Mark & Amy's Awesome Life!

Looking forward to a New Year!!!

2011-12-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

2011 was such a blessed year for me. Now it's time to write my year-end blog and share with everyone what's happened to me in the last year, and what I'm looking forward to in 2012.

I started out the year of 2011 as a single woman trying to find her way in life. I had returned to the Globe-Miami, AZ area after living in the Tempe and Mesa area for 2 1/2 years. I decided to go back to school and try to finish my education. I quickly found a job and got registered for school. By my 33rd birthday things had already made a turn for the better. I was living with my best friend Stephanie in Miami, and on the night of my birthday things REALLY changed in my life. After going out to eat with my parents and Grandma Cothrun, I returned home and my roommate suggested we go out for a birthday drink at a local bar in Globe. I wasn't too interested in it, but decided to go anyway. I figured I might be able to have some fun visiting with friends on my birthday at least. It was karaoke night at the Drift Inn and I figured we would go. We got there and karaoke was cancelled, so we went to another place where we knew there was free pool. At least I could shoot some pool. I love that.

So we went to the other bar, and were visiting with friends and playing pool when the unexpected occurred. We were out on the back patio when a friend of my roommate's came outside. He worked at the restaurant next door and had just gotten off work and decided to come out back and see who all was hanging around. My best friend knew him and enthusiastically introduced us. His name was MARK BENITES. Little did I know that night how much this man would change my life.

Well the months passed by and alot of things happened in my life. Mark became my best friend and he stuck by me through some pretty tough things this year. There was amazing chemistry and we decided to patiently let our friendship develop. Mark wanted to leave Globe, so he wasn't interested in dating at the time. I told him I didn't want to stay in Globe either, and we discussed the possibility of me moving with him. My parents met him and they were very impressed with him. When the time came for us to move to Clovis, my parents offered to tow my car and take us there.

We got to Clovis on July 30th and moved into a motel. My parents met his parents the night we got there, and everyone got along famously. It wasn't long after we moved that Mark finally asked me to be his girlfirend. On August 22, 2011 Mark got down on one knee and proposed to me. We were married October 1st at our church, Faith Christian Family Church, and life has taken off since then.

So many wonderful things have happened this year in my life. I am so blessed, and happier than I ever thought possible! I am looking forward to many amazing blessings in 2012. We are going to the Lighthouse Mission where we will celebrate New Year's Eve surrounded by many friends. And at the stroke of midnight we will celebrate 3 months of blissful marriage together.

May all my friends be blessed and happy in 2012! Love you all!

<3 Amy

Marvin Family Memorial - Phoenix, AZ

2011-12-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

We just had a wonderful memorial for Mark's grandparents on December 5th with lots of fun with family. Mark's mom is one of 11 children, and spending time with his family was so fun. Here are a few pictures from the event.

We listened to a recording of Mark's grandpa singing while we prepared to send off the balloons. Each balloon had a small amount of the ashes from both of Mark's grandparents in them, so that was their family's way of spreading their ashes. Kinda cool.

This picture has everyone from Mark's immediate family that attended in it. His mom & stepdad, 2 sisters, brother-in-law and 2 neices and nephew all together. It was a really great experience for our family.

Up, up & away!!!

You could see the balloons from miles away. They looked like stars in the daylight once they got up so high. It was neat.

Two of my beautiful neices - Joy and Marisa.

This picture is blurry but I love it. My neice Joy & nephew Matthew. I love this picture because it really shows off their personalities.

Me & Joy

Joy being silly with the elk.

This is my father-in-law, Mark's stepdad Randy & 2 of my sisters-in-law, Shelly & Courtney

Two of Mark's little cousins

The kids all had a blast playing outside on this beautiful winter day. I love this picture of my nephew in action.

So very thankful for family!!!

2011-11-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

I LOVE MY IN-LAWS!!!
This Thanksgiving is my first time sharing the holidays with Mark's family. We are so blessed to have 4 sisters and several neices and nephews! I am so grateful for them in my life! My sister and brother in law and their family have returned home from Georgia and will be home through the holidays and we are so excited! Mark's sisters and family have come from Phoenix for Thanksgiving! Yay!

Starting to exercise again...

