Things are really looking better today. The estimates for restored power are crazy (2 - 4 weeks), but I'm starting to hear of people in different areas of Baton Rouge having their power back on. Sean (Walter's son) called last night and has power, Walter's niece on the other side of Baton Rouge has power, and so on and so on. Now, I'm not in Baton Rouge, but we are only about 30 minutes away and I feel like ours will be back on before the weekend. However, ZERO percent of our parish currently has power. Walter and I have a bet about when the electricity will come back on; I say before 2 weeks and he says not until 3 weeks, so wish me luck because I have a dinner of my choice riding on this one!! Plus I would like having the electricity back on. I'm still waiting to hear from Elizabeth, but they don't have a "land line" and cell service isn't great right now. I am guessing she is at her mom's with the boys and I will try again to get through to someone over there today.I don't usually vent on my blog, but today I need to just a little. Before I do, let me just say that I don't mind caring for other people's children, especially ones who otherwise might go without. I have had 2 extra teenagers here since Sunday and I'm glad they were able to stay here, be safe during the storm, and enjoy the electricity afterwards. It isn't costing us any money to provide the extra propane/electricity for them here or space in the house. They both stay in Cameron's room with him, so we still have plenty of room if anyone else needs a place to stay. They also don't cause any trouble and sometimes we don't even know they are here. But...have you ever fed three 15 & 16 year old boys? Good lawd! And if your 15 or 16 year old child stayed with someone for a week, wouldn't you send some snacks or something? And if your teenage son was staying with people during a time when stores are closed and food can't be found, wouldn't you at least ask if you could bring them something or do something? But no. Nothing. I am not surprised because one of them, Bryce, has lived with me off and on for over a year and his mother has never offered a dime for food or anything. And currently she lives about 7 houses down from us, but no. Bradley's grandparents probably don't have much to offer, but I'm just talking about a couple of bags of chips or a 12 pack of Coke. Part of the problem lies with me and I have learned one important lesson during the course of my life (well, i've learned more than one, but here is one i've learned) and that is nobody can take advantage of you unless you let them. I'm not going to demand anything or call and request food, but the next time a parent calls to check if the kid can stay longer, i'll just say, "sure, but we could really use some drinks and snacks for them." Now, lets pretend someone will call and ask!! I really hate to fuss or sound cheap, but we are supplying five people with food and drinks for at least a week and it would be nice to offer some help for them. I'm just sayin....
I sat out on our porch tonight and was really struck by how lucky we are. It might be hard in this situation to think of being lucky, but sometimes just having quiet time to reflect can help put things in perspective. I am such a lucky girl and I really have to say that I have everything I need and everything I want and I am very thankful. The only exception that I could think of is JP, but in all honesty, while he is in jail and could be for the rest of his life, I still have him in my life and can see him, talk to him, write to him, but I can't make his decisions for him and I have let go of that.
What I came up with for my own life:
*I have a relationship with God
*I have a wonderful husband who treats me like a princess
*I have 2 healthy sons who mean the world to me
*I have Elizabeth and her boys in my life and words can't explain how great that is
*Walter & I have our dream home that managed to keep us safe and comfortable during a terrible storm
*It took almost 20 years, but I met my goal and earned a Master's Degree
*My Master's Degree landed me the best job in the world working with kids I love more than I could tell you
*I have some of the best friends imaginable
*I have my dream car
*I have a pool (so it's a $300 Walmart pool - I love it!)
*We live on the river and have a boat (being on the water is my favorite thing ever!)
*My parents, brother, & sister are great from a distance!
*I have the best in-laws imaginable
What do you have to be thankful for in your life?
Speaking of JP, he called this week to check on us before the storm and said he is doing ok. He is biding his time until the trial in December and seems to have a positive attitude about everything. He and Walter's oldest sister have really bonded through writing to each other. She is 70ish and it's amazing to me how much they enjoy each other's friendship. I pray that he will be released soon and I can take him to visit with her sometimes. I would also love for him to see his Maw Maw & Paw Paw who live near me before it's too late. Neither of them are doing well and I don't think they will be here a year from now. It's very sad. But JP is doing ok and that is what is most important right now.
Questions & Comments:
BlogStalker asked if there is police presence to stop people from looting and honestly, in my area, we have never had problems with that. I saw the National Guard at the place that was supposed to be giving out supplies near our house yesterday, but that was just to protect the area and people handing out supplies (which weren't really being given out at that location). But, I will say, I have not ventured more than 5 miles from our house since before the storm on Sunday, so i'm really not sure what it looks like "in town" and at the stores, etc.
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18 comments:
Thanks for stopping by Hungary today. I am so sorry for all you are going through! And feeding teenage boys is HUGE. My little boys eat so much I can only imagine when they are bigger and into sports and stuff.
I pray your day is wonderful!
I hope the power is restored to your area really quick. Sounds like other areas are starting to make progress. Just keep hoping for the best. I hope you hear from Elizabeth and the boys soon.
As for the grown boys eating. I am starting to understand! Caleb and Claudia both do the same thing. They eat me out of house and home where snacks are concerned. I think alot of it's boredom. I think I would definitely have to say something if they continue to stay and eat there. It's expensive for you to keep providing everything, especially with having to replinish your propane every few days right now.
