recommended blog

Ok, so if you like stories and blogs about faith, miracles, hope, peace, encouragement and family go and visit
Confessions of a CF Husband

Okay, I should warn you that you will cry..Happy tears and you will see pics of the tiniest most precious baby.. Please go read..I found this last night on Baba the Night Owls blog and its amazing.

God is good!

Bloggers can make a difference

Ok, Steven recommended this blog to me months ago simply because this family adopted from Korea. This is such a cool blog and I have shared this with you guys several time. GO visit Ragamuffin Soul to see how bloggers are going to make a change AROUND THE WORLD! I want you to go read it. Surf his blog, you will find some cool stuff there. Tymm, if you have not seen this blog, YOU will enjoy it.

Anyway, I will be back. Just downloaded some more music and the plan is to walk downstairs, get in the car and go to the gym. It will happen.

weekend and things bullet style

Well, Mr Michael was at again, this time preparing a lovely dinner of corn, baked taters and marinated steak with mushrooms. It was definitely both tastely and delicious.

This morning I felt guilty. I love my church, I did not enjoy my time today. I know its okay, I am just being honest. I loved the sermon, our pastor spoke honestly and right from the scriptures regarding Ephesians 6 and the relationship between parents and children. My problem was the music. I love the words, I had a hard time hearing anything and it just got me frustrated. I think satan was trying to get me unfocused and apparently had a good time.

I have off tomorrow and then Michael and I share our bday on Tuesday.


Work was good this weekend. Friday was wonderful, my patients were cute as buttons and funny as anything. Then last night all heck broke loose and we had some very busy patients. But I love my job and bad days will come and go.

Michael is enjoying his new blog www.rockingthe80s.blogspot.com and is posting some videos daily along with some trivia. Head over there if you like that decade.

Lets see, I'm still doing my Bible Study at church each week and this week we are studying 1 Kings. We are having book club and the end of the month and the women's retreat in the mountains is March 6-8. I am thinking I really want to go even if I don't know anyone. I am hoping to get some of my Bible Study to go.

This week will also bring back our small group and we will be finishing our book Men are Like Waffles, Women are like spaghetti. Good book but I am ready to do something else. I also have added a lot of music to my IPOD and hope to get to the gym 3 times this week. I will keep you updated.

Good mood

Have you ever just been in a good mood for no reason? I was in a great mood all night at work and if didn't have to go to sleep, I'm sure I could have been pretty productive

Also, don't you ever just dwell on the fact that you are married to awesome spouses???. I have a rockin husband who not only cooked dinner last night but packaged it up for me too. You see I usually wake up about 4:15 or 4:30 but yesterday I woke up at 5:15 and I hate to be late..He made my getting ready so much easier...Thanks Michael. you rock!

I just finished watching the Bodyguard, now I am going to bed. I am surprised by the responses to the poll below!

Poll

Last night, MIchael and I watched Bachelor Party, a very early Tom Hanks movie. It was okay but glad I watched it. I am a Tom Hanks fan and wanted to know what your favorite movie was with Tom in it1

Whats your favorite Tom Hanks movie?
	Big
	Saving Private Ryan
	The Terminal
	Sleepless in Seattle
	You've Got Mail
	Philadelphia
	The Da Vinci Code
	Bachelor Party
	Polar Express
	the Green Mile
	Catch Me if You Can
	Castaway
	Toy Story 1
	Toy Story 2
	That thing you do
	Apollo 13
	Forest Gump
	A League of Their Own
	The Money Pit
	Splash
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Remember the 80s

If you are stopping by for Thursday Thirteen, just thought I would tell you of a new blog hubby is starting http://www.rockingthe80s.blogspot.com/

He is doing a new video each day and will be adding to the blog. But hope you will take the time to stop by and comment on the video of the day..This could pretty fun and wanted you to know!!

thursday thirteen

Thirteen Things about Amy Thirteen Favorite Romantic Movies 1. You've Got Mail 2.Sweet HOme Alabama 3. dirty dancing 4. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days 5. While You Were Sleeping 6. Sleepless in Seattle 7. The Notebook 8. A Walk to Remember 9. Wedding Crashers 10. Runaway Bride 11. Love Actually 12. Bed of Roses 13. Titanic

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View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Happy Bday!!!!!!

Happy 7th Birthday to the sweetest, prettiest niece in the world Janie Rilynn!

this was taken this summer as Janie picked out her first Cabbage Patch Kid with PaPa!

today

Hey guys. I worked last night which means I was not able to comment on your updated blogs but I did read them. THanks for posting on the fat post below!

Yesterday I got up early and did the gym and then came home to a surprise. Michael!!!!! He made me a yummy breakfast and we just chilled and we both went to work. Before I napped he started a movie called Hackers! So far so good!

Anyway, I did a salad for dinner with a couple of diet cokes and some of my 100 calorie snacks (not too many). I am now home and just had some cheese toast!

I couldn't decide what to blog about and I am pretty tired so I am just going to post a few random things..

- last night I took care of a patient named Sunshyne. Yes, you read that correctly.
- I actually lost almost 60 pounds in college by going to the YMCA at 530 am and not eating in the cafeteria
-I could have enjoyed college more had I not been afraid of anyone. Not to fear, my experience rocked and I still keep in touch with UU people (hi out there!!!)
-My husband makes some sweet faces and some silly ones.
- I really like Coke Zero.
- In college my roommate Jenny and I got in the wrong car at Walmart. The scary thing was it started!!!

Okay, I am going to bed.
Lastly. Michael and I have the same birthday , Jan 15th! What should we do? Remember we are on a budget..(meaning we have no money)

Fluff, fat and other things

Well that last post didn't get an answer so what shall we talk about next.