2011-11-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

Now that my pain levels have decreased dramatically, I am starting to exercise again. I've been walking quite a bit on the treadmill with only slight soreness afterward. Last Friday I started using a set of 2 lb. hand weights on the treadmill and I must say, I did have a bit more soreness over the weekend. But nothing major. So today I begin strength training. I will keep you posted on my progress. I did take an NSAID this morning before leaving for the gym, so hopefully that will keep down any extra inflammation. It's important for me to remember that even though my pain has decreased dramatically I still have RA and Fibro, and I must remain conscientious of this fact. But I am taking steps forward to get in shape! I am hoping to get pregnant within the next year and I need to lose weight for my body to function better and give me better chances at conception. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! So onward and upward!

Glorieta, New Mexico - Prayer Garden

2011-11-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

Glorieta had so many amazing things as part of their church facility owned by the Southern Baptist Church. They have used this area for youth camps, women's conferences, men's conferences and many more things throughout the years. One of the most amazing things about this place is how spiritual it is. They have created areas throughout the Christian Conference center to help you get closer to God. This Prayer Garden was so amazing. One could spend hours here and never want to leave.

As you enter the garden, you can see that the trees have been planted around an ascending staircase that features a well at the top, which runs down a center spring into the lower well at the bottom. This time of year the fountains were not running, but I could imagine how beautiful and serene that must look during the summertime. Paths on each side of the water feature gave opportunities for prayer and pondering at each level. It began with these signs....

These were some of the features they had along the way up...

My good friend Loana in front of the cross at one stopping place along the path...

The water feature was lined with beautiful flowers on both sides...

And this is the view from the top well looking down...

This is such a beautiful place. It has been in operation for over 60 years. It is so sad to know that as of November 1, 2011, Glorieta will only be open during the summer for youth camps and other special events. If you would like to learn more about Glorieta, visit http://glorietaconferencecenter.org

Glorieta, New Mexico - Fall Colors Pictures

2011-11-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be nice to post some of my pictures from Glorieta, New Mexico. This is where I attended Women of Destiny and received some amazing healing...my first experience of this magnitude. I took some amazing pictures while I was there.

None of these pictures have been edited in any way. No photoshop needed. Just nature in its truest beauty needs no touch up. Here are some pictures of the main chapel where they had the neatest entrance to the building. Built around the US Flag and NM flag the flags were in the shape of the NM symbol, and each flag had the name JESUS on it, and above it, one of the many names He has been called. See here....

The chapel looked amazing at night.

Probably one of the neatest things I've ever caught on camera.....This was taken the morning of my healing, right after leaving the chapel. It felt like there were angels in the room as hundreds of women were slain in the Spirit and freed from fear, anxiety and physical problems. Outside it looked like there was an angel in the sky as you can see in these pics.

Almost a month now....Pain Free!

2011-11-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

I have been living in awe for nearly a month at the goodness of God. I have been raised all my life to believe in His amazing miracles that He can bring into a person's life, but have wondered for nearly 3 1/2 years if there was any way that I was going to EVER be free of the chronic pain that inflicted every second of my life! With diagnoses of Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Sjogren's Syndrome I had lived every day with the most excruciating pain! I was so tired of hurting and there was NO light at the end of the tunnel.

On October 14th & 15th I was blessed to attend Women of Destiny in Glorieta, NM with the women of my church. On Sunday a wonderful woman who had been cured of Stage 4 cancer gave a talk on healing. We took communion and she had us form an anointing line for physical healing. As I stood in this line I was praying for deliverance from the captivity my pain had put me in. In my mind I could see two of my guardian angels standing by my side...on my right my beloved Aunt Mary Teresa Cothrun, who fought a courageous battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and who I cared for until the day she finally left this earthly life. My Aunt Teresa is my hero...she never lost her positive attitude, even until the end. She has always inspired me. On my left I could see my Grammy, Betty Cook, who lived every day with the pain of arthritis. She has always been another one of my heroes. I never could understand what kind of pain she was in until I had to live with it myself. Now I could see these two wonderful women standing next to me, and as Barbara came along the anointing line and commanded me to partake of the healing Christ offered me through his stripes, I felt a rush of warmth spread through my body. Although it was not instantaneous I knew that some healing had occurred.

