Operation Christmas Child Has Come and Gone

I have to say that I love children and love to do anything that I can for them. Our church told us about two weeks ago that we would be doing Operation Christmas Child again this year. I got excited and asked Andrew how many we could do. I love what this stands for and the children that it goes to! Andrew said we could do one of each this year! I got really excited then. So, last Tuesday night we went to eat at Wiseguys' Pizza and went shopping for the boxes. We spent so much time looking for great ideas to put in the boxes. It was so much fun. Andrew was a great help with the boy's box! He became a kid again and enjoyed playing with the stuff. I didn't think to take the camera shopping with us, but I did get pictures of us trying to pack them. It was like playing Tetris trying to get all that stuff in there. We finally made it work though.

I'm glad we bought them a toothbrush and paste due to all that candy that we bought them! Andrew trying to figure out how to close the box!!

Andrew's thinking, "I've got it!!" Casper and Lady thought they should try the candy out first!

As you can tell from the picture above, Lady loved the candy!! No I didn't let them eat it! They got to lick it for as long as I could hold on to it! So, yesterday at church was the day to bring all the boxes in! Our church pulled in 60!! I was so proud!! THe kids will love them!

Please help pray for the boxes and the people are going to help deliver them. I'm so glad God could provide us with the funds to do two this year!

Fall(Spring) Cleaning

I have been for a long time waiting to really clean my house. I wanted to do it over the summer, but since I had to take a class then, I decided to do it this fall. Let me tell you, my house really needed it. I started on it two weeks ago and finally finished on Friday. What I hated the most is the clean up after the cleaning is done. If you don't get that, let me explain. It's like putting the mop bucket up, vacuum cleaner, and placing the chairs back around the kitchen table. I hate that part! I have also pushed the furniture (Thank you Andrew!!) around and shampooed all the carpets, washed the base boards. I've gotten in such a serious cleaning mode that I even moved the washer and dryer and cleaned behind them. Here are the pictures:

I even used the vacuum cleaner hose to put down in the dryer hose to suck out all the lent. That was gross, but at least I know that if there's a house fire that that is not the cause.

This next picture is one of the closets that I wanted to clean out last year, but ran out of time.

I should have gotten a before picture, but I forgot. Take my word for it; it looks so much better and things are not falling out on you when you open the door!

Trips, Trips, and More Trips!!

I know it's been awhile since my last post! I have really enjoyed hanging out at home and spending time with myself so I can me mentally ready for what is coming up for me in the spring. I'm so excited about becoming a nurse and can't wait to finish even more! I know this post is titled Trips so here is where the trips come in. Andrew was asked to do several pageants last year with Lee Greenwood's wife, Kim. Well, this year she gave Andrew's name out to a friend who called Andrew to ask him to come help her with her lighting for her upcoming pageants. I was so excited because I was going to get to go until I got on at the nightclub and didn't want to be off so many weeks so I stayed at home. Three weeks alone was hard but fun. Carlie, my younger sister, came up to stay with me one week, and we did a lot of great shopping for the Taylor Swift concert that we are going to tomorrow night!! During those three weeks, Andrew traveled to Michigan, Tennessee, and Ohio. He loved every minute of it. I enjoyed my time alone, but really missed him! He loved being on the road for those weeks. The summer before we got married he was gone all the time. He enjoyed it but didn't want to do it all the time. He loves working at the casino because he gets to be with me at night; grant it it may be 2 or 3 in the morning sometimes before he gets home, but he's home at night. Over those three weeks, he also met some people that want him to go to Orlando and Nashville next year to help with some more pageants. I hope the one in Orlando is at a time that I can go with him!! A nice working vacation (lol :). We also went to Talladega last weekend for my birthday! We had a great time! We decided that we would camp this year since it has been six years since we have camped. We went down on Wednesday and had a blast. We have enough food to feed an army, and we did. My dad came up on Friday night, and I made chili and shared some with the other fellow campers. On Saturday morning, I put on deer steaks for us and deer tenderloin for breakfast and again shared some with our neighbors. When we got back from the our first truck race, we were swarmed by our Canadian neighbors asking how we cooked the tenderloin and what did our deer here in the South eat. They could not get over how good our deer was compared to theirs. I was in the middle of getting supper ready to put on the grill, and they stayed until it was cooked and eat again with us. They were so excited that we were there. I told them if they left hungry it was their own fault because there was plenty of food. We had a great time fellowshipping with them and family; my cousins that live in Birmingham came over to join us as well. We had the biggest party in the campground. It was a blast and I hope we can do it again next year. We also took Casper with us. He was in heaven because who ever came to eat also shared whatever they were eating with him. He has in return slept all week. Lady stayed with Layla, inlaws' dog, and had a great time. She loved playing with another animal her size and energy level. She too has slept all week. Maybe next year she can go also! The race was great. Andrew and I used this trip as our vacation for the year. We took advantage of what all the track has. We took a tour of the track and the museum. The infield is on 250 acres and 50,000 people watch the race from there. Also, the track was built on an old WW2 air field. In the museum, they had a Dale Earnhart Sr. motor coach. It was nice for the era, but today it's every out dated. I took pictures, and will post them later. We have had a busy great few weeks, and now you are updated with everything that has gone on. Until next time, Ambere

