ChristmasTime is here

Hopefully I am out of my blogging funk. Hey its Christmas time, no yucky attitudes around. Having a blast with LynnMarie. She has seen Santa Clause (check out www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com ) and is getting used to the Christmas tree in the house. She loves the stuffed Christmas toys that move and sing and just finds joy in everything.

One of the things I dreamed about while waiting to become a mom, was Christmas time and all the things that you can do and all the things that Christmas is about and sharing that with my child. It makes my heart smile to know our little girl is home this year and is going to be showered with love ( gonna get some presents too.

Just checking and thought I would ask a Christmas question?

What is your all time favorite Christmas movie? My husband might say Die Hard (ha) but feel free to get as cheesy as you can!

Christmas Traditions

I want to hear yours. I am a Christmas fanatic, although I have really been holding out on listening to Christmas music. But I want to hear your traditions to help us develop a few of our own. We really want to bring the real meaning of Christmas in our house and want our house to be full of memories for sweet girl!!

So bring em on!

this week

We are leaving next Tuesday evening for our trip to FL for Thanksgiving. This will be our first trip home for a holiday since we have been married, over 8 years ago. I am very excited and anticipating this wonderful experience with Michael and sweet LynnMarie!

Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions, what do you do leading up to CHristmas? I have to figure ours out. I have so many planned but would like to really simplify things as its not about all the things you do for the Holiday, but remembering what its all about and that is the one thing I want LynnMarie to remember!

Keep praying for us! LynnMarie has had a nasty cold/cough/congestion for 7 days now and Michael is sick as well!

catching up

I swore I would not get sucked into facebook and neglect my blog which is what has happened. Its so sad since I love blogging and getting to know bloggers and whats going on in their lives.
Nothing new to report here although if you ever want to see pics of the most precious little girl, find me on facebook or head over to the family blog at www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com

Loving the weather, loving my family and my little girl. I have already experienced many of the things I have dreamed about and had other surprises. 2 weekends ago, LynnMarie got sick. It was not as bad as it could have been, but the nurse in me started guessing what was wrong. She woke up one night crying so hard she threw up all over me..After getting us cleaned, we first rocked in her nursery and I tried to sing almost every song I could remember. Just some sweet praise music along with some old 80s music that I cant forget the words..I bet we rocked well over an hour and you could tell she did not feel good. But we rocked and her eyes closed and every few minutes, she would smile. She was getting comfortable. But no sleep.

SO we went downstairs and watched the Mickey MOuse Clubhouse movie and other cartoons and even played until almost 6am. Still worried, I went ahead and took her to the doctor who tested her for stuff and found out she had a virus that caused some sores in her throat which is why she had been crying.. 2 days later she was back to herself. Man, I love this little girl

Did I tell you that for the first time since we have been married, we are going home for Thanksgiving? I am so excited to be around all my family for almost a whole week. And when we get back, its Christmas time baby!!!!!! Yippee!

Fall

We have had some really nice weather in Atlanta this week. Makes me want to be outside all of the time. I want LynnMarie to experience all of God's creation. We had a perfect zoo day yesterday and looking for more fun things to do tomorrow.

So what are some of your fall traditions? Are there recipes that you must make every year? Any projects that you try to do? We hit the Apple Festival in Elijay a few weeks ago and also visited a pumpkin patch at a local church that is always fun..

I love the fall but I am still excited about the fact that Christmas is coming.

Nothing new here, just enjoying life with hubby and baby girl. Enjoying facebook and I am still reading blogs, so if you have new ones that are must reads let me know.

Book Review The Swiss Courier

I'm once again thankful to have been given this book in exchange for a review.I wil be honest, Im usually not one for mystery/suspense but this book was good. I totally recommend reading this or getting it for a friend. The book takes place in the 1940 and involves a character whose job is to collect suspected enemies of the Third Reich. This book took me to another time and another place and the characters were so real. I could very well see this done as a movie.

Wait until you get to meet Gabi and learn about the decisions she has to make!!! If you do get this book, please let me know. I would love to chat with you about it..

More about the book


About the book!
It is August 1944 and the Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich. When Joseph Engel, a German physicist working on the atomic bomb, finds that he is actually a Jew, adopted by Christian parents, he must flee for his life to neutral Switzerland. Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American woman working for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) close to Nazi Germany. When she is asked to risk her life to safely "courier" Engel out of Germany, the fate of the world rests in her hands. If she can lead him to safety, she can keep the Germans from developing nuclear capabilities. But in a time of traitors and uncertainty, whom can she trust along the way? This fast-paced, suspenseful novel takes readers along treacherous twists and turns during a fascinating--and deadly--time in history.

About the authors:
Tricia Goyer is the author of several books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Montana. To find out more visit her website: www.triciagoyer.com
Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California.To find out more visit his website: www.MikeYorkey.com






CONTEST (and this includes CHOCOLATE!)
Pst...pass it on! Help Spread the word about #SwissCourier on Twitter and enter to win a signed copy & Swiss Chocolate!

Just tweet this: The Swiss Courier by @triciagoyer fast paced and suspenseful! Don't miss out! http://tr.im/Ahjs RT #swisscourier and we'll enter you into a drawing for 1 of 5 SIGNED copies of The Swiss Courier!


Dont forget to visit the others on the blog tour, there are more great blog to read.

Head here to visit the other.

Book Review Pearl Girls

I was so thankful to be given this book to read and review..Please make sure you read the book info the publisher provided and don't forget to follow the book tour, that's always fun! For those of you who have a heart for Africa, read what buying this book can do for the kids in Uganda!

Loved this book. Not my usual review, but this is a book full of honesty and encouragement.. Its a book full of short stories and essays from many Christian authors.
So whats a Pearl Girl? Head over to the website and learn what you are and join in on the fun!