Now nearly a month later I am in awe at how the pain has LEFT my body. If I overdo myself I still feel normal twinges of pain as any other person does, but the widespread pain that debilitated me every day for over 3 years is now gone. I have been able to start working out again and doing things I haven't been able to enjoy for years! The miraculous thing is that I am now off ALL the medications I once took (at one time I was on 16 different medications). I now only take my insulin for my diabetes, and an occasional muscle relaxer in the evenings if my restless legs start acting up, but that is only maybe 3 nights a week now.

I feel so blessed to have experienced this healing! My faith, which has always been strong, has been strengthened dramatically since I began attending Faith Christian Family Church here in Clovis, New Mexico, where my husband and I were married. Christ still works miracles....I am living proof! Praise the Lord!

Married life is great!

2011-10-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted anything, so I thought I would write something today. We've been married for 3 weeks now and life is great! We are now in the process of planning TWO parties in Arizona for December. We will be going out for 3 days and having get togethers everywhere we go! Friday December 2 we will have a picnic in the afternoon at the Globe Community Center from 4 pm until dark. That night we will have a karaoke party at the Shamrock Bar in Claypool, AZ from 9 pm until 2 am. Saturday & Sunday we will spend the day in Phoenix with Mark's family, and we will have a picnic party at Desert West Park Sports Complex on Sunday, December 4th for an afternoon of family & fun with hot dogs, hamburgers and volleyball! I plan to take lots of pictures so I'll post them soon after the events. Life is great!

Life In Transition....So much is happening!

2011-09-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

As we count down the final 9 days to our wedding, Mark and I have had so many wonderful things happen in our lives. We just moved into the cutest little 1 bedroom house here in Clovis. It's got it's own little yard that we can work with and it's just right for us. We also invested in a 1994 Lexus that is in great condition and we got a great deal for it!

Just a few pics from our house BEFORE we moved in.

Moving onward and upward! Preparing for a new start...

2011-07-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

As July comes to a close, my best friend Mark and I are about to begin a new adventure together. On Saturday, July 30th, we embark on a nearly 11-hour drive as my parents take us to our new home in Clovis, New Mexico. We are all registered for school and classes start August 22nd. Hopefully getting there almost 3 weeks in advance will help us find jobs to get us through until we get our financial aid in September sometime.

So, we go with faith that we will have a better, more productive life as we move to Clovis. I will try to do better at posting updates on here once we move, so we can use Blogger as well as Facebook to keep in touch with people. Well time to get busy packing! So much to do in so little time!

Finally found the cause of my pain!

2011-06-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I have been in SEVERE pain over most of the past 3 years. Summer of 2008 I was hit with the most excruciating pain....beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in April of 2009 and have been doing all that I can to find relief, to no avail. So I finally asked my doctor to run further tests on me to check me for another condition my previous doctor had mentioned, which was an autoimmune disorder. Tests came back, and my labs showed that I have RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. Now that explains why the severe pain wouldn't go away! So now I am learning all that I can about RA so that I can be an empowered patient. Hopefully relief will come in time, but so far it's a rare occasion that I feel halfway decent.

How Time Flies...

2011-06-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Wow! I just logged on and realized that I haven't blogged since January 3rd! I am amazed at all that has happened in the last 5 months. That post I did on the rune that indicated that much change was about to happen in my life was a prediction of such UNDERSTATEMENT! The last few months have been nothing but a whirlwind of ups and downs. But for the most part I have been holding strong and staying steady.

Much of my strength has come from my new best friend, Mark. I met Mark on my 33rd birthday here in Globe. My bday is Jan. 19th and his is Feb 20th of the same year. He is the closest person to my own age I have ever been this close with. I think the winds of fate have been working toward our meeting for a long time. So many coincidences that the fact that our meeting was NOT a coincidence is very apparent.

Ever since Jan. 19th, Mark has been my rock through so many ups and downs. He has become my BEST FRIEND. He is a good Christian man, with strong faith and good strong moral values. What I admire most is the way he can always find a way to make me smile or laugh, on the drop of a dime. I am so glad to have him in my life. Mark has invited me to move with him to Clovis, NM in August and we are working on getting into school there and making preparations to move. I am looking forward to it! The best part about having Mark in my life is that my parents love him and his family likes me too! Yay! Who knows what the future holds for us, but come what may he will always be an important part of my life.

