Getting Ready For School

With power is so much better than without! Can I just say? I feel like MAYBE we are getting back to normal - or at least as normal as the Pearson clan can be. Maria is coming tomorrow, I LOVE her, and I think I will feel in control once more.

We had a soccer game in Friendswood on Saturday (we lost), and a football game on Saturday night (we won). THS was a 35 point underdog and we won by 1. It was fun and exciting - just what HS football should be.

We are fully back in the swing now. Kelsey will have her first Cross Country meet on Friday, Ryan has homecoming on Friday night, and we are back in Friendswood for a soccer game on Saturday. Grandma and Grandpa are coming the weekend, so the kids are excited. And TV church - what could be better?

Bliss

After 14 days, we have power!!! It doesn't get any better than that!

Happy Birthday Kelsey

Kelsey is 14! I can't believe it. When my kids were little, people with older kids would tell me that I should appreciate this time because it would be gone before I knew it. I did not buy it, not one bit.

I buy it now. My little ones are getting so big - and I am really liking the older kids. Sure the hormones can be a little much, but it is so fun to see these big kid personalities come out.

But I digress, this is supposed to be about Kelsey not me (but as we all know it is always about me). As I think of what to say about Kelsey, I wonder if I will be parroting back what I have said about her the last few birthdays. So, I am going to chronicle her favorites right now (at least the ones I know).

Food: Chick-Fil-A.

Symbol: The peace sign - you know from the 70's.

Color: Still pink I think.

Drink from Sonic: (very important if you are a Pearson) Cherry Sprite.

Posses ion: Her cell phone (don't know if she would say that, but it is a permanent fixture by her side).

Class: English - she loves to write and is a pretty dang good writer. She also loves choir.

Person: Me. Well maybe not, but lets go with that.

Kelsey is a happy fun girl. She was the best baby I had. She would just sit next to me while I worked and never made a sound. She makes up for that now (the sound making). She is a typical teenager who loves her friends, and is embarrassed of her dad (but not her mom since her mom is so cool). I am so glad she is my oldest girl, and that she is in our family. I love you Kelsey Belsey.

For anyone keeping track, we still don't have power. For Kelsey's birthday Eric "sprung" for a hotel. How he found a room I am not sure - still not sure. We stayed here last night and we are staying tonight. After that, we are back to pioneer living. Here is to hoping we have power soon!

For anyone keeping track this is the second time a hurricane has affected Kelsey's birthday. I guess that is what a September birthday on the gulf coast will get you!

And The Verdict Is

Still no power. School is supposed to start on Tuesday, although two of the schools my children attend still have no power.

I have to be here on Tuesday for a demo. So, I think I will drive the kids home early tomorrow, fly back up here and work, fly home on Tuesday (jealous anyone?)

In the meantime, they will be home with dad supervising. He might have to take Tuesday off to be with the twins. Still no power and heat will not be fun, but the older kids are freaking out about getting back to school and football practice, etc. Kelsey is sure if she is not there the first day back she will be SO behind she won't catch up.

So, I am guessing I will have to slow down my blogging due to no power. Although I do have the next couple of days. Work will be interesting - I only have so much battery on the laptop.

The latest estimate for power is Thursday. So, here is to hoping we get it by then. Getting kids ready for school with no power should be fun... Trying to keep everyone fed with no power should be fun... Maybe I should rethink this...

And The Verdict Is...

Still no power. We are thinking MAYBE by tonight... UUGH!

On a positive note.

We have Farmer's Insurance. We have a rockin agent (Big Al's Farmer's Insurance). My agent, who also happens to be my current host, did some research and let me know that we had something in our policy that allows for the replacement, up to $500, of the food you have lost due to power outage. Oh - and no deductible.

I called, filed a claim. The guy talked to me and told me I should be getting my check in the next 5-10 days. How is that for service? Now, I will let you know when it really does come.

Insurance companies can be real SOB's. Really. But it is nice to know that when I lost the entire contents of two refrigerators, I will be able to replace them. And how is that for service?

Here is to hoping we have power back tonight and can go home this weekend...

