Happy Birthday Amys Mom

Amy and Mom ( love mom's shirt thanks to brother)

Mom Showing off artwork

Mom and dad in key West

The Family

Mom and Dad

MOm and Dad

Happy Mom

Happy Birthday Mom! Hope you have a wonderful day. Mom has spent most of her life making sure her family is happy and has wonderful memories. Im so glad most of my memories include her. She has raised a wonderful family and has a great heart My mom rocks! Thanks for giving me a brother and sister as well. Mom can also be very silly.

weight watchers and friendship

So far so good this week on Weight Watchers. Tonight we are having crockpot chicken fajitas and then going to a sports bar to watch a UCF football game. Last night I was able to make a big book of online recipes I found. Yes, last night was a long night! HeeHee!

Just posted on our adoption blog about community. But last night, was a very good night for me because I was able to catch up with my friend Rebekah who was working on my floor. SHe has always been one of my best friends at work but due to her growing family, schedules and other things, we have not been able to talk to each other for a very long time. We talked a lot about marriage, church and friendship in general and boy my idea of friendship has really changed.

The word friend is pretty strong. Friends are such a special gift that you have to take care of. I have not been the best friend to so many people and I am sorry about that. I am not sure when the last time I actually called someone to talk simply because I didnt want to bother them. Thats sooo not cool! Over the past year, I have made some good friends at church, work, online, blah blah blah. When I think of a friend, I think of someone I can be real with. Someone who wants to get to know the real Amy even with all the yuckiness inside.I have enjoyed letting people get to know the real me. I am not sure I have ever really been as honest with people as I have this year. I have been honest with my weight, infertility and have tried not to hide some of those feelings. Its very hard for me to be honest and real with people I do not know, but I am getting better. For someone to love me unconditionally is rare but awesome. I want to share my thoughts, even the not nice ones. What the purpose of relationships if you do not share the real stuff? I have a lot of acquaintance's at work and church who I think are awesome. I have some friends who are quick to share. I wish I was more like that. Sometimes my friends share a lot more than I do, and that's not fair. God created us to be real with each other, even when "being real" isn't pretty!

What I am learning is no matter how together someone has it, not many of us really have it together. But to me, that's what great about being alive. We can help and encourage each other and take joy in our relationships.

I am constantly learning.

100 Good Wishes Quilt opportunity

IF anyone is interested in paticipating in our 100 Good Wishes quilt or just wants some info, send me an email to amyschristopher@comcast.net and I will forward the letter to sent to family and friends. If you want to see what we have collected so far, head over to www.christopherquilt.blogspot.com

lets do some bullets shall we

1) Bible Study + WW+ lunch with friend = good times

2) Lost 3.6 this week making my total 24.8. What the heck? Im getting a pedicure every 25 pounds lost and I do 24.8? Geesh! Just kidding

3) Sat in line over an hour for gas. During my wait, I watched the numbers on the price board drop. It took me a while to realize they were not actually dropping that fast, they were out of unleaded. At least i am set for a while

4)I like some of the suggestions for changing my blog name, but need some more. Come on? Some of you are soooo stinkin creativing its not even funny!

5) Hubby is raising money for Juvenile Diabetes and is participating in a walk the middle of October. He is trying to raise 300$. I am challenging you to give 5$ and you can do so by clicking here http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmID=87158946

6) my favorite tree in the neighborhood is starting to change colors, yippee

7) What am I doing to lose weight? I made a few rules

- as long as I am not sick and not sleeping at 8am in the morning, I am at the gym
-drinking a lot of water
-walking laps at work
-giving myself a free day to eat so that I can stay focused during the week
-eating lots of WW snacks and ice cream
-we are eating at least one veggie at dinner every night
-learning to love oatmeal and realizing that it keeps me full longer

8) I love comments. I love interacting with anyone who reads this

9) we are still collecting quilt squares for LynnMarie so let me know if you want to participate in the project. The quilt blog is updated so go and see what we have collected.