My Daily Rune. 3 January 2011.... Eh/Ehwaz

2011-01-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

Wow. It is still weird writing 2011. Another year has begun, and I have been preparing to go back to school. Since several people in my family have encouraged me to find another degree to pursue than anthropology, due to the difficulty in finding a post-graduate job, I have decided to pursue a degree in History. My dad helped me gain an appreciation for history as I was growing up, and after looking into the university that I want to attend, and their academic programmes, I have decided to pursue a Major in History, with a minor in Photography and Journalism. So tomorrow I am going to go to the college and see if I can get my financial aid taken care of in time to attend school this semester. Classes don't start until next week, so maybe I can.
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Anyway, I have often been interested in the lore of runes. Runes are an ancient Germanic alphabet, used for writing, divination and magick. They were used throughout northern Europe, Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland from about 100 B.C.E. to 1600 C.E. Runic inscriptions of great age have even been found in North America, supporting stories that the Vikings arrived in the Americas long before Columbus. On one of my favorite sites, I found a daily rune reading generator. I just thought it was interesting what mine said today. It is:

Eh/Ehwaz

Original meaning: CHANGE

Changes. Newcomers. Animals and movement are favored. Travel is indicated, perhaps relocation. Your instincts are correct regarding the situation.

Eh is another rune of movement, but unlike Raedd, the concern is the vehicle of movement, the war horse and all the symbolism surrounding it. Eh is a rune of motion, pride, joy and confidence. It is the rune of pleasurable journeys. It is also a rune of cooperation like that between horse and rider. Some therefore, see it as as symbolic of marriage, though the usual rune associated with that institution is Giefu. Eh can be symbolic of the fetch, one's guardian spirit. In folklore the fetch often appears as a horse. And the fetch often aids the spellcaster on his or her journey.

Eh, like Wynn is a rune of harmony, of two things or two people working together on a journey to achieve a common goal. This harmony includes working with others, pride in one's partner and communication. It is a rune of comfort, the creation of contentness. It draws forth imagery of the road trip, a trip taken for the mere pleasure of it to quell restless feelings. Most of all, Eh is the ability to set forth on a journey, it is the vehicle for travel. Eh is one of the runes indicating nobility, the others being Cen, Tir and Ethel.

In divination, Eh may refer to a period of cooperation, it can indicate marriage but RARELY one in the making. In addition, it can indicate a pleasurable journey or a period of well-being.

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I can definitely associate with this rune and where it fits into my life today. I am enjoying making plans for my future, and I am beginning to enter a place of peace and harmony. This year will be a time of major change and improvement for my life. I am determined it will be!

I AM EXCEPTIONAL

2010-12-28T03:23:00.000-07:00

If you listen to my playlist that I have on here, you will notice that the first song is called "Exceptional" by JoJo. This song is an inspiration to me, and I will live my life remembering how exceptional I am. I am going to stop living my life for whatever man is in my life, and begin living as the exceptional woman that I am. One day the right man will come into my life and he will appreciate me for all my wonderful qualities, and he will be the one that will measure up to all of my expectations, and I will finally be able to know unconditional love. I am in no hurry though, and am dedicating the next several years of my life to having friends, and dating only exceptional people. I will not jump into another relationship again until a man has proven to me that he is worthy of my affection and devotion. I am so tired of being hurt, and I am going to make my life personally rewarding from now on.

So here are the lyrics of this song, and I feel they describe ME very well.
:0)
Amy

"Exceptional"

Mmmm

You're beautiful but you don't know
Can't see what's there inside your soul
Always feeling like you're not good enough
You wish you could be someone else
Sometimes you just can't see yourself
But I can see just who you are, who you are
You're exceptional the way you are
Don't need to change for nobody
You're incredible, anyone can see that

When will you believe that?
You are nothing but exceptional
(Yeah)
You never think you measure up
Never smart or cool, or pretty enough
Always feeling different from all the rest, oh
You feel so out of place, you think you don't fit in
I think you're perfect in the skin you're in
You're just perfect just how you are, just how you are, yeah

[chorus]
You're exceptional the way you are
Don't need to change for nobody
You're incredible, anyone can see that
When will you believe that?
You are nothing but exceptional

If you could see the one I see when I see you
You'd know how lucky you are to be you
I see through into you

And you are...

