Little House on the Prairie

Just to add a little...

2006-11-12T20:50:00.000-06:00

...so if you haven't looked at Spats' blog yet go now and come back to mine....

did you go? Okay, good. So here is my struggle: When the car broke down, I was out and under the hood trying to figure out what was going on. I figured I could at least narrow it down to what it WASN'T and then fix it. Well, guess what? I couldn't fix it and I have come to realize that I am not all knowing and self-reliant! What! Why didn't I get a memo? Now as most of you know, I pride myself on being pretty independant but today my pride got SHUT DOWN!! So here's my problem, I can't seem to get over the fact that I couldn't do anything...nothing. I did nothing and I feel really angry, frustrated and some other stuff that I would like to scream at the top of my lungs. I finally got a handle on my health and I think I forgot how I got there(God) and again I had to be taught; 'No Sherri, you are not in control of everything.'

I got pretty sick last night (flu) due to the fact that my girl had in too and it's kinda hard not to catch the flu when you are the one cleaning up the puke. So I was angry that I was sick and when I started feeling better I thought, 'Good, I'm getting better, I'm invincible!' Why do I think like this? Why is it so hard to give EVERYTHING to God? (including the things you can't change) I just needed to get this off my chest, I'm glad that everyone is safe, but I was kind of looking forward to being home and sleeping in my own bed. If you have encouragement or words of wisdom for me, feel free to share!

Praise God x a MILLION!!!

2006-10-23T16:37:00.000-05:00

So hmmm...what should I do my next post on? Think, think, oh hey how about I do it on my AMAZING answer to prayer!!!!! As most of you know from my super-awesome sis, I had an anazing operation and had my gallbladder removed. It had been a pretty unexpected struggle for a while and PRAISE GOD he has answered not just my prayers, but the prayers of a lot of other caring people whom I thank with all my heart. I wish I could go up to everyone who prayed for me and hug them forever. I know the only reason I got this done is because of all the people I had praying for me.

So here's the quick story: I wasn't feeling very good so we decided to go into Winkler just in case. Well, on the way there I went from bad to worse and ended up loosing conciousness which only made it worse for Andrew, poor guy. Thankfully there was no one in the ER until after we were in a room and then the fact that it was filling up worked to our advantage. My pain wouldn't stop so they decided to free up a bed in the ER and move me to the surgery ward where I spent the night. I had an amazing nurse named Kristin who prayed with me and reasurred me that the surgeon, Dr. Jacobb was very good at getting things done for the people who need it. I really felt God had His hand on everything that was going on. In the morning Dr. Jacobb came to see me and said he would do everything he could to get it done. Then at 12:00, a nurse came in and said, "Well, get ready. In half an hour you're going in!" I think he did it over his lunch break, amazing! And before I knew it I was back in my bed happily puking my guts out! (sorry Patti) Later they told me, the stone had lodged in the duct, but because it was so big it got stuck, hense the pain not going away! For those of you who prayed, never will I be able to thank you enough, and for those of you who are not quesy the picture below is my tummy, minus a little stone...

This is me! Normal life, here we come! (Emma's in the background shaking her head, I took the picture myself)

And here's the aftermath. There are four holes with staples yet! I think that's kinds cool and Emma loves to look at it. Now she really believes my that my bellybutton is all gone. (not that it was much to look a before, right Amber?)

Sopranoes, Eat Your Heart Out!

2006-10-10T17:34:00.000-05:00

So recently my sister-in-law, Kristin, came down from up North (Cranberry-Portage, close to the Pas) for a visit. We all decided to go for brunch at the CanadInns restaurant, just the girls. When we got there we all had to laugh because we were all wearing black and kinda looked like a mob family with Anna being the mob mom. It was pretty fun just to be able to sit and visit for as long as we wanted without worrying about kids and getting home on time. We kinda got a little crazy (no alcohol was involved, I think...) and giggly as women do when they're finally cut loose from the shackles of home life, and decided to take a timer picture (never a good idea) in the gorgeous bathroom at the hotel. Right when we were taking it someone walked in and we were stuck in this pose and none of us moved a muscle until the picture flashed, then we all burst out laughing and ran out as fast as we could! What fun! (p.s. Barb is due in 2 weeks so she was also glad to have one last hurray)

Aren't we gorgeous!? America's Next Top Model: Here we come!

Just When You Think You Have Them Figured Out!

2006-10-05T16:02:00.000-05:00

So as you know our Pauls family is sort of in limbo until we can get 'bitey' (Emma's name for my stone) out. So things have been a little difficult for me trying to still keep my house running. So here's my post to show you the wonderful man I married and how he has helped sooo much. What a guy!

