~ABS~

Thoughts On Living With An Illness...Opening Up, Shutting Out, and Coping Methods

2010-03-24T08:28:00.012-06:00

I have always thought of myself as a very open individual when it comes to my health condition. There are people that I will share my story with in all the detail they want, and then there are people I might not share as much. I have no problem talking about my health, and I do not have a problem with others talking about it to their family/friends, but for some reason there are people in my life that ask how I'm doing just to ask (not really caring about the answer), so they can then go and talk to others about it, and at that point I shut down and don't reveal anymore to them. As do I shut down the ones that ask me how I am and then turn around and say I'm faking it because "I don't look sick".

I tend to shut out the "worry warts" (only when it comes to my illness...not all together). This is different from those that are genuinely concerned. The "worry warts" literally freak out with nearly anything I do (whether it's school related, work, leisure time, or when considering having kids). They see my disease rather than seeing me. I consider myself to be a relatively independant person and when one starts to worry about me to the point that it interferes with my life and try to make decisions for me, it annoys me. I was diagnosed over 10 years ago...I know my body better than anyone else out there and it just rubs me the wrong way when when someone repeatedly tells me I shouldn't do something because it might be too dangerous for someone with my health condition. Sure, I might get run-down easily, but that does not mean I want to stop LIVING. I know my body well enough that if I really don't feel good on a given day, I might choose to stay home and rest. That doesn't mean that I don't ever want to do anything...I just don't want to do anything that day. :)

Then there are those that are genuinely concerned. They see me for me and they know how to separate me from my disease. They ask questions, but do not judge the way I live my life, infact, they help me embrace it. They care about my health, but they know that I'm determined to live. I love things that most adults (and even kids) love. I love water slides and fast roller coasters. I love the rickety carnival rides that appear once a year at State or County Fairs. I love going to sporting events and concerts. I love the idea of sky diving, riding in a hot air balloon, or taking a helicopter ride in the mountains someday. The ones that are genuinely concerned know that these are just some of the things I enjoy and they know that these are activities that many people enjoy (healthy or sick)!

The "worry warts" would not see it that way. They'd tell me I need to be more careful. Sure, that may be true to an extent. Perhaps I wouldn't be able to stay out as long as someone that is healthy. I have to know when to quit. But the "worry warts" want to be the ones to tell me to quit before I even start. It's almost like they want the control. It can be dificult to deal with at times.

I think my illness has shaped the person I've become, and I see it as a blessing rather than a "disease". Sure, I have bad days (who doesn't?), but when it comes to my condition, I embrace living with it. Do I hope for better treatment? You bet! Do I hope for a cure? Absolutely!! Living with an auto-immune disease and the experiences I had as a child, teenager and now as an adult gave me great insight as to what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to work in healthcare and help infants, children and teens who are chronically/terminally ill. My original goal was Medical School. However, that was one thing that was not physically possible for me. So, I went into Dietetics/Nutrition. I want kids (and their parents) to know that they have someone who understands their situation and WANTS to help them. I empathize with their frustration, hurt, various coping methods as well as their hopes, faith in proper treatment and the list goes on. I want to be able to share that in my profession and I really feel that this is God's Will for me.

Well, this has gotten longer than I thought it would. Thanks for checking in! Can't believe this Sunday is already Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week leading into Easter and the day after Easter is when I find out if I get that Dietetic Internship I so badly want.

God's Blessings to everyone! I'll write again soon!

Amanda

New Jobs and Crazy Colorado Weather!

2010-03-20T15:46:00.002-06:00

Well, prayers have been answered and Aaron has a new job!! We are thrilled that he has this job. He is working for a company that develops online grade book systems for schools K-12. Right now he is starting out in customer service, but after his training is done and if he is able to catch on to the work, etc, then he will move to a different level. This is very exciting news as Aaron has been looking for a new job for quite sometime. He just needed something different. Eventually, after his 90 day "trial", he should become eligible for benefits which is great news all around!

Now, we are just waiting to hear if I get into my internship. I find out April 5th, so if you all could please keep me in your prayers for that, I would greatly appreciate it! This is something I have wanted for a very long time and am so close, yet so far away from getting it.

Colordao weather is keeping us entertained. Last week it was in the 70's all week until yesterday when the temperature dropped to 20 degrees, and we had a crazy snow storm (about 5 inches in our area) and over a foot of snow in the mountains. But thanks to unpredictable Colorado weather, today was about 50 degrees, and nearly all the snow is gone already on the front range/foothills. One of the many reasons we love Colorado!!

Hope everyone is doing well! It's hard to believe today is the 1st day of spring, and we are just a few weeks away from Easter! Wow, time flies!

Take care all!

Amanda

Vegas

2010-03-12T09:04:00.011-07:00

Well, Vegas was a great time! We got there at 9AM on Monday March 1st and did not even have to wait to check-in to our room (which was so nice)!! Then, we got a FREE upgrade to a spa suite which was the best thing! It was great to be able to come back to the hotel from a fun-filled (all-be-it FULL) day of walking, shopping and ofcourse gambling and be able to kick back in the hot tub and watch TV. Plus, we kept the hot tub filled each night which added the bonus of increasing the level of humidity in the room (something that is good for my dry lungs). And I think it was because of the hot tub in our room that I did not get sick while in Vegas. Some pics of our room and the view we had!

A couple of views of the strip from our room and inside our room!

Aaron was the one who gambled (I'm terrible with gambling). He only plays Roulette and always has a set amount that he spends out-of-pocket in Vegas and if he wins, great and if not he stops (which is nice so he doesn't drain the bank)! :) He ended up coming out well ahead of what he laid on the roulette table and made enough in gambling earnings to pay for all of the meals we had, the show that we went to, and part of the hotel...so that was nice.

Inside Ceasar's Palace

M&M World!

One really exciting thing that happened while we were in Vegas was that we got to meet Dick Butkus (played for the Chicago Bears NFL team). Aaron is a Bears fanatic, so this was like heaven for him. He signed a picture that Aaron purchased and then just sat and chatted with both Aaron and me for about 20 mins. He was very down-to-earth and humble...just a really great time! Here is a pic of us meeting with Mr. Butkus!

We went and saw a Hypnotist (Anthony Cools) while we were out there. He was hilarious! The stuff that he had some of the people doing was just so funny I almost cried! It was hard to come back from Vegas, but it's back to routine and that's nice. Well, I best be going. Hope all is well with everyone! Take care and I'll try to write again soon.

Amanda

A long time comin'!!

2010-02-27T10:10:00.007-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Yes, it has been a very long time since I have updated this blog. I guess I felt I didn't have much to write, but now that I sit and think about it, there actually has been a lot that has gone on.

I was laid off from my job in August, 2009 (which was for the best). I then found a job as Asst. Director of Nutrition at a local nursing home in October. I absolutely loved the job however, much to my surprise, I was laid off after the New Year (I now have the feeling they brought me on only to get through the holidays). As bummed as I was, I figure everything happens for a reason and I am at peace with this situation. I am blessed to be able to collect unemployment and still have health benefits. Things could always be much worse.

Now that I am unemployed, I have used nearly every waking moment applying for Dietetic Internships to become a Registered Dietitian. I submitted my application in February, but will not find anything out until April. The competition is fierce to say the least, so I will admit I am nervous. The program accepts 40 interns and last year they had around 280 applicants!! YIKES! So, the current prayer request is that I get into this internship.

We are also gearing up to host the 31st Annual Wells Fargo Cancer Tennis Tournament. As Directors of the tournament, we are staying ever busy in coordinating the tournament to make sure it is a huge success. Last year we raised around $18,000 and are hoping to come close to that again this year. The tournament is going to run from June 1st-6th...and time is flying by!

My mom was out here for a week in September to celebrate her 50th birthday and that was a fun treat. We went to a baseball game and then went to the Royal Gorge and rode the train and finished the day with sight seeing. It was a blast!

Royal Gorge Train Ride

Rockies Game

Aaron and I will be heading to Vegas for a few days on Monday. I can't wait. Aaron has been working so hard lately and really needs a break from it. So, it was kind of a last minute decision, but I can't wait!!

As we approach the middle of Lenten Season, I have been reminded that I have a Savior who loves unconditionally and died on a cross for all our sins. As Lent continues, let us all be reminded to be vigilant during this time, remembering that Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice all because of love.

Peace and blessings to you all!!

