Sadly, one of our animals (our cat, "Kitten Britches") was in the house when the fire occurred. Our dog and other cat had already gotten out. Right before the firemen arrived, I went looking for her, but couldn't find her. I was escorted out and had to leave her.  Once things seemed more under control, I told at least five different firemen to look for a white spotted calico cat, but they couldn't find her.  Finally, I grabbed a pet carrier from the garage and told them to please go find her.  Thankfully, one of them eventually did, although it was quite a long time after the men had used a chain saw to open the roof, axes to take down some of the ceilings, all the loud alarms, the beeping on the firemen's coats (she's already a timid creature, so I could only image how she was faring), plus, all the smoke and water... ugh.  We took the pets over to our neighbor's backyard where they spent the rest of the afternoon. We gave her food and water and tried to calm her.  That night and a week and a half after, we stayed at a nearby friends' house.  She was so traumatized that she pretty much stayed under this blanket on a couch the whole time (we wrote a sign on a piece of paper and kept moving it to where she was so no one would accidentally sit on her). Since then, we moved our pets to my in-laws until we have a better place to accommodate them. Thankfully, it's been very calm at their house and they are doing well. All to say, I'm really looking forward to spending time with all of them again, and in particular with her. 

A bit surreal seeing these pics as demo started this week.  It's both a bit humbling and terrifying to see how far the flames got.  Much to be thankful for. The pack out was completed today.  Everything is out.  We're tired. 

Currently staying at an Airbnb.  In another week, we'll move into a completely furnished rental house where we'll be with our pets again. Really looking forward to that.  For now, we are together as a family.  That's what matters.  

Took this pic of my daughter in her room before demo day.  I painted this mural ten years ago for my kids because I was inspired by Maxwell Parrish at the time (if you look closely, you'll see all the water damage on the ceiling).  So many things in this house made it a home.  The mural was definitely one of them.  Lots of growing up happened here and lots of growing up happening now. 

Kent and I were discussing how looking back at those first few weeks, our minds were numb to the reality of what happened. It's amazing how God uses shock to block those feelings to help you get through the first few days.  When we look back at pictures now, the shock has peeled back to grief, especially as we have spent the last couple of weeks packing out the house. Thank God for pack out companies! I have such a deep respect for them - what a detailed, exact and burdensome job!

While we do not grieve without hope (the joy of the Lord is truly our strength), the last few weeks have been physically and emotionally exhausting: living out of suitcases, four different places, zip lock baggies of so many things, managing pets, work, school, etc.  We are so incredibly grateful for family and friends who opened their homes to us, fed us, helped us with things like laundry to get through this first stage! We are so pleased to say that we finally landed in an Airbnb on Easter and in two weeks we will move into a longer rental!

Thank you for thinking of, supporting, and praying for us.  God continues to be our refuge and stronghold.  We are being carried.