There have been many times as a Mom that I said I was in "survival mode." I have said it when the kids had the flu or we went back to school and thing seemed hectic. However, these past two weeks in Houston have truly been survival. In the beginning, we tried to make the best of things but then there were some days we were not sure where we would get food or groceries or gas and we were not sure where we would sleep. We were VERY lucky to have friends and family who opened their homes to us. We are back in our apartment. Will and Harry are back at school (Kate is not). We are getting back into a routine. Houston was a MESS! Many people (including us) were without power for over a week and some are still without it. Traffic lights are slowly beginning to work. You can buy gas now and grocery stores are open.
This week I am thankful for...
~Water, air conditioning, food, beds, electricity, ice and family.
~living in a city with gracious and neighborly people. I cannot even begin to tell you the stories of community and kindness I have seen here. This city really came together in a time of need.
~a sweet little surprise of adorable photos of Kate and Hannah at the beach on my friend Daleea's blog. Go check them out. She took beautiful photos!
We made another offer on a house and I REALLY hope this works out. We are exhausted and we need a place to call home. I keep teasing Dave saying that I am a "stay at home Mom without a home." We need stability. More soon...
Here is a little slideshow of our time in San Antonio at the beginning of our evacuation.
I am so glad you guys are safe and past such rough time.
ReplyDeleteWe live in Indiana and we actually had hurricane winds her a week ago Sunday. Some of our area just got power yesterday!! I had a small (small very small) taste of what you guys had and I have a new level of empathy for everyone involved. You don't think of all the extras that follow the storm. No electricity means no grocery stores, gas stations or anything!!
Glad everyone is safe.
God Bless.
Hannah
So happy to see that things are slowly getting back to normal.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the house!!
Blessings,
Robin
Girl, I have thought of you so many times. I hope that things will be returning to normal really soon. I know it is driving you crazy. I hope this house works out, and the hurricanes stay away from both of us!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear from you! You all have continued to be in my thoughts and prayers! So glad you all are back to your apartment and the boys are getting back to a routine. Sure do hope the house works out- having a house to call a home will make a huge difference in your lives- emotionally, spiritually, and physically... you are doing such a great job holding it all together! Hang in there and...
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sharon
OH bless your hearts....all of you! I have had you all on my mind and in my heart for days...wondering how you were.I am so glad you are settling back into a routine and that life is slowly ...but surely....becoming "normal" again!
ReplyDeleteKeeping you all in my prayers, daily!
Sweet Blessings, my friend!
Denise C
I am so glad that you are all safe and back in your apt. So glad to know that this internet community has heart and will open their homes in time of need. We would have gladly opened our home if we were closer. Praying that all goes well with the house offer. You do need some stability in your lives, you have had several weeks of unstability and I know that you have tried with all your being to keep things stable in the midst of moving, re-locating, Ike and a upcoming move. You deserve a nice long hot bubble bath!!!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you guys are doing better, I cannot imagine having endured what you guys have in the last few weeks!
ReplyDeleteHopefully you'll have a new house to call HOME soon :)
I have been thinking of you and hoping you guys were all ok. My husband has an office in Houston and he was telling me that several of the people are without power still. So sad ; ( Best of luck on the offer...I am crossing my fingers and toes for you : ) The pictures are great!!! That little Lindy is a doll.
ReplyDeleteI am sooo glad you are back in your apartment and you will have your house..
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your new HOME..
Glad you had some great times even though they were tough..
Hugs to you..
I'm glad the power is back and the boys are at school. I feel your pain. Like I said in an earlier post, we live 45 min. from Galveston and our town was and still is a mess! So many are without power, including all of the schools! My kids have missed 11 days of school! There is gas, some food places open, grocery stores still have no frozen food, produce, and dairy is a little hard to come by. This has been so wild!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find your home soon. I'll be saying some prayers for you!
I have thought of you all many times this past week....thank goodness you are back home and with power!
ReplyDeleteI hope that everything works out with this offer....it would be nice to have a house to call your home!
Those pictures are stunning....Kate, Hannah and Lindy are so adorable!
Will keep praying that you all get some normalcy back in your lives!
Lisa
I'm so glad to hear that things are getting better, slowly but surely. I saw footage of the area on the news and it did not look good at all. At least now you can say you know your neighbors. Keeping my fingers crossed about the house.
ReplyDeleteGin
This too shall pass..... (big hug friend) I am glad you are able to be back in your apartment... I am praying for you to find the right home for your family. I know it has been hard but I have no doubt that the Lord will use this experience to some how cause good to come from it. I am glad the pics made you smile... I guess ther is a reason I am running so far behind. heheee
ReplyDeleteHang in there sweet Kim... you are not alone. Jesus is with you... run into His arms, pour out your heart... He is your comfort, your hope, your strength, your grace, your refuge, your HOME.....
God's Peace...