You're exceptional the way you are
Don't need to change for nobody
You're incredible, anyone can see that
When will you believe that? (You are)
You're exceptional the way you are
Don't need to change for nobody
You're incredible, anyone can see that
When will you believe that?
You are nothing but exceptional

RIP Aunt Theresa...I will miss you dearly!

2010-04-25T19:49:00.001-07:00

For nearly the last 2 months, I have been living up in the White Mountains with my Aunt Theresa & Uncle Mike. This little town of Pinedale had been their home since 1988, and my beloved aunt has been fighting a battle for her life against Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer for nearly 14 years. I resigned at H & R Block to go up and take care of my aunt full-time. This was probably the greatest privilege I have ever had. On April 14th around 10:15 a.m., I was able to share the most precious moment with her as she entered into her final rest at her home, on a most beautiful spring morning.

Several members of our family were not able to make it to the memorial, so I thought I would scan the program that was put together by my uncle and cousins so you all could see it here. If any of you would like me to email you the PDF file I created, please contact me at lfcwifeypoos@live.com and I will send it to you.

My uncle wrote this about his wonderful wife:

My aunt & uncle's marriage was FAR from perfect, but they stuck by each other through thick & thin. They were married in November of 1976 in Cripple Creek, Colorado, my Aunt Theresa's hometown. They moved to Globe, Arizona and lived here near our family until they moved to Pinedale in 1988.

My cousin Seth and I are EXACTLY one month apart to the day (I'm older, lol). My little cousin Jacinda was born on Mother's Day of 1986, when I was 8, and she became my closest cousin over the years. Bryan was born shortly after they moved to Pinedale in 1988. This great picture of them was taken yesterday at the memorial party we had for Aunt Theresa in Pinedale.

My cousin Jacinda & her mom had a relationship that was full of ups and downs. I know my aunt loved Jay Bird with all of her heart. Jacinda was fortunate to be there with me the morning her mom passed. She chose the dress that the nurse & I dressed her in as she was taking her last breaths and embarking on her final journey out of this life. The dress was beautiful and vibrant, just like my aunt's personality. As I zipped up the zipper on her dress, my aunt breathed her final breath. She was finally at peace.

This special tribute was written by Jacinda Paige in honour of her beloved mother. I don't think anyone could have written anything better about my aunt. The portrait she paints of her mother is exquisitely accurate and very touching. I would like to share it with you here.

The thing I loved most about my Aunt Theresa was the way she was always herself, and encouraged everyone around her to revel in their individuality. As I grew up she always encouraged me to be true to myself and that those who mind don't matter and those who matter DON'T mind - they will love you just the way you are. She taught me how to make friends and how to KEEP friends. Her sense of fashion and love of music influenced me greatly. I am the hippie chick I am today because of her and my uncle Mike's influences. I enjoyed every minute that I spent with them, and being with her in her last days was probably the greatest privilege of my life. I will miss you dearly Aunt Theresa. May you rest peacefully. You fought so courageously. All my love, Amy

RIP Dazie May - March 22, 1998 - March 24, 2010

2010-03-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

This last week we lost a very dear family member. Dazie May had just celebrated her 12th birthday 2 days earlier, when she entered into rest on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at my parents' home in Globe, Arizona.

Everyone who knew Dazie knew what a wonderful personality she had. She will be dearly missed. We love you Dazie!

Catching Up - New Beginnings for 2010

2010-02-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, I let myself get a little bit behind on my blog postings! I can't believe it's almost March already! So much has happened already this year. I have been working and trying to earn enough money to do what I need to do, but we all know how money is spent faster than it is earned!

I finally got my last name changed back to COLLEY and got the new license and social security card. Now hopefully I'll get my passport sent off soon to have my name changed back. I can't believe it's been nearly 9 months since Mark has been back in my life. Each passing week I am reminded why I fell in love with him to begin with. I know that the love I felt for him has never died, and since I've had him back in my life, it has only grown stronger than ever.

