Simply a great weekend

This weekend was a time of reflecting, remembering and just having fun. We have been planning a long weekend to Memphis for several weeks now.

Thursday morning we got up pretty early and headed to TN. Had lunch at Cracker Barrel and stopped several times before making a stop in Jackson to see my old college Union Univ, which was torn up by a massive string of tornadoes just a few weeks ago. Wow! My old dorms have been demolished and there is nothing there but dirt. We talked to a student there and by seeing the campus (which has already had a massive clean up) its a miracle that everyone survived. My heart still goes to all of those out of state students who did not have their family to support them.

We continued to drive to Memphis. We checked into our hotel (Fairfield) and had dinner at O'Charleys. This is very important because this was my favorite place to eat while in college. Seriously, the only thing I have ordered there were the Chicken O'Tenders and you must emphasize the O when ordering. Its a rule. We spent some time chilling out and we had a visitor at the hotel. Mr. Steven (yes the blogging Steven) came and chatted with us while bringing some Aleve for my toothache. We chatted for quite a while about Union, church, blogging and a ton of other things.. We were actually told to quiet down. Can you imagine someone telling me to quiet down? Geesh. To bed we went.

The next day we woke up realizing we slept for almost 10 hours...Wow, that was cool. It was pretty yucky outside. This was the day we planned to do the zoo and so far it wasn't looking good. We got several phone calls from friends trying to organize dinner and we got a late start. Its a really good thing we decided to go to the zoo because it was a PERFECT day for the zoo. There was about 40 people total there and all the animals were out. As you can see from the slide show, Michael took some amazing pics. I had an awesome experience. We walked up to the chimp area and went up to the glass window where my new friend was waiting for me. Seriously. I have never been so close. It rocked. Ok, so I got a bit silly and got on the ground so that I was face to face with this monkey. I was on the ground looking eye to eye with this monkey. The first thing I noticed were his hands and then he started playing. I really thought I was having an encounter with ET. I put my finger on the glass, and he would try to kiss it. Check out Michael's pics. it seriously was a very cool experience.
So Friday night, we went for some Memphis BBQ and went to Corkys. So we got to see old Atlanta friends, Jeff and Val (valfrey), Stevens wife jenny and his 2 boys and my old roommie LeeAnne, her hubby and 2 girls. We spend the time eating, laughing and just truly having fun. Oh I miss my college times.

Saturday morning, we planned a Red Thread meeting at IHOP. Deanna, who was logged in the same month as me and is active in our yahoo group, organized a breakfast with some families. The red thread continued as Michael and Deanna shared about where they were from. One of the ladies started talking about the Ladmans, who are First Friday friends of ours..It was cool.
After breakfast, we went to Tunica for the afternoon. I am not afraid to say that. I was in yucky mood but after getting some sugar, I played for a bit and the we left..It was quite different than what I expected.
Saturday, we waited 45 minutes to get into Texas Roadhouse. Odd experience as Michael had to send his steak back twice but in the end we got a free meal.Back to the hotel we went where Wedding Crashers and Napolean Dynamite was playing.

The plan was for Sunday to go to church with Steven and his family. We didn't go. Instead, we went to Cracker Barrel with Jeff and Val and had a really odd experience. If any lady bug lovers are out there, check out Cracker Barrel..The stuff is too cute!
After that we went to downtown Memphis to find an Asian art exhibit. So before that, we walked around Bealle street and went to the top of the Peabody and saw the awesome view. Back to the art exhibit, one of the China moms told us about it and I am so glad they did. It was a wonderful exhibit and gave me more of a passion for the Chinese culture..Once again, too cool! Boy, it just hit me that this was a really busy day.

After Memphis, we drove to Jackson so see a college professor of mine and her sons Dalton and Jared. You see while in college, I was the primary babysitter for Dalton from age 8 months- 3 years. As I told Jenni leigh, the night I left Dalton the last time, was a very hard night. I don't remember crying that much. HE used to call me AA. We walked in to Chuckie Cheese, and this 12 year old came up saying, AA? He gave me a hug and we just talked. He decided that since I made him dance to Barney, he is now into drama. He said, thanks a lot! We talked about Dino, a stuffed dinosaur pillow that he had to sleep with every day. As we were leaving, he brought Dino out to show me. Oh he is warn out, but I could just picture Dalton a little boy with his "DOH". I was the one who was supposed to have an impact on, I swear I think it was the other way around.