Michael started a new blog. I don't think he is getting rid of Valtool's Box but this one is sure to bring back memories. His new blog Taking You Back
is fun. He is listing a new video daily with some info/trivia to go along with it. Go visit and share with him some of your favorites. You may see it on their one day. Seriously, just go visit. Now.!! I am waiting!!! Are you done? Did you add him to your bloglines? Good.

Point 2. I have no idea whats going on with the political stuff. No one is impressing. I was listening to the democrat nominees this morning and all they did was slam each other. Im sure the Republicans did that too, they just were not on when I awoke this morning. No one is impressing me at all.

Well this weekend I began the defluffication process. Since other bloggers can talk about their weight, I guess I shouldn't be so bashful. Here is the deal. I like to call myself "fluffy" but in all reality, I am fat. A fatty. A Chubmuffin. I could come up with other words. Fluffybutt is another one. One day I will share the song that I wrote entitled "Three fatties in the back". You will never see me on Youtube but if there was a video of this song, I am sure to make you smile. Humble, aren't I? NO I am not sulking, just speaking the truth. The more honest I am, the more chance there is of me doing something about it. I promise this post is not written in despair, or sadness. In fact, I am in a pretty cool mood today.

For those of you who may not know this, fat people know they are fat. I promise. So, if you choose to stare at them, I can honestly tell you that you are not going to send magic thoughts into their heads telling them to start exercising. Seriously, fat people know they are fat. The more you stare at them or make them feel uncomfortable, the less likely they are going to do something about it. Im just saying. And, if you are one of those people who just doesnt like fat people, you may want to avoid my blog. Because you see, I am one of those people. But, my chubbiness is not my only identity. I am a child of God and because I did not treat my body like a temple, I am now having to do some extra work. I am more than just a fat chick(hmmm, new blog title??)

So Saturday, I put on those new shoes (which are a size bigger than I thought and got them at Dicks Sporting goods) and headed to the gym. I did 35 minutes on the treadmill, 12minutes on the stair thing and then some leg machine thingys. It felt good. I came home, had a nice lunch, chilled and started dinner which was rotisserie chicken, some pasta thing and fresh broccoli. Today, I also hit the gym early, doing the leg weigh thingys and the treadmill. That IPOD thing will get you going. So I am coming up with ways to keep me on the treadmill longer. Today, I decided I would do 25 minutes. When I was at 24 minutes, 2 ladies came in on got on the leg weight thingy. Ugh. Did they not know I was going to go directly there? So I had to wait another 15 minutes to get off the treadmill. It wasnt so bad. Listened to some 80s music, and watched the TV which was on the sports channel and I learned that Eli Manning was better than the announcers gave him credit for. Well, since I am a Peyton fan, I could have told you that.
Anyway.

This is sooo not where I thought this post was going. I had some serious stuff to talk about..Oh well, at least you know the truth. I guess those of you who actually know me outside of this blog already knew this and most of you love me anywa..YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!

question

Time for a question......

What does unconditional love to mean to you? Thats all

your thoughts

I found this article over at Transition Pete and Stevens blog and thought it was very thought provoking. Just wondering what you thought about it. I need to find the entire article which is in Relevant Magazine
This was written by Rob Bell

…there are around a billion people in the world who don’t have clean drinking water, and 46 million Americans don’t have health care. That means if they get sick, they don’t have anywhere to go. Half of the world, 3 billion people, live on less than two American dollars a day, so the world is an emergency. It’s on fire. It’s drowning. It’s an absolute crisis, and when followers of Jesus can think of nothing better to do with their time than to pick apart and shred to pieces the work of other followers of Jesus who are trying to do something about the world, that’s tragic, and I don’t owe those people anything. The world is desperately in need of people who will break themselves open and pour themselves out for the reconciliation of all things. When a Christian can find nothing better to do with their time in the face of this much pain and heartbreak, you start realizing that some Christians need to be saved. How a person would have energy to take shots at other Christians is just mid-boggling

Valtools Box

Hubbys blog. Friday Flashback is up. I love the song and video. Go visit and tell him what 80s songs you remember. Go! Now! I mean it!

Im going to bed now. feel feel to share your thoughts. (about anything)
except Brittany, her sister, Paris, Lindsay or that other girl

Thursday

Hi friends! I have missed you. No Internet at the house today which was actually kind of nice.

What's new in my world? I got an IPOD for Christmas and on Wed night I was able to dowload almost 200 songs..That rocks.

Wed afternoon Michael and I went to Dicks Sporting store to get me some new shoes. Laura, I did get a size larger so I hope this helps. Tommorow or Sat will be my first day at the gym in a long time. Im very excited. New shoes (pic to be posted soon) and good music. What more could I need ? Wish me luck as I really need to get healthy this year.

I also need to get motivated to organize myself and my home. Since we have been married, I have lost a couple debit cards and license. I think I am the only girl who does not carry a purse all the time. Im not sure when it started but I would like to carry my identification wherever I go. I told you guys I was a bit odd, didn't I? I really need to get my act together before LynnMarie (or any other children) comes home!!!!!

Anyone have a new blog I need to be reading???

Amy

Chickpeas

Chickpeas or Garbanzo beans. Yet another random thought. Before Michael, I really did not think of these things at all and now I put them on my salad all the time. So I challenge you to tell what new things have you learned to love or enjoy because of your spouse. Michael has introduced me to many things. Ill pipe in later, after I wake up!

Amy

Happy New Year

Okay, Okay So I have to ask..Whats your New Years Resolution(s)?

I have in the past made rules, which really dont do anything so here are once again my resolutions for 2008.