Casper and Lady

People have been asking me what I'm going to do with my spare time this semester. I've been resting and working at the casinos for the most part, but these last few days I have been cleaning pretty much all day after these two! Casper and Lady! I took Lady to the groomer's yesterday to get all beautified but it only lasted for a day! She's driving me crazy! Here is what they got into day and photos from yesterday where Lady went to the groomer's.

Tub after Lady got her second bath in two days!

Tub after Casper! I love them dearly!! Now, they both are asleep on the couch and recliner due to their wild adventure today! (The tub has been cleaned with bleach and Kaboom! No one was harmed in this post!)

Hello world!!

I have to say that I'm truly blessed. I have a great husband who loves me, a wonderful home, and an awesome family. We went home over the weekend to visit because my parents' birthday is coming up. Yep, they both have the same birthday! We got to see Jaylee, who is growing like a weed and walking everywhere and getting into everything!! As I sit back and look at my life in the last 10 years since the 9/11 attacks, I have grown into a woman with a husband and two fur babies to take care of. They all mean the world to me. I also look back thinking wow! I never thought I would be writing a blog about how UC changed my life. UC has really changed my life for the better. I care for my life and health more now than ever. I don't wish this disease on anyone and if someone you know has it pray for them. It is something that no one should ever have to know the hurt, pain, suffering it can causes. My UC took over my joy of life from my first two years of marriage. I know now that I couldn't have made it without Andrew and our families. I know you are thinking why are you bringing this up now, well it is because I do still read a blog of several people that share on a weekly biases about their struggles. I want to share this one with you. Click on this link to watch a video of a girl who was diagnosed at the age of 9 with Crohn's disease. UC and Crohn's patients have a very different life that most cannot even relate to. It is a disease that once you have it you have it for life unless surgery is done. I have told you several times that I have talked to several people about having the surgery done, about my experiences, and how I would do it again. When I say that I would do it again, I really mean it. I talked to a wonderful lady about a week and a half ago about it. She is in her 50's and is not sure that she should have it. I didn't push her, I don't think, but I did try my hardest to tell her how much her life would be better because of it. No more taking pills every day, not having to go to an outpatient clinic for an IV treatment, and no more going to the bathroom over 50 times a day. I'm so glad God pushed me into the nursing field. I know now that UC and Crohn's patients need to have someone in their corner that has gone through what they are going through. My experience may not be the same as theirs, but it will be very similar. I really feel that this is my life calling. I can't wait to start my nursing classes in the Spring. It doesn't seem real to me yet but I know that my life will change again due to the papers and studying that will be coming my way.

