Chicken Box

Hey yall, I know it has been forever and A year since I blogged. Seems like there is never enough time in one day to get everything done.

This is kind of random but Nick and I have had a pretty rough couple of months. Recently we lost A close family friend who was nothing short of an amazing person.Someone who fought for our country and then went on to be A police officer,Someones husband and A great friend to many. Just this week our town has lost two young people,One of which Nick and I  graduated with all in the BLINK OF AN EYE

With that being said...Live your life with a purpose and make sure the ones you love know you love them. There is no greater feeling in the world than to know you are loved and cared for. 

Today Nick had A Dr. appointment and it went really well. His weight was up but his numbers were down just a tiny bit,Nothing to be worried about. It was weird because Nicks lung function was the same exact number that it was this year at this time.Nick has been back in the gym and has so much more energy and feels a lot better. I am so jealous yall, Nick has 0% body fat so when he works out his gets extremely tone right away. I have to work months to get that kind of definition maybe it would help if I actually went. 

After his Dr. appointment we headed over to the Jacksonville Landing for lunch at Koja Sushi. We loved it, The atmosphere is beautiful right on the river as well as great food. I think people in Jacksonville forget how awesome the landing is,They have A awesome selection of restaurants and its right on the river.

 On another note they seriously need to consider A new parking situation. After looking for A empty parking space we realize we need change for the meters, Not only change but only quarters. After harassing every passerby for change for A dollar. We put the money in to find out you are only allotted a hour at A time then have to come back and put more money in for more time. Nick and I walked straight to the landing,Ate lunch and came right back and had A few minutes left. No looking around at the shops or anything just an hour....Not cool!!!

Have A great week everyone,And be sure to tell your loved ones you love them....Even if they already know....Love you all

Forever Thankful

Hello everyone, I hope yall are having A great week. I have some GREAT news. Nick had A Dr. Appointment Monday,His FEV 1 went up 10 points. When he was in the hospital last month it was the lowest it has EVER been, A very scary 21. That is when they came in and talked to Nick and I about him going on the list for A double lung transplant. Thankfully Nick is A VERY determined person and has worked hard this past month. Nick went into his Dr. appointment Monday and blew 10 points higher...31!!!! I am so proud of him and his determination. 31 is still too low for comfort but something we are defiantly working on together.I am so thankful to have A husband who is so strong and optimistic, I know I say it all the time but it is such A blessing in my life. As most of you know I have recently got A new job in retail,Which is working out good so far. I was hired on as temporary for the holiday season. With lots of prayer and my wonderful customer service skills... haha I got moved from temporary to full time...I feel so blessed that things have worked out there and is one less thing I am worrying about all the time.Working there I have met a lot of new people,Which is great because I love meeting new people. On the other hand I am so disappointed in the way people think and act sometimes. I know times are tough right now and we are all going through things,But it just seems like everyone is ALWAYS complaining. I know I have been totally guilty of doing this myself. Its very easy to do. Since getting this news of Nicks possible transplant I just keep thinking "Things could ALWAYS be worse". I had A lady come through my line today and she was complaining how her husband doesn't make enough money for her spending habits....When I asked the lady where her husband worked at and she said he was A pilot for A airline. In the back of my mind all I could think about was " You ungrateful woman,Be thankful your husband is able to work". Nick is such A hard worker and would do ANYTHING to be able to work again, and here this lady was complaining because her husband didn't make enough money for her taste. I know I am kinda ranting and raving here but it just really bothers me. I have seen SO much of this lately and wish people would just remember what life is about. I wish that everyone could live with someone like Nick for A little while and then maybe they will be thankful for their healthy body and family....Anyways I just had to get that out... Am I the only one who feels this way??? Have A great week everyone and please take some time to thank the people who make A difference in your life, Let them know you care and most of all BE THANKFUL and remember it could always be worse.....XOXO ALWAYS

