I have been meaning to post about the tornado we had a few weeks ago. When we moved here I was only coming on a few conditions
#1 We have to have a basement for storms
#2 We have to be able to see our Mom's at least once a year
#3 I don't want to move again for 10 years
These did not seem like hard requests and I'm confident that each one will be taken care of- except the basement. Somehow I let people convince me we didn't need a basement here- the last tornado was like 30 years ago. I was told we have a lot of warnings and crazy storms, but never tornadoes. I WAS LIED TO! They don't build houses here with basements, so I was very nervous, but everywhere I was told there are no tornadoes. So I actually started believing it, and with each storm I got nervous but felt sure one wouldn't touch ground. This year we have had so many storms that have been very scary- as you've read in my previous posts. But on May 10 we had an actual tornado- and F1- if you don't know what that is Ashlee would love to explain it to you! Lexi had her birthday party that afternoon, and had a friends party that night. There was also a Primary activity at the church. The kids were to bring flashlights because they were doing something with tents set up in the gym like in King Benjamin's time. Darrell took Lexi to her friends party and was going to bring her a little late. I got to the church with Carly and Ashlee and of course Ashlee had already been telling me about this storm that was coming in- I was very nervous because it had done a lot of damage in Oklahoma. In the church some people were taking their kids home and I thought it would pass us like all the others. My friend was talking to her husband and he said there are wall and funnel clouds forming all around us- get home quick. I got a little panicked- I know shocker of me being panicked! I grabbed Ashlee and I was going to try and out drive the storm. I had a very strong feeling to go back in the church after I buckled the kids in- and I listened. I don't have great vision in rain, it's really not safe to be on the road with me- I can't see well at all. It started hailing and we ran back in the church. In this time I called Darrell to tell him what was going on- he had no clue we were under tornado warning, so he asked the skating rink to turn on the news so they could see what was going on. I know I was freaking out more because we weren't together as a family, and if I would have gone home I would have really freaked out- not a good thing with kids around you. I told Darrell I was staying at the church, and he should stay too- I did not want him and Lexi out in that! In the gym, everyone was saying it was the safest place- and the kids had no idea what was going on. Me being as paranoid as I am knew the gym is NOT the safest place- the ceiling is the highest. As the storm got closer the only thing we could think to do is pull the chairs and tables out from under the stage and put all the kids in the rows. Do you know how worried I was about what other little animals and bugs would be sharing our safe spot with us?! YUCK! But surprisingly as we led the kids "To Explore Caves" with their flashlights- they were no bugs or anything, just a little dust. We got in and stayed until the storm passed.
Hail the size of ping pong balls and huge gusts of wind. Anyone who I have tried to convince to move here by saying there are no tornadoes- I take it back! There was a break in the storm and since Darrell was 5 minutes away he and Lexi came to the church- I was so grateful- I was sick to my stomach thinking of them. We had to get back in shelter because the next storm was coming and the little kids had no idea. They thought exploring caves was just part of the activity- good thing they all had flashlights! The storm finally passed and we found out it was really bad by our house. About a third of a mile away is the girls school, and a private school next door. the tornado touched down and caused damage in the Private school and a little damage in the girls school. Our neighbors could see the funnel cloud going up and down, it was very scary. No one was injured luckily- it was on a Saturday. Here are some pictures of the tornado and the kids at the primary activity!
A side note- our trampoline stayed- we had tied it to the stairs when we left!
8 comments:
That is SO scary! I don't know how you deal with that. That would freak me out!
I wanted to actually comment on a previous post cause I haven't had time to check blogs for a while. I just read about Ashlee and her stomach issues. I found it very interesting because Josey has dealt with stomach pains for a LONG time as well. She had bad bowl issues as young child (that I know we talked about with the laxatives and stuff) and I have sort of dismissed the stomach pains thinking that she probably needs to go to the bathroom. But she is also my sensitive worrier and after reading your post I started to wonder if it isn't stress that is causing it as well. She just randomly starts complaining of her stomach hurting on a fairly regular basis and sometimes it hurts so much that she is crying in her bed! It's just that it goes away just as fast as it comes on and so I haven't given it a whole lot of thought. I am really curious to see what Ashlee's tests show! So please post about what is going on with her to give me some ideas about what I might need to do with Josey. Good luck!
YIKES! That's so scary. We had actually looked at jobs out your way, but now I think I'll reconsider that. I am not sure I could handle all that stress! Iowa got a few tornados, but nothing within 10 miles of our house. But the damage on TV was plenty scary. Glad to hear that you are all ok and that the trampoline survived that one!
Yea, we were told that there hadn't been a tornado here in something like 50 years, when we moved here (July of 2005). Then that next spring there was a really bad storm with a few tornados that actually ripped right through Bentonville. It destroyed a couple subdivisions, and a couple homes were completely destroyed that are in your ward. The hail was the size of softballs! It was crazy. I've never seen anything like it before. I'm not quite as stressed out as I was the first year, but I still get worried. But it's still worth it, and it's a great area. I'm still glad we are here, even despite the tornado warnings each spring (at least it's only a couple months out of each year). It's still a great place to live, with tons of great job opportunites, and a great community.
I think it's hilarious that to secure the tramp you tie it to the stairs-good workmanship christian! Glad you all are OK, and I think you've officially freaked Travis out enough that he will never consider a job from wally. :)
It does sound like you have had your fair share of tornadoes! What a great idea to "explore caves" to keep the kids calm and safe. Glad you guys are okay. Why don't you guys just build a little storm cellar like on the Wizard of Oz?
Hi, you don't know me but my name is Sarah Jorgensen and I am from Utah. My husband and I have been researching Bentonville for a while and are considering moving our family there next year after he graduates from BYU. I just happened upon your blog as I was looking up tornadoes in Bentonville it kind of scared me a little. I would love to ask you some questions if you wouldn't mind about the wards, stake, schools, weather etc. My email address is bsjorgensen@gmail.com
Thank you!
Wow that sounds pretty terrifying! I remember the tornados in texas and being pretty freaked out by them! Your girls are so big i can't believe it, but so cute. I loved thier talent show videos!
You guys have way more exciting primary activities than we do!?!?
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