Metro New Orleans DISers - check in!!! - Part II

[pperfectmom]

Just a Kentucky girl jumping in to ask advice. Do ya'll have any opinions/info on Destrehan? A good friend of mine just got a job there and has to relocate his family by the end of July. He has three kids in school and they are hoping to find a house quickly that they can afford in a decent neighborhood. They are coming down over the 4th weekend to check it out. Any areas he should concentrate in or avoid? Thanks for any help you can give me. I'm more excited than he is about the move because I LOVE New Orleans and can't wait to go visit him there.

 

[cajunmommy]

pperfectmom -
You've come to the right place! I'll let those who live closer in give some 1st hand advice, but I wanted to add a few things...

Schools - just a warning that a very HIGH percentage of our students state-wide are in private / parochial schools because the public school system (for the most part) isn't very strong. Now, Destrehan is in St.Charles Parish (county), and from what I remember, the public schools there used to be decent. I can't vouch for school performance currently, but your friends can access Accountability scores at http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/accountability/home.html.

I'm presuming it's a petro-chemical industry relocation? If they don't mind the drive, I'd have them look @ Ascension Parish (Gonzales, Prairieville) as well. Top-ten ranking school district and LOTS of available homes in a wide price range (this Sunday's Real Estate section listed over 40 Open Houses in our area alone!). A large percentage of residents in Ascension are employed in the petro-chemical industry.

I do remember the Destrehan area having lots of very pretty subdivisions. Just a word of warning - watch out for flood zones! Several of those subdivisons were built on drained swamps, and I know of a couple that have experienced severe flooding during periods of intense rainfall.

It's a good thing they're trying to get settled early - school starts August 8th for my kids! I'm sure St. Charles parish won't much different!

Please don't be shy with questions - any relocation is scary!

 

[pperfectmom]

Thanks for the quick reply. Actually it is a job with ADM, I'm assuming at the port. I think he is a grain silo manager(Doesn't THAT sound like fun ). He has moved a lot with the military so they are used to moving-just not used to having to find their own place.

 

[shovan]

Morning Y'all,

pperfectmom, The info cajunmommy gave you is right on. Destrehan is a very nice & safe area, some very nice (& expensive) subdivisions but flooding has been a problem in some of those. The schools have long been considered some of the better public schools in the area, but I'm not sure if that still holds true. I also agree & would suggest looking in the Gonzales, Prarieville areas. Less expensive and very nice! Good Luck to your friends, hope you get to come visit very often!

 

[kmores]

hey all- just checking in... been to BR twice in less than 24 hours. hope everyone is doing well or getting better!

 

[lori1043]

My cousin lives in Destrehan and has been there for over 10 years. her daughter did go to private school. I know not much more about it. My DB and SIL live in Gonzales and LOVE it. It is a new upcoming growing area that just a short time ago was mostly country settings. He says thier schools are fantastic- yet he is putting his in catholic schools!

If he is working at the port, in Destrehan? or New Orleans?

I have a friend who is an archivist at the Port of New Orleans.

BTW- my SIL wound up having 4 transfusions. Her uterus did rupture and had she been 10 minutes more either not there , or in labor- she'd have died. She moved out of ICU last night and we got to go see our new baby cousin and mom. Mom looks great and is doing great. Poor girl has lots of healing to do...she looks great for having no blood in her just 2 days ago...

Here is Olivia Brooke ...

Love, Aunt Lori

 

[pperfectmom]

Thanks for all the advice. I will give him this info when he goes down next weekend house hunting. I don't think he even really knows where exactly he'll be or what he'll be doing. He is just in desperate need of a job. They haven't ever even visited the New Orleans area so it will all be new.

 

[shovan]

Morning Y'all

Quick checkin, I have my MRI's scheduled this morning, then get a pedicure & somehow manage to come home & get packed for Houston.

I'm glad I have this scheduled, last night I started with bad pain in my foot& numbness down one leg & I'm having some difficulty with my hands too. Say some prayers for me, please.

Oh some good news, Son in law Josh, passed his test. He's now officially a CRNA!!! He & DD are on there way home from thier beach vacation. DD's back has improved some, but she's still having to take ibuprofen daily.