Amanda

Tournaments, Anniversaries, and School...Oh My!

2009-07-03T08:02:00.015-06:00

I just realized that it has been about 2 months since I've written on here. Seems like a lot has happened (good things, ofcourse) and I find that I didn't have time to write on here!

I went back to work for 32 hours/week on May 13th. Work...well, it is what it is with that and I'm so glad that I'll be done in less than a year (when I start my Dietetic Internship). I'm still looking for another job, and I pray that I can find one here eventually. The stress from work does not help my health.

I am however enjoying my 32hour work weeks! Gives me extra time to study since these 6-week long classes are tough! And that's an understatement. I actually started and finished 2 classes since I last wrote! I took a Nutrition Assessment class and a Nutrition Counseling class. I enjoyed both classes and was thrilled with my grades! The classes went from May 18-June 29th. Now I am in Advanced Nutrition and Clinical/Nutrition Assessment (until August 5th) at which point I will be DONE! All that remains is my internship which starts next summer and then I will be a Registered Dietitian! :)

Our cancer tennis tournament (June 1st-7th) went great! Juggling that, work, and scool made life a complete whirlwind for about a week, but it was worth it. The cancer tennis tournament celebrated it's 30th Anniversary this year and Aaron and I took over as Directors this year. It was a lot of work and we ended up with about 160 entries and raised around $17,000...well worth it!

Aaron and I also celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary on June 14th. With both of us in school right now, and work being so stressful, we decided to stay near home. We went to the zoo, toured Coors Brewery and caught a Rockies game! It was a fun filled Anniversary and I can't believe it's been a year already!

Me and Aaron in front of the flamingos!

The gorillas

Da Bears! ;)
Flamingos!
Lions!
Coor's Brewery!
Rockies game!

My health has not been all that bad considering all the events going on in life right now! God carries me through whatever is going on and for that we give Him praise! None of this would be possible without Him!

Aaron and I are getting ready for the 5k Race Against Cancer tomorrow. I enter all the registration forms and then on race day, we work at the finish line timing and scoring the event. Typicall there are about 1700 runners, so I've been terribly busy once again...but all the tennis tournaments and 5k races will be done after July 4th and I can focus 100% on school and work!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Much love to you all!

Closing with scripture:
"Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience." James 1:3

Love,
Amanda

Answers...

2009-05-01T15:46:00.007-06:00

Well, I got the rest of my blood work back today and the final results (from weeks of blood work and waiting) are:
Sjogren's Antibodies= Extremely Elevated
SED Rate (detects Inflammation)= Elevated
Potassium= Slightly low
Vitamin D= Low

On top of it, I had an Eye Dr appt yesterday. He did a routine exam (when Sjogren's is involved, I have to have a few extra "eye moisture level" tests done). When my Eye Doc went to do these tests, the results revealed that I have ZERO moisture/tear production. That explains a lot! It's part of the "flare-up". It was newer territory for me, because I have NEVER had an eye test result in NO tears until yesterday. Always on the "low" side, but never on the "zero" side. Even more funny...I told the eye doc that I didn't notice anything "new" with my eyes. So when he revealed the results that I had zero tear/moisture, I was surprised. We both agreed that I must just be used to it.

I'm starting to do better. So, lots of things going on to make me feel sick. Just taking my regular meds (I'm done with the steroids) and 2 new meds to help with nerve pain and fatigue...which helps Sjogren's and SED Rate levels. The potassium is just slightly low, so I'm going to treat with food (being a Nutritionist and all, I know what needs to be done to fix any Vitamin/Mineral Deficiencies)!! But the Vitamin D Deficiency is too low for me to treat with food, so I'm taking a Prescription Strength Vitamin D Supplement for 3 weeks. Many of you know how much I HATE supplements (other than a multi-vitamin) unless it is a 100% true medical deficiency. But with my situation, it's only a few weeks that I have to take the supplement, and it came from my Rheumatologist. Its not like the advice came from somebody trying to make a sale, and I trust my Rheumatologist completely.

Easy enough, right?! I think so. Just treating with the proper medication and praying that the Vitamin D Supplement will help and all of my other blood work will be "normal". I'll always test positive for the Sjogren's anti-bodies, but the SED Rate and any Vitamin/Mineral Deficiencies should go back to normal after the proper treatment.

It's just another wait-and-see right now, but I am confident that these things all combined together will provide the results I have been waiting to see for a long time (well, since February to be exact).

Thanks to everyone for your prayers! They mean so much to me! Take care and I'm sure I'll talk to you all soon!

Love,
Amanda

Update

2009-04-28T13:22:00.006-06:00

Guess I didn't know what else to title this! Well, I had another Dr appt yesterday and he determined that I still don't look all that great (gee, thanks, huh)...but I knew what he meant! :) He added another medication to my stash, which has me up to 7 different medications/day (13 pills/day total). YIKES! That seems like a lot, but it must be done and we are still trying our very hardest to not open up the doors of chemo again. So, pills it is. The doc also ran some more tests yesterday:
Muscle Enzyme
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
and also testing my Potassium levels again

Right now, the plan is to just keep resting and trying to get my blood work to come down (the inflammation/enzyme) and up (the Vitamin/Mineral levels). It's getting a little frustrating to still be so sick, and yet I find peace. Peace like a river. It's hard to explain, and I think that's because the peace can only come from one source...God.

I will keep you updated as things change. Thanks to everyone for the emails/prayers/phone calls...I love them!

Oh, and on a truly positive note...I got into all of my Dietetics Classes! When I got my Nutrition Degree, there were 4 classes that I was missing to get my Registered Dietetician (therapy/counseling classes). I got into all of the classes through Univ of Northern Colorado. I start May 18th and will be done in August. Then, in January I will begin the Internship Application process and by June of next year I will be in my Dietetic Internship (which should last 6 months). I'm so very excited about this! :)

I would not be able to hang on and do all of this without the support of my wonderful hubby! He truly takes such wonderful care of me. He stays up and takes care of me in the late hours of night, among doing the other countless things to help out (dishes, laundry, yard work). He is truly a wonderful man!! Thank you, honey! I love you so much!!!

Ending with scripture...

Ps 4:8 "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."

Thankful for the peace,
Amanda

Fear Not & Hi/Lo Thursday

2009-04-23T11:24:00.004-06:00

Oh, how those words (fear not) speak volumes! And so many times those exact words are written in the Bible, yet how often we all feel so "affraid". Affraid of God, life, death, health, people, etc. But mostly affraid of the things to come, the unexpected. My Great-Aunt is a wise woman and has done great things with her life. She's very smart, Godly woman whom I really admire. Lastnight she sent me an email with the following verse:
"Fear thou not; for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yea, I will help you, yea, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Is 41:10

I read the verse and I am reminded of God's love. HE loves each and every one of us and no matter the storm, He will see us through it...we must not be affraid.

Things here are like a roller coaster. Somedays I'm doing really well and then other days where I can barely walk. But in all of this, I really do think the medication is working, which is great news. I'm beginning to wean off the steroids, and the new medication (Lyrica) should be kicking in here soon. I'm sure it will be just a matter of time before I'm feeling really well! :)

It's also hi/lo Thursday! YIPEE! :)
This post is part of "Hi/Lo Thursday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to read everyone else's "Hi/Lo" posts and get your link on their site.

The Hi of the week:
Well, I just found out yesterday that I got into ALL of my Dietetics Classes! YAY! There are 3 classes I will be taking this summer in 2 6-week sessions! It's going to be a whirlwind, but I am SO excited! After these 3 classes, I will have a semester off and then in January I will begin the process of applying for my Dietetic Internship! I'm SO excited and feel very blessed!

The Lo of the week:
Kirsten (my sister-in-law) had brain surgery yesterday. She did very well, but we were nervous during the surgery. Also, my health has been a continued roller coaster and that can be frustrating at times. Both Lo's are quite serious, but the LORD has been answering prayer and for that we are thankful!

Trying real hard to not be affraid,
Amanda

And the diagnosis/treatment plan is...

2009-04-18T14:54:00.006-06:00

Medication, Rest, Time and Prayers!