Every chance he got, he would take Emma either in the combine or in the semi, not that she doesn't ask for that every day, but it really meant a lot to me. Lately he has blown me away with how much he wants to take care of me.

These pictures Mom Pauls took, I don't know if you can see it, but Emma always has to have her hands on the wheel.

And then just when I think he's done enough, he goes and gets me flowers. They were from Mom Pauls' garden, but very special nonetheless. (and I love that he cut off one of his precious coke bottles that he uses over and over again as the vase.)

I love when Andrew does something special for me it always has some signature on it that tells me he but some thought into it and it couldn't be from anyone except him. It just goes to show you that good can come out of anything. And you can be surprised when you least expect it.

my new look

2006-09-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

For those of you haven't seen me lately, I chopped my hair. Now I want an HONEST opinion of what looks better. People are divided.

Request for Prayer

2006-09-18T20:18:00.000-05:00

So if you fellow bloggers are wondering where I've been lately, I have some unfortunate news. A while back I had a lot of sudden pain in my upper abdomen and took a little trip to the Victoria E.R. After 9 hours, and one lovely shot of morphine (finally!) they didn't really tell me much. Then I called Health Links, which is a 24 hour number you can call to talk to a nurse about any medical questions you may have and she told me it sounded like I had a text book gall bladder attack. Hmmmm....well, that was not what I was expecting and she wasn't too pleased that the Vic hospital hadn't done more for me. (Me and you both sister) So then I had another attack and we decided to try our luck with Winkler E.R. (a certain someone told me they rock!) So Andrew and I went in and were out in 2 hours! Horrayyy!! Not only did I see a doctor right away and he actually told me what was wrong with me, but I got an ultrasound the next day! So the doc tells me that I have to be on this strict diet of nothing. (not actually, but it might as well be) And then I get this call from MY doctor that says to me, 'Sherri, we have a problem.' my response; 'K, what's up?' 'Well' she says 'I'm looking at a very large gall stone. I've never seen someone your age with a gall stone this big. According to this you should be 40 and over weight!' So needless to say, I was shocked. The final count was over 2 cm wide which is apparently HUGE! Yikes.

So this is what I need from you guys. Pray. Pray, pray, pray. Right now I have to wait till November to just get a consultation to get my gall bladder removed. The rough part is living off of Tylenol 3's and plain bread with water which can't last long. It's really taking it's toll on Andrew and Emma. Nothing in our family is normal right now and it super sucks! So please, if you could, remember these things in your prayers. Thanx so much.

Summertime Fun

2006-08-14T18:00:00.000-05:00

So here is what Emma and I have been up to lately. With everyone busy farming we have had to take drastic measures to try to have fun all on our own. (Beacause it's SO hard!)

Bored out of our minds! Time to do something fun!

This is at our neighbours house. They have young kids too and they just put in a brand new in-ground pool. How convenient!

This is my big girl swimming without my help. Yeah, her swimsuit floats, but still, On Her Own!

I had the nerve to ask her if she was done swinging!

This is my little superstar after a day of adventure. Thank goodness for awesome neighbours!

LLLLeettttt's Get Ready To Rummmmble!

2006-08-10T15:39:00.000-05:00

So I was just browsing through some old family photos when I came across some very interesting pictures that I think everyone should have a look at... (this will teach you spats! Game On!)

Wow, here is Patti and I playing..um...I don't even know what. 'Little Mennonite Veggie Pickers?'

Here's Patti at what looks like her sixth birthday. I guess she was old enough to do her own hair!

And here she is looking rather forelorn. As was I when I saw the picture she put on her blog of Dad and I on the beach. I challenge you Patti to dare put another ugly picture of me on your blog. Beware the wrath of the younger sister!

Happy Birthday Andrew!

2006-08-05T14:16:00.000-05:00

So on August 1st, Andrew John Pauls turned 25. Yep, a quarter of a century has gone by for my hubby. Here are some of the pictures from a little family get together we had for him.

So here is the cake. I got this bakery in Morris to print out an icing sheet of his favorite Nascar Racer Jimmy Johnson. Turned out way better then I thought

Here's the crew of Friesens, plus Emma. She wanted 'up' too apparently.

Here's Carks (Carlos, my brother) always the comedian.

This is Barb and Dan, Andrews sister and brother-in-law. They're getting ready to have a baby in October and we all can't wait! I'm hoping for a boy.

At this point I was wondering if Andrew was starting to catch one as to what his gift was...