After our Chuckie Cheese Adventure, we headed over the Casey Jones Village to buy some sauce for Michaels dad.

Then we met some more friends at Olive Garden. First was Sara, my most stable friend. Sara is a fun, crazy, responsible lawyer who was a roommate of Valerie (wife of Jeff). We actually stayed with her on a trip.

So towards the end of dinner, Miss Lorrie Spickard came in with her boyfriend. Lorrie has been one of my closest friends of all times. She was in my wedding. I absolutely adore her. We had not seen each other for almost 4 years but dang, it sure did not feel like it. It was just sooo cool to laugh and share experiences with my good friend. We stayed for hours. We love her boyfriend and Lorrie just made me smile. We talked about short term mission trip with Steven and other people, and the fact that we had so many late night talks. This was soooo cool! We have had some trials in our friendship, but we always come out stronger.

Back to the hotel, for some online time and some needed rest. I was afraid we would be sleep until noon, but that lovely sun woke us up.

Pics coming momentarily

Got tissues?

Ok, so I promise the next post will be the Memphis trip.

I want you to head over to Cf Husband

I will not tell their story, you can read it there. Catch up on the story before you watch the video. Seriously, I have been reading for a while now and this is the best blog post I have read in a very long time.

Seriously, take the time to read and to say a prayer for this amazing, humble, faithful family!!

Tuesday entry

I am waiting to post my long entry on our weekend until I get the slide show done. We did have a good time.

Thanks to all who answered the question below. Interesting answers.

I am presently reading Blue Like Jazz and I am intentionally reading it slowly as not to miss the authors thoughts. What a great book!

Check out our Memphis zoo pics over at Michaels blog and scroll down until you see Saturday. He took some awesome shots.

Glad to be home. Lucy is glad to be home although her voice really changed. I soo dont recognize this new bark of hers.

Until tomorrow.

Have a fantabulous day!

Here is another question for you.

If you had to only have one book of the Bible for one year, which one would you choose?
I ask that because we are reading a book of the Bible each week and each week I learn something awesome. Esther is an awesome book. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Now, on to Job.

Seriously, if you have not read the Bible since you were in little kid Sunday school, try it. I am seeing things in a whole new light. God is amazing. So many things are still so relevant, its craziness I tell ya.

lalalalalal

2 things, one more important than the other

1) Michael and I are heading out the door to go to Memphis to relax and visit old friends. Pray for fun and safety

2) A very close friend asked me a very serious question regarding my faith and what I believe and I am having a hard time answering this. She asked me as she is struggling with answers and thought my blog readers may be able to help. Please answer and share with others who may be able to share their thoughts.

Do those people in third world countries who are never able to hear the gospel and given the opportunity to receive Christ go to hell?
Thats a very hard question for me to even type. But I hope we can some answers as I will not be blogging but she will be reading this. I know what I feel about infants and small children so I guess its the same. I do not know. Please share your thoughts and if this gets into an argument or something, please be nice. I will not be here to monitor.

my life as a pediatric nurse

Someone commented here a few days ago if I really loved my job.

There are so many reasons why I love my job. I love my night shift crew. I love admitting patients and trying to make their stay as easy as possible. I love meeting families whom I have an instant connection with. I could stay for hours in their room just talking but I have other patients to talk to. I love talking to little kids and the older ones..I love talking to 6 and 7 year olds who think they are adults.I love working with difficult patients and families that other nurses prefer to not to care for..I love the challenge.

Mentioning Hanna Montana, Wii, and High School Musical gets you instant points with kids. I love it. I love watching their eyes when they realize Nurse Amy knows about stuff like that. I hate giving shots or checking an IV to make sure its still in..I hate putting kids on oxygen and making sure it stays in their nose. I really dont like giving shots but have gotten really good at it. I don't like it when kids are scared of everything we do.

