A Change in My Midst

Uh oh, it's change time again. Siggghhhhhh, what's a girl to do? On Monday I am moving to night shift at work and I'm worried; as usual. I met some of the girls today that I'll be working with and they all seem very nice. Problem is, I've gotten to know the day shift and I like it there. I'm getting used to life at work during the day and I like it. I don't wanna change!!! whine, whine, whine......

Christmas was very nice here. We had a very quiet Christmas and we needed that. Things are still a bit chaotic around here, and today I find myself missing the stay at home life. My friend Jodi just posted and I love her pictures. I remember feeling so relaxed enjoying my babies all day, cleaning, paying bills, and being silly all day. Yes, it had troubles and pressures of it's own, but it was just different somehow. My babies are home from school for the week and how I wish I was with them!!! Sigggghhhhhh.

Yesterday was quite an adventure. Hubby and I have been teaching 7th grade Sunday School this year. Yesterday we took them (along with several very much appreciated chaperones) to the mall for a scavenger hunt. We had such a good time making up crazy tasks and watching them race around the mall trying to beat the other teams. I love working with the youth. They are so much fun. BB and DQ had quite a grand time as well! What a fun day it turned out to be.

So I would love to be posting pictures of all these life events I'm sharing, but Mr. Camera won't download. Grrrrrr. Just use your imagination..... Picture the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, the most handsome little boy in the world happily holding an Ipod, and the most gorgeous little girl you've ever laid eyes on snuggling with monkey stuff and there you have it!!!! Enjoy the picture!

Ta ta for now!
Amy

Happy Anniversary!

Wow, 11 years. I can't believe so much time has passed! Hubby, do you remember our wedding? What a disaster! Everyone was sick, everyone was cranky, our honeymoon.... well that was a disaster too! Let's not forget Christmas day in the hospital getting my appendix out! Ugh, what a start!

However, we have had a long road haven't we baby? I wouldn't trade a minute of it, even the bad times. Those bad times were teaching times. We have learned from them some very valuable lessons. Oh the stories we have to tell.

I look back and can't believe the progress we've made! As mom always says, we don't have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of. Well, now as you said we have the pot to pee in, and almost have the window to throw it out of! We've always been the center of some kind of impending disaster, now we are pretty boring if you ask me!

So now I want to thank you. Thank you for saving my life. You found me at my lowest and together we found the Lord. You gave me the two most gorgeous and gifted children ever. You have given me the best friend I've always wanted. You have been a rock for me through all the ups and downs. Thank you!

Hubby, you are the best man for me. God has blessed me more than I can ever describe. I love you so much my very best friend. I will always love you!
Amy

Spikerbaby

Spike the dog has a death wish! As written previously she has had numerous problems with her back. Unfortunately that's not all the problems she's had. She has eaten a whole roll of toilet paper and had to have it surgically removed. She has eaten easter candy and gotten chocolate toxic. Now she has dined on the finest chocolate cake Stoney River has to offer. She bought her self a ticket to the vet to vomit all night. That stupid dog is lucky she's loved so much or she'd be dead from Charmin overdose!!!!!!!!

By the way, (totally unrelated) what is up with the 75 degrees today???? Ugh, I hate that, it's CHRISTMAS!!! Bring me snow, bring me cold, bring me hot chocolate! Instead I have shorts and ice water! Guess I shouldn't complain as my sisters are freezing their tales off in SD. Love ya big sisters! Stay warm and make a snowball for me as we are melting down here!!!!

Good night to all and to all a good night.
Amy

1 Year

So I have been blogging for 1 year now..... Wow, where does the time go? I remember starting this blog that year so long ago! Unfortunately I am again having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year.

I spent today in the hospital.... as a patient. Yuck, no fun at all. I have a raging kidney infection, and let me be the first to say OUCH!!!!!!! Fortunately I have a fabulous husband and fabulous children who are going to let me rest and pamper me all weekend. Thanks be to God for my family :)

Amy

Not Much

I know it's been awhile seen I've posted, there just isn't much to say at the moment. Life is pretty calm here at Hworld. In fact, we are just simply existing right now. Sometimes that's nice, to just live life.

As I sit and think about the last few years I begin to get very tired. It has been a whirlwind of a ride for us. Between some health problems I had, financial struggles, and me trying to finish college we have been down a very long road. We have lost 2 grandparents, and a father (hubby's). We have gone from very little to being very blessed. We have overcome incredible odds thanks to the Lord. We are very pleased with our life right now. Hubby and I were just discussing this on Saturday as we were driving to the UGA game this past Saturday. We discussed what life would be like right now if we'd followed our plans instead of God's plans. Would we even be married? Would I have stayed in SD and married my high school sweetheart? Would hubby have stayed were he grew up and continue down his path of struggle? Who knows. All we both know is we are were we where meant to be and couldn't be happier about it.

BB and DQ are plugging along in school. They are looking forward to this Christmas season and all it brings. I remember the magic Christmas brought me as a child. I used to love sitting in the living room with all the lights off except the tree lights. I would lay on the floor sucking on a candy cane from the tree and just stare up at the lights and drift off warm and cozy. Aaaaahhhhh, those were the days. I remember one of my most favorite gifts from Santa.... a miniature piano. I loved that thing!!! What are your favorite Christmas memories?

Amy

Socialites

They are outta here!!












As BB and DQ get older I'm finding that juggling their social calendars is starting to get a bit tricky. Yesterday BB had stuff going on the whole day. Today after church they were gone all afternoon, then DQ was off to a friends for the evening. She was invited to spend the night, but she already has plans for tomorrow and she is spending the night off tomorrow night. Geez!!!!

Mom, was I this busy? I was worried about them adjusting to me being gone at work so much, but they are never home to miss me... guess they are adjusting huh?

Amy

Answer Please!!!

It's pet peeve time. Ready???? Why bother to have a cell phone if you're not going to answer it? I understand that sometimes it's simply not a good time. I understand that sometimes you just don't feel like answering. But if someone calls you several times in a row, they probably need to speak to you! So, do me a favor. If I call you once and you don't answer, I'll survive. If I call you 10 times and you don't answer You may not survive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Amy

So Hard

We are in a rough patch here at Hworld. First of all, hubby is completing a project at work and it's really taking a lot out of him. He's been working late, and on weekends, and he's got a bad cold on top of it all. I know we are blessed that he has a job in these times, and we are thankful, just a little worn out right now.

This kiddos are at each other's throats the last couple of days. They get home from school and are cranky and tired. They both seem to be having a hard time listening these days as well. I'm finding that it tends to run in spurts. We are definitely right smack in the center of a "spurt".

Finally, my job. Let me start off by saying that I'm enjoying my job, so don't let anything I say later in this paragraph make you think I'm not. Most people know how hard it can be to begin a new job. You don't really know what you are doing, and you make a lot of mistakes. Add that to the fact that you are dealing with people's lives and it can get a little intense sometimes. It's just so hard right now. I'm scared out of my skin about 90% of the time, and the other 10% I'm doing something wrong. I don't think that I'm doing a bad job, but I don't feel as if I'm doing a good one. I hope that makes sense, cause it's the only way to describe it. I feel like I have so much jumbled up in my head, and it's just kind of like I'm walking around in a fog right now. To add to things I really got my feelings hurt today. We are required at work to do 6 quality control checks on charts a year. Apparently my chart got pulled and the nurse wrote me up because I marked one box wrong. She said some things on the report that were not accurate upon investigation. I know this was not a personal attack. I know that she was just doing her job. I know that this is not going into my permanent record as 1. I'm an intern, and 2. This was not an accurate "write up", but it's still very discouraging. It also makes me think what other mistakes I've made that could actually hurt someone. My nurse that is training me along with my supervisor told me several times that I'm doing great, don't worry, it will come. I hope so, cause this is the hardest thing I've ever done: EVER!

Anyway, sorry for the downer, I'll try to cheer up soon!
Amy

Wounded

Tonight I had an opportunity to run to Wal-mart by myself! What you need to understand that living in Loganville means that when you run to Wal-mart you better be prepared to be there awhile because it's fairly likely you will run into at least one person you know. Tonight was no exception.

