuild or pick up the pieces. I am praying for power to be restored in all areas where it has not, so people can have safe drinking water and a fresh supply of food, among other things. And lastly, since I haven't been able to visit my Bloggy friends for a few days, I am praying that when I pop in for a visit, I will find you safe. I have missed you.

The blackout was actually a little fun, too. The girls camped out on our bedroom floor. (The room was pitch dark, except for the flash.) And we have learned over the past few days that Santa only needs to bring Mia a flashlight for Christmas and she'll be good.

Capturing Leila's first time at the laundromat with my camera phone. The laundromat intriqued her very much.

Pre-power outage activity: We took the girls to an Ohio State women's soccer game on Sunday afternoon.

One of Leila's soccer teammates happened to be there. This girl is small, but powerful. I would not be surprised to see her playing on this field one day.

Can you tell that Mia is in need of a nap?

Mia tries for a nap... for all of two minutes.





Getting autographs after the game. Leila even got a few on her shirt.