These are the photos of Christmas 2008. The did receive something from Aunt Kristi, but in the time restraints, they were purchased after Christmas Day. The did receive money for Christmas and were encouraged to save as much as they could, but were also allowed to purchase something that they wanted and didn't receive.

Casey opened gifts from Mom/Dad

Kyle opening gifts from Nana and Grampy

The first 2 photos are of a gift from Nana and Grampy. The last one is from Santa.

Casey and her stocking stuffer.

Kyle has checked out his stocking. The bean bag is from Mom and Dad

The kids ready for opening presents! Kyle is awake, even if he doesn't quite look like it.

Christmas 2008.

The photos with the blue tarp is a neighbor behind us with the large tree that fell during the hurricane. I am sorry to see it fall, but I am glad that it didn't land on anyone's home. In the neighborhood, we had lots of trees down and a few on houses, but I don't think it was major damage and not necessarily where you can't live in. The only other problem that is here now, even though we have power, we had to cook what food we did have and there is no meat in the stores to buy. We are managing, but no idea when food will arrive. We have also been out of school for the week and may not be in next week. We are scheduled to return on Monday, but I think areas of Tomball are still without power and water. I will do my best to keep everyone update.

Here is the damage to our fence and the debris and water in our yard. It wasn't much, but it took a while to clean. We still haven't had any trucks come by and clean up the debris and I don't expect it for a while.

Hurricane Ike

As many know, we went through hurricane Ike on September 12th, and 13th. I believe it was still a Cat 2 when it got inland far enough to hit our area. From what I can tell the eye of the storm went over Splendora and Cleveland and I do have family there that survived the storm. I will plan on posting all the photos, so this will be one big blog. Everyone managed fine. I can handle the hurricane, but I would prefer to have it during the day. The nighttime ones really suck!!

Most of the damage photos are from around the neighborhood and a few from the apartment complex that we used to live at. My house didn't have any damage except our back fence. We did have a concern regarding a 60 ft tree behind our house and the direction of the wind was favorable for it to land across my whole house, but God was watching out for us because it is still standing. I honestly believe that it's because of that tree that we didn't have damage. Just lots of tree limbs and leaves in our yard.

Anyway, feel free to leave comments, I just wanted to show the local damage. I also have photos of the clouds and the sunset the evening before the storm. Anyway, here are the photos that I took. Feel free to comment.

The loves of my life!!!

Just hanging around and being goofy in the backyard.

Casey's free hand dry erase drawing of a cartoon character that she watches all the time. "Timmy Turner" is the name. It is so exact, it's unbelievable!

This is, obviously, the hallway. The carpet is a really nice color and Keith and I really like it. If you have been in our house or seen pictures of it, the lines in the carpet and the lines in the hardwood floor go the same direction. I thought that was interesting.

Our big project was replacing the carpet in the kids rooms and the hallway. Casey's is on the left and Kyle's is under this note. He also received a Geo- Trax set from Brian--which he absolutely loves.