A day in My Life...

Happiness is....

2012-01-17T20:36:00.001-05:00

I finally got a full time job. Time to quit my other stuff! :)

Ladies and Gentlemen...I now have a shower!

2012-01-14T20:21:00.001-05:00

The first picture is of the tub when we moved in...the last few are of the shower Mike installed! Poor Guy...we got a surround but it was a wee bit too small...so the job took longer than he hoped...but its done and I am as happy as a mouse in a cheese factory...

Isn't she sooo cute!

2012-01-09T17:26:00.001-05:00

Went shopping with my sis and niece. I snapped a few pics of Julia in a hat at the shoe store...the results were too cute too not share!

Christmas Baking...

2011-12-25T10:47:00.001-05:00

For the first time in 7 years I, Christy Stratton, did some christmas baking. It was fun...and sorta surreal. While I was baking, Mike was wrapping gifts...Christmas music was playing and the tree was all lit up. It was awesome! After having dreamed of these type of moments for 7 years...I don't take them foregranted!

The 2011 Kids Christmas Program

2011-12-18T21:59:00.001-05:00

The annual Christmas program took place this morning. It was so cute. I hope you all have a great Christmas!

Random Thoughts While on the Road

2011-11-25T18:59:00.001-05:00

This is so surreal...I am on the way to Indiana...in the passenger seat with my husband next to me....listening to christmas music. I could cry tears of hapiness for hours! I thought this day would never come. For the record...I had an awesome Thanksgiving! I cannot tell you how much joy has been brought to my life...God has worked miracle after miracle. Someday I would like to share a few...when I have more time.

-As a sidenote to all you naysayers out there... thankfully you were wrong! Has it been challenging, yes, but guess what....I am having the time of my life just being Mikes wife. The transition was smoother than I could have ever hoped for. All I can say is Praise be to God for his unspeakable gifts!

Love this pic!

2011-11-25T18:39:00.001-05:00

Just thought I would share a photo of two of my favorite people.

Flowers :)

2011-11-08T19:44:00.001-05:00

These were delivered to me at work today by a special someone! (He had to get up at 4am to deliver them before work.)
Why the flowers? He knew I was gonna have a Looong day between both jobs today and just wanted to cheer me up. How sweet...

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I am moving....but not too far away...Mike was approved to come to PA!!!

2011-09-17T17:11:00.001-04:00

Mike was approved to move to PA. Everything is now moving sooo fast. To top it off I got offered a full time position at one of my two jobs. It feels like things might FINALLY be falling in to place. Some day soon I will write about it. Until then enjoy the pics!

Lots of Firsts!

2011-08-09T10:55:00.001-04:00

The last few days have consisted of many firsts (well...the first time in 7 years that is) for Mike. The first church service, the first time eating fast food, the first time to text, first time to sleep in a real bed, the first time to eat a home cooked meal...and here soon he will drive a car again! (oh the joys of waiting in line at the BMV) Keep praying for us...there are many bumpy roads ahead...but God is helping us to face this head on and deal with situations as they arise! He has been so close and so real to both of us these past few days!

He's Here!

2011-08-04T14:27:00.000-04:00

Waiting at the NCCF....

2011-08-04T11:40:00.001-04:00

Mike is getting out today...but it is taking forever. I got here at 9:30 filled out a form and got told to come back at 11:30. I am still waiting and getting antsy! I have been waiting for this day for so long and it seems like the last few hours have been the longest hours of my life! (even longer that the last hour of a shift at work)

Thoughts:

2011-07-31T17:44:00.000-04:00

These last few weeks I have been getting ready to meet up with my husband on the other side of the bars for the first time in seven years. While doing so I have shed many tears, laughed at many memories, and stressed out to high heaven...due to the fact that I have to move, but at this point I do not know where I will go.

I have also been going through his clothes. I want to wash them before I head out to Indiana. (they were put away clean, but after 7 years they smell a little musty) WOW! I have almost lost it SO MANY times. Funny how the sight of a shirt or tie can bring back so many memories. Its almost like someone coming back from the dead.

On a more serious note, if you read this blog and you know the value of prayer, I beg of you an interest in yours. This ordeal isn't over...its more like a chapter is over, and a new one, that's big and scary, is about to begin. I will keep you updated as I can. Ciao!

Goodbye Celia...You will be missed!

2011-07-19T18:02:00.002-04:00

My little Celia passed away today...just a few hours ago. A lil doggie horseplay went awry and my baby got hurt. She passed on before I reached the vet.
I just hate goodbyes....they hurt too much!

2011-07-09T23:21:00.001-04:00

I went bowling tonight for the first time...the score card above is why I should never go again. I really really stink! (mine is the one with C) Oh well...at least I had fun...right??

Last Visit!

2011-07-07T12:02:00.001-04:00

I just left the Correctional Facility for the last time! In 28 short days I will make the trek to Indiana to pick up my husband...who will no longer be behind bars. There is still a lot to be figured out before that day arrives and even more when he returns home. If you think of us during this exciting and confusing time please keep us in your prayers!!

2011-06-23T09:52:00.001-04:00

I just wanna take a moment to be thankful for 2 things.
1. Chinese Food
2. My Friend Alicia and the endless supply of laughter, fruit, dog hair, and late nights that make me smile when I think about her.

Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale

2011-06-18T13:21:00.000-04:00

I just went to B&B and enjoyed myself immensely. I mean, getting stuff for 2.63 and 3.00 that normally costs 15.00 is def cause for celebration. The sale is "while supplies last" so I suggest if you are a B&B Works fan, you ought to get out there ASAP. Here is the thing, a lady in the store told me that next year the sale is going to be online only. I hate that. You can't sniff something online. So, I sent them an email expressing my disappointment. If any of you fellow B&B Works fans agree I would urge you to either comment (and I will email them your comment) or email them yourself. Its really easy right off their website (click here).
Things like that can change if enough people speak up!

Air Conditioning in a new light!

2011-06-14T20:08:00.001-04:00

A client at work and I spotted this on a walk....crazy huh!

2011-06-09T15:40:00.001-04:00

I updated this in two parts due to the fact that I can send a limited amount of pictures to my blog via one text and mobile blogging beats the old fashioned way any day!
In the pics above you will notice the guys have their heads down...this is due to the fact that they just realized just how long the game would take. Their response was NOT well recieved by the women and Jordan! The cup was me doodling while waiting for someone to take their turn. Oh...and since your here I might as well let you know that there is a huge possibility that Mike will be coming home in 56 days. I am ecstatic!

Game Night part 1

2011-06-09T15:39:00.001-04:00

The Saturday before Memorial Day I went to Tim and Shirleys for Game night! We had lots of food and fun. (and the guys graciously played board games when the truth is they would rather play X-Box)

Here is where I spent my afternoon!

2011-05-31T21:53:00.001-04:00

It was so awesome! the pool belongs to a friends parents and goes from 4 to 8 ft. I could not believe the size. I can't wait to go back!