BTW- my SIL wound up having 4 transfusions. Her uterus did rupture and had she been 10 minutes more either not there , or in labor- she'd have died. She moved out of ICU last night and we got to go see our new baby cousin and mom. Mom looks great and is doing great. Poor girl has lots of healing to do...she looks great for having no blood in her just 2 days ago...

Here is Olivia Brooke ...

Love, Aunt Lori

Lori, The baby is beautiful & your SIL looks great too! Prayers for a quick recovery!

Thanks for all the advice. I will give him this info when he goes down next weekend house hunting. I don't think he even really knows where exactly he'll be or what he'll be doing. He is just in desperate need of a job. They haven't ever even visited the New Orleans area so it will all be new.

Good Luck to him & his family!

 

[TigerKat]

hey all- just checking in... been to BR twice in less than 24 hours. hope everyone is doing well or getting better!

Hope all is well.

Here is Olivia Brooke ...

She is beautiful Lori! Mom looks great too.

Say some prayers for me, please.

Oh some good news, Son in law Josh, passed his test. He's now officially a CRNA!!!

You've got it , hope everything goes well today and you have a nice weekend.

Congrats to Josh, you must be very proud!!!!

 

[cajunmommy]

My DB and SIL live in Gonzales and LOVE it. It is a new upcoming growing area that just a short time ago was mostly country settings. He says thier schools are fantastic- yet he is putting his in catholic schools!

BTW- my SIL wound up having 4 transfusions. Her uterus did rupture and had she been 10 minutes more either not there , or in labor- she'd have died. She moved out of ICU last night and we got to go see our new baby cousin and mom. Mom looks great and is doing great. Poor girl has lots of healing to do...she looks great for having no blood in her just 2 days ago...

Lori- We're doing the same thing. Moved to Prairieville based on strength of the school system, but our boys go to Catholic school (gotta uphold that tradition). In fact, I'm guessing my boys go the same school as your DB's kids. Do you mind sharing their names? You can pm me if you prefer not to broadcast it. If they're involved in sports, I bet we've crossed paths several times.

Great news about your SIL! It's scary to think in this day & age that something as routine as giving birth can still be so dangerous. Funny how we get complacent and forget just how fragile life truly is (NOT that you need reminding! )

Morning Y'all

Quick checkin, I have my MRI's scheduled this morning, then get a pedicure & somehow manage to come home & get packed for Houston.

Oh some good news, Son in law Josh, passed his test. He's now officially a CRNA!!! He & DD are on there way home from thier beach vacation. DD's back has improved some, but she's still having to take ibuprofen daily.

Hope you get some good news from that MRI so you can have a relaxing weekend in Houston! Kudos to DD & SIL - what a busy time they've had. I bet a huge burden is lifted now that she's finished with her MBA & he's now a CRNA. You should be proud!

Mrs. K - any news on the cake decorating job? Sounds like everything was going in your favor!

Have a great weekend everyone! Can't believe the 4th is next weekend!

 

[Terry36]

Hi guys...

 

[shovan]

You've got it , hope everything goes well today and you have a nice weekend.

Congrats to Josh, you must be very proud!!!!

Thanks friend!

Hope you get some good news from that MRI so you can have a relaxing weekend in Houston! Kudos to DD & SIL - what a busy time they've had. I bet a huge burden is lifted now that she's finished with her MBA & he's now a CRNA. You should be proud!

Thanks we are very proud of both of them! Right now they are definitely the "good & easy" part of our life!

The MRI went okay, but an "open" MRI is anything but open! They put your head in this holder that goes over your head, then pull the machine on top. It's noisy & you have to stay in the same position about 25 minutes. I'm only mildly claustrophobic, but that was hard.

They said they'd send the MRI report to me, but I won't see the dr. until 17th of next month.

Gotta go wash, iron & pack, off to see the Astros & the Sox, tomorrow!. I never know what to wear to a baseball game in a suite! Some people are dressed up & others are dressed like, well like they are going to a baseball game!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

 

[FloraFauna]

Hey guys. Just checking in real quick. I've been feeling kinda nauseous the last day and a half. I think its the heat and sinuses combined.

Sheryl, you are definitely in my prayers. I'm glad your daughter's back is better too. Have fun this weekend.

Lori, the pictures of Olivia are great. I'm glad she and you SIL are doing fine.

pperfectmom, I live in Kenner--its about 15 minutes east of Destrehan. I've lived here for 32 years. DH and I like living here. All of our family also lives in Kenner (In-laws, sisters, brother and cousins). DD has a few friends that live in Destrehan and its not a bad drive at all.


