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.

Anytizers

Well, I'm back on the stupid Glycemic Index diet again.  I had been pondering it for a while and finally the motivation hit me.  I wouldn't say it's the best option for everyone, but for me it is.  I've never eaten healthier than when I'm on it.  I have no processed foods, lots of protein, only natural sugars, etc.  I am allowing myself a meal or two a week off, such as Bunco nights, our school teacher lunch on Fridays, etc.  I'm hoping that will make the transition easier and help me not to feel so deprived of anything that tastes good.

Grocery shopping takes longer these days, because I have to look at the nutrition facts on every single thing I buy.  I typically know the fat content from diets before, but now I'm looking at carbs, fiber, and sugar.  I can't tell you how many things I looked at and put back.  But today, I found these...

                                            

Chicken Cordon Bleu Minis!  True, the picture doesn't make them look very appetizing, at all actually.  However, I tried them tonight and they are DELICIOUS!  There are only 9 grams of carbs in three of them (which is plenty, because they're bigger than they look) and no sugar.  It's the perfect thing for me, and it's something different. 

Just thought I'd share a new favorite!  Hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Latest Canvas Painting

The One Thing

I found this on one of my favorite blogs to read, "Fly Through Our Window."  She picked this children's devotional book up from a church bookstore and shared this page on a recent post.  I think it's simply said but yet so deep and insightful.  Praise God, for every thing He is and for everything He does!

Top Ten Things I Love about Fall

1. Weather- I HATE hot weather! Let me repeat, HATE hot weather. Although I like what comes with it- summer vacation- I would much rather be inside spending quality time with the AC.

2. Decorations- From cornucopias to turkeys, from jack-o-lanterns to scarecrows- I love it all!

3. Fall scented candles- "Leaves" from Bath and Body Works is one of my favorites!

4. My fireplace- This will be my first fall in my new house, with my fireplace!  It's wood burning, so that means I can burn it as long as I want and don't have to worry about the price of gas!  I plan on making some smores, too.  How fun is that?

5. Soup- I love some soup!  I actually made my first pot  recipe of the season last night.  It's 7 Can Soup and if you've never tried it, I highly recommend it.  It's cheap and easy.  (1 large can diced tomatoes, 1 can corn, 1 can rotel, 1 can Campbell's Chunky Vegetable Soup, 1 can tomato soup, 2 cans chili. Dump them all in the pot and stir.  Heat until warm.)

6. Football- Need I say more?

 

7. New Seasons of my favorite shows- DWTS, Amazing Race, American Idol

 

8. No more snakes- Hopefully as the weather gets colder, my worries of stepping on a snake on my front porch will be eliminated.

9. Sweatshirts- My friends will tell you, I'm all about being comfortable.  I will choose to wear a sweatshirt or t-shirt over anything else any day of the week if I can.  I love to cuddle up at home in my pjs during the winter, which consist of a sweatshirt and some comfy sweatpants.  I feel the need to clarify- no elastic at the bottom of those pants, friends.  Just sayin'.....

10.  Sarah Taylor- My sweet niece will be here this fall.  She's due to arrive in just a few weeks and I couldn't be more excited.  I feel so incredibly blessed, and I know this precious little girl will grow up in a home where she's showered with love from so many people.  Most importantly, she will be given earthly examples of her Heavenly Father's love by way of her parents.  I can't wait!

I'd love to know what your favorite things are about fall!  Tag yourselves and have fun!

Keeping Myself "DE-STRESSED"

So, I was thinking today of how many times I have to remind myself that I am in control of my life.  It's not the other way around, even though I feel that way sometimes.  I feel stressed a lot and have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off too often lately.  I've created a plan for myself that I hope will help me stay calm and at peace.  It's going to be hard to stick to it, and I'm going to have to call on every ounce of discipline I even thought of having to keep this plan intact.  I really feel like if I succeed, it will leave me feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

1.  Be willing to say no.- I stay so busy every single day of the week, that it leaves me no time to keep up with my laundry, housecleaning, and just time with myself.  I plan to have at least two nights a week to do nothing but come home and have some "Amy" time.  It should be easy to find time like this, seeing as how it's just me, but I have made it difficult.  I now work at least two Saturdays a month, so my weekend is shot.  I find things to do almost every night of the week...things that are fun and I enjoy doing...but it leaves me stressed the next day because I got no work done at home.  I have to be willing to pass on some events just to maintain my sanity.