Christmas 20 questions

1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Egg nog for sure
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? "Santa" wraps the presents
3. Colored lights or white? I only like white on our house but love looking at all the colored lights
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Most Defiantly,Its A tradition
5. When do you decorate for Christmas? Usually the day after Thanksgiving
6. What is your favorite holiday dish, excluding dessert? Green bean casserole
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Hmmmm....Making cookies for "Santa"
8. When and how, did you learn the truth about Santa? Learn what ????
9. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Slowly and carefully
10. Snow. Love it or hate it? Love it... I wish it would snow in Fl. again
11. Can you ice skate? Sure can
12. Does holding onto the wall count? Uh Yeah
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Hmmm....My Pogo stick... That was so much fun
14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you? Spending time with my family,And being thankful that I have them in my life.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Apple Pie with whip cream
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? We didn't do it last year but usually EVERY year I go with my family on Christmas eve to dinner and A movie...
17. What tops your tree?A Angel of course
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Tis the season for giving....
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Rocking around the Christmas tree
20. 20. Candy canes. Yuck or yum? Yum... in moderation

Nice and Toasty

This weekend was busy and CRAZY!!!! I had the pleasure to work on BLACK FRIDAY this past weekend....It was NUTS!!!! There were women coming through my line that had been shopping for 13 hours. There is NO WAY that I could go shopping for 13 hours.Anyways, I had Saturday off and I'm telling ya I needed it. I went with Nicks sister and my brother in law to watch the 3d sonogram again. We went last weekend but little Trace was being stubborn and had his hand over his face. So the people at http://www.astorksview.com/ had Courtney come back, they were determined on us getting A good look at his face. So we went back Saturday and I am SO glad we did. I CANNOT believe how real it is and how beautiful it is to be able to see the baby inside the womb. It was soooo neat, I HIGHLY recommend anyone who is preggo to check it out and try it. Saturday night I had my little brother Cameron over to stay the night. We had A bonfire and just hung out. It was a pretty chilly night so it was nice and toasty around the fire.Nick is feeling A little better, He is having some issues with his lower back. We were concerned that it might have been his kidneys so he went to the Dr. today just to be safe. Thankfully they were pretty sure it was not his kidneys. I am thinking he might have pulled A muscle while working out. He has had pretty high spirits but has his bad days as we are all entitled to that. I know if I had to go through half of what he is going through I would have more than A bad day, how about A bad month....Both Nick and I just always try to remember that it could ALWAYS be worse, no matter what situation you are in. I hope everyone is having A good week. Enjoy the pics!! XOXO Always

Bargains and Babys

Walmart issued a press release proving that they are committed to helping families during these tough times.This is A pretty great deal,For only $20 Walmart is offering the following:
One 12 pound grade A turkey

• Three 11-15 oz cans of Green giant veggies
• Two 14 oz cans of Ocean spray cranberry sauce
• Three 6 oz boxes of stove top stuffing
• One 5 pound bag of red potatoes
• One 12 oz package of Sara lee dinner rolls
• One 12 oz pumpkin roll cake
  Now through Thanksgiving,They are selling grade A turkeys for only $.40 A pound. What A great deal.

On another note I got some GREAT news today,My very best friend Becka and her husband Josh are expecting another little one.I am super excited and will be praying for A healthy and safe pregnancy.

Nicks sister Courtney and her husband Chuck are also expecting their first baby on the 28th of January. ONLY 69 MORE DAYS!!!! They are having A little boy and naming him Trace Colton, I love the name. We will be going tomorrow to set up her baby registry which is exciting as well. Here are some pics of her baby bump as it continues to grow.

Nick continues to feel better and looks forward to hitting the Gym and getting fit.WE kinda had A lazy day today with football and the Jags pulled off A great win.Hope everyone has A great week.XOXO Always Amanda

