Quick Update...

We survived Gustav, as did most southerners. We were without power from Monday until this morning. We have many branches down on our property, as it's populated by some very old trees. No damage to our home, from debris or water. Plenty to clean up, but I can handle that!

We've been so blessed to stay with friends, then parents of friends. We've joked that we're on vacay - and it's pretty close to the truth. Aside from a little darkness, we've been very comfortable. Rousing games of Boggle & dominoes, movies for the kids, good food all the time. No school or work...

The kids return to school tomorrow, Kelly and I will return to work as well. Classes are set to resume, as long as we don't get any damaging storms this evening. There are some pretty major weather warnings - rains & tornadoes - just east of us, we're praying that they pass us by, but thunderstorms are predicted for later today.

My workload when I return, will likely be in the form of cleaning up and salvaging damaged items in some of our (very) old buildings on campus. Evacuees are still on campus as well, and I'm certain that they'll need help in assisting them as they prepare to return.

Over 1 million residents are without electricity and it's been projected that as many as half will have power restored in the next 10 days. The remaining half, however, may take up to 6 weeks! Again, so thankful for our safety and minor inconvenience.

Two more storms are in the Gulf... we may be in for a long hurricane season. We'll keep you updated, but in the meantime, I'll remain amazed at the weather and the power it holds. Not to mention the God who holds the power to control it.

Good Ol' Gustav

Yes, we are preparing for Gustav. Yes, we are north of New Orleans, about 4 hours or so. Yes, we will get rain. But for the most part, the good peeps of Natchitoches are pretty calm. Most living here are locals, and they've been there-done that. Folks are still stocking up on water and snacks though, many of which are hosting family from the south. Fuel prices are starting to creep up and will continue to do so over the weekend.

Northwestern State is an official Red Cross evacuation designation. Students from the University of New Orleans are headed this way by bus, as I type. Students from other universities, as well as displaced families will stay in vacant dorms and the PE & Health building.

Right now, though, as I look out the window and see beautiful blue sky and sunshine, it's hard to believe that we're going to be greeted by a downpour pretty soon. For now, we're headed to the first football game of the season, complete with tailgating.

We'll keep you updated (if we have electricity!) and please, pray for those who are moving in this storm.

busybusybusy

ohmygoodness i'm so busy i don't have time for punctuation claire & nolan are in school and loving it my work is piling up and i need to get it done kelly starts classes next week six classes in all and fall practice isn't too far off daisy mae is great being trained which of course is great we're hoping to start horseback riding lessons for claire and karate for nolan soon we're joining a new small group for coaches & wives kids have a fantastic new program at church on sunday nights i'm teaching claire's sunday school class claire made a profession of faith last sunday at church and will be baptized as soon as the renovations on the sanctuary are complete we've enjoyed the olympics and have witnessed our very own gymnasts as they practice in the living room lots of rain and wet weather which cools it off a little but it's still hot and humid most of the time we're so so so blessed by great friends here in la but are missing friends who are far away which makes me so thankful for facebook speaking of which i should probably go to lunch (deep breath) buh bye

Gearing Up!!

While most of the country is enjoying the Olympics and relishing the end of summer, we're fully in back-to-school mode. We've always noted Labor Day as the end of our lazy days, but not in Louisiana! Claire begins 2nd grade tomorrow and Nolan will begin Kindergarten on Thursday. We met our teachers and toured the school yesterday afternoon - and we're ready! Our new school uniforms are washed, new shoes are still clean & supplies and nap mats are ready to be used.

We've had a nice summer, and Kelly has been a fantastic Mr. Mom... but we're ready for the routine, a new school and all the exciting things that come with the school year. We'll have lots to share as we get in the thick of it all. Until then - GO USA!!

Words - Finally

Finding the time to blog actual words was a bit trickier than I had anticipated. But here I am, in all my glory. I know you're thrilled! But instead of boring you will details of the past, I'll give a quick synopsis:

My vacation was glorious. It wasn't what I consider to be relaxing, as we spend much of our time with the actual travel portion. Plane to car to boat to car to plane. But I have no complaints. I didn't get sunburned and that is a major feat for me. I was able to spend the week with my mom and sister, both of whom I hadn't seen in year. A year! I left not only the city of Natchitoches, but the state of Louisiana and the US as a whole. When do we go again?!

Shortly before I took my vacay, Kelly & the kids trekked to New Orleans and Florida for their trip. Baseball camp and a family reunion were the main events. They came home tan and tired. This is the first and last time that we'll take separate "family" vacations!

We're gearing up for school. Claire & Nolan head back in a little over a week. Tomorrow is school shopping day and I'm especially excited because it's Louisiana tax-free day tomorrow. This doesn't mean much to our Minnesota friends since they get tax-free shopping EVERYDAY, but I'll take what I can get!

My job is getting busy again after a nice, relaxing summer. The fall semester starts Aug 25 and we'll be in high gear until Christmas or so. Kelly beings fall practice in September and is taking on a full-plus load of classes as an instructor. We have 7 home Demon Football games to look forward to, fall baseball scrimmages and new, fun exciting events at church.

We're still taking full advantage of summer: swimming & sweating are the 2 main means of cooling off. Evening is the hottest time of day, and I'm still not accustom to the possibility of getting sunburned at 7pm! Of course, the hot weather will take us full in October & November and we'll enjoy a nice warm Christmas.

It's hard to believe that Kelly has lived & worked in Louisiana for nearly an entire year! It's flown by and we're grateful for the journey. Our lives are not boring, that is certain, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. We are all happy, healthy and oh-so thankful.

August 12th!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPIIMbG9R4w

Parents - We know you agree!!

Photos - Phase II

Photo Love Baby!