10) Michael posted one of my favorite photos on his blog. Check out www.valtool.blogspot.com

Go sponsort my hubby

Hubby is coordinating a JDRF event at his work and is also participating in the Juvenile Diabetes walk. He has given himself a 300$ goal and has 290$ left of this goal to make. Michael takes interest in this charity for various reasons but mainly because he has diabetes. Ok, so I am hoping that you will go here http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87158946
and donate. Each dollar counts but would love to see a lot of my blogging friends donate 5 or 10 dollars (or more). Come on! 5 bucks isn't a lot but might help in the research of diabetes!!!!!!

If you can find the Tomlin song, "God of this city", go find it! Wow, we have done this song at church and man its good. Gets you excited and gives you hope! Awesome. Awesome!


Now,back to finding me a new blog name!

Its a Small World and need your input

SO last time I worked I got a phone call from another floor. It was Misty, a friend, another nurse and someone who attends our church. She asked me if we were still adopting from China! I said heck yeah! She was orienting a new nurse who adopted from CHina last year, used our agency and had some questions about special needs. I went to meet her and she rocked! So, looking forward to seeing her more. She also knows some of our First Friday friends!

Today, I went to work in the nursery and a lady tapped me and said "I know YOU!" I knew her as well. I have been sitting behind her in my WW meetings each week ! That was exciting.


Anyway, I need a new name for my blog. I need something more than just Random Thoughts. Any suggestions are welcome. Not sure if we will do a prize but I guarantee you will get some link love and if you don't have a blog, then there will be a post all about you!! Most of you know the real Amy and I want something that says something about me. It can be a phrase, song title, anything. I am just not creative. It can be a phrase from my blog or anything. If I get enough suggestions, Ill let you vote on the winner!


Ok, get your thinking caps on!

Bullet post

Its Friday. I have no idea what to blog about.

I am happy to hear Steven Curtis Chapman recorded a Christmas video this week!

I am glad its fall, cooler weather, pretty colors and our anniversary is coming up next month!

I had a moment of motivation this week and did a couple of hours of good cleaning. If I could do this every other day, cleaning the house could be fun1

Loving the Chris Sligh CD! Great music and lyrics!

Loving Bible Study. This week I am reading Jeremiah and no I have not started yet!

I am having dinner with friends Saturday night, yippee!

I have not heard from the winner of the contest below. If I do not hear from them by tomorrow morning, I will pick another winner.

Loving facebook. College friends are coming from everywhere. I added a friend weeks ago, not really knowing who it was because of the last name. I cant believe I didn't realize it was Melanie from Union, Soooooo happy!

I have been working out more, so hopefully I will have another loss next week at weigh in!

Fall has arrived in Atlanta, I think!

Oh and I bought a Christmas puzzle at Hobby Lobby ( cool store) and plan on working on that next week!

Ok, its time for me to go night night!

Peace out everyone!

Happy Birthday Daddy-O

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!
My Dad turns a big number today! Scroll down and get to know the coolest dad ever!!! Why is he the greatest dad? Because he has always led my example, both personally and professionally! He has provided us with unconditional love and the most amazing experiences that will last a love time. He gives advice, always has a listening ear, and never denies a hug! He has a generous soul and is an amazing dad, husband, brother, friend, and grandfather! He has raised his family to happy and have the most amazing memories. He went out of his way to always put us first. He thinks about the future and plans. He is a wonderful teacher and has a lot of patience (I will tell you about my driving lessons some other time)

Dad,Happy birthday. Wish we were in Florida! Have a most excellent day!

The Pentz Family

(Kelly, Mom, Dad, Amy, Wes)

Mom and Dad

the expanded Pentz clan
(Michael, amy, Mom, Dad, kelly, Owen, Seth and Janie)

Dad helping the kids get on a tube

Dad resting at the cruise terminal

Happy Dad

Just chillin

Helping Janie pick out her first cabbage patch kid!

the Amazing Collection

Tomorrow is Women's Bible Study and we will be discussing Isaiah and watching the video for Jeremiah. I forgot I was going to some of the verses we are learning. This book of the Bible is full of information. Seriously, I didnt realize how many songs I listen to have lyrics that come from Isaiah!!