Things to be thankful for

2011-05-20T16:38:00.000-04:00

In the past few weeks I have been given some MAJOR gifts from God!! I am so thankful and also so ashamed that I spent sooo much of my time worrying!! Here are some highlights:

1.) I have my OWN address!!

For those of you who do not understand why this is wonderful, here is a recap...Mike will be released from prison soon and in order for him to come to PA he has to have a few things in order (a job, a place to live with a separate address from anyone other than family, permission from IN to transfer probation to PA, permission from PA to transfer probation from IN etc.. etc.. etc..) Well, I live in a ummm....shop/storage building/transformed something or other apartment and share an address with my neighbors....or at least I did, up until last week. I was just sure that due to zoning laws I would never get a new address soon enough and that I would have to find another place to live, which means more money to spend on higher rent, money I DON'T have. I worried myself sick over it. Guess What?!?! I ALREADY had an address, I just didn't know it. All I had to do was purchase a mailbox (which indecently my Mother bought with the excuse that it was an anniversary present, along with a too cute coffee mug I was eying! You know my MOM!!) So thats the story in the smallest nutshell can muster!

2.) I get to go see Mike for our anniversary.

Due to high gas prices, and low paycheck amounts I decided I could not afford to head out to Indiana this month. I grieved about it all week. (Had I gotten my tax return that is currently on hold for some unexplainable reason, I would have been able to make the trip easily) This morning my state tax return was direct deposited into my account. Not much, but enough to get me to Indiana and back with a teeny bit to spare. Now if only that federal return would come in!!

3.) My Dog

This past Saturday my friend, Alicia's dog got hit and killed by a car. It made me realize how much I would miss Celia!

(Tim S. I know you will NOT understand this on, but bear with me!)

4.) While we're on the subject of Tim...I got some FREE chocolate milk on Saturday, compliments of my milkman angel. :)

5.) My feet

Ok, maybe that sounds dumb to you, but I spent a lot of time with a friend of mine this week who has never been able to walk unaided due to the fact that she has spina bifida.

Alicia uses either braces and crutches or a wheelchair. She does GREAT! I totally admire her. She lives alone and has a job...but I can't imagine what it would be like to have to rely on mechanics to get me around. (and the way I am always running late, it would totally cramp my style)

Ok, thats enough for now!! Oh, as a sidenote I just wanted you all to know that the ticker up top that shows how long till Mike comes home MAY BE WRONG!! Yep, I just got news that he's in for at least another year..........just kidding! He has a 50% chance of getting out Aug 4 instead of Nov 17...the bigheads just have to make up their mind!!

Gas Prices (goin DOWN!) :)

2011-05-06T19:27:00.000-04:00

I saw Gas for $4.09 a gallon. I told someone. They said (in a nasally, annoying voice of course) "Oh, thats nothing, it will be up to $5 soon." DON'T tell me that. (I tend to be hopeful about such things!) Well guess what you nasal voiced person... I saw this article today (it might not happen..but it gives me hope!!)

Here are some highlights:
It's hard to blame Americans consumers--and drivers, in particular--for feeling a little confused this morning. After months of steadily rising commodities prices, that had helped send gas prices soaring to nearly $4 a gallon, the price of crude oil plummeted nearly 9 percent yesterday. In reference to what we pay at the pump:
"At those elevated price levels, you had to take into account the risk of a pullback if there were not another supply shock," David Greeley of Goldman Sachs told the Washington Post.

So...Whats the outlook?

Gas-price picture remains uncertain. So has the drop in oil prices brought gas prices down too?
Not yet: Yesterday, prices at the pump went up by a tiny amount, and were at $3.99 a gallon on average--still more than a dollar above where they were a year ago.
But experts say that gas prices should start falling in the next few days, likely in time for Memorial Day. "The driver can expect to see a slow erosion of prices," Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service told the New York Times, predicting that by Memorial Day, gas would be at $3.75 a gallon, and could be at $3.50 later in the summer.
And Adam E. Sieminski, chief energy economist at Deutsche Bank, echoed that view, telling the Post that prices could ultimately drop by as much as 25 percent--back to around $3 a gallon, in other words.
Still, before hauling out the Winnebago for that cross-country road trip, drivers probably should still take any predictions with a grain of salt. Prices for oil and gas are dependent on so many diverse factors--and world events, especially lately, are so fast-moving and unpredictable that forecasting how things will look months from now is a long way from an exact science.

For the whole article CLICK HERE

PS Is Nasally a word?? I think you get it even if its not!!

Goodbye Chase!!

2011-05-06T18:12:00.001-04:00

I am a ~~little upset~~ VERY FRUSTRATED at the present moment! I hopped on to my account to see if I had received my tax return yet...as promised by the IRS when I talked to them Monday (LOOONG STORY...) NOPE! Then as I scrolled through the transactions my eyes were drawn to one I had never seen before. Service Fee $12.00...Hmmm, whats that for? So I called my bank. I was then told (by someone that I could barely understand...in India or something) that my direct deposits did not amount to enough to waive the service fee...when I opened the account you just had to have a direct deposit to waive the fee... so I asked when this took place, and they told me February. That makes sense. I got a new job and the one that I usually get direct deposits from has become part time, so I no longer meet their "quota". So then I politely asked if there was a different type of account with no service fee...what do you know, there is NOT. I am SO DISGUSTED!!! Who are they to tell me how much my direct deposit or average daily balance should be, and if they take out $12.00 a month out that will make my balance even less. (Yeah, basically they are charging me because I am poor and have a low paying job) How stupid. The ironic thing is, I cannot close it yet. Two reasons:

1. Chase is in Indiana, you gotta go to a branch to close it (Why do I have a bank account with a branch 8 hours away? I used to work for them and I used to like them and since I have direct deposit I never need to go in to the actual bank...so I have remained a faithful customer for the entire 5 years I have lived in PA)

2. Thats the account my stinking elusive Tax Return is supposed to land in someday...soon hopefully!

So...I am changing my direct deposit to go to a bank where there is NO SERVICE FEE (even for the poor people with low paying jobs) and as soon as my tax return shows up....I am DONE with them for good!!!

Changes

2011-04-28T17:21:00.001-04:00

This picture pretty much sums it up....I got off the exit quite a while ago....how about you? The thing is...those changes are about to get bigger. I dunno if you pay attention to the counter up there...but its not too long till my man comes home. I won't bore you with the details, but there are more changes that come with that than I would like to admit.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T08:26:00.001-04:00

An Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-24T16:59:00.001-04:00

When we went to Jenny's on Saturday we were able to be there for her easter egg hunt. She was so cute. After she figured out what was going on she began to squeal and giggle and point to the egg with great glee. We had so much fun!

Gas Prices! :(

2011-04-24T13:27:00.001-04:00

My little car is killing me! I feel for those of you with SUV's and CUV's and big trucks and any other manner of gas hog. Ugh! I have to fill up 2X a week. I know I am complaining...but sometimes you just have to get it out of your system.