And here's the jellybean. She was just excited there was cake!

If you're wondering what we(all of us pitched in) got him, I'll tell you seeing as I can't get any more pictures on. (Arrgg) We got him two tickets to the Chevy 500 Nascar Race in Phoinex, AZ. in November! Doesn't that rock! I was really excited to give them to him, and I can't wait for him to go and have so much fun. Now here's the challenge I have for all of you: Like I said, he has two tickets and I have told him honestly that he doesn't have to take me. Here are his choices: Me(well, it is three days after my b-day), Matt (the more obvious choice), Patti (no jokes, he is considering it), Trevor (a friend that also loves Nascar and has been to a race and therefore knows the ins and outs), or his best friend who lives in Edmonton, Jared (who is indifferent to Nascar, but never gets to see Andrew). So those are your choices and I am serious when I say that they are his tickets and I want him to choose the person whom he would have the most fun with.

Cavalier: Part 3

2006-07-31T16:45:00.000-05:00

So I finally had the time and the place to blog so there is a lot to look at. Be sure to go all the way down to the first post about our camping weekend and start from there. Hope you enjoy!

This is me after the men abandoned me. I still think mine turned out better considering I was left on my own. Feel free to comment, but only if you're on my side!

Here's the finished product. I would have done more, but the girls were getting hungry.

Here's the guys sucky castle. Doesn't it suck? Yeah, I know it looks better. They stole my ideas!

Thank goodness (actually Jane!) for bike carriers!! Emma loved it so much that she was content to just sit in it, which kept her away from trying to climb into other peoples open vehicles. (I only wish I was kidding!) All in all, it was a super awesome time. I had so much fun with my wonderful family, I can't wait to do it again! Hopefully next time my eggs won't get confiscated! I bet that borderguard had them for breakfast the next day! Unreal!

Cavalier: Part 2

2006-07-31T16:32:00.000-05:00

So here's Emma helping us make a sand castle. Just the perfect day. And it's a good thing we went when we did, because just an hour later after we left, the guys went to check on their precious sandcastles and it was packed!! Phew!

Yeah, if any of you are wondering, yes Andrew burnt. Bad.

Here's my little mouse helping me out. Emma was a little too hard core for her I guess. What I love about this picture, is that you can't see RIGHT down my suit. Good work Spats!

And here is my turtle (teenage mutant yet!). I couldn't believe how long she played by herself in the sand. It was really nice and I'm glad I drowned her in sunscreen!

Cavalier: Not Just a Cheap Car!

2006-07-31T16:01:00.000-05:00

So as some of you know if you've visited my sisters blog, my family went camping this weekend! It was the first time our girls have ever gone so we were both excited and nervous. It was such a good weekend that we are thinking about making it an annual thing!

Here's Emma and Hannah swinging. There was a playground very close to our campsite which came in handy when the girls decided to go "exploring".

Here I'm trying to teach Emma how to drive standard. She is almost 2, I think it's time!

Here is her and Andrew swimming with her awesome suit that doubles as a lifejacket! Yeah, she looks like a turtle, but it's so handy, I don't care!

Here is Matt, Andrew, and I making a sandcastle, sadley they left me in the dust to start a new one. Artistic Differences.

Part Two

2006-07-16T14:51:00.000-05:00

So I am going to attempt to upload the rest of the picks. Here goes nothing!

Here's Andrew's sister Kristen. working hard getting the kitchen floor ready for paint

This was the main reason we went up here. Andrew built this bear cage for the garbages. It turned into more of an Emma cage.

So this is is Emma and Nick after two days of being up North. We found out the hard way that Emma is VERY allergic to mosquitoes. Her eyes started to shut, her mouth was all swollen and anywhere she was bit(arms, legs, etc.) would balloon to three times the size. So we had to stay inside our cabin with no power(so it was dark and cold at night) all day which got really hard for Emma. The only relief for her was swimming in the lake which is sooo nice and clean but very cold. The reason Nick looks dead is because he is just getting over mono and for some reason thought he could come up north and work. Wrong!

So I convinced Nick to come home early so we could get a ride home with him. He finally agreed and this is Emma waiting to go home. It breaks your heart, doesn't it? I have to have her on antihistamines now just so the swelling doesn't get soo bad. Poor girl.

Up North (yours!)