2.  Make nutrition a priority.  I'm trying to go back on the glycemic index diet, which certainly isn't any fun, but is the healthiest I've ever eaten in my life.  I have no sugar, no processed foods, bread, etc.  If I stick to this, not only will I feel better physically, but I won't have to feel guilty for eating things I shouldn't. 

3.  Don't take life too seriously.   I have got to stop thinking and overthinking every single aspect of life.  I have to stop worrying and being so fearful of so many things.  I have to make it a priority to pray and leave all this at the cross and refuse to be a slave to it.  In carrying it myself, I take away the opportunity I have to laugh and have fun and enjoy life like I should.  I want to feel light and free to experience life to its fullest and be in the moment, not consumed with thoughts about something I can't control anyway.

4.  Experience God.  Above all else, I have to find God in every day.  I know He's there and in all things.  I must spend time with Him and be in the word to know Him more and love Him more.  I have to be serious about my relationship with my God and focus on how He speaks to me.  If I can truly learn to dive into His arms and experience the solace I know I will find there, I will feel settled and joyful and like none of the above matter any longer.

Here's to a new week.  Praise God for second chances....and more.

A Big Problem...

I have my fourth graders write journal entries to promote writing.  There are no penalties for punctuation, capitalization, etc.  It's simply an opportunity for them to write about whatever they want, without fear of being graded on the above.  At times, i get asked questions and have students seeking advice.  Here's one I read today that I thought I'd share.  Love it.

     I have a big promble.  I hate it.  I think ***** is in love with me.  I don't no what to do I don't whant to heart his feeling if I say I do not love him and ***** likes me.  I love like another guy that almost every girl loves.  So what I'm in love.  how do I let them down easy?

Obviously, I left the entry as is.  This is just one of the reasons I love what I do.  :) 

I really want...

one of these, SOOOOO badly.  Know where I can get one nearby?  Please share.

Another Fun Photo Shoot!

I had the honor of taking pictures of sweet Charlee this afternoon.  She is such a ham and definitely isn't shy around the camera!  Isn't she the cutest?

Baby Painting

Welcome sweet baby Ava Mann to the world!  Congratulations John and Emily!

Whirlwind and Wisdom

I'm still here friends.  I have been struggling to keep myself above water yet again.  School started just a little over a week ago and it's been nonstop since.  I haven't had much time to blog, and to be honest, haven't had much to blog about. I've had that feeling lately that life in general is attempting to pull me under.  It seems I rarely have a night to relax and always have something to do or somewhere to go.  When I look back at exactly what captures all my time, I'm usually unable to recall it....it's that mundane.  I feel like life as I know it lately (aka Satan) is tempting me to lose sight of God's presence, even in the ordinary events of my day.

I'm tired of that.  I'm tired of allowing life to consume me and refusing to watch for how God is working around me.  I've been going back through the study Experiencing God the last couple of weeks.  If you haven't done this study and are looking for how God speaks to you every single day, go get it immediately!  It's that amazing.  I'm learning, or re-learning, how absolutely perfect God's love is for me and that He is infinitely more interested in every single aspect of my life than I am.  He's working all around me and He speaks to me daily.  No, it's not audibly, but it's through His word, His people, prayer, and even circumstances.  I'm learning not to ask Him what His will for my life is, but to find His will and join Him there.  I feel like my idea of who God is is changing and I'm beginning to love and appreciate Him more than I ever have.  It's a great feeling.  It's great to be reminded that His love is REAL and ALIVE in us and surrounds us daily. 

I hope this encourages you as it has me.  Watch for God with me, and get excited to know what He's doing all around you!

This is SO not funny.

You guessed it.  Snake sighting number two.

Okay, so this time it was just the skin, but still.  I'm so totally freaked out.  I called my friend Chad to come to the rescue because you better believe I wasn't touching that thing.  He thought it was hilarious.  Glad I could provide some humor for you today, Chad, but I don't find it one bit funny. Seriously, I need a way to keep these things AWAY from my house! Either that, or I may have to sell the thing already.

Girls Trip #1

The girls in my family planned to take a trip to Ross Bridge this summer for a getaway before school starts back.  Unfortunately, Brooke and Anna couldn't come at the last minute.  We certainly missed them, but thoroughly enjoyed our time there!  We had lots of good food, got some sun and layed out by the pool, and just enjoyed spending time together, as always.  We've already made reservations for the end of September for trip #2...this time with Brooke and Anna.  Here are a few pics from our mini vacation.

Loving PSE...and still learning!