Current Pics of Mike

2011-04-24T13:19:00.001-04:00

Shopping with 'the girls'

2011-04-24T13:17:00.001-04:00

Mom & Jen & I went to the mall for our yearly shopping trip. Of course we added Julia to the mix...that made things more fun! I had a scare and a small heartbreak at the first store. I laid my purchases before the cashier and pulled my purse out of the cart (by the way...it is my fave purse I have ever owned) and noticed that the strap was broken...bad news...then i realized it was the strap I usually clip my keys and wallet to...yikes! I searched my purse for the keys and wallet in hopes I may have thrown it in there...alas it was not. At this point I have visions of us scouring the entire premisis for my wallet and keys. ugh! Thankfully I decided to check the car first...and there it was...snugly tucked into the console.
The last pic you saw above is one I snapped of my fave yankee candle ever...if anyone wants to donate please feel free!

A trip with Mom

2011-04-23T15:44:00.001-04:00

Mom and I went to Indiana to see Mike. After that of course we had to stop and see Jenny & Stephen and of course Julia.

Signs Spotted In Salvation Army...no explanations necessary

2011-04-21T19:18:00.001-04:00

The Best Parents ever!

2011-04-19T08:27:00.001-04:00

So... I have awesome parents! I had to make a dessert for work so I went to Mom's to make it. I had to work at McDonalds afterword...mom finished it and instructed me to sleep! Dad was sure it would get messy if I took it with me so he came over at 7:30 this morning to drop it off...an hour round trip just for me! Aren't they the best?

The number 30

2011-04-18T18:03:00.001-04:00

What does the number 30 mean to you? To me it signifies a few things. How much it used to cost to fill my car... How old I will be on my next birthday... A speed my car hates...the time alotted for my lunch break... how many pair of shoes I have (plus or minus a few)...the cost to reregister for NCLEX (not the test...just registration)...how many years mom & dad will have been together on June 6, 2012...but more importantly 30 is the amount of Sundays I have left to sit in a church service alone....yep...at the Max Mike should be home in a little over 30 weeks. Now thats a 30 worth smiling about.

The bad news is...

2011-04-09T19:30:00.001-04:00

This weekend was supposed to work out so perfectly. Friday afternoon I headed out around 3:20 and was on my way to West Virginia to visit the Strawns. Well...we (as in Leanne, Lydia and I) went shopping. All was flowing beautifully. I even gave in to my week long craving for some BK fries with Zesty sauce. Could life get any better...well only if I was sipping on a sugar laden coke. Suddenly without warning we heard a loud noise. It sounded like a semi was braking right behind me. (Leanne disagrees, however, and stated that it sounded more like a loud motorcycle) After we heard a pop and the steering felt very strange. I pulled over immediately...the bliss of the BK fries quickly dissappearing from my head. So now, my bloggy friends, I am stranded...but the good news is that Mike just heard he has pemission to live in PA. Somehow that news overpowers the fact that I am stranded...It
will all work out....it always does. Remarkably I am not worried...I am choosing to trust the Lord.

Explanation...

2011-04-09T18:16:00.001-04:00

Ok...I am sure you aren't wondering why I have not blogged in a very long time....but just in case you are...here's why :)

I recently began working 2 additional jobs. I now work pretty much all the time, however I now get weekends off!

Above obviously saw 2 photos without captions due to the fact that my cell phone does not have that capibility. The first lovely photo is the elderly woman I help out for my third job. The second photo is an elderly man that hangs around her quite often hoping that she will play the piano....which is part of her therapy.

Aside from the fact that I am now very busy I am quite happy with the new turn my life has taken.

Friends Food & Flat Tires

2011-03-08T14:49:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had orientation for my new job....tons of boring paperwork and videos that make my eyes want to bleed. Well, since orientation was in Butler I texted my friend Davonna to see if she wanted to get together after I was done. She ended up inviting me for dinner...it was sooo good. Honey Mustard Chicken, green beans, and perogies. mmmm. While I was there I mentioned being worried about the fact that my tire was low. I should not have worried...Davonna quickly and deftly used Matts air compressor to pump that baby up! Thank God for small blessings. (as for the new job...I started actually doing it today and I think I am going to love it!!) (PS Wal-mart had a shoe sale and I got a couple pairs for $2 a piece!)

Dogs!

2011-03-01T16:33:00.001-05:00

All I wanted to do was take a simple little walk...but people and their unchained dogs make it really difficult. First a dog jumped on me...and was baring his teeth (this same dog attacks my car every time I drive by) second dog chases me and third dog chases me as well. I hate it that I can't take a walk without being afraid!

2011-02-19T16:45:00.001-05:00

Hi all! I did get the job I posted about. I start March 7. I was slightly disheartened that I got the part time position rather than full but my current boss has graciously agreed to work with me so I can work at McDonalds around the new job. Yea! I am hoping that by getting my foot in the door today I can someday obtain full time there. In other news...I am going to see My Hubs in a week and am very excited. It has been FOREVER!

A new job on the Horizon?

2011-02-11T14:25:00.001-05:00

I know I have been silent for awhile. I guess its because life has been busy as of late...but here is a quick update...I was looking randomly on the internet for a different job and saw a company that looked good except you work 7 Sundays on 2 off. Ugh! I decided to check it out anyway...dunno why...went in to get an app and was told if I came back before 3 I could have an interview. I came back and had my first and second interview. It was intense...after it was over the one interviewer said "you have been a breath of fresh air" wow! Oh and as for Sundays there are none the positon is M-F 7-3....wow! Please pray with me that this works out!

A new way to make Pizza

2011-01-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

Well....I have been trying to eat more healthy for quite a while now...and a few short days ago I came across an interesting recipe.

Cauliflower Pizza

Ingredients:
Crust:
2 Cups Grated, Cooked Cauliflower
2 Cups Grated Mozzerella Cheese
2 Eggs
3 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
Spices/Seasonings (Such as Garlic, Oregano, Italian seasoning, Pizza Seasoning)

Topping:
Whatever you like on Pizza!!

Directions:
Preheat Oven to 450
Grate up fresh cauliflower
Add 2 tbsp of water and microwave for 8 min (or steam it if you have a steamer....the point is you DON'T want the cauliflower to get all full of water....the crust won't be as good)
Mix Cauliflower, Cheese, Eggs, Parmesan, and Seasonings
Press Dough out on non-stick pizza pan (or a stone)
Sprinkle Oregano or Italian Seasoning on top
Bake at 450 for 12-15 minutes
Remove Crust from Oven and add toppings
Place Back in oven for another 10 min or so
Enjoy!!

I actually made this 2 times yesterday and it is really good. Does it taste like real Pizza Crust? NO! But, it is good all the same, and a cinch to make!

.

(still catching up) Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-14T09:56:00.001-05:00

This year on Thanksgiving Day, Mom and Dad and I drove out to Burgettstown to spend the day with my dads family, and I forgot to charge my phone, so I have no photos. It was a very nice and relaxing day will too much Turkey and not enough time to spend with loved ones you rarely get to see. On Saturday my Mom had a big meal for her side of the family as well as my sister and her family and me. Again, we ate too much Turkey, sweet potato casserole, Deviled eggs, and all the other stuff that you pile on at Thanksgiving.