1) To find hope and joy in all circumstances (this will be hard, but doable)

2) to be a better wife

3) to be a better friend

To do numbers 2 and 3, I will attempt to have better communication with my spouse and friends. I will try to listen more and put others before me. I will try not to be selfish. I will try to live a more simple life. I will try to treat my body as a temple, the way God created it to be. I have obviously not done well with this in the past. I will try to be more open minded.

What about you?

its the weekend

It's Sunday late afternoon and we just started POC 3! Michael and I went to the eye dr ( me for contacts and he has a red eye) and then to Best Buy for a quick exchange. After a trip to Publix, we are in for the night.

I'm hopefully getting over this nasty cough for the second time this winter and work Mon and Tues nights.

2008 is literally right around the corner and I hope it will be an amazing year for Michael and I. We have learned so much in this past year, that 2008 should rock! I plan on blogging much more and will use it to record my progress on my goals.
I look forward to getting to know more of you and hopefully you will get to know us a bit better.


Whats in your cd player right now or whats on your IPOD?

Saturday

So what do you do at work when you are not feeling well and all your patients are asleep? You add blogs to you bloglines of course? If you are not on my blogroll and visit here occasionally, let me know so I can add you okay! Its going to be a fun blogging year!!! So the blogroll to the left will be updated shortly!

OK, props to the hubby. GO visit www.valtool.blogspot.com and tell him hello and that hes awesome! Did you do it? Go ahead, I will wait.

Michael prepared an awesome breakfast and watched Lucy the basset hound so I could get some good rest..Breakfast was a yummy omelet, grits, toast and OJ!!

Should have taken a picture.....

So for the moment, blogger is back up at work. I am presently working on day of 2 in a row and fighting a pretty nasty cold. I feel so yucky they almost sent me home Friday night.

SO Christmas came and went. Now its time to countdown until next year when I will be much more organized and we will much closer to Miss LynnMarie. I hope all of you have a wonderful New Year. I am working the Eve and Day again, because its really not a special day at all.

I really have to main resolutions this year. Lets look at them and then break them down, shall we?

1) Be a better wife

2) Be a better friend

In order to do either of these, I need to learn I can not do these alone. I have prayed that I will stay motivated as I work to improve myself. GOd created me to be the best I can be, and I am certainly not doing that right now.

Be a better wife. TO do this, I want to be healthier, I am want to lose a LOT of weight. I want to exercise and make better eating habits. Its very hard, as I have tried this several times and now I want to. I have a good friend who has asked me to start walking weekly after the first and I think that would be fun. I want to be a better listener to my husband and I want to be more organized. I think if our house was better organized we would enjoy out times together more. I want to come up with dates for each other that aren't to be expensive. I want to watch my spending better...What do you think?

Be a better friend. This means I want to get to know my friends better, catch up with old ones and make new ones. As much as I love email, I prefer a phone call or lunch with someone. I haven't had a good phone conversation with a friend in so long, I really miss it. So I am going to attempt to have one lunch or mall date with a friend a month. So, if you are out there, help me out. I will find you. I think we miss out on so much when we do not connect with our friends. I belong to a women's Bible Study and a small group at church and I really want to get to know these new friends.

and blogging friends, I have not forgotten about you. regardless if you have come to this blog by accident, or if you read our adoption blog, thank you. Send me an email at amyschristopher@comcast.net sometime. This year will be fun at Random Thoughts. Im not sure whats ahead but its sure to be exciting.

Need some ideas

Okay, guys. This Christmas I got my first IPOD. Now I need to figure out what songs to put on. Now thats where you come in.. I need your ideas. Whats on your music thingys?

I love 80s music, old and new Contemporary Christian, Disney Musicals, Top 40, Country and other stuff..

Come on guys, I need your help.

PPPPPLLLLLEEEEEEAAAAASSSSEEEEE

Suggestions needed

Hey guys, Lucy the basset hound needs some help. She has pretty much broken both baby gates and can knock them down so we need new ones for 1) the safety of the house and b) our insanity. Since we know we will need them when LynnMarie gets here, we figured we might as well get some pretty nice ones. We dont want the ones you have to climb over and they need to be pretty secure.. Any ideas?

How to celebrate

Someone sent me this and I found it on a blog. Im not sure who it was originally from. BTW, if Santa was late at your house, I did see his elves working in the playroom at the Childrens Hospital yesterday. They were very busy elves!


HOW TO CELEBRATE CHRIST'S BIRTHDAY -- from Christ

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa’s and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about who is calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks were. If you have forgot that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of complaining about the President, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that some people in your town will attempt to take their own lives this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who those people are, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile. It could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot- Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word even if they aren't allowed to wish you a “Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, and neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts; give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me & they will make the delivery for you.

10 Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S ~ Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above & get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember I LOVE YOU

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning to dance in the rain.

Is it just me or is watching a family taking communion on Christmas Eve and praying together just an awesome beautiful moment?

Enjoy these moments. Be Still and Listen

Its the day before Christmas and I am done shopping. Wrapping gifts is a different issue and as soon as I clean a table off, I will begin. Tomorrow, Michael has to work 845-130 so we will attempt to wake up, do the Waffle House thing, open gifts and he shall go to work. When he gets home, we will head to the movies with Michael's brother Peter and see the Tom Hanks/Julia Robers movie. After that, we will head to the Japanese Steak House for dinner. We do this every other year when Michael's family is out of town!

Do I miss having family nearby this Christmas? You bet! But I also love just being with Michael and doing our own thing and boy, once LynnMarie gets home, things will change for sure. Thats going to be totally cool!
I have already gotten the guilt trip from the family that the only thing they wanted for Christmas was for me and Michael to come home. One day mom and dad, one day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU! MAY THIS SEASON

BE A TIME OF JOY, PEACE,AND REFLECTION AS WE

CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR! THAT

WONDERFUL, HOLY NIGHT, TRULY CHANGED THE

WORLD!