WOW...what a week! I finally got my results back on Weds and then spent Thursday and Friday figuring out the best possible treatment. My blood work came back and these are the results:

Sjogren's Anti-bodies= extremely elevated
SED Rate (inflammation)= elevated
Potassium Levels= low

One can look at the above and quickly determine that I am in a flare-up. This is good news b/c that means it's not anything more serious/life threatening. It is a very bad flare-up however, so the time off from work is much needed. SO...basically we spent Thursday and yesterday talking about medication/treatment options and avoiding chemo at all costs. I am going to stay on the steroids (to help the anti-bodies and sed rate levels) and my doc has added another medication for nerve pain. And as far as Potassium...well, there's no reason it should be low (I'm not on any diuretics, kidneys are fine, I certainly do not have an eating disorder), so it must be attributed to all that's going on...but treatment...that's a no brainer for me. I'll just increase my Potassium intake in my diet!

Thanks to all of you again for your thoughts/prayers/emails/phone calls! Even if I can't get back to you right away, I so much appreciate hearing from you! Take care and I'll be sure to keep you updated. I'm just so glad that this is just a Sjogren's thing. It's somewhat familiar territory, so rest, medication, and time should help immensely!

I have posted a song that just so expresses how I feel right now! I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen to it. ;) You'll want to pause my blog music on the right side of my site, first before playing the song below, so you don't have two songs playing at once. :)

May you find yourslef singing for all to hear!!
Love,
Amanda

CHRIST IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED!

2009-04-12T10:03:00.002-06:00

A VERY Happy and Blessed Easter to everyone! We went to the Easter Vigil lastnight and it was as beautiful as ever. We saw over 20 people baptized and confirmed into the Church (just as my hubby Aaron did 2 years ago), and it's just amazing to see these men, women and children proclaiming their faith! Today is Easter Sunday, and once again I woke up realizing that the fact at hand is...CHRIST DIED FOR US...all of us. Whatever pain/suffering we might be going through, well, is temporary. And, we must go through this suffering on earth to be reunited with Christ in Heaven where we will live Eternally!

I did not fall asleep until about 3:40 this morning (that was the last time I looked at the clock, anyway). My legs were in a great deal of pain as was the rest of my body. And as I was trying so hard to fall asleep, I caught myself talking to Jesus. Thanking HIM for blessing my life with this illness. God is not surprised that I am feeling sick, and HE has a plan for me going through this. So...yes, I tried very hard to get to sleep, but at the same time prayed and talked to God while I was awake in the wee hours of the morning. I thanked HIM for the Cross, for HIS never ending LOVE and great GRACE and MERCY.

A VERY Happy and Blessed Easter to you ALL! May God enrich your lives and may you be reminded of the very reason you are meeting with family/friends today to eat all the wonderful food and socialize! :)

It's time for me to set the table and get ready for the festivities. We are hosting Easter Dinner at our place today. My only job was to cook a ham which consisted of throwing in the crock pot. Everyone else is bringing a dish to complete the meal...my mouth is watering! :) OK...blessings to all!

Col 3:1-4
Since you have been raised up to be with Christ, you must look for the things that are above, where Christ is, sitting at God's right hand. Let your thoughts be on things above, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed -- and he is your life-you, too, will be revealed with him in glory.

Happy Easter,

Amanda

Pray for Me/Pray for Others

2009-04-08T17:19:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone,
We participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to add your prayer request. Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.

It's time to do Pray for Me/Pray for Others. I ask you to check out the blog that started pray for me/others. Pray for their 4 year old daughter Abby who is battling Leukemia right now.

Pray for me:
Please pray for me. I was put on 5 weeks of medical leave today. I am terribly sick right now. My doc thinks this might be a flare-up of my sjogren's, but is running a panel of tests to see if there is anything else. I pray that whatever is found can be treated so I can get back to feeling better and get back to work.

Pray for Others:
Please pray for a young man's family. His name is Nathan Rosenquist. He is 24 years old and passed away after a 5 year battle with cancer and leaves behind a wife of only 6 months. The funeral is tomorrow morning. Please keep this family in your prayers, and especially his young, brand new bride.

God Bless you all on this very Holy Week.
Amanda

Holy Week/Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T14:52:00.007-06:00

Is 50:4-7 And I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong? Lo, they will all wear out like cloth, the moth will eat them up. Who among you fears the LORD, heeds his servant's voice, And walks in darkness without any light, Trusting in the name of the LORD and relying on his God? All of you kindle flames and carry about you fiery darts; Walk by the light of your own fire and by the flares you have burnt! This is your fate from my hand: you shall lie down in a place of pain.

Phil 2:6-11Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

Mk 14:1-15
It was now two days before the Passover and the feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth, and kill him; for they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be a tumult of the people." And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. But there were some who said to themselves indignantly, "Why was the ointment thus wasted? For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." And they reproached her. But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you will, you can do good to them; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burying. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the passover?" And he sent two of his disciples, and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the householder, `The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I am to eat the passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us."

Greetings All!
A very blessed Holy Week to all of you. I can't believe it is already Palm Sunday and in 7 days we will be celebrating in glory our RISEN CHRIST!

This Lenten journey has been an eye opener for me this year. With the economy, my current job situation, health, and so on, I am reminded during this Lent what life is really to be about. It is about preparation of the 2nd coming of our LORD. Remebering...A job is just a J-O-B. As tough as it is to get through each day, I had time to reflect over Lent this year that I am just thankful that I have a paycheck unlike so many who do not have one right now. I am also reminded during this Lenten season that our LORD is a MIGHTY GOD and SAVIOR! These times of dificulty have made me yearn for heaven and eternal life with Jesus. My bouts of bad health have been comforted by knowing that this is not an eternal thing. Further, as I reflect on N. Korea and the threats they have been making, I am reminded that this life on earth is not eternal. Heaven IS eternal, and we must suffer on earth, obey God's commands, work hard and repent our sins so that we can live in eternal life in Heaven. This life on earth...it's just temporary. We must keep praying. Praying for others, strangers, family and friends and seeking forgiveness for our sins.

Someday, all because GOD LOVES US, suffering/pain/hardship will cease to exist. It's hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that someday, there will be a time where I will have no idea what it's like to be in pain (physical, emotional, etc) and that in and of itself is worth working towards.

I am also reminded that Jesus suffered so greatly, too as he was crucified for US...YOU and ME. HE suffered for the love of all of us sinners on earth so that when HE comes again in Glory, we might all be saved as well and spend eternity in Heaven with HIM. And in this eternity and Heaven-filled life, there will be no pain, no suffering, no wars, no fear. It will be an eternal life filled with Joy and the ever presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

May you all have a wonderful, purpose-filled Holy Week as you prepare for Good Friday, but most of all for Easter Sunday where you will be reminded of God's promise for you! Blessings to you all!

Happy Easter,
Amanda

Pray for Me, Pray for Others

2009-03-18T13:09:00.002-06:00

We participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to add your prayer request. Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.

It's been a crazy busy life...but I want to remind all about Pray for Me/Pray for others with the Riggs Family! Remember to keep the entire Riggs Family (and especially their 4 year old daughter, Abby) in your prayers!!! God Bless!

Amanda

God Reigns and Liz "Winks"

2009-03-01T20:29:00.004-07:00

It has been quite a while since I have updated. Honestly...not much to update on and I've just been in a "funk" lately. Many of you know from my earlier posts that I had applied for a job (a job I so desperately wanted) and while the person who interviewed me told me that I was "stellar, the best person they interviewed, and I was the top candidate" (and I literally quote that from her), they said I was completely over qualified and were worried I would quit in 6 weeks. Little do they know that I am not a quitter. But none-the-less, I did not get that job. Needless to say, I was/am completely heartbroken. I wanted to get out of my current job SO badly and was looking forward to this brand new opportunity. So, there's that, and a few other "life things" that have just had me in a funk.

HOWEVER...I wanted to share a precious Liz Wink that Aaron (yes, Aaron) received today. His first ever Liz Wink I might add! :)

We went to Mass this morning (as we do every Sunday). After that we went to lunch at a local drive-in called JB's. Well, after we got done eating, we walked out the door and Aaron stopped me dead in my tracks and told me to come look at something. I wasn't too enthused at first, but I thought...what's he up to anyway. He said that this morning he prayed for good things for me and asked for a sign that this would happen, and then he told me to look at the window where we were (now) standing. I looked straight ahead and right in front of my face was this poster (below).
Aaron said he asked for a sign that things would turn around for me and this was what he saw as we were walking out of the restaurant!! Ofcourse, we know who sent us this little "make your day better" sign...GOD AND LIZ!!! Honestly, it was RIGHT there as we were walking into the restaurant and neither of us saw it, and I didn't see it on the way out...but low-and-behold...Aaron saw it (as he walked behind me). It had to have been that God and Liz did not want me to see that poster so that Liz could (by the Grace of God) show Aaron that she is watching out for us and God is hearing our every prayer about our life situations going on right now and will answer it in HIS time. But rest assured, we are not being ignored by Heaven! :)
She has ALWAYS been the angel in heaven these last 2 years that shows me time and again that she and God have a plan!! Sure, I wish that plan was revealed to me a little sooner, but it's winks like this that boost my faith and keep me going in the darkest of times and saddest of days.