I will have to prepare some posts that will cover things that have happened already this year - my 32nd birthday and Valentine's Day. Hopefully I'll find the time to do it soon. I'm trying to get better at keeping these things updated! In another few months I'll be back in England, where I will most likely spend the rest of my life, so I will use this to keep in touch with family and friends around the globe! That way I won't feel so far from home! I love you all...keep blogging! Love, Amy

RIP Soulman - My Dear Friend

2009-11-14T16:18:00.002-07:00

Friday, November 13th was a day of celebration in loving memory of my friend Ken MacAuley, aka "Soulman" or "Spanky". Everyone who knew him loved him. He was only 42 years old and passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly after having complications from a stint. It is amazing how when the Lord is ready to take someone, He will. Ken leaves behind 3 beautiful daughters and a loving wife. The day of his memorial was bittersweet. It began with a nice memorial at the Miami Church of Christ, followed my a reception at the First Baptist Church, where my parents were married and where we held my Grandpa Cothrun's funeral 7 years ago.

The evening was completed with a night full of karaoke at the Shamrock in Claypool, where all of his friends sang to his memory with his family in attendance. Thankfully I held myself together until right when we left, when I stood looking at his pictures and saying a final farewell.

Soulman, you will be forever missed and there will be so many songs I will not be able to ever hear again without thinking of you. Especially the Blues Brothers, who you were so famous for performing. I know you're singing in heaven with them now, and the Lord has another happy angel who is singing with him now. YOU WILL BE DEARLY MISSED, MY FRIEND.

Stone Temple Pilots at the AZ State Fair!!!

2009-10-19T16:27:00.002-07:00

I was fortunate enough to witness history with 2 of my closest friends, Harrison and Stephanie, last night at the Arizona State Fair, as Stone Temple Pilots gave their first concert together in 14 years.

It was absolutely AMAZING!!!

I must say, my voice is hardly existent today from all the screaming. We had an excellent seat for being in general admission. We were about 30 feet up and back from the stage, easily in view from all the band members.

Scott Weiland was in supreme form! It was obvious that he was clean because his voice was better than ever! The crowd sang along with every song, myself included. It was over all too soon, but I hope that a comeback album and tour will soon follow. Stone Temple Pilots are FAR from dead. Scott....you've still got it, and we still love you!!! STP still ROCKS!!!! I'm so glad I got to be there!!!!!

Thank you Harrison for taking us!!!!!!!!

Story of 4 Sisters and 2 Families

2009-08-04T23:54:00.003-07:00

Many friends and family that I keep in touch with on Facebook and Myspace have heard me talking about my sisters, and several people have asked me recently, "Where are all these sisters coming from?" Since I haven't been in touch with several people for many years, I thought I would tell the story of the 4 sisters and 2 families that have blessed my life.

As most people know, I was adopted at the tender age of 1. My parents, Mary and Gary Denton, longed for a child, and were unable to have their own successfully. So they turned to adoption. They had to wait three years to get me, but they say it was worth it. I hope so!! I know it was worth it for ME!!! I'm probably the lucky one here, I'd say. :-)

Anyway, many of you are a part of, or know of my family well. I was raised with the best parents, who always tried to teach me the right way to live. I have always dreamed of having a lifetime love like theirs. They are such great examples to me. One thing rang true throughout my life.....I always wanted brothers and sisters. In fact, I always felt like I had some somewhere, and little did I know how close they were. As fate would have it, we grew up in the same town. My sisters and I shared the same friends, knew the same people....only we DIDN'T know each other.

Not until I turned 19 years old. When I was 18 I told my parents that I wanted to search for my birthfamily, to see what I could find out about myself. To know what kind of family I came from. And to know if I had any siblings out there after all or not. Well, some people search all their lives for their family members and never find them. I was fortunate to only look for a little over a year. On December 15, 1999 I found my birthmother, Lori, and found out that I had three sisters, myself being the 2nd eldest.

