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Sunday, August 31, 2008

Good Morning Beautiful...

We arrived safely (and quickly) to Baton Rouge via Airline. My brother's house was very comforting to see. We slept all bundled in 1 bed (Noah loved it!), and woke up safe. Noah is loving that my parents are here and think he's on vacation.

We had electricity and were loving our mini-vaca. On Sunday we made a trip to the Super Target and loaded up on food and ice. They were closing at 6pm. Sunday was fine with electricity and alot of rain. Monday - not so nice! We lost power in Baton Rouge and the storm winds were horrible. My brother's house fair well - but his neighbors lost their trees, siding, gutter, and even the vent leading into the attic.Then Sunday came around most of the day we felt like we dodged the bullet. Then the rain came. My brother's backyard flooded, Ike and my dad went to get sand bags to assist in blocking the water to come into the house (it was successful). My brother's neighbors by Monday had lost their gutter, their air vent into the attic, shingles and siding - Brian was spared with only lost electricity. A neighbor had a natural gas generator that was gracious enough to lend an extension cord in order for us to plug in the fridge and a fan (also to quickly charge up the cell phones and a cup of coffee!)

As of 5 am this morning the Metairie Marriott was mandatory evacuated with the exception of a few key members to hold down the fort! whhhhhhheeeeeew....i am so glad that we got out before sitting in traffic as most Kenner/Metairie residents are doing now.

Please keep me posted on where you are and what you are doing.

We love you
God Bless



The sandbags that Popeye and Poppa prepared.

Noah was anxious to go outside. The wind let up for a minute and we let him go play. He loved it.



This was a large branch that almost hit our truch. Brian's street looked like it was paved in spinach leaves.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Plans have changed!

The thought of going through another experience as I did with Katrina at the Downtown Renaissance totally scares me. I still to this day have nightmares of the dead bum that floated across me, the guns going off in front of me, the needles that I stepped on, and the 16 flights of stairs carrying an 80 year old heart condition man on my back still haunt me. With that in mind and the severity and location of Gustav (and Hannah right behind) we have decided not to remain at the Metairie Marriott. The family (inclusive of Grandma, Mom, Dad and the dog-Monty) is heading to my brother's house (Baton Rouge, LA - my brother is in Hawaii then San Diego).

I hope all who read this are well and safe. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything. Again, I hope to keep the blog as updated as possible.

God Bless.... Genesis 9:11..."never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth"

Friday, August 29, 2008

We are not Scared!

Waking up this morning, I felt more assured that the New Orleans area will be ok. BUT WHO KNOWS WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN! As of now, the plan for The Danos/Manuel family is to stay. We will be moving into the Metairie Marriott (my hotel), since most of the other managers and staff are leaving. Marriott's rule is once a category 3 turns at us as the target, we are evacuating the hotel (we are right on the Lake and a fully glass building). I hope all of you are safe. God Bless!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Oh Gustav...









Though Gustav is my Great Great Grandfather's name, this one is not so nice. Ike and I hope that all of you that are in this region of the storm, stay safe. We will keep you posted on what we decided to do as the storm gets closer. God Bless.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Where Everyone Knows Your Name...

Ok, so I am following the Delta Pi sisters of Delta Gamma pack of establishing a blog. It makes sense to share on a web base site where friends and family (those totally boggled by the facebook and myspace sites) to see how we are doing. Thanks to Hayley, Ra, and Meg for the inspiration. I am a beginner and hope to have an amazing site like yours to share soon.


Much love,
Lauren Danos Manuel
aka: Danos
aka: Noah's Mom

The Joy's of Pottytraining....urggg!


Being a babysitter for years with a total of pottytraining (or assisting) 3 children, it seemed so easy back then. Why in the world is it frustrating to train my own? Noah does so well one week - and recieves tons of praise and prizes....to the next week - yuck!

I have now moved to the sticker board. At school he receives a sticker next to his name for each time he goes. I will then add it to the chart on the fridge and add to the potty chart if he continues his success at home.

I know patience is a virtue and thanks for the support....please wish us luck!