25 bucks

In the last blog I let yall know how excited I was that Nick and I now had A new puppy.....Oh how things can change in A couple of days. I am so sad to say that we had to give our cute little beagle puppy away,To A good home thankfully. We had every intentention on keeping the puppy that Nick ended up naming "Kobe" and loving him just like our other fur baby.

Since I had found the pup and did not know much about him we wanted to take him to the vet asap to make sure he was in good health. Tuesday morning Nick and I took him to the vet where we eventually came to determine he had mange. Then she told us that he was 6 weeks and looked to be A full blooded beagle,Not what we wanted to hear. I told Nick that as much as I already loved our new pup if he was A beagle I would have to think about finding him a good home.

Anyways while we were waiting on the Dr. to come back I got upset because I loved this puppy but he just wasn't working out... Our other fur baby Jag was just not having it,He was A totally different dog since we brought Kobe home. I still went ahead and paid for the puppy to have some shots that would start getting rid of mange as well as de working him.I just could not let him suffer just because I was not going to keep him.

After trying to find someone who would want to take him with his skin condition I had no luck. I knew that I couldn't keep him anymore knowing that he could give mange to Jag. Before work this morning I drove the poor little pup down to the pound. I didn't even get into the building yet and I had A woman stop me and ask me if I was getting rid oh him. I went on to tell her how great of a pup he was but that he did have mange,Her husband soon stepped in and told her no. So I proceeded the walk of shame into the building where there is A rather scary looking lady sitting behind A glass window as if I was going to reach across and threaten her life with my puppy.

I told her the story of how I found him and that it just wasn't working out and all the good things about this cute pup. She then simply looked at me and said "If you want to drop him off it will be A 25 dollar fee,I will need your license and there is no guarantee he will be adopted out" At that point I think my mouth fell open and she said "THIS IS A EUTHANIZING FACILITY" Geeshhhh what was I thinking, I mean who would have thought that I would ever have to pay A mean scary old lady 25 bucks to euthanize my new puppy....UMMM I DON'T THINK SO. I simply told her "Thanks but no thanks, I cant see paying you 25 dollars just to kill my dog, Have A great day"

With that being said I turned around and drove Kobe back home,Only to get to work to find A new owner for him. I couldn't have been happier with who he was going to!!!  I just cant believe how hard people make it to help stray animals,No wonder why there are so many.

Here is A great psa for everyone...Enjoy

Stalemate

Stale-mate any position or situation in which no action can be taken or progress made; deadlock: 

Sometimes this is what I feel like regarding Nick and where he stands in his fight with cystic fibrosis. 

Last week I posted here  about Nick and his oxygen being A little low and possibly needing oxygen at night when he sleeps. Well his nurse called this afternoon and let Nick know that he will be needing it while he sleeps. She said that it was not extremely low but that they were going to have him use it while he sleeps.

I am going to be brutally honest!!!! Last week I posted on my face book that Nick would be doing A sleep study and to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. The next day Nick got A call from his nurse who we LOVE more than she will ever know. She was concerned with me writing that on face book. She didn't understand why I would get people worried when it was not A big deal. So I said you know what maybe it was not A big deal and I shouldn't have said anything.

Today when Nick called me and told me this I had one of my CF wife "moments". Only because It is such A let down for him, He works SO hard to keep his self healthy only to be knocked back on his butt.SO YES last week maybe I did make A big deal out of it because YES it is A big deal to us.I think a lot of these Dr's and nurses forget that this is NOT normal for us and are desensitized to certain things. To us it is one step closer to the inevitable. Call me dramatic but I just call it for what I see it!

It is so painful for me when Nick gets sick or gets news that it is unwanted to see the look on his face. I have said this before but he looks SO defeated, Even though I KNOW that MY AMAZING HUSBAND will once again push on and be thankful for every breath he gets.It still hurts no matter how many times I see that face, It never makes it easier.Tomorrow the people with the stupid oxygen tank are coming out and showing him how that things works. I know it will be good for Nick and will make him sleep better,Its just him getting use to it.

ON ANOTHER NOTE....

Nick and I got a new puppy!!! I have been wanting another dog for SO long and my prayers were answered. Nick was not and still is not completely happy about it though,He is coming around.I will write more about the pup later , I have to take him to the vet.Until then you can enjoy pics of our sweet new furbaby

Oxygen watch

Hey yall, Hope you are enjoying the B-E-A-UTIFUL weather outside I love this time of year for so many reasons. If you follow me on face book than most of you already know about the new fun stuff Nick had to do. I have to say that I am A little guilty and thanks to Nicks nurse for putting me in check. Me being the drama queen that I am seemed to have made it A bigger deal than it should of been.

