The Day of the Fire..

It has been a crazy few weeks! I had a few minutes to get on the computer and I wanted to do a quick post, to document what has been going on. 2 weeks ago it was just like any other night, we had just gotten done doing our Saturday running around and Tricia and Emma had come over. I was making fish tacos and invited them to stay and try them. We were just cleaning up the mess and we had sent the kids down the hall to get in the shower. Emma was at the sink doing dishes when she noticed the dishwasher sparking. So Vern opened it up and it smelled like something electrical and when he tried to start it again it wouldn't. So my first thought was great! Now we are going to have to get a new one and it was the one thing in the house that worked really well! At the same time the fire alarm went off and Gracie came out of the bathroom and said she smelled smoke. So while Vern went to see what was going on, Tricia, Emma, and I were in the kitchen trying to figure out why we could see a light flickering, when there was no light to flicker. Then Vern ran out the back door and Emma followed. They immediately saw that the water heater was on fire and yelled for us to get the kids and run out side. (This is all happening with in minutes) So I grabbed Mayzie and because the kids were getting in the shower, Daniel had nothing on and so Tricia grabbed a pair of pants for him and he headed out. Leah had a shirt, but no pants and she grabbed a towel and the other two were still dressed. Vern was out back trying to put out the fire and Emma called 911. Tricia was able to grab the dogs from the back yard and we ran them over to Amys. I stood there bare foot on the street, tears streaming, with all my family watching the fire take over and I just felt so grateful that we were all safe! I could not imagine loosing one of my children! The stuff that is in the house is just stuff and eventually we can replace it, but family is priceless and I am so glad we all got out!! I know that the lord was watching over us! From the time the dishwasher sparked to the time the fire was shooting out the front door was only about 5 min! We later discovered that the light that we could see, was coming from a hole in the ceiling above the washer.......it was the fire burning in the walls! I can't believe we didn't smell smoke! Standing there watching it burn was so hard! All I wanted to do was get my pictures and thing like that. I could not stop the tears! I couldn't believe that our house was on fire and everything was gone! At the same time I felt so blessed that we were ok. The fire men that were there were so great! I am have a new appreciation for them and for our fire alarm! It really did save us! That night I knew we had family to comfort us, but I had NO idea the out pour of love that was going to come from all over! It has been non stop since this has happened. The next day Shiree and Duke came from Orderville with a truck load. My mom and sisters came with loads and ladys from our Little Valley ward showed up with truck loads. As well as family from up north and complete strangers that we don't even know, that just heard and wanted to help. The amount of love and support from all over has been so over whelming! It has made me want to do better in my life and realize how much more I need to be doing to help others. This has been one of the hardest things we have been through, but the blessings that have come from this have been so incredible! Sometimes it still feels like a dream and all day long I will think of things that we had and don't have, or little things I wish we had. But they are just things right? Neither Vern or I sleep that well right now, but I know over time it will get easier. I am so grateful to Verns parents for letting us stay with them. This kids can stay in their same school and it helps have some sort of normalcy. We have crowded them out, but they have been so wonderful about it! We got to go and stay with my mom for a few days last week for spring break. I am so grateful for the sacrifices our families have made! The kids are adjusting pretty good. They get a little nervous when a light flickers or something, but for the most part they are doing well. I don't like to see the house and I will hate that burnt smell forever! I will never forget all the good people who have been there for us! There have been so many that I couldn't name all of you! So here is a HUGE thank you!!!!!! We love all of you!
I took pictures of some of the things from the house. I will try to get them up soon.

An update:

We are opening a pay pal account that we can tie to blogs, too... It should be available in about 2 days. We would be most grateful if all you bloggers could help us spread the word! The blessings keep pouring in for this sweet family! But there is so much more they need, even the basics are just so financially overwhelming! If we are all able to even give a little, it will make a huge difference for this darling family. And FYI: their insurance has denied any claim due to a loop hole! Ughhh! It makes me so sad for them! Well, just know that your efforts are not going unnoticed! The Seelys feel your love and prayers!

Thanks again,

Hanna

Another bank account set up...

There is now another bank account set up for the Seely family for those who don't have access to a State Bank. It is at Wells Fargo under The Seely family fire fund, and the account number is 3292114331. Again, all donations are greatly appreciated, and will help them tremendously!!

(read post below for more info)

~Hanna

Life's sudden changes...

You never know when your life is going to take a turn in a direction you never thought possible...
(post written below)

This is Hanna posting for Katie:

On Saturday night, March 5, Katie and Vern's home caught fire. The whole family was able to escape the house safely, thank Heavens!! The house was completely engulfed in flames in just about 5 minutes. They had to stand and watch in horror as all thier memories inside were burnt to the ground. I can't even imagine how they were feeling in that moment. When I heard the news I bawled all night long. It is such a scary and devistating thing to think about. It was an electrical problem and started at the water heater out the back door. They could smell smoke, and the kids came running saying there was smoke. Vern looked out the back door and saw the water heater in flames and told everyone to get out immediately. They all moved quickly and were kept safe. That is the most important thing, and such a blessing that they all made it out together without any injuries! I am so grateful that Vern was home, and his mom and sister were there also to help. It was truly a blessing!! It is also wonderful to see how a family and a community pulls together in a time of such great need. I know they will be taken care of! The Lord loves them, and is blessing them with such wonderful people around them. We all love you Katie and Vern!! You are strong, and such great examples to everyone around you!

I have set up an account for the Seelys at State Bank of Southern Utah for thier benefit, as they have lost everything. All donations are greatly apprecitated, and will help them get back on their feet. It is The Seely Family Donation fund. Thank you so much for all of your support and prayers through this time of need! They appreciate all of you! There will also be another account set up at a different bank for those who don't have this bank. We will update soon.