2006-07-04T19:38:00.000-05:00

Hello blogging family! Sorry about the title, but this tale is one filled with disappointment. So get comfy, pop some popcorn and get ready for the emotional rollercoaster known as "Our trip up (yours) North". So Andrew's sister Kristin, as some of you know, is the full time program director for Simonhouse Bible Camp just passed the Pas. (yeah, it's really up north) They are in the process of building a new hall and were in desperate need of help. Andrew, always ready to lend a hand, suggested we go up and help. I agree, reluctantly, sad that I have to miss the blog party that went on and visiting with Janelle whom I only know through blog. Oh yeah, and this camp, because it is so far up north, has to have everything run off of a generator so some cabins don't have juice yet and there is no running water, you get it from the lake, which is actually crystal clear so it's not gross or anything. But washrooms are outhouses...

So here we are getting ready to leave. Just take note of how nice and perfect her face looks...

This is a wild tiger lily and they were everywhere on the side of the road, quite pretty!

These are Lady Slipper Orchids and the only place I've ever seen them is under glass at the conservatory! They're suppose to be endangered and they also were growing everywhere! Yeah, real endangered, what else is up here, condors?

So we get there pretty late and as soon as we step out of the truck we are surrounded by mosquitoes. So we run to our cabin and realize that it is one of the cabins that doesn't have electricity yet. Super. So we try to get settled by candlelight and eventually get to bed. Here's Andrew at work moving some sand around getting ready to pour concrete. Okay so I seem to not be able to upload any more pictures so this will be part one. Stay tuned!

New Puppies!

2006-06-01T19:32:00.000-05:00

So our neighbours dog just had six purebred labrador puppies and Emma is in love with them and I'm pretty sure thinks she is one. The mom is black and the dad is chocolate so that's why some are different colours.

This is their VERY dirty bed where Emma felt the need to roll around on it with them.

Every time the puppies would be wrestling with each other Emma would ask if they were, 'Okay?'

She was trying to get this one to, 'Sit Down'

Here is Emma on the bed pretending to be a puppy! (when she barked she sounded just like them!)

Surprise!!

2006-05-28T13:03:00.000-05:00

So as some of you know, Andrew finished his 4 1/2 years of university with his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree. (phew! that's a mouthful!) He didn't really think it was a big deal, but I thought otherwise so I threw him a surprise grad party to celebrate! Here are some pics!

This was the spread. I don't know if you can tell, but that's a cake in the shape of a grad hat in the back. U of M colors are dark brown and yellow, if you're wondering.

Here's the after 'surprise' face.

And here's the people that came. Andrew is still very good friends with all of his high school buddies so whenever we have a party it's always a good crowd.

What Do You Think?

2006-05-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

So I'm a HUGE OC fan and of course I was stoked for the season finale. I had heard that someone was not going to make it to the end of the show, so naturally I start wondering, "Who can they kill off?" So if any of you watched it you know Marissa didn't make it and now here's the question, "Are you sad?" or even more important, "Did you maybe want her to go away already!?" I really want to hear what you think! Personally, I did. She was getting WAY too annoying with all of her 'drama'. Like, come on, Ryan is a dreamboat but not good enough for her apparently, so she goes with this 'surfer' Johnny and he gets killed. Then Billy Bad-Ass comes along and she of course jumps on that wagon. And surprise, surprise, he turns out to be a psycho and runs you off the road. So she's gone and don't look for any tears here. I'm just glad my Cheno boy is okay. (Apparently he's immune to rollovers, phewf!) And that Seth came clean about the whole burning down the office. 'Sniff!' My thursdays won't be the same without my family from Orange County.

Never a Dull Moment!

2006-05-12T13:37:00.000-05:00

Hello my blogging family, do I have a tale for you! It was a beautiful Tuesday, the 6th and the sun was shinning. Since we haven't put in our window A/C our little house was quite warm, so Emma and I, in our cute little tanktops, went outside for a nice walk. Now our little neighbourhood is paved up to the last house and after that it's gravel. So Emma and I started walking south towards the gravel, enjoying the beautiful sunshine not at all paying attention to the scary looking clouds coming up behind us....

We were about 1/2 a mile out when all of a sudden the temperature dropped and it started POURING!! Now Emma is just loving this even though we're getting soaked, I'm a little nervous so I pick her up and start back. We get about two feet when it starts hailing. Hard. So now I'm running with a excited, squirmy, screaming(with delight) little girl back to our house. Emma thinks its the best thing ever, and I'm being pelted by hail!

Now I've taught Emma that she doesn't have to be scared of the thunder and lighting because it's just Jesus saying, 'Hi', so when the lighting and thunder started she kept sqealing and saying, 'Hi Jesus!".