So for the last 12 years I have had the joy of being a sister and an aunt. I wish my sisters and I lived closer together so we could spend time together, but life happens. We all have our own lives to lead, but I hope that someday we will all be able to sit together and enjoy some time together before our lives are through. I am so grateful for my sisters. Finding my birthfamily only helped me to understand myself so much better, and helped me appreciate the wonderful FAMILIES that I have. I was not blessed to have ONE amazing family, but TWO. So that's our story!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2009-06-19T16:44:00.005-07:00

There are not many men in this world today who measure up to the man who has made the most influence in my life....my daddy. When I was a little girl I was his pride and joy, but as I have grown older we have grown apart, mainly because I have disappointed him so much with some of the choices that I have made in my life. We don't talk very often, and when we do it's usually not for very long. He has never agreed with any of my choices for a companion in my life, but there's not many men in this world like him anymore. I wish there were.

My father has always tried to teach me important things in life. As an only child, I have always been a daddy's girl. He is the most honest man that I know, and a man of few words, but the words he says are strong and true. He has always tried to teach me that a person's reputation is the most important thing, and when he gives his word on something he never fails. He is a wonderful husband, devoted son and a wonderful father. I couldn't have been blessed with anyone better as my daddy.

I hope you have a happy father's day, Dad. Even though I can't be there to share it with you, you will be in my heart and mind. I hope you never doubt the love I have for you, and how much you mean to me.

Love Always, Your Toots

38 Years and Going Strong

2009-06-19T16:32:00.003-07:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD!!!!

In the world today, not many couples find lasting love with one person. After three divorces, I sometimes get discouraged with love and feel like true love doesn't exist anymore. Whenever I feel this way, I think of the two people who have impacted my life the most.....my parents. Today is their 38th wedding anniversary, and I want them to know how much I love them, and what an inspiration they are to me. Their marriage has been far from perfect. They lost 2 babies and adopted me, giving me love and life and values. I try do my best to hold true to those values amidst all the ups and downs that life deals to me. I don't get to see them often, but I think of them every day.

Mom and Dad, I want you to know how much I love you both, and thank you for everything you've ever done for me, and everything you WILL ever do for me. You have impacted me more than you will ever know. I dream of having a love like the two of you do. All I have to do is close my eyes and I can see you dancing together. Hopefully someday I will know a love like yours. Through everything I've ever put you through, you both have remained there for me. No matter what happens to me in my life, I know I can always turn to you. I love you and miss you and hope to see you soon. I hope your anniversary is as wonderful as you both are.

Love, Toots aka Amos

Ode to my Family

2009-05-29T18:59:00.005-07:00

I am basically making this post to see how many of my family members on blogspot really read my profile at all. This message is especially for them. When I joined this site, I did it so that I could keep in touch with friends and more importantly, FAMILY members who are both near and far away. I have chosen to follow all of their blogs, and even sent them emails to let them know about my profile so they could follow me too. Well, nobody has followed me in my family, not even so much as sent me a message. I feel like I have been rejected by my family due to some of the bad decisions I made in the past.

Well, I am far from perfect, but I have learned from each of my past mistakes, and I am trying to do my best everyday to live as well as I can. I may not be as wonderful as you all are, but I love you all no matter what. I'm sorry if I've offended anyone with the way that I've lived MY life, but that's just it....it's MY LIFE. And for the most part I am HAPPY with my life. I have a lot of challenges, but I try to meet each of them with a positive attitude and faith that this too shall pass. But I feel like people have lost faith in me, and that doesn't feel so good. So if anyone in my family on blogspot reads this, please know that I long to have a relationship with you all again. Sorry if I've ever offended you, but people change and grow every day, and I am grateful for the mistakes I've made, because they've made me a very strong person, and no matter what, I WILL BE A SUCCESS......someday. But even though your idea of success is different than mine, I am still a human being with feelings. So I hope that MAYBE you all might act as though I'm a part of YOUR family too, instead of a stranger. I would appreciate that.

Oops....I did it again.

2009-05-29T17:55:00.005-07:00

EIGHT TIMES in 6 years.....

In December 2003 I came out the back stairs of my double-wide trailer in Las Cruces, NM to get the laundry off the clothes line, because it looked like a storm was rolling in. As I came off the last step, there was a brick missing in the walkway, which I didn't see, of course, and I severely twisted my left ankle.