I really love my job. Ok, let me be honest. Sometimes I just don't want to go to work but that does not mean I do not love my job. I can not believe I am a nurse. I can not believe I have this most amazing job. I can not believe that I get the opportunity to walk beside these families in happy and sad times. A lot of my patients just stay over night and then I never see them again. A lot of patients get diagnosis that change the way they live for the rest of their lives. This is such an awesome experience. To talk to the families and patients who give me such insight is awesome.

Do I cry with my families? yes. The good news is that its usually happy things that bring on the tears. To remember the 3 funerals I have been to since starting here just amazes me. I was part of this amazing experience and it really humbles me. its an experience I can not describe. I do not mean this to be sad but I have seen God's hand in such awesome circumstances. I think of Rachel, Owen and Catie. These little people were not on earth very long but certainly they have made an impact on those around them. I have seen amazing joy in sorrow. When you can find that, its just really special. I have no words for that.

I can not believe I work with the most amazing nurses and physicians I do. I am not the best nurse. Sometimes I do not have the answers to give patients the comfort they need. Sometimes I can not even find the time to give them the comfort, but oh I want to.

Oh yeah, there are some negatives to my job but the positives are so much greater. Who would have thought I would be meeting so many Chinese children this way. The way that I got this job 6 years ago is amazing and I cant believe that because I chose the floor I work on, I am connecting with so many more families and seeing that red thread flow.

So I am sitting here finally checking blogs, watching Rainman and chatting online my sister. Michael and I leave Thursday for our long weekend to Memphis and just this week we booked our family Disney cruise for this April. How very exciting.

I enjoyed the babies in the nursery and I loved watching them interact yesterday. I am in the room with 7-12 months and once they walk, they graduate. Oh they are soooo fun..

Nothing really going on. Lots to do..Im ready for nap..

SUNDAY AND YOUR HELP

I went to China today..really I did. See, I signed up to work in the nursery and each age group has a country. I worked in China with the 7-12 months old and had soooo much fun! They were cute and silly and had a really good time. Its nice to serve and I realized what an awesome children's program my church has More on that. I still have not been to bed and worked last night so i am hoping to have more words later..Its odd that its Sunday and Michael's working.

Just a few more day until the Christopher Memphis trip and we have another trip planned as well! We will talk about that later.

Amy

randomness

So this morning, I decided to hit Walmart for some new scrubs and get some new healthy foods as I want to try a low cal diet the next 3 days as I am working. I have tried 1 1600 diet before and it wasn't that bad.

I did well and thought about getting a salad to take to work tonight. I found the Healthy Food sections and found a yummy salad. I decided to look at the back just to see the calories. This was a normal salad with veggies, grilled chicken, cheese , other stuff and bacon bits and dressing..

Normal size salad and it said it had 5 servings. Each serving was 22o calories..For me to eat this salad would cost me over 1000 calories? what the heck? Seriously, that is just soooooo wrong.



***** update Dont you hate it when you spend hours of looking to find a great deal on a family vacation, then you find it and then works says no way you cant have it off even though its over 2 months away? yeah, I hate it when that happens*********

Blessings and tears

Lets go ahead and answer the question, the concert rocked! Pics by Michael coming soon!

So here is the deal, we were trying to get some of our community group to come with us but it was not in their budget. Last night at 545, we got a call from CG friends. They were given tickets by a friend and wanted to join us..I am so glad they did. I did not know Leslie and I had so much in common. We really really had a good time. It was much more than a concert, just awesome.

Anyway, I started thinking about how I have personally changed in the past few years. I mean spiritually, not physically or mentally hahaha!

No matter what your preference of worship style is, there is something about a large group of people singing together. Especially at church, the sound of hundreds of people praising God is sooo beautiful. I have felt God's presence so many times this year!

Then I started thinking about words like grace and mercy and how I can really appreciate those. I can now understand when I hear people talking about God's grace and mercy pouring down on them. I really understand. I am not sure I will ever comprehend God's grace and mercy, I understand when people talk about them. Its awesome. I used to be really nervous around people who lifted their hands during music. I now understand. God is soooo good. This past year has just rocked. I love singing at church and love having tears pour out as I realize how great my God is and I am so thankful that He loves me and has forgiven me and has given me hope and a promise for the future.