We were about 30 feet from our house when the wind got wicked strong and she stopped loving it. I'm trying to protect her as much as possible but it's no use. We finally make it inside and the first thing she does is got to the patio door and says, "Out?". "No Emma, no out." Crazy girl. It was only after when I found out that the strong wind turned into a twister that touched down just a couple of miles from our house and destroyed our distant neighbours shed! Yikes! Thanx you Jesus for protecting us. Like I said, never a dull moment! (I'd have pictures but a certain cruzin' sister took my camera)

Easter Down On The Farm

2006-04-28T16:45:00.000-05:00

Okay, so a while ago I scanned in all these pictures and when I tried to upload them I realized I didn't scan them in as 'photos' so they were HUGE! Sorry about the wait. And since Spats posted all the best pictures from easter at her house(thanx;) I give you: Easter, Down on the Ferm (say it with an accent).

Andrew has this AWESOME auntie Louise (tante, actually. it's german for aunt) who always goes above and beyond for this family. This year she went out and planned this huge easter hunt for everyone, even the adults! She spent hours hiding everything all over the farm yard and then planned it in a way so that everyone would get an equal amount. We had to find five plastic eggs of different colour(they had treats inside!), then three foil eggs, then a chocolate bunny in a box, then a small stuffed animal. We all spent hours out there trying to find everything, and the winner(first one to finish) got a 1 1/2 foot chocolate bunny! What a girl, you rock Tante Louise!

It was still a little muddy so she had to wear rubber boots with her nice easter outfit!

She did a very good job spoting the eggs, but she didn't follow the rules very well!

This is Nick(Andrew's brother) and Spencer(Andrew's cousin) searching, they won the grand prize and split it with each other. (Nick's the one with the hat, silly guy, always the comedian)

This is John, Andrew's dad. Yep, everyone was involved.

Here Emma has a pink egg in her hand, but she's suppose to find a blue one! Unreal.

What a nice girl. Emma sharing with her Great Omi.

Here's the loot!

And here's the aftermath. Yum!

Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon '06!

2006-04-04T19:40:00.000-05:00

So a little perk of being married into the Pauls' family is all the interesting trade and farm shows you get to go to. This last weekend we all shleped ourselves down to Brandon to catch the wonderful Winter Fair. It has all this really interesting stuff to look at about farming, (never thought I would hear those words come out of my mouth!) and little booths of homemade crafts and all those products you see on t.v.! (Miracle Blade, Magic Bullet, etc.) But the best part is all the neat shows you get to take in. (hourse jumping, dog shows, etc.) Emma just had a blast yelling out to all the 'howwas' and 'horsies', here are some of the pics!

Sorry about the sideway. This was an alpaca riding poncho I bought her.

This was a three horse hitch (unicorn) competition

Emma couldn't believe how many horsies she got to see!

So Emma, which piggy went to market?

Omi was brave enough to lift one for Emma to pet! Yikes!

Emma telling Omi all about the shows

This was a very smart horse named 'Mustang' that could do all sorts of tricks!

Sadley, Emma didn't last through the whole day. Can you blame her? If you're womdering what her shirt says, it's a John Deere shirt that says, 'Give Hugs If You Carrot All!' (thanx auntie CJ)

My Home Away From Home

2006-03-24T14:28:00.000-06:00

So this week from wednesday to sunday, I get to stay at my home away from home...Winkler! I love staying here because it's so relaxing and so nice to have someone over the age of 2 to talk to. I also get to do one of my favorite things, blog! So here are the latest pictures from the little house on the prairie:

Auntie Spats teaching Emma how to stir cookies. What a good mennonite!

'Good Morning Emma and Hannah!' (Emma hasn't found her 'day eyes' yet)

Emma helping fold laundry in our house.

Emma playing with my new bed net from IKEA (she's trying to scare me: 'roar')

Always the interesting sleeping positions

Time for a reduction when your child can wear it as a hat!

Truck driving cowboy, just like daddy

Technically it's not her fault, I was putting on nail polish beside her

'I'm a big kid now!'

Fell asleep on the dining room floor, on her duck yet!

Always the dramatic one: 'Will he EVER stop looking at that Auto Trader?'

Memsahib Time!

2006-03-12T17:14:00.000-06:00

So for those of you who are impatient with me(janelle)not updated my blog all the time, I DON"T HAVE A COMPUTER! So if anyone out there would like to sell me one cheep or just buy me a new one, no complaints here. I found these in some forgotten folder. Enjoy!

Emma at 7ish months old

My Dad, Mom, and Grandma(I think). I'm the one in the middle. (Yikes!)

Okay, this one didn't work out, but this is Emma at 6 months

And this is her at 3 months.