Craziness at the Ginn's House

Hello!! I know it's been awhile since my last post. We both have been really busy!! I got a job working at Horseshoe's night club, Push, on Saturday nights. They are also going to use me at Harrah's as well for events. Last week, I had training and it went on for the whole week. I told Andrew that I'm glad I chose a career, nursing, that I don't work every day. I didn't like getting up every day at the same time and getting off at the same time all week. I don't think I could handle a five day a week job. I know I probably shouldn't say that but I do not like it at all.
I started work last Saturday night. I had a blast. I got to dance at my station and talk to the customers. Those two things are not hard for me at all. I even got tips!! It was nice and something that I wasn't expecting. I really do love my job!

I have finished school and started thinking about what to do with my time. I finished with a C in Micro and I'm very proud of that!! I have finished two books. One of them was The Help. I went to see it with some friends. It was a great movie!! We all laughed, cried, and got mad at Hilly (see the movie or read the book to figure her out). I don't want to spoil Hilly for anyone. I loved it. I hope every one gets a chance to read the book or see the movie.

I have also gotten some great sister bonding time over the weekend. My sisters and I went to go see Keith Urban in Tupelo over the weekend. It was so much fun. I love my sisters. I wished we could do it more often!

I know this was random but this is our life and how it works!!

Randomness!!

I'm so glad to have a break from school for a little while! I'm going to enjoy my break and not sure what all I'm going to do, but I know that "spring cleaning" will be done in the whole house! I tired just thinking about it! I also plan to read a lot this fall as well! Andrew and I have also planned to spend a week at Talladega going to the Hall of Fame, Truck Race and Happy Hour race practice and qualifying). I'm so excited about that I can't wait for that! I have always wanted todo that kind of stuff! It's our vacation this year! I also can't wait for Saturday football games! I love Alabama Football! Roll Tide!!
Over the week, I have interviewed for a new job which I got. I hope to start by the end of the month! I can't wait! I also got my grade for Microbiology! I passed with a C, and a C means continue! I was so glad to be done with it! It got boring to me after a while! I do have to say that I enjoyed lab the most!
Also since my last post, Lady and Casper have been to the Vet! They are doing great! Casper even lost weight from last year. Also, Lady has had the surgery! Let's just say that Lady isn't so much of a lady anymore! She also had her eye fixed. She had a cherry eye. It really started to bother Andrew and I noticed before she went in. She's doing fine now, and we both think that she has gained about a pound or two since!
Andrew's been busy with school and work. But just think he will graduate school next year and we can't wait! I'm so excited for him to finish and I know he can't either!
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Also, my neighbors and I got together and threw a shower for one of pregnant neighbors! She's having a boy and she's so excited!! We all can't wait for Brody to be born!

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Andrew and I have been so excited about our Missionary Friends Levi and Lindsey have been home for three weeks to visit family and a wedding of her brother's. We had a great time visiting with them at the Potts' house on Monday! We got pictures and I hope I can get them on soon but I got one of me and their son. He is like having a man's face on a baby's body! He looks so much like his dad!!

We hung out for about six hours just catching up with life since they have left and laughing until our sides ached!! It was just like old times and I can speak for all of us that I can't wait until they come home for leave in January for six!
I know this post was everywhere but this is just what life has been like for us over the last week and a half!

Running and Finishing School

Like I said in the previous post that I would have a crazy week (and it has)! I have finished Microbiology for life! I was so happy to take that last test on Thursday! I didn't really mind the class it's just that a few things can be changed to make it better.
Also, this week Amanda(my running buddy) and I had our first 5k this morning! We have been training all summer for this event. Running is not quite to the fun stage yet for me. I'm still working on keeping a good pace! MaryBeth couldn't run due to an injury and the dr told her she couldn't run. Hopefully, she can join us the next time! The race we ran this morning was for the American Cancer Society. It was a nice level route! I was told by a few people that this was a great one for us to do as our first due to how flat the route was.
I kept up with an older guy who turned out to be a very nice man who gave me some great advice. We were in our last 1/2 mile of the race and I said I wonder what my time is. He told me " Don't worry about your time because you are doing a lot better than those that are still in the bed this morning!" That statement will be one that I will never get!
Once we got done, we waited around to watch the awards ceremony, eat, and gather our thoughts(or that's what I had to do at least). I even got a chance to have a victory dance to celebrate completing the race! They started with the men and then the women we next. I didn't really think anything about it until they got to my age group. I won third in my age group. I was so happy! I got a medal and my picture was taken!! I was so excited!! I knew Andrew wished he would have came if knew that I could have the chance to win something. He did feel bad about not coming, but there is always next time (September 6 to be exact!). I didn't bring my camera because I didn't want to keep up with it, but Amanda had her's. Her's a link to her blog so you can see the pictures that were taken this morning! I had a great run and both Andrew and my Dad were proud of me! I can't wait until the next one!!

