A Crazy Kind of Panic

Doesn't this look like scenes from an episode of CSI or some action thriller starring Tom Cruise and Samuel L. Jackson?  Yeah, it looks like that, doesn't it?  Well, if you had been at my house between the hours of 5:30-8:00 last night, this is what you would have seen.  I apologize to any of my friends reading that may not know about this fiasco yet.  It's just simply too long of a story to tell to everyone in person.  So, sit back and enjoy. I have finally gotten to the point where I can consider laughing about it. 

I got home yesterday around 5:00 and checked my mailbox.  I was excited to see another Christmas card from some great friends....They will go un-named as of now. (Hahaha!)  I opened up the card and almost immidiately noticed that there was some sort of a mark or stain on the bottom.  As I tried to rub it off, I noticed that it came off in the from of a powder.  A WHITE POWDER.    I'm trying to come up with logical explanations in my head as I walk back into the kitchen to check out the envelope.  When I looked closely, I saw a slit in the bottom of the envelope but no powder. What in the world do I do?  I tried to tell myself it was nothing, and I truly didn't believe it was.  But, I always err on the side of caution, so at the urging of some friends I decided to call the police department just to make sure.  I was expecting to talk to the dispatcher, be told it was nothing, and go on about my night.  Boy, was I wrong.  I was told that she could send a policeman to check it out if I'd like.  When I asked what he could do about it, she assured me he would come with a test kit that would relieve my fears.  How could I deny that?  She also assured me he would come without storming into the neighborhood with sirens and lights.  I was afraid of causing a scene. Little did I know.....

About fifteen minutes later, the first (get that hint, first??) policeman showed up.  He had no idea what to do or say, so he called his supervisor.  Ding Ding Ding--number two policeman now arrives.  He tells me he's almost sure it's nothing, that there are a number of scenarios that could have resulted in this envelope and powder substance, and he wouldn't worry about it.  BUT JUST IN CASE, he called the fire department because they are the ones with the test kits.  Ding Ding Ding- insert two police cars, two policeman, and now THREE fireman at my home.  After standing outside and consulting with one of the policeman, a supervising fireman enters and proceeds to tell me I need to go outside, not to return to my house, that I should probably go get checked out due to possible CONTAMINATION, and that the hazardous materials team was on their way.  Umm, excuse me, but WHAT???  Panic sets in.  Tears begin to flow.  I'm thinking over and over in my head what in the world had I gotten myself into.

I waited outside in the cold and rain for a couple hours.  Before it was all over, two more policeman arrived, for a grand total of four police cars.  We had a firetruck parked on my street, and a HUGE trailor with hazardous materials written across it parked on the opposite side of the street.  There were no less than 25 men in my yard.  The neighbors started coming out of the woodworks.  I assured them everything was fine.  One was fearful we had a hostage situation.  Give me a break!  Finally, three guys- in their masks and hazardous materials gear, walked inside my house.  They examined the "substance" and wiped down the cabinets.  They searched for any residue and tested the powder for all the "big things," like anthrax, acid, or some other form of hazardous substance.  The tests were all negative.  PRAISE GOD.  They bagged up everything that was on my counter at the time, including two other Christmas cards I'm super sad to have lost, and threw it all away.  I was told that unless I started to experience respiratory problems or feel anything out of the oridinary (how comforting), not to worry.  There wasn't enough of the mysterious substance for them to test to see what it actually was.  All they know is that it wasn't dangerous and I was safe. 

And to think I was worried about ONE police car causing a scene.  I definitely caused a scene!  It wasn't fun the first hour or so when I was waiting to stop breathing or have chest pains or experience some other sort of symptom due to being contaminated by this random power on a stinkin' Christmas card of all things!  I calmed down a while later...a long while later.  I was too upset to take pictures, although in the midst of all the madness I was thinking of how great a blog this would make after it was all over!  HA! 

Thankfully, I'm back in my house.  I can breathe.  I am not contaminated.  I have a story to tell.  What is the moral of the story?  I'm not exactly sure yet.  I'm still trying to sum up what I feel God was trying to teach me.  One, according to my mom, is to not take things so seriously.  Everything in life isn't always bad and won't always have the worst ending.  Relax.  Two, all of the policemen and firemen were wonderful.  They were super nice and encouraging.  They told me that I helped train them and teach them what to do in a situation like this.  Maybe God used me to help someone in the future that may not be as lucky as me.  Whatever the reason is, I'm praising Him that everything is okay!

Have You Seen This?

I must admit, I set a series recording on my DVR fully preparing to laugh at how ridiculous this show would be.  I assumed TLC would portray the south as most other networks do- everyone lives in trailors, has two teeth, and speaks their own redneck language.  I was pleasantly surprised.  True, there are hunters, fisherwomen, and cowboys (a really, REALLY cute one named Josh) on the show.  But as of yet, they haven't made us Alabamians look too terrible.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the drama unfolds.  Tune in and let me know what you think.

P.S.  A reward is being posted for anyone that knows Josh personally and gives him my number.  Thank you.

I Finally Found One! (Chicken Salad)

No, not a husband....a chicken salad recipe!!!  HA!  I love, love, love chicken salad and am really picky about the kind I like.  I like the chicken to be chunky and not shredded, only white meat, it has to have grapes, and it must be made from boneless chicken breasts.  (Don't ask.)  I was searching the internet the other day for a recipe to try out.  As luck would have it, the first one I tried was fantastic. It's a little different, but perfect for my taste.