I probably don't have to tell you who this is. Sorry Spats.

And finally, all us married folk loving each other. Awwww..

Swim Day

2006-03-01T12:50:00.000-06:00

These pictures were taken a couple weeks ago when our church booked a pool for the evening. Emma has been swimming before, but this time it took a little longer for her to get used to the water. It was a little on the cold side, so the poor girl was shivering so hard. It didn't take long for her to start playing with the other kids.

Emma even went down the waterslide a few times. She looks a little freaked in the 2nd picture. I can just hear her saying "oh boy!'

Pictures for Your Enjoyment

2006-02-22T12:29:00.000-06:00

Helping daddy clear some snow

She loved it until snow touched her face, then she would freak out!

This is her 'go with the flow' face

'Don't I look pretty!' (actually she was saying, 'oh boy', cuz I caught her)

This was the same day but with markers. Thank goodness for Norwex cloths!

Hanging out with her favorite person (even before me sometimes!) Auntie Spats

Warm and cuddly after a bath

Passion Lives Here

2006-02-14T11:46:00.000-06:00

So recently I hosted a Passion Party, and had an absolute awesome time! It's all this fun stuff that's for couples to have a little more fun in the bedroom.(or kitchen, or wherever!) They have everything from edible massage lotion, to lingerie, to more adventurous gadgets. (things that go buzz in the night...) In fact, I had so much fun that now I have become a Passion Consultant. I just love the idea of having a girls night out, giggling, having fun and learning that there are answers to some embarrasing questions and making money all at the same time! Andrew likes the idea(obviously) of having a little extra money and I get to have my own little business. I love the idea of women helping women. So if you people who are reading this are having their curiosity get the better of them, check out our website: passionparties.com, or give me a call and maybe I could book a fun girls night for you. The possibilities are endless.....

Amazing Devotionals

2006-02-01T14:21:00.000-06:00

Okay so just a quick question. Do you ever crave really good, simple devotionals? Well do I have the site for you! www.simonhousebiblecamp.blogspot.com is my sister-in-laws site and she does awesome devo's. So check it out! You won't be disappointed!

2006-02-01T12:57:00.000-06:00

I ran into this woman who I had a mutual friend with and when she guessed my age, she said 30! So I went out and dyed my hair to something that would make me feel my age. 30, unreal.

It made me feel pretty good and no one is going to wonder now!

"MOM! I can't get it open!"

Emma was helping me clean the house so she needed something on her head too!

I found her playing with stamps and she had put one right over her nip, so I got out my lipstick and wrote, "Mail to Omi's house" (Omi is Andrew's mom)

All these girls ever want to do is kiss. At least they love each other!

Andrew and I were babysitting Hannah on bath night so we decided to bathe two kids with one tub.

Then Andrew tried to make Hannah laugh. It had the opposite effect!

And this is the new thing. Before, during, and after every meal Emma says, "Amen" and we have to pray. Let's just say we talk to Jesus ALOT! (fine with me)

Tribute to #4

2006-01-21T18:15:00.000-06:00

February 10, 1992 is a day in history that all Packer fans will never forget. Brett Favre, Mississippi graduate, traded to Green Bay by Ron Wolf and as they say, "the rest is history". Favre has been someone I have greatly admired for some time now. Ever since watching him on January 26, 1997, at the Superdome in New Orleans, throw for 246 yards; including two touchdowns and no interceptions, and ran for another score to lead the Packers to a 35-21 over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI. It was then that I was hooked and it only has gotten worse from there. Anyone who knows me knows I will defend, sometimes violently, my Pack when other fans of other NFL teams (Nick, Wilson, T.K.) try to bring them down. Obviously I know these people are jealous because no one has or will ever have a QB like #4. This last season has been a heartbreak in more ways then one. Our record was.....not so good, and while watching their last game, Emma and I (who always watches with me and loves lifting her arms up when they get a touchdown) sadly found out that we probably just watched Favre play for the last time. My Pack will definetly feel a little empty without #4 leading the way, but one things for sure: History WAS made, and I will never forget it. So thank you #4, you will never be forgotten.

Emma and I watching Favre's last game anxiously

After finding out we saw #4 play for the last time!