GO GET THESE NOW!!!!

Oh my goodness gracious- these are amazeballs!!!

BOREDOM=20 QUESTIONS=YOU'RE IT!

I've been out of town for so long that I don't really know what to do with myself now that I can lay on my own couch and do whatever I want.  Sure, there's housecleaning, reading, writing, laundry...LOTS of things I probably should be doing, but this is MY time.  And what do I choose to do? I choose to write a totally fun and completely mindless blog.

I found this list of questions online and thought it'd be fun to answer them and tag a few of you to do the same!  I love stuff like this, and moreso, love reading what my fellow bloggers write.  Here you go!!!

1.  How often do you go over the speed limit?  I'm too chicken and too poor to speed, so usually never..only five miles over.

2.  Do you dance like crazy when no one is looking? ummmm, NO! I wish I could dance.

3.  If you were going to be stuck on a desert island, which book, which movie, and which CD would you take with you?  Ok, assuming the most noble answer (the Bible) doesn't count, I'd say I'd take the newest Nicholas Sparks book, the Blind Side- because I'm the only one left on the planet that hasn't seen it, and my ToneRangers CD, because of the memories I'd think of when listening.

4.  What did you get in trouble for when you were a kid?  Most definitely, my mouth

5.  What really gives you the creeps? snakes, feet, and cotton balls

6.  What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? The Heart Family- Barbies of course.  I had the family car and everything!

7.  You run into a friend while shopping.  Where are you?  Definitely Walmart.  I'm there way more often than I'd like to be.

8.  When you fall asleep, are you usually on your side, your stomach, or your back?  Every single night, lay on my right side until right before I go to sleep, then turn over on my stomach.

9.  If fat or calorie intake wasn't an issue, what one food would you eat the most?  DORITOS!

10.  If you could hire one of the following, which one would it be? Driver, chef, maid, or stylist? I'd hire a chef to make healthy, protein and fiber filled meals so I would have no excuse not to eat right.

11.  What movie have you watched the most?  Without a doubt, Girls Just Want to Have Fun.  LOVE it!

12.  What kind of perfume do you wear?  I like to change it up, so right now I have Burberry Weekend, Heavenly, and Viva La Juicy.

13.  What was your favorite sitcom growing up?  That's a hard one.  I'd say Growing Pains.  I still have a crush on Kirk Cameron!

14.  What were you doing the last time you had a really good laugh?  Yesterday-playing "Finish That Song" in the car with Mom, Cort, and Trey.  I laughed so hard I got dizzy.  HILARIOUS!

15.  What was the very first concert you ever attended?  OAK RIDGE BOYS!!  Yee Haw!

16.  Who is the fourth person on your missed call list? My Mom

17.  How long does it take you to get ready in the mornings?  Typically, it takes me around 40 minutes at the most.

18.  When is the last time you went to the mall and what did you buy?  I went last week in DC and I managed not to buy one thing!

19.  Ever go to camp?  One time...that's all it took.  Never wanted to go again.

20.  Do you collect anything? I love to acquire books.  I have all Nicholas Sparks's books in hardback.

Now, who are the lucky losers???  I tag CORTNEY, MARTINA, JAMIE GRIZZLE, ASHLEY R., and anyone else who'd like to join in the fun!!!

Washington, DC

I knew I would thoroughly enjoy my time in DC, but I didn't anticipate changing my flight to stay an extra two days because I just wasn't ready to come home!!!  I had an absolute blast and that trip was just what the doctor ordered for me.

Anna (their niece) and I arrived in DC around lunch time on Saturday.  We were welcomed downstairs by Josh, Ginger, Rhett, and Ryder.  Rhett was precious!  He was so excited to see us! He ran straight to Anna and then grabbed me, hugged me, and put his head on my shoulder and said, "I've missed you so much."  Melts my heart! Ryder had grown so much since I'd seen him last, which was only a few weeks.  He's the most laid back and precious little baby.  He smiles all the time and I got attached very, very quickly being with him for so long. 

I had been to DC before, so I didn't feel the need to go do all the touristy things that most people do while there.  I could see the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and the Lincoln Memorial from their balcony.  We rode by most of the other sights when in transit from one place to the other, so I felt like I got my sightseeing fix from that.  On the 4th, we got to watch fireworks from the balcony of their condo.  They were beautiful and it was so great to be able to just walk outside and not have to worry with all the traffic downtown.  We went shopping in Georgetown, which was fun.  Every store you could think of is there- J Crew, Anthropologie, Vineyard Vines, Urban Outfitters, etc.  I was wrong in assuming it would be a little cooler in DC than in Alabama.  WRONG!  The temperatures reached over 100 every day I was there I think. 