This is the kind of book you take everywhere with ya, because you just want to finish it and see what other encouragement you will find..Check the book out, if not for yourself, it would make a sweet gift

About the book:

With His love and grace, God covered the unexpected pain in my life of becoming an adult orphan and transformed this pain into a pearl. We are all Pearl Girls. Each of us has been touched by God's gift of love and grace, and it's a gift that I want to share with others. That's why I am launching Pearl Girls.



Actually, my very first gift from my parents was a pearl. The gift of my name. Margaret means "precious pearl." So perhaps this is what I was always supposed to do. My heart's prayer is that Pearl Girls will be a blessing to others - to the women who contribute their literary talent to the Pearl Girls projects; to the readers who are inspired and comforted by the life experiences shared through these projects and to the women and children who will benefit from the proceeds given by Pearl Girls to various charities. This is a win-win for everyone, and each of us has a special part in making the Pearl Girls projects "blessed sellers."



After the first Pearl Girls tea in Atlanta, I went to my brother, Claude's home to help sort through our parents' boxes in his basement. It was an emotional experience and tedious process to discover what was in each box, to decide what to do with each item and to discard those belongings which we needed to let go. After several long hours of sorting, I received an incredible hug from heaven - a confirmation that Pearl Girls is something that is meant to be. I discovered a three strand necklace of painted pearls belonging to my grandmother from the early 1900s! Isn't that amazing?
Press Release: http://www.mpnewsroom.com/?p=602

Excerpt: http://www.mpnewsroom.com/images/excerpt/PearlGirls.pdf

Click above to read a free excerpt from the book!

It’s about Connecting Hearts and Souls to Impact the World.

As you know Margaret doesn’t keep a penny of any proceeds. When getting the word out about Pearl Girls, please let people know that 100% of the royalties go directly to two charities:

WINGS (women in need growing stronger). The proceeds will help fund a Safe House in the Chicago suburbs. It costs $50 a night to provide safe shelter for a woman and her children. During this economy, WINGS is receiving even more phone calls for a safe place to stay. Already, the Pearl Girls have provided 60 nights with the advance royalties. www.wingsprogram.com

Hands of Hope. The proceeds will help build wells in Uganda for school children. Can you imagine a child at school without a water fountain in the hallway where he or she can grab a quick sip of water in between classes on a hot day? These children have to drink from puddles and other water sources which carry diseases and parasites. It costs $12,000 to build a well in Uganda. Already, the Pearl Girls have provided funds to build ¼ of a well. www.handsofhopeonline.orgFirst and foremost Margaret would like you to highlight above all else that 100% of the book’s royalties go to Charity.

who is out there-lurkers come out

If you are a reader and not a commenter, this is your time to shine. Leave a comment, tell me what your blog address is what you are having for dinner or some other random thought like that.

I miss blogging. I miss blogging with other blogging friends. If this is your first visit here, please know that I usually find more interesting things to chat about.

Find me on facebook. I have a farm on facebook. Yeah, I admit it. I actually have 2 of them.

I love this season, which has been really really cold here in Atlanta. I love it as well. I love the smells, the colors the feel of the wind, its just a fun season. We have been to the apple festival, have visited the pumpkin patch and look forward to trick or treating with LynnMarie and then getting ready for Christmas!

I have many goals right now and maybe thats what my next post will be on. Always looking for good recipes as well.

Hoping for another contest as well soon.

still here

I am still here, for those of you who stop by and I do appreciate it..Have some ideas to get my blogging routine back but I'm still getting used to having a momma routine!

Hope you are well and thought I would ask you a question today?

What are you thankful for TODAY? Big or small, sometimes we forget to thank the One who has given us everything!!!

Book Review The Christmas Bowl

Ok,so here is my part of the post. My review. If you know me and know how much I love the holidays, then you know I jumped at the chance to read this book. It did not disappoint. It was a quick, light hearted read and that made me laugh out loud. You are right there with the characters. What I loved most about it is that I could recognize how much my own mom wanted the Christmas season to be special,and it kind of gave me a glimpse of her thoughts!

If you have never read this author, go find this book. Now! Its not that expensive and you will fill like you have found a friend. I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to read Susan's books. I will be catching up on her books ASAP!

So if you like a good book, love books about families, books that make you smile, want to think about the holidays or want a quick read that will make your heart smile. go check out The Christmas Bowl!Oh and if you have ever served on a womens ministry, go check it out! You will find yourself in this book!

Please take the time to read about the book below and the author! She is stinkin awesome!



About The Great Christmas Bowl:Marianne Wallace is focused on two things this holiday season: planning the greatest family Christmas ever and cheering on her youngest son’s team in their bid for the state championship.Disaster strikes when the team loses their mascot-the Trout. Is it going too far to ask her to don the costume? So what if her husband has also volunteered her to organize the church Christmas tea.When football playoffs start ramping up, the Christmas tea starts falling apart. Then, one by one her children tell her they can’t come home for Christmas.As life starts to unravel, will Marianne remember the true meaning of the holidays?


About Susan:Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year. Her larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of http://www.mybooktherapy.com/, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/






Link to Buy the Book:
To buy the book, visit here!
The Great Christmas Bowl website: http://thegreatchristmasbowl.blogspot.com/
The website features a note from the author, fun updates from Big Lake Gazette, info on how to host your own Great Christmas Bowl Tea to benefit a local ministry or charity and a fun Recipe Exchange contest!