Hope you enjoy this ever unique Liz Wink as Aaron and I just smiled when it was revealed. May you all see the blessings God gives you in the darkest days you experience. Take care and God Bless!

Love,
Amanda

Pray for me/Pray for others

2009-02-18T08:45:00.002-07:00

Prayer is very powerful. Please join me in submitting your own prayer requests as well as a prayer for anther person. Every Weds this is done on the Riggs Family Blog. They are a beautiful family who is watching their 4-year old battle cancer. PLEASE pray for them! God Bless!
Amanda

We participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to add your prayer request. Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.

HI/LO Thursday

2009-02-12T10:06:00.003-07:00

This post is part of "Hi/Lo Thursday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to read everyone else's "Hi/Lo" posts and for a chance to win $100.

Remember to check out this family's blog!! They need your prayers and they are witnesses to God's constant love and faithfulness! Little Abby will get to go home from the hospital! Keep praying for them and for Abby!

Hi/Lo Thursday!
WOW...my "hi" for this week was that I had a job interview last Friday. It went very well, and I know I would really like that position if I got it! I haven't heard any word on it, yet but I was thankful for the interview and even more greatful that it went so well! Just praying that I hear some good news regarding the job soon!!

The "Lo" for this week...my current job situation. It's terrible. It takes every ounce of me to make it through the day. My co-workers/boss...they are MAD if I do something right and they are MAD if I make even the smallest mistake (keeping in mind that this is a brand new position for me since my other position was eliminated due to company buy-out). They will spend all of about 20 mins training me (so, with that...how am I supposed to learn), they scough if I ask a question (so, how am I supposed to learn) and will turn around and train the person sitting next to me for over 2 hours and also answer their questions in perfect detail where if I ask them a question they tell me to "figure it out myself" (and I quote). They are just down right mean to me and I really need a break (hopefully the job interview from Friday is my break). It's not good for my health to be THIS stressed out everyday. I can't be on any meds right now (no chemo, no steroids, not even any aleve), so prayer is the only thing keeping me "healthy" enough to get into work everyday. I don't know why they act this way towards me (I'm a bubbly person, but not when I'm working lately just b/c it is very hard to be in a good mood when your treated like junk, when all you want is some training on your new position). I pray that I get that job that I interviewed for on Friday (and I pray that I hear about it soon). I pray that this "lo" turns into a "hi" when I post next week!!

Thank you all for your wonderful support! You know you mean the world to me and I love you all so much! May you have a VERY Blessed week! And remember...check out Abby's story and PRAY for her!!

Love,
Amanda

Laughter Lives Tuesday

2009-02-10T17:43:00.017-07:00

First things, first...remember to PRAY for Abby and her family! This family is SO precious!
This post is part of "Laughter Lives! Tuesday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check our their blog to read everyone else's "Laughter Lives!" posts.

Today's topic is "picutres that are so funny, I was glad I had my camera! I had a hard time limiting pics because I have SO many funny pics! So...descriptions are below each pic...enjoy!

Aaron and his niece. Aaron is on the Wii Fit and his niece wanted so badly to "play", too, so her mom smashed down one of her barbie boxes and convinced her that this was infact a "wii fit". Taeya had the best time playing with Uncle Aaron on the Wii!

The next two photos...my maid of honor flew in from MN 3 days before the wedding. I tried on my dress that Weds to make sure everything still fit perfectly. I wasn't quite ready to take my dress off and ended up convincing Katie that she needed to put on her bridesmaid dress and we needed to each have a drink! GUTSY move on my part since I was wearing a white dress opening up 2 bottles of Cranberry Mikes Hard Lemonade just 3 days before my wedding!
There were no spills...and we had a BLAST!!!!!!!!!! :)
This is my mom and my uncle Mike. None of us knew that he was "musical" and my mom decided she was going to put on a "show"! If only we had a video for this b/c it was absolutely hilarious!

My friend Ashleigh. It was raining so hard that night and so she was bundling up so her hair wouldn't get messy! Ofcourse b/c it was a Friday night, I had my camera on me and viewed this as a photo opportunity!
My cute niece (she's 4 yrs old now)...she LOVES bathtime and I always did goofy things with her when we babysat (above...putting the washcloth on her head)
Giving her a beard with soap!
Here is my niece again...trying to sneak a gingerbread cookie...that little mischevious look on her face!!!

This pics is one of our annual gingerbread making nights. We do this every year the week before Christmas. My little niece (back to the camera) only wanted the frosting! How many adults does it take to make a "pre-made" gingerbread house??!?!?

Hope you all have a WONDERFUL week! Enjoy and remember to LAUGH no matter what (I have to tell myself that A LOT lately)...but it's not impossible! Take care, God Bless and I'll update soon!

Love,

Amanda

Hi/Lo Thursday

2009-01-29T09:52:00.002-07:00

This post is part of "Hi/Lo Thursday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check our their blog to read everyone else's "Hi/Lo" posts.

This family really keeps their blog in action! With EVERYTHING they have been through, they manage to find very positive things in their life...it's very humbling to read about all they go through and yet they still LOVE to laugh and find the good that happened that day. I highly recommend checking their site out. :) WIth that said, I am going to attempt my best and participating in Hi/Lo Thursday. :)

I tend to be a private person. Mainly because I alwys felt that if I shared too much I would "jinx" things. I love to share things after they've already happened, but I'm not much for sharing "potentially" good news. BUT...I'll share a little here. :)

The HI this week:
Aaron (hubby) plays tennis every Monday. Well, he plays with a Dr (among the many people he plays with). Anyway, I have been on the hunt for a new job for quite sometime. I applied for a job at the hospital, in this Doc's dept. Well, Aaron mentioned this to the Doc and on Tuesday this week, the Doc called Aaron back and told him to tell me to expect a call in the very near future about an interview! WOOHOO! I pray so hard that God wants me to have this job, too and that I do get that call from the Cardiology Dept VERY soon.

The LO this week:
The Lo this week has been my health (you can read about my health on the right hand side of this blog under "About me"). I just haven't been feeling as well since I had to go off all my meds. I can't explain why I've had to go off all my meds right now (we are keeping that one private), but it's been rough. Fatigue, swollen glands, swollen joints, dryness, and the list goes on. Hopefully in a few months I can begin to take my meds again, but until then, I pray that God answers this prayer for WHY I have to be off my meds, so that I can start taking them again.

Now it's your turn! Go to the Riggsfamilyblog and write about your His/Los for the week. Take care and God Bless!
Amanda

Please pray for this family (and check out their blog)

2009-01-28T14:26:00.002-07:00

This family is a beautiful family whose 3 yr old daughter is fighting for her life! Her name is Abby and she could use your prayers...as could her family! Thank you and God Bless!

We participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to add your prayer request.

"Laughter Lives! Tuesday"

2009-01-19T22:43:00.006-07:00

This post is part of "Laughter Lives! Tuesday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check our their blog to read everyone else's "Laughter Lives!" posts.

First thing, first...check out the above link. Abby is fighting for her life right now with cancer. Her family is so strong, so inspirational, and seems to enjoy seeing the "goods" in life. With that comes their posts on laughter and love. I decided to participate. Even though Aaron and I don't have any children, we have 4 nieces (2 of them are 4 yrs and 2 of them are 2 yrs) and there's always enough stories between the 4 of them. So here goes.

About a week ago, Aaron's youngest niece, Nevaeh (who is 2 yrs) was at my parents-in-law house. This spunky 2 year old is as quick as her older sister with jokes and making us all laugh. Anyway, while at my in-laws house, Nevaeh went over to her grandpa (my father-in-law) and made a fist as if she had something in her hands to share with him. So, my father-in-law held out his hand to get whatever was in Nevaeh's hands. Nevaeh proceeds to open her hands and drops a piece of poop right into my father-in-law's hands and says in her 2 year old innocent voice "I pooped, Grandpa"! Everyone started laughing so hard! Needless to say, my father-in-law proceeded right to the bathroom to discard the poop, while catching his breath from laughing so hard!