I ran into a young lady that I got to know many years ago. She's a good deal younger than me, in fact when I met her she was only 19. She was on fire for the Lord at that time. She had dreams about God's perfect husband for her like no one I'd ever met. Also, she knew that when God brought this man into her life, he would be the man who would receive her first kiss: at their wedding. We lost touch with this sweet girl over the years, until tonight when I saw her.

I spotted her on my way to the check out line and called her name. She didn't look too pleased to see me. I thought, wow, did I do something to her? She looks like I'm the last person in the world she wants to see. Hmmmm, did I do something? No, I don't think so. I began to ask her how things were, hoping she'd warm up to me, as this girl was one of the most fun loving people I've ever met. She began to tell me about her life. She is engaged and getting married in March. She's also pregnant. I shared with her that I am a labor and delivery nurse and how excited she must be, etc, etc. It dawned on me that she was not angry with me, but scared of me. I'm a christian, and she is an unwed mother. This was brought to my attention later in the conversation because common acquaintances were brought up. She was not shy about telling me that these people have been more that happy to inform her that she is a heathen for not being married and pregnant.

I was saddened to hear this. Are we not as Christians to love one another as God loves us? Are we not supposed to be the body of Christ to all people? When someone is down, are we not supposed to love them and encourage them? Yes, this girl has lost her way. Yes, this girl has sinned. Yes, this girl is marrying a man that more than likely is not what she had in mind for herself, or what other's had in mind for her. But, again, aren't we as Christians supposed to pray for her, and with her, and also for the man she has chosen?

To this girl I wanted to say: I have been in your shoes. I have been where you are. I know how you feel, I know your fear. I wanted to say to this girl that I love you anyway. I wanted to say to this man Jesus loves you and wishes to have a relationship with you. I wanted to tell them that I'm so sorry that Christians have chosen to shoot their own wounded. I wanted her to know that she needs to come back to church, as she will find love and acceptance. I wanted to say these things, but I didn't. Instead I simply told her that you need not be ashamed, Jesus will forgive you if you ask. This is not your baby, it's His baby. I will pray for you and your new family.

Why do we shoot our own wounded? "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone!" It's in the bible, look it up! I don't understand how people who say they have the love of Christ in their heart can be so loveless towards another. She's lost her way, she's wounded, and she has sinned. Now pick her up, lift her up, and love her!

Amy

Outside Looking In

So today I got a view I don't know if I wanted to have. Let me explain. I was talking to my sister on the phone and she was telling me about my niece KK. Last night she was in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at her school. Sharon was telling my what great job she did (way to go KK, wish I could have seen it!), then told me how much like me she looked. Then she told me, yeah, she had to wear a fat suit.... Wow! Glad to hear to resemblance was so uncanny!!! (I'm just kidding Sharon, I know you meant the neck up, it was just funny to hear)

Then, I stopped off on the way home to have my eyebrows "done". The lady nicely asked, you want your lip done too? I guess I must have a hairy lip as well. Wonder if I can give hubby a run for his money?

Wow, fat and hairy all in one day. Guess I'm not gonna be in any beauty contests!!

Amy

OMG LMBO

Can you figure out what the title says????? I'm not a text messager (much), but I am a former IM junkie so there you have it.

Anyway for a little comic relief you must go here first, then here. Enjoy!!!
Amy

Must be Annoying

Bear began exerting his love upon Spike right from the beginning


Poor Spike the dog. She never asked for this. She never deserved this. Yet, here she is, with Bear the puppy. Keep in mind Bear is no longer a puppy as of October something or other, yet he will remain Bear the puppy for blogging purposes.

Anyway, sorry about the tangent there. Poor Spike the dog. Bear the puppy has chewed every single one of her toys to smitherines. Since he no longer has them, he uses her leg..... Poor Spike the dog!!

At Least It's Legal!!

I've talked before about my addiction of books on this blog. Well, I am Amy and I have 2 addictions (maybe more, but nothing pressing right now).

Not including this morning I have made an attempt at skipping the morning coffee this week. NOT a good idea. I had no idea how very much I need my morning coffee until today when I realized how much better I felt after the fact.

Coffee is one of those things that I never really got into. I didn't much care for the taste of it, and really didn't notice much difference in my level of "consciousness". Then I went to nursing school. All of a sudden I realized how truly fabulous coffee can be. All the yummy flavors out there just begging to be tried. Coffee is goooooood!

One little bonus to the addiction: it's Christmas which means Barney's Santa's White Christmas. Seriously, head out to your nearest Publix and get some. It's WORTH IT!!!

Amy

More Stuff

First off, I apologize for being so long in updating. I'm finding it very challenging to balance things right now.

This week has been a rough one. BB has been complaining of back pain a lot lately. He has a few kidney issues, but I simply felt like he needed more water and that he just had sore muscles. Monday morning, (which happened to be my day off! Thank you Lord), he woke up with a fever and really hurting. Off to the doctor we went. We wound up in the hospital for tests and fluids, etc. Fortunately my mother was able to come this week to stay home with him as he was simply too dehydrated for school. Also, my niece is back in the hospital with fever on top of it all. Poor baby. Please continue to pray for MH, that the doctors can find the problem. Finally, the obvious- the victory of our new president elect. This has been weighing on my mind heavily. I was struggling to put it all into perspective when I found this beautiful entry that summed things up perfectly. Thank you for this encouragement!

Through all the changes taking place in my life (and yours too) I have been feeling an overwhelming need to pray. The night before last I went to bed with a heavy heart as BB is struggling so with the changes in our home. I just could not get to sleep. Then I felt the tug to get up and go pray over my babies. I pray for them all the time, but I needed to do it again! Then today I saw the button you now see posted on my side bar. Please click on it and join me in this! Prayer is one thing nobody can take from you. It's yours and Gods and no one else's!!! What a true gift our Lord has given us.

I hope all is well with all of you. Take care!
Amy

Better

MH is doing better. We went and saw her this morning and she has really perked up. They still have no answers, but are treating her for many possiblities. Please continue to pray for her!

Right now we have several 7th graders over to watch the Ga vs. Florida game. We are losing so bad they went outside to play. :(

Life is fine here at Hworld, just busy, busy, busy. I'm sure we'll work our way into a routine, but man am I tired! You know you are tired when you are realizing your income has just been doubled but all you can think about is when is bed time coming?? Whew, 4am is coming quick!!!!!!

Amy

Nothing New

Still nothing new to report on my niece MH. She is still in the hospital and still holding nothing down. She's on like day 30 of vomiting. This is getting very serious, and the tests are not revealing a thing. Please pray for widsom for the doctors. Please pray for her spirit. Her mother, Paige, is very worried about that. Yesterday when I went to see her she was sleeping so hard from the medication. I guess that's better for her, but poor baby!

Amy

Please be Praying.....

my niece MH and DQ snuggling with a cutie!!

Yup, two posts in one night. Please be in prayer as my neice MH was admitted into the hospital this afternoon. She's been pretty sick for awhile now, but the last week has gotten pretty rough. The doctors are just not sure what is going on with her; poor baby she's been to the hospital 3 times since last Tuesday.
We just heard from big hubby boss man, and she's pretty scared right now. Please keep her in your prayers tonight!
Amy

Disappointed and Frustrated

My friend Jodi kindly informed me of a pleasant happening today. Publix has put Barney's out for the Christmas season! What is that you ask? Well, let me just tell you. Barney's has an absolutely fabulous flavor of coffee called Santa's White Christmas. It's sooo yummy.

So off I go to Publix after church tonight. I'm sooo excited for the creamy, warm, steamy, coconuty, vanilly, carmelly goodness!! I'm walking down the isle, ahhh, the coffee. I'm approaching the spot, oh, there's the Barney's hazelnut! I'm close, so very close! What? Can't be, not possible! NOOOOOOO!!!! They are all out! Oh, I'm dying! I've been waiting almost a whole year, and they are out? Do they not know that I've been looking forward to this cup of coffee for so very long now. Poor me, what now??

