The Past Month

On Monday, January 26th, Klaytor came home with a generator, and 2 gallons of milk. I said, "What a waste of money, we won't need that!" By Wednesday morning, and we had been without power for 24 hours, and our yard looked like this (after Klaytor moved all the limbs in the driveway):

and I said "That generator is the best thing you have ever bought!" We spent Wednesday at home, and Sam played in the snow (ice).

On Thursday, it back to work and Mrs. Elva's, but most businesses in this area were closed, and most cell phone towers and land line phones were unusable. By Friday, some businesses were open, but there were long lines and many places only accepted cash. Friday night, Sam and I went to Illinois for the weekend, and enjoyed many modern conveniences.

Sam enjoying lunch at La Cabana's in Salem

Sam stayed with Mama and Papa a few extra days, then came home to our (still without electricity) house. The temperature in our house was in the 50s, so Sam and I stayed with Tony and Elva for several days. Finally good weather came for the weekend, and we got to have some family time with Klaytor.

On Thursday, Sam had his first trip to the emergency room for a high fever and upper respiratory infection. Thanks to Motrin, Tylenol, and cuddles, he recovered quickly. That night, our electricity was restored. Yea, and thank you, utility workers!

Sam ready with his "tools" to help the utility workers

We did the happy dance, and enjoyed having heat and hot water! We spent Valentine's day weekend at home, and had a lunch date at Red Lobster, and did a little shopping at Old Navy. Always fun! The rest of the week we spent getting ready for Samuel Humphrey Burden's FIRST birthday!!! Klaytor stayed home with him on his birthday and Ms. Elva and Tony came for Sam's favorite dinner- spaghetti! Then he practiced for his big birthday party. After Sam went to bed, Mama Mann, Aunt Jenny, and Makinzie arrived to surprise us and help us get ready for Sam's birthday party. On Saturday, everyone gathered to celebrate Sam's birthday, including Mama and Papa Mann, Mama Kay, Uncle Ed and Aunt Jenny, Tyson, Makinzie, Uncle Jon, Uncle Jason, Meems and Peeps, Aunt Neen, Uncle Chris, Josh, Eric, Emily, Max, Miles, Tony and Elva. What a houseful! :) Sam had a great time, and enjoyed playing with everyone. That afternoon, we went to Lake Barkley Lodge with and swam and spent the night in a cabin. Sam had so much fun chasing Tyson and Makinzie around, and around, and around!

Mom, I am talking to Uncle Jas. Quit taking pictures of me!

Today we went for his one year well visit and shots. Ms. April said that Sam is very smart (and sweet), but his weight gain is a little slow and his iron is a little low. So, he gets to take iron drops and have butter and cheese on EVERYTHING! Yummy for Sam...

An update on modern conveniences: Our electricity was restored on day 17 following the ice storm, our cable was restored on 2/20, and our land line phone on 2/22. We are so grateful to all of the workers have given their time and talents to help our area begin to recover from the ice storm. Being without power and other conveniences was a lesson in patience, grace, and gratitude for me!