(Oh, and I would like to go on record to say....you ain't tasted a good sweet potato casserole until you've tasted my moms!!....I don't care who you got your recipe from, I have NEVER found one better than MY moms...sorry bout your luck...but if you want her recipe I am sure she would share that one along with her UNBEATABLE Never Fail Fudge, Deviled Egg, Veggie Pizza (yes, there is a wrong way to make it!), potato salad, chocolate chip cookie, & Strawberry Pretzel salad recipes...to name a few.(is it any wonder I need to drop some lbs. with a mom who makes the best food ever?) Ok, I digress....I am supposed to be talking about Thanksgiving. I did NOT mean to get up on that soapbox...but there is nothing more disappointing than expecting the flavor of my moms *insert item above* only to be disappointed with a flavor (or the lack thereof) that causes my taste buds to go on strike and dries up my moist salivary glands in a nanosecond, leaving me perfectly dismal for the remainder of the meal.

After our wonderful meal we settled in to play a game. We started with DARE. This game is NOT a game I would choose to play, however my DEAR SWEET cousins Jason and Jordan decided it would be more fun than the normal games we play (such as Balderdash, Apples to Apples, and Outburst) Below you will find some photos that I pray will not get me beheaded, as I have had at least one family member threaten to not allow me to take any photos of them lest they appear on my blog.

Steven and Jenny...smiling while hearing the first dare to be completed.

Tim...completing his first dare...wearing his son, Jason's socks for an entire round

An arm wrestling challenge

My Aunt pushing a raw egg across the floor with her nose

What I did while waiting for my turn using a torn piece of paper

This guy had to remain silent for an entire round. That was some feat, as he has a similar personality as his father and me (and you know how hard it is for me to keep quiet)

Dad, using his wrists and mouth only to peel and eat a banana...He actually accomplished this!

The Banana cont..

Me...taking 100 steps with a cup of water on my head....a full cup!

Feeling triumphant at 98 steps

There are a few dared that did not get photographed. One dare required a person to remove someones sock with their teeth (which the one who drew the card actually did, but wishes to remain anonymous) as well as yelling something degrading out the window three times, pretending to chase butterflies for 30 seconds, pretending you are a racecar for 30 seconds....making the gear changing sounds included, and well....crawling around pretending you are some sort of animal. The game was hilarious, and enjoyable....until it was your turn to do a dare!

Moving on to Apples to Apples

I got bored again

My boredom forced me to wear Tims crazy glasses... (I think Jenny stepped out to change a diaper, so we were waiting on her to get the game going again)


And here is the final four I ended up with (if you have played apples to apples you will understand the significance of these cards, if not...the best I can tell you is if you win a round you get to keep the green characteristic card, at the end of the game you read through your cards and supposedly the cards you win define who you are.)

I guess this year as I celebrated Thanksgiving I would say I felt very thankful for MANY things. I know this is VERY late, but here are a few...
1. I am thankful that I have AMAZING Christian parents
2. I am thankful my Brother got saved last year at IHC and is now in PR at Hobe Sound Bible College (have I mentioned how very proud I am of him)
3. I am thankful for my absolutely adorable niece Julia (as well as her parents)
4. I am thankful that people have opened their hearts and homes to me (ie...Deeter family, Henderson family, Himlich Family...to name a few)
5. I am thankful for the fact that I have a job....its not the best job in the world....but its more than some people have.
6. I am thankful for my health. I cannot remember the last time I had to call in sick, and I have no medications.
7. I am thankful that technology allows me to talk to people while driving the long 8 hours to Indiana to see my Man. Seriously I KNOW there are those out there that think talking on a phone while driving is despicable, but I am here to tell you that it keeps me awake and alert when the last few hours are trying to put me to sleep. It keeps me in contact with someone, and even allowed me to ask for prayer when my car went out of control...allowing my car to land in someones yard, unharmed!
8. I am thankful that God, and my Friends never gave up on me....even when I gave up on myself.
9. I am thankful for the Teenagers who help me feel younger than I am and give me GREAT joy!
10. I am thankful for my new love....flavored Hot Tea (the real kind that does not come in a bag)

I suppose I could go on for a few hundred more lines, but I will stop there.

Oh....stay tuned for a post coming soon....Drive Thru Etiquette (since I have worked fast food longer than I want to admit, I feel I am more than qualified to let you in on the things that make your drive thru order taker cringe...and a few tips that might get you better food and/or service!!)

Fun at the Strawns

2011-01-14T09:05:00.001-05:00

Most people that know me, know that I ADORE teenagers. Well...at Stoneboro Camp this last summer I met a young girl named Leeanne (who happens to be my sisters niece through marriage and a good friend of my pastors daughter). Leeanne reminds me of myself in so many ways and I enjoy her company. Well, a few months ago (right before I lost my SD adaptor and could update my blog) I was asked to visit her all the way in West Virginia. I really enjoyed spending time with Leeanne and her family...and it sounds like I might be doing it again soon!!

Teaching the kids how to put a spoon on their nose

Jonathan, trying it

and getting it to stick!

Leeanne, with the spoon attached (I will surely be KILLED for posting this)

And Lydia (again, I am afraid for my life!)

Jonathan, admiring his numbers after winning a round of Mennonite Maddness (if you have never played the game...go HERE it is a MUST play!!)

Leeanne and I

The "Girls"

I did Leeanne's hair on Sunday, so of course I had to take a few Pics

This is how I did the back. I took this photo mostly because she wanted to be able to see it better

All in all it was a good time! I got to eat healthy, play games, and basically feel a lot younger than my real age.

The Corn Maze

2011-01-08T11:51:00.000-05:00

Another thing I got to do a while ago was go to the corn maze...at the end of October. It was a total blast, however I stink at it. Reading maps has never been my thing. Kenny Marsh on the other hand....well lets just say he could get through the maze 20 times before I could get through it once! At the maze there were some animals and a few other things that the kids (and me) enjoyed. If you click on the photos below you can see them bigger.

These are photos of Deric Miller (the life of the teen pew at church...he has this way to get into everyone's heart!!)

Pastor Appreciation Picnic/Hay Ride

2011-01-08T10:35:00.001-05:00

So...a long long time ago we had a pastor appreciation picnic and a hay ride. It was a GREAT time. Here are some pictures of the fun.

Standing around eating

Steve and Jen

Proud Grandpa Bill

Bro. Custer..trying desperately to pass on some of his wisdom

This LOOKS like a fish story....Yes, It was THIS big!!

Blogging Catch Up

2011-01-08T10:05:00.003-05:00

I have not updated in quite a while...which I am sure you realize. The reason for this is due to the fact that the adapter for my micro memory card came up missing....so I have been unable to put any photos on my computer. I will be updating very soon...as I have gotten a memory card reader that fits my micro card and finally got all those photos on my computer. Until then...here is a collage of some recent pics of my favorite niece.