Not To Be A Broken Record

but still no power. I guess Centerpoint has posted this map outlining when people will get power (maybe).

http://www.centerpointenergy.com/staticfiles/CNP/Common/SiteAssets/doc/Est.%20Restore%209.17%202pm.pdf


Here is the problem. I am map challenged. They don't have 249 on the map, and certainly don't show Louetta so here is the question. Are we on the scheduled for Friday, or don't hold your breath forever (OK after Monday) area? I think we are on the line, but if we are not don't judge me. Any help in decoding the map would be appreciated.

I am very grateful that we have a great place to stay. My kids have loved playing with cousins, and Kelsey and Sophie got to spend the night with Aunt Julie (in case you are wondering she is WAY more fun than mom). But, I am a little bit of a planner. I kind of want to know when we can get back to normal. Is there going to be a normal again?

Eric is a trooper. He is working, getting a jump on his insurance claim for his job, and going home to the non-electrified house each night. He has a much better attitude than I do - that is a shocker I know.

So, we should not complain but.... I just can't help it.

Update to Still No Power

I just looked at the website for when the power will come on. As of last night 85% of the 77375 (Tomball proper) zipcode and 50% of the 77377 (our zipcode) is still powerless! It might be a while........

Still No Power

Thank you for everyone who has contacted us and given your support! We appreciate it.

There is still no power at home. Eric is still hanging in there. He is working, even though his company has closed the offices. He has cleaned out both fridges and freezers (thank you) and has cleaned up our yard and helped some neighbors. The weather has been cool, so he is surviving the nights.

School is cancelled now until Monday. At this point, we are in Dallas until the weekend - or later if we don't get power! Thanks to my parents for their hospitality. We are just living day to day waiting for power. And lets be real, we are not suffering at all in Dallas. I think some in Houston have it harder. Here is to hoping we get power soon!

Ike: Yikes!

Well, after so many "didn't" happen hurricanes, one hit and hit hard. Ike came in on Saturday morning and Houston is still bruised from the beating!

I was out of town in KY (via W VA - a place I never wanted to be and after having been there I still don't ever want to be there). I was supposed to go on to Ohio to a show, but listened to a wise husband and my boss who wanted me home and not stranded (had I not listened, I would have been stuck not being able to get home). I made it home Thursday afternoon. School was cancelled on Friday, and we battened down the hatches getting ready for Ike (what was Eric doing to prepare for the hurricane? skimming the pool - I kid you not!)

We lost power at 2:30 am on Saturday morning. Still don't have it now. There was rain, and crazy wind. We finally started venturing out Saturday around 11:00 am. If you just looked around our little neighborhood you would think, not so bad. Lots of tree limbs down. No real property damage. One or two big trees down.

Then we ventured out of Villaggio into our old neighborhood (1/2 mile away). This is what we saw:

This is our old house. You can't really tell from this picture, but there is a tree on the roof - really through the roof. It put two holes in the master bedroom, which put a lot of water in the master, and the water seeped down the the bottom floor which has a couple of inches of water. I think the weight of the water might crash through the master. Our neighbor told us we are lucky we are out of there. Luckily, no one was hurt!

Here are some pics from Lakewood Forest:

The pavilion at our church:

Mind you, this is all 60 plus miles inland, on the "clean" side of the storm.

Now, let me just say, pioneer woman I am not. But, we did manage to make bacon and eggs on the bbq grill. It was still raining, so I was ever so grateful for our port-e-cache. We pretended it was a big camping trip - one that never ends with heat and mosquitoes.

The kids and I had enough and have evacuated to Dallas. We are now basking in the hospitality of Chez Linford. There is no school until at least Thursday. Still no power for us. Still not much gas to be found in Houston. This one will take a while to dig out from.

Through it all we have felt very blessed. We are all safe and healthy. No major damage to our house. Our biggest loss is the fridge and freezer contents. Big deal. Thanks for everyone who was worried about us. We appreciate your thoughts and calls.

Last Weekend

I know, I know. It is Wednesday. Why are we talking about last weekend? Because I have not done it, and above all else, this is my journal. So, if this bores you, click away.

Last weekend was Senior Parent's Night for football. Eric was gone to WA for the BYU game, so all the rest of us went to the game. Kelsey and Sophie did not want to go, but in the end LOVED being there. It the place to be on a Friday night if you are in Intermediate or Junior HS.