Life is going to get crazy...

Over the next few weeks. I being finals! I'm so excited and ready for a break! Next Thursday is my last day of Micro, and I can't wait! It has been a crazy class!
Also next week my friends, Amanda, Mary Beth, and I have our very first 5k!! We have new shoes and the will power to do it!
I also can't wait to spend some time with my great friend Christina who is getting married in January! She asked me to be her wedding coordinator!! I was so excited when she asked me that I almost cried!! She and her finace' remind me a lot of Andrew and myself. They have dated five years like us, they are about the same age as Andrew and I were when we got married, and they are so happy to have each other that nothing could make them upset with each other. They truly love the Lord with all their hearts and anyone could see it with how they treat and love each other!
I also get to celebrate with my neighbor who is pregnant with their first child. IT'S A BOY!! My neighbors and I are so excited about all the babies that are born or soon to be born on our street!! There will be four new babies for the Holidays this year! I can't wait either. I also don't need to drink that water!! I'm staying away from that one for at least two more years.
Andrew and I are so going to be aunt and uncle again! Andrew's younger sister, Laura, is pregnant. She should find out what she's having soon! I can get my baby fix and go on with life until God sees fit to give us one(hopefully, He will wait until I graduate!)
Well, I know this is a random post, but I know I will be really busy so I thought I would give you a heads up so you don't think I have forgotten about y'all! Hope the end of summer vacation has treated you well!! Until next time!

New Running Shoes!!

I have been looking forward to buying new shoes since I have started running with my friends. Amanda, MaryBeth and I started running over 8 weeks ago. We have one more run on week 8. I'm so very proud of us. Our first 5k is in about two weeks, so new shoes were a must. So, this morning, Amanda and I (MaryBeth couldn't met us) went to Fleet Feet in Memphis to try on shoes. It was a neat experience. I have never had to run on treadmill before trying on shoes and trying out shoes. I enjoyed it because I actually have a shoe that fits my running style (how my foot rolls during my run). I have got work to do to get in 3.1 miles in two weeks but I know I can do it! I only have about a mile to go!! I have always wanted to run a 5k!

They are Asics with orchid color!! They are very comfortable. I talked to my dad about what brand I should buy, since he runs marathons and everything, and he told me that Asics would be my best choice. I can't wait to run in them in the morning!!

Band Party

Andrew has played in every band at every church we have been too. I love to watch him play and hear him sing! I love getting to together with them and their families to cook out and talk! Andrew and I in years past have hosted the Christmas party. The band has grown over the year, so our house many not be in the best interest for it this year, but I'm still willing to host!
Last night we got together at the Massongill's house to swim and cook out!! The kids swam, ladies watched the kids and talked, and the men play various games such as horseshoe. It was a great time!! Andrew took a few pictures but they were taken late so they are kind of dark, but I'll still post them!

Great night, great friends, and great food!!

Jaylee's First Birthday and Baby Dedication

The weekend after NKOTBSB was Jaylee's first birthday party! I could not miss it!! She had a great party and got some great gifts. Andrew and I gave her bubble bath and some letters to play with in the tub because she loves to play in the bathtub! She never wants to get out!

This picture is of Harper who was born the same day just a few hours before Jaylee!
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That next morning, we went to church with them for Baby Dedication. It was so sweet!!

Needless to say, it was an all Jaylee weekend!! I love you Jaylee!!