The Rains Came Down and the Floods Came Up

You all know the song, and over the weekend we pretty much thought everything was going to be washed away. I know it's not Hurricane Ike, but it's being called a Hundred Year storm. Massive amounts of rain fell Saturday and Sunday, some of it was from Hurricane Ike, all over the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana. Anywhere from 6 to 11 inches of rain fell depending on the area. We got around 8-9 inches of rain in our area and there is flooding everywhere. Gratefully our house was spared from any flooding even though our backyard was a bit of a pond, but our sump pump has been able to keep up with all the water draining. Others in our area have not been so fortunate. Everywhere the retention ponds are full of water and some overflowing.

Yesterday during church 20-30 men left to go help a member sandbag their home that is right on the Dupage river. After they finished that house, they went to another members neighbor's house that is also on the river to help her sandbag. After dinner Jeff and I decided to go for a family drive to check out some of the flooding. We went to the members home that they helped sandbag and they don't have water in the house, but their yard is completely submerged. Then we went to the other members house and their backyard is under 3-4 feet of water. When we got there the basement was starting to get water in it, so we went to work helping them move furniture. It was coming through their foundation because the ground is so saturated it has no where to go but into the house.

This morning Staci and I decided to take a drive back over to see it in the daylight. Crazy stuff! We went to the first members house again and the water had risen a few inches from where it was last night, but with the sandbags their house should be fine. We decided to go over to the other members house to see how their basement was and they had more water in it than last night. When we went last night the water was just about to the blue pads on their trampoline and this morning it's almost over it (see picture below), so the water had risen there as well. Staci and I help them rip carpet up and vaccum up some of the water for a while. I feel so bad for them. It's going to at least a week before the water drains from their backyard. We're supposed to have dry weather for the next week which should help.
Here are just a few pictures of what we saw last night and this morning:

(if you click on them it should enlarge them and you can get the full effect)

This is the backyard of the member of our ward. Their house is about a foot behind the sandbags. That is a telephone pole just behind that purplish bush. The river is supposed to be a 3-4 feet behind that.

This is taken from the end of their driveway. You can see their shed which is got about 2-3 feet of water in it.


This is from the bottom tier of their deck which is on the opposite side of the house from the driveway, closer to the river. We were standing on this part of deck last night and the water was right at the bottom of the deck, this morning it was even with the part we were standing on.

A retention pond that is overflowing into a drain

This is the river and it's about 6-8 inches from the sidewalk

This is the other member's backyard that is now a lake

See that in between the trees? That would be their trampoline almost under water

This was part of the riverwalk and bike trail in downtown Naperville

Some contruction they were doing along the river just off the road

The most fitting part of it all is that yesterday was our Stake Conference and all the talks were about being prepared in all apects of our lives so we can weather any disaster or tragedy that may occur. I guess I better get working on my 72 hour kits!

9/11

There are times in our lives that we can remember exactly what we were doing, where we were, even what time it was. 7 years ago yesterday was one of those days. I could probably ask any of you reading this where you were or what you were doing the morning of September 11th and you could tell me. I was 6 months pregnant with the twins. I was sitting at a red light at Rt. 59 and Diehl Road in Naperville, IL on my way to work listening to the radio when at 7:51 am I heard that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers. Details of what had happened were sketchy at that time. By the time I got into work everyone was watching the TV or listening to radios and they were reporting that a second plan had hit the other WTC tower.

I don't need to recount the rest of the events of that day. I think we all remember what happened. I will always remember. I will always remember those who innocently died that day. I will always remember the feelings and emotions I had and watching our country rally together. I still get those feelings and emotions when I see pictures, hear audio clips or stories from that day. In the darkest day of our nations history, it was also it's finest hour. The stories of sacrifice, charity, friendship and heroism still amaze me and represent the true character of our country. That is why I will always remember. That is why I am proud to be an American.

I am so grateful to live in a country where I am free and I am forever grateful to those who serve our country in the military and preserve the freedom I enjoy daily. I am grateful to those who serve us each day as police officers, fireman, paramedics and those who daily risk their lives to save someone elses.

God Bless the USA

I'm running for President!

Spread the word! I would really love your vote!

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First day of school - First Grade!