SNAP, CrAcKlE, POP!!! It said....

I've reinjured this foot 7 additional times since then. Just as I thought I was out of the wheelchair again....here I am once again! Can you believe it?

Sciatica

2009-04-22T09:09:00.003-07:00

UGH.....If things couldn't get worse.....now I've got a major case of sciatica down from my right hip all the way down my leg. I ended up in the ER last night, only to be given pain meds and told to go to my Rheumatologist so he can be the one to run tests. So at least I was able to sleep HALFWAY decently. The night before I was in so much pain my pillow was drenched in sweat! Last night only about half as much. I've decided to start using my wheelchair when I go out on the town so I can move around without pain, and it won't take me all day to get somewhere. I'm getting to be such a pro at this chair! I don't care about what people say or how they look at me. After spending so much time in this chair with ankle injuries and stuff it doesn't even phase me anymore what people think.

The good news is we're moving next week! I think I pinched my sciatic nerve while packing the other day. Just my luck! AND both mine and my bf's computers crashed this week. We've just got to buy some replacement parts and they'll be back up and running soon! Thank goodness for laptops! I am so excited about my new house. We will get the keys next week sometime, and I will post some pics! Some people from the Elder's Quorum in my ward are helping us move, and the bishop is helping us with a couple pieces of furniture from D.I. I am so grateful! The "funny" thing was that last night as I walked into the ER my bishop was there with another guy from my ward to give someone in the ER a blessing. I go see him tonight at the church to make arrangements for the move, and hopefully get a blessing myself too. That would be nice. I sure could use it.

So that's pretty much my update for now. I'll keep ya posted!

Type I Diabetes & Fibromyalgia Health Update

2009-04-15T19:28:00.003-07:00

Ever since last June, I began experiencing a mind-boggling pain that began in my back and eventually spread to my entire body. By August, I was required to quit my Night Auditor position at Hyatt Place in Scottsdale (which I loved) because the pain was interfering with my ability to work. So I got a desk job, but kept falling asleep at my desk. Probably because my ability to sleep had gone right out the window. I was waking up every few hours or lying there all night and never being able to sleep. Those of you who know me well are aware of some of the things that happened in my personal life in November, none of which I am very proud of. It caused a rift between me and part of my family, but hopefully that won't last forever. That's the great thing about family.

Anyway....after several months of fighting to get back on AZ state health care, I was finally reapproved in January. You would think that after I got my insurance situation figured out it wouldn't take long to figure out what was wrong with me, right? WRONG!

After nearly 2 years of having my blood sugar levels under control through insulin, diet and exercise my blood sugar levels were through the roof! Adjusting my insulin only led to sugar crashes, which are horrible things to experience, so I decided to endure the elevated sugar levels until we could figure out what was going on. My body was so wrecked with pain that I was unable to walk, rest, or do anything without having to take narcotic pain medications just to endure the day. Even light exercise would put me out of commission for days. I would go to my doctor in tears and she would look at me like I was nuts. All my blood work was fine (with the exception of my blood sugar levels being out of control), and thankfully they ruled out auto-immune disorders like Lupus, Muscular Sclerosis, etc.

Finally 8 months later I visited a Rheumatologist in West Phoenix, and after a brief consultation in his office and a history of everything we had been doing he took me into the examination room and proceeded to give me a pressure sensitivity test. Out of the 18 pressure points they check to diagnose someone with Fibromyalgia I scored an incredible 18! Textbook fibromyalgia he says! I could have told someone THAT months ago!

Now a week into my treatment with some WONDERFUL samples of Lyrica, I have been able to start reducing the amount of narcotic pain meds to about 1 or 2 a day! (down from 4-6) I am sleeping EVERY night like a log! I wake up rested and my pain levels have been dropping steadily from day to day. I'm still far from feeling GOOD, but guess what! My blood sugar levels are in better control again! I guess that it IS true that pain can affect our entire body. Good news is that after nearly 8 months of high blood sugars all I ended up with was a minor urinary tract infection. No permanent damage. Yay!

Hopefully a few months from now I will be almost my old self again! Thanks for everyone's love and support!