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!