It was a great game - Tomball played well and only lost at the last minute. Ryan and I had our picture taken on the field, and then Kelsey took this one. The coaches had the boys write letters to their parents, and Ryan's made me teary.

I am really enjoying him right now. A friend reminded me that this is a blessing and I need to view it as that and be grateful. Not all senior-in-high-school-boys and their moms get along so well. Thanks for the reminder.

Ryan and Kevin. The Wilkinson's lived across the street from us in Lakewood Grove. They moved in the same time we did when the boys were starting 4th grade. They have been friends ever since. I really think Kevin gave Ryan the encouragement to stick with football. Thanks Kevin!

Saturday was soccer, Sophie's team won, and going to James Avery so Kelsey could show me what she wants for her birthday. We also managed to watch the BYU game, and I ran with my group in the am. Fun was had by all (especially Eric since he was there for a BYU win!)

I Miss My Mornings

I have not always been a morning person, but kids and age have created one. During the summer I could get up and have hours alone in my quiet house. I LOVED it.

Now, not so much. I am still up early, but with 5 kids leaving at 4 different times, I always have a friend with me (I don't mind so much because it does give me some one-on-one time with the older kids).

I leave early on Saturdays for running group and come home to a house of awake kids.

But Sunday, sweet Sunday, is my early morning alone in my house time. I woke this am at 5 (see what I mean) and lounged in bed until 6. I then proceeded to "dink" around until 8:15 and made us late for church (dinking + clothing crisis = late for church). I did not want to wake the huddled masses and have them invade my quiet time. Selfish I know, but it was SO nice.

I will now have to keep moving forward until next Sunday when I will again be presented with some early morning alone time. I don't know what it is I love so much - maybe the peace. It is so still in those early morning hours before the chaos takes over. Who would have thought I would crave the ability to get up at 6:00 am and be alone. See, having 5 kids really does make you crazy!

Congrats Michelle and Brady!

My baby sister is getting married! Brady, also known as FHE boy to some of us, proposed on Lover's Leap at Philmont Scout Ranch in NM. Luckily no leaps were taken literally, just figuratively.

They are getting married December 27, 2008 in the Dallas Texas temple where ALL the Linford gals have gotten hitched. I guess that makes it a tradition.

So, congrats! The girls are excited about another wedding - Kelsey wants to know what her dress will look like?

And What A Weekend It Was

We spent the whole weekend running around to our kids activities! I am pooped. Ryan had his first football game on Friday night. Lets just not talk about it.

We then drove to Autin for the Austin Labor Day Cup soccer tournament. Four games over two days in the HEAT! We brought all the girls - Ryan had to stay behind because he had practice.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites and they had two swans in the center Atruium. You will notice we also had Mr. T Allie's class teddy bear with us for the weekend!

Sophie's team did well, made it to the semi-finals, and then lost at the last second. Sophie did great, but she has her battle scars.

Black eye!

Bruised arms.

Bruised legs.

I always thought soccer was a nice non-contact sport! Maybe not!

This is the funny pic from the weekend. Eric washed his clothes in the sink and then dried them on top of the car while we ate lunch. Environmentalist or cheap - you decide!

The First Day of School

Can you hear the silence? The only sound is the dryer and the dishwasher. And I started those. I have picked up the kitchen, and it will stay clean all day!!!!! Yeah!!!

Ryan was a trooper and let me take his picture - in front of his new car. Yes, we are now purchasing cast offs from the Linford fleet. This was Steven's car, and it is a GREAT deal for us. He is thrilled to have a car, and I am thrilled to not share my car with him.

Kelsey is going for the grungy rocker girl this year. I really liked it better when she would get all dressed up and accessorized, but if I suggest it she won't do it to spite me. She was up, had herself all ready and no problems this am! Lets hope that continues this year.

Notice her new shoes - they seem a little ugly to me, but I am just old.

And then there was Sophie.

You will notice Sophie is not in jeans and a soccer t-shirt!!!! My big accomplishment. I am hoping she will continue this mode of dress, but I am sure we will return to soccer shirts and jeans real soon.

My babies are in second grade! It is so weird to think they are the babies. I appreciate they went with a coordinated look this year - really that is what each one wanted so it worked for me!