Merry Christmas everyone! Just got back from almost finishing up Michaels christmas present shopping and thought I would say hello!

1) We went to church today and once again it was awesome. We went to the theater to watch the service and although its usually pretty crowded, there were only 10 people in there. It was quite easy to find me. It was a beautiful service and I enjoyed all the speakers and singers. Nothing like God talking directly to you. He is awesome!

2) There are 2 required movies for us to watch before Christmas. A Christmas Story and Christmas vacation!! I know I know! But we have been busy and have watched other movies. Last night, Michael chose a movie called Always with Richard Dreyfuss. Have you seen it? Its old but good.

That's all I've got for now. I will be back after a short nap!

Peace out!
Amy

Faith Hill - Where Are You Christmas

I love this song!!!

Oh Blogger is up at work! Yippee! Monday I will wrap and mail gifts and then head to trivia with Michael and friends.. Christmas is almost here and I still haven't watched Christmas Vacation, Its a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story or MIracle on 34th street.

Christmas at a pediatric hospital is bittersweet. They decorate and try to make it a happy place and they do a good job. But the honest truth is there are sick kids here. Sick kids who will be here for Christmas and that makes me sad.

They showed a video of children who passed away this year and of course that brought some tears. As much as I look forward to our first Christmas with LynnMarie one day, many families will be celebrating their first Christmas without their children. Please pray specifically for Catie's family (Catie was the brain tumor patient who passed away last Jan and her mom gave birth to sweet Izzy one week later) and Aubrey (her family lost Aubrey and their precious baby Ava all in one year). These families are precious to me and I know this will be a hard season.

Oh and for happy news, Michael is about to make his 500th post! Yippee! Go and visit Valtool's Box!

Brag about your spouse day

Brag about your spouse, significant other, friend, parent.. Share something wonderful about them!!!

Friday Feast

Appetizer
Make up a word and give us its definition. am know

Okay, I am known for having my own vocabulary but then again I also use words like sugarplum ferries for bad words.. Lets see, I will have to come up with something later. I do make up songs for my dog but thats not the same.

Soup
What is currently your favorite song?

Josh Grobins O Holy Night and I dont even have the cd. Im pretty much listening to just Christmas music right now.

Salad
What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?

I just want little things. I made an amazon list to help family members. HaHa. An early referral for LynnMarie would be nice.

Main Course
Name a scent that reminds you of someone special in your life.

My dads cologne. When I was a little girl, I could always tell if Daddy was nearby.

Dessert
Who is someone on television that you feel probably shouldn’t be, and why?

I agree with hubby. Oprah has helped millions of people and is very generous but some people do everything she says or what her guests say..Enough already!!!!

Thirteen Things about Amy13 Christmas Gifts I remember as a child 1.. Family Ties Board game 2. a cd player at the age of 13 3.a bike 3. a china doll that broke a week later when my cousin dropped it off the top bunk 4. shoes 5. clothes 6. earrings 7. books 8. money 9. this thing that helps you make pot holders 10. Bible 11. gift certificates (gift cards were not out yet) 12. things with NKOTB on it 13. a lovely ring from my dad

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Christmas Comment game repeated

Now I know all of you have visited Friggas Blog and voted for hubby (Valtools Box). If not click here and vote for Michael. New posts have been made at the adoption blog and Michael's blog

Here's how the comment game works. I got this from Comedy Plus and had fun with it last week. I'll start the game off by choosing 2 words or phrases, like real Christmas tree or fake Christmas tree, and you answer what ever you choose. You can also explain why. When you have done that, you choose 2 new words or phrases for the next commenter to choose from. Feel free to come back and play as much as you want and be as creative, but just stick to the Christmas stuff for now.

Vote for Michael

Ok, Random Thought readers. Head over to Friggas Blog and vote for Michael. He wants to win the computer game she is giving away. She has details and everything..

I think tomorrow we will do the comment contest again..That was a lot of fun. Im getting ready to start a long post and then its nap time..

Thanks for the comments below, keep it coming!!!

today

Craziness. I used to participate in every blogging event like Wordless Wednesday, Thursday13 and such. I'm just talking a break from that now but will be back.
Thanks for the prayers. I worked my first day shift in almost 6 years and I survived. I was so nervous last night that I hardly slept and now I am paying for it. We just got back from trivia and I know I will sleep well tonight. I still cant believe I signed up for an extra shift and signed up for a day shift. It wasn't that bad and all and it was nice to get to know some of the day shift nurses better. I visited with parents of some of my older patients and the time went by quickly.
Well, that was my day, how was yours?

Christmas Question

Tell us a present you have bought already this year and for who..I love getting ideas.

Merry Christmas.

Long post coming soon.......WIll be posting on adoption blog tomorrow (no news I promise just some cool stuffing going on in my head and heart)

Yesterday

Pray for me. I am working my first day shift in almost 6 years.. SO far not too bad. Im blogging so thats a good thing.. Will blog more later. have more to say about this fabulous weekend. Yesterday was the Christopher Christmas party and a good time was had by all. Pictures to come as well!!!

Lets think of another Christmas question..

Tell me a memorable Christmas gift you have received!!!

Today I invite to you read our adoption blog, as Michael posted about our First Friday experience. Please head on over and read what a wonderful night it was. You can read about it at www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com


On to the Christmas thingy,

Have you ever had fruitcake?

Honesty

Ok everyone, whats on your Christmas list this year?

Todays Chrisstmas question

What are your favorite hiding places for Christmas presents?


Did you ever look and find your Christmas gifts as a child?