Up and Up

Today has been A GREAT DAY!!!! Nick slept in pretty late this morning but woke up in such A great mood. Gosh was it A reminder of how much I love this man. He NEVER stops amazing me and reassuring me that we are together for A reason.He just has the most positive attitude and determination.Nick is starting to feel like him self again,Acting goofy trying to make me laugh and much more active than this past week.The IVS he is on are such A pain in the butt,The one antibiotic meripenum(Not sure if I spelled that right) he has to change every 8 hours so sleep is often interrupted.His appetite is getting better,His mom and I actually went to town today and picked up some of his favorite food from A restaurant in town.I made him his favorite black bottom cupcakes. So things are definitely looking on the up and up. On another note,I came Across this blog I would love for you to check out.I came across this blog through another CF wife and boy am I glad I did.Its about another young man with CF. Just like Nick,His numbers slowly started going down. Him along with his wife decided to get listed on the transplant list and AMAZINGLY,He got "The Call" two weeks later. In October 9th it made A month that Joseph got his lungs and things are looking great. His story truly is amazing and has really encouraged Nick and I considering the news we just got. So head on over there and check out his story.www.lungs4joseph.com/ Once again I cant tell you all how thankful we are to have you behind us. Thanks so much
XOXO Always Amanda

A picker upper

A friend of ours Meghan knew just what Nick and I needed. Nick has been kinda in the dump since we have to stay in the hospitable but this put A smile on our face. Too funny, Thanks Meghan

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

UPDATE ON NICK

So we got the call early this morning that Nicks room was ready.We got here at about 8:00 and tried to get settled in. Of course there is A army of people coming to see Nick,I swear he is famous at this hospital they love him.Nick did his pfts today and they were even lower than at the Dr. Monday. His FEV1 was down to 21, VERY SCARY. I know Nick can get it back to what it was and even better. I think after seeing his number that low he is pretty determined to get rest gain weight and feel MUCH better so he can get those numbers up. Thank you everyone for all of your prayers and thoughts, It means so much to Nick and I. I know some of you were asking about Nicks room number for Cards,Calls and bringing food by. Here it is and Thanks Again.

Room Number 512

Call this number- (904) 308-7300 and ask for Nicholas Brown or room 512

To send cards just call the number above and they can help you there.

It's our anniversary

Two years ago today, Nick and I got married. I can honestly say that it was the BEST decision I have EVER made in my life.Nick has been such A blessing in my life, I know I have said this before. He is A constant reminder to me of what life is really all about. He is such A positive person and lets NOTHING get the best of him. He has made me A better person and for that I am forever grateful.Nick and I went out to eat last night for our anniversary, It was bittersweet. As nice as it was to go out to eat and enjoy each others company I could see the struggle in Nick trying to not "Feel Sick" So we enjoyed it as much as possible and headed home for him to rest.Nick has rested all of today only up to do treatments,he is Way ready for this hospital visit. So as you all have been so nice with all of the messages and prayers,Keep them coming it warms our hearts. Love to you all, Thank you for everything

XOXO Always

Amanda B.

GOOOO GAAATTTOOORRSSS

So two weeks ago Nick left the house to run some errands. While he was gone I was cleaning up our room. Nick and I have A lock box under the bed that we keep or important stuff in. I went to go put some papers away and saw something shiny sticking out of our check book. So I opened it up,To my surprise it was tickets to the Florida Gator game. I was so confused and wasn't sure what or who they were for since I didn't even know Nick had bought them. So I strategically put them back to what I thought was the way I found them. I had absolutely no plans on telling Nick I found them. Later on that night while I was at work I received A text message asking me why I was snooping lol and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. So I guess it was suppose to be A surprise...I felt so bad. This past weekend was the Gator game,They were playing Vanderbilt. I could not belive how truly AMAZING it was. Nick had been to A Gator game before this however was MY FIRST GATOR EXPERIENCE. I knew this was going to be the last thing Nick and I were going to be able to do before he went into the hospital so we really wanted to enjoy ourselves.I had A great time but unfortunately it really wore Nick out and now he is paying for it.Enjoy the pics and GO GATORS

Just A Thought

Stop tellin God how big ur problems are,and start telling ur problems how big your GOD IS!

Manic Monday

Just A little update on Nick. Nick had A Dr.appointment today and things went as expected. Nick will be going into the hospital on Wednesday,We have to wait on his culture to come back to see if he is growing anything new.Along with Nick being as sick as he is he has also lost 5 pounds.I knew Nick was sick when he said he was ready to go into the hospital.Nick and I made A trip to publix tonight and stocked up on junk food to fatten him up. Thanks everyone for your prayers and thoughts it really does mean the world to us. Feel free to come visit Nick, I know it would brighten up his day. I will be posting his room number when we get settled in.Love to everyone
Amanda Brown

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Where were you?