(Click on the picture to make it bigger)

To my snow despising friends

2010-12-04T13:46:00.001-05:00

I just had to let you know...I went to the Hobe Sound Christmas parade and actually started to sweat. Jealous yet?

Flying with my 'green' parents

2010-12-03T17:17:00.001-05:00

Well my blogging friends...while many of you are enjoying the wonderful benefits of snow I have just landed in sunny Florida! Ok....so I know I am a green flyer I do my best to look like I know what I am doing. (I know Jenny, I have changed a bit since high school) My parents however, had the word Green emblazoned on their foreheads. Snippets of our conversations are as follows; "look Christy...clouds"; following the landing of our first flight mom let out a nervous sigh and said "that was fun"; "do I have to take off my belt to go through security?"; "where do I put my carry on to get through security?"; "ok...I need a photo of you on the plane"
I admit it...I took one photo on the plane too. Maybe Green was written on my head in pencil.
Also...we ran into my brothers "friend's" mom and sister (the Glicks) at the airport. Due to some unexpected circumstances they ended up on the same flight as us. They are surprising Nan. Well everyone, enjoy the snow for me! (YOU TOO TIM!)

A pit stop on the way home from Indiana

2010-12-03T10:07:00.001-05:00

So....I went to see Mike and attend a Christmas dinner at the facility. It was nice. Problem is that the roads turned wicked. This is not good when driving 8 hours. As I was driving along about 20 min from Salem Oh (where my sister lives I hit a patch of ice. Never hit the breaks...but went spinning in front of 2 cars. I did 2 doughnuts between 2 poles and landed harmlessly in someones yard without a scratch. An ambulance drove by and stopped to make sure I was ok and the crew helped push my car out of the yard. Luckily my sister and Steven were on their way to rescue me because on the way to their house we had to take a detour...a semi had jacknifed and the road was totally closed. Another car flipped off a bridge and the person was pretty bad. (at least thats what the nice ambulence crew said) I was once again reminded of the grace of God to keep me safe and even my car safe. I am
feeling very thankful.
Oh by the way, the countdown is down to 8. :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-01T10:45:00.001-05:00

Its Christmas Time Again (and its snowing today! Yippee!...sorry Tim...)

2010-11-27T10:43:00.001-05:00

Last night I went to a concert in Franklin. It was a brass band. I really enjoyed it. It has been a LONG time since I have seen a band. I think it was with Mike our first year married (in 2002) The only problem was....those kinds of things make me feel very nostalgic and since Christmas season is officially here I already feel nostalgic...add to that the love of snow that Mike and I share...and the fact that the snow is flying today...it makes for some pretty strange emotions. Did I mention that I officially "fell for him" in the fall and that I realized it while snuggled up beside him watching his sisters perform in a band comptition? Did I also mention that this Christmas is the last Christmas I will spend without my sweetheart. I have lived to say that...I was just sure that when that time came I would be out of my mind with excitement but it has all been very anti-climactic. Don't
get me wrong...I am excited...just not as flipped as I had assumed I would be. Ok.. now I'm rambling!

Josh and his Thanksgiving 'date'

2010-11-25T13:21:00.001-05:00

Just thought I would share a couple of pics of Josh and his "date" to the Thanksgiving Banquet

Pipe Dreams

2010-11-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

A pipe dream is a fantastic hope or plan that is generally regarded as being nearly impossible to achieve, originating in the 19th century as an allusion to the dreams experienced by smokers of opium pipes.

Her hopes were elusive
She held to her dreams as long as possible
But alas they vanished quickly
Like smoke from a nefarious old mans pipe

Julias Birthday part 2

2010-11-13T16:26:00.002-05:00

Josh made a surprise visit to the party. Jenny told mom that she got her a gift for her first year as a Grandma. Mom covered her eyes and then Josh walked in and when mom started to look he said....am I too late for the party. Mom freaked!

Julia's First Birthday Part 1

2010-11-13T15:56:00.001-05:00

Julias first bithday took place. Since I only mobile blog most of the time I will post in segments.

Remodeling....ugh

2010-11-10T20:47:00.002-05:00

Where I work we are renovating.
tonight the dust was so bad some of us girls decided to put on masks to keep the dust out.
Of Course I just had to get pictures to share!

Julia

2010-11-03T15:10:00.001-04:00

These are some recent photos of my pride and joy...Julia. She is growing so fast! She will be walking on her own in no time at all.

Josh

2010-11-03T02:12:00.001-04:00

My Brother Gave his testimony last Sunday Night. Click the link below and forward the streaming video to minute 46 and you will see him talking...in front of Hobe Sound Bible church. (He was actually asked by someone to give his testimony during the singspiration on Sunday night) I am SOOO proud of him!! Also if you continue to forward the video to 1:39 You can see Josh sing a solo. (and you also can catch a glimpse of a family friend, Aaron Clyde, singing in the Choir)
Hobe Sound Bible Church Singspiration 10-31

A special visit

2010-11-01T21:49:00.001-04:00

While in Ohio we were visited by the "spirits of the departed." The strange guests that visited told us that they were the spirits of some students that skipped Old Testament class. It was fun to see Brandi, Katie, and Mariah having fun.

Found it...

2010-11-01T20:38:00.001-04:00

A Trip to Ohio

2010-11-01T20:15:00.001-04:00

I went to Ohio to see my sis and family. While I was there I got the extra treat to see one of my BFF's...Rachel Palmer...oops Sanders. I just can't get used to married names. :) We went to Bob Evans. I got a delicious piece of pumpkin pie and BOTTEMLESS cappucino. I also pulled a Christy and got my sister to pay for my meal by losing my wallet....seriously I did lose it but it wasn't planned. I will update you later if I find it.

The countdown is on!

2010-10-24T22:34:00.001-04:00

I just realized this weekend while I was heading to Indiana that there were only 10 more trips left to make to Indiana. This makes me very happy. Although I love to travel the 8 hours to Indiana gets really old really fast. The photos above are from the trip. Since I am mobile blogging I cannot write below each photo. Photo 1 is me driving, Photo 2 is my wonderful GPS that I don't really need anymore and last but not least Photo 3 is a photo of Mike and I during the visit this weekend.

I am ranting here....

2010-10-24T13:04:00.003-04:00

Ok....most people know I am a republican and am in complete opposition with our current president. I try to stay quiet because I do not want to annoy some of my friends who feel otherwise. I also feel pretty strongly that we should try to respect those in authority, but this really bugs me....

This is UNBELIEVABLE!!!

HERE IS OBAMA'S RESPONSE WHEN HE BACKED OFF FROM HIS DECISION TO REQUIRE THE MILITARY PAY FOR THEIR WAR INJURIES.

Bad press, including major mockery of the plan by comedian Jon Stewart, led to President Obama abandoning his proposal to require veterans carry private health insurance to cover the estimated $540 million annual cost to the federal government of treatment for injuries to military personnel received during their tours on active duty. The President admitted that he was puzzled by the magnitude of the opposition to his proposal.