I now have such a peace. even in very stressful situations, I can find peace. Friends, if you want that peace, seek Him. Once you allow him to take over, your life is awesome. Its incredible what I have learned. Your life is soooo much more peaceful and joyful once you just let him have control. Oh its hard to give up that control and not want to take it back.Please don't miss ou. Oh there are struggles and there are questions you want answered, but you begin to learn that His plans are far better than anything you could come up with on your own. I have learned to find joy in sadness. I dont even have to look for it, God just whops me on the head sometimes.

Then I started thinking about those God moments. Have you had one recently? If you dont pay attention you will miss it. I don't want to miss these. Usually when I am alone and stressed God just throws something at me just to get my attention. I need to learn to be quiet, to be still and to listen. I will share some of those tomorrow. I love those. I love God whispers which are getting more frequent or maybe I am just starting to listen. It saddens me to think I have missed those whispers.

Sorry I am so longwinded. There will be more but so much has been flooding my heart and mind. And I know that no matter what happens in my life, it will be okay.

There are no coincidenses in life!!!!!!!

Sunday afternoon. Rain..Wind. Tornado warning. How to make things a bit more cheerful? Well you head over to Alpharetta to see Steven Curtis Chapman in concert, thats what you do! Hoping to leave soon!!!


Dont forget to pray for the Uganda team! They are leaving today!!!

Thats all


and for the one commenter, I accept your challenge and will do one of those posts this week..Heehee

Random thoughts

Michael and I had lunch at a place called Chillitos and then saw the newest National Treasure movie.I really liked it.

I started thinking about something today. Did you see the movie Mask from the 80s? It was the story about a boy born with a facial deformity and how he relates to the world. I was thinking of one scene in particular. IT was the one where he teaches the blind girl how to see colors by putting things in her hands. Im not sure why I thought about that today except i am realizing that we all "see" or view things differently. Things that I think are incredibly important may not be as important as you. We all learn differently as well

I have had a lot of different thoughts lately on a lot of different things. Some things are heavy on my heart and some things are so silly and trivial I just laugh. I hope to share some of these things. Next week I may turn off comments for a while. Why? I dont know. I want to just share my heart and my mind. I may not even do it. Its my blog, I can do whatever I want I guess. Heehee!

2 things

There eventually will be some substance to this blog but until then

1) I figured out yahoo messager so I can chat with sister..My screen name is ganurse321 so add me..Chatting is fun!

2) Michael dedicated a song to me..I wont tell you what it but check out www.rockingthe80s.blogspot.com to what it is!

Let him know if you have a LDD for next week. yes I am pimping his blog

open ended question

I'm still thinking about what i want to do on this blog and I have some idea.

Happy Valentines or Valentimes Day(however you choose to say it )


On that note, what is a perfect date for you?

Thursday 13 repeat

Thirteen Things about Amy 13 favorite romantic movies 1. The Notebook 2. A Walk to Remember 3. Sweet Home Alabama 4. You've Got Mail 5.Hope Floats 6.Moulin Rouge 7.Serendipity 8.How to Lose a Guy in 10 days 9.Dirty Dancing 10.Here on Earth 11.Anne of Green Gables 12.Down to You 13.Sweet November Whats not on this list?

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! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Things are a changing

I don't like my blog..OH I am okay with the design and I like blogger, I just don't like the substance. I realized it a few weeks ago.

Let me explain why. I love my job and I mean I really love my job especially when I really connect with my families. I love sharing my stories (as much as I can due to confidentiality) and I really love comments.

I do feel uncomfortable with the comments that tell me what a special person I am because I dont think of myself that way. Dont get me wrong, I am child of God who made me in His image and because of that I am grateful. I don't want my blog to become all about me. Does this make sense? I am not sure what I will do.
I was thinking about starting a new blog sharing my thoughts of my spiritual journey which has simply been amazing this past year. I have thought about turning off comments for a time. I have thought of just posting small posts throughout the day.

Any ideas?????

Uganda

They are seeing things with love. Please go visit here and see what they are seeing. WOW!!! Just beuatiful. Simply beautiful

This is BIG!

the night shift

I have many benefits of my job. One of these benefits is getting to know some of my families. Last night I admitted a patient who was 3 weeks old with RSV. She is beautiful, I mean the kind of beautiful that makes you want to stare at this child. Oh I hope she feels better soon. So, I started talking and asking my questions and learned that she was adopted. My new friend was in the delivery room when this sweet baby entered this world. This is her second baby and shared that story as well.