CONTEST: Be a part of the Great Christmas Bowl recipe exchange!
Susan loves getting recipes from friends, and sharing the delicious cookies, soups, breads and other fun fixings that go with celebrating the Christmas season. More than that, she loves the crazy stories about favorite Christmases – serious, touching, funny…whatever. Find the recipe contest here: http://thegreatchristmasbowl.blogspot.com/2009/07/recipe-exchange.html

Will you share your story and recipe with Susan and the readers of the Great Christmas Bowl? She will post your story and recipe on the FRONT PAGE of the Great Christmas Bowl website, and send you a link when it goes up so you can tell all your friends. Then, at the Great Christmas Bowl party (December 5th, 10am, online! Details TBA) she’ll make the entire cookbook available for download!

For every recipe/story you submit (up to 3), you will be entered in a drawing to receive one of SMW’s collections (Noble Legacy, Team Hope, Heirs of Anton, Deep Haven Series, Josey series, or THE ADVANCED COPY of Sons of Thunder – Susie’s brand new epic World War 2 novel, due out in January 2010!)

Go – run, get your recipe, then come back here and click on the link below to share your Christmas memorie

the past

Rock Hill, S.C. The city that gave me the earliest memories of my childhood. Actually it was the house in the Wintercrest Subdivision. I had not visited since we left 25 years ago but last week after a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge, I was able to visit a most historical place. My sister,brother and I lived here longer than anywhere else. This is where we learned to stay up for Santa, learned to clean the house by 8am on Saturday mornings so we could watch cartoons, where my sister fell out of the 2 story window and where Christmas became alive to me. It was a most special place. Rock Hill also gave me my first church home, Westminster Pres Church. We actually got to visit there as well, but no pics. Loved my church. I loved Pioneer Girls. I loved the hymns the stories, the activities. I just loved the church and the school. My prayer is that LynnMarie will also find some of the same memories.

The picture on the bottom is of Miss Vera, a neighbor who I had not seen in 25 years..Amazing that she and I connected via email. You see, Miss Vera and my mom did a Bible Study at the house every week when I was younger. Those ladies were such an example to me as a young child. I remember visiting Miss Vera weekly at her home.

It was so nice to visit Rock Hill. Its been nice finding elementary school friends on facebook, we all went to Westminster Christian school. That's really been cool and catching up. I'm sure all of us share some cool stories.

That house sure does look different than it did 25 years ago, but its the same one. Same houses around but different families now occupy them.To see where my family started, where my dad began laying the foundation for our lives was so cool. I am blessed to have the family I do, and a family that has poured love on me!

Great Wolf Concord Trip review

Pics are below..Just click to see them bigger!!!
Well last month I was asked if I wanted to visit the Great Wolf Lodge in NC for 2 nights for FREE! I quickly said yes and promised to quickly tell you how our trip was! Was it worth it? YES! Will we go again? YES!!!!

We left Atlanta and headed for Concord about lunch time on Monday afternoon getting to the GW about 4pm. Since school just started, it was not crowded at all, had no problem checking in!! Immediately we knew we were going to have a good time. Definitely wolf/mountain cabin themed and its beautiful. Customer service is obviously important to them, had friendly service from the first person that said hello! If you have never heard of GW lodges you need to know thats its a family resort that has a HUGE indoor water park along with lots of other fun stuff!

After we checked in, we got our luggage and headed to our room on the 4th floor. We got a basic family suite which was 2 queen beds, a pull out couch which could easily fit 6 adults. As a basic room, it was HUGE! LynnMarie had tons of room to practice walking and crawling and play. It also had a fridge and microwave so you could bring food to help save costs, which we did! Actually GW recommended doing that! Awesome! They provided a pack and play that had wolf blankets too!

After enjoying our chocolate covered strawberries that were awaiting us and opening a special gift for LynnMarie, we changed and headed down to the waterpark. It was pretty darn empty but that didnt stop the lifeguards who pretty much circle every area all day.. I felt very secure! We spent a lot of time in the HUGE toddler area which all of us enjoyed..It was a really big water area with slides for toddlers, splashing area and other toys. Actually we spent most of the time there before heading to the big wave pool for a bit..LynnMarie loved all of it and loves to do 1-2-3 go under water!! She is a water baby for sure. It was getting close to 730 so we left and changed for dinner. Since it was late, we first did story time in the lobby and their daily animated show which was fun and they even had a character come out and visit the kids.They invite everyone to come out in their pjs but we did not as we went to dinner afterwards..We ate at the resort and had great service plus a yummy meal. And our server gave LynnMarie a special souvenir as well! Fun times!!!

It was getting late so we went upstairs and had play time and got ready for bed. LynnMarie went to bed rather quickly.. I stayed up for a bit before crashing on the totally comfortable beds.. I loved the beds..The only bed that has ever been more comfortable is the La Quinta in Los Angelas we stayed in after we got home from China!

Tues we got up, got dressed and headed out. Busy day ahead! Had breakfast at Cracker Barrell, went to a Hendricks NASCAR museum and the walked the mall, which was HUGE and had some great stuff in their. Plus we got LynnMarie on a carousel and got her Halloween costume!! Fun times. We came back the hotel for lunch (microwave noodles) and a nap!

We got up and had more pool time and hit the arcade which was huge and had lots of fun stuff. Great Wolf is very family friendly and had LM been a bit older we could have done more. You can make your own stuffed wolf, make your own crocs or play Magic Quest which takes you on an adventure around the resort.

Dinner Tuesday night was at Quaker Steak which is a fun sports bar. We got back, gave Lynnmarie a bath and started packing up.

We took our time getting up the next morning and had Dunkin Donuts for breakfast..There is both a DD and a Pizza Hut on the property along with 3 other restaurants. There is also an ice cream/fudge shop too! We made a final stop at the fudge store before packing up the car!!!

