The Polk Family

Hurricane Harvey...No Small Storm

In Sienna we did have some wide spread street flooding, with 2 neighborhoods getting hit rather hard with flooding streets. And there were approximately 25 houses in Sienna that took on water. The levees did their job and they were are saving grace!

However, our the adjacent community of Riverstone (where I teach and Elijah attends school) was hit hard and had mass devastation. There were between 400-500 houses who were completely flooded. 😪

So Byron, Elijah, and myself volunteered there on Sunday after church. We knew it was going to be bad, but we never imaged how bad till we got there.

We help this very sweet family, who had no one helping them and also have no family in Texas (we can relate to that). They have 3 kids, the youngest being one. It was back breaking work, but none of us complained and Elijah made Byron and I prouder than words can ever express. That young man worked hard and non-stop!!

And then on Monday, Labor Day, Byron and Elijah returned to help them some more. And Byron said once again, Elijah work so hard and non-stop. 💓

This is Cyndi, one of my dear team mates, who joined us at the house to work.
She is such an amazing lady! We were hot, sweating and exhausted, but it felr amazing to be able to help others.

There was a lot of conversation that night, at prayer time, between us and Elijah. And I can honestly say that my boys both have the biggest hearts of anyone I know. I feel beyond blessed to have both of them in my life!!

#Texasproud #Siennastong #HoUSton

A Tornado too Close to Home

So as we went to the evening Friday night, we knew there had been several tornado warnings in different areas, some close and some not. However, we received a warning that a tornado was spotted in Sienna Plantation, where we live. So we sent a lot of time Friday night in and out of the closet. Such a scary night but beyond thankful we were fine in the end.

Elijah choose to just hang out in our closet most of Friday evening. He had himself his own little sleeping area fixed up.

This is the pantry Elijah created for us in case we needed some food but couldn't leave the closet.

And oh course, flashlights are a must.

Time to finally try to get some much needed sleep.

Two areas of Sienna was hit by the tornado. By the grace of God, there was no loss of life or nor serious injuries. There was minimum to substantial damage to several homes. Our community pulled together immediately to help those affected, including our local HEB.

#Siennaproud

This is the statues that are next to our Exxon station on Sienna Parkway.

Before Hurricane Harvey

So, tropical storm Harvey wasn't to be an issue for Texas at all... so we thought. However, it turned into a Category 4 Hurricane on Thursday The direct hit to the southwest region of Texas, so school was cancel on Friday. So that evening Byron and Elijah enjoyed some pool time (in the rain) before the weather started to take a turn for the bad.

Ready for Third Grade

On August 22, 2017, Elijah started his first day of 3rd grade! How is this possible? He is growing up so fast! We pray that he has an amazing year and that his school year is the best one yet.

Elijah- 3rd grade

Mom - 20th year of teaching

Elijah and his homeroom teacher, Mr. Boyd

Elijah was thrilled to get Mr. Boyd because that he told me he wanted when he was in second grade. I think it is a perfect fit.

God's Beauty

While Byron was outside getting the grill ready, he called me out to look at these amazing clouds. God's beauty for sure.

Reunited

The person who had the hardest time with Elijah being gone and for being gone for so long was Byron.

Byron and Elijah are together now stop when it allows.

Byron truly didn't know what to do in the evenings when we came home from work, and Elijah wasn't here. And when the weekend rolled around, he missed him even more!

But in the end, Byron did survive and to say he was SO happy to see Elijah walk through our back door, is an understatement. 😉

Reunited and it feels so good!

Pops is always good for making us laugh!

Elijah and Pops continuing to have fun back in Texas

Big Steps for Elijah

So when it was time for me to go back to work, I didn't want Elijah to have to stay with a baby sitter for the whole week. So what happened? My parents, who were out here visiting, took him back to MS with them.

This was HUGE for Elijah!! He had never been away from us over-night, better yet for multiple nights AND being out of state. But guess what? He did great and had a blast! Such wonderful memories were made and it was such a great experience for Elijah, Nana and Pops! 💓