Fun Facts

did you know that Favre's first completed pass was to himself?
In a game at Chicago, Favre completed 36-of-54 passes for 402 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions in a 30-17 loss, December 5, 1993. This was the only time Favre has had over 400 yards and lost.
only five Packers have ever worn #4
favre had 14 back-up quarterbacks

Dad: The Man Over My Head and Under My Nose

2006-01-15T17:02:00.000-06:00

I know it's not even close to fathers day, but I just realized something amazing. I have the best dad in the world. It was right under my nose and I feel like only now am I appreciating him. Looking at an old photo album, I suddenly realized how much I am like my dad, even if I didn't notice, almost everything about me has his signature on it. There was a time, a sad time, when dad and I really did NOT get along. And now I see that a lot of it was due to the fact that him and I are so alike (stubborn, proud, etc.). Now that I have a daughter of my own I all of a sudden realize what I have in a father. Recently dad went down to mexico for a while. He brought back all our favorite mexico goodies, cowboy snap-up shirts for the boys, and Spats and I each got black dress pants and dress shirts from some designer place in the States. Not only did he guess our sizes perfectly, they look gorgeous on us. Now that is amazing to me. When I moved back with him after him and mom split, he quit truckdriving right away after doing it for over 20 years just so that he could be home with his kids. And as many of you know, he has not gone on one date or even tried to start dating again after 15 years of marriage. I asked him one time why he stayed single, and he said, "My family will always come first, why would I want to risk losing your respect over a woman? I don't think so. And I'm not single, I have two beautiful girls I can see whenever I want, no stings attached!" How my dad has lived will always be a testement to his dedication to God and his family. He goes to any lengths for his kids and grandkids and always has. He was right under my nose, I just needed to notice...

Stuck with Trucking

2006-01-09T19:34:00.000-06:00

So here's my dilema. My husband Andrew, as we all know, is a trucker. Now lately I have been feeling extra lonely with him leaving early in the morning and coming home at 11:00 at night. I feel like I need to do something to fill my time. I'm thinking along the lines of some kind of class (kickboxing, bellydance, etc.) and would LOVE some ideas. Andrew suggested that I just come along with him, but then I either have to leave Emma all day long, or take her with. (16 hours+1 semi+1 baby=not likely) So I'm all ears. Let me hear it.

Tagged

2006-01-05T22:34:00.000-06:00

I've been tagged by Patti...so here it goes!

7 Things I would like to do before I die:
1. Visit Europe
2. Have my paintings in a gallery (or maybe get paid for one)
3. See all my grandchildren be born
4. Take my husband to a Nascar race
5. Go to a Green Bay game
6. Own a ’71 black Chevelle SS
7.Win at a wrestling match with Andrew

7 things I can’t do (yet) :
1. Bake anything to do with puff pastry
2. Call and order things over the phone
3. I can’t whistle with my fingers
4. Drive a motorcycle
5. Anything to do with needles
6. Go on top of my roof without getting scared
7.Skate

7 things that attract me to blogging:
1. The blogging family I’m all of a sudden a part of
2. A HUGE creative outlet
3. A neat way for far away friends to catch up
4. Saying things I can’t sometimes say out loud
5. Getting comments
6. Being able to rant about anything without the man getting me down
7. Meeting new people

7 things I say most often:
1. In a Coon’s Age
2. Unreal
3. Emmmaaaaa, no biting
4. Oh geeezz
5. YAY
6. C’mon!

7 books I love:
1. Anything Karen Kingsbury
2. Velveteen Rabbit
3. The outsiders
4. I love you forever
5. Power of a Praying Parent
6. Bridge to Teribethia
7. The Secret Garden

7 movies I watch over and over:
1. Chicago
2. Gone with the Wind
3. Incredibles
4. Star Wars
5. Cinderella
6. James Bond
7. Dukes of Hazzard

7 people I want to join in too (you been tagged!)
1. Kristin Pauls

I need more blogger friends to tag

My sister, my friend

2006-01-05T17:40:00.000-06:00

Recently my sister-in-law Kristin came down for a visit. She lives up north in Cranberry Portage where she is the program director for a bible camp. Impressed? You should be. I have never seen such dedication to a job before. Not only did she move up north. (not all bad if you knew my in-laws! just kidding!) But she has to raise half of her earnings. That's like getting a paycheck for $300, but having to go to people and as for $150 of it. Talk about dedication. But not only is she very good at her job, but she is an amazing sister-in-law too. Lately I have felt more like 30 then 21, so Kristin took me out on the town to make me feel better. We went to a restaurant then to see Memiors of a Geshia (amazing). Her crazy attitude always brings out mine and I felt 21 again. Kristin, you are one amazing girl. Keep being such a light for the Lord, and stay safe riding in ambulances! We love and miss you soooo much!