Bring on the Bliss!

2009-01-13T10:09:00.004-07:00

Or...that title is what I hope to be the case for my dear friend, Katie and her fiance' Nick. Last week, Katie asked me to be a bridesmaid and Nick asked Aaron to be an usher. We are both very excited to be a part of their special day. Flowers, getting hair done, putting on elegant dresses, watching a beautiful woman (inside and out) marry her true love...it truly is a blissful time! We will be heading to MN in November for the festivities and can't wait!

Katie as a Maid of Honor at my wedding in June

There isn't too much else to post, I just wanted to write on this exciting news of both me and Aaron being a part of Katie and Nick's special day! Blessings to you all!

Love,

Amanda

With a (Liz) Wink and a Smile!!!

2008-12-22T18:10:00.007-07:00

I wasn't going to post before Christmas, but this Liz Wink is just too darn cute to NOT share (ofcourse, what Liz Winks aren't cute...they are all just in God's perfect timing and Liz's unique ability to always put a smile on my face!! This Liz Wink involves my dear friend, Katie (my maid of honor). I think Liz and God were helping her out to help me out and she didn't even know it.

Well, God (and Liz) have a way of just "doing things" and continuing to bless me!! For the last few weeks, I was needing both a Liz Wink and a Calendar (but not at the same time or for the same reasons...LOL!)!

So, our friend Ryan (best man @ our wedding) went to the airport today to fly back home (Va) for Christmas. So, he dropped his vehicle off at our house while he's gone (since we will be picking him up from the airport next week). Meanwhile, we couldn't take him to the airport today so another friend of ours took him to the airport (so that Ryan could leave his vehicle here at our house). That friend came back and apparently left Ryan's car keys on the table on our front deck. So, I guess he called my hubby (Aaron) to let him know. So, Aaron called me and asked me to grab the keys out on the deck. OK. Well, I stepped outside to get the keys and low-and-behold there is a package for me from my friend with a PINK envelope (my Liz Wink...I needed that for this biochem class I'm taking, along with my job situation)!! I opened the present and was blown away by the contents! A 2009 calendar with pictures of me and Aaron!!!!!!!!!!! OMG..I have been "trying" to "make" a 2009 calendar with wedding pics for WEEKS now and have failed miserably (my inability to be creative)!!! But wouldn't ya know...Katie, God and Liz ALL came through (with help from Liz on this idea...no doubt)! She knew I needed both the PINK Liz Wink and the Calendar with pics of me and Aaron!!! How incredibly cool is that?!

Here are some pics of the calendar:

Thank you a million, Katie! I LOVE it and will treasure it forever!!!! I'm so fortunate to have a friend like you!!

Now, for those of you that do not know Katie...she is getting married in November. BUT...not just any day in November, she is getting married on November 14 (which is Liz's heaven Anniversary). I got married on Liz's b-day and my friend (and Maid-of-Honor) Katie is getting married on Liz's "heaven anniversary". Katie didn't even realize that was the date for Liz's anniversary until I told her, but it's so meant to be and we are so excited and know that Liz will be watching over Katie and her fiance' Nick for years to come!

Incase I don't update again before Christmas, I hope everyone has a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,

Amanda

(Happy Advent) leading to a Merry Christmas/Happy New Year!

2008-12-14T10:30:00.007-07:00

Hello Friends & Family,

Well, there is a fresh blanket of snow on the ground as I type this blog, so I thought it fitting to post my Christmas letter! :) Here goes:

Dear Friends & Family,
Greetings from the brand new Phillips Household!! As you all know, we were married on June 14 and now settled into our roles as husband and wife.

Our wedding was perfect. All of Amanda’s family came from North Dakota for the wedding and much of Aaron’s family joined us from Colorado, Kansas. Many of our friends that came to the wedding currently live in Colorado and we were blessed with all the love from all family and friends. One special friend, Katie (Amanda's Maid of Honor) flew in from Minneapolis with her boyfriend, Nick. Katie did everythin in her power to make sure that Amanda and Aaron had the perfect wedding. She flew in to Colorado on a few occasions before the "bid day" just to have some fun "hang out" time. She planned Bridal Showers and Bachelorette Parties all the way from Minneapolis and even flew in for Amanda's b-day in Jan to help finish up dress shopping and other "wedding stuff". She really is a God-send and we were so blessed to have a friend like Katie!! The wedding was a fun-filled day with a honeymoon in Mexico which we left for on the 18th of June and stayed for 7 days. It is so hard to believe that it has been 6 months to-the-day since the day of our wedding as this letter is being typed. Where does time go?!

Aaron is keeping busy with his business. He had a minor set back with his back. Thankfully, the Dr has agreed to watch this for a year and treat with Physical Therapy. If his back is not better in 12 mos, then he will need surgery. We pray this does not happen. He started his own business “AP-Rentals & Repairs, LLC”. He still does warranty work on homes and also helps out his dad as well. Even more so, Aaron will begin taking on an entire new role in January, 2009. Aaron will be going college taking up Radiology Tech. With the economy the way it is, he finds Radiology Tech to be a very secure area of work. He will do very well with this since he is so good with people and just genuinely caring. The program will take about 2 years and this is an adventure long in the works! We are both very excited for this journey that God wants us to take. He will continue to help his dad while he attends school.

Amanda is still with UAP however, things are ever changing for her with the company. Last December (2007) UAP was bought out by Agrium and through these last 12 months since the announcement, Amanda’s job has been up-in-the-air. It was finally announced in October that her position is being eliminated. However, thanks to her wonderful colleagues at UAP, she was able to transition into a brand new role with the company as an Inventory Accountant. She is very excited about this new challenge and welcomes this opportunity. Amanda’s health (Sjogren’s) has been a roller coaster all year long with many rounds of prednisone and chemo to keep things under control. This is nothing new to us, so we continue to go through the motions and Fully Rely on God to get us through each flare-up.

We look back on 2008 with a variety of emotions and events from weddings, to health, to job changes and school. We cannot wait to see what 2009 brings and whatever happens we know is God’s Glory so we must do His Will and keep smiling!! We pray that you find yourselves doing the same thing remembering this time of year what life is really all about. How Mary must have felt as she gave birth to the Savior of all. We think of those who eternally celebrate Christmas with Jesus each year as they are no longer on this earth. We rejoice with the hope that we will see them again because of the birth of Our Savior! May God Bless You All and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Amanda & Aaron

Aaron and I are staying put in Colorado this year for Christmas. We are spending our first Christmas as a married couple alone...just the two of us and I find a sense of peace and calm with knowing that.

Well, it's time for church so I better wrap this up. Take care and hope this finds everyone having a very Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Amanda

Learning More about Blogging Everyday!

2008-12-14T09:44:00.003-07:00

Hello Friends & Family!
Well, I seem to always learn more about blogging and the websites associated with it, etc. Recently I came across TheBlogFrog.com. In short, TheBlogFrog shares a tiny excerpt from your blog (if you wish) and then can link you to others with your interests or even those from your school's, etc! Pretty neat! :) I'll update shortly with another post...so much going on lately and lots to update on before Christmas! :) Love and prayers to all!
Amanda

Tis the Season...

2008-12-03T09:54:00.006-07:00

Hello friends!
Well, once again it has been a while since I've updated. I just feel like there's so much to write on that I guess I get a little overwhelmed with it all. First...Aaron had his appt with the back surgeon on Nov 26. The verdict on surgery..."yes and no"! The dr said surgery is needed. Aaron asked if he could try PT. The dr agreed to that, so Aaron will have PT 2x/week for a year with x-rays every 6 months. He will be re-examined at the x-ray dates and if the vertebrae has moved at all, then surgery will be a must...but it gives us both a year.