Anyway, the memory verse for the week was:

"'Come now, and let us reason together,"
Says the Lord,
"Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool
Isaiah 1:8

The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender
-william booth, founder of Salvation Army

contest winner

is Cheri and Shane! I dont know you guys and I cant find a contact for you so please comment here or email me your address at amyschristopher@comcast.net

Congrats, these are great books!

and just so you know how I pick random winners, I use this website

http://www.mathgoodies.com/calculators/random_no_custom.html

Sweet September book tour and give away

This is the second book in a series by Guideposts called Home to Heather Creek. The publisher gave me a hardback copy of the first 2 books and they were so good I read them both this weekend. If you just want to read a sweet story about a family, this is a wonderful series. See the bottom of this post for details!

Sweet September was a wonderful read by Tricia Goyer whom I have recently discovered. What a great writer. This book read like a TV show, I could picture the entire story in my head. I can not wait to read more!!!!!! This is another set of books I would totally recommend.

About the Blog Tour Contest:

Since Sweet September is all about family, Tricia wants to meet yours. Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog tour post sharing who your favorite family member is and why - and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win William-Sonoma’s Pumpkin Harvest Loaf Pan & Quick Bread Set.

About the book: (Book 2 of the Home to Heather Creek series)

Harvest time at Heather Creek Farm is an exciting time, but the kids don't seem to be getting into the spirit. One day while he's wandering through the fields, Christopher stumbles across an old piece of metal buried in the ground. He doesn't know what it is, but he hides it in the shed.

That night, the garden by the house is uprooted. Who could have done such a thing? Charlotte is determined to find out, but is distracted when she gets news that Sam is failing school. The sullen teen is indifferent and won't study. He starts spending a lot of time with Pete. Though she loves her son dearly, Pete never finished high school, and Charlotte is afraid he'll encourage Sam to do the same. How can she help him get back on track?

A gripping story that examines the Stevenson family's history as well as its shaky future, Sweet September will bring you deeper into the loving community of Bedford and the deep ties of love that bind this broken family together. As they forge new connections, you'll be entertained, inspired, and reminded that God's grace can make all things new.


About Tricia:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twelve books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.

Tricia’s website: www.triciagoyer.com
Tricia’s blog: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com

You have until Tuesday at 2pm or whenever I wake up to leave a comment!

weight loss challenge

So I joined the Chubby Chicks Weight loss challenge (see side bar) and its not too late to join. There are a few guys on there as well! She wanted us to talk about what we have been doing differently.

Ok, I have been planning meals but its not been a perfect week at all. I have had some free meals and I am sure my weight loss would be a lot more had I really been more strict.

This morning I had some egg beaters mixed with some onions and peppers, a slice of fat free cheese on my new bread. Total was 3 points and very filling. I am eating Natures Own high fiber bread. Its only 1 point for 2 slices. Seriously, cant go wrong with that! What else am I a doing? Trying to eat a veggie or fruit a couple of times a day and trying to go to the gym on the days I am not sleeping. So its all good. Bible Study is on Wed and then WI so we will see how it goes.

gift card to the Babys Room

If you live in Atlanta, head over to FISH website and look for the Babys Room or Babys Place ad .Click on it and sign up. They are giving coupons for a 25 dollar gift card for signing up for e-moms and even ask if you are adopting? Love it!!!

accountabilty

How do you hold someone accountable for their actions and behavior but also love them and not become judgemental. I think I have done a bad job as someone I once considered a friend. Ugh! I think my choices regarding her decision have not been a good example!

hint: book tour and give away sometime tomorrow!

my decision and the reasons why

*****Update below
Okay, read the post below so you can understand whats going on.

For various reasons, I am going to stay at my women's gym FOR NOW!