So those of you mom's out there, I know you now how this feels. We are driving home from Publix ( boo hoo) on a road BB has traveled up and down nearly every day for nearly 10 years. He knows exactly where we are, and he says
"Mommy, I'm thirsty."
"Ok, well, we are in the car, what can I do? "
"I don't know, I need a drink".
"Again, what can I do? You just have to wait a couple of minutes, we are almost home"
"But I'm thirsty,can't we stop?"
"Bryson, we are like 3 minutes from the house, you'll make it"
"I need a drink"
So mom's are you getting the point here? Cause I sure didn't understand. What's up with that? He's 10 years old for heaven's sake! Grrrrrrr........

Ok, one more little whining session and I'll be all through. DQ, baby girl I adore you, but must you debate EVERYTHING I tell you do to? When I say do it, take it for what it is and just do it. Yes, DQ, you must wear your coat. Yes, DQ, you must drink milk, not coke, not water, not juice, but MILK with dinner! Why???? Because I'm mommy and mommy says you must drink MILK!! Yes, DQ, you must take a bath tonight, not tomorrow, TONIGHT!! Grrrrrrr........

Amy

God is Soooo Dependable!

So as you know I started my job. Also as you know, change is very bad in the world of Amy. This has been a rough few days for me. Not just because of working in a huge place, and learning new stuff, but just the uproot in our family routine, yada yada yada. Anyway, yesterday began the morning child care as hubby's vacation endend and he had to go back to work. Also included is the afterschool care too.

Well, our morning "nanny" is fabulous and BB and DQ love her. She is so good with them. As far as the after school thing, well, they are only there for about 30-45 minutes and they love it. In fact, Thursday they asked to stay late because one of the teachers wanted to "use" them to get ready for an evening school event. Wow! Not to mention they get their homework done there so when they come home they are ready to play and hang out. LOVE IT!!!!!!

Today went pretty well. I have so much to learn, but I did ok today. I started some patient care and realized I'm not as bad off as I thought. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way ready to be a "big girl" nurse, but I held my own today. Thanks Jesus, it's only because of you!

Please continue to pray for our family as we walk this road. I'm sure there will be many ups and downs. I pray we can focus on the ups when we are in the downs!!

Amy

Lesson Learned?

Lesson learned? Apparantly not. For those new to my blog, way way back hubby went to play flag football. Well, little did I know, the term flag football is used rather loosely when you are talking about 30 grown men. Hubby came home early with a broken wrist. This little history lesson is meant to lead the way into the adventure of today. Hubby is playing again today. This time however, there will be high school boys intertwined, oh and my 10 year old son!!! Please pray that not only do they come home with all the previously had body parts, but that they will also be intact!!!!!!!

Amy

Sorry

I know, I know, it's been awhile. I'll take this opportunity to answer all of your burning questions. Just chill out though, it's gonna take a second to wrap my brain around everything!

Let's see..... Okay, here goes. DQ had her first horse show this past weekend. She won her class! Yup, that's right, my daughter rocks at riding horses, much like her mommy!!!!! J/K, sorta. I'd show you a picture, but I can't upload photos at the moment so you'll just have to imagine the most gorgeous little blond princess with a big, bright, pretty blue ribbon and and great big smile! Seriously, I will try to get those pics uploaded this weekend. We are so proud of her! The look on her face when she realized she came in first was unforgettable. Goooo DQ!!!!!

Hmmmm, what else? Oh yea, I started my job this week!!!! Ok, so I'm understating things just a bit. At the moment my emotions would best be described as exhaustion masked with sheer terror. Yup, add dazed and confused and that about describes it!! I really was doing fine until today when we actually had our orientation to the L&D unit, err I mean city. That place is soooooo enormous! So I was attempting to find the exit of this monstrosity when a friendly soul saw my little new employee blue ribbon tied to my badge, and the look of utter frustration and confusion on my face, and directed me to one of the 6 elevators (yup, 6 just in L&D)(in that hall) that led to the atrium, that led to the walkway, that led to another elevator, that led to the parking garage where my car was missing. Grrrrrr! Add all this to the fact that I'm slightly (yea slightly as in hugely) directionally challenged and you just got a real life disaster. Anyway, obviously since I'm here writing to you fine people I made it home and heading back for more tomorrow. What I'm really nervous about is that I'm actually gonna have patients tomorrow; poor little pregnant ladies :(

Amy

My First Tag

My friend Jodi tagged me so here goes. I love this kind of stuff!

10 Years ago I

1. Had a 4 month old baby (BB)
2. Lived in a townhouse in Charleston
3. Answered phones for 1-800 Holiday
4. Was too young to be a wife or a mother
5. Was wishing I'd finished college

5 Things on today's to do list

1. Drop bills off at post office
2. More laundry (never ending pile)
3. Make cookies for DQ's bake sale
4. Brush Bear the puppy so he won't get mats
5. Pull the trash cans up from the curb

5 snacks I enjoy

1. brownies
2. frozen grapes (weird I know, childhood tradition)
4. oreos and peanut butter with milk
5. chips and sour cream and onion dip

5 things I'd do if I were a millionaire

1. pay of my student loan, and other debt of course
2. take my entire family (parents, sisters, nieces, nephews, etc) to Hawaii
3. get a farm with horses
4. take yearly mission trip
5. buy hubby a ski cabin in the mountains

5 places I have lived

1. Louisiana
2. West Virginia
3. South Dakota
4. South Carolina
5. Georgia

5 jobs I have had

1. McDonalds
2. Front desk girl at a resort in Charleston
3. 1-800 Holiday
4. mommy
5. RN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! whoo hoo!!!

I tag:
Todd
BB
Fab

Regret and other nonsense

I would now like to apologize for my last post. It was completely inexcusable to carry that kind of attitude. I have felt so bad that I've been awake since 3am. It won't happen again.

Moving on,not much else to report. Bear the puppy got in the trash this morning grrrrrr. Why do dogs like that anyway? Do they not care about nasty smelly food? I mean they have noses and all, do they not find bad smells displeasing? I know the trash smelled as evidenced by the slight odor permeating my den thanks to leftover butter beans and coffee grounds!

So the big day is getting closer. This is my last weekend as a stay at home mom. I feel as though a parting celebration is in order, I mean 10 years of staying home with the kids is a long time and I feel as though I'm saying goodbye to a decade of laughter, tears, boo boos and kisses, and well, you get the point. I know that's silly. I know I'll always be their mommy, I know I'm not going to miss that much being as they'll be at school while I'm at work, it's just that ever present hatred of change that I have. Ugh, I'm so scared!!!!

Tonight brings church, tomorrow DQ is in Annie at school, and Fri. I will be in Atlanta all day filling out paperwork, getting a physical and flu shot, taking a drug calculation test, etc. Saturday DQ has her first horse show. Yea DQ!!! I'll have plenty of pictures to post!! She'll be riding Champ. Pray for her that she'll remember her pattern and that Champ won't be stubborn. He is very lazy and would rather stop for pets than walk and trot like he's told to do.

Well, I must go, I have errands to run.

Amy

I know I'm wrong.....

So, have you ever known someone who is in your "circle" of people, but you wish that they weren't? I know, that's ugly, and rude, and very unchristian of me. I can't help it though. Something about this person just rubs me the wrong way. This person acts as if they are "in the know" about everything. This person has been known to be a bit two faced. This person can actually be a great person whom I've been known to enjoy their company in the past, and probably will in the future, but right now they are on my nerves. Right now this person is the greatest thing since sliced bread in my "circle" of people, and I don't get it.

After reading my own writing I sound like a whiney little brat and for that I apologize. I guess I needed to vent. I will work on my attitude. Done now.....

Amy

Countdown

OK, here goes, I'm starting the countdown till my first official day of work. I can't believe it's finally here! 1 week from today and I will be a working woman. I'm scared to death.

Why am I scared you ask? (maybe you don't, but I'm gonna tell you anyway!) Ok, so here's why. First of all, my children. As I listen to DQ living up to her namesake, and BB torturing her because of it, I wonder if hubby will have the patience to deal with it while I'm not around, cause I know it's hard on me!

Second of all, adjusting to the "busyness" of it all. I mean there are days now where I don't know where the time went, what's it going to be like when you tack on 8hrs of work outside the home to those kind of days?