Now, Thanksgiving! I just LOVE this time of year! Aaron and I help out with the Turkey Trot (5k run to raise money for heart disease). The Northern Colo Medical Center Cardiac Dept puts this on and Aaron and I work the Timing/Scoring side of it. Sure, we have to wake up early on a holiday, but it really is a lot of fun! There were over 2,000 runners and the entire race from start to finish lasted about 2 hours...not bad. Then we went to Aaron's parents to eat and the food was wonderful! Aaron's sister, brother-in-law, nieces, some cousins, his aunt/uncle and parents were there. Ate a lot and then watched football...always fun! :)

I ended up gettging really sick the rest of the weekend, so I didn't even get out of bed Friday-Sunday. I was glad to be feeling good on Turkey Day itself. :)

Now we are onto Advent and preparing for Christmas. We are getting new carpet this year (on Sunday), so I have to wait with the decorating until after that. But that's OK because this week is finals week for me and that has be busy to my very core. So, I will decorate when finals are done.

And speaking of blessings and thanksgiving, I'm just reminded how very blessed we are! There are blessings happening all around us! One of which I might mention is going to happen on Dec 26th. Our dear friends Ryan and Janie will have their marriage blessed in the church. They have been waiting for an annulment to go through and they finally got word in October that it indeed has been approved and they will be getting their marriage blessed! We are SO excited for them! We have been praying for them non-stop for the last 2 years and our prayers have been answered! And speaking of blessings and marriage, my dear friend Katie got engaged on Nov 5th! :) No date set yet, but she deserves all the happiness in the world and I am so glad she has found someone who is so right for her! We rejoice that the prayers have been answered for Ryan and Janie, and for Nick and Katie!

Ryan and Janie (on the left ofcourse) :)

Nick and Katie

Aaron and I are thankful for so much! Especially during this time of official "recession". We both have full-time jobs, a warm house and food to eat. We get to celebrate Christmas and the REAL meaning of it and on top of it...our first Christmas as a married couple! It's so wonderful!

Ok my dear loved ones...this has been quite the update. I hope to post with some pictures soon once the house is decorated. Until then, enjoy this time with those you love and count your blessings (whatever they may be).

Love,
Amanda

I Really Have a Wonderful Life

2008-11-21T20:01:00.008-07:00

I do. Each morning I get to wake up to a wonderful, handsome man who greets me with several kisses, hugs and compliments! As I'm getting ready (and usually in a grouchy mood since mornings are not my thing), he just reminds me how much he loves me and continuously tells me how beautiful I am! :) I could be having the worst hair day, or feeling like my clothes don't fit right, and Aaron will still tell me that he is the luckiest person on earth (but really, I think I am the lucky one to have him). Yes, this man can put me into a very good mood. :) Yep...I have a wonderful life!

Aaron's also really good about giving me a quick call each morning to make sure I made it to work OK (it's a 20 mile commute every morning), followed by a "well, don't work to hard today my beautiful wife"! Yep...I have a wonderful life!

I am the Nutrition/Dietician savvy person in our relationship, but many times, Aaron will step in and help me cook. He also does the laundry (more times than not), and is so wonderful about cleaning house with me (or for me...haha). Yep...I have a wonderful life!

A person recently asked us if we fight a lot. The answer...NO. Sure, we have disagreements...don't get me wrong, but we have NEVER fought and we never have gone to bed angry. If something is bothering one of us, we make sure to talk about it before our eyes close that night. I don't think this person really believed Aaron when he told them that we really do not fight, but we don't. I give a lot of credit to the Marriage Prep Classes we were "forced" to take before we could get married. At first Aaron and I thought this was such a joke (come on, we are 27 and 34 afterall). But after the classes, we realize that they played a very large role in our attitude towards eachother! Yes, we have bad days and disagreements, but we have not fought once in the 2 years 9 months and 4 days we've been together!! Even in the recent hardships (the nerves in my mouth being inflammed to the point of possibly needing surgery, and finding out that Aaron will more than likely need back surgery), to all the ER trips we make b/c of my Sjogren's...yes, we have been through a lot together. Maybe that makes us stronger..I don't know. But I can tell you this...other than always putting each other first...GOD is our Merciful Savior and gives us Graces to help us stayed married and in love! Oh, and we remember to laugh (Aaron's good at reminding me to do that). :) Yep...I have a wonderful life!

We have a beautiful angel (Liz) who watches over us, too. I think she guides me and Aaron along our married life. She helps God watch over us and she does a wonderful job. Yep...I have a wonderful life!

We continue to pray very hard that Aaron will get good news about his back on Weds (Nov 26th). He meets with the back specialist this day and we pray that the doc will say that this can be fixed with PT rather than surgery. Until then, we remind ourselves that Life is Wonderful and we serve an even more wonderful God who will not forsake us!

Take care my dear loved ones! Remember to hug, kiss, and just LOVE your spouses or significant others! Remember...disagreements are OK (and expected), but fighting solves nothing. Never go to bed angry. And always, always, always...Trust in the LORD...for HE is what makes life WONDERFUL!

Thankful for my Wonderful Life,

Amanda

Mass in Memory of Liz

2008-11-16T15:23:00.007-07:00

First things, first...please read the post below this one if you have not done so. :) It's very rare that I post even once a week, let alone more often than that...LOL! But I couldn't pass up writing about today's beautiful Liz Wink. :)

Well, during the month of November, there were to be 2 Masses held for Liz. The first one was on November 3rd and was a beautiful candle lighting ceremony at my church for all departed souls and they read each name one-by-one. The 2nd Mass was held at my chcurch today at 10. Some very good forever friends of ours (Janie and Ryan) joined us in celebration of Liz's life as well. Friday (Nov 14th) was Liz's 2 yr anniversary in Eternal Heaven. I have made a promise to her that as each Nov 14th rolls around, there will be a Mass said in her memory. Today was the Mass. It was a most beautiful celebration of her life and the sermon itself today, was that of a beautiful Liz Wink, which I wanted to share.

Today's sermon seemed as though it was coming straight down from heaven by Liz and God. The priest spoke of marriage. He mentioned that trust, friendship, loyalty are among the many important things in a marriage. He also spoke about how important it is to give to others and that it's not the monetary things in life, but rather your relationship with God that is the great reward for heaven. What kind of friend, wife, husband, stranger, etc one is on this earth, and that we do not know when our last breath will be on earth, so we must always be prepared and to keep God first. He said this and so much more and I just kept thinking yet again "does he know he's still talking about that young girl in the pink and black frame on the altar"? For those of you that do not go to our church, there is a picture of Liz (and pictures of other deceased loved ones) near the Altar of the church during the month of November. Liz loved everyone and everything. She was/is the wife, friend, daughter, good samaritan, etc that the priest was speaking about in his sermon today. Liz was letting us all know that she loves Nick so much and she loves her family and all her friends so dearly but in the end, God knew HIS plan for her and that plan is watching over all of us from Heaven. She wants everyone to know that she misses you...but to please keep your faith and hope strong because soon the suffering will be over and the reward will be great and Eternal. Today's Mass (said in memory of Liz) was absolutely meant to be. It was a message of LOVE from LIZ and God from Heaven. Liz is alive and well and she and God made that message very clear in today's Mass. And when they mentioned her name in prayer, the priest took an extra moment to pray for comfort, faith and hope for all her friends and family that are still here on earth waiting to see her again. I had never heard the priest say that "extra" little prayer before. This blog does not do justice to the miracle of winks and love that went on at Mass to remind us of the promise of Christ...that those who are faithful to HIM will get to see the rewards of Eternal Life. And ofcourse the message of LOVE from Liz. It was all beautiful. I can't wait to see Liz in heaven and meet Jesus face-to-face.

Here is a picture of a Liz Wink I rec'd in March, 2007. It was taken from our back yard and a constant reminder that Liz watches over us!

I must get back to some studying. I have a Bio exam tonight and I need to be prepared for it. So, another weekend closes here and the love of Liz and God from heaven is still strong. Rest peacefully sweet, sweet Angel! You are working so hard for our Lord in heaven and I can't wait to join you! Until then, we pray for your family and friends that they will take great comfort and peace knowing that you will always watch over them!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week! I'm back to studying!