Love,
Daleea
Oh kim, I am so glad you are back in the apartment and that life is getting kind of back to normal. I cant imagine living through what you have lived through. I have been praying nad will continue to do so for your dear family. I hope you get the house you put the offer in on and that you can finally move into your home-- and make a home!!!
ReplyDeleteI will continue praying for you!!
Christy :)
Having watched my parents and dear friends on the Gulf Coast suffer in survival mode during the aftermath of Katrina's devastation, my heart is overflowing with empathy. Kim, I hope you will let all of us know if there is ANYTHING you, your family, or your Houston neighbors need. It's helpful for those of us far away, feeling powerless, to do something to help. Do the children or their teachers need school supplies? Do the children (or their Mommies) need cheering up gifts? Art supplies as a therapeutic medium? Clothing?? :)
ReplyDeletePlease keep us all posted.
Thoughts & prayers are with you--hope you're feeling them in abundance. -Michelle
so glad to hear you are safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteLea
xo
Oh Kim,
ReplyDeleteI have been hoping for a post and to know that you were all okay. I am so so sorry that you had this experience...but in true to Kim fashion...you are counting your blessings...and inspiring us all.
Keeping my fingers crossed for good house news!!
Hope all will get settled and you will get to a new "normal" soon and especially that the house goes through! Sending hopeful thoughts and prayers for all of you.
ReplyDeleteJanet
I'm so glad you are safe and getting back to some semblance of a routine. Your family has certainly been in my thoughts and prayers these last couple weeks.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep my fingers crossed about the house. Do keep us posted! It WILL be so nice to have a home for the stay at home mom :)
Gabi
Glad you are safe, back in your (temporary) housing. Best of luck with your offer on a house (and selling the one in VA). Prayers continue.
ReplyDeleteI hope, hope, hope that you get the home of your dreams! I am certain it will help immensely to have a place of your own! Glad the boys are able to return to school (though I am sure they would rather stay at home!) Praying for you! (I am in Cape Cod with girlfriends!--- we are checking blogs late at night! My friend Carrie is a faithful reader too, so we can't miss any news)
ReplyDeleteDear Kim,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are back and safe!!! I have been worrying/thinking about how you have been doing and handling everything! You are such a strong mom, I don't know if I would of been able to hold it all together!
Sending hugs and love, C
I hope that you get this house!!!!!!!! I saw the pictures on Daleea's blog, the girls are gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI am glad things are slowly getting back to normal.
Debbie
Hi Kim - I was gearing up to email you, but then you posted and answered most of my questions and concerns:)
ReplyDeletePraying fervently that the house bid is a go!
We have certainly been thinking of you and lifting you at this most difficult time.
Praying that this is the start to a new beginning...happy days and joy. Sometimes, after the trials, comes the peace and recognition of the journey through the valley. Here is hoping you are heading for a peak:)
Love,
Heather
Such a bumpy journey! I hope you get settled soon. Terri (daisybox)
ReplyDeleteI can only begin to imagine what you and your family have been going through. How wonderful that you got to meet Lisa and her beautiful family, but sorry it was under these conditions.
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled onto your blog. I have to say I LOVE the quote from "The Little Spider" in the marin. So true!
ReplyDeleteSuch cute pics of Kate & Lindy! Love the hug pic!
ReplyDeleteSo glad your getting back into a routine. Hope the house works out and things continue to improve quickly in Texas.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your getting back into a routine. Hope the house works out and things continue to improve quickly in Texas.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you are having a rough time. I hope the house deal goes through...keep me posted!
ReplyDeleteHugs from Virginia~
Aw, what sweet pictures!
ReplyDeleteAnd what an adventure for your family! I am so thankful you made it home safe and sound.
I will pray that everything works out with the house!
Blessings,
Rebecca
I pray the offer works out Kim, I know it had to be a very rough week. I am so sorry for all the hectic times since you have moved and pray as the fall begins you will have a much calmer Autumn.
ReplyDeleteLove
C
I've been praying for you daily, hoping you were doing ok in the midst of the "storm", literally. I hope the offer works out and you get "home."
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Laura
So fun to see TWO of my favorite little girls together, and TWO of my favorite friends!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePraying for you my friend!!!!
Love & Hugs,
Di
So thankful you are back in your apartment and waiting to hear on the new house. Praying that soon you will be setting up your new home and knowing you, even for this short time, I KNOW it will be MAGNIFICENT!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you posted...and so glad to hear you are surviving. I was worried about you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the house offer. Things can only get better now. No where to go, but up!
God bless,
Snick :)
Glad to hear from you, Kim. Seems like perhaps there is a light coming into view at the end of this tunnel?
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures from your time in SA - Kate and Lindy are such sweet friends...their hug just looked soooo genuine.
Hugs to you, my dear.
dearest kim and family.
ReplyDeleteWe are from the Houston TX area as well. I have been reading your blog for a while and did not realize how close we are. I am so glad to hear that you and your family is doing well. We have been without power for almost 2 weeks as well. Thank Goodness for generators. We receive power today and are cotinueing to pray for those who dont. Glad to hear that all is well.