Last week Nicks nurse came out to check on him as she normally does. She listens to his lungs and all kinds of other stuff and she usually put the little red glowing thing on his finger to see what his oxygen is. Nicks is usually 90-94,Well that day is was any where between 80-85. His nurse was A little concerned and called Nicks Dr,They then decided that he should do some kind of overnight sleep study oxygen test.

Nick wore that little red glowing thing on his finger while he slept to see what kind of oxygen he was getting while he slept.He was like A little kid and couldn't fall asleep because he kept looking at his "oxygen watch". Hopefully all is well and the test will come back and we Will have great news....If not Nick will have to sleep with oxygen when he sleeps.

It was so hard for be and I guess why I made A big deal out of it. Nick just once again looked so defeated like he had done something wrong or that there was something he can do to make it go up. I hate this part of being A cf wife more than anything because there is nothing you can do or say to make it better. To his Dr. this is just A simple thing no worries but not for Nick. This is just one more routine he has to add to the day and one more thing that makes him A little less like everyone else.So yes it was A big deal in my eyes when I look into my husbands eyes and see nothing but sadness and defeat.Thankfully it went away quickly because Nick has never been one to dwell on anything.Thank God for that...

Something different

I hope everyone had A great weekend!!! I managed to get Saturday and Sunday off again this weekend, What A blessing that was.

Every weekend Nick and I go to the flea market (Mainly for our produce) but it is the same ol' same ol' every weekend.Instead of heading to the flea market Nick and I made our way down town to the Riverside arts market I was pleasantly surprised.

There was a lot of things that people made, Beautiful art, amazing music and lots of good people.

Nick and I walked around for A little bit,Sat and enjoyed the live music right on the river and of course took some pictures. Call me corny but I was looking around people watching and everyone was so darn happy,I love that. Just for A second its A reminder of all the good in the world!

Nick and I were walking around and I found the cutest sign, I loved it and Nick just said "It looks old" he does not get the vintage worn look.

They even had valet for bikes

I Think that this is our new favorite spot for the weekend. All of the food there looked SO yummy and smelled so good,Maybe next weekend! If you live in Jacksonville you should defiantly check it out and its FREE!! 

On another note Nick and I along with some amazing help have been busy busy busy with the Bowling For Breath event that our heads are spinning. This year seems to be way bigger and better than last year and we are so excited. We are still looking for people or business's who would like to donate items or gift certificates to be raffled off. Please get with me if interested.

I hope everyone has A great week!!!!

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

For Japan

Girls Day Out

With the preparation of the bowling for breath event my friend Chelsea and I headed down town to beg for goodies. I tell ya asking for donations is tough work ladies, However we did well for our first day. It has been too long since I have seen "Chelsea Boo" and had too much fun minus almost dying due to traffic mishaps HA!!! Nick hates Mexican so when I am out with friends that is always the first thing I want for lunch,So La Napolera it was. After lunch we headed out to local businesses for items to be donated to raffle off at the event. We got some really great stuff and I am so thankful for people who are nice enough to give back to the community.Today was the start of the madness until our event, I cannot wait to see how awesome the 2nd annual bowling for breath is going to be....Have A good weekend yall!

No Pain No Gain

Hey yall, I hope everyone is as ready for this weekend as I am...Woooh what A week!

Nick and I have finally got back to going to the gym every day and I am reallllyyyy feeling it.Nick has been going now for about A month now and I started back last week. Now that it is time to get back into that bathing suit I feel more determined than ever. The other night I worked my legs so hard that when I got up they were actually quivering. Something that my mom has said before rang in my ear "NO PAIN NO GAIN"

On another note Nick and I along with our good friend Chelsea are getting things together for the 2ND annual bowling for breath event. Last year the event was held for this Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, But we decided to switch it up this year.As you all have read in previous post Nick and I go to Sunny Shores Sea Camp every year, You can read about that here. It was life changing for Nick and I and have learned so much from going and met some pretty amazing people.

Sunny Shores Sea Camp is A non profit organization that is made possible by people who graciously donate there time and money.The families who attend pay for nothing but there way to get there.They provide your room and board at the Disney Vero Beach resort. Not only to they do that but breakfast lunch and dinner are taken care of as well. You learn so much by attending this camp and gain some life long friends.

With that being said the least we could do was raise some money so that more families can attend, RIGHT?