We eventually got the sweet baby sleep and mom and I talked and eventually I got mom to sleep as well.

Around 5 am, the resp therapist found me to tell me mom was crying. I went in to talk to her and learned that only does she have a brand new baby, her older daughter is sick, her mom is not feeling well so she hasnt seen the baby, the dog has cancer and husband has been taking care of kids, the house and the doh, and prior to this adoption she suffered a late miscarriage of twins from doing IVF. She has a lot on her plate and she is alone at the hospital. Will you please say a prayer for her? I so looking forward to talking more to her as she does have a happy story!
She explained to me her feelings the day she met MM! I asked her if she cried and she said it wasnt until mM cried that she just lost and said no matter how long we wait for LynnMarie, we will treasure the moment we will meet her..

I complain about work and sometimes I complain about the people I work with but I just love my job. I love moments like these,

Uganda

The team is on their way to Uganda with Compassion International. An amazing thing has started. Several bloggers are on their way to Uganda and will be blogging about their experience..PRay for all involved! Check out www.ragamuffinsoul.com

the Grammys

If you ever want to punish me or make sure I go insane, lock me in a closet and make me listen to Kanye West and Amy Winehouse repeat their acceptance speeches. As much as I can appreciate their music (Love Golddigger), I soooo wanted to mute the tv.

Thats all until tomorrow.

Hope this doesn't tick anyone off..

Union- the memories

Union University

To read the impact this school on my life, head over the adoption blog and to see pics google it or visit http://www.valtool.blogspot.com/

As you guys have seen or heard, Union was devastated. God is gracious and no lives were taken at Union, but many people died in these storms. Please keep all in your prayers.

Being the sentimental girl that I am, i thought I would summarize some key points of my college life in bullet style. For the record, my college rocks!

- I changed my major during my junior year. Sorry dad!

-I went to UU for the nursing school but changed to the nursing program because of a pharmacology class

- Because of upstairs neighbor Sara, I woke up a 5am for over a year, went to the YMCA and lost over 50 pounds

-I did not visit the cafeteria until my senior year

-I really tried to be cool, it didnt work

- Sara and I drove to Memphis in the rain trying to find a Clay Crosse concert, we were late and got there for the last song

-I was afraid of a lot of people

- I had friends in all sororities although I was never in one (too afraid)

- I had a kitchen in my dorm, Patton 11

-Vince Gill, Wynona and Michael English all visited Union

- I went to New Orleans on a short term trip

- 2 of my roommates sang in my wedding

-I actually had several roommates in college

-once a month I had to defrost the freezer with a knife and a hairdryer

-I once stole a sign from a park and ran

- I walked out of a movie with Jenny Hinton

-I missed curfew just a few times in college

- I not only lost a lot of weight but gained a lot as well (thank you O'Charley rolls)

-I got in trouble in college by complaining about loud neighbors and had to go to mediation

-i had to go to summer school because the night before my microbiology exam, my RA took a few of us to see Rebecca St. James in concert

- We had several tornado drills in college. Because of that, 8 girls got to bond in a downstairs bathroom

-we learned to keep one foot on the floor at all times during the times when boys and girls could visit each other

- I went on a retreat and apparently was to0 afraid to eat in front of people and my first roommate told on me.

- I was a bridesmaid for roomate Jenny during college

-I thought I was the only person not getting married during college

-I enjoyed going to chapel

- I babysat for my professors son Dalton and he is now in middle school. What the heck?

