Austin's Birthday

I think of all my children I have learned the most from Austin.  He has helped me grow and learn lessons I never dreamed I would have to learn.  Because of how much work he has had to do to make small accomplishments his victories are that much more sweet.  I have come to realize that as he was small we fought and struggled with so many things but now you see him at almost 6 feet tall on honor roll, and happy. You would never know of all the small victories he has had in order for him to stand as the 13 year old you see today. Today I celebrate his 13 victories one for each year.

1. Austin can hear and see.  He spent his first 3 years of life hearing as if he was always underwater.  He wore glasses to correct his sight in kindergarten.  I am grateful for preschool screenings that helped us help him.
2. Austin can speak!  Now you would never know the hours spent in speech therapy. 
3. Austin can read.   Through all the meetings with teachers and education specialist Austin's progress has been great.  He has been on the honor roll in middle school and reads above the reading level for his grade.
4. Austin can feel and share love.  As a small child Austin was angry and hated about everyone, now you see him with a smile on his face and many friends.
5. Austin has a wonderful sense of humor.  I love when 7 years old get into knock knock jokes and they just keep repeating them over and over again.  Austin did that forever but now has moved on and has developed a keen way with word meanings that makes you say that was funny.
6. Austin likes to wear jeans.  After years of only wearing pants with elastic waist he will now wear jeans. Its much easier to find jeans that fit.
7. Austin likes to cook.  He is a good cook with simple and not so simple foods.  This includes complete dinners not just cookies.
8. Austin likes to do his priesthood duties by passing the sacrament and helping the widows.
9. Austin is great at tech things.   Whenever I can't figure out something about our new car or the computer I just ask Austin he already knows the answer and he shows me how its done.
10. Austin is a hard worker.  He sticks to doing the dishes even if it takes him an hour.
11. Austin stands up for what he thinks is right!
12. Austin is helpful.  He likes to help Lydia and Willy
13. Austin made it to 13 without being killed of maimed by his brother because at times they get along very well.

Clothing Drive

Today at church we were asked to collect up items to send to New York for those affected by the storm.  Monday our house, because of the central location, became the collection site of the items for our ward.  We gathered up coats and sleeping bags and hoodies and anything warm we could find around our home.  It's a good feeling to do something to send something to help others experiencing devastation.  It was heart warming to see the giving, the desire to help from the members in our ward.  One sister told Willy of how she went to the second hand shops and bought the coats, took them home washed them and then donated them.  Another donated the coat right off her back.  The donations of gift cards and clothes were more than the transportation that had been arranged.  So Willy called around and found someone to take the second car load of stuff to Oakton to be distributed in New York.    I hope all the things that were given will be used  by those that need them.

Road Construction

The Kids went back to school today and the city of Manassas is getting back to normal

Today they began road refinishing on our street.  The electricity is on for almost every one in the 

area.  As I hear more and see more on the news about the devastation north of us I feel blessed

But concerned for others effected by this storm. 

The repaving of our front road begins 2 days after Hurricane Sandy
passes.  The black top is being removed. 

The big trucks move in and spend the day, taking the neighborhood
from silent to loud for an entire day.

I don't know what this machine is called but it is huge.
It grinds op the blacktop and puts it into a dump truck.

On Friday they paved the road.  It was cool to see the
steam rise off the road.  It's crazy to see how many people it takes
to pave the road.

The Basement

I took advantage of the kids being home for another day and we cleaned the basement.  I know there are still millions without power and homeless.  I'm sure that there will be a way to help others when some of the rescue personal say it is okay.  Tomorrow the kids will probably be back to school and life around here will get back to normal.  

Here's the basement.  Now the kids can play games.

Sandy has left our area

We made it through the night!  Everything around the house looks fine.  We lost some shingles and a few branches from one of the trees in the back yard  and a piece of the fence fell over.  There is no water in the basement and we didn't lose power at all.  I don't say this to brag or because I'm delighting in others tragedy, I only say it so that those out there who don't have a place with power or warmth or a place to cook can know that our house is you house.  Please come over!
  It is still raining, I guess sprinkling is a better word, and the wind has died down.  What a blessing for those trying to restore power to the millions of people without it.  We do have a lake of water in the backyard and a small river to the side, but over time it will dissipate.
  The children slept in the living room on the couches, a slumber party of sorts.  Roxie our dog hates storms so she kept me up most of the night trying to decide where to sleep in our room or with the kids.   Bill went to work bright and early this morning.  Like I said yesterday Micron doesn't shut down for anything and life continues on.  We are grateful that Micron keeps us going and that they are still up and running as usual.

  Well it's time for me to check on some friends.  I hope that all is well with them.  If not I hope they will join us in our home or we can help them in some other way.  We pray for all those who are still in the storm that they will be safe.  

passing time

Sweet caramel popcorn never tasted so good! It's been years since I've made this!

I just wanted to give you an update about us and Hurricane Sandy.  It has been raining on and off most of the day.  The wind has been picking up for the last hour and will continue to pick up throughout the night.  It's miserable outside but it's been nice having time with the kids.  We made caramel popcorn and watched the movie True Grit!  I encouraged Willy to get his homework done while the power is still on but to no avail because school is canceled tomorrow.  We also did some cleaning, laundry, and dishes.  The kids must be rather bored because they have been eating like crazy.   Bill is even coming home from work early!  Micron never stops even when the federal government shuts down it continues producing.  Most of the stores are closed in the area.  It's the anticipation that can drive you crazy.  It's like if the storm would pass you could get to the clean up of it and on with your life.  Even if life may be more difficult the anticipation and the waiting to see would be over and you would know what you needed to do to move on.  But inside the weather is fine and the children are enthralled with anything electronic or mind bending.  They just started the movie DR DOOLITTLE.   It's great to take a break and enjoy being home.  It's 4:30 October 29th and we are happy that we still have electricity and hope for the safety and well being of all who are being effected by this huge storm.

Hurricane Sandy preperation

Wow I never thought I would have to prepare and then live through a Hurricane.  I think we are ready I will do a little more stuff tomorrow morning.  I think in some ways denial is what I am in even though I've checked the batteries and flashlights.  The boys have gone through the yard and moved items.  Willy brought in firewood and I have stocked the food, but the kids are going through it because of anxiety.  If there is any stuff left in the stores tomorrow I'll have to pick up a couple of cases of soda for Bill.  I just wanted you to know that we are as ready as we are going to be!  We will be having lots of wind and rain.  We are praying that if the electricity goes out that it won't be too long and that the basement wont flood.  The roof may fly away but as long as we all we make it without being hurt the rest can be fixed, mended or rebuilt.  I pray for our other ward members and want them to know that they are welcome to come on over and play some games and eat and get warm.  The kids are happy about a few other things that they do not have school tomorrow.  I know that it will all work out.  It may not work out the way we plan but it will work out.