The next part of your blog kinda made me teary eyed. You are truely blessed with all of those things you have. I am amazed at the achievements you have made in the past several years. I'm so proud of you.
I'm glad JP seems to be doing well. It's so nice that Walter's sister has formed such a bond with him. I hope he will be able to one day spend some time with her as well. Everyone needs a good mentor in their life. I will keep praying for all of you that this will all somehow be settled soon.
Hope you have a good day.
Dawn -- Hi! Thanks so much for all your prayers for my hubby! We've been praying for you too! I've been sharing your no power stories with CarGuy and he says that I should let him get a whole house generator instead of the little portable one that he has. I had to remind him that we are land locked and the worse thing that will happen to us is a blizzard which is much easier to clean up after than a hurricane. I think we can make do with our portable should our power go out. He didn't like that answer but just cuz he's sick does not mean I'm giving him everything he wants!! ;-) wow...life really is getting back to normal around here!
Love ya and stay safe!!
I can't believe no one in your parish has power at all. Hopefully they will get things up and running near you soon.
I understand about the food, Andrew had some friends in college that were moochers, but I never could find it in me to say anything.
With all the electricity being out, are they still planning on sending everyone back to school on Monday?
I am so glad things are going so well for you. You have worked so hard and done so much for other people that you deserve everything you have.
I love you!
You know, I'm pretty fortunate too! I need to dwell on the blessings that God has provided me more often. I most certainly dwell too much on the things that I wish I had!
That is a lot to think about in one post. I just found you and glad I did. Your perspective reminded me how thankful I am and need to be. (You also reminded me that I suppose to supply the snack for my daughters kindergarten class tomorrow.) Praying for a speedy return of power for you.
Maybe it wont be too long before the power is back on!! I've got my fingers crossed for you that you win that dinner!! Teenage boys can definitely be expensive to feed! They can eat you out of house and home. Its a shame their mothers dont offer.
I know how you feel about people taking advantage of your hospitality. I've been battling with a certian friend of Karen's that is very particular in her own home but yet allows her kids to trash our home, eat, drink, and break things without a simple, "I'm sorry". They did some shady stuff that "friends" don't do so she is not welcomed in our home when I'm there. I even had to tell her over the phone that her and her kids better be gone before I get home. Funny thing, as I'm pulling around the corner, her and her band of home wreckers was pulling off down the street. So she knows I don't like her. Not after her and her husband tried to do something shady on a business tranaction that I found out they were hiding damaging information. So, you just have to set the line. Either that or you just have to say to yourself, no matter what I'm going to allow these boys to eat, sleep, etc. without anything in return. Sometimes that's the best because you'll drive yourself nuts expecting people to do the right thing! I'm just saying....
Oh Dawn... I hope the power comes back on sooner than they are saying. That's tough. And I too agree with your saying, about people only being able to take advantage if you let them. Feeding teenagers is costly. I'd be a bit more than put out. Just for the fact that they aren't helping out. Hang in there! Thanks for stopping by today! ;)
Wow! First of all, so AWESOME to hear the adoption/reuniting story! We have our own adoption stories in my family and it's been AMAZING! Reunion time was sweet and interesting...the person we searched for lived less 1/2 mile away and went to the same church as a family member. CUH-RAZY!!! Divine intervention for sure. Sometimes paths are meant to cross at a particular time and what a blessing when they do! Your daughter is beautiful!
As for the teenagers living with you but brought no grub to help out? PFFFT! I have 3 teens (3 youngens too) and they eat me out of house and home! When we have dinner guests we pretty much have to all have a little less to make a plate or two for whomever is joining us. I have a tight enough budget and its rough to buy extra. ESPECIALLY IN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE RIGHT NOW! I feel for ya sistah!
I hope you win the electricity bet ... dinner of your choice is a great thing!
I really liked your Thankful List. I don't think you are lucky, though. Luck is just chance -- an accident, really. Looking through your list, I noticed that YOU (with God's abundant love, of course), are the catalyst for all your blessings!
Hi Dawn!!!
I hope you have power soon and I hope you win the bet! Yeah!
Meanwhile, sounds like you've got plenty of time in your hands to blog, blog, blog! Or not...
Have a great day!
Thanks for stopping by my blog again the other day. I sure hope your power comes on soon, and not in 4 weeks!
Dawn, you sound like a VERY fortunate woman! You have so much to be thankful for!! What a great attitude to have about counting blessings at such a time as this!
I was telling my boss today that it has just been a crazy week in our household. With the storm, no electricity, flipping Alise back and forth between family - it's just been an "off" week. But I told her that I don't envy those people in New Orleans who are away from there homes. It really put things in perspective when I thought about their circumstances and I realized, too, how very lucky I am, too!
Hang in there!!
And yes! Call those parents and get some grub for those boys!!
Wow- I wish I had stopped by sooner, I've got a lot of reading to catch up on... ;-) I can't believe you are still cracking jokes throughout.
We have SO got to get our food storgage replenished... wake up calls every year.
Keep yer smile on. We're all praying.
It's awesome that you can remain upbeat in the face of so much hardship. Quick Question: Is the generator running your laptop, too? Thanks for the storm updates!
Hopefully power will be restored soon, and you win the supper out.
I know what you mean about teenage boys. My one eats a lot and often had friends over this summer who would help themselves to stuff. I couldn't keep anything around. I would asked their parents about snacks when they call.
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