"Look, it's an all volunteer force," Obama complained. "Nobody made these guys go to war. They had to have known and accepted the risks. Now they whine about bearing the costs of their choice? It doesn't compute." "I thought these were people who were proud to sacrifice for their country, "Obama continued "I wasn't asking for blood, just money. With the country facing the worst financial crisis in its history, I'd have thought that the patriotic thing to do would be to try to help reduce the nation's deficit. I guess I underestimated the selfishness of some of my fellow Americans."

How in the world did a person with this mindset become our leader?

REMEMBER THIS STATEMENT.... "Nobody made these guys go to war. They had to have known and accepted the risks. Now they whine about bearing the costs of their choice?"

If he thinks he will ever get another vote from an Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard service member or veteran of a military service he ought to think it over.. If you or a family member is or has served their country please pass this to them.

Cranberry Festival

2010-10-04T21:24:00.013-04:00

A few weeks ago I went to the Cranberry Festival in Cranberry PA. It was like most other festivals...except that most of the activities were free. Well....I am NOT sure what got into me but I decided to participate in the festivals version of Fear Factor (Not exactly as fearful as the REAL Fear Factor). Anyone that knows me knows I am up for a good time, however I usually wimp out if there might possibly be people watching me. I guess something came over me and I decided to participate. Here are some photos and SHORT video clips of the occasion.

Laughing....because I decided to do this!

The Form I had to sign to play...

A Close Up of the shirts we were given

Modeling my New Shirt

The Fearless Four

Waiting for the Game to start.

The First and easiest task we had to do was take a bag of M&Ms of 5 colors and seperate them into 4 cups. Then we had to eat each color individually. The last to finish did not get to go on. It was not to hard, however I was saddened that my diet was going down the drain fast...little did I realize how much worse it would get.

Tea Time..For this challenge we had two tea bags hanging on either side of the bill of a hat. In order to go to the next round you had to flip your head in such a way that both tea bags ended up on top of the bill of your hat.

Jeanette Bell got it before I did

I GOT IT!!!! :)

At this point I am foggy as to which challanges came in what order... at some point we did this challange where you tied a tissue box with 10 ping pong balls (I THINK thats what they were, they were balls anyway) around your waist with the box where a fanny pack would go. When you were told to start you had to jump up and down until all the balls had bounced out of the tissue box. Don't laugh too hard, its harder than it looks!!

The next one I remember was pretty easy. You had two rolls of crepe paper and basically had to roll it around your body in some way. (can you believe I am still in this thing after the one with the tissue box...I am still shocked!!)
The next one I will show you is the most dreaded of all....the food!! For this challenge I had to eat a sandwich made with sardines, sardine juice, Limburger cheese, spinich dip, mustard, peanut butter, and sliced beef. Then I got to wash it all down with a yummy glass(dixie cup) of milk mixed with vinegar yuck!! I had to plug my nose to get it all down.

Kevin is just picking at his sandwich...

One look is worth a thousand words...here are some onlookers. Can you guess what they were thinking??

Ahhhh the sandwich is down....now time for the milk....er vinigar....whatever
After Completing this challange we had to eat an egg soaked in tobasco sauce...which was NOTHING compared to the sandwich, however, despite the fact I was glad to go on I was still a little peturbed that my diet was being totally demolished.

Next we had to make tower with those little washer things using a pencil to stack them up. Wow...that is harder than it looks!!
The FINAL challange (which is where I ate dirt!!) We had to build a tower that would stand for 4 seconds using 4 hard boiled eggs and 4 paper towel rolls. I did NOT complete this final round. I did my best and came in second though, and had a GREAT TIME!!

After all that excitement I had to go get some cotten candy and a slushee thing. I mean, I had sardine breath. I needed something to take that away. After that Christy, Ben, Kevin and I went over to the place where they sprayed your hair a color for you. Here are the results of everyone except Kevin, who would NOT let me take his photo since he knew it would end up on here. :)

Ben Deeter
Christy Deeter
MEEEEEEE

Wordless Wednesday (sorta...)

2010-09-01T18:18:00.001-04:00

2010-08-27T11:32:00.001-04:00

I know I have not updated too much as of late. I am trying to be studious and study my brains out for boards as they are looming ever closer. Hopefully I will update soon with photos of camp and such.

Julia has a tooth!

2010-08-11T11:50:00.001-04:00

Eating at Shady Maple

2010-08-07T11:16:00.002-04:00

After the play we headed to Shady Maple and ate waaaay too much food.

Sight and Sound...with Julia

2010-08-07T11:11:00.001-04:00

We met up with Jen, Steve & Julia in Lancaster. Julia was totally intrigued with Sight and Sound. Thankfully she was pretty good once the lights went down.

NCLEX Registration

2010-07-20T20:29:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone....I just wanted to let you know that I finally faced my fears and REGISTERED to take my state boards. There goes 235 dollars!! Please pray for me in the coming weeks.

My Thoughts

2010-07-18T19:32:00.001-04:00

People say I am noble for staying with my husband...I am not, if they knew me like I do they would know
They say I am strong...they do not see me in my bed with tear stained pillowcases
They say I am brave...they did not see me cry on the whole way to my first college class
They think it will be all rosy as soon as Mike comes home. While I am excited I am scared too. Will he like the me I am now, where will we live, what kind of rules will Mike be subjected to while on probation & how many more friends will we lose?

Troyers come to call...again

2010-07-18T17:39:00.001-04:00

The Troyers had a missionary service at mom and dads church. Mom had them over for dinner before the service. It was so nice to visit with them.

A Trip to Grove City Outlets...random photo's

2010-07-17T17:14:00.001-04:00

A few days ago I went to Grove city outlets with my pastors wife and daughter along with her friend Renee. We had fun, ate way too much and got sore feet!

Alicia's Birthday

2010-07-13T16:34:00.002-04:00

On July 6th my friend from the hospital...Alicia...turned the big 3-0! Mom and I went out to eat with her at Applebees to celebrate.

Alicia and her gifts (the gifts were a surprise!)

Mom & I

Alicia

Alicia, eating her "birthday sundae. She was not too happy about the Applebees crew singing their jingle to her in front of the whole resturant. I, of course, loved every second of her discomfort! (I actually pretended to go to the restroom and then asked our waitress, a friend of mine, if they would do the birthday thing for my friend. Alicia never suspected that I would do a thing like that....so it was a total shock when they came out clapping and shouting "Attention Applebees..." It was a BLAST!

My meal....mmmmmm, it was SOOOO good!

Moblie Blogging

2010-07-10T09:05:00.000-04:00

I just learned how to mobile blog and I am sooo pumped about it. Now I can send pics to the blog from my cell and I won't have to sit in front of my computer for a hundred hours waiting for the pics to upload....SWEET. However, I must warn you, sometimes the formatting is not quite right, so if you see blogs that captions that do not go with the photos, bear with me...I am still learning!

Cooks Forest Part 2

2010-07-10T08:05:00.003-04:00

Daddy, Julia and I

I think she has him wrapped around her little finger, don't you!!