Love,

Amanda

Remembering Liz

2008-11-14T19:59:00.022-07:00

Today, it has been exactly 2 years since Liz Hacker went to be with Jesus in heaven. To honor her memory on this very day, I wanted to post my very first ever "Liz Wink" from Liz. See, for those of you who do not know Liz, her family termed her "pink messages from heaven" as Liz Winks. As a friend of Liz, I have rec'd many of these "Liz Winks". Right now, I'm going to share the very first Liz Wink I ever rec'd. This litereally happened within the first hour of Liz passing away. Here it is:

My story starts here:
"So, I recall the evening of the 14th of November, 2006 very well. It is one day and night that will be in my mind for an eternity. My friend, Tommy (who is the Catholic Campus Director here in Greeley CO) had put in a request to have Mass said for Liz on the 14th (keep in mind, he put the "14th" down for Liz long before we knew that would be the day that Jesus would call her up). Keep in mind that in Colorado, we are an hour behind you guys (so, when I write this...I will be talking about Colrado time zone...and this "wink" is very time specific). Anyway-Mass was being said for Liz at 5PM (6 your time). I had written in to the caring bridge site at precisley 4:56 (my time...5:56 your time) stating that a Mass was being said for Liz as I typed the message. Right after that, I knelt down to say a Rosary for Liz. During the Rosary, I had an overwhelming sense come into my body, and thought one of two things; either the Rosary was answering my prayers or the worst had happened. Well, after I got done with the Rosary I had to head into town for a Church event. I checked the website one last time hoping to see an update. I will never forget, for at that point (5:24 my time, 6:24 your time), I saw that Liz had gone to be with Jesus in Heaven. I am not sure of the exact timing of Liz's passing from earth, but Li'z brother-in-law posted the news was the same time that Mass was being said for Liz. I just sat on my bed, the room spinning wondering how this could have happened (and at the same time, seeing the miracle in that as the same time Liz's brother-in-law posted about Liz, I was saying a Rosary for her, and a Mass was being said for her that had been requested almost a week prior). The whole thought gave me chills.

Well, I couldn't sit anymore and I had to be off to the Church for a weekly event, though I thought what a perfect place to be at this time. Anyway-here is the actual"wink" I got from Liz. About 5 mins after reading about Liz's passing (which was about 1/2 hour after her brother-in-law posted it on the site), I got into my car to drive into town. I turned the radio to K-Love (a Christian radio station). I don't listen to it often, but I didn't want to listen to anything else at that moment. When i turned to the station, I noticed there was nothing on. I thought "great, just when I need the radio station the most, it isn't working." Just then, a song came on. It is called "Wish You Were Here" by Mark Harris. This was truly Liz's wink to me. I don't know at that point, how long she'd been in heaven (remember, this was about half an hour after the post to the caring bridge site), but I will never forget that drive to Greeley as long as I live. The song was truly Liz "winking" to me. It was just a little too much of a miracle to hear those words to that song only 20 mins after hearing of Liz's passing. I knew Liz only a little bit (knew her through others at UND...I was a couple years older than she was), but she obviously remembered me, because that song was not being sung by Mark Harris that night, but rather by Liz, as she was sitting in the passenger seat in my Explorer."

Here is a video of the song:
And, if you want to hear the song...here's a youtube version...it's just beautiful:

Here is a picture of Liz. Her wedding pic...taken just 3 months before she passed away.
Liz, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and pray for your family. Thank you for ALL of the Liz Winks you send my way...they truly keep me going. We always look forward to the next Wink you and God have prepared for us and we wait with joyful hope until we see you again and meet Jesus face-to-face! We love you Liz!
Amanda

Fall/Halloween 2008

2008-11-09T16:27:00.008-07:00

WOW...it's been over, what 3 weeks since I've written???YIKES! Every morning I think to myself "Ok, when I get home from work, I'm going to post on my blog"...clearly I'm not good at convincing myself to do things...haha. :) Between school (which is going great) and my health (which, I wish was going as well as school...but, I'll talk about that in a few)...it's been crazy around here. But first, some really fun halloween updates! :)

Aaron's nieces came over for Halloween. They were Glenda and Dorothy (from the Wizard of Oz). They were just SO cute! Obviously since we don't have any kids, we have to show off our nieces (and since mine live 800 miles away, we mostly show off Aaron's nieces)! :) But here's some pics from BOTH sets of nieces this year!

Taeya and Nevaeh (Taeya is Glenda and Nev is Dorothy).

Opening Presents from Uncle Aaron and Aunt Amanda

Both of the girls with their presents. Is it obvious we were watching a movie before they came over?? Can anyone guess what movie is playing in the background?! :)

My niececs (who live in ND) went as a Hawaiian girl (Bella) and as a Bee (Sienna).

Life at our house has been hectic and especially in this past week. We found out that Aaron has Degenerative Disc Disease and will probably have to have surgery. The worst part about this is that the Dr's nurse told him this stuff over the phone! Can you believe that?! We can't. And, Aaron asked to talk to the doc and the nurse told Aaron that the doc didn't have time to talk. I was SO mad. So, I called up the medical facility and told them that we will never be Dr-ing there ever again. Aaron is going to speak with a back specialist within the next few weeks to see what his options are. Also, I found out that I have to have an endoscope done. I've had an ulcer for the last 2 years and my Rheumatologist wants to have it looked at by a GI doc to make sure the acid isn't eroding away my esaphagus. Ulcers are common for people with Sjogren's Syndrome becuase I lack the moisture in my body to balance the acidic/gastric juices in the stomach. So, between Aaron's news and my news, I'd say we had a very busy week!! ;)

School is going great. Even with everything going on, I'm still maintaining A's, which is SO nice! One step closer to applying for grad school and I'm so excited!

I don't think there's too much more to update on. We are approaching the 2 year anniversary of my friend, Liz. She's an amazing Angel in heaven. I'll be sharing some "Liz Winks" here very soon...so, stay tuned! Until then...take care and God Bless!
Amanda :)

Picture Post

2008-10-18T14:54:00.007-06:00

Hello!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I'm doing homework this weekend while Aaron re-shingles the roof. We got some damage from a tornado on Aug 6th and this weekend Aaron was finally able to get around to shingling! :)

We spent the weekend in Breckenridge, CO last weekend. It was a blast! We went to Copper Mountain, Vail and Beaver Creek while we were up there. I can't wait to go back when there is some snow on the ground!! I'm going to try skiing this year (that should be an adventure in itself). :) Not much to write, but I wanted to post pics from our weekend! :) Enjoy!

OK...I'll try to post more pics this week, but I need to get back to studying! :( Oh well, at least I'm learning a lot, so that is the up side to this! :) Take care all and have a GREAT weekend! God Bless!
Amanda

Where Does Time Go, Anyway?!

2008-10-03T12:31:00.029-06:00

So, I just realized it has been about 2 weeks since I wrote in here...YIKES! Where does time go? Its so hard to believe that it has been almost 4 months since Aaron and I got married...it has FLOWN by! In a good way ofcourse, but still.

So much has happened in the last 2 weeks, but nothing I really had the motivation to update about. So, last December we found out our company was being bought out. A scary time for everyone involved ofcourse with job security and all. However, our dept thought we were pretty safe. I mean a company cannot survive without contracts/leases and all that legal stuff, right?! Wrong, I guess. I just found out yesterday that my position is being officially eliminated. They don't have a finalized date, but our positions are being phased-out. I'm the contracts/lease mgr (for those of you who wonder what I "actually" do at work..LOL). Our company was VERY conservative before we were bought out. Always followed the rules, having lawyers on hand, etc. This new company that bought us out though is quite liberal (and very unorganized...not healthy for my Type-A Personality...LOL!)! So, they do not really believe in contracts/leases the way our "old company" did. So, we are being let go. BUMMER, I know...but this will now give me time to get ready for grad school and maybe even get back into the swing of Nutrition! :) I might still have a job here at my current place of employment, but obviously it will be in a totally different dept not related to contracts/leases or legal stuff. So, we'll see what God has planned!

Now that I got that off my chest...I can talk about married life! :) Aaron and I are doing GREAT! For the most part I am feeling pretty good (FINALLY). Being sick and on high doses of prednisone for 80 days straight can be a little taxing at times! I hadn't been that sick (with my Sjogren's anyway) in a very long time!! Hopefully it will be a long time before I experience another flare-up that bad again! But Aaron, bless his heart, has been a trooper all the way! I swear this man is not an earthling! ;) He draws my baths for me and will light the candles and turn on the jets. I'm horrible at getting my bath to be the "perfect" temp, but Aaron is a pro at it, so he will draw my bath (and 9 times out of 10 I don't even have to ask or hint...he just is more than willing to start my bath for me). What a man!

