I am devastated and hurting for all those in pain this week as they look around them and survive the aftermath of the deadly storms that have ripped apart so many lives this week. I pray that you and your loved ones are safe and will have hope as you pick up the pieces of your lives..
This week has had me counting my own blessings as I look at the pictures of devastation and deal with a few stresses in my own life.
In June of 2008, I took my kids and went to visit my family for a small summer vacation. My hubby had to stay home due to work, so it was just me and the kids. A few days into the trip, I received a call from my husband saying the area we lived in was flooding.
My husband had called to say he'd lost his car that morning as the engine flooded on the road to work. He had started to float away on a low spot in the road and he'd had to leave the car. That was at 5 in the morning...we didn't know what was to come.
I quickly turned the TV on and found pictures of devastation in the whole area. It was terrible for so many.
I called my friends and they tried to get to my house to see what was going on. But this was my neighborhood.
They couldn't get to my house. My husband was stuck working a double shift at work since so many in the area couldn't make it in to work due to the roads.
When he got off at midnight, he came home to find our house under 2 feet of water.
It was a crazy time.
We were blessed to have many friends who came and helped to clean the mess.
I was blessed to have been away with the kids, when it all happened.
Many of the children in my neighborhood were racked with nightmares for weeks after. They'd had to swim out of their homes leaving everything behind.
We were blessed.
We ripped everything down to the studs and began to rebuild.
Many of our neighbors just walked away from their houses. We tried to stay.
We did much of the work ourselves, thanks to wonderful friends and family.
But our flood insurance didn't help.
After everything, our flood insurance decided that because we had a tri-level home, the living area was considered a basement and they didn't have to pay to fix it. We'd had an "error" on our flood insurance saying we were covered. We weren't. FEMA would only pay for 2 feet of drywall and nothing else.
No replacement on the walls, the paint, the carpet, the furniture, or anything. We were on our own.
It's been hard. We are struggling financially due to everything. And now, the housing market is in the toilet. It's time for us to move. I don't know what the future will hold for us. But I can see MANY blessings in my life. I have seen many struggles since living here and going through this, but there have been so many blessings. So many reminders that I am not alone. Reminders that there are good people out there still.
My prayers go with those who are struggling now due to the devastation of the crazy weather we are having. It's hard. I know. But have hope. It will get better. There is Someone watching over with a Divine Plan.
Now, that I've shared this crazy story with you...let's party.
The winner of this week's Teacher Jesters Jar is....
Lady Behind the Curtain who shared these yummy Rugelach cookies. I have never seen this type of cookie before. They look so good. I think we may have to try them next week on Cookie Friday. My kids love cinnamon and sugar, so I think these would be a great addition. Plus, it will be good for them to try a new staple (they aren't very good with change and new things.)
You should really go check out her blog. She has LOTS of cool ideas on so many different topics. I love the Teacher Appreciation gift she made for only CHEAP using many things you may already have around the house....or you might after a trip to your local Sonic. (Darn, as if I needed a reason to run get myself a Cherry Limeade!) Be sure to also check out her Mother's Day Brunch table. I'm not usually a Shabby-chic kind of gal, but I LOVE this set up. Using normal household items in a new way is such a cheap way to furnish and decorate a party.
Definitely go check her out Lady Behind the Curtain's blog and see some great Entertaining ideas!
In honor of Mother's Day coming up, this week's party favor is going to be a Mother's wall plaque.
"My greatest blessings call me MOM". This plaque would be a great gift for any mother. Sometimes we need that extra reminder that these little ones under foot are a great blessing! You can keep this plaque or gift it away to another mom.
(We'll use a random generator to pick the winner next Friday evening.)
Linky Party Guidelines:
* Link up to your OWN project post, not just your blog, but your actual post. (We want to see it!)
*Grab a Shindig Saturday button for your post or blog page. (Hey, it benefits us all!)
*Stay and enjoy the party by visiting and commenting on other's projects. (It's fun to mix and mingle!)
to enjoy.
and I use it for ALOT of projects.