Third of all, I'm going to be a nurse! Gone are the days of nursing school where I have an instructor and a nurse to guide me through every step of every thing I do. No more of that. Well, I mean I will have a mentor nurse for the first few weeks, but I mean now I'll be the one responsible for the patient. Actually, because I'm in labor and delivery that's 2 patients (momma and baby), possibly more if we have multiples and/or nervous/freaked out daddies. Believe me, I've seen a dad or two go down and require a nurse of their own!

Lastly, you know me and change. We don't mix at all, like oil and water. I hate change. Whew, just thinking about all the chaos that is sure to come our way until we adjust to this is giving me a headache!!

So anyway, enough of that, check me out on Facebook! I'm cool now!!

Amy

Happy Denial

Sigh....... I'm afraid I'm going to have to step into reality with the rest of the world now. So sad, I rather enjoyed my life in a bubble of denial.

This morning Fab called me and gave me my dose of reality. See, I live in a town within a town. What that means is that officially Loganville is my address, but I actually live in Youth; we just don't have a post office, or a city hall, or any of that mess. We do have our own schools though, so we officially live in Youth.

Anyway, all that being said I'll continue with my little story now. Not only do I live in this little itty bitty town, but I live waaaaay back from the road, on tons of land. Pretty safe environment. We've lived here for years and never had a care in the world; so careless in fact that we usually leave our keys and purses in the car. It's so nice cause then you never lose them! Well, no more. This week we have apparently acquired a band of thieves breaking into cars and robbing people blind. So much for my little bubble huh? Stupid bad people! Go AWAY!! You are ruining my denial and you burst my bubble!

Amy

Help I'm Dying

Yuppers, 2 posts in one day. What can I say? It's been a rough one. So my main reason for this post is to share with you and to warn you. There is an evil out there that is almost too terrible to speak about. It's lurking around the corner. Many have overpowered this evil, and I might, but I'm just not sure yet. This evil makes me shudder in fear and terror. This evil must be stopped! OK, you ready for the evil?
4th grade!! Sorry Fab, but 4th grade is the ultimate evil! I barely survived it myself. I remember 4th grade like it was yesterday. I still have nightmares. Whew, I'm sweating right now just thinking about it!! Mrs. Moss (moss the boss), Mrs. Maxwell(good to the last drop), Mrs. Nutter(nutter nutter peanut butter), and Mrs. Lanham( the phantom). See, I even remember there "real" names!
Last year BB was in 4th grade. I remember it well too. When school ended for the year we all breathed a sigh of relief that 4th grade was over. Whew, we survived. We lulled ourselves into a false sense of security. Here at Hworld we are knee deep in
4th grade again with DQ. To give you some insight DQ is on hour 3 of homework. She is copping attitude and distraction the whole way through. UGH! Will this nightmare ever end?
I'll let you know, if I'm still alive, when it's safe to come out. For those of you still facing 4th grade.... well, I'll pray for you!

Amy

My Happy List

So a few posts ago BooMama posted a list of things that make her happy. I've been just a little busy lately, so I'm posting my list today. Thanks for tuning in....

1. making lists like this, they are so much fun... weird huh?
2. coconut coffee oh my I need to go make some now!!
3. Bear the puppy and Spike the dog all snuggled up to me
4. Bubble baths
5. Great books
6. Having my hair chemically straightened so I don't have to use a flat iron anymore
7. Snuggling with hubby when I don't feel good
8. BB letting me hug him
9. DQ's kisses
10. Jesus
11. clean sheets
12. my mother's hugs
13. cool breezes
14. pajamas I love pajamas, why do we have to get dressed anyway? Just wear pajamas!
15. 80's music
16. praise and worship music
17. laughing
18. warm fuzzy socks
19. the smell of clean laundry
20. Christmas, snow, and all that good food!!!!

What makes you happy?

Amy

Bestill My Heart

Come on, I dare you!



BB is not a morning person. He just doesn't like to get up in the morning. Anyway, this morning he was unusually cranky. He was just flat out angry. I decided that I was going to just hug him and love him through this rough patch of his day. I took him in my arms and the strangest thing happened.... he let me!! He just stood there and let me hold him. I'm thinking wow, he must really need this as usually he's like "Mooommmm! I'm too old for this!" or " Leave me alone, I'm tired!". But no, he just stood there, and eventually he gently returned my hug. I whispered a thankyou to God and told BB that I could just stand there all day and hug him. That's when he quietly returned my comment with this. " I know that, I'm hoping you will so I don't have to go to school today"! Oh the pain you little stinker!!!

Amy

My Day and Other Thoughts

M'kay, so I win the slacker of the year award for my behavior this week. I have decided that I'm tired of suffering and have decided to have a pity party. I am suffering from rag weed pollen!! It's killen me people!!!!! After a whole day of wallowing in self pity yesterday, today I decided I better get on the ball. I took back movies, went grocery shopping, cleaned out the fridge (wonder if that's what was making me sick, it was NASTY!!), went back to the store as DQ needed some poster board, emptied the dishwasher, 4 loads of laundry, and now I'm entertaining you fine people with my boring story!!

So today at the store a lady tried to run me over. No lie, she gunned it in hot pursuit of me. I couldn't believe it! Literally tried to run me over people! What was her problem????? Not funny Momasham! Just not funny.

So I have been getting many questions regarding the love story unfolding here. No Bear the puppy did not eat a whole jar of peanut butter. Yes his head was stuck in the jar. Is he actually in love with a peanut butter jar? Yes he his, he literally has been carrying it around the house with him for the last two days. See whenever I finish a jar of peanut butter I put it down for the dogs to lick out. Spike the dog got her fill and let Bear the puppy have the rest. He just had to lick out every last bit of peanut butter, and so in order to do that he had to stick his whole head in the jar. Hilarious!!!!!

OK, now we have been looking for just the right house. Between BB's obsession with architecture and our continuing search we have come upon many neighborhoods. One day out of sheer curiosity we decided to peak into a very upscale subdivision. So upscale they were mansions not houses. In our looking we found this....





Next door to this gorgeous home was a house I could never have even imagined. This is gonna blow your socks of people. Are you ready?????





Whaddya think? Should we make an offer??

Amy

Love Story

Don't you just love a good romance? I mean the kind where boy meets girl, boy likes girl, they go out, they fall in love, they get married, etc. I know I do. Well here at Hworld we have our own love story brewing. Grab the kleenex and take a peek!


The girl





The boy



It must be love!

Stay tuned for the conclusion of Bear meets the "girl" of his dreams!!
Amy

Just Sad

Last night at church I found out some very disturbing news. A local youth pastor was arrested yesterday for soliciting a 14 yr old. He was also caught performing indecent acts on his web cam at work. Sad.

Just now I was surfing the news and Brad Pitt has donated a large sum of money to fight the gay marriage ban stating that no one has the right to tell someone how to live their lives. You're right Brad Pitt, only God has that right, and He's says no!! Shame on you Brad Pitt for using your fame and money to promote evil. Good deeds and humanitarianism won't get you to heaven. Sad.

Oprah Winfrey states Jesus is not the only way to heaven. Join her church and learn the word according to Oprah. Shame on you Oprah Winfrey for using your leadership to guide people down the wrong path. Jesus is the word Oprah, not you or your renowned theorists and therapists. Sad.

A rather well known "religious" figure has openly admitted to being gay. Sad.

Just sad.

John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

~Amy~

Dare I Mention It?

Has anyone down here in the south stepped outside yet? WONDERFUL!! There is a crisp breeze that's blowing, and the best part is that it doesn't melt when the breeze stops! It feels absolutely heavenly outside right now. DQ and BB put sweatshirts on over their shirts this morning! Ahhhhh, fall, I love fall because that means it's almost winter! I love it!!

Not much else to report on right now, just the usual chaos here! I'm counting the days till I start my new job. I never thought I'd see the day when I was actually looking forward to having a job outside the house. Crazy huh?

Well I must go, Bear the puppy has destroyed one of DQ's good socks--grrrrrr.
I'll leave with these parting gifts from last winter. Dare to dream for another?


Bear has the right idea!!
Whoo hoo! Think we'll have school tomorrow? Sad huh? I miss real snow, this just doesn't even compare! But atleast it's something!