That was the end of our trip but we will go back. There are several of these resorts around the country, I would love to visit the Williamsburg one next. But Concord is 4 hours from Atlanta, perfect for a 1-2 night stay for those of us in Atlanta!!! Please let me know if you have any questions..I warn you. If you choose to go to the website, you may end of making a reservation..It was a fabulous trip..

Great customer service, time as a family equals awesomeness!

After watching the VMA's last night I started wondering again whats going on in this world? Why is it okay to pretend to pray to Satan or joke about someones bisexuality? This is entertaining. I must say that i have an odd sense of humor and I can accept a lot (too much) but last night was way too far!

Its a scary world that we live in? I can't imagine Jesus walking down our streets..I know he would love all, but I can also see tears in his eyes..We just aren't getting it.

I'm ashamed. Is this the new normal? I know our world has been morally declining for years but I am so scared for LynnMarie. I don't want this to be her normal but I also don't want to shelter her!

Looking for ideas

As we contemplate sending LynnMarie to Mothers Morning out, Im looking for ideas to start teaching her some basic things..Found a great website thanks to Rebecca called No Time for Flashcards but also want to know what you do/did for your 18-24 month olds that does not include tv...Hoping for great ideas!

today

Got up this morning and did as much cleaning up as I could while playing with sweet girl. Made it to Weight watchers before the rain started and also learned I lost 3 pounds. Probably would have lost more but I was not disciplined at dinner last night..Oh well, I know what works!

So after meeting and lunch with Donna, we hit the farmers market place for the first time. This company sells baskets on Thursdays for either 10 or 15 dollars. You initially pay a 10 dollar joining fee, but that gives you a nice basket that you bring back and exchange. I had no idea what would be in it so we got home and I went through my goodie bag and found 4 green peppers, 1 pineapple. 5 bananas, 5 apples, 6 potatoes, 2 heads of leafy stuff, 4 small tomatoes and I think something else..For 15 dollars, I was excited. So we have some fresh veggies until we go again.

Now, I did put the basket in the back seat below the carseat but when I turned the corner, I saw LynnMarie eating a leaf!!! Oh Dear!

My review of this book!



Ok so do remember long long time ago watching a really good family show like Little House of the Prairie and loving every episode? Now Sunrise Serenade is like that. Although this book is the 12th in the Home to Heather Creek series, you don't need to start at the beginning. This is a great book to get you hooked on this wonderful family town full of fun characters! I hate to give the story away but I promise you will love it. Its an easy read and I can not wait to catch up myself on the early parts of this series.You will love the author!



So if you have read my reviews before, you will recognize the following info. But please get hooked! You will notice that the author sometimes does a contest on her blog too! The link is below so please enjoy! But they did send me 2 copies of this book and I want to give one to you! So leave a comment with what book you are reading, what you just read or what you are going to read and I will draw names on Tuesday morning!

Also, don't forget to visit the others on the book tour to get other chances to win!!!





About Sunflower Serenade: A small-town summer...

The days are long and lazy, the corn is high, the sunflowers are in bloom, and everyone in Bedford is gearing up for the biggest event of the summer: the annual county fair. But when a Nashville music producer approaches Bob about using Heather Creek Farm to film a country star's new music video, he and Charlotte are faced with a dilemma. Will they allow the glamour and enticements of big-city life to encroach upon their peaceful home? Will the excitement of celebrity drown out the simple joys of summer?



About the Home to Heather Creek series: Charlotte Stevenson's world is turned upside down when her daughter, Denise, dies in a tragic car accident. She ran away at eighteen and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise's children, abandoned by their father, are coming from California to live on Heather Creek Farm in Bedford, Nebraska.



Charlotte is uncertain about her ability to care for three grandchildren who are not thrilled to give up the beach and sunshine for snow and farm chores! But she sees a chance to make amends and will do whatever it takes to keep her fragile family together. Feel the courage, strength and commitment of this family as their lives unfold in the Home to Heather Creek series.





Link to buy book: http://www.guideposts.org/heathercreek/linked_pages/book7.html The books come in a series and you can order those at the link. However, if you just want to order Every Sunrise you must call the customer service number (1-800-431-2344).


About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of eighteen fiction and non-fiction books, including Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. Tricia writes magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia also enjoys speaking. She and her family make their home in Montana.

Contest: Playing on one element of the book - big city entertainers vs. old county fair – the contest for this blog tour is City Girl Goes Country! Share your funniest story (about you or someone you know) about a time when you as the “city girl” goes to the country or “country girl” goes to the city. Enter the contest here: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2009/08/sunflower-serenade-blog-tour.html



Schedule: http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/88-sunflower-serenade-blog-tour (please post this link in your blog tour post so your readers can follow along!)

Todays WW and tomorrows contest

There's gonna be another book giveway and review tomorrow. Dont forget to stop by!

Today (not the best eating but have stayed within my points)
Breakfast (2 point breakfast bar and 5 meatballs- we had nursery duty)
Lunch- subway 6 inch turkey on white with mustard, no cheese and lots of veggies
Dinner- Michael made a steak (had small piece), baked potato with steak sauce on it and lots of green beans

Hopefully tonight my snacks at work will be fruit and yogurt and some sort of protein!


For those new to my blog, thanks for reading!

When its time to change

Do you ever blog the same things over and over and over! We I am going to do it again. Went back to WW again this week and although I have been paying for it and have been going to meetings, I haven't been on program in a LONG TIME!!!! Anyone else been there!

But I read blogs that motivate me. Reading a guys blog that just 200 pounds with just exercise and eating better.. I read A LOT !

I don't want to be fat, really I don't, but honestly its easier to continue in the cycle I am in than to try to change. But then there is my most precious little girl who I want to have a healthy lifestyle. If I do not permanently change my habits now, then she will also have them and I don't want that.