Love this, it looks like Josh is having so much fun with his niece!

My Sis and me....She is so wonderful! She lets me keep Julia 24/7 (almost) when I am around. They say you do not get to choose family, but lucky for me, I would have chosen her if I had gotten to choose. She is the BEST!!

Poor Mom, she looks a bit confused here

Jen and her little sweetie

Don't you just adore this picture? I think she kind of favors ME here. (well, the me you see in baby pictures anyway)

Once again here is my handsome bro posing for the camera.

Cooks Forest part 1

2010-07-10T08:04:00.003-04:00

Mom and Steven, Firing up the grill

Josh talking on his ever present cell phone (I better watch what I say, I have been using mine more and more as of late...Oh the joys of texting)

Posing for the camera

Daddy and Julia

...and again

Yet another adorable pose

Time for the FOOD!!!

& Good Times!!!

Oh, and I have to include this story. We got to Pale Whale and got our canoes. They took us to the drop off and Mom followed in the van. We wanted to eat lunch BEFORE canoeing so dad asked the guy that dropped us off if it was ok to leave the canoes by the water, he said yes. We headed up to the parking area (right across the road) to get a quick bite. Well, a short while later we saw our canoes and Josh's kayak heading down the road in a Pale Whale transport vehicle. Dad and Steven took off like a light, we had to throw the open coolers and stuff out of the back of the van so that daddy could get behind the transport. Needless to say, there was no communication between the 2 drivers (obviously) and thankfully they brought the canoes back so we could go on our merry way. I have to add this too....guess who got flipped twice....yours truely. Guess who else got flipped...NO ONE. I must be unlucky,. huh. Actually I HATE canoeing, but I LOVE my family, so I went ahead and did it. I do an awful job, but we still had fun. I guess the point of hanging out with your family is not always doing what you wanna do, but doing something together and choosing to enjoy it because of who you are with not what you are doing. God is teaching me this.....I have been a selfish person for a LONG time and believe you me, that is a hard lesson to learn. (Yeah, I used to POUT when we went to play mini golf in Florida with the family, because I HATE it.....)

Julia's first Ice cream cone

2010-07-08T22:39:00.001-04:00

Mom also took Jason and Jordan out to ice cream as well. It was the last night of VBS and she says that is her tradition

Pride goes before the fall!

2010-07-07T23:19:00.001-04:00

Yes dear readers, just a little over a week after getting my new car I scratched it. So sad for me...

Jenny Steve and Julia come to visit

2010-07-06T12:01:00.001-04:00

Jenny and Steve came to do VBS at mom's church. One night after VBS we went to a park for a late supper\snack.

NeW cAr!!!

2010-07-05T21:21:00.003-04:00

Nursing School is OVER and the Pink/Purple bomb got me through....but thank the Lord I was finally able to pay off the car. (yea, the blue Elantra that I wrecked two winters ago!) So, with Dads help and moms input I went car shopping and finally got one. It is a Saturn Ion. It has suicide doors...they are awesome. (the back doors open the opposite way that normal cars do) I adore it! It is a stick shift, has A/C and Cruise Control as well as a really good sound system...what more could I want? (oh, and the gas milage isn't too shabby either)

Finally a photo update

2010-07-05T20:35:00.004-04:00

Wow...I seriously thought things would slow down as soon as school got done, however I was dreadfully wrong. Between working, studying for boards, having fun (which is really important during the summer), and going out to Indiana I have not had a ton of time to do any blogging.

Here are some pics of the last few weeks...

Pilgrim Camp In Indiana:

My Good Friend, and spiritual mentor, Christina with one of "her" teens

Brittany and Brookelynn (the pastors daughters from the church I attended while living in Indiana)

Brookelynn and I in the tabernacle

Me with one of my good friends, Joy Gray (her parents were the song evangelists at Camp this year)

Christina's daughter and I

It has been sooooo nice out!! I went to Ice cream with "my" boys and their Mom, Cindy (who happens to be my BFF)

Willy, Sammy and Chris (Sammy insisted on the red boots)

Mmmmmm....Ice Cream

Friends through thick and thin (even strange pictures)

Sammy

Another great thing about summer is the yard where I live, there is SO MUCH SPACE!! Here are a few pics of me and the boys one day playing outside.

Willy, Chris and Yellow, the dog

Chris

Sammy, showing off his newly acquired skill...riding a two wheeled bike without training wheels!

Willy

Anniversary

2010-06-09T09:16:00.000-04:00

My Mom took me out to eat for my 8 year anniversary We went to Applebees. It was really yummy. I got a photo of her while we were there, and it turned out pretty good.

A Suprise Visit from the Troyers

2010-06-05T21:14:00.000-04:00

A few Sunday's ago I was at Mom's house and my teachers from Jr High (who are currently missionary's to Haiti on furlough) stopped by. They were on their way to a service at a local church and passed by our house. Seeing that they had a few extra minutes they decided to stop in and chat for a few minutes. It was SO NICE to see them again.

Nathan

Caleb

Joanna, Shirleen and Andy

Joel, Joanna, and Mrs. Shirleen Troyer

Sight and Sounds and Hershey Chocolate Factory

2010-06-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

Shortly after Graduation I went with the Deeter Family (my pastor and family) to see the story of Joseph at Sight and Sound. HOW AMAZING> I think that the story of Joseph is right up there in my top 5 Bible stories. We had a total blast. Here are some pics of the 2 days we were at Lancaster.

At Noah's Landing (the gift shop) before the show

Finally there!

Time for Family pic's (much to the kids chagrin!)

We went to Hershey Chocolate World the next day!

Waiting for the presentation

Ben, tasting some chocolate

At the chocolate tasting class

The goodies that we got to test

At the Mall on the way home

In the Glass Elevator

I thank God regularly for all the friends that He has given to me.

A NEW PHONE!!!

2010-05-31T20:45:00.004-04:00

I am SOOOOOOO Excited. I have had a flip phone that randomly turns itself off all the time for 2 years. Last week I got an EnV 3...and despite the required data plan I ADORE it!!! It has a qwerty keyboard and an amazing camera (for a cell phone...with a flash) Can you tell I am excited?

Graduation Party

2010-05-29T23:00:00.007-04:00

My Mom is AMAZING! She planned and prepared a wonderful party in honor of my graduation. She also made last minute adjustments since it started to rain...the party was to be outdoors. She called tons of people to let them know where to go, and daddy made some really nice signs to direct people that had not heard where the party was to be. Also kudos to my brother, who helped mom set up the whole hall, and my uncle & aunt (Tim and Shirley) helped to tear it down.
There were over 100 people that attended. I had a blast, and it was wonderful to know that there are that many people out there that I can call my friends!!

Julia an Me

My Aunt and Uncle and their kids and grandkids

With Randi (a former student of mine, back in another life)

My friend and Co-Worker Emily

Another Friend/Co-Worker, Alicia

With My Grandparents

My WONDERFUL Family

With my second cousin, Maddie

Me with my friend Lori

Mom and Dad (look how BIG mom's smile is!)

