We lucked out BIG time...

Our flashlights and radio were ready.

I filled up extra jugs of water.

We picked an interior walk-in closet as our safest spot.

I put a bag of snacks, coloring books, markers, & a card game in the closet too, just in case we were in there for awhile. I didn't really know what to expect. I even put the kids' bike helmets in there. (A little paranoid, I know.)

We kept the Weather Channel on in our bedroom pretty much all day on Saturday, especially after Mississippi was tragically hit, and that same storm cell was projected to be heading our way at 80mph.

It's a bit surreal preparing for a storm like that. I grew up with hail storms and tornado watches so I don't usually get freaked out, but with the warnings and constant coverage from our local stations, I admit, I was a little nervous.

The kids could see that we were getting things prepared and asking questions. M&M ice cream cones and playing games were good distractions. I didn't really let them see much coverage on TV (trying not to scare them), but Abby already knew "a twister" (as she calls them) might be coming because she heard people talking at school the day before.

Pat and I stayed up until around midnight making sure we were in the clear. We lucked out, and the storm's intensity lessened and ended up staying south of us - so grateful for that.

My heart goes out to those who experienced the real thing.