-Jenny had a car named Larry and she went home every weekend

- I worked at Walgreens, Sears and was a sitter for the hospital during college

-I loved driving home from TN to Fl for Christmas and cranked up the Christmas music

-I would get up on Sat mornings at 5am to be first at the washer and dryer

-I did several "allnighters" at Perkins studying before exams

-I went to church by myself a few times in college

-I leard to love Christmas and learned a song from Jenny called "On december 5 and 20 Fum FUm FUM


Enough about that. Its time to confuse you but here are few things about Union friends

- I was roommates with Jenny, LeeAnne, Tracy, Amy, jenny and Kim (not all the same time)
-my next door neighbors were Tiffany, Nivah, Jenny and Lori
- Jenny married Steven
-Steven was best friends with Jeff. I knew of them but didnt really know them in college
-Upstairs lived Sara and Val and some other people.
-Sara lives in Jackson and flew to Fl for my wedding and I have seen her a few times. here comes the good part.
-Jeff lived in Atlanta. We met him, all became friends and went to trivia several times with him
-Jeff married Val (yes the one above) and they got married in Tn. So we went to their wedding and saw all the people mentioned above and will see them again in a few weeks as they moved back to TN
-next door neighbor Lori is adopting from China and I hope to see her soon as well
-A different Lori lived across the street upstairs who will always be one of my best friends. Lori was a bridesmaid
-Lori, Jenny (next door neighbor) and were roomates for 1-2 summers and watched the movie SHAG dailiy


As you can see, I had amazing friends who are still in my life and amazing experiences..Pray for Union, the students, those making decisions concerning UNion and everyone in Jackson. I may add to this list as my memory brings more things up.

any other UU alumni want to share?





photo taken from www.russellsabode.com

These were our dorms. Looking at this picture, I lived in the dorm to the far left, the one highter on the screen, the closest to the campus. As Steven said, the commons area (directly in the center of the picture) is gone. That is where we socialized since we had men and women dorms.

Praying for Union and Jackson TN

Wow! My college was tore up last night! Wow! Union Univ in Jackson Tn was hit HARD by tornados last night. 51 people had to visit the hospital and several were trapped for a while. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt. How scary! In the last 2 years, many Union alumni have been reconnected by blogging. I know we all feel horrible right now. Many of us called UU home 4 years (some of us 4.5)!
Please pray for Union, the students and the city of Jackson. My MIL emailed me to say she saw it on CNN this morning!

You can find pics by googling it or other blogs..Check out Stevens blog for one heck of a picture!


***********UPDATE*******************

Disaster relief fund -found on www.uu.edu this evening

So many of our friends have contacted us about their desire to help Union University during this most challenging time for our campus. The Board of Trustees has established a special fund to address this particular need in the life of this University. For your generosity to Union at this particular time, please know of our gratitute.

Please send designated gifts to:
Union University Disaster Relief Fund
1050 Union University Drive
Jackson, TN 38305

Faithfully,
David S. Dockery
President

Praying for you TN folks!!!

I have posted this before.. Bloggers making a difference. head over to www.ragamuffinsoul.com and go head and bookmark it, add it to your bloglines. Carlos is one of many bloggers going to Uganda in a week to make a difference and blog about it. This is BIG!! Cant wait to see what God can and will do!

weekend and such

Well, the Superbowl came and went! Im not really a football fan (I really done understand the whole first down thing at all) but I was soo glad another Manning won..I just think its cool that 2 brothers won the Superbowl back to back. It would also have been cool to hear about a perfect season but oh well.

Contest is over and back to your regularly scheduled blogging. Whats beeing going on..

Michaels 80s blog Taking You Back has some cool stuff going on..Check it out!


Im bored so heres a question until I think about something else to blog about..

Whats your favorite dessert?

Wiinners announced

The 2 winners from the giveaway are

1) Melissa at Snapshots of Life

2)Katy at Country Blosson



Congrats! Stay tuned for my regular blogging and maybe another contest soon!


BTW, go visit the winners

ok that was a fun contest..Winners announced in the morning but let me tell you what I missed at work Sunday? or shall I say who? wanna guess? You will not believe it!!

GARTH BROOKS! HOLY COW! OK, SO i get star struck easy but he was 50 feet from my floor..They kept that a big secret..Im a bit tired so I have nothing to blog about but wanted to share another blogs coolest post ever..Yes it will make you smile and cry! Please go visit CFHusband again!

Im so glad he shared this moment with his readers! Ill be back tomorrow! The contest is over but I would to read more about who you would have to dinner..Check the post above below!

2nd book giveaway

So this contest thing is to bring new people to your blogs and I thought I would ask a question. The person with the most creative answers will win another one of my favorite books by Karen Kingsbury.

Here's the question

You are on a reality show. The idea is for normal everyday people to spend an evening with 5 celebrities who they look up to. The dinner must be one of your favorites..

So, what 5 people would you have dinner with and why and what would you be eating?

uh oh

Ladies and gentlemen?
Could it be?
New Kids on the Block are coming back?

Check it out at www.nkotb.com

Think they are doing the Superbowl? Just wondering

Peace out...

weekend

So glad to have a night off. Even if its just one..Rough weekend. 2 Codes last night and one had to be intubated on the floor and was just a tiny baby. Needless to say, many of us were ready to head home. Headed to church where they did a spotlight on the short term mission work from the church. I really enjoyed it.

Can I just tell you how many great blogs i am reading right now? Some of you have amazing blogrolls..Haha!

I feel another contest coming...Stay tuned for details.

and if you live in Memphis or have lived in Memphis, help us plan our trip. What are your thoughts???

i shall blog about blogging

Why do I blog? Several reasons. I find it very relaxing and fun. Here is really why. I like to talk. A LOT! I have a lot to say..I didn't say it was all important, there are just a lot of words.When I converse with people I am always afraid they will tell me to shut up. IN the blogging world, they cant not, they simply quit reading you..

So who blogs? Many people. There are blogs from all over the world, blogging for different reasons. Many people blog about their adoption journey, some blog to journal life events, some people blog to meet others.

Then you find the special blogs. You know the ones I speak of. The ones that make you stand still. The ones that make you cry for a stranger. You learn of God's love and grace. You simply read in awe. I have found one of those blogs lately and I wanted to share it with you. I need to warn you as you read this blog, you will smile, laugh, cry, rejoice with the family and cry some more. I do not know these people but I love them!!!

Ready? http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/

Let me tell you about this family. There is a husband, wife and new baby. Wife has Cystic Fibrosis. New baby is very premature. When mom delivered baby, they had to give her a tracheotomy which she expected and has been in ICU.
Well, today she saw her baby for the first time! Oh I have been reading this blog since baby was born and this is just awesome. Please go and be blessed and encouraged. I love blogs like this.

TGIF? ITS YOUR TURN!!!

Its Friday morning and I am close to going to bed. I work the next 2 nights and hopefully will be stress free!

Its cold and cloudy in Atlanta, that should make for a good day for sleeping. I was able to get to they gym yesterday and watched a whole episode of Different Strokes (the one where Sam was kidnapped) and just listened to the IPOD which is pretty cool. At least I got my 3 days in this week.

Not too much to blog about.

So its your turn, while I sleep say something, comment something. I dont care what. It can be one word (seriously!!!) or a question or comment!!!! Woohoo...whats on your mind

Memphis

hey Memphis people! Be on the lookout for the Christophers, coming to a town near you soon! Any Memphis people out there?

Me

my day

1) I did go to the gym today and had fun

2) Went to a baby shower and had fun!!!

3) Watched the final episode of 90210 and cried! I am assuming this will get absolutely no comments and that is okay! I really liked the show in high school!

Seriously, have none of you seen a bad movie ? (see below)

So, its a rainy Tues morning and we are watching Saving Silverman, which may be the dumbest movie I have ever seen besides the very first Adam Sandler movie called Going Overboard.

Which makes me wonder what the worst movie you have ever seen? everyone has different taste and some of you may actually like Saving Silverman..

SO tell us,

Whats the worst movies you have ever seen? Now after you have answered that question head over to www.valtool.blogspot.com and ask him a question and then head over to www.rockingthe80s.blogspot.com to see what video he has posted!!

Cheers!

Monday

Just got home from a lunch date with my friend Rebekah and her 3 kids Josh, Katherine and Michaela. It was a nice visit and I wish we could visit more.

Lets see, someone asked about the fluffiness. The truth is I am not going to get on a scale at all. Well, I will have to at our yearly physical but other than that I am just hoping clothes will fit. I have been to the gym on my days off and went this morning, just me and my IPOD (I need a name for my IPOD, any ideas?) I was alone at the gym and did over 30 minutes on the treadmill and added the elliptical and some weights. I had been motivated to just come home and start organizing but I did not. I have tomorrow and Wed off but am going to a double baby shower tomorrow.
Don't forget t visit www.valtool.blogspot.com and ask him a question. He has some good ones he will have to answer tonight

Here is a question I read on Steven R's blog and thought I would ask you?

How do you put your desires and good intentions into actions? Some call it laziness, unmotivated but I want to know how you do things you need to do?

Weekend recap

First off, check out hubbys blog at www.valtool.blogspot.com hes having a question day so go work his brain..


I have Sunday-Wed off this week so I am hoping to get some of my New Years resolutions going. Hoping to work out every day and meeting with some friends. Lunch with friend Rebekah and a baby shower are already planned.

Friday night we had our community group and it was the best one yet! To finish our study from the book, "Men are like waffles, women are like spaghetti" we had of course a spaghetti and waffle dinner..Michaels spaghetti rocked. We had 4 couples this week and it was a very honest discussion. Im so thankful we joined our church (which was cancelled Sunday due to weather and allowed me some extra sleep) and our community group!!!! A good time was had by all.

We are now watching some football after catching up on October Road.

I'm feeling kind of tired and wierd so I will work on another post tomorrow

Pray for my friends

If you remember last year, I talked about sweet Miss Catie. Today marks one year since she passed away. Please pray for Tre, Jenny and her family. Miss Izzy was born just a few days after her big sister passed away and I'm so glad they have her. its going to be a hard day for them. What a night that was last year. I was at work the night Catie died and experienced so many emotions as i visited with the family in ICU. It was a beautiful moment and so hard to explain. Catie will always be one of my favorite patients not only was she the coolest kid, but her family had a joy that was contagious. Catie loved Amy Grant and the Sound of Music. I was able to go to her funeral in Savannah a few days later and am so glad I did. It was a beautiful celebration and was truly a worship service. That sweet girl touched so many lives and continues to do so. I am so thankful I was working the night she was diagnosed on her 1st birthday. Patients and families such as this one make me a better nurse..



If you would like to visit the familys webste, check out www.midgetsandmoonpies.blogspot.com


PLEASE PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ask Away

Just got home from work and noticed Michael already did his AI comentary from last night. Check out http://www.valtool.blogspot.com/ for his thoughts.

Oh I have a story from last night but its probably not appropriate for the blogging world so I will just have to tell Michael anyway.

So as other bloggers are doing,for this post

What do you want to know about Amy? Ask me anything. I think I am ready. Im sleeping today so I will leave this up until Friday afternoon or evening!. So, ask as many times as you would like and on Friday I will answer your questions..

Go ahead!!!

Birthday and AI

Yesterday was my 33rd birthday and also Michael's bday.You know, Michael from www.valtool.blogspot.com It started out with me wanting to go to the gym and MIchael telling me to get ready because we had somewhere to go. I had no idea where we were going and it was a great surprise. We went to Spa Sidell for a couples massage and it was awesome. It was very nice and very thoughtful.


After our massage we headed to a Brazilian steakhouse for a yummy lunch. We came home, played a game I got Michael for Christmas and he taught me Othello, a game he played when he was younger. I caught on and its pretty fun!


We ordered Chinese for dinner and settled down for American Idol. Michael did a good job reviewing the show in detail but here are my thoughts.


I like the show. I love the people who think they are good and I like the silly people. Once again, there are certain types of singers they have to have the first few weeks.

Every season opener they must have a singer who doesn't sing much English. I'm not sure why people find this funny but William Hung started all of this.

There is always a single mom trying to better for their baby. Nothing wrong with this, I enjoy the stories and usually root for these singers but there is one every season.

there is always a very large person trying out. This season there was a big girl who plays football. I don't think she made it through.

there is always the sweet, naive girl who usually sings country.

There are always people looking just to get on TV. Once again there were costumes and such. there were some good ones this week but no one really got my attention.

Did you guys notice anything special?

HAPPY BDAY TO MY HUBBY! WE BOTH HAVE THE DAY OFF BUT I STILL HAVENT SEEN HIM YET! I WOKE UP EARLY..HEAD OVER TO WWW.VALTOOL.BLOGSPOT.COM AND WISH HIM A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

AND NO, WE ARE NOT CONFUSED

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

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! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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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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!