It's Only Just Begun

My week has progressively gotten worse. . . and it is only Tuesday!!! Now before I start my post, I need to ask people to keep any bad thoughts or comments to themselves. I have debated whether or not I wanted to post about this. . . but it's my journal and this is what is going on in my life right now. So please do not judge too harshly, I am doing my best!

This morning Isaac had unlocked the front door and said he wanted to go outside. I told him not right now, that we would be going outside later. I then went to get ready for the day. The kids were busying playing in their bounce house. . . so I thought.

I came back into the living room a short while later and the kids weren't in the living room. I turned off their slide, and noticed the door wasn't all of the way shut. My heart kind of skipped a beat, and I called in the house for Isaac. . . no reply. I immediately ran out the front door and didn't see either of my children in the front yard. I ran back inside and yelled for the kids, as I quickly looked through each room. . . not too panicked yet, but definitely getting worried.

I ran back outside and looked on the side of our house and the neighbors houses, and started running down the street and around the corner (our normal route on our daily walk). The kids were NOWHERE in sight. By now my heart was sinking and I started to hyperventilate a bit. I had grabbed my phone before heading out the door (somehow forgot shoes!) and called Mike and I started to cry and hyperventilate at the same time. He didn't understand what I was trying to say and I finally got out "Mike the front door was open and the kids are gone!" He quickly said he was on his way home.

By now I was running toward the park, because it is a daily route for us as well and they know the way. As I am running to the park, I called the Holgates (my "Texas Family") and let them know what was going on. . . after a few attempts they understood what I was saying. After that phone call I finally broke down and called the police. I kept having images of someone stopping and picking up two toddlers off the street. Scared does not even describe how I was feeling.

When I didn't see anyone at the park I made my way back home to wait for everyone who was meeting me there, and I was still on the phone with the 911 operator. I made one last attempt through the house, this time looking in cupboards and closets.

I get to Isaac's room and guess what I find. Isaac sitting in the corner behind his bookcase playing legos, and Ainsley sitting in the closet chewing on a pair of shoes and playing with something else. I started laughing and yelling and the poor lady on the phone kept saying "Mam, what's going on?" I said I found my kids and everyone is okay.

I have never been so relieved, not two minutes later Bryan (Holgate son) was at my house and Mike pulling up a minute later. Bryan was just as sweet as can be (he is like a brother to me), grabbed Isaac and wouldn't put him down. Just sat there holding him and told me how scared he was as he was driving over. Bryan is 19, and I love him to death. He then sat with me for a few hours, because I guess he thought I wasn't doing so well. Let's be honest I probably looked like a complete wreck. I really was relieved that I had found my children, and the shock of them being gone completely disappeared. Mike was worried too, hugged both of his kids and me, then headed back to work. I really am lucky he can be home in moments notice.

What a slew of emotions. Nervous. Scared. Terrified. Relieved. Mortified/embarrassed. Thankful. Really my week has been hard, and it's only Tuesday, but more importantly I have had MANY MANY prayers answered immediately and it's only Tuesday. I really am so blessed!

P.S. Yes Isaac was just as obedient as he always is. . . but I still feel it's time to put chain locks on my doors!