Since when do you have to worry about the weather in Mesquite?! Practically any day of the year the forecast calls for clear skies and a slight breeze. Some days are hotter than others but the thought of having an umbrella and galoshes any place other than a storage shed seems laughable. There is rumor of something called a Hundred Year Flood, but surely it must be a myth.
Well, I know better than that. And when Real Estate, by the wet lands was so incredibly affordable with their beautiful brand new homes, I knew why. The were built on a flood plain ( and a sewage treatment plant- PU!)
Oh yeah, Mesquite has wet lands. Stick around, you might learn a thing or two.In 2005, my family and I lived in the nearest city 26 miles south of here called Logandale; home of the rival high school. The rivalry between the two cities may as well be as fierce as the battle between bloods and the crips- on and off the field. But that is a story for another day. Anyhow, in 2005, it rained for days. News clips showed people losing their houses and cars being washed away in our very own little, and I do mean little, city. Roads and bridges were washed out from there to St. George.
Three things stand out in my mind:
1.) An image on television of a man holding the reigns to his horse, standing next to some small building, a shed or a tack room maybe, as water rushed around him. It seemed he was stuck on a very small island of mud just big enough for he and his mount. It was obvious he was trying to save the horse. The news clip didn't show what happened to him, but to this day I wonder how he got to safety. I worried for him at the time and wondered at the thoughts that ran through his mind. He must have been nervous if not flat out scared.
2.) I went to visit Kai at work with my little Cambria and over hear a woman talking about how she had to save her flock of sheep via helicopter so they wouldn't drown. I remember marveling at the love of a shepherd for her flock.
3.) I remember how swollen the Virgin River was. It was awe inspiring to me because usually it was so small it was hardly noticeable. The river that was usually a muddy mess of tangled twigs was a rushing force of nature that dared anyone to cross it and survive.
These three things came to mind as I heard an elderly man answer a question from a channel 8 reporter. He said, " I can't believe this. We have lived here for two years and I have never seen anything like this." I guess I have been lucky enough to see the hundred year flood twice.
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The Levy broke ( I drove the Chevy to the Levy but the water was dry- that song passes through my head every time I say hear the word Levy- ten points if you can name the song)down the street from the Maverick's gas station. Its destruction was great. Houses and fields could not resist the unwelcome guest.Kai had taken the kids for a drive around town to check out the water from the hills of the High school and other places. He said it was unbelievable. He had been home for no more than five minutes before our friend Lori pounded loudly on our door and told us that a call for community members had gone out to help sand bag threatened homes. Kai called as many people as he could while he got ready to go, but most everyone was already out sandbagging.
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Later on the news we saw a friends house where Kai had been sandbagging. The river was rushing by some 20 feet away from the house. It was scary. And lest you not realize the magnitude of the situation, when I say rushing, I mean moving at a dangerously fast pace.
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By the next afternoon, heaven smiled down on us and the waters receded back to the river where they belonged. The Levy must have been repaired. I know they were many tractors out as well trying to build make shift walls to keep the water in it's place. Not everyone survived unscathed. There were many damaged houses so maybe you could remember them in your prayers this Christmas.
Kai and the girls along with other Mesquitions marveling at the river.
All of the muddy fields were completely covered with water the day before and this house sat threatened.
SAme with these muddy fields.
In other news, can you spot the newcomer in Bethlehem? Aparently, there is a new sherrif in town. I don't think he collects taxes.
We have enjoyed a lot of togetherness this Holiday season. We'll be alone for Christmas but we will be meeting up with family shortly after.
On Monday we had family picture day with the Davis Family. Cathy and Jim hired Debbie Leavitt and we tool pictures in the rain. No one would ever have thought to consider inclement weather. We were scheduled to shoot at a nearby horse ranch, but ended up at the Davis Home. After pictures we celebrated Christmas with a yummy dinner, a talent show and presents.
Raia's first Christmas! This is not a flattering picture by any means, but Iwanted to include her!
Kai got a Dutch oven and was very happy. Those things are heavy! 
Raia settled down for a long Christmas nap.
Raia has learned a new skill, she can suck on her toes. I've never had a baby skinny enough to do this so proficiently.
Next post will be about Utah. We had a great time . . .
Raia has learned a new skill, she can suck on her toes. I've never had a baby skinny enough to do this so proficiently.
Next post will be about Utah. We had a great time . . .