That is why we are doing the Bowling For Breath event for them this year.It is such A fun event and A great way to raise money. I would LOVE to see everyone there and makes for A great family day. Be sure to check out the website for additional info and to register...

Getting Ready

So We just got the Bowling for breath flyer finished and I am SO excited it looks awesome.

So here are the details about the event:

• We are asking that people get together teams of 6 or 12.
• We REALLY need items donated for the door prizes and raffle.Everything you donate is tax deductible.
• We need you to gather ALL your friends and family for this event.
• We are also looking for monetary donations for t-shirts

Last year was our first event and it turned out SO good, I cant imagine what this year holds from us.

Exciting News

I got A e-mail this morning with some very exciting information in it....Check it out....We are one step closer....

Phase 3 Study of VX-770 Shows Positive Results


February 23, 2011
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced today that VX-770, an oral medicine in development that targets the defective protein that causes cystic fibrosis, showed promising results in a Phase 3 clinical trial.

The trial was designed to evaluate patients age 12 and up who carry at least one copy of a CF mutation called G551D. The study included 161 patients who received at least one dose of VX-770 or placebo.

Patients who took the drug, compared to those on placebo, showed a marked improvement in lung function at 24 weeks, which was sustained for the duration of the 48-week trial.

Patients also showed improvement across all key secondary endpoints in the study, including reduced likelihood of experiencing a pulmonary exacerbation, decreased respiratory symptoms and improved weight gain. Each of these areas is critically important to the health of people with CF.

In addition, average sweat chloride levels of patients on VX-770 dropped toward normal levels, while those on placebo did not change — indicating the drug is impacting the underlying defect in CF. Excessive sweat chloride (salt) is a key clinical indicator of CF.

VX-770 is being developed by Vertex, and was discovered in collaboration with the CF Foundation, which provided substantial support to Vertex throughout the development process, including an approximately $75 million investment.

About four percent of people with CF carry the G551D mutation. More studies are needed to determine whether other CF mutations may benefit from VX-770.

“These results are highly encouraging. They provide scientific evidence that support our long-standing belief that targeting the underlying defect of CF may have a profound effect on the disease,” said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “We have much more to do to end the suffering caused by this disease, but these data are extremely exciting, especially for people with the G551D mutation and their families. The results also offer significant hope that a similar approach to treatment may help the majority of patients living with CF.”

The Phase 3 data support Vertex’s plan to submit a New Drug Application for VX-770 to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the second half of 2011. Generally, the FDA takes between 6 and 12 months to review and rule on a drug application.

"The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has played an instrumental role in our more than 10-year effort to discover and develop potential new CF medicines such as VX-770,” said Matthew W. Emmens, chairman, president and CEO of Vertex. “The data announced today reflect a significant investment of time, dollars and scientific expertise from both Vertex and the CF Foundation, and we look forward to working closely with the Foundation as we seek to bring VX-770 to people with CF.”

Said Preston W. Campbell III, M.D., executive vice president for medical affairs of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: “As a physician who has treated CF patients for many years, the VX-770 results are more than just numbers — they represent hope.” He added, “It’s not surprising that patients felt better on the drug because of the magnitude of lung function improvement and weight gain. These are important clinical outcomes, and the fact they were maintained through 48 weeks is very encouraging.”

Im thinking it is Fridayyyyy

LOVE LOVE LOVE.....THIS SONG

Valentines with Jen and Adam

Happy Valentines Day yall!!!

I had off today and so I was pretty happy to be able to sleep in this morning. I was pleasantly surprised that Nick had already got movie tickets for us tonight. We were going to go to Carrabas and then found out there was A hour long wait, I should have known better. We ended up going to Sushi Rock for some Japanese (Nicks Favorite) and sat next to the nicest family. After dinner I was so excited to head over to Cami Cakes and indulge in A little cupcake heaven. I was SO disappointed to get there and there was literally only 10 cupcakes in the window, none of which were my favorites. Nick and I walked around the mall for A little bit and headed towards the movie theatre passing by Cami Cakes again where there was only one lonely cupcake in the window...How Sad yall

We went and saw the movie Just go with it with Jenifer Aniston and Adam Sandler.

This movie was simply perfect,everything I love in A movie. Nick and I literally laughed through the whole movie,It was A perfect date night movie. I suggest this movie to you and guarantee you it will not disappoint. Can I also add that Brad Pitt was SUCH A fool for leaving that girl, She is so gorgeous.

Happy Valentines Day....