So baby steps

- Lynnmarie and I will go for a short walk when I get home in the mornings or I will do some sort of exercise
-quit buying dinner at work
-eat veggies or fruit for snacks
-I will drink water, not soda
-i will walk laps at work

Now there are many ways I could go about this but I will stick to WW since it has worked for me. Lynnmarie loves her stroller so there is no excuse to walk. I would like to get to the gym more..I have been one time since April 1.

So I have asked this before, what are some of your tips on weight loss..Anything..Exercise? Recipes? Mental strategies!!

I know I have asked this before but HELP!!

Consignment Sales

So I participated in my first consignment sale this past week, All For Kids, the biggest in this area with over 400 families selling..I was a seller and a buyer and I pretty much broke even!!! I will be much more organized next year as it really is a great way to make some money and find some new things..

LynnMarie got a activity center that she has to stand to play with for $6.00, a drum for $3.oo a few books, a couple pairs of Robeez and other shoes and several Christmas outfits. I figure this is my first baby and I am going to cheese out and put her in a different Christmas outfit the month of December.I may regret it later, so go ahead and make fun of me now!

But I did volunteer and I met some wonderful moms including a facebook friend I have been waiting to meet for so long. I also met some fellow international adoptive moms too!! A good time was had by all..I made about 20 dollars more than I sold but i did get some great things for a great price so I believe it was worth it.. Met many moms who buy at least 500 dollars worth of stuff each sale, they say they get Christmas shopping done and clothes for the whole year!!

If you have never been to one, I recommend it. There are several more coming up in the Atlanta area!

On another note, I have more book reviews coming up which means more give aways..Stay tuned!!

the world

So I randomly start thinking about how good we have it and sometimes, I still complain. I mean, I have clean water. I don't have to walk miles to work. Why do we live where we live? I think about this. There are places all over the world that don't have water, electricity and will never know these comforts. I just don't get. Why do we have so much when others have nothing?

The Bible commands us to help those who have less, but how many of us are really helping? I know I am not..Really, that honesty stinks. So many friends have the passion to help and I am not. I want to but I also have excuse after excuse of why I am not. Are we afraid of letting go of what we have? Man, I am selfish!!

There are soooo many starving people in the world.


How do you help? What can you do to help? Are you like me? Time to do something about it!

home

Back home from a Fl trip and we are refreshed and happy. My little girl grew up this week and I never knew I would be excited about it..She is mouthing words, giving sloppy wet kisses and laughs at the simple things of life.

It was nice to be home but glad to be back in Ga. Came back on got a nice surprise. We will be going to a resort for 2 nights in NC for FREE and I will be blogging about the experience..We will be going sometime in North Carolina.

This blog has really become boring..Hoping to get some more interesting stuff on here soon. Bought a 90 day David study by Beth Moore and cant wait to dig into it. Let me know if any of you want to do it together..We could do our studies ourselves and then chat about it online.

That's it for now..More pics on the adoption blog!!

work

Crazy 2 nights of work but I survived..Got to love on a squishy alone baby..I don't like babies to be alone but it sure is nice to love on them.Makes me miss my family a bit.


I have the next 2 days off and then I work Thursday and then we head to Florida for a few days..Family is good. Maybe after that I will have something interesting to blog about...

Do you see the button for Stellan on the side. He needs prayer guys. Go read his story and pray for his heart. His momma is a God follower and he really asking. Hes a miracle kid who has beaten the odds and they are hoping and praying he will beat them again!!! Go Stellan!!

Getting ready to get ready for my first consignment sale in August..Will be selling a lot of LynnMaries old winter clothes and look for a few 18 month things..Looking forward to selling and buying, heehee..

A Day in the Life of Kate

Watch,Cry. Pray or better yet, Pray, Cry Watch.. This is kate. I do now know Kate but I know she has a pretty serious tumor and her parents are learning a new way of life that involves therapies, chemo, ports, surgeries. With the terrible new the parents receive, they have to put on happy faces and attempt Kate to live stress free. I dont know they do it..Please lift up sweet Kate in your prayers tonight!

and the winner is

Annie Laurie. After writing the names down and put them in the box, LynnMarie pulled out your name..Email me at amyschristopher@comcast.net so I can get it to you!!

For those who did not win, ask your church to order it for your library..Its that good!!!

Book Review and Giveaway

Okay, so this is my first momma book and I whole heatedly recommend this book to any mom or mom in waiting..Tricia is a honest and open mom that will encourage you and make you look at yourself in a more honest way. I read this book between 2 12 hour shifts at work..Its a great, easy read, that you don't want to put down. Make sure you read this whole post as you will find info for my give away and some info and the author and what she has planned..I have reviewed books of Tricia's before, you need to get to know her!!

As a new mom, Tricia very quickly shared her heart and I know some of my feelings aren't totally crazy!!!! Tricia has a heart for teens and moms. She wants to get out and help others..This is a transparent book about her highs and lows and how God can mold you into the mom you desire to be..Sometimes its the process thats more important than the end result..

Please check this book out..Its awesome..Don't forget to keep reading..Check out the book tour as well!!!

A note from Tricia: Are you a mommy who feels squeezed by Motherhood? Could God be shaping something beautiful in you?



In my new spiritual memoir, Blue Like Play Dough I invite women to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary! To learn to see God's hand lovingly at work in every aspect of your life---from laundry-folding to the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon.



And now I’m inviting YOU to come bring your stretched self and attend a fun Facebook Launch Party for Blue Like Play Dough! I know you’re busy (and tired) so I’m bringing the festivities to you! So grab your comfiest chair and slip away from that long To-Do list and join me for a two hour Play Dough Party. I’ll be sharing some of my mothering experiences (the good and the bad), hosting a fun trivia contest, giving away Mommy Play Dough Packs, answering questions, and getting to know YOU!