Congrats to Jenn from Enjoying the Ride for winning the contest. I decided to give an extra prize away and I have that other persons address so I will just surprise them

Spent the midafternoon with an adopting friend and her new baby Sophia. It was great fun.

Not many people commented on the last post so lets try this again. DO you have Christmas traditions at your house or did you as a child? Michael and I are always looking for new things (I shouldn't speak for Michael) and I want to hear yours!

Tuesday

Ok, this is the last post before of the short contest. I will do this comment contest again as think its so much fun. Hope you will go share a Christmas memory over at Michaels blog..The blog fairy really used her magic to make it look Christmasy!

The Christopher Christmas party is Sunday which means so shopping, cleaning and baking. Too fun. Friday night is our adoption support group and it is guaranteed to be awesome.

Start collecting pics of your ornaments. We will be sharing those later in the week.

Lets ask a question shall we?

When you think of Christmas parties, what do you think of? What types of food. Tell me about a great Christmas party you have been to.

Don't forget to continue the comment game below and to visit MIchaels Christmas blog simply because I said so..(HaHa)

Alright friends, Michael has a fun question today, head on over to his blog and enjoy the season~

oh and dont forget to keep adding to the post below!

Amy

Go visit Michaels blogand share a memory..Come on everyone has at least one memory and we want to learn from you. We cant wait to start traditions!!!!

www.valtool.blogspot.com

Comment Game

Lets play a game shall we. We have a prize as well. The prize is a Christmas decorating book thats so sweet..


Here's how it goes: I'll start the game off in the comments section by choosing two words or phrases, like real Christmas tree or fake Christmas tree, and which ever one you prefer you choose. You can also explain why. When you have done that you do two new words or phrases for the next commenter to choose from. Feel free to come back as often as you like. Just have fun and we will keep this going until Tuesday evening. I got this idea from Comedy Plus and had fun doing it this weekend. the blogger with the most comments from now until Wednesday morning will win the prize. Winner to be announced Wed afternoon. Comments will be added from this post and future posts until Tuesday night. This gives you until Wednesday morning to comment. In case of a tie, I will find another prize.

I'll start with question number one in the comment section.

Josh Groban - O Holy Night

What a voice!

What is your favorite animated Christmas classic?
	Rudolph
	Frosty the snowman
	Mickeys Christmas Carol
	Santa Clause is coming to town
	How the Grinch stole Christmas
	other
	Little Drummer boy
	Charlie Brown
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Still feeling yucky but determined to get the Christmas tree decorated. I did find someone to cover 4 hours of my shift tonight. So I will work 11p-7a tonight, Saturday night and next Monday night and then I have a few days off again to get organized and stuff.

Not much else to report. I have recorded about 12 TV Christmas movies and I am on the last one now with Lucy the basset hound behind me. She has decided her new favorite snack is our favorite pens.

Is there anyone else out there who needs to lose a lot of weight but keeps making excuses? I have no idea whats wrong with me. Right now I have the same excuse..My shoes. My feet seriously hurt when I walk more than 10 minutes on the treadmill. A coworker said I need more support and Laura suggested getting a bigger size..Any ideas?

Michael has really been posting lately..Go visit his Christmas blog here.

I have taken a few weeks off from doing those memes that I have come to love. Stay tuned. I will be back later with a new poll, a fun question and who knows what else..

P.S I still haven't seen the Folgers commercial that makes me cry every year. You know the one where the college son comes home and wakes everyone up with the smell of coffee...

yucky sick

The Christmas cold has found both Michael and I. We are both pretty sick. I assume when he gets home from work, he will be resting well. We have decided on grilled cheese and soup tonight. I still plan on putting the ornaments on the tree though.

I am watching the Rockefeller tree lighting and i must say Tony Benett can still sing..Wowsers.

I am working Friday and Saturday (thinking about letting someone work for me from 7-11 on Friday) and then church on Sunday. I work Monday and then I am off the rest of the week to prepare for the Christopher Christmas party Dec 9. If I have your address, you will be getting an invite this week, if not, consider this your invite. Sunday afternoon Dec 9th will be having a social get together. It will be fun. Would love to have you stop by.

Have you guys done anything Christmasy this week? We noticed several houses with decorations. I love coming home from events with Michael and driving through the neighborhood. Fun Fun!!

I have to finish Christmas cards!
Amy

Amy Grant - Grown Up Christmas List

Christmas lights

Lights- which do you prefer?
	white (clear)
	colored
	a combination of them both
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Christmas

Michael came up with a good idea. He is posting one Christmas picture a day until Christmas time. You might even see me in one of those...He has some good ones so far. Go check him out here. I can't believe I almost forgot to post today. Oh dear.. HaHa! Hope you had a nice day. I am battling what I call a Christmas cold. Hope it goes away soon. Tomorrow is Christmas tree day which means going through all the ornaments and remembering all the memories..Could I be any cheesier? Another poll will be up tomorrow. Before Christmas I am going to ask you guys to share some of your favorite Christmas ornaments, your strangest Christmas presents, special Christmas decorations and some of your neighbors houses decorated for the holidays. Just wanted to give you a warning so you could be prepared. We might even have a contest or 2 (hint hint). there may be even surprise gift thrown out or 2..I love doing that.!!

Here is the question of the day..Well its not a question. Please share your favorite Christmas recipes with us. It doesn't have to be Christmas but something that you make every year. Share this with your blog readers and lets have some good recipes..As Rachel Ray would say YUMMO!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I am really liking Michaels blog, what do you think? Go show him some love.

Hope everyone has enjoyed going back to work today. I go back tonight but then I have the next 3 days off so I think we will put the tree up on Wednesday. As much as I wanted to, there really was no time to do it this weekend. I don't feel that guilty either.
Its noon and I am working on Christmas cards and watching some recorded Christmas TV shows.