Good friends and Neighbors of my parents

People enjoying the food and fellowship

Carl...the man responsible for the wonderful baked beans!

Of course, my handsome bro (couldn't leave him out!)

My Aunt Cindy with Julia

Grandma...looking pretty in Pink!

Julia and her Grandpa
The YUMMY cake!

Oh, and one last thing....here is a short and silly video of my Uncle Tim. He was cleaning up and acting crazy so I tried to capture it.

My Journey Through Nursing School

2010-05-29T22:21:00.003-04:00

Here is a Slide Show that I made that has pics the whole way through school. It moves pretty fast and I set it to the song from Fireproof, While I am Waiting, sung by John Waller. I chose this song because of the fact that God has enabled me to do something to better myself while enduring the pain of an incarcerated husband. I cannot thank God enough for His tremendous help throughout nursing school. I also cannot thank my friends and family enough. You may not realize it, but your small acts of kindness, words of encouragement, time spent listening to me, and yes, even kind comments on my blog went a long way to help me through school. So, without further ado, here is
My Journey Through Nursing School

SOOOOO Behind (Post 3 Graduation)

2010-05-29T22:14:00.009-04:00

I finally got to walk down the aisle to Pomp and Circumstance. WOW! It felt so good to be done. I am so mad at myself though. I forgot to turn my tassel until I reached my seat. How stupid of me!! (at least I was not the only one)

Now, all I have to do is pass the state boards and I can really sign my name, Christy Stratton, RN!!

Oh, and for those of you who have not asked me, No, I do not yet have a nursing job. I am waiting for my temporary practice permit, and license. I am not sure how long that will take. I will update you as soon as I do get a nursing job...believe me!!

Pictures:

Clinical Group
All Nursing Students that Chose to Walk
Mom and I

Flowers for ME!!

A Hug From Daddy
Standing with my PROUD daddy (who is about to cry!)

The family

With my Handsome Bro
Here I am with Matt and Davonna's little girl, Keira

Matt and Davonna
And last but not least my BFF Cindy...who has been a listening ear, cook, landlord, Drill Sargent (when I really needed to study, but did not wanna), etc... all throughout my schooling!
Short Video:

SOOOOO Behind (Post 2...The Pinning)

2010-05-29T12:18:00.007-04:00

After completion of nursing school there is a special ceremony to honor the nursing students that passed. During the ceremony we say the Florence Nightingale pledge and there are lots of speakers, accolades, and a special song. Also, you are announced and pinned, in recognition of the achievement that you have made. Here are some photos and a video clip of pinning and some group pics before and after the ceremony:

My Pastor and Wife

My BFF!!

All of us

Photo Collage hung in the BC3 nursing Building
Hugged...by KILLER Miller
My Clinical Group

Julia and I
With Parents

Me and The Sibs

Some of the family got together and gave me $50 to pay for my nursing pin. My sis dreamed up the idea. They gave me a card following Pinning. Needless to say, I was surprised. Here I am with Julia and the Card. She is more interested in eating my corsage than posing for the camera.

Getting a kiss from daddy before the night was over

Here is a video of My entire Clinical Group being pinned.

SOOOOO Behind (Post 1)

2010-05-29T11:32:00.006-04:00

WOW! It has been almost a month! I have so much to update. First off...a few days after completing nursing school (pics of that later!) My family and I went to a Collingsworth concert. WOW! AWESOME! (Here is there site)
Funny tidbit...the electricity went out that night, and just as the Collingsworth got it all hooked up to their bus power...it came back on!!

They sang my fave song..Fear Not Tomorrow, God is Already There. Here is an ameture video of the song:

I did not get any pics of the group, however I bootlegged some pics from Jenny of our family eating out afterword. :)

(Here is my aunt and uncle...the proverbial hand in glove!)

If you thought Susan Boyle was good...look at this!!

2010-05-10T15:22:00.000-04:00

@ Yahoo! Video

The results are in and...

2010-05-05T20:36:00.002-04:00

I PASSED!! Yes my faithful readers...in a few short days I will walk down the aisle and obtain the official paperwork that I, Christy Mae Stratton, possess an Associates Degree in Nursing. This little paper will make me eligible to register for State Boards (otherwise known as NCLEX) and once passed I will be entitled to sign my name like this....Christy M. Stratton, RN. How cool is that??? In my mind it is WAY COOL!!!

Waiting....

2010-05-04T17:49:00.000-04:00

I HATE waiting.

I am BLOWN away!!

2010-05-03T09:42:00.002-04:00

I am guessing that most (if not all) of the people that read this realize that Mike, my husband, is serving time in prison. Well, I have been getting pretty excited because he is in this program (called a PLUS program) I guess it is supposed to help him reintegrate into society after being away from it for so long. Part of the program is a couples retreat. This means that rather than my usual two hour visit (after an 8 hour drive) I get TWO DAYS with him. 8 hour days anyway. The program pays for me to stay in a nearby hotel, and transportation from the hotel to the prison. I will be there from 8 am until 4 or 5. I will get to eat lunch and supper with my husband for the first time in over 5 years. So, as you can imagine I am already pumped...what with finishing school this week, looking forward to being with him (oh, and celebrating with Mike because he finished his bachelors...with HONORS!!) Imagine my surprise when I get a phone call on Sunday Morning from my husband telling me that there is a very distinct possibility that instead of November of 2011 he might get to come home in February. I am STILL reeling. It is not final...but the possibility is there. I am trying my best not to get TOOOOOO excited, but it is really hard not to!!

One More test to go!!

2010-04-30T20:37:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone. Today I took my next to the last test in nursing school. It was a whopping 160 questions. It was also tough. There were things in there I had never seen before... but I stumbled through and finally saw daylight again after 3 loooooong hours.

Also...I NEED your help. In a few days I will be a graduate nurse...hence this blog should no longer be entitled A Day in the Life of a Nursing Student. That's where you come in. As you can see there are little black words below this post that says comments. Click it and voila... you can read other peoples comments (if there are any) and even post your own. I have it set that you can post anonymously, without having a blogger account or anything...it is really easy to do. So what I would like is.....Please, please, please, please give me an idea of a new title in the comments. (but please tell me who you are when you post anonymously...it drives me batty when people do not leave their names!!)

LAST CLINICAL DAY OF NURSING SCHOOL

2010-04-29T16:37:00.004-04:00

This is the group I have been with for 2 very long, excruciating years!!

Made me smile...

2010-04-28T14:31:00.001-04:00

Love this shirt...wish I woulda seen it two years ago!

Cardiac Test is OVER (2 more tests left!)

2010-04-28T13:58:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone. Today I completed...and passed....with a decent grade, by the way, my test on Cardiac. I feel like a HUGE weight has been lifted. I have two more left. Also, tomorrow is the LAST CLINICAL DAY OF MY LIFE!!!! (in school anyway) What a monumental occasion. It is so hard to believe that the end is SOOOOO close!