Things are starting to return to normal (Click to see pics of "Life of Ike")

Ike hit 15 days ago, and I'm grateful to say we made it through unscathed. We were very lucky. We suffered no damage, no downed trees, and even our fence survived. Although, during the height of the storm, it did rip off some of the boards on our windows, (Mike used 2 inch wood screws to attach the boards, 3 on each side), yes, it was pretty scarey. We feel very lucky.
We lost power Friday night at about 8 pm. Mike and I had just gotten out the 72 hour kits, getting all the flashlights ready with batteries, and strategically placing them through out the house. Taylor and Landon brought mattresses downstairs to set up our "sleeping area". We'd just sent Sawyer up to take a shower and were getting ready to make grilled cheese sandwiches. The wind was barley blowing and we were starting to get some scattered showers when the power cut out. Mike turns to me and says, "I guess no grilled cheese tonight.". I was bummed. I really wanted one. Next we hear a blood curdling scream. Emma and I each grab a flash light and ran for the stairs. Emma instantly squeals and covers her eyes. There stands Soy, dripping wet, buck naked, with soap all over him. The kid is terrified of the dark. Landon, being the great big brother that he is, went and took care of Sawyer. After that, the rest of the evening is a blur, at least up until 3:30 am. I don't remember waking up, it may have been Sawyer saying every 5 minutes, "Anyone awake? I'm scared.". I tried my best to soothe him, then went to look out the window on the backdoor. Taylor was awake watching the wind whip the trees around in the backyard. The wind sounded like a freight train. I sat there watching the trees, knowing they were all going to come down. I don't know how they didn't. We sat watching together in complete fear and awe of the power of Ike. At some point, we both fell asleep. After the rain and wind subsided in the early afternoon on Saturday, Mike and I went to asses the damage. We were so surprised to see our yard so clear of debris. It was amazing, especially after just driving down our street. There were so many, who were not so lucky.
After 10 days, almost to the hour, our electricity was restored. You have know idea how grateful we were, and how guilty we felt, (there are still many out there waiting). The kids just went back to school on Thursday, September 25th, (Happy Birthday Tami). So, for the most part, things are returning to normal. Mike's company gave him the the whole week off after the storm, all except that Wednesday, when he went in and worked half day to assess the damage of the research center. As for me, I went back to work the day before, and worked 9 days straight. Our store suffered extensive water damage, and will be closed at least through January. I've spent the last 12 days inventorying and then transferring all the merchandise out of the store. They've already begun demoing around us. I'm grateful to still have a job. Once we're done emptying out the store completely I will be deployed to one of the other Macy's in Houston until we are able to get back in the building. It's been stressful and emotionally draining, although there are many others who have suffered so much more. I'm very grateful for the prayers of friends and family, and acknowledge the Lord's hand, I know without a doubt, that he was watching over us. We love you all!

Hurricane Ike - (click here for the latest Ike info)

It's one in the morning and I find myself still up. Why? Too much to do with a storm coming up on us. We've been through this before with Rita, but by now the storm had already turned and we avoided a direct hit. This time, every projected path gets closer to us (on the dirty side), but don't worry, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.". So, to all our friends and family who may be worrying about us, know that we are prepared. I'm so grateful that we've followed the counsel of prophets and have food storage and our 72 hour kits. Taylor, Landon, & I made a "treat" run to the grocery store, and the cupboards there are bare. We've heard of people fighting over the bottled water & canned goods. Rest assured, we are set for food & water. Gas is becoming harder to find, but our tanks are full on both our cars (plus we've got 10 gallons of gas in our gas cans). The garage is cleaned out so that we can actually park the cars in it (any of you who've visited know that this was no small feat). In the morning when Mike gets up we'll reevaluate our situation and if needed, will board up the windows (already have the plywood, saved and numbered from Rita). My cousin Chelon graciously offered her home in Austin to us as shelter if we felt we needed to evacuate. Chelon, you are so sweet and appreciate it so much. I know we would have a ball. However, we aren't in the evacuation zone and feel that we need to follow the counsel of city officials to stay put. We need to keep the roads clear for those who really need to get north. We're going to bunker down and have our second "Hardy Hurricane Party". Regardless of whether or not the storm hits or makes a last minute turn, we are at peace and are ready. Schools are closed, Merichem is boarded up, and belive it or not Macy's is closed till futher notice, so for now we'll get as much computer time :), laundry, cleaning, etc., done as possible. I will update as soon as I can. Keep us in your prayers though, it couldn't hurt.
See you on the other side of the storm.
XOXO t
PS My only worry is that I'm going to lose all my fish that we caught and had shipped back from Alaska. If all comes to all, we party Hardy style; cook it all up and share with our friends and neighbors.

9/12 - An update
It looks like it's going to be a direct hit. We've boarded up and are ready to go.

Mike and Landon working on the project together



Taylor making some last minute adjustments



Alright Ike, bring it! We're ready to go.

Alaskan Cruise

Here's to overcoming fears

Last week Mike and I were able to join a bunch of my family on an Alaskan cruise. My sister Kim flew out to stay with the kids. Before we left Taylor imposed a "No call" rule. Meaning, I was not allowed to call and check in on them and he would not call us. Right after we had returned to the ship after porting in Sitka Alaska, I got a call from Taylor;

"You're breaking the no call rule.", I said.
"You don't realize I've just had to overcome some of my worst fears!", he says.
"Who'd you kiss?"
"Mom! I didn't kiss anyone. I played my guitar and sang at the talent show (ym/yw quad ward activity)."
"Did you do good?", I ask.
"I dunno. I guess. Everyone says I did."
"I'm so proud of you! I wish I could have been there."
"We recorded it. I can't believe I actually did it."

I was blown away. Taylor is not one to stand up in front of crowds, even to stand up in a crowd. I was so bummed I missed it. I had told him earlier in the month that he was going to need to get up on stage, and he told me, "no way!' I'm so proud of him. I can imagine the fear of having to get up in front of your peers (and the girl you are "crushin" on), and then to have to perform. He's such an awesome kid!
So, here's to overcoming the things that freak us out, the things we think are impossible, the things we think we just can't do. Make the choice to just... DO!

PS I later got a text - "I WON!"
He ended up taking first place. You go Tay!



There's no one in town I know You gave us some place to go.
I never said thank you for that I thought I might get one more chance.
What would you think of me now, so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that, now I'll never have a chance
May angels lead you in. Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go. May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in. May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in. May angels lead you in.
And if you were with me tonight, I'd sing to you just one more time.
A song for a heart so big, God wouldn't let it live.
May angels lead you in. Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go May angels lead you in.