I was wondering today what other countries do to prepare for Christmas. How many countries do Christmas trees and other festivities? If any of you know other traditions for different countries and cultures, I would love to hear about them.

Thanks for participating in the poll below!!!!

Whats your favorite traditional Christmas carol?
	other
	Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
	Away in a Manger
	Oh Holy Night
	Silent Night
	Angels We have heard on hight
	Angels from the realms of glory
	Do you hear what I hear?
	God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
	Go tell it on the mountain
	Hark the Herald Angels sing
	It came upon a midnight clear
	Joy to the World
	Little Drummer Boy
	Oh Come Emmanuel
	We three kings
	What child is this?
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Steven Curtis Chapman-All I Really Want for Christmas

My first Christmas video of the season. Oh there will be more friends but I thought I would share this adoption song with you. Got your tissues?

Our Thanksgiving

Where do I begin? Its Christmas time and I plan on having fun this holiday season on this blog. Feel free to stop by during the day I plan on updating pretty frequently.

Let's catch up shall we? So what do you think of my blog? Michael got a new one as well. Check him out here. Did I tell you how much I love Christmas time? It really is the most wonderful time of the year. How was your Thanksgiving?....

I have had a wonderful week. The first part was cleaning and shopping and organizing. I am really not good at any of that, but I try and I enjoy what I do. HaHa!
Wednesday evening, my mom and dad and sister came up to Atlanta and checked into the hotel (cat allergies) and we went to Chilis with everyone including my niece and 2 nephews. We talked about our menu and enjoyed the company.

Thursday morning involved getting the turkey ready and all kinds of things..My family came over and helped soooooo much. While I made a last minute trip to the store, my mom and sister cleaned out my microwave and all kinds of stuff. So the in laws also came over and we had a nice time. Some of the family had to leave for the Falcons football game, so we wrapped it up and dad took us to Lake Lanier to see the Christmas lights. My dad knows I have always been the Christmas girl so it seems like he is always going out of his way to make sure I am in the Christmas trip. After seeing the lights, we got some hot chocolate and headed home. Kelly and I worked on a special project and planned on girl time shopping on Friday.

Friday morning we slept in and headed out around 9am which was a blessing in disguise. While finding a Staples several miles away we passed a Target and Walmart I had never visited. So we decided to stop. Such a good thing as there were plenty of parking places, no lines and we got almost everything on our lists..Yipppee! We then went to lunch at Sweet Tomato's, shopped at Tadpoles and ended with Family Christian store. We were TIRED but had so much fun! We came home, finished our special project and continued getting into the Christmas spirit. We drove to Stone Mountain for their Christmas special ( we had never been there) and had a blast. We really enjoyed the Polar Express 4D special. We had too much fun.. Michael and I came home and I met my parents this morning to say goodbye at the hotel.

Kelly (the sister) and I presented our parents with the special project. Thanksgiving Day was my parents 40th anniversary and during the past 6 months we have been collecting notes and pictures from friends and family and made it into a scrapbook (sister Kelly is very creative). The end result was wonderful. Mom shed some tears and was surprised to see notes and pictures from friends from decades . It was so much fun to do this for my mom and dad.

Its time to work on leftover dinner for tonight. That was my wonderful week. I hope you had a good one.

Cant wait to spending some time on this blog this month. I really don't care if people read it. Its just fun to be in the Christmas mood. I have not forgotten why I celebrate Christmas. I think about that night wen Jesus was born and how my life would not be the same had He not been born. For that I am eternally grateful...

Hey guys! Those who are involved in the card exchange, I am having a hard time emailing the list..So if you are participating, the list is closed. Please send cards to all involved plus I am adding one more to the list so stay tuned for the list in the next day!


Off to enjoy my family!



Amy

Thanksgiving

So, what are you having this Thanksgiving? Whats on your menu? Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions?

Sunday Review

Good morning friends. This is day number one of my vacation at home and I am excited. The next 3 days will be full of anticipation, preparation and cleaning. There grocery lists to make, turkeys to buy and start thawing and dreaming of Christmas. As you can see I am pretty exciting.

Got home from work Sunday morning and made it to church. It was once again awesome and read Michaels view of the sermon, click here. It was also communion Sunday and that was another beautiful experience. I finally feel like we have a home church. I love to just wander before and after church, catching up with friends. It feels so good. I can believe we were so against going to such a big church. I can not imagine being anywhere else. Yesterday I signed up to volunteer every other week in the nursery, feeding, changing and loving on the babies. Hope they contact me soon as I am really excited about that.

We were able to talk with Tymm and Laura as we seem to do this every Sunday and once again they make me smile. They are just a wonderful couple who have become such encouraging friends who are also adopting a baby from China and they are adopting from Ethiopia. Check their blog out here. We can not wait to celebrate with them!

I came home and napped for a few hours and woke up to Michael cleaning the computer room, where sister Kelly will be staying during the holiday. We had a late dinner of spagetti followed by watching one of my favorite movies, A Walk to Remember!! It was a good day and now I am up early ready to play the Christmas music and start some intense cleaning. Wish me luck. I also plan on hitting the gym if my feet will hit me. I think I am going try Laura idea and get a size bigger shoes than I usually where and see if that helps. I will also check the link that Kim left as I saw an ad/article on them in Good Housekeeping this week.

Ill check in later with my progress!!

Just 2 days left to join the Christmas Card exchange. If you are interested, just click on the yahoo button below, join the group and fill out the database. I will have the list ready by Wednesday afternoon.

Click to join amyscardexchange

It happenned again

I got teared up. Walked into work last night and saw the Christmas decorations. Sooo pretty and yet so sad. To think that several families will spend Christmas in the hospital makes me sad. Hope we can do our best to make it a nice Holiday for the families.

