Gratitude

What a crazy week and a huge eye opener!  This week there was a huge wind storm that hit Bountiful and Centerville where we live.  There were hurricane-like winds (100 mph) for a good part of the day.  The freeway was closed because of semis tipped over on it.  Our power went out at 6 am on Thursday and wasn't restored until around 2:30 am on Friday.  As I sat there and listened to and watched the wind, I thought for sure some windows were going to break.  I kept worrying about my boys and if they were going to freeze (I think really I was the coldest one).  Stepping outside after the storm and hearing updates from other people revealed a lot of damage.  Huge pine trees were ripped right out of the ground pulling up, foundations, grass, and landing on houses, cars, and power lines.  Having this disaster hit our area gave me a huge eye opener to the many blessings I have. 
Here's a glimpse of some of the damage others experienced:







Having the power out all day taught me how grateful I am for electricity!!!  On a normal day, I get to enjoy:

• Heat (at whatever temp. I choose)
• Fridge and freezer to keep my food cold
• Microwave to warm up my food (fast!)
• Lights
• TV (let's not lie...to put my kids in front of when I need some sanity)
• Computer (communication, entertainment, and business)

Seeing the after math of the storm, I saw that blessing had been poured out on my family, and I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for watching over us!

• Everyone in my family was safe
• I had a charged cell phone that allowed me to communicate with Tyrel (who was at work) throughout the day, as well as check in with my sisters, mom, neighbors, friends, and family
• Our house, yard, car...all of our property was undamaged!  We had probably 5 sticks in the front yard, and our garbage cans blew over. 
• My parents' and sister's places and property were also undamaged
• We were not without running water or flushing toilets
• Most of Centerville was without power throughout the night, but my parent's house was a random block in Centerville that had power, allowing my family, and Izzy and her family to have a warm place to sleep for the night, and a freezer and fridge to put our food in
• I had a FULL freezer of food I have bought, made, or stored...none of it was ruined
• Tyrel gave me a flashlight and a kiss before he left for work.
• Garbage day was on Wednesday, so we didn't have full garbage cans tipped over and blowing all over the neighborhood!
• Our little peach tree that we planted in September was unharmed
• We were prepared with flashlights, lanterns, and food we could eat that didn't have to be cooked
• We have a fireplace and a wood stove in our new house so we were able to stay warm
• Our whole neighborhood was out helping each other and checking on each other