Sunday, March 13, 2011

Weekend Update!

Hi everyone! I hope all is well where you are at. I just wanted to give you all an update and let you know I plan on drawing for the Blog Candy tomorrow, Monday, March 14th. Friday was a really stressful day. Of course, nothing could compare to the devastation that was felt in Japan. My heart aches for the people of Japan and my prayers go out to them as they try to rebuild their lives and country. I didn't hear about the Tsunami until I arrived at work on Friday morning. I couldn't believe the images I saw that morning. Then thoughts raced through my head for my fellow CropStop DT sister Kaori who lives in Japan. We found out later that she was safe so that was a huge relief.

Later that afternoon, I started seeing huge plumes of smoke coming from miles away. I thought maybe there was a controlled burn going on (in Oklahoma, they burn the grass on the sides of the road sometimes to help prevent huge grass fires). After a few hours at work, I started receiving texts and phone calls asking if I was okay. I was like, "I'm fine, why?" Then I was told that the town I live in had a huge grass fire threatening homes. I frantically tried to find information online, but there were not a lot of reports coming out because it had just started. I left work early since my son was in school and headed to my house. I was stopped at the corner of my road and told I couldn't go to my house. They needed to get fire trucks down the road. I waited in the church parking lot in tears wondering if I had a house to go to. Finally, the sheriff let me go, but said they might be issuing evacuations soon. I turned on the TV and found that there were several fires going on simultaneously across the state of Oklahoma. I frantically started packing suitcases and important mementos. Is it bad that I grabbed my Magnolia magazines and stamps, blog candy prizes, and the projects I'm working on?!?! My friend and husband thought I was crazy, but I know you Maggie lovers feel me!!

The fires raged across our state and many people lost their homes (the Governor had to declare a state of emergency). I am so thankful and relieved because I happen to be one of the fortunate ones. Although I kept seeing black smoke behind my house, I never got the knock at my door to evacuate. Yesterday, my husband and I drove down the street (in the opposite direction from the way we usually leave our Addition) and we saw for the first time how close the fire was to our house. It was only 1 block over. There was only one more row of houses between us and the fire.

So, of course, this weekend, we spent a lot of time as a family. It was even more important quality time because my husband was out of town all week. He was flying back home when the fires were raging, so I was dealing with the drama on my own. This weekend, we had a lot to be thankful for, but at the same time I could not get the tragedy happening in Japan out of my mind. I pray the Lord brings them some comfort and peace soon.

I am also blessed by the number of you who entered my blog candy. I had almost 100 entries. I decided I'm going to do two drawings....one for the main blog candy and another drawing for a Magnolia Ink Magazine with some stamped images. So yes....that means there will be TWO WINNERS!

Thanks for listening to me today.

Hugs,
Rosemary

12 comments:

Lori Aragon said...

Hi Rosemary! I am so happy that you and your family are safe and that your house was also protected from the fire! How frightening that must have been to have to deal with on your own... But the Lord was with you, keeping you safe and making you strong! I do praise Him for what He's done for your family :)

With heartfelt love and compassion,
Lori

♥♥RubyM:)♥♥ said...

OH Rosie sweetie!!!!!!!!! Sorry to hear the frantic news my gosh!!! I could imagine you crying thinking about your home!!! I'm thankful you go tlucky but feel so bad for the unlucky oones.Bless their hearts sigh....

WOMAN OH NO YOU DIDN'T PACKED YOUR MAGGIES LMBO!!! I would of done the same too but after i packed my kids he he.

Rosie take your time candy is candy but your safety and
well being is first hun.We're not going nowhere so whenever you announce you'll announce no biggie lol!What days huh? I'm praying for Japan to and sometimes it gets overwhelming that i start tearing.I feel so bad for them but like you praying for some peace soon for them

Take care Rosie and i'll be thinking of you,RubyM:)

cebelica said...

Oh my, sounds like you had quite a stressful time. I'm really glad everything was ok with you and your home at the end. Hugs!

Gina K said...

How stressful! I'm glad that you and your family are okay. I also pray for those poor people in Japan. I work with a doctor from there and we finally got the word on Friday night that her family was safe. It was awful, waiting to hear, but what those people are going through is so much worse than our anxieties can even cover! Anyway, I'm glad you and yours are safe!

JLJ Designs said...

Hang in there! I hope this week is looking up for you. I too feel for the people of Japan.

Jennifer

sa_homespun / Michelle van Wyk said...

Hi there.. so glad you and your family are safe too.. wow, that is so scary... fire is terrible. My heart also breaks for those poor people in Japan.. heard on the news that another 2000 bodies were found.. not sure what the total toll was.. so horrible..

duchessdee said...

Rosemary, I am so glad that your home was spared and I will be praying for those who lost their homes. This has been an incredibly horrid week and the bad news keeps coming, and i keep knowing" God is in Control" but it sure is hard to deal with. I too cry off and on at the strangest of times but it is so awful.
Have a great day, especially since we can be so thankful. Dee
duchessdee@msn.com

Naomi said...

Thank the Lord you and your family are safe...we pray for those that did lose their homes they are safe. Material things can be replaced, but our loved ones cannot. Our prayers are also with those in Japan! There are bigger plans for all of us...we just don't know what hey are!
Blessings

Unknown said...

I am so glad that your family is safe and sound!! woohoo, you have over 100 followers! that is so exicting!

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

So glad to hear your home was spared. I cannot imagine the terror of being told you can't go home... knowing there was danger there.

Becca said...

We are living in a scary world at the moment! I'm sooo glad you and your family are safe, and sad and sorry for those who weren't so fortunate as you. Weeks like these makes us put things into perspective and helps up realize what truly is important. Hugs to you, Becca.

Michelle Pearson said...

yikes...I'm so glad to hear you made it through your ordeal ok.
It was so heartbreaking to think of you fearing fire and the horror that as happening in Japan at the same time. Makes us more thankful for eventhe rainy days and bad days in our lives! Hugs!