Hope you guys are having a nice weekend. Getting ready to work my third night in a row but hoping it will be okay knowing I have the next week off.

Also pray for a sweet little girl I took care of last week. I learned last night she was diagnosed with leukemia. What a life change for the little girl and her family..

Hope I have something interesting to post about tomorrow..

Ill leave you with a question..

Have you seen a good movie lately or is there a movie you are looking forward to?

I love holiday movies so the new Hoffman movie and the Fred Clause movies look good to me.

Today

My post in bullets

Fall is here and Christmas is coming. Don't worry. I wont forget about Thanksgiving.. Michael and I spent some time window shopping at the mall and guess who looked up at waved at us? That's right. Santa Clause!!! Yippee, what a cheerful man. After window shopping we had lunch at Ruby Tuesday and then went to Walgreen's for some shopping. Next was Target. We ended up buying my (our) Christmas cards and now we are home resting.

Thanks to all of you for your shoe info. We did buy some Crocs for me for work. Yes they are ugly (really ugly) but they are sooo comfortable. Next paycheck I hope we can get some walking shoes. I think I just need a different size although its just my right foot that's been hurting.

Working the next 3 nights and then I am off for a whole week. Starting after church on Sunday, clean up begins as we have family coming in. Sister Kelly will be staying with us and I am looking forward to some sister time. Part of that cleaning is getting the carpets and couches cleaned. It hasn't been done in a while so it must be done.

Played trivia last night with a coworker and a friend. we did pretty good for a while and then missed the last question. I'm sure hubby will talk about the questions at some time.
I am enjoying the weather, the season and people in general. There are several movies I want to see and I have already set the DVR (TIVO) to record 5-6 Christmas programs.

There are a lot of new blogs out there and I am enjoying reading some new ones and reading some blogs that are back from hibernation.

Oh, all prizes have been mailed. If you do not get your prize by the end of this week, please email me at amyschristopher@comcast.net Also, just a few more days to sign up for the card exchange. Thanks to all of those who have signed up so far. If interested, just click the yahoo button a few posts below, join the group and fill out the database!

thoughts

Greeting friends from Atlanta!!!! Michael has a recent post as well. Go check it out here. Go ahead. I will wait for you. Did you go visit? Did you? Good. Back to reguarly scheduled blogging.

I worked extra Sunday night and had a very nice, easy shift. At 7:30am, we heard this words. "Children's Healthcare of Atlanta welcomes the Joint Commission". ANyone who has worked in a hospital knows that Joint Commission is scary. This is the group that makes surprise visits and checks out everything, including your charting, your patient care and asks lots of questions. Needless to say I was tired and high tailed it out of their before anyone could catch me.
Did anyone watch October Road last year? I loved the show but never heard it was cancelled. Just wondering.

I have not had a soda in quite a few days and its really not that big of a deal. I have also decided not to consume any alcohol. I usually had a drink or 2 during trivia but realized it was just unnecessary calories. Now my problem is my shoes. I want to exercise. I need to exercise. Michael bought me a new pair of shoes just a few months ago but my feet hurt. At work, I have been wearing my friends (i know i need to get my own) crocks which are so comfortable and my feet do not hurt at work anymore. Anyone have suggestions? I need a good shoe so I can do a couple miles on the treadmill and the eliptical. Primarily its my right foot near my big toe. Perhaps I need a bigger size...Ahhh..It would make exercise more comfortable.

Michael and I played trivia last night with some members of our small group and had a good time and the only question I knew was the color of the road on Wizard of Oz. Had a nice time anyway. Michael has the day off so we will chill before I take my nap this afternoon.
Its also time to start cleaning the house for Turkey Day. Need to get the carpets cleaned upstairs (thank goodness we got laminate last year, that will save some money). I have cut my coupons and made my shopping list so I am quite excited..Yippee!. My sister will be definitely visiting and I will be able to visit with the niece and nephew on Wednesday. It should be a very nice week.

Yesterday Lucy the basset hound and Pixel (Pickle) the large kitten teamed up to catch and bring to the back door a dead baby squirrel. Michael realized that found a hole where these things are living. I do not like dead animals and I had no idea what they were doing yesterday but for an hour, they were best friends.

Thanks to all who have signed up for the card exchange. You still have about a week to sign up so if you feel like exchanging Christmas cards, click on the button below, join the group and fill out the database..I will be back later.


alt="Click here to join amyscardexchange">
Click to join amyscardexchange

The weekend Christmas Cards and me

Michael didn't know I was off tonight so we had a sort of surprise date. After a walk and a visit with our neighbors, we went to Stevie Bs (like Cici's) for pizza and then home. We watched Blades of Glory and are now watching 1408 which is pretty freaky. Once again, if you are interested in the Christmas card exchange, click the button below, join the group and fill in the database. Thanks to the several who have already joined. Don't forget to stop by after Thankgiving for what will be a fun time at Random Thoughts.. There may even be a few changes to the blog.




Click to join amyscardexchange


Tomorrow will be church followed by a nap before I go to work. I have some overtime this week which will be nice as I am taking a vacation during the week of Thanksgiving. I can not wait for Thanksgiving and all the things that go with it.

I do have to say this. I think I am usually a pretty positive person and I am thankful for my blogging friends who leave me compliments. But let me be honest. I am a Christian and I always learning, but I don't want anyone to think I am "a good girl" because I have sooo many faults and I am thankful that our God is a forgiving and merciful God. I struggle with many things and I do lots of things that annoy the heck out of people. I'm not the best nurse and I am surely not the best friend most of the time. I do want to be better, Im not sure why I dont try harder. WHen I figure that out, I will probably start losing some of this weight..Ugh..I know everyone struggles and I am fortunate that I have not had many tragic things happen to me and for that I am grateful..