~Amy~

Have You Seen This Girl?

The above picture is of DQ, Spike the dog, and my niece (we'll call her AJ). Well, I got a call from my sister this morning. AJ sent them on quite a little adventure last night! AJ is DQ's age (AJ is exactly 3 months older that DQ), and she lives in SD. Last night they had to call the police because AJ did a little disappearing act on them! As I listened to my sister tell the story I began to get chills. What? Did you find her? Is she ok? What happened?

Well AJ is fine, just exerting her independence a little too much. Whew! AJ, you ever scare me like that again and I'll come up there myself! (just kidding sweetie, I love you!)

I've been thinking about this. When our children go off on their own how do we know that they are alright? When is it safe to let go? My mother still worries, so I guess never. Being a mom never ends. It's always a 24/7 job no matter how big your babies get. I tell BB and DQ that all the time: you'll always be my baby, no matter how big or old you get. They just roll their eyes and say moooom! Stop embarrassing me!

Guess what? I'll never stop!
~Amy~

Praying for You

Amy

Never Forget

Say thankyou today to someone today for your freedom.
~Amy~

You Just Never Know

Anyone like me and look forward to the adventure your waking up to every morning? I mean, I get out of bed, and wonder, ok, where is this going to lead me this morning?

Some mornings are perfectly normal and nothing exciting happens. Get up, brush my teeth etc, wake up DQ, go downstairs, wake up BB, walk the dogs, come up, help kids get breakfast, pack lunches, make sure book bags are packed, fix DQ's hair, remind the kids for the 1000th time to brush their teeth (why do they need to be reminded of that?), throw on some clothes, drive the kids to school and so on and so on.

Some mornings though.... well let me give you some examples:
This morning was fashion disaster day, so I opted to wake BB up first in order to help DQ pick out her outfit. When I went downstairs I couldn't find him. Where was he? Well, he decided to take after Spike the dog and was burrowed upside down in his bed. Finding BB in the morning can be a bit of a challenge sometimes. One time I almost called 911. That child was nowhere to be found. I mean I was panicked! Finally I got a bright idea, sure enough he had come upstairs and burrowed under a pile of clean laundry on the other side of my bed. OMG, why does he do this? It's always happening. I've nicknamed him the night walker!

Hubby always leaves evidence of his morning behind. The creamer is left out, the sock basket (no I don't fold socks very often) is dumped out on the bed, a full cup of made coffee left on the counter, the bread and jelly is out, what have you. Usually I hear his goings on, but occasionally I sleep through it, but find a story of how his morning went anyhow.

DQ, well where do I begin with DQ. It takes her 20 minutes to put on her clothes, but she usually wakes up smiling and happy. BB on the other hand is quite a bear in the morning. His poor wife! I already feel for her.

Even Spike the dog and Bear the puppy can be unpredictable at times. Are they going to go right out and go potty, or are they going to attack the invisible man lurking behind every tree. Are they going to wake all the neighbors with there ranting at the invisible man? Will this be the morning when the invisible man actually makes an appearance? Poor invisible man, he doesn't stand a chance!

All this to say, the life here at Hworld is always an adventure waiting. I love it!

~Amy~

Cute Huh?

Like my new look? Me too, much more my personality. Check this out! They have a lot to choose from and best of all, it's FREE!!! My favorite kind!
~Amy~

Talking to the Wall

Don't let'em fool ya, they are not as sweet as they look!! Just kidding, just a bit challenging!



I am so tired of repeating myself over and over and over again. We definitely need to get a new system of discipline around here cause Fab across the street is likely to call DFACS soon from all the yelling going on! I've tried so hard not to yell, but you can only be ignored so many times by your children before you blow. Well, unfortunately I've blown several times today and even hubby blew once.

This afternoon I told DQ no snack right now, we have to run to the store first. She went in and got a snack anyway. I told her to go to her room to study her times tables, she went to the couch, I told her again, she stayed on the couch. Ugghhh! Then we were checking out a house this evening and hubby wanted to number off the sign. I gave it to him but DQ went running up to the sign near the road. I told her I already gave it to him and she kept going anyway. I yelled that I gave it to him, she still kept going. That's when I lost it. I wanted to strangle her!

I told BB to finish putting away his laundry around 4:30, it's now 8:40 and his laundry still isn't put away. They were both told to do the dishes after supper, they are just now finishing up. They have been running around like wild animals all night after being told repeatedly to settle down. Hubby blew.

Any advice or unique discipline ideas would be much appreciated as I am out of ideas. Don't get me wrong, I have great kids, but they are testing the waters a bit too much these days and I am so frustrated right now! Restriction is pointless because it doesn't really bother them much. They are pretty resourceful little buggers and can find a way to enjoy themselves even in the worst of conditions!!!

Rapidly losing my mind and patience,
~Amy~

Ooopppss, I Forgot!

So after reading my long lost friend Fab's posting for today, I realized that I didn't post my 100 on the 100th post. But really, while looking through past posts a few don't really count. So here I go. Beware, you might be a little afraid!
1. I'm 4'10
2. I love my husband
3. I have beautiful children, I mean truly beautiful!
4. I have brilliant children!
5. I was raised in Sioux Falls, SD
6. I was born on an army base in Colorado
7. I used to show horses
8. I used to have 2 horses
9. I have two wiener dogs
10. I have two ferrets named Macaroni and Cheese
11. I've been married for 10.5 years
12. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior
13. I teach middle school Sunday School
14. I love teaching middle school Sunday School
15. I am a Registered Nurse
16. My grandmother always wanted a red headed, blue eyed granddaughter: I'm the only one with blue eyes and reddish hair
17. I have two sisters that live in South Dakota
18. I have 4 nieces and 4 nephews
19. My husband and my mother are my best friends
20. I love winter, snow, and cooler weather
21. I hate the heat
22. I love storms
23. The weather channel is one of my favorites!
24. I would be a storm chaser if I could be
25. I want to live in North Carolina one day
26. My dream vacation would be Hawaii
27. I hope I get to go to San Fransisco one day
28. I love to travel, but once I get there I get homesick
29. I have lived in 6 states but have moved more times that I can count
30. My favorite color is purple, used to be yellow
31. I am going to deliver babies at Northside Hospital in Atlanta
32. I wanted 3 children; hubby wanted 6. We both lost!!
33. My husband rocks!
34. My children rock!
35. My dogs rock!
37. I drive a Camry
38. My husband goes by his middle name
39. I kept my middle name and dropped my maiden name because people always spelled it wrong
40. I hate Charleston, SC. I mean can't stand the place!
41. I love the beach
42. I've never been stung by a jellyfish, or pinched by a crab
43. I'm deathly afraid of heights
44. I'm deathly afraid of lizards
45. I hate to be alone at night
46. I've called 911 and hung up on them, but the police came anyway!
47. I want to go to Europe
48. I've been to Honduras and Nicaragua
49. My hair is so curly I look like a have a brillo pad for hair if I don't straighten it
50. I'm actually very shy
51. My husband has never met a stranger
52. I'm legally a midget due to my height, but don't have the disorder
53. This is much harder than I thought
54. I'm immune to caffeine but addicted to coke
55. I call it pop, everyone else calls it soda
56. I believe it's called pop
57. My hubby even calls it pop now
58. So do my kids
59. I want a boat someday
60. I've been stranded in St Louis airport for 3 days
61. My uncle lived there and my mother forgot to tell me
62. I'm still mad at her! J/K mom
63. I have a sister with the last name Schwebach
64. I have a sister that has twins
65. I am the youngest of three girls
66. I love the Georgia Bulldogs
67. I hate seafood
68. If it ever lived in the water it will never touch my lips
69. I graduated from college at 31 years old
70. I can't tell a good joke
71. I can't cook worth a darn
72. I don't usually try to cook
73. I hate to cook cause I can't
74. I have a sweet tooth
75. I have a bad temper
76. I'm a drama queen
77. My husband can get annoying sometimes
78. I'm addicted to jigsaw puzzles
79. Lavender is the best thing ever
80. I hate tea, any kind, it's gross!
81. I go to church every Sunday
82. I went to Catholic school in junior high
83. I didn't go to middle school, I went to junior high school
84. My first car was a jeep
85. I got my driver's license at 14
86. I've never had a fake id
87. I've never been arrested (have you??)
88. I want a restored farm house
89. I wish I could be at least 5'2
90. I wore a size -2 in high school
91. I didn't go to my 10 year reunion
92. I cheered for basketball in college
93. I went to college in SD, SC, and Ga
94. I used to run a 6 minute mile
95. My husband is a meanie sometimes ( right now!!)
96. Hubby wants me to erase # 95, ain't gonna happen!
97. I hate cats, used to love them, then we had kittens, now I hate cats
98. Father of the Bride I and II are the greatest movies ever in my opinion
99. Once I start a book I must finish it NOW!!
100. Lily's are my favorite flower
101. I am too competitive, I mean down right ugly sometimes!
102. Strangely enough, even though I'm competitive, I hate conflict! I'll run from it
103. I cry at commercials, movies, you name it
104. I hold grudges
105. I'm stubborn and hard headed, oh and always right!
106. I don't fight with my mother
107. I don't like politics
108. I'm awful at geography
109. I can't find my backyard with a map
110. I talk too much as evidenced by the fact I'm on 110 when I was only supposed to go to 100!!
111. Being a salesperson is the worst job I could ever have: we'd starve to death if I had to do that!
112. poop doesn't gross me out but vomit does
113. eyeballs are disgusting; so are teeth for that matter
114. science is cool
115. ok, I think I'm done!
Goodnight and God Bless!!
~Amy~