Tomorrow, I will tell the mgr why I almost left and that's not like me at all but I will tell him.
Since I will not be signing a contract and I am only paying 15 dollars a month, I will stay in my comfort zone. Michael will try to get me a week pass for his gym and I will try that out at some point. The bicycle class that was posted sounds very interesting.

The truth is I have been successful when working out at this place. I like the quietness and although it is small, it has what I need and I have been told that I will get personal training free (which is a plus).

Thanks for all the advice and honestly if I hear one more comment like the one I heard, I will leave without explanation. I would have said something today but there was a customer there and I bit my tongue and tried to be respectful

UPDATE: I did go work out and the dude was there. So he asked to talk to me and I said I told him what he said and that it really hurt my feelings. I told him I had asked several people their opinions and that many recommended me leaving. He sincerely apologized and told me he was just trying to say that other gyms are typical "meat markets" and that he no way was he trying to hurt my feelings. I did tell him exactly what I heard and that no one has ever talked to me like that. Anyway, that's that..Yeah for Amy. I never talk to people like that. It kind of felt good!

Yesterday and need some input

Ok, so yesterday was socially busy and I am NEVER socially busy. It started out by me going to the kickoff of the Women's Bible Study t church. I got there and they had an awesome breakfast laid out and I had a handful of grapes. Yummy!! So we had the intro and broke into our small groups. I am with the same girls as last year and I am so excited. Some of us met this summer for a Beth Moore Study. These ladies are so sweet and I am glad we are getting to know each better. We are doing the Amazing Collection, a study where we read the entire Bible and study it over 3 years. We are starting with Isaiah this year and I am so looking forward to this year. Lots of good stuff planned. I left a few minutes early and headed over to the weight watchers meeting.

Now, I have not had the best week. I had several really bad meals but I have been doing some laps around the nurses station at work. I was very very surprised by hearing I lost 4.6 pounds this week!!! Yippee. I am back to the weight loss before the cruise. Time to move on. I am thinking that every 25 pounds will bring a pedicure on! After WI I had another great lunch with Donna. We hope to do this weekly as there is a Mexican restaurant next door. I had Chicken enchiladas, only ate one tortilla but next time will skip the guacamole. Its soooo not worth it!!

Came home, worked on cleaning, took some books back to the library, actually went to the gym and then ended the night with trivia!! Fun Fun!

Here is where I need your help. When I went to the gym, I took my letter with me. The letter was a "I don't want to renew my membership" letter. I walked in and the mgr looked at it first so I knew what was up. I go to a women's only gym that is less than 2 miles from the house. I am almost always the only one working out when I go there.

Now this guy wanted to know my reasons and I told him about getting a cheaper rate at Gold's Gym and the fact that I could work out with my husband.

Here was his response!
Just because you want to work out with your husband doesn't mean you will!
If you stay, I will drop your monthly rate to 15 dollars a month!
I will help you reach your goals by training you for free!
Here was the kicker! When you go to a men and women's gym, there will be a lot of people who are already fit and they will be watching you and staring at you while you work out. Now, fluffy people know people stare, it doesn't matter if they are at a gym or not. But I did not need this pushy dude to tell me this. That ticked me off.

But, if i continue to stay at my gym , I rarely see him.
I do feel comfortable with the equipment and I wouldn't have to worry about trying this Gold's Gym out.
What would you do? How would you feel?

Powerful reminder

If you have not seen this video and you have 5 minutes, you may want to watch!

Find me

Thanks to Steven Russell I am now a twitterer. If you do not know what a twitter is, I will explain it later or steal his words. I am also on face book. I have lost all interest in myspace

Find me on either as amy christopher or amyschristopher or AOL IM as amychristopherRN

winner announced

We have a winner!!! The random number site online picked number 3 for me, so Leslie M, you win!! I will get your info to the publisher so they can send you your book. Do not forget to sign up on the authors link. What a great prize basket!!

Normal post tomorrow about a really good day!


Amy