The Ants Go Marching…

As I sit here typing this and waiting for Al from Al’s Pest Control to get here, I look around trying to figure out how I am going to get everything done that I need to. They are calling what happened on Sunday a “storm”. I feel that is a gross understatement. It feels and looks like the damage was worse than what we had in 2007 and they called that a tornado. Looking at my tree (the only one I really loved and had high hopes for a shady reading corner under it when we got our backyard done…side note…we have gone with the best landscapers in the world that never show up) still in my neighbor’s yard (Jill, if you are reading this, I swear we are going to take care of it), it feels like it was a tornado. Driving one of Nico’s friends home and seeing chimneys in front yards feels like it was a tornado. Thankfully, we got our power back on Monday night. Last night we found out that not everyone was so lucky. Please say a prayer for friends and neighbors that are still without power. I didn’t realize how good I had it while I was staying at Gina’s or my parents’. The kids played or my mom occupied Gia and my dad hung with the older kids. The kids got to swim and we played games at night. Gina and I tagged teamed and she shopped and I babysat. We watched the same TV shows and she kept an eye on the kids so I could get a little break and vice versa. I think I really get the whole “sister wives” thing.

Anyway…I couldn’t wait to come home and get the house cleaned up and get back to normal chaos normal. What I was met with was the lovely blast of cold air followed by the biggest ant problem I have ever seen. They were EVERYWHERE! Yes, go ahead…be completely grossed out because I was and still am. I am officially the ant assassin. If killing ants was a sport, I’d be kicking ass. How is it possible to hate something so small so much? I had a huge breakdown when I couldn’t get in touch with Leo. I was ready to pack up and head to Indian Lakes again but with Nico’s help, we somewhat tackled it. I need to say something here. I write a lot about how living with a teen drives me a little nuts but this week, while the power was out and then the ant issue, Nico totally stepped up to the plate. My heart is over-filled with pride (don’t care that it is one of the 7 deadly sins) at what kind of man he is turning into. He is a normal teenage boy who is going to mess up but at his very core, he is a good kid. I am so thankful that I had his help this week. I called several exterminators…Orkin not being one…and only one would come out without us signing a contract: Al’s Pest Control.

This community is a great place to raise kids and in times of crisis, it is wonderful to see it band together (thanks, D and K for letting us share your generator). Today, despite the ants, I am going to be thankful that I have a house with power and a house to clean. Living out of your car for three days will do that. It will force you to gain perspective and see things in a new light.  I will not take for granted that everyone is safe and back at home. Everyone slept in their own bed and everyone was together again. When I woke up this morning, there was a lot I could have complained about but there was more that I am thankful for. I am going to choose to think of that instead.

Remind me of this when I am nursing Gia back to health since she woke up under the weather. This running around has really taken a toll on her.

 I almost forgot, Happy 4th of July, Everyone! Our town has had to cancel the holiday festivities so we are headed to my sister’s today. How will you be spending it? I hope somewhere cool because it is going to be a scorcher today!

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