I’d be honored to have you as my guest – and to prove it I’ll be giving away 2 ginormous Mommy Play Dough Packs to two party attendees at random! The winners will be announced at the end of the party. Grab your friends and let’s party! oh, and don't forget your camera! Snap pictures during the party and upload them during the festivities. I'll be giving a prize away for the best photo!



So come join me on July 27th from 5-7 pm (PST)! Friend me on facebook and join the fun!



Get One, Give One Campaign (GO-GO)! (http://triciagoyer.com/gogo.html)


With the release of this book Tricia is also launching the Get One, Give One Campaign!

For every copy of Blue Like Play Dough purchased, she’ll donate a copy of My Life Unscripted or Generation NeXt Parenting to a pregnancy, teen or family support ministry (while supplies last).



All you have to do is buy a copy of Blue Like Play Dough on Christianbook, on Amazon, or at your local bookstore, and then go to Tricia's Go-Go page and fill out the form. EASY!


About the book: In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.



Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.



In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognize the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind.

Read an excerpt: http://triciagoyer.com/cmsdocuments/Blue_Like_Play_Dough_Prologue_CH_1.pdf



About the author: (shorter bio here)Using her own experiences as a teen mother, and leader of today’s generation, Tricia’s vision is to be a voice of hope and possibility for teenage girls, pregnant teen girls, mothers and wives through her educational and inspirational speaking, workshops and books. Her intention is to serve ordinary women by encouraging extraordinary things with God’s help. Tricia expresses real life, real hope, for real women.

Tricia is the author of 20+ books and has published over 300 articles for national publications such as Guideposts for Kids, Focus on the Family, Christian Parenting Today, Today’s Christian Woman and HomeLife Magazine. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from American Christian Fiction Writers, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion Book Award in 2005.



In her fiction novels, Tricia writes contemporary and historical stories that feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She recreates historic wartime eras with precise detail through perseverant and comprehensive research.



Each of her World War II and Spanish Civil War novels tell the inspiring stories of engaging characters—and a God whose hand is evident in the landscape of history and the obstacles of ordinary lives.

Tricia speaks to groups interested in these eras, with the intention of preserving and honoring the memory of the men and women who served.



She also speaks and conducts workshops for teens around the nation, and offers programs to assist teens and teen moms through Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, which she founded. Tricia is a frequent workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Convention.



Author website: http://www.triciagoyer.com/ watch a video and read the endorsements



Link to purchase the book: http://triciagoyer.com/store.html


SO if you have read this far and want to win my copy, leave me a comment about a wonderful memory you have of your mom or one that you have had as a Mom!!!

randomness

Just to let you know, I'm doing another book give away tomorrow on a book especially for busy moms..Stop by tomorrow and learn more!!!

Just got home from work and I was surprised to see Michael and LynnMarie up. She wasn't acting right last night and Michael was worried..As I expected, he did fine..It was a wonderful feeling to see her smiling and to get a great big hug..I can not believe how much I love this little girl..Its a most amazing feeling.As people told me I would, I can see how my parents did certain things to and for me just because they loved me. I do see my parents in a different light.

Someone asked me what the hardest part has been. She has been a wonderful baby, a very smooth adjustment. The hardest part for me is losing weight again. I was doing so well. Between Michael being in the hospital and not being able to walk, I have found no time to go to the gym. I am sure the time i s there, but I am just not getting there. I'm snacking more which is not good as I want LynnMarie to have good eating habits. We are trying to make sure she gets her fruits and veggies every day..Anyway...

I wish you could all meet this precious gift..Don't forget to check the adoption blog for new pics and updates..

SO what cheap activities are you doing this summer? We have been to the pool a few times and LynnMarie and I go to music/story time at the library.Regal movie theaters are showing free family moves Tues-Thurs at 1oam so I would like to try that again too!!

thats it for now....

Keep rockin on
and dont forget to stop back again tomorrow

Great Book review

Winner chosen. Couldnt get pics but I put everyone name on a slip and let let LynnMarie pick it out. So congrats Tymm, you are the winner!! Ill get it to you next week. Next week, I will also be giving away a book especially for moms!!!

Make sure you read below to get even more info! What a great book. I was asked to read a non fiction book and review it! Awesome. Ha vent gotten into a nonfiction book in a very long time. Religion save by Pastor Mark Driscoll is awesome. He takes 9 topics that churches have questions on and gives scriptural based answers to them. Its the first time I have personally ever thought thought about what the Bible really says about some of these things. I didn't start reading the book until this week which is unfortunate because there is a lot of good stuff on there. I dont want to give too much info but the author covers topics such as birth control, predesination and even humor in the church. Its not a total philosophical book. In fact, its a good ready and you really want to finish when you start it!!!

I loved it sooo much and I want all of you to go and get it but I also want to give away my copy so leave me a comment at the end of the post and at the end of the week, LynnMarie will draw a winner.
Religion Saves:

And Nine Other Misconceptions



After 343,203 online votes on the Mars Hill Church website, nine questions for Pastor Mark Driscoll emerged as the ones most urgently calling for answers.



Inspired by 1 Corinthians, in which Paul answers a series of questions posed by the people in the Corinthian church, Pastor Mark Driscoll set out to determine the most controversial questions among visitors to the Mars Hill Church website. In the end, 893 questions were asked and 343,203 votes were cast. The top nine questions are now each answered in a chapter of Religion Saves.