If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate,''Sandy Dahl, the wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.

Catch up

Nick and I on our way to the moviesMy little sister Mackenzie after I gave her A whip cream pieI am officially over summer time and ready for fall. I was running some errands today and I am A windows down,hair in the wind kinda girl. So it was really nice to be able to ride with the windows down and not feel my makeup literally melting off my face.There is so much going on right now it seems as though I am none stop,But I'm not gonna lie I love it.Nicks sister Courtney and her husband Chuck are expecting there first born,Trace in January. We have been on the hunt for A nice place to have her baby shower and found the perfect spot. We decided on A rubber ducky theme so I am really excited about helping with that. Not only do we have that to look forward to but Nicks birthday is coming up. This year Nick and I have decided to have A HUGE birthday bash for him.Since Nick and I have been together celebrating birthdays is kind of A BIG DEAL!!!! As most of you know Nick has Cystic Fibrosis and every year with Nick is truly A gift from God. Usually Nick and I go somewhere for our birthdays but this year we decided to just have a big party. I can tell as It gets closer Nick is getting more and more excited about it. Its gonna be at the same place our wedding was, The Mathis House.We just fell in love with that place when we got married,It is such A great place for A party. We are excited we have a lot of our friends from the Sunny shores sea camp driving up for the party so that is exciting. This past Friday Nick and I went to my little sister Mackenzie's 12Th birthday party. I cannot believe how much she has grown in the past couple of years. I am so proud of her for who she is becoming and what she has accomplished.Mackenzie tried out for the Callahan Middle School volley ball team and made it. We were all really excited about that.For her birthday Mackenzie had A sleepover and ice cream Sunday party. Nick and I were there for about A hour and A half and I just don't think we could have taken A minute more. Later on that night Nick and I had A date night and had such A great time.Sometimes you get so wrapped up in life and whats going on and the negative you don't take the time to be thankful for what and who you have in your life. Nick and I have been so busy and haven't had much time for ourselves so we decided on Dinner and A movie.We saw district 9,I was kinda disappointed.After 15 minutes of aliens running around shooting people I was kinda over it.Defiantly not my kinda movie,The things you will sacrifice :) Anyways I hope everyone is having A great week,We hope to see most of you at Nicks big birthday bash.. E-mail me for details. XOXO AMANDA

Love is all you need....

This year Nick and I did something A little different.... Every year Nick and I usually spend the day together and the go out to eat that night for Valentines day. We usually don't buy each other gifts just exchange cards and enjoy each others company. This year we decided to do something different and I am SO glad we did. Saturday morning Nick and I along with his Mom and Dad all went to Callahan. My father in law and I always give blood and what better day to do it then Valentines day... HAHA So we went and donated blood but it was extra special this time. A family friend of ours has A little girl names Callie who has A heart condition. Her and her family have to fly out to California often for heart surgery. During surgery Callie has to get blood transfusions that are quite costly from my understanding. So everyone who gave blood Saturday was giving towards Callie's blood supply for surgery. She got credits for every pint of blood someone gave. So it was nice to be able to give that gift. Then after that we decided instead of just Nick and I going out for dinner, Why not invite the other people we love. So Nick and I along with his Mother and Father, Grandmother and Brother all went out to eat. It was so nice to go and enjoy that time with them. Through them I realize why my husband is the amazing person that he is. It is because of them that Nick is the strong willed,Honest,Hard working and determined man that I love today. To me their is nothing that can make you stronger than being two young parents and raising A child with A illness such As CF. Not only do you have to be strong but have faith. I am so thankful for the person that my husband is. I am so thankful for what he has overcome and the obstacles he will continue to overcome. I am so happy that I too will be able to be apart of that journey with him. I am so proud to be able to call him my husband. I think that with every obstacle Nick and I get through my love and compassion for him only grows stronger and stronger. So this Valentines was so great! I got to spend it with some of the greatest people. I am so thankful for them. I hope everyone had A great Valentines day!!!! I also added pictures from tonights dinner at the parents house.... XOXO Always