I learned so much about myself and my family during the power outage that came as a result of hurricane Irene. I wrote a few of them down and want to preserve them on this blog, so that, when another hurricane comes through and we are without electricity, I can be more prepared.
The first and MOST IMPORTANT lesson I learned is, I get grumpy when I am hot. VERY, VERY grumpy... like, an ogre. It isn't pretty. Second, I have never loved my husband more than I did when he returned home from Home Depot with a generator. I then learned that said generator INHALES gas and oil. I found out I cry when I can't figure out why the generator stops working.. note to future self, *Check the oil*.
I found it pointless trying to make myself pretty without air conditioning. Within an hour the hair will be in a frizzy ponytail, make-up will be sweated off and clothes will be sticky... my children, however, will still be gorgeous. Especially my naked baby. A naked baby is a happy baby. It was too hot for her to wear anything more than a diaper!
I learned that clothes lines are MANDATORY. Also, little girls squeal with delight at the sight of a clothesline full of clothes. They said, "That is SO cute!" Well, alright then! I also found out that the clothespins I bought for making hair bows are PRICELESS when it comes to actually hanging up clothes. I wish I had paid attention to knot tying at girls camp... it would have helped the clothes line stay up better......
I found out that Desitin melts when hot, pudding is a good (and almost healthy) way to get calories into a baby that is too hot, and a hot mommy is not a happy mommy.. did I mention that?
I also found out that food preparation takes 3 x's as long as it usually does. The girls were uncontrollably grumpy one afternoon and I decided they needed something familiar. So, I undertook the task of making mashed potatoes. 1 HOUR later, they were finished, the children partook, and silence came into our home... *Mashed potatoes calm grumpy children.*
My patience seems to return at night (around 11:30) when the house finally cools off... It's amazing. It's like my patience switch is turned back on. :)
I found that my husband works 100x's harder than he should to make sure his girls are taken care of.
Though it was hard, I am thankful we had the opportunity to spend several hot, quiet days together. I am thankful the Lord watched over and protected us and I am thankful for my family. Now, next time I need to get more fans.....