After an introductory chapter devoted to the misconception that religion is what saves us, Driscoll tackles nine issues: birth control, humor, predestination, grace, sexual sin, faith and works, dating, the emerging church, and the regulative principle. Because the purpose of this book is to address commonly asked questions, all readers will find relevant, engaging material, written in Driscoll's distinctively edgy, yet theologically sound style.



In his distinctively edgy, yet theologically sound style, Pastor Mark Driscoll addresses the nine most controversial questions posed by visitors to the Mars Hill Church website. This book is part of the Re:Lit series.


Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Religion-Saves-Nine-Other-Misconceptions/dp/1433506165/ref=sprightly-20



About the author:

Meet Pastor Mark!

Mark Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, one of the fastest-growing churches in America. He is president of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network and is the author of several books, including Vintage Jesus.



Pastor Mark preaches on Sunday, trains pastors, and writes curriculum. Mark is married to his high school sweetheart, Grace, and they enjoy raising their three sons and two daughters. More about Mark here!



Link to read and/or listen to an excerpt:

http://relit.org/religionsaves


Want to read more reviews of the book? Come follow the book tour and see whats going on!

Schedule: Link to schedule http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/86-blog-tour-for-religion-saves-by-mark-driscoll

Need you to share

I am so ready to hear some good news. What is making you happy. Brag about someone, something, ANYTHING!!!

I am personally thankful that Michael is so good with the baby. I am thankful she is home and that she is AMAZING. I am happy that I have a job that I still enjoy!

I am so tired if hearing nothing but sadness, gossip, celebrities and negativity!

Mommyhood

Its Crazy. I cant imagine her not here..I forget what it was like without her. I relive gotcha moments in my head all the time. I wonder why she loves us soooooo much. Big tears are seldom, but crazy smiles occur A LOT!

We are working in routines..Most of the time, I get her up but once dad gets back to work, we will share the load. She sometimes gets up in the middle of the night for maybe a few minutes which includes a heavy diaper and a bottle. When we get up (and lately, I have snuck in her room to quietly wake her up) we change our diaper and play on the floor in our room for a few minutes..Breakfast usually includes some toast and fruit and we know she likes eggs. WE have been watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse while having breakfast and sometimes we watch Dora too!!! What do your toddlers eat for breakfast? IN fact, what is your routine?

Then playtime, lunch and nap. We love music time on Wednesdays and looking forward to more playdates hopefully this summer. We love the pool and cant wait for daddy to join us.

Its crazy how she becomes the priority in your life. You never really stop and think about, she just becomes your life. We have started saying prayers at bedtime and she always has the sweetest smile. We have posted some recent pics up at the adoption blog at www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com

She is wonderful. Everything I dreamed of. She is funny, content, doing really well with attachment and bonding, although we are still working on it.

Haven't found time to go to the gym, which is my next priority as well cleaning the house..

I know its a long way off, but I am thinking of Halloween costumes, Christmas season cloths and her first birthday. I have waited for this soooo long, its nice to be home with my baby..

My goal now is to become a mom she can be proud of. I want her to see me giving to others and not being selfish, I want my weaknesses to be her strengths. I want God to just use her and allow us to see what He created her to be.

So now, weight loss, organizational skills and creating a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally and spiritually are my goal!!!

I still cant believe I am a mom. This is sooo much better than babysitting!

Kate needs your prayers

Meet Kate. then pray for kate..Or just pray. her story is going around..Not hard to be touched by this family's story!!! Pray for kate, her family and every medical person involved in her care!!!

Click here for her story.

life

Its really nice to be back at work. Love the night shift. Miss my family, but I know MIchael needs time with baby girl and doing well. To think that he hadn't had much baby time before, he is doing great with her!

Its now Tuesday, I have the day off. So after some sleep, I am hoping to take LM to the pool or the park. We will see how it goes. I don't want her in the sun too long.

I have 4th of July off again this year..Nothing special planned, but hoping to find something fun to do soon!

I have 2 book reviews coming up, one is called Religion Saves and it talks about different controversial topics in the church. I'm looking forward to that one. The other book is a mommy book written by an author I have read before. Be on the lookout, I will be giving away my copies.

So how are you, any good movies? Read any good books? listened to any good music that I have to check out.

Catching up on my blog reading. If I haven't commented lately, its either because you link on bloglines isn't showing me you have updated or I don't have you on bloglines. If you read this blog, leave a comment so I can you to my must haves. I'm finding such encouragement on so many new blogs lately..!!!

totally random

I need some mental motivation. I have decided that all of my weaknesses could be strengths if I just turned on a little switch in my head, anyone else like that?

Seriously many people who know me know my obvious weaknesses, fear, paranoia, eating habits and organizational skills. I just cant get my house clean. Its like I get one room totally clean and by the time I start the second one, the first one is dirty again. I tried Fly Lady a few years ago, just couldn't do it.. Ugh, its very frustrating. Because I really do desire a clean and organized house and my daughter deserves the best..Not sure how to turn that mental switch on.

Losing weight- have struggled for a long time. Weight Watchers does work. So does regular portion control and exercising. I have done it, why am I not doing it? There are no excuses except laziness.. Once I start losing, I get on a roll but I am a sucker for temptations- showers, ,parties, friends inviting me out for lunch. Ugh, hope to get this under control one day as well.

paranoia- enough said

Fear-We live in a scary world. The economy, nuclear war threats, the prediction of the end of the world. Here is my problem. I have not spent enough time in the Word and so therefore, I just trust everything I read in the news. I'm putting faith in man and not my God.. Have to keep reminding myself that God knows everything. There was never a "before God". He Has and will always be. I haven't been digging into His word like I should and I know that would calm some of my fears.So that's my solution to those fears.