I just wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to read and post to my blog.

me

Greetings,
I thought I would write to you like I would all of my friends. First of all, check out the cool gift I got from my secret pal over at that adoption blog. Its totally cool! and dont forget to check out the Christmas Card exchange. Plenty of time to sign up. Click on the yahoo group button below, join and fill out the database
It is cold in Atlanta. I mean really cold. Its November,early November. I don't remember it being 32 degrees this early. I love it. Thanksgiving is coming up and I have started our menu and grocery list. My sister will be here this year and I cant wait to have some sister time with her. She should be able to help me decorate for Christmas afterwards..WooHOo and I have the whole week off..Woohoo!

Yesterday, I found a new store. GardenRidge. I can not believe I have not been here before. I seriously got a little teary eyed as I walked into Christmas Heaven. It was Christmas everywhere and I can not wait for Michael to walk around with me. I started my normal dreaming and hoping that one day I can afford some of the stuff in their but most of its very affordable. Christmas music was playing and as much as I have tried to avoid it this week, I allowed myself to soak it in and enjoy it. I am kind of glad I went alone as most of my friends would have laughed at me. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
I love to wake up and start the turkey and turn on the Macy's parade. Its definitely a requirement at my house each year.. I definitely have the Christmas Spirit and hope you will visit my blog after Thanksgiving..It will be fun. I hope to blog each day and invite you to share songs, Christmas memories over the next 6 weeks..Yippee~!

Michael bought some new Christmas music and I am so close to listening to it..Ugh

So trivia last night was stinky but we had fun. I woke up this morning and started a crock pot roast and I work tonight. Tomorrow is our small group from church and we are having a potato bar for dinner. I am off Saturday while means I will be awake for church..Yippee!

Anyway, enought about me..how are you?

thursday 13

Dont forget to click on the Yahoo button and joing the Christmas Card exchange. Choose how many you want to send and voila. Once you join the group click on database and give your info.




Click to join amyscardexchange

Thirteen Things about Amy13 things I love about Thanksgiving 1. I love planning the Thanksgiving dinner 2. I love shopping for Thanksgiving 3. Its a day of love and relaxation and a time to be thankful 4.Its a time for family 5. macys thanksgiving day parade 6. leftovers 7. long walks after dinner 8. its the start of Christmas season 9. getting up early to start the turkey 10. no diet worries 11. planning for the next days shopping adventure 12. leftovers 13. michael watches football after getting the tree out and I start decorating. This year my sister is visting Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you re!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!




The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Tuesday

Well, I surprisingly got a day off today as we had 3 extra nurses and I was very overtime this week. Michael was also off and was able to blog last night. As usual, read his lovely words here. Go say like days when we have nothing planned and can just lounge around. So if you were to ask me what we did today, I will reply NOTHING!

I'm not fully awake but I am getting there. I have had several people sign up for the Christmas Card exchange (see below) and there is plenty of time to join! Just click on the yahoo group button and fill out the database when you join.
Its definitely fall here in Atlanta as the weather has been very cool all week. Thanksgiving us just around the corner which means Christmas is coming! Yipee! Please dont think I forgot about Turkey Day. I feel sorry for Thanksgiving because I think it gets forgotten. BooHoo!
I worked Sat,Sun and Mon so I was unable to go to church was sad but I am off this Saturday night so I should be able to go.

Random question for ya, whats your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

Click to join amyscardexchange
Im organizing a card exchange, if you have questions email me at amyschristopher@comcast.net or click the button, join the yahoo group and fill in the data base!

blah

Good evening friends! My apologies to not visiting blogs as I should, but I am currently working 4 nights in a roll and they have taken the comment privilege away at work..Boo Hoo! I am getting some reading in though during the quiet times.. Hope you will join us with the Christmas Card exchange. I posted a yahoo group sign below. Just click to sign up and place your info in the database. If you don't really want to sign the yahoo group thing and still want to participate just email me at amyschristopher@comcast.net and give me your name, address, how many cards you want to exchange 1,5,10,20 as many as possible? I will add you to the database...

Its Sunday evening...Whats on your mind?

Christmas Card Exchange

Photo hunt below this post


Oh I know its early but I want people to have time to sign up. I have started a list for a Christmas Card Exchange. Click below to join the Amy Christmas Card Exchange yahoo group. This is where you will find a database and can fill in your information. Please pass this one. I would love to have an awesome number of people join.. This is will be displayed for 3 weeks and I will have the lists ready by the day before Turkey Day .When I did my postcard exchange several families enjoyed doing this as a family especially with children. Its fun to find where on the map the cards come from! Looking forward to this and Christmas Central here at Random Thoughts starting after Thanksgiving!


Click to join amyscardexchange

Saturday Photo Hunt- classic

This is niece Janie picking out her first Cabbage Patch kid at the Cabbage Patch Hospital in Ga!! They are classic dolls because I had one!

Ok, you need to go visit Michael and tell him how cool his costume was yesterday. I love his pictures. He was totally cute.

November is National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month. I encourage you to stop by our adoption blog today and just visit or let us know if adoption has touched your life, regardless if its domestic or international. I cant find a graphic to post so if anyone has one please let me know!!! More to come later.

Thursday 13

Thirteen Things about Amy13 Laundry Movies(13 movies I can watch over and over while doing laundry) 1. Shag 2. How to lose a guy in 10 days 3.Any Julia Roberts movie 4. A Walk to Remember 5. American Pie 6. Elf (at Christmas time) 7. The Notebook 8. Old Friends episodes 9. Jay and Silent Bob 10. Forrest Gump 11.13 going on 30 12. 40 year old virgin 13. Walk the Line Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants