Contest

Everyone who participated in the contest:

Please send me your email ASAP to amyschristopher@comcast.net ! Please include your screen name and your blog name if possible. I am finishing up and we have lots of prizes to hand out!!!

1 year ago Michael and I were shopping at Sams, cleaning the house and getting ready for our anniversary trip. We spent 7 days at the same place we honeymooned at in Colonial Williamsburg. We had a wonderful, romantic time and hope to do this again. I finally put a slide show together. Feel free to take a look. there are a lot of pics, so I know you wont see them all but I thought I would share them with you.

Our 2006 5th Anniversary trip to Colonial Williamsburg

Fall Yall

Well friends the contest is over and winners will be announced on Monday morning. You still have until noon Saturday to catch up on posts to be eligible for prizes an dont forget to comment at Michaels blog to get the points. I thank all of you for participating. Even the people who don't particularly like Michael or I, and yes there are a few. Thank for commenting and I hope you will join in. Thanks for getting to know us and hope you will come by for Christmas central here at Random Thoughts. I hope to have a slide show ready this weekend of our anniversary trip to Williamsburg sometime on Saturday.

I'm ready for the smell of fires in the fireplace (hoping for rain in Ga first), visiting the pumpkin patch, spending time outside, going for walks,the apple festival, and just enjoying life.

Michael and I met our small group last night minus one couple. We are doing a group study on a book called Men are like waffles-women are like spaghetti although I didn't do my work for the week. I think we would have gotten more out of it if we had. We talked about how to communicate and to appreciate each more. I enjoyed the study and being around new people. So between that study and my women's group on Wednesdays, it should keep me busy.

Here is another thought. If you dont like someones views on things or totally disagree to the point that you are being ugly to the person, dont bother reading it. That would solve a lot of problems, I am just saying.

I'm not sure if I will be doing another post again as Michael and I are leaving for our first small group soon and then I am going to work. This has been great fun! I will be organizing a Christmas card exchange and will ask for info later in October so that everyone can have the list before Thanksgiving and then its time for Christmas central..I'm so excited about that so please come back and visit. Thanks so much for participating..You guys rock!

Ok, so here is the situation. You are out of debt. Your kids have everything they need, your family is healthy, college tuition has been paid for. You get 3 wishes. What would they be and you can not wish for world or bloggy peace or more wishes!

I may see you later..

Amy

Religion and politics

I was thinking about things..Blogging for one. If you know me at all, you know that I avoid confrontation at all costs. I love to blog because you can avoid all that stuff if you want.

I now undestand why I have heard that you shouldn't discuss religion or politics over dinner.

There are 2 reasons why

1)Many people are quite passionate about their opinions on religion and politics. Obviously, people think their opinions are correct or they wouldn't have those views. SOmetimes people are intimidated by people who voice those opinions or try to force them on others. I think many Christians have been stereotyped with this one.

2)Then there are those who get offended or get defensive when one of these passionate people declare their views or assume they want you to change your views. Its not meant to be mean, but it really can cause some issues.

Its hard not to judge someone based on their opinions or choices. Its really hard. I am working on it

It is because of these 2 I dont share a lot of my views. Im afraid of starting a conversation I can not handle. I love to read/listen to conversations where people may completely disagree with each other but can still be friends and respect each other

I put the wreath up today just to get in the fall mood!

I got this at Michael's a few weeks ago 40% off, I love it but know if I were creative I could have made it even cheaper

Okay peeps,
The contest is officially over tomorrow. SInce I am working tomorrow night, the last post will be tomorrow evening sometime and you have until Saturday at noon to comment. I want to make sure everyone has time to participate. Remember, you must also post over at Valtools Box in order to be considered for the rockin prizes. Hasn't this been fun? Winners will be announced Monday morning. Rules and stuff can still be here if you want to join in and catch up!

So, its officially fall. The apple festival is coming up and I am going to be putting my fall wreath on the door. We may have family in for Thanksgiving which would wonderful. Now here is my dilemma. I want my dad to enjoy it, hes allergic to cats. We have multiple cats. Do any of you use one of those air filters or do you know anyone who does? I know they can be expensive but if we can get the cat hair out of the air for daddy-o, that would be worth it. The good news is the cats don't spend a lot of time downstairs and we have wood floors. Your advice would be wonderful.

I did in fact survive yesterday and enjoyed the moment I put my head on the pillow. I was too tired to talk during our study on Exodus, but enjoyed and learned a lot. Did I tell you Michael and I both got Friday evening off to start our new small group? I work at 11 but still..We are quite excited.

So after the Bible Study, I went to the place where I was meeting my friend and wandered around. I was able to visit Barnes and Noble, Gymboree, Hallmark, Bombay for Kids (no need to go there again although I love the regular store), Pier 1 and Linens and Things and then a small collectible shop. Window shopping was fun.
Lucy is in doggie daycare today again so I can get some cleaning done but now I am tired again and plan on finding some caffeine soon.

Where do you like to window shop or dream?

I'll be back after I have been productive. Perhaps I will window shop later as a reward

Need sleep. Moses.Egypt. 10 commandments. red sea. frogs everywhere. Israel.

Done with Bible Study and lunch with a friend. Going to nap until Michael gets home and then will post more.
No need for comments for contest here, this is just an update so I turned them off so you would not be tempted..hahaha!!!

Its nearly midnight here at work and its been pretty busy. I have enjoyed your comments and have a family who has 7 children, 4 adopted from Vietnam. Its been nice talking to them.
What to blog about? Whats on my mind?

I decided I would tell you a little bit about Amy, the blogger whom you are presently reading.
I am Amy, wife to Michael, owner ot 2 cats and Lucy the basset hound. I am a child of God. each day that I breathe, the more awesome He is. Its the stories I hear, the views outside. There is no way I can deny the creation. How Great is my God!!!! I am rereading the Bible and I am learning so much and I am just in Exodus. I am not trying to preach, just stating how I feel. I have been blessed far more than I deserve. I am not perfect. I try to impress people. I always feel like everyone is better than me. I also try to be humble. (Really)
I am a daughter and a sister of a younger sister and brother. I am a pediatric nurse in one of the best pediatric hospitals in the country. I work on a neuro/craniofacial floor. I take care of patients between the ages of 0-18 years that have/ need all kids of plastic surgeries (most because of a birth defect), things with the brain like seizures, tumors, meningitis, spinal cord things. shunts and all kinds of stuff. I love my job.

My hubby and I are adopting a baby girl from China. Her name is LynnMarie and she probably hasn't been conceived yet but greatly loved. Oh wait, you mean you knew that already? Haha!
I am obsessed with Christmas. This is not a joke. Wait and see. I love memories, I love telling stories of things I have experienced.

Lets see, I have moved about 19 times in my life. I have lived in Ga, FL,TN,Ms,Va,and SC. My childhood was wonderful. My dad was very frugal and I wish I was like him now. He was also very neat and organized and I did not inherit that trait. Dad was and is awesome. Mom spent a lot of time with us and was very involved in the church. Both of them did everything they could to make sure we were happy. More about my family and memories in another post. I went to high school in Plantation, Florida and then college at Union University in Jackson, Tn where I got my Psychology degree. It is in Jackson, that I learned about the Internet. I would spend hours in the library chatting online. It is also in Jackson that I refused to go to the cafeteria in college.Why? Because even though I lost 7 5 pounds in college, I was still afraid to eat in front of people. Yet I ate at restaurants all the time. I told you I was odd. Union is a place I will always treasure. I made lifelong friends and learned so much about myself. Even people I was just aquainted with have now become good friends. Who would have thought a small college would make a good topic of conversation but it does. Its amazing. I moved back home to Edgewater, Fl and got my nursing degree at DBCC. My first nursing job was with older people at Florida Hospital. Oh and while I was in nursing school, I learned about eBay and wasted a ton of money on "Christmas Collectibles". I was an addict.
During my first year as a nurse, I met my Michael online and met a few weeks later and then we were engaged a few weeks after that and then married a year later. On 9/11, we learned we were moving to Atlanta. What a day that was!
During our almost 6 years of marriage, we have moved into an apartment, bought a house, bought a dog, gained 3 nephews and one niece, attended Michael's grandfathers funeral, and have really learned a lot.
What do I like to? I love to anticipate Christmas. I love the fall, as that is the season we were married. I love to organize events and trips, although I am really not good at it. Some of my favorite trips have been on Disney cruises and I would love to go on another one. I dream of being domesticated. I made my first "good" "homestyled" meal last week. Perhaps there is hope for me.
I am a dreamer, a romantic. I watch movies and expect real life to be like it. I watched every episode of 90210. I am silly. I think about the future and what LynnMarie will be like. I cant wait to experience Christmas and Disney cruises through her eyes. Let me know if you have any questions

Well, I hope this lets you know the crazy blogger who you have been reading!
Have a good day!
Random thought, did I tell you I managed to get off both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year? I am so excited about that.. I am also hoping the family can come up.

Extra Credit...remember our guest blogger Steven? He is looking for captions for a picture on his blog so go give him some ideas. SO click here to help him out. If you are not creative like myself, just leave a comment somewhere. If you ever get bored, he has a great blogroll.

We are half way into the contest. Hope you are enjoying it. Still time to join and catch up! To read more about it and see the prizes, click here

Hello Friends! Hope you enjoy the slide show below, I'm sorry I had to delete it as it was not working but did save the comments! Lucy the basset hound, Delilah, Sammy and BIL's cats including Pixel) are definitely family.
I love Michael's post today, apparently Michael is planning something for our anniversary which is less than 2 weeks ago. Wonder what it is?

Well, I'm about to sleep and go back to work tonight and then I have Bible Study at 930 and then lunch with a friend at 1pm. We will see if I survive and actually do all of that. I also need to to find the time to read the last few pages of Exodus. I am going to try to do that at work tonight online.

Whats on your mind today? New TV shows? Looking for a recipe. Got a question? Let me know. Ill be back after my 8 hour nap which now looks like its going to be about 6 hours..Hope you all have a good day
Amy

Check out my Slide Show!

Monday

Well, I finally added pics of the prizes to the blog. For pics and info, click here. There is still time to play and catch up!


First up, an extra point to go visit the adoption blog. We have a guest blogger over there today and I want him to feel welcome. we are also having our Monday prayer time..Look around. Post wherever you want. I will get an email that you posted.
Also, right after Thanksgiving, this blog will be Christmas central. There will be stories, games, prizes, memories and other things. I will also be doing a Christmas card exchange where you choose how many cards you want to send, 1,5, 10 or 20!!! Just wanted to give you a heads up.
Last night, Michael and I went to Target, out to eat and grocery shopping. Soon it will be time for the apple festival and I am very excited about that.

I was thinking about movies the other day and how much they impact us. This is not meant to be funny but I think I learned about romance from movies..Seriously, when you are a little girl, you assume and love and all that icky stuff is just like the movies. Wow! I can not believe that though, ya know. I love the movie the Notebook, in fact, its my favorite. Its pretty clean except for one scene. But seriously, that kiss is the most romantic kiss in the history of movies. Then there are movies like The Other Sister which I think is a romantic comedy. Then there are the creepy romance movies.

What are your thoughts? DO you have a favorite romantic drama movie? Is there one that just annoys the heck out of you?

Its Sunday and I am sleeepy

Did I tell you as of today Michael and I have been logged in to the China system 5 months. You can read our adoption story here.
Each month on the 23rd we buy LynnMarie (the name we have chosen) a book for her collection. What are your favorite childrens books?

Happy New Week to you

Okay, here is the contest again if you are interested..Still time to catch up. Click here! Reminder, to get the points you must also visit Valtool's Box and comment!

I decided to reflect on my childhood tonight and how much I loved school when I was little. I loved to read. I loved the smell of the new books. I loved getting a new lunchbox and school supplies. After watching, "Are you smarter than a 5th grader"? I am surprised that I have forgotten so much. I was thinking the other day that I can not remember the types of clouds (BTW, I just looked them up) or much about earth science or the basic stuff that I learned when I was younger. As much as I would love to home school, I would be detrimental to my child!!! (heehee)

Do you remember elementary school? Do you remember what you loved to learn, what was really fun (lunch and recess are not included)?

Just wondering. Feel free to discuss. I am going home to sleep! Yeah for Michael's college! They won!

See ya when I wake up friends!
Oh yeah, did you know that according to Amys calender, there are only 2 months until Christmas? You see I only count full months so there are only October and November left..HeeHee! Can ya tell I am ready for the holiday?

stuff

Do you like Pandas? If so, click here and then scroll down! We got to see them on our 5th anniversary trip to Colonial Williamsburg last years. Details on that will come later this week!

You guys are rockin at this contest!

How about an extra point today? Lets see... You guys know that we are adopting a baby from China right? Well, its become a passion, a passion we want everyone to be aware of. No necessarily adoption from China, but adoption in general.
So here's a blog I read daily, click here and leave a comment! Take a minute and learn about her and her family. She has been a blogging friend for a while and has really encouraged me at times!

On another note, lets talk about ironic. In one hour, I received an email describing the birth of my friends 3rd baby. The next hour a mom of a patient spent time on her blog describing Caties last night on earth. Very emotional but beautiful to read.

Saturday

The Contest started yesterday but plenty of time to join. For more info, visit here! ON that note, I did say there was another prize and its going to be a pair of Fall Kitchen towels that are oh so cute. I still can't find my camera battery charger but when I do, I promise a picture!
Did you check out Michael's blog? I enjoyed his post today!

I must confess something. I have started watching the Tori Spelling show, this season its called Inn Love. I'm not sure why I find it interesting but I do. Don't hate me.

I worked last night and will be back tonight so I will find something to blog about later but I wanted to know what you enjoy doing as a hobby. This question is asked a lot as a get to know you question and I never have an answer!

My hobbies are blogging, reading fiction books, planning trips, Disney Cruises, visiting family, road trips and reconnecting with old friends.Hobbies I would like to have are organizing, knitting, crocheting and things like that.

What are your hobbies?

A funny this week, Michael and I went to dinner. We ate together (imagine that!!!) and the
waiter asked "one check or 2"? In all the times we have been together, that has never been asked.

Be back later friends

Let the contest begin and other things

First, thanks to our guest blogger Steven for posting yesterday and thanks to all who left posts. 'If you didnt get the chance, scroll down to read his words. !!!!

CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST!

The contest starts today and I thought I would share the info again here!.

Remember here are the rules
1) Post the contest on your blog.
2)Make comments on this blog and over at Valtool's Box for 1 point for each comment starting today and ending midnight next Friday.( I love to post so keep an eye on it.)
3)Keep an eye out for extra points
4)You don't have to answer every day. Example, You can catch up Wednesday for Mon-Wednesday
5)The blogger with the highest amount of points wins. the highest will get first choice, and then so on. I will give a random prize to someone who posts on both blogs at least twice.If there is a tie, it will all work out. I only have 4 people signed up, doesn't sound like a problem. I hope you guys can spread the love..I was blessed with
6) Can you play if you live outside the US? Absolutely. The only prize I can not ship outside the US is the football appetizer dish. Last contest we had a winner from South Africa.

Prizes
I will get pics up, but I can't find my camera battery charger

1.Large football shaped appetizer dish
2.A cupcake Candle
3.a book on friendship
4.2 ShiningStar animals (cute stuffed animals that have codes to play with on the Internet) If you win and have 2 kids the same age, you get both and I will get another one
5.The coolest Christmas Chain package- remember making those chains for Christmas trees?
a book of Michael's choice
6.A sweet water bottle from Childrens healthcare of Atlanta
7.Burts Bees- either for adults or a baby's collection
8.A set of little people scrubs
9.travel first aid kit (yes its new)
10.set of fall kitchen towels
11.a large bag (the kind you can add family pics to)
I was blessed with these items this week and I would like to share these blessings with you. Plus I love to read comments, because you guys rock



Okay, my post for the day!!!!
Watched Survivor last night. I have a high interest this season as we will be going to China to get our daughter one day. I can not wait to learn more about this country and this culture. Once again, they have an eclectic group going in here.

It seems to me since I started watching Real World years ago, most reality shows follow pattern and I was wondering if you agree. Now it seems there are certain types of people you must have on one of these tv shows. Please listen, this is just what I see. I think there should be diversity on these shows. I really dislike and feel uncomfortable with talk about racial issues.

So you must always have someone who is very deep into their religion( doesnt have to be Christianity), you must have different races represented, you need to have at least 2-3 "pretty people" like models and stuff like that, you need to have someone who is the stereotypical smart person, you have to both hetero and homosexual people on the show, and there always has to be someone who has a "really different kind of job". This season there is a person who is a grave digger. I find it interesting because he mentioned that he is used to working alone and I can't wait to see how it pans out! There are also the "leaders" or the ones that start taking a leadership role immediately, regardless if people want it or not!

how you ever thought about this? Is there someone from a reality show that stands out to you? If not, do you have a favorite show??


So not pictured are the bag I talked about, the towels and the Burts Bees stuff because you get to pick out if you want the adult or baby stuff.

This is actually a pair of luggage tags

Shining Star animals

Football dish

Cupcake Candle

Christmas Chain stuff

Water bottle, book

Contest rules and prizes found here, starts tomorrow!

Today we have a Guest blogger

Today we have a guest blogger whom we shall call Steven.
Let me introduce Steven to you.
Steven is:
1) a friend from college
2)a family guy who has a beautiful wife and 2 awesome kids
3) he is real, he is honest and he admits his mistakes
4)I have recommended his blog and I do so again

So without any more waiting, I give you Steven R (his words are in italic)
Make you go visit Steven and check out his videos and his blogroll..There is some cool stuff here



Wow. First off let me say that this is an honor. Thanks to whomever thought enough of my blogging to recommend me to Amy. It means a lot to know people like to read what I say.

So. What to blog about.

This is a lot of pressure.

All you people coming to Amy’s blog thinking you were getting her. And instead you got me. And I have the opportunity to impress you enough that maybe you will visit my blog (http://digisteven.wordpress.com). Like how I slid that shameless plug in there?

I thought long and hard. Ok. So I thought on the 20 minute ride home from work about what I would blog about. And I came to the conclusion that I would blog about why I blog and what I think makes a good blog.

Realize of course, these are just my opinions. Meaning you can give me an “amen” or throw something at me. Either one is fine with me.

The thing I have tried to stay true to when I started blogging was to completely be myself. And by that I mean to show every side of me. Not the side of me I thought people wanted to see. But the screwed up, flawed, funny, passionate, crude, loving guy that tried his best to love every day as though it could be his last.

My most fulfilling days are days when I am doing something I am passionate about and loving every moment of it. Days where I lay my head down on the pillow at night and think to myself, “I would totally do that day over again.”

Too many blogs are people putting on their masks and playing the person they think might get the most comments. I could care less how many comments I get. I used to. But I figured out the comments come when I am myself. And a lot of times that might mean I give a point of view that isn’t very popular.

I try and balance the fact that I am a Christian guy with the fact that I like to have fun. I love dc Talk. But I also love 50Cent. I love drinking milk. But I love a nice tall beer as well. I try and have a daily Bible study. But more times than not I don’t. I oversleep church when I get in late the night before. I sin daily and fall into bad habits. But hey. Jesus loves me. This I know.

So if you want my two cents (which won’t get you much), just be yourself when you write. Be transparent.

But if I could offer one bit of advice in closing. Don’t start up a blog if all you are going to offer me is e-mails you got that you cut and pasted into your blog. It bores me and doesn’t really give me any insight into what it is that makes you tick. Give me substance.

I like to read blogs of people I have never met but feel like I know them personally. Through blogs like this, I have made a couple of great friends like Carlos (www.ragamuffinsoul.com) and Salty Dog (www.livesalty.com). Guys I would totally hang out with in person.

So class. What have we learned? Be yourself. Be transparent. No crap on the blogs.

With that. I hand the reigns of this big bad blog back over to Amy and thank you all for reading.

Thursday 13

Before you read the 13 make sure you visit the post above, as we have a guest blogger today and after you read the 13, head to the post below and learn of the contest starting tomorrow! I dont want anyone to feel left out!! Cool prizes to be one

Thirteen Things about Amy13 TV Series and I would like to rewatch and own 1. BH 90210 (wait I already have the first 2 seasons) 2. ER 3. FRIENDS 4.The facts of life 5. Seventh Heaven 6. Little House on the Prairie 7. The waltons 8.The Real World (the first 5 years) 9.Life Goes On (does anyone remember this?) 10. Growing Pains 11. Family Ties 12. Silver Spoons 13. The Brady Bunch 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






Dont forget to check the guest blogger above and the contest below!