Hawaiian Chicken Salad

Ingredients


2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup creamy salad dressing, e.g. Miracle Whip ™
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, juice reserved
1 lb. cooked, diced chicken
1 cup blanched slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups seedless grapes, halved

Directions
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Mix in salad dressing and 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice. Stir in the pineapple tidbits, chicken, almonds, and grapes until evenly coated. Chill until serving.

ENJOY!

Deck the Halls!

...or the living room! I was so excited to be able to decorate my own house this year for the holidays. I bought a 7-ft pre-lit tree from a friend for $40. I was a little hesitant to purchase the tree sight unseen, but I decided it was worth it to not have to pay $200 or more at the store. Once I put it up, it was perfect. I couldn't afford to buy all new ornaments so I had to use what I had from previous years. I went with a very, very simple theme. I got some polka dot ribbon and made a bow for the top, and went with solid red and light blue ornaments to match. I'm sure I will add more to it next year but for now, I'm pleased. I still need a tree skirt, but am thinking about buying some cute fabric to put underneath the tree instead.  I also bought a pre-lit wreath and hung it on the mirror which sets on my mantle. I made a bow from the ribbon to match the one on the tree. It's so cozy to sit at home with the Christmas tree lit and a fire going in my first ever fireplace! (Although, I hate the smell a fire leaves. Any suggestions on how to get rid of that or eliminate it???)

I'm so thankful for this past year and for all God has given me. I bought a house and of course the most recent..welcomed my precious niece into the world.  It's this time of year that I'm especially reminded of how good God has been, through the good AND the bad.  Merry Christmas! 

P.S.  Tacky Christmas Bunco at my house next week.  Stay tuned for pics!!!

More Than I Ever Expected...

I knew becoming an aunt would be a life-changing experience and one in which I would never, ever forget.  What I didn't realize was how incredibly much I would come to love this little angel.  I held her yesterday and wept as I watched her sleep.  I think everything she does is amazing.  I have come to know her little personality so much already.  She loves music (just like her aunt) and sleeps so soundly when it is playing in her swing or crib, she sleeps with her arms stretched out above her head, she sticks that little tongue out to tell us when she's hungry, and she loves, loves, loves her paci.  She is an earthly representation of God's awesomeness and sheer perfection.  I'm reminded of the reasons He wants us to be just like little children.  I need to depend on God just as Sarah Taylor depends on her mommy and daddy to provide her with everything she needs to live.  I can't even explain what this precious little one is teaching me already and will continue to teach me as she grows up.

I also can't explain how proud I am of my sister and brother-in-law for the amazing parents they have already become.  It has come so naturally.  Cort is the best mommy, ever.  She is so patient and so nurturing.  She is smitten with this little girl, and I can't tell you how rewarding that is for me to watch.  Trey has been wonderful.  He hit the ground running when ST was born and makes sure Cort and the baby have everything they need.  I'm proud of them for so many reasons, but most of all for the gift they are giving Sarah Taylor of their solid marriage and comittment to keeping God in the center of their relationship.   She's a blessed little girl. 

Welcome Sarah Taylor

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."  Psalm 126:3

The Greatest Man I've Ever Known

I'm not exactly sure why, but I've been thinking a lot about my granddaddy lately. I find myself wishing he were here to guide me through this time in my life or to offer words of encouragement like he did to everyone he ever met.  I keep seeing his face in my mind and hearing his voice.  I have no doubt that one of his hugs would make the stress of this world just disappear right about now. 

My cousins, sister, and I had the most wonderful time going to visit my grandparents.  Granddaddy worked so hard at the store.  He would always rush home from work and just as he pulled his bright blue truck into the carport, would sound the musical horn he had installed for all the grandchildren.  He played the same  tune every time he got home.  He also loved to eat!  Vegetables were his favorite.  He was such a healthy eater, and some of our favorite times were sitting around the dinner table.  All five of the grandchildren would pull a barstool around the bar and watch as he and grandmother prepared dinner.  They would serve our plates first, and granddaddy made his rounds taking food from each of our plates before he got his own.  Cornbread was a staple, and he loved his crushed up in his milk.  When he was home, he would take us for rides on the tractor, let us go around and around the house on the riding lawnmower, or let us all pile on the back of his truck for rides through the pasture.  I will never forget sitting in a circle in the living room and listening to granddaddy read the Bible and pray every night before bed.  That was his priority and he always wanted to make sure we grew up knowing the genuine love of our Lord and lived a life of thanks to Him.

He was the most amazing man I've ever known in my entire life.  He was the most affectionate, caring, selfless, and spiritual man.  He had a relationship with God that I wish I knew how to cultivate myself.  I remember going to church with him and grandmother and watching him, before every single time he led a prayer from his seat, get down between the pews on his knees.  He would lead a song on singing night and his favorite was "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less."  His truly wasn't.  He fought his good fight and he finished his race.  He most definitely kept His faith.  Although my heart aches for his presence today, he is safe in the arms of God and I could never wish for him anything different.  I just wish I could tell him now that I have learned to appreciate him so much more since his death than I ever knew to before.  I'm trying to live in a way that would make him proud and even somewhat compare to the legacy that he left me. 

I love him so much, always.