Mary

 

[MrsKreamer]

The only word I have gotten from Michael's is 3rd hand. My instructor(who is leaving) was told by the Event Coordinator that I am hired and have my pick of days to teach(since I will be the only one they have on the schedule for July!). I know she works tomorrow, so I am going to call and maybe pop in to see if the paperwork went through.
From what I see I am only waiting for Wilton to send my instructor kit, and Michael's to "officially" hire me. Classes start in 2 weeks in anyone is interested!

 

[shovan]

Mary, Thanks so much for the prayers, I really do appreciate that!

Stephanie, Sounds like congrats are almost in order!!! Let me know time & days, I'm considering it, now that I have a friend who's the master cake baker!

I'm just finishing up my packing, but wanted to wish everyone a good weekend!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

The only word I have gotten from Michael's is 3rd hand. My instructor(who is leaving) was told by the Event Coordinator that I am hired and have my pick of days to teach(since I will be the only one they have on the schedule for July!). I know she works tomorrow, so I am going to call and maybe pop in to see if the paperwork went through.
From what I see I am only waiting for Wilton to send my instructor kit, and Michael's to "officially" hire me. Classes start in 2 weeks in anyone is interested!

That's great news. I wish I lived closer because I've always wanted to be able to make pretty cakes.

Sheryl enjoy your time in Houston. I'm rather fond of the Astros because that was Colin's team this year in Little League.

Lori your niece is adorable and I'm so glad your SIL is doing good.

 

[TigerKat]

Good morning NOLA!

Stephanie - I wish I could take lessons from you but unfortunately with my weight loss & exercise as my priority now, cake is the last thing I need to be around. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Sheryl - Have fun!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

We had a fabulous lunch today at the restaurant in the Bass Pro Shop. I had a delicious crab cake sandwich and Mark tried a buffalo burger for the first time. If you didn't know it was buffalo you wouldn't think any different and it was quite tasty too. It was a fun way to spend an afternoon. Mark's not in to hunting or fishing (he golfs) but I always enjoy walking around looking at all the neat things in that store.

 

[lori1043]

I am getting my DN4 (who is the new big sister) and I want to go to the Bass Pro shop on the way to get her or on the way back!! We have been to Cabella's, but Bass pro is HUGE and amazing looking!!! It is MASSIVE and beautiful from the outside. We don't hunt or even fish except for when we do our annual or semi annual camping trip.
I heard thier restuaurant was good, but pricey. So thanks for the info.

We went to see Wall-E today. I LOVE Disney, but this was a strange Disney film. It was definitely cute and had a good message, or rather, interesting message. Very little dialogue. Very much good music.
My kids said all the good parts were shown in the previews-it was THAT type movie, I guess. He IS cute, though. And, hey the kids were excited to get a rubber digital watch .

We are looking more forward to Kit, this Wednesday.

I haven't heard any more from my DB and SIL, but I know they are home and must be doing well. I am not disturbing them while settling in with the new baby.

I am going to bring them dinner though when I go get DN4.

Lori

 

[kmores]

I am getting my DN4 (who is the new big sister) and I want to go to the Bass Pro shop on the way to get her or on the way back!! We have been to Cabella's, but Bass pro is HUGE and amazing looking!!! It is MASSIVE and beautiful from the outside. We don't hunt or even fish except for when we do our annual or semi annual camping trip.
I heard thier restuaurant was good, but pricey. So thanks for the info.

We went to see Wall-E today. I LOVE Disney, but this was a strange Disney film. It was definitely cute and had a good message, or rather, interesting message. Very little dialogue. Very much good music.
My kids said all the good parts were shown in the previews-it was THAT type movie, I guess. He IS cute, though. And, hey the kids were excited to get a rubber digital watch .

We are looking more forward to Kit, this Wednesday.

I haven't heard any more from my DB and SIL, but I know they are home and must be doing well. I am not disturbing them while settling in with the new baby.

I am going to bring them dinner though when I go get DN4.

Lori

we went and saw Wall-e today too....yeah I agree - it was ok but Get Smart was much funnier. didn't realize Kit Kittredge came out this week...guess we will be seeing that 4th of July or next day! not sure I want to see that Will Smith movie where he is a weird superhero....