Delish Recipes

Okay....I told everyone that I would be getting the recipes together for the O SO YUMMY food we had at our Superbowl party.....These recipes are perfect for any get together...Enjoy

Buffalo Chicken Dip

My friend Megan brought this and it was A hit

What you Need:

•  3-4 chicken breast cooked and diced
• 1 8 oz block of cream cheese
• 16 oz of shredded cheese
• 12 oz mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of buffalo sauce ( or as preferred)

Mix all ingredients to incorporate together and bake in glass casserole dish at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Stir. If still lumpy, continue to cook until smooth. Serve with Frito's and Celery sticks.

Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents

Love love love these and they are So easy

What you need:

• 16 oz of sausage cooked and crumbled
• 8 oz of cream cheese
• 2 cans of crescent rolls (For the Sandra lee semi home made way)

Mix cooked sausage and cream cheese together,Separate rolls into triangles and in half lengthwise. Scoop and heaping tbs onto each triangle,roll up and bake @ 375 for about 15 minutes....

Chipped Beef Cheese ball

OK...When my friend Krista told me what was in this (Chipped Beef) I didn't know what that was...So if any of you are as clueless as I was this....Is chipped beef

What you need:

• 1 8 oz package of cream cheese
• 1 tbs of onion chopped (My friend used scallions and I liked it way better)
• 3/4 can of chipped beef in the jar ( be sure to soak beef to remove saltiness,follow instructions on jar)
• 1tbs of worschishire sauce
• 1 tbs of milk

Mix all ingredients together and shape to your liking and enjoy....SOOOOO yummy

Best BLT dip

It really lives up to the name....

What you need:

• 1 pound of bacon
• 1  32 oz jar of mayonnaise ( Hey I never said these were healthy)
• 1 tomato chopped
• 32 ounces of sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Cook bacon until crispy, put on towel to absorb grease then for best results chop bacon in food processor however finely chopped will work. In A large mixing bowl mix together bacon, tomato and jar of mayo.Then add half the container of sour cream and blend well.Then add sour cream by spoonfuls until the flavor of mayo is not over whelming. You'll be left with about A cup of sour cream, Lightly coat top with garlic powder,Salt and pepper.

Ranch Ham Roll Ups

What you need:

• 2- 8 oz packages of cream cheese
• 1 envelope of ranch dressing
• 3 green onions chopped
• 11 flour tortillas
• 22 slices of thing deli ham

In A small bowl beat cream cheese and ranch together until smooth.Stir in onions. Spread about 3 tablespoons over each tortilla; top each with two ham slices. Roll up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm. Unwrap and cut into 3/4-in. slices. Yield: about 7-1/2 dozen.

Go Pack Go!!!

Let me put it out there that I would much rather have seen the jaguars go to the super bowl.....Since that didnt happen this year Nick and I were pulling for the packers.Nick and I had A superbowl/housewarming party last night and had SO much fun.We had about 25 people here last night and had A great night with some GREAT food. I could not believe some of the yummy dips and goodies we had they were soooo delish. I think I might get all the recipes together and post them on here for yall. Other than being completely thrown off my the fact that Christina augilera messed up our NATIONAL ANTHEM I was happy that the packers won.Here are some pics enjoy!!

 

Staying for A while

So it looks like Nicks lungs will be hanging around for A while. Nick and I headed to Gainesville for his transplant appointment. After waiting two and A half hours the Dr. came in for literally 3 minutes yall....Anyways he said that Nick sounded good he wants to see him back in 6 months as long as his lung function does not drop dramatically. He said that he didn't really see Nick being listed for another 2-3 years as long as he continues to be compliant....GOD IS GOOD!!!!!  Thanks for all the prayers, We love you all

LUNGS

Dear Lungs,
I would really like to be stress free for A couple more years. My dear hunk of A husband takes pretty good care of you, I just hope you can hang in there for A while longer. I would really hate  for him to have to get rid of you for some new ones....Thanks

            Nicks Wife

Busy As A Bee

Nick and I have been A bunch of busy little bees yall ....With Nicks transplant appointment coming up on Wednesday he has been busy trying to make sure he is in tip top shape.We are also hosting A Superbowl/housewarming party this weekend.With everyone coming over we have been trying to nip A couple little projects in the butt. We also sold our AMAZING sectional that I will miss ohhhhhh so much but the white HAD TO GO.Today we had our new ones delivered and they are so comfortable.Anyways here are A couple of the projects we have been trying to get done.

This bench I found on the side of the road and was SO nasty but I saw some potential in it.

This is it now...Almost done

I got this chair from my friend Joell and LOVE it

However it did need A makeover and let me tell you,

This chair was NOOOOTT easy to re do...I am still working on it

I still have to cover the bottom,The fabric is just laid on there and the arm rest.