Out of Sorts

You ever have those times when you feel like you have lost control of your life? Not like I'm losing my house, I lost my job, how are we going to eat kind of control, but the kind where you thought you had everything in place and then one day you have nothing in place? Bingo, that's me right now.

I've already posted that our laptop has crashed. Well, I was very dependent on that thing. I mean I am so lost without it! Then I get a little infection and not feeling well and I get back on my feet and my house has gotten about a week ahead of me. Ugh, I hate that feeling!

Today, my partner/helper for teaching 7th grade girls just called and told me she's just not going to be able to help me anymore. AAHHHHAAAHHHH! What now? I mean I just lost my backup! Don't get me wrong, I'm not upset with her, just the situation. I'm already out of my comfort zone, and now I'm really out! I have no administrative skills what so ever, and now I'm "on my own". This too shall pass, right? RIGHT?

DQ has been up to her old tricks at school. She's a great girl, she really is, but her ability to focus is zilch. She just flutters from one thing to the next without ever giving anything a second thought. She's social, and happy, and just takes everything in stride and moves on. Problem is math is not that way! It requires that you focus, and use care and take your time. DQ doesn't have that ability I'm afraid. If she doesn't get it she moves on. If it takes too long she moves on. Well my little DQ, you have to quit moving on and be still for awhile and work on your math!! Be still my child!!!!!!

BB is fine as usual. He's so solid and grounded! Definitely quite the opposite of our little DQ. Lately, however, BB has decided that he's wants life on his terms, not ours. He's gotten a little rebellious lately, nothing serious, just trying things his way. I'm not sure I'm ready for him to go there just yet. I'm not done teaching him. I'm not done holding him and protecting him. I'm not done being his mommy! I'm not ready to give up "mommy" and become "mom". I don't know if that makes sense, but those of you with little ones, the day you are no longer mommy and become mom is the day your heart leaves your chest and walks around outside your body with that precious child! If only I could keep my little boy forever little!

OK, I'm done pouting for the time being. I'll be back with the latest drama soon I'm sure! Stay tuned!!!!

~Amy~

Observant

The other day we were driving along and got stuck at a rather long traffic light. To give you some insight as to how long here's what came from the back seat from DQ:

"Mommy, did those people that have that building run out of money or do they really want their roof to look like that?"

After a bit of confusion hubby and I realized it was simply just a modern roof with the fancy poles and such. Guess DQ doesn't approve!

Amy

Gooooo Dawgs!!

Yesterday was opening season for the Georgia Bulldogs. That's right this is Dawg country and don't you forget it!!

We got to go to the game yesterday and it was fun. It was also incredibly hot. I mean HOT!! We had great seats, we had great company, we even had great fun. We also managed to sweat off about 5 lbs! I think they said it was 93, but I thinks maybe 103 was more like it. We ended up leaving early because we knew first off that we were going to win, and second off we wanted to be able to actually walk back to the car vs. being carted to the ER by ambulance.

One of the highlights of the game was the introduction the Uga VII. He was so cute; well as cute as a full grown male English bulldog can be anyway!! GOOOOOOOOO DAWGS! Sic-em!!!

Next weekend is supposed to be a bit cooler, and I sure hope so because we are going again. Can't wait!

Amy

Crisis!!!

To say I'm having a crisis would be putting it lightly!! It seems all of my gadgets are abandoning me! First my palm/phone keeps locking up on me, then my camera won't upload, and now my laptop has been taken over by some funky virus. I mean it's completely trashed!! I am bringing this lovely meltdown of mine to you on our ancient desktop that runs slower than Methuselah, and I can't do anything on it!! UGH!! I think I might die! So I will not be entertaining you with anything much for awhile until the gadget fixer guy can fix my gadgets!!!!

Amy

TGIF

Wow am I glad it's Friday! Not saying that I've been doing much this week, but for some reason I am so tired!

Today after I took the kids to school I ran to Wal-mart for a few things and ran into a friend. We went to Chick-fil-a for breakfast, then I was off to hunt down my favorite shampoo for a bargain. Didn't find it. I'll be checking some beauty supply stores to see if I can find a better price. Then I had lunch with an old friend whom I love dearly. She's one of those people you just love to be around and can't get enough of. I was so glad to spend some time with her and share what the Lord has been teaching me. She is so wonderful!

By the time we finished it was time to go pick up the kiddies from school. I swung by Kroger, grabbed a book, and ran into one of my previous Sunday School students. Again it was such a pleasure to see her! She looked great and seemed really happy. She's a sweet girl!

When I got home hubby called and suggested an evening out. Of course I agreed as even after a whole day out I still was feeling a bit of cabin fever. We wound up going to Athens with big hubby boss man (hubby's brother) and his wife and my nephew and niece. It was terrible food but the company was fun! Then we ran to Academy Sports and picked up some new UGA t-shirts. GOOOOOO DAWGS!!! We have to start getting ready for football season as next weekend is the opening game! We will be in attendance and we can't wait. We are going with a couple we haven't seen in ages, and we will be tailgating with big hubby boss man and several other families from church. We are so excited!

It's great to be and Georgia Bulldawg!! Woof woof woof!



All in all today was a good day. I had lot's of good company, bad for you food, and great conversation. Whew, I'm ready to sleep in tomorrow!

Amy

Quick One

All I have to say is thank God for roadside assistance because hubby has locked his keys in his truck for about mmmmmmm the 7Th time this year??? Yup, somewhere in that neighborhood! Way to go Hubby! You make me so proud! Hee hee hee!

Amy

Only Me

Mkay, here goes. I'm weird. I'm not normal. Only me! What, you may be asking yourself, are you talking about?? I have pink eye! In both eyes!

I'm 31 yrs old and I have pink eye. I get it a lot actually, but the last time I had it was several years ago. I knew yesterday morning when I woke up with gummy eyes, but yet I still put on my make up, all that stuff your not supposed to do. So naturally I woke up this morning needing a warm washcloth to open my eyes. Now my face is swollen and puffy, my eyes itch and sting, and yuck, yuck, yuck!

No need to be alarmed those that have been around me and those going to be around me, I'll keep my hands clean and to myself!!

Amy

Weekend on Restriction

As most of you know, BB and DQ are on long term restriction for various reasons that we won't go into. Anyway, I wanted to share a few pictures from our weekend with you. Sadly you will only view one event as my camera will not upload for some reason. So here goes how Saturday morning began.

The good,
The bad,


The ugly!




Seriously though, BB and DQ made me breakfast which actually tasted fabulous. They are quite good with eggs and fruit! Don't ask me why so many dishes got used, but does it really matter? The thought was so precious.