Traumatizing Santa

2006-01-05T17:16:00.000-06:00

So I know it's a little late, but I still do not have a computer at my house so bear with me. I was doing some christmas shopping at the St. Vital mall, when I thought to myself, "Maybe Emma would like to see santa!" So I went to Santa's Workshop and right away Emma wanted to go down and see santa. "Well, great!" I thought; "at least she won't be scared of him!". So I get to santa and introduce Emma to him and before I can even stop her, she has ripped off his beard! Completely off! (and he was a young, clean shaved guy underneath!) I started apologizing but he just laughed and said it was okay, i was just hoping that no other kids saw that and were traumatized. Now that is not the end of the story. I sat her down and all of a sudden, she is petrafied. So as santa is distracting her, I move behind the camera. As soon as she realized I wasn't beside her, she started SCREAMING! Luckliy, we took the picture and I was happy, so it didn't really bother me. What a girl.

2 Years and Counting!

2005-12-22T15:48:00.000-06:00

On May 30, 2003, I watched as the man of my dreams got down on one knee and confessed his undying love for me. He told me that he couldn't belive that he got the one angel that fell from heaven. He told me that if I married him, my life would be filled with adventure and romance. Sound a little dramatic? Well, lucky for me the man I married just happen to be as dramatic as I am. Dec. 20, 2003, I watched that same strong man, with tears in his eyes, sing, "You are so beatiful" to me with the guests from our wedding listening in.

Well, I'll tell you one thing, Andrew was right, it has been nothing but adventure. And not because our marriage has been perfect, quite the opposite. A month after we were married we found out that I was pregnant and God was going to bless us earlier then expected. (Never take cold medicine while on birth control) A lot of problems arose with this new information. With Andrew farming, going to university and taking fire calls at all hours of the night, I was worried that he wouldn't get to see me or the baby a lot. Nine months (and 28 hours of labour) later Gad blessed us with our Emma Rose. From the moment Jellybean was born, she has been one of the many "glues" that has held our marriage together.

When farming season came and went, we realized that this year was not going to be easy. With no seed in the ground, Andrew told me whenever he had a free day, he would be taking long-distance trips to pay off the semi. As you can imagine, this was met with hostility. It was very hard and sometimes the loneliness was almost too much for me, but after going to sunday school classes and learning a lot about what kind of wife God wants me to be, I realized where I was wrong. I needed to understand that he was doing this to provide for his family the only way he knew how and when I finally REALLY talked with him, I found out he hated it as much as I did. I saw Andrew in a whole new way and since then it has been a lot easier to say good-bye to him when he leaves.

2 years later we are more in love then ever. Anytime things get hard, all we have to do is look back and see how far we've come. I have never been more happy or proud to be called his wife. And I just want the whole world to know what an amazing man he really is. He is my farmer, my trucker, my fireman, my Aggie, and my knight in shining armour. But most of all, he is my Hero, my Husband, now and forever and I will love him till the day I die.

p.s. congrats Andrew on finishing 4 1/2 years of university. We made it baby! Emma and I are so proud of you!

Our wedding party animals! (left to right) Davis (cousin) Lindsay (friend) Nick (brother) Kristin(sister) Jeff (friend) Patti (sister) Jared (friend) Carissa (friend) John (friend)
Tracy (friend)

Family Photos

2005-12-11T18:45:00.000-06:00

This is at our Halloween party we through. The night before I decided to sew (yah, I know) Flinstone costumes. It was totally worth. Everyone thought it was so cute, they said that we should use this picture as our Christmas card picture. Not likely.

This is Emma's first Moose game. Dad had box seats, so it was very Emma friendly! Go Jets Go!

With the Christmas season fast approaching, we decided to take some family photos for Christmas cards. These are just a few of the wonderful pictures Ang (the lady that took my wedding pics) took. Enjoy!

Brrr! Getting a little wet in the snow was worth it for this great picture!

Emma did so good during the "photo shoot". Our little sugar plum fairy.

Ang said that Emma was casting a spell on her with her wand.

Under the covers at the Pauls residence.

Mr. Giraffe says, "peek"!

War of the Movies?

2005-12-11T13:45:00.000-06:00

Hello! And welcome to our blog! I'm very excited to finally be a part of the blog community. Now with the christmas season fast approaching, I'm in a little of a pickle. Andrew and I love going to see movies and expanding our collection. We usually buy around one new movie a month, but now there are a lot of really good new movies that just came out on DVD (War of the Worlds, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Dukes of Hazzard) and I am very confused about which one to buy. I'm not sure which one's we are getting as gifts so I'm thinking of just waiting until Christmas is over and buying my movies then. I'd like to know which one's are your favorite and if you have any suggestions for me. Thanks, and God Bless.