If you know me at all, you know what a reality TV show junkie I am.  I had seen previews of the new show on TLC called "DC Cupcakes."  I thought it'd be fun to actually find the place and see what it was like.  I'm actually not a big cupcake fan, so I mainly wanted to visit just to say I'd been there.  It was just as I'd heard- a line that wrapped around the corner of the building and went down the street.  We waited though, and the one bite I did have was delicious.  It'll be neat to watch the show now and recognize the place and possibly some people I saw there. 

I got to go to three ballgames, which are always fun.  I saw Stephen Strasburg pitch, which was pretty cool. I had never actually been on the field at a Major League stadium before, and I was really excited to get to experience that.  I always enjoy seeing Josh play and am such a proud sister!  I'm thankful kids have someone like him to look up to.  He's so patient and gives of his time at the field to sign baseballs, T-shirts, etc.  He never takes the blessing God has given him for granted, neither does Ginger.  God definitely uses them in the Major League Baseball corporation to shine His light. 

My week was perfect!  I had an absolute blast and am so thankful to have had the opportunity to go visit.  I'll be saving my money to go back as soon as possible!  Here are some fun pictures of my week!

Get Ready DC, Amy's Coming to Town!

That's right, I leave early Saturday morning to fly to Washington, DC.  Actually, I'm flying into Baltimore and I'm pretty excited about that.  It's on my life list to visit all 50 states and Maryland is one I've yet to see.  Even though I won't have an extended stay there, I can at least mark it off my list!  I'm flying there with Josh and Ginger's niece, Anna, so I'll have some company on the way there.  On the way back I'll be by myself.  I'm a little nervous about flying alone, but it's a straight flight so it'll be fine. 

It's been about fifteen years since I've been to DC.  I've seen the sights but definitely want to go by and see them again...mostly to take lots of pictures.  It'll be interesting to be in our nation's capital on Independence Day!  We're going on the roof of the building where Josh and Ginger live to watch the fireworks over the DC skyline.  They're allowing the first 150 people that signed up to do so.  I'm super excited about that!  Of course, we'll also be going to games.  I've seen Josh play on his former home field in Miami so now I'm thrilled to be able to see him play in DC. 

I'm so thankful to be able to have this opportunity.  I'd certainly appreciate prayers for safe travel.  I'll have tons of pictures when I get home!!!  Happy 4th of July to everyone!

Another One...

Where Has the Time Gone?

Is summer really almost halfway over?  It always flies by, doesn't it?  It's been a great one thusfar.  It seems like I've spent every single day doing something and not so many laying around relaxing at home doing nothing.  I guess that's a good thing though, because I get to do lots of fun things that I am not able to do during the school year.

First was VBS- "To Eternity and Beyond."  I was in charge of crafts, and that definitely was a challenge.  We had almost 100 kids in one section and let's just say that making a Mr. Potato Head (out of a real potato) with that many kids in 20 minutes isn't the easiest of tasks.  The kids had a blast though, and our hope is that Jesus made himself visible to every precious child there.

Next, was Impact.  I just got home a couple hours ago and that week continues to bless me just as much today as it did the first year I went in 2002.  The relationships I've made there are absolutely irreplacable.  I've never been in a place with that many people searching for Jesus in my life.  We were all there to find Him in a new way and boy, did we ever!  Praise God for the miracle of Impact.

Tuesday is a HUGE day!  We find out if I'm going to have a niece or nephew!!!  I usually have a hunch about things like this but I'm just really not sure about this one.  I have no idea what to expect.  All I pray for daily is a healthy baby and regardless if it's a boy or a girl....it will be spoiled rotten.  Gram (my mom) has already been buying baby clothes and books.  As soon as I moved out of her house she made my room into a nursery.  There's already a baby bed and a glider (thanks, Paige) in there.  Do you think she's ready?? ;)

Next on the docket is Washington, DC!!  I fly out Saturday morning at 7am.  I'm so excited to go spend some time with Josh, Ginger, Rhett, and Ryder.  I've been to DC before but it'll be neat to be there on the 4th of July and to be able to see Josh play on his home field.  I'm super excited.  This will be my first time to fly by myself, though.  I'm a little bit nervous, but it's nonstop so that makes it much easier.  Yay for fun trips like this!