I have to be honest I was absolutely dreading this weekend because hubby was working and BB and DQ are incredibly bored and wanted to be entertained. I had no idea how much fun Connect Four and Twister can be!! BB and DQ, thanks for making my Saturday so much fun! I love you!!

Amy

Too Funny

DQ, you are the funniest little girl!!

"Mommy, we are out of eggs!"
"I bought some earlier this week, did you check the top shelf of the fridge in the pink carton?"
"Yes mommy, but we hatched all those already!"






MM MM, those were yummy!!
Amy

Hate It!!

So, I admit it. I confess. I know, I know, it's really become a problem! I must share with you now my serious and possibly crippling addiction. I'm Amy and I'm addicted to reading. It consumes me. I need help. I hate finishing a book! I mean I absolutely hate it! I get so in tune with the characters that I begin to make them real in my mind! Then they just up and leave me! How could they do that to me? Don't they know that I'm now a close personal friend? I mean I was there when they had their first kiss! I was there when they got the first mysterious call that led to a chain of events that changed their life forever!! That should count for something don't you think?
I love to read; always have. I like anything, fiction, romance, murder, action, you name it I'm there. Well I've been so busy studying that I haven't really had a chance to persue this hobby much. Since I have been so out of the loop I have much to catch up on. I just finished the first of the Sunrise series by Karen Kingsbury, and have discovered that I'm really getting into the whole "family plotline" quite late in their life. However, I loved this book!! I think once I sat down and got started I read it in like 4 hours, so it's very easy reading, yet a plot that keeps you in; well more like sucks you in and won't let go!! What will happen with Katy and Dayne? Will Bailey make the right choice? What mysterious illness is plauging Ashley and her sister? Stay tuned!!

Amy

Just Me?

OK, so most people know that I'm not exactly "prissy". In fact I border on tomboyish. I'm not real big into not leaving the house without makeup, making sure my purse and shoes match, etc, etc. Anyway, the other day my friend Shamrelle called me up to let me know that there was a great garage sale up the road and did I want to go. When she found out the host of the sale she exclaimed "Oh no Amy, I have to go take a shower first! I never leave the house without taking a shower, but I did today because it just felt so freeing!!" OMG! That was hilarious!! What you need to know though is that Shamrelle is even less prissy than me. Me? Well, I'm lucky if I even get clothes on and my teeth brushed to take the kids to school! I mean, I live the next street over and I drop them off in the carpool line anyway so why bother? Well, now that I'm room mom and all, I guess I better improve my image and at least wear a bra to drop them off!!!!!! J/K (maybe)

Now, I know I haven't exactly been a wealth of information lately, but there just hasn't been much to say. I start work at the end of October, so I have not much going on at the moment to fill my days. I have taken to mucking out my house. Not your average cleaning either. I mean the kind where you actually throw away the toaster that hasn't worked in 5 years and is just taking up space in the appliance cabinet. Also, I have managed to muscle the washer and dryer away from the wall and clean behind. Let me just tell you that two little ferrets can sure make a mess!! I found hair clips, several pens and pencils, a few socks, and even money!! So that's where all our money goes: behind the dryer!! Heee Heee, the answer to hunger: check behind your dryer!

BB and DQ are both on restriction, and believe me it's sheer torture. I hate it when they get in trouble because I'm left enforcing the punishment over and over and over again. No BB, you cannot get on the computer you're grounded remember? No DQ, I don't care if the Olympics only come on every 4 yrs, you're grounded remember?GRRRR!! If they would just stay out of trouble then this just wouldn't be a problem now would it? Easy peezy lemon squeezy!! (yea right, in what world are children perfect other than in my mind?)

Not much else on the home front to share at the moment. I'll continue to ponder and share as something comes up to ponder and share about!!
Amy

New Challenges

Well, it's the start of a new school year and anyone who has school aged children know that it's also the start of CHANGES! And for anyone that knows me: changes are not a welcome thing in my little world!! I'm very much a creature of habit. I like my life just how it is and I don't need any of those pesky little changes coming and messing it up!! I must share though that I've done just fine with all the changes, until the last couple of days that is!!!

Hubby and I(mostly me), have taken on a few "projects" this year. I have volunteered to me DQ's room mom and have my very first meeting next Wed morning. I'm excited, but at the same time am asking myself "What were you thinking?" I wanted to be more involved, guess I will be!!

Secondly (my new word), hubby and I are teaching 7th grade at church. Now let me give you a little background on this. When hubby approached me that he wanted to start working with youth again I was excited as God had been laying this on my heart as well. I only had one concern; I'm going to have to work some now on the weekends. Well Wayne (youth pastor/friend) assured us that won't be a problem! OK, so I'm thinking I'll be a helper, you know fill in here and there, make copies, play with the kids, right? WRONG! I was brought back to reality when we went to our first meeting and I found I was lead teaching the girls and that I have a great helper. Excuse me, I think you have that backwards, let me clarify that. You are the lead teacher and I'm the great helper! Right? RIGHT? No, not right. Thanks God, I knew I could count on you to make me leave my cozy little world of comfort hiding behind hubby's sparkly personality!!!

Anyway, with this new development I'm doing ok, so far. Then last night at our weekly meeting I'm informed that we are doing cardboard testimonies at the church wide gala. OK, you mean hubby is doing that right??? RIGHT???? Oh no, you too. Oh, and none of this warm fuzzy stuff, be real. Oh geez, me being real in front of people? REAL people?? I don't think so. Are you kidding me????? CHANGES!!!

Moving on. This weekend will be fun. Hubby is going on a lake retreat with the guys so the kids and I are off the the beach. We haven't been to the beach all summer so I'm very excited and praying for great weather. I want to just sit in my little beach chair and let the waves come up to me. Can't wait!!!

Hope everyone is well, see you soon!!
Amy

Days of Summer

This posting is dedicated to our summer. Hope you enjoy!!


This is how our summer began. Ouch!!!
BB's birthday party, having fun at the pool

I'm a college graduate!!!





The beach!!


Mom and Dad, we love your car!

Spikerbaby's back surgery




and lastly and sadly.....

The first day of school!!

Giving Him Glory

It has been quite a week here at Hworld!! First of all, I passed the NCLEX!!!! I am officially an RN!! I'm still just having such a hard time wrapping my mind around it! Praise you Jesus!

Secondly (there's that pesky is it or isn't it a word), yesterday I was offered one of the two jobs I interviewed for last week. I've tentively accepted the position. I really would like to see if the other position is offered before I make my final choice. Praise you Jesus!

Thirdly, school started back this week and BB and DQ got wonderful teachers and a classroom full of friends. We are so thankful!! It's a great feeling knowing your babies are in good hands when they can't be in yours!! I have decided to do something I've never had the time or luxury to do however. I volunteered for to be the room mom in DQ's class. Oh boy!! What have I done? Any advice on how to even begin to do this would be much appreciated!!!! Creativity is not my strong suit! Praise you and seek you Jesus!

I'm feeling a bit lost right now. I mean I've never had time to really live my life in soooo long! Everything has been about school!! I was talking to my sister in law about this the other day. I have no life anymore and now it's time to find one!! One step I have taken is to get back into teaching at church. Hubby and I prayed and prayed and felt led to go to youth. We will begin teaching the 7th graders on Sunday morning. Also, there is a bible study (a very deep one I might add) called Masterlife that I'm praying about doing with a sweet lady at church. I do know that I'm looking forward to getting back into life again if you know what I mean by that. I'm looking forward to making friends again, having conversations with people about things other than nursing school, getting involved with BB and DQ at school, and all the other many things I've been missing!! Praise you Jesus!!

Today hubby is home and I'm looking forward to spending the day with him. He was home yesterday as well. It was wonderful!! Praise you Jesus!!!!

Amy Harrison RN (I love it!!)

Butt Kicking

Yes, I'm referring to myself; as in I need a butt kicking!! I'm doing what I said I wouldn't do: sitting here with the computer in my lap waiting. In the mean time let me take some time to describe my surroundings to you.

Bear the puppy killed a gorilla and plastic beans are all over the floor. Hubby's shoes and hat, a coat hanger, an empty box, and my unpacked bag are joining the remains of the poor little gorilla. To my left is a stack of rented and unwatched DVDs and a half empty cup. To my right is my snuggle bug Spike the dog. I am currently telling myself to get up, get dressed, wash some clothes, go grocery shopping, vacuum, dust, etc, etc, etc. Instead, I'm making myself and my babies miserable!!!!