School is going great! I really love this "online" stuff! Not having to sit in a classroom and listen to boring lectures, etc. Rather sitting in the comfort of my own home and watching lectures on DVD, pausing when I need to and rewinding if there was something the instructor said that I didn't catch...yeah,it's really nice. Biochem is quite dificult, but I'm getting through it. I've got just a little over a month left on that class. It's so interesting, but very challening! Biology and Anthropology though are my "slack" classes. They are my 100 level classes that I didn't need in college, but I need them for grad school (go figure), so I'll take them just to get them out of the way! :)

The leaves are even more beautiful this week than they were last week! CO is just beautiful in the fall and I sure hope we can take a drive in the mountains this weekend!

Other than that, not much to update on. I have posted some more wedding pics for your enjoyment below! Take care and I promise to not slack as much on upates! :)

Aaron and his best man in limo

Getting ready to head off to the church!

Starting the ceremony

Me and my grandma

Dancing!!

Chatting with my family!

My family (Grandma and cousins)

My other crazy fun boss, Jack!

My crazy fun supersvisors (the blonde gal is Jamie and the guy in the white is Andre')

Bridesmaid Janie, me and one of my boss's, Andre'

me and Aaron dancing!

More pics to come on the next post!!! :)

Love,

Amanda

The "no name" post! :)

2008-09-15T14:44:00.003-06:00

I feel like I have a lot to update on so much, yet my mind is blank today! What else is new, huh?! :) It's been a great few weeks since we've come back from NY. School is going great for me, but that Biochem class is HARD. It's so intereseting, but it is very challenging! I know God will bring me through it, and that's a comforting thought. :) Just a few more months before I send in my application for grad school. I'm so excited, and I just hope I can get the GRE done in time. And if not, there's always next year to apply. I hate putting it off another year, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. that is the only thing (and Biochem) that is keeping me from getting into the program. So, we'll see what happens! :)

Aaron's niece had her first volleyball game on Saturday. It was SO cute! She's 3 1/2 and just looked so cute out on the court. She didn't really want to do too much when the ball came her way, but it was her first game and she will learn. The important thing is that she had fun while she was there!

There's not too much more to update on. I'm feeling pretty good (finally) and I am so excited for fall to be around the corner. The leaves are starting to turn colors and it's so beautiful. Not looking forward to the snow too much, but man, we'll cross that path when we get there...let's not get too ahead of ourselves! LOL!

Well, I better close for now! take care all and I'll post soon!
Love,
Amanda

Trip to NYC and US Open Tennis

2008-09-04T09:29:00.027-06:00

Well on Monday, we got back from a FUN filled vacation in NYC! We saw the Statue of Liberty, walked around Central Park, strolled the streets of Manhatton, visited St. Patrick's Cathedral, ate at many different restaurants, but most importantly, we went to Flushing Meadows, NY to witness some amazing tennis at the US Open Tennis Championships! For those of you that don't know this, I surprised Aaron with this trip. He's a huge fan of tennis and plays 2-3 days a week. Me, I'm the "tennis wife"...I don't play, but I attend as many of his matches as possible in support for Aaron. :)

View from our room at the Hilton Statue of Liberty

St. Patrick's CathedralAaron and I got to see SO many tennis matches. We saw Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Rafeal Nadal, James Blake, Mardy Fish, the Bryan Brothers, Safina, Jankovic, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Dementieva, and Djokovic! LOTS of tennis indeed! All of the matches were phenomenol, but the most nail biting match was Djokovic vs Cilic. Each set went for 1 hour a piece and they went to 4 sets total. I think the match was completed around 1AM and we had to catch our flight by 7AM. It was a LONG night, but we can honestly say our weekend of tennis went out with a huge bang!!! The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, the tennis was intense, and the company of my husband was AMAZING as usual! We came home with souveniers and empty pocket books, but it was well worth it! We even witnessed a gorgeous pink sunset (thanks, Liz) from Arthur Ashe Stadium! We took several pics of our weekend and I have posted them throughout this entry!

Our Liz Wink outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium! SO pretty!!!

Outside Arthur Ashe Stadium getting ready to watch tennis!

The tennis ball colored Lexus!
Venus Williams
Nadal
Serena Williams
Safina
James Blake and Mardy Fish
Jankovic
Roger Federer!!!!
Andy Roddick
Dementieva
Cilic vs. Djokovic

My health held up pretty well. I really think this round of Prednisone is FINALLY helping. I just tell this disease to "bring it on"...you'd think after 10 years, it would know who it's dealing with, but I guess it hasn't learned yet. SO, if it wants to flare-up, then that just means I'll have to prove it wrong! It won't get to me!!!

Now, it's back to work and school for me. I'm taking Biochemistry and Biology right now. The Biology...man, I should have just bit the bullet all those years ago in freshman college and taken the class, but since I didn't need it, I didn't take it. Now, I have to recall Biology 111. Should be interesting. :) The Biochem class will be challenging, but that's just because it's a higher level course. The last biochem I had was about 3 years ago, so it's a little more fresh in my mind, but it will still challenge me, which I love!

That's about it for the udpates! Thanks for checking in and enjoy the pics from the US Open! Much love to all of my visitors, and I'll try to post again soon!

Amanda

Long time, no talk!!

2008-08-25T16:07:00.012-06:00

WOW...it has been a VERY long time since I have written on this blog. I've wanted to update for SO many months.

Since my last post...I've gotten married and that was SO much fun! Our planning, and preparation and the day itself were all FULL of Liz Winks and blessings from heaven! What a wonderful angel/saint we have in Liz. She and God always show us they are right there helping me and Aaron along the way. It brings a huge sense of peace and fulfillment.
Our honeymoon was spent in Mexico and we had a beautiful time. The weather was GREAT and so was the food (and ofcourse the company of my husband!)! :) We can't wait to go back. I'm sure we will go back...not sure when, though.
Other than that, our company has been bought out. There have been several changes and I'm thankful that I have my job still. There has been no word on the status of my job/position, but for now, I'm "safe"...which is great. It's been a little stressful dealing with those issues, but now that I'm married, I really don't stress/worry too much about my job. I have SO many blessings that this is just a bump in the road that I will get through no matter what the result. :)

Well, I hope to update again VERY soon (maybe this week, even)!!! Good-bye for now! :)

Amanda

SO much to update on...........

2007-10-21T15:35:00.004-06:00

Well, now that I finally have a moment to update my life, I sit and wonder where do I begin.

I went to ND the 6th-14th of October and that was a great time! That stay was great as always. I drove there, which was really nice because I had my own vehicle during my stay, which allowed me to go and visit several people. One very special thing I got to do during my stay was vist Grand Forks. That was the first I had been there since graduation (2005). All I can say is WOW...that place has grown! During my day in Grand Forks, I went to visit my friend, Liz, grave site. My blog spot is named after Liz (well, it's really named after her "Liz Winks", but you get my drift). After I got done at the cemetary, I got to meet Liz's mom for supper. This was SO special. We laughed, cried, etc etc. Let me tell you....Peg (Liz's mom) is one special lady. I see so clearly where Liz got her strength and personality from.

The rest of my stay in ND was spent with family. I had a GREAT time with the family. I didn't have time to see all my friends, which made me sad, but I know that we are coming back for Christmas...so that will be our chance to visit a few more friends during that time...hopefully.

Now, onto some VERY big news....I got a PROMOTION at work!!!! It is VERY exciting and VERY unexpected. It's a GREAT new challenge, and I'm up for it!!

I ended up getting sick this weekend, so I have been laying low all weekend so I can be ready for work tomorrow!!!!

Well, it's time to sign off. Take care all and have a great week!!!
~ABS~

We are getting a YARD!!!

2007-09-28T12:34:00.002-06:00

So...for those of you that have been to my house, you will realize that it was a true bachelor pad before I came into the pic and into Aaron's life! Well, for like the last year (or more) I have been bugging Aaron for a yard (grass, etc), so that the house doesn't look so run down (it is only 4 years old afterall...but it looks much older than that just because there is no yard). SO...Aaron is getting the sod TOMORROW for our front yard! I am SO excited for this!!!

That is about the biggest news I have...I think, anyway. Our wedding website is still in the works, but when it gets done, I will send out a mass email with the link to the website.

One week from tomorrow, I will be heading to North Dakota for a few days (well, until the 14th of October to be exact). It will be a long vacation, but that's what I need to do so that I can see all my family. It should be fun, and hopefully it won't be snowing by then!

Well, it's time to close. There wasn't much to write...and if I think of something else...I will let you all know! :) Until then...take care and much love to all who read this site!!! :)

Walking in Faith and Not in Fear.....
Amanda
~ABS~