We have also been working on A fireplace but I am going to post on that when we are done.I hope everyone had A great weekend.

Transplant Update

As most of you know last October Nick got pretty sick and then in August was evaluated for A double lung transplant. Thankfully from October to August Nick kicked butt and got his self where he needed to be and was not eligible to go on the list. However they wanted Nick to come back every six months to be re evaluated and see where he is at as far as being listed. Six months has come fast yall,Nicks appointment is the first week of February.

I wish that I could say we are as confident as we were walking into that Dr. office last October. However I cannot....Nick is by no means sick right now but...He is by no means where he was last October. I am usually very optimistic about all of Nicks appointments because he is so amazing and always seems to pull something out of no where and do great. I pray every day that its not time for Nick to be listed,I am being SO selfish but I am just not ready yet. I am not ready I am not ready I am just not ready yet and I don't know if he is either. How ever I do know that NO MATTER WHAT I am by his side and I will do WHATEVER it takes to get him where he needs to be.

It has been so hard with us buying the new house for him to get back into what made him SO STRONG last October. THE GYM!!! With that being said Monday starts A new week and back to the gym NO EXCUSES like my Grandmother and Nike say "Just do it". For us normal people its just A saying with A little meaning behind it if you allow how ever for my husband it is do or die.....

Heavenly Bananas

This is really random but this was so unbelievably good that I just HAD to tell yall about this. Nick and I went grocery shopping today and I snuck this little bit of heaven into my buggie.....

Rich, fresh roasted banana ice cream blended with a brown sugar and rum swirl with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg that puts the classic dessert to shame.

I could not believe how good this ice cream was. This is A MUST TRY and it is A limited edition so run yes literally run to your local store and get ya A little bit of heaven

On Another note....Nick and I are almost done with the faux fireplace. Nick painted on the white primer tonight and will be painting it antique pearl tomorrow.

Dr.Appointment and Faux Fireplace

Hey yall, I know I have kinda been MIA lately. I have just not been in A blogging mood much and I hate it. Between work and all these house projects I'm am just slap wore out.I figured I would let everyone know how Nick is doing. He had A Dr.Appointment this past week and I am so excited his numbers were slightly up and he also gained A couple pounds. I had to work when Nick had his Dr. appointment and I HATE it I feel like it is my job to be there with him. I know he is A grown man but I just feel its my part to be by his side.Anyways when I called him after his appointment I could automatically tell he had A good visit,Its all in his voice....Its so cute yall

Nick is such A great hubby I dream up all these CrAzY projects and he is so good about making it happen.Our latest project is making A Faux fireplace/mantel, Something along these lines....

Nick has gone above and beyond and worked SO hard on this project I cant wait to see what the final product looks like. Here are some pics of the Faux fireplace/mantel in the making,Excuse the mess.

Hopefully we   he will be finished with it tonight and I can start painting it tomorrow.He still has some trim to put along the bottom and the actual mantel piece.

We went and picked out paint and when we are all done we hope it will look similar to this....

traditional dining room design by other metros interior designer Judith Balis

WHATCHA THINK?

Whats going on

I have been trying to do some blog post lately and if you read my blog you know I rarely make A post with out A pic. To me it makes blogs more interesting, People want to see what you are talking about. Well....for some reason I can only post one pic to my blog at a time then I have to exit out of the blog, come back in and then load up the next pic. It is weird and very annoying,Is anyone else having this problem?

So I decided I need to keep on blogging, So until I figure this out there will be less pictures because it is way to time consuming doing it the way it is now.

On another note Nick and I have been pretty busy lately. From our trip to Indy, Christmas shopping and Christmas and then being busy with the house. As you know Nick recently got sick and we have A good feeling it was from him working on the house to much and wearing himself out. So its hard to not want to work on the house and we are trying to find that balance where we can still work on it but not wear ourselves out.

Here are some pics of the little projects we have done in the past couple of weeks

This is the closet in our guest bedroom. I wanted A workspace where I could do crafts. I didn't want to invade Nicks manspace/office so I came up with this. Nick help me put up A couple wall to wall shelves and some trim and TADAAAA!!

I absolutely love it and it was really easy.

Here is A picture of the new wall art we just did, I LOVE IT!!!!

We had it on this wall at first and left  it there for A little bit but I just wasn't feeling it.

So it is now here...

 Now I will be trying to finish our picture wall and hope that it will look as good as this

Picture wall

I hope everyone had A great Christmas I am excited to post about some things to come for us in the New Year.