So anyway, I need a butt kicking! Any takers? I promise I can't fight back, I'm too busy on my computer!!!!!!!!
Amy

Pins and Needles

Well, it's either all done or a long way to go. I took the NCLEX RN (boards) today. I can't decide how I feel about it though. My test cut off at exactly 75 questions, which I've heard through the grapevine that is a good sign.

The way the NCLEX works is that you test until you either pass or fail. The minimum amount of questions you can answer is 75 with a maximum of 275. Once you begin the test you are asked a certain level of difficulty of questions. If you get the question right (which you don't know if you did or not) the test will keep getting a little harder till you miss one. Then you drop down a level. The goal is to maintain a certain degree of difficulty throughout the test.

Anyway, there was nothing on the test that I haven't seen before, but the selection of answers to choose from were. A lot of the answers were kind of obscure, not what you are expecting when you read the question. I don't know if that make sense or not but that's the best way to describe it. I felt a huge wave of relief when that test cut off. I specifically prayed that I would not have to go all the way through the test. When I hit question number 74 I just asked God to please let it end and He did!

So now I'm having to endure probably the longest 48 hours of my life thus far. Exactly 48 hours from the time you finish your test the results are available online. My plan is to try to remain busy until then. Unfortunately, my "busy" time doesn't begin till Wed evening..... after I get my results!! Something tells me BB and DQ are getting dragged all over town for the next couple of days! If I don't leave the house I'll sit here with this computer in my lap checking every few minutes to see if I am a rare exception to the rule and got my results early. A person could go crazy like this!!!!!!

Anyway, think I'll go crazy somewhere else for awhile and give your poor people a break!!
Amy

Panic Mode

Well, as usual I have managed to work myself into quite a tizzy! I had both job interviews this week and both went fine. Well, the second one was fine but I didn't feel good about it. They both said I'd know something soon. AAAAHHHHHGGGGGG!

Secondly (is that even a word? Guess spell check will let me know when I try to post this!!), I found out today that if I'm offered the job I need to be licensed by Aug 11. Oh no, not again! I keep running into this pesky little problem! So, in order to insure (there's that spell check thing again) I'm licensed in time I've opted to reschedule my boards exam date. I'm studying like crazy but feel nowhere near ready. In talking with some of my classmates that have taken the exam already many of the questions are select all that apply. I'm terrible at those!!!! Needless to say, I'll be holing up for the days to come, ignoring my family, and eating lots of sugar and drinking lots of caffeine. I'll let you know when it's safe to come back!!!

Amy

Yikes!!

Well, my prayers have been half way answered. This week I have not one but two job interviews. I am so incredibly nervous! On Wed I have one in Labor and Delivery at Northside in Atlanta. On Thurs I have an interview at Athens Regional in ICU. I am really wanting the ICU job but we'll see what God has in mind for me. I also had an informal interview with my current boss about a full time position in L&D in the hospital I'm at now. I was told that the night shift nurses get first dibs at the day position; then me next. As stated above I want the ICU position.

My question is this. I have never been on a REAL job interview. I have know idea how to interview. I was told that when asked if I have questions I should ask some. What do I ask? In the past I've always had all my questions answered over the course of discussion. Also, I got a new outfit, but is it professional enough? Do I need to bring another resume? What about reference letters? AAHHGGGG, I'm so freaked out!!!! I do know to send a thank you note after, but that's new knowledge for me!! HELP!!!!!!!

Amy

Angels

For about 4 years now we have been following the story of a little boy named Dustin. He was in DQ's class at school. Dustin has been battling a rare but brutal form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He passed away yesterday morning. I was very saddened to hear this news. I've gotten to know several families that have battled this disease and everyone of them has had to say goodbye to their babies. My heart just breaks for these parents. Please take some time to pray for Dustin's family today. I think that losing a child is one of the worst things a person can have happen to them!
Amy

Encouragement

This is in our backyard!! God is Good!!!
Hubby went on a mission trip to Alaska. Wow, how beautiful this is!!









This has been a summer of many ups and downs for me, my family, and some people around me. Many people have been sick, lost loved ones, and been through some pretty big struggles. Hubby's cousin just found out this weekend that her husband has decided to divorce her. This news came completely out of nowhere.

As I've been thinking about her and all the other things going on I've had some time to consider that maybe I'm letting Satan have all the fun. I've also realized that I'm a fighter. I'm not going to give up my dreams, my hope, my strength. This is a great song. I think the lyrics are so neat and definitely encouraging. I hope you feel the same! Enjoy!

Amy

Traumatic

Here's to better days!!





The last 24 hrs have been very traumatic for our little DQ. First of all last night she lost her 2nd tooth the hard way. This tooth has been loose then tight, then loose then tight for about a year now. The last couple of months this tooth has been literally sticking straight out. Last night she bit into an apple and tore it loose. Then she was climbing into her bed and knocked it pretty hard with her knee. Blood was gushing everywhere! After many tears and screaming (from both hubby and I and her), I managed to calm her down and gently wiggle the tooth out painlessly.

Now this evening I was lulled into a false sense of security. Everyone was content, quite, and entertained. WRONG!! Shrill screaming started up out of nowhere. Mommy! Mommy! It's on my head! It's sucking out all my blood! I'm gonna die!! Of course there was a huge tick on her head. Oh geez! I hate bugs of any sort, I hate nursing my own children, and I have never honestly removed a tick. Add all this to a screaming little girl who is very emotional all on her own without the added trauma and you have a big ole mess!!! I was rapidly googling the best way to remove a tick while she's screaming for me to call 911. BB decides to just leave all together! OK, so I need a pair of tweezers. Yea, good luck with that! I can never find those stupid things when I actually need them! OK, no tweezers and she' still screaming. Toilet paper and my fingernails are the only tools I can muster. After prying her hands away from the site of infestation I managed to grab ahold of the little (sorry HUGE) bugger. He's barely got his little fangs, teeth, whatever, dug in, but definitely reached blood. GREAT!!!! Just what I need, more blood loss! Call 911?? Naw, just kidding. Got him, flushed him, and DQ is in the shower consoling herself. Poor baby!

So, Spike the dog is doing pretty well. She looks so much better than the night we went to the hospital to visit her. She's on strict cage rest; well when she's not in my lap! She's walking better, still a little lame in back, but supposedly that will go away in the next few weeks. She's hardly hurting at all, and talking all the time.

Finally, I got my approval to test and I have a test date scheduled. It's about stinking time!!!! I'm opting not to share the date, sometime in August. You'll know when I pass!!!

Goodnight for now, time to nurse DQ and Spike the dog!!
Amy

Home Sweet Home

Well, BB and DQ got home from camp last night with stories a plenty. They had a great time, and DQ's team got first place! Go DQ!!!
The theme for the week was Olympics. BB was on China and DQ was on Germany. They had to play crazy games such has digging gummy bears out of chocolate with their toes, and eating chocolate covered doughnuts hanging from a string blind folded. DQ said all the bible verses they quoted as a team is what won the competition for them though. Whew hoo!!!!

UGA called this morning and Spikerbaby is coming home this afternoon!! We went and visited her last night and left in tears. She looked awful! She was obviously in a great deal of pain and she had the most worried look on her face. I held her the whole time and she just laid her head on my shoulder and cried. Poor baby. The student who is taking care of her called this morning and said she's like a new dog this morning. She's eating and barking and wagging her tail! Maybe the little talk I gave her helped! I told her that even though she's hurting and scared she's gotta get through this so she can come home. I think we'll make her a special blanket to snuggle in!

Bear the puppy has been beside himself. He has been wandering around the house looking for his BB, DQ, and Spike. You could see it all over his furry little face that he was confused and wanted to know where the rest of his family was!! He would go into BB's room, then DQ's room, then just sort of stand there in the living room. You could almost see him thinking about where they could all be!!!!!! So cute.

Well now that our little family will be back together I guess all that's left to focus on is..... When in the world am I going to get my approval to test??????????

Amy