Other topics

Jon and Kate- I'm one of the many who watched the show. Not surprised by the divorce, but I am sad. The world was just too interested in them. Mind you, they asked for the publicity (raising 8 kids cost a lot of money). But if we had chosen not to watch, could this have been helped. Its hard not to judge, but divorce is sad, praying for them.

Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett and MJ- wow, what a week. Tired of hearing about all the celebrities..

and our daughter is just wonderful. New pics are up at www.thechristopherfamilyblogspot.

If you are on twitter or facebook, come find me!

Vacation Give Away

Ok seriously, one of my first friends in Atlanta (and fellow adoptive mom) is giving away a trip on her blog..Ever heard of the Great Wolf Lodge in NC? Its the one with the indoor waterpark and cool cabin type rooms? They are giving away one to a someone who posts on her blog..

Go here and post on her blog and tell her where you are vacationing..

Shes very legit and very cool!!!

Happy Father Day

SO nice to see one his dreams come true. As LM told him this morning, he hasnt had an easy physical experience into fatherhood but that has not stopped him un being the sweetest, silliest dad ever.. We love you Dada!!!

Happy Fathers day to you out there! To those who are serving our country and not able to spend time with your family, we say thank you! For those who are fathers at heart and waiting to see your child, YOU ARE A FATHER! Be patient, its worth it!

Work

Some of my blog friends have asked me what I do for a living.I am a pediatric nurse but I work on a craniofacial/neuro floor. I work with patients with seizures, mitochondrial disorders, spina bifida, cleft lip/palate and other facial deformities, skull fractures, head injuries and brain and spinal cord tumors.

We also get the overflow patients Which mean we take care of patients with anything like fever and infections, resp issues, blood disorders, broken bones and every now and then we get some neat stuff. For the person not in the medical profession, "neat stuff" would not be that neat for you..

Brain tumors and cleft kids are the ones that I get passionate about. I have gotten close to a lot of my brain tumor patients and have seen them from diagnosis to remission and sometimes, home to Jesus. Both of these families teach me a lot even though they are so different. But both diagnosis can change your life. Cleft surgeries are not only just 1 surgery and then all is well. Sometimes, you get several surgeries over several years and a lot of time you deal with speech delays and other cosmetic surgeries..Love my families. They have taught me a lot.

Brain tumors..Ok, well first of all, they suck. But the families, oh the rockin, awesome families. They teach us nurses so much. I don't know why brain tumors hit the sweetest, loving families who have such strong faith. I just don't know. I don't know why the sweetest families are the ones who lose their babies after many surgeries, chemotherapy and hospital stays..I just don't know. But even the families who have lost children and still keep in touch, find goodness in their sorrow and that helps strengthen my faith. To know God sees the bigger picture when we can't seems to help. We had a patient pass away last week that a lot of nurses took care of. I never did but I always said hello to the family and they were so compassionate to other families.

Connor used to say, "God is good all the time,All the time, God is good" Oh sweet Connor, yes he is!!

Some of you may have seen another one of patients on the news a few weeks ago. Haley and her mom have touched every single life in the hospital Haley is just over a year and has a really yucky stinky tumor with a poor prognosis. But they keep fighting. Haley is a fighter. She has experienced so much and has even scared a few nurses..But they have hope, we have hope..

Please pray for Haleys family.. Hope ya got to see her on the news..

Click here to read about the little rock star

Comments on Motherhood and other random things

Still kind of odd to read that word. But filling out paperwork that doctors office, I did right mom under my name but I think I was supposed to write mother..Whatever!!

Love LM. I love love love her..I love her smiles, her noises, her dances, her responses, everything about her.

It is crazy. Life really changed once we got her..People were right. My routine changed..My views on things changed. I love Little Einstein, Mickey Mouse cartoon thing and some of her fun toys.

She teaches us things every day..That happiness can come from such simple things..her smile lights up the room...

Going to my first bday party as a mom tomorrow. That doesn't sound right..I will be one of the moms..So very cool!!

2nd week at work was great..Nice to see everyone and be back in the groove. So many random things in my head, perhaps I will be getting them out on the blog soon.

The good news is someone switched with me so I am off Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and boy are we going to have some fun!

No substance lately to this blog. Very Sad..I did asked to do 2 more book reviews which will hopefully come with some free books for my readers..look out..

tomorrow we are having a garage sale here at Casa de Christophers. Hoping to make some money to pay some bills and I am looking forward to simplifying things. We just have too much stuff. Junk. things we have collected over the years that we do not need or use. I mean, how much junk can one house hold? There are things that help us remember Good times, but we even have to much of that ! There are people all over the world ( even here in the good ole USA) that have nothing. nothing. I can not believe how much stuff we have. I feel pretty selfish sometimes when I "want" things.

I go back Sunday night to work, which means Michael gets baby duty. Since he is still on crutches, we are setting up nursery central in the TV room, so that everything will be close by. Of course we have our emergency numbers in case he needs anything, but I think he will be okay. He is still on disability and we are hoping he will get his cast off soon and get back to ambulating better. His blood numbers have started looking better and instead of going weekly, that doctor doesn't want to see him for another month..We will have infections disease and ortho to visit.

its been a crazy month. Stressful, YES? Do I have something to worry about every hour? YES! DO I choose to worry? NO!!!! I think I worry just enough to keep me on my toes. It has been nice to be forced to have quiet time at the house. WE have been watching lots of RED BOX movies and eating dinner at the house..Even though we ate dinner at trivia for 5 bucks (all 3 of us!!!)

LynnMarie is adjusting.Starting Sunday, we will begin our new routine. I am going back full time but will hopefully go to 32 hours once Michael gets back to work.

I am enjoying time with LM and hubby. Ready to go to work. Nervous as heck though!!!

Praying about changes in the near future