Today was a big day at our house. It was

the first day of school

the first day of first grade

the first time Emilie and Ada rode the bus

the first time Emilie and Ada are in separate classes

and for me, today by far, had to be one of the hardest days yet with the twins

Not because they were going to be at school all day for the first time. I was ready for that. And don't get me wrong, I will miss them, but also I love the fact they are in school all day and I have a break. There are a number of reasons why and you mothers you can probably guess most if not all of them!

The reason it was so hard for me is because as previously mentioned - today was the first time Emilie and Ada have really been separated from each other - and I was doing it. It was a decision that I/we have struggled with and debated over for a long time. Kindergarten was a no brainer for us. We wanted them together. But this year wasn't quite as easy of a decision.

It was like the whole riding their bike without training wheels thing. Were they ready for this? Should we give them another year? We went through all the reasons why we should and why we shouldn't. But when it came down to decision time, we decided to let them be put in separate classes. And to add to the stress of it all, I was making them ride the bus this year. I know to most it doesn't sound like a big deal - but those who know Emilie and Ada, they aren't big fans of change.

There had been some discussion with them about being in separate classes, but I'm not sure they really realized what we were telling them. When we got home from the Dells the postcards had come telling us who their teachers were (from what we hear and I've seen they are both great! YEAH!) At that point they realized that they weren't going to be in the same class. The interesting part is that Emilie seemed to be okay with it, Ada was having a hard time with it. Friday we went to meet their teachers and we found out Emilie had two girls and a couple of boys she knew in her class and Ada ended up only having two boys she knew. That didn't help things! I could see that Ada was a little upset about the fact she didn't have any girls she knew in her class. Then last night reality really set in and Ada was having some struggles while Emilie still really seemed okay with it. I kept telling myself "They can do this, they will be fine. They can handle all the changes." But part of me kept doubting my decision.

I took them to school this morning so I could take them to meet their class on the playground. We found Emilie's class first and she walked right up and got in line with her class and was totally fine. We said goodbye and I walked with Ada over to her class. Then the tears started, she buried her head on me and wouldn't let go. She wouldn't talk to her teacher, even one of the boys she knew tried to talk to her and get her to stand in line with him and she wouldn't budge. The cutest part was Sarah. She kept patting Ada on the head trying to get her attention and then kept wanting to give her hugs. Her teacher then came over and took her by the hand and told me I could go. She led Ada to the front of the line and held her hand and walked with her into the school. I can't tell you how grateful I am for her doing that.

But then it hit me, the heartbreak of what Ada was going through. She was being separated from her best friend and her best friend seemed to be okay with it. Emilie wasn't sad like her. Emilie had friends in her class, while she didn't. Emilie seemed to have it so easy. I saw my friend Staci and was talking to her about it and I couldn't help but start to cry. My heart hurt for Ada like it never had before and it was my fault. My thought was "why couldn't she have had just one girl in her class so it could be a little easier?" Was that for me or for her?

As I was leaving the playground I saw Mrs. Zajac who has been so awesome to our kids. She assured me she would check on Ada and make sure all was good. And she did. I can't even explain how much I appreciate her! She ended up calling me two times during the day to let me know Ada was doing great. The second time she called Ada was with her and Ada wouldn't even talk to me! HA HA Staci had gone back over to the school to take her son Bret through a tour with his Kindergarten class and then saw the girls. She called me to let me know they were both doing great as well. Aren't I lucky to have such great friends who look out for my kids?!?

Although I had doubts about this being the right decision, I knew Emilie and Ada would be fine and they will have a great school year. I knew it was going to be hard separating them, but I didn't realize that when I saw and felt what Ada was going through how hard it was going to be on me. I couldn't help but take the blame for it. As the day progressed and I got the updates I did feel better about everything.

I'll admit I was still a little worried about the bus ride. But I also knew it's like most other things with them. They fight it and then once they try it they end up liking it. All's well that ends well. They both had a great day and even liked the bus. Although they said it was really loud and that it wasn't because of them! We're all looking forward to a great school year!

I think the smile says everything!