Allie went for the plaid shorts. She was so excited for school this year - she will be exhausted tonight, but oh well. This is why I like only a 1/2 week of school the first week! But, who asked me.

My studious little Caroline. At least, the glasses make her look studious.

Now I just need to prepare for the 20 million forms which will come home tonight... Have we ever heard of one recrord per family at the district? Clearly not.

The Tears Begin

My youngest brother Steven leaves for Sao Paulo, Brazil next Tuesday. He was able to come down and spend one more weekend at Chez Pearson. We had a blast with him - it was crazy with football, soccer, work etc. He and I were able to go to the Houston Temple, so we made time for a little fun.

When it was time to go, Allie started crying a full two hours early! Ever the drama queen. He will be missed, that is for sure!!!

Ryan and Steven will not see each other for three years. When Steven comes home, Ryan will be on his mission. These two were more like brothers than uncle/nephew. Especially when they were little.

Having Stevo leave makes it hit home that my baby boy will be leaving soon. I just don't want to think about it.

Good Luck Steven! Make us proud!

Polygamist No More!

In the chair... Took a while to saw through the hair!




Ready to donate to Locks of Love - 11 inches or so.

Side view of before and after.

Now we have to find a new nickname for Sophie - any suggestions???

Fun, Crazy, Relaxing

How is that for the description of a trip. Five crazy women with five husbands and 23 kids between them headed to San Francisco to enjoy some eating, shopping and female bonding.

I read somewhere, and if I was the internet queen that Sarah is I could find it, that women really need female relationships. Girl time is very beneficial to our overall health and wellness. After last weekend, we should all be very healthy. We laughed, giggled, shopped, ate and talked our way through four days and MANY San Francisco hills.

Since we are all bloggers, here are the links to get the recap of what we did. Sarah, Jane, Heather and Becky. I did not bring a camera because Sarah and Jane were there. They have fancy cameras and they know how to use them. So, you will have to look on their blogs for pics - how is that for passing the buck! Jane is sending us out the pics on CD and I will post some - these were stolen from her blog.

Thanks Potrero Hill gals for the female bonding, fun, craziness and relaxation!

My Baby Is 18!

Happy Birthday Ryan. I am having a really hard time believing this little baby I brought home from the hospital is an almost grown man.

I have spent some time strolling down memory lane, and decided to share Ryan's life with you through pictures - about one per year (lets hope blogger works!)

First Picture. The non-genetic birthmark makes its first appearance.

First Christmas. He was so smiley and cute!

Here he is at one!

His first birthday party!

Here he is age two. This was my first introduction to Gymboree.

Age Three.

Age Four.

He has always been a great big brother! This is when Kelsey was a little one.

He went through this phase where he LOVED this jacket. He wore it all the time - even when he slept! He also LOVED this pooh. He slept with it for years. Circa 1995.

1995 - aren't they cute!

His first kiss! 1996 with Jaclyn Hamm, a family friend.

1996.

1997 with Steven. They were playing with Ryan's Dr. Dreadful. He got it for Christmas and loved it.

Baptism day - 1998. Ryan and Eric at the church.

Grandparents Day, 1999. Ryan and Marilyn, Eric's mom.

1999.

Christmas 2000.

March 2001. At the hospital with the twins. He thought they were pretty cool - at least for a few days.

Learning to rappel at Cub Scout camp, 2001.

2002. He played roller hockey for a few seasons at the YMCA. He even broke his wrist when he got newer, faster roller blades.

2003. Couldn't find a great pic of him for this year. This must have been at one of his award ceremonies at the intermediate school.


His birthday 2004. Notice the cake? That is the one Caroline ate all the frosting off the top of after it was frosted. Nice Caroline!

First day of school, 2005. He no longer likes to have his picture taken. Can you tell?

Joe Dirt. Halloween 2006. This is what living in Tomball, Tx will do to you!

Ski trip with Eric, January 2007. He got to see some Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. That has become a little tradition with them - not the cheerleaders, but the skiing. It is their time away from the girls. When Ryan leaves next year, Eric won't know what to do!

Spring, 2008. Letter Jacket.

Remember his bald head? What can we do about him?

I know I am his mother, but I am so proud of the young man he has become. So Happy Birthday my little baby boy!