We had to cancel our beach trip this year.  We're super sad, especially since we had reservations for EIGHT NIGHTS!  But, we just couldn't take a chance on the fumes/chemicals that could be in the air, especially since Cort's pregnant and Noah has asthma.  We're sad, but understand there's nothing we can do about it.  We weren't able to find reservations at another beach.  I guess everyone had the same idea.  The girls are excited though, because my mom, my aunt, Cort, Paige, Brooke, Anna, and myself are going to Ross Bridge in Birmingham for a girls' weekend.  We're really excited to spend time with each other shopping, eating, playing games, eating, just hanging out, and eating.  Ha!  I love these ladies and am looking so forward to this trip!


After that, I guess it'll be time to run back in the classroom and get ready for 20 new fourth graders.  I'm not quite prepared to dwell on that at this point. :)  Between all the activities above AND my two summer jobs, there hasn't been a dull day.  I'm thankful for it all, though.  I'm so blessed! 

New Picture

***Note the little bee in the sunflower!

These Are a Few of My (current) Favorite Things!

1.  I'm trying to get back into the swing of doing without carbs and processed food, so I have stocked my fridge and pantry with protein, fiber, fiber, and more fiber.  I've discovered a few new things since last time I was on this diet and this is one of them.  It's Brummel and Brown Cream Fruit Spread and it's AMAZING! It only has a few grams of carbs and a more than average amount of fiber.  Combine it with a multi-grain english muffin and my all-time favorite fat free and calorite free Parkay spray butter and you've got yourself a winning breakfast!

2. I am working at two retail stores this summer to make some extra money.  One is a children's clothing store and one is just a cute little privately owned store that carries lots of cute, girly things.  They carry Tyler Candles and I've become a recent fan. My favorite scent is Limelight. 

3.  I love to read, but it seems like the summer time is when I actually make the time to sit down and do it.  I was privileged to be able to meet Nicholas Sparks and get him to autograph his most recent release called The Lucky One.  It's actually been out for a while but I'm just now getting around to reading it.  I am in the middle of it now and I absolutely love it!  I definitely recommend it to everyone.

4. Along the lines of number one, I'm also looking for alternatives to carbonated beverages.  I am trying to steer away from artificial sweeteners.  Vitamin Water Zero is naturally sweetened with Stevia.  I will say that not all flavors of this I like.  But, the Acai Blueberry Pomegranate flavor I do.  And I don't feel guilty for drinking it!

Anyone have any favorite things you'd like to share?  I tag you all if so!

Welcome to the World, Sam!

Samuel Ellis Morgan

June 2, 2010

I couldn't be happier for this little guy and his big sister, Mary Ella.  They have yet to understand how incredibly blessed they are to be brought into the world by such loving, caring, and GODLY parents.  They will grow up knowing not only the love of those around them, but the unconditional love of their heavenly Father.  Congratulations, Haley and Chad.  I love you!!!

Possible Problem....and a big one.

Happy Summer to everyone!  I've never questioned my choice of career, but I certainly am glad I chose education right now!  Summer break is the best thing about being a teacher...and I'm thankful.

Here's the problem- I'm very allergic to cats.  I can usually manage to be in a room with them and survive if I don't touch them.  I was aware when I bought my house that the previous owners had a cat.  Now I've learned that there's a good chance there were two here.  I took every precaution I knew to take before moving in.  I had the carpet (every inch of it) cleaned and we painted every single square inch of this house also...I mean baseboards, doors, and walls.  I'm hoping it's just coincidence, but my allergies have been worse than ever lately.  I always have a short period of time during spring when they get bad, but it usually doesn't last too long.  It's just not getting any better.  I tried Zyrtec and it does nothing.  I've moved to Claritin and it may be a little better, but I'm still struggling.  My eyes itch SO bad and they always feel like there's something in them.  They look blood shot and they swell.  My nose runs and I even wheeze at times.  It's miserable!  What do I do?  I'm going tomorrow to get a new air filter.  Other than that, I'm at a loss.  I can't exactly move and insurance doesn't pay for allergy shots.  Solution please. :)

Before and After Part 2

Sorry it's taken so long, but moving is a process!  I, just this week, finished putting everything away and finished hanging things on the wall.  It's by no means complete, but for now it's my little house...and I love it!  (Minus the snake....another post.)  Here are the kitchen and master bedroom before and afters.  I'll get to the bathrooms and guest bedroom next.

Kitchen Before and after:

Master Bedroom Before and After: