Jeff got dressed and hopped on the computer to check out the weather. I started moving things out of the bathroom closet (in the middle of the house) and grabbed my "Black Outs" box that contains working flashlights, candles, etc.
Around 3:00am Jeff told me to wake up Will and bring him to our room; Jeff goes back to the computer. Will must have talked about tornadoes in school yesterday because when I told him a bad storm was on its way he wanted to know if the tornadoes were coming. He wasn't scared, just curious. I answered his questions as best I could.
Shortly after that, the local weather siren blares, Jeff comes in and tells me to get dressed (I was in pjs), get the other boys and head to the bathroom. After getting dressed, I made their "chocolate milk" that they get each morning. I was hoping it would keep Nathan quiet for a little bit as I knew he was going to be grumpy. I put Will in the closet, brought Nathan in and gave them their milks and a flashlight each. They were pretty calm and there wasn't any whining, which was wonderful. I got Witt and strapped him in his carseat (seems like a good thing to do? I guess it would be beneficial if a tornado hit?)
(Yes, I took a picture last night... what sleep deprived blogger wouldn't?)The four of us stayed in the bathroom listening to the weather alerts while Jeff was watching the weather on the computer. We heard about a tornado touching down in the small town where Jeff's family lives and that it was now headed for us. The wind really starts whipping outside, but Jeff eventually comes in to tell me that the storm has passed us. It's time to go back to bed.
After the boys are asleep, Jeff contacts his family. We were able to check in with everyone except his grandparents. By 4:15 am everyone is asleep in their own beds. At 7:16, here comes Will down the hall to our room... No mention of the night's happenings.
This morning Jeff checks in with the family again. Apparently the house across the street from his grandparent's house is gone (luckily no one lived there). All of the trees except for the ones that could have hit their house are down. How amazing is that?!
Our family is safe, but there has been some damage and the electricity is out. Today they are getting generators going so they can feed the chickens (Jeff's family raises chickens. Not just a few in the yard, but like 20,000 in houses.) Jeff will probably take most of tomorrow off and go help them. I'd help, too, but I think bringing three kids would just make it harder on everyone...
Jeff calls again this morning to tell me that the mother of a good friend, Wendy McD, has been severely injured with a punctured lung and broken ribs because the chimney collapsed on them. There house is gone as well.
I am fortunate that we only sustained a few sleepless hours of sleep. Will was able to go to school today and Witt is currently napping in his own little crib. Nathan is plugged into a video while I write this post. As much as I don't want the tv on, today it is good to let things just be, to be thankful for the normal chores I have to do today, knowing that I don't have to clean up broken trees or sift through pieces of my home. I am one of the lucky ones that gets to lead a normal life today. To enjoy the dailiness one more time.
