Just yesterday marked the 3 year anniversary of Katrina.  Now we are once again preparing for another hurricane to likely hit our Gulf Coast including New Orleans.  We, of course, do not live on the coast, but we are about 170 miles north of New Orleans.  So we did feel Katrina, and Rita for that matter, when they hit.  We experience a power outage for 3 days.  Three VERY long days during the hottest part of the summer.  It was no picnic, but of course, nothing compared to what others experienced.  We were the lucky ones.

Last time, we were very unprepared.  Unlike many others, we did not rush to the grocery store to buy water and batteries for our flashlights.  We didn’t worry about filling up our vehicle with gas.  Little did we know, that there would be a gas shortage, due to panic and also people coming from other towns needing gas too.  I’ll never forget the lines at the gas stations.  We would be in line for an hour, and finally get to the pump, only to find it out of gas again.  It was very frustrating.  So, needless to say, we are preparing this time.  The van has been filled, and Steven is on his way to the store to buy some things to stock up on.  Can goods, batteries, water, etc.

Gustav has now been upgraded to a category 3 hurricane.  New Orleans has been given a mandatory evacuation.  This time, there will be no shelters opened within the city of New Orleans.  People are being told to GET OUT.  And if they don’t, they will have to suffer the consequences.  And from what I understand, they will be busing the homeless or just anyone that does not have transportation to leave.  And just keep in mind, there will be those that refuse to go, there always are.  People that choose to ride the storm out.  All we can do is pray for them and pray that this storm isn’t what it is believed to become.

Here is a list of things you need to prepare for a hurricane.  Just thought I would share it.

Disaster Supply Kit

Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
• non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
• foods for infants or the elderly
• snack foods
• non-electric can opener
• cooking tools / fuel
• paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items – for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Cash (with some small bills) – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
• insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
• proper identification / immunization records / medications
• ample supply of food and water
• a carrier or cage
• muzzle and leash

If you have one, ensure your generator is functional.

Also having several extra gas cans for your generator will be helpful.  And if you are able, you might want to stockpile some fuel in advance, but be aware that long term storage of gas requires specific fuel additives and some very serious safety issues.

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Technorati Tags: disaster supply kit, hurricane evacuation, hurricane gustav, hurricane katrina, mississippi gulf coast, new orleans, preparing for hurricane

This is something that I’ve talked about in the past.  But looks like this time, it might really happen.  Steven and I are concerned about the schools here in our hometown, always have been.  Right now, the school the kids are going to are “ok”, but their future in the public school system isn’t looking that great.  Let’s just say, that when you go to GreatSchools.net, our school system ranks 2 out 10.  Yep…that’s how bad it is.

So, the other day Steven had a job interview with a casino in Baton Rouge, LA, doing the same thing he does now, and it went VERY well.  There is a little town just outside of Baton Rouge that we are looking at to live in.  It’s school district is supposed to rank #1 in the state, and has an excellent Special Education program and preschool program too.  I also have a friend that lives there, so we are pretty excited.

Nothing is set in stone, but I have been busy looking for housing and I’m calling the schools today.  So…we will see what happens.

Technorati Tags: #1 School in Louisiana, Great Schools, Moving

Here’s a list of my Top Entrecard Droppers from the last 30 days.  I know I should probably wait and do this at the beginning of the month, but figured I would just go ahead and do it.  I’m going to try to post this once a month from now on.

A Junk-Foodaholic’s Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle
Making Mommy Hot
Cheaper Than Therapy
Memories Frozen in Time
Mommy Brain Reports
A Woman in Business
PaulsHealthBlog.com
Homes4Good
Work at Home Mom Revolution
Got Multiples?

Technorati Tags: Dropping Entrecards, Entrecard, Top Entrecard Droppers

Have you ever seen the show, Hi-5 on Discovery Kids?  My kids love this show, and you know what?  *whispering* So do I.  The songs are great and it is so colorful, and they teach kids about all kinds of things.  Anything from colors, places to visit, and my favorite…Teams.  What’s even cooler, is they do this show all over the world, with different people playing the parts, but they are pretty much the same. Here’s a great video of them singing the opening song, “We’re A Team!”  It takes me back to my cheerleading days.  Love it!

Technorati Tags: Discovery Kids, Hi-5 We're A Team, Kids Shows, TV Shows for Preschoolers

Mine have already started, but to those of you that are getting really excited about tomorrow, here’s a great video for ya!  It’s one of my favs.  Teehee!

Technorati Tags: back to school, Staples Back to School Commercial, Staples You Tube Video

Wow…I’m sitting here enjoying some major quiet “Me” time.  The older kids are in school and the babies are down for a nap.  It’s been a really busy week though.  Had to take the twins to an appointment on Tuesday out of town about 2 hours away to see their endocrinologist.  Actually, it is a brand new doctor.  We are getting a second opinion for a disorder they were diagnosed with at birth.  So then Thursday, they have to have blood drawn. (That was no fun at all)  Then next week, a couple more tests, which should give us and the doctor enough info for him to make a decision.

The kids are doing great in school.  So far, no major problems with Christopher.  He seems to like it and wants to go every day.  Monday is Open House, so I’ll get to talk with his teacher first hand.  So I’m looking forward to that.  Allie is doing well too, as far as I know, no progress on the potty training, and none at home either.  Hoping one day it just clicks.

And of course by the time I got to the end of this post, the babies are waking up.  So much for the quiet time!  Ok…I’m off to go get lunch started!

Last night, Steven and I actually got to get out of the house ALONE!  Something that just almost never happens anymore.  I think the last time we went out was for our anniversary in January.  So that tells you how long it has been.  Anyway, I called my SIL, who has offered to babysit in the past, I asked her if she would come over and watch the kids while Steven and I went to see a movie.  She was happy to oblige.

Steven already knew what he wanted to see, I let him pick since it was kind of a belated birthday present.  And to be honest, I could have cared less.  Just the thought of getting out of the house without the kids for a little while was exciting enough for me.  So we ended up going to see the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight.  He and I have always enjoyed watching the same movies, and we had heard that this one was better than the first, so we were excited.  And we weren’t disappointed, Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker was awesome!  The entire movie was great, had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Of course, I couldn’t help but to worry about the kids at home a little bit.  So I left once before the movie started, and called to check on them.  Christopher was not very happy about being left behind, so I wanted to make sure he was ok.  My SIL said that he was fine even before we pulled out of the driveway.

Anyway, Steven and I really enjoyed our little night out together and I hope we get to do it again soon.  This is definitely something that we need to try to do atleast once a month.

Technorati Tags: babysitters rock, date night, going on a date, mama and daddy's night out