Paige, Ada, Grace, Lia, Emilie, Bret & Braden

The Zoo and Wisconsin Dells

Last Friday my friend Staci and I took the kids to the zoo. We had a fun time seeing the animals and going to the dolphin show and the stingray/shark exhibit that was here for the summer. It was Sarah's first time at the zoo and I think she liked it except for the dolphin show scared her a little bit (bummer hu Mindy!). I don't think she knew what to make of the dolphins jumping in and out of the water. It was pretty comical. I went to take some pictures and realized I left my memory card in the computer at home - so thanks Staci for sharing a few pictures!

Friday night my parents came and then Saturday we drove up to Wisconsin Dells - Waterpark Capital - for 4 1/2 days of fun. We stayed at the Chula Vista Resort. Of course the minute we pulled in Emilie and Ada "I want to go swimming - when can we go?" Over and over and over! So we of course took them swimming. We went to the indoor waterpark and after a few hours we could hardly get them to leave to eat dinner. And that's how it was pretty much the rest of the time. There were the 2 huge water parks - one indoor and one outdoor - with slides, pools and activity areas plus 4 other pools - a wave pool, hot springs, a kids lazy river and sport pool. I'm not sure who was having more fun the kids or grandpa ;-) Needless to say by the end of the trip we were all a bit waterlogged!

We did have one minor casualty. Sarah's right eye (again!) Jeff took her on one of the mini waterslides and he came off it a little fast (no fault of his own), lost his balance and they ended up going into the rope that was about 5 feet from the bottom of the slide face first and Sarah got a nice rope burn on the outside corner of her right eye (that would be the same eye I gave her a black eye on a few weeks back). It started getting infected so Sunday night we took her to urgent care and the doctor gave her some medicine to clear it up. I have now been to insta/urgent care more with Sarah in her first year than I have with Emilie and Ada in their 6 years combined. I hope it isn't a sign of more things to come!

We had so much fun spending time with grandma and grandpa Fank, swimming, playing in the water parks, going on slides, going on the Original Duck tour (a rig that goes on land and water - pretty cool!), shopping, minature golfing and watching the Olympics. While we were there Sarah took a few steps on her own! I am not sure I am ready for her to walk yet - I can tell already that she is going to keep my busy chasing after her.

Sadly on Wednesday we had to come home and then grandma and grandpa flew home earlier today. Thanks for a great time G&G Fank! We miss you already - love you!

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Happy 1st Birthday Sarah!

So I'm willing to admit that it was a pretty basic day around here even though it was Sarah's birthday today. I didn't even get her presents wrapped and there was no cake. Gratefully she didn't seem to mind too much! I did get the door decorated, she got to take two naps, go to WalMart, get smothered with hugs and kisses from her sisters and have ice cream- overall it sounds like a good day to me! :-)

We are going to the zoo tomorrow and my parents are coming tomorrow night and we are headed to Wisconsin Dells for a few days. So hopefully that should make up for it!
Love you Sarah Bear!

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye :-(

I've been catching some flack that I haven't bloged lately. To be quite honest, not much has been happening around here except for the usual summer things: playing outside, going to the pool and having fun etc.

But today was a sad day for the Barnes family. We had to say goodbye to some of our family - The Browns who are moving to Pennsylvania. Let me preface this by saying that we've known for a while we were going to be loosing Amy to BYU this fall. That was sad enough for us since she was our #1 kid sitter. But a few short weeks ago when we found out the WHOLE family was leaving us - well that was just a low blow!

Now, I say our family because that is exactly what they are to us. I honestly can say that the girls are just as comfortable, if not more, at the Browns house as they are at ours - and that doesn't happen often! They have been our go to family for just about anything and everything and vice versa. As I said before, Amy has been our #1 kidsitter and absolutely the best big sister to the girls - and a great friend to me. Jason, Stephen and Mark have been great with the girls too and have treated them like little sisters. Paul treats our kids like they are his own and has been a great friend to Jeff and I. Alison has been the best friend a girl could ask for. She has done so much for me and our family over the last four years - probably more than she knows. I am so grateful for her and I definitely know I have benefited the most from our friendship!

We took this picture with them last Sunday - our last dinner together.

The Brown-Barnes family

Life just won't be the same without you guys around the corner. Thank you for everything and being a part of our family and letting us be a part of yours. You know you can't get rid of us that easily by moving! We'll miss you and we love you lots. We hope to see you very soon!

Staci, I know you will be reading this so you better not be moving on me anytime soon and please give me more than a few weeks notice! :-)