Butterfly Reflections

Recent Story ...

2008-08-07T12:47:00.002-04:00

Our Recent Story... (posted by Wayne for Paula)

So here goes. Last week, Paula and I experienced something we wanted for so long to experience. We (actually just Paula, but we shared in it) took three home pregnancy tests. All three were positive. On Thursday, we started sharing our amazing news with our parents and a few very close friends. We had decided not to share it far and wide until we were able to get it confirmed by Paula’s doctor. We were extremely excited, but we desperately tried to not get too excited for fear that the tests were false.We had a great Saturday. Sunday morning was great. We even had lunch with several corps members to lovingly send off a friend back to Canada.On the way home from lunch, Paula felt a lot of pressure on her stomach. She said it felt as if she had a really full bladder. Upon arriving to our home, she went upstairs to our bedroom to empty her bladder. I let Phileo out to “potty,” then made my way upstairs to get out of my uniform.

Paula was lying down in our bed. I got into some sleep shorts and got into bed with her, assuming we would have a wonderful nap-filled afternoon. Paula had a nervous look on her face. She said that she didn’t have to go as much as she thought she did. She felt a lot of cramps and when she did go, there was some spotting.

She called the OBGYN’s on call line and they advised us to go to the emergency room. I will save you the hours of events that happened there. To make a long story short, they did a urine test, a blood test, and two different types of ultrasounds.

The urine test came back negative for a pregnancy. The blood test came back positive, but with a very low reading. The doctor said that it seems there may have been a “threatened abortion” or miscarriage, since there had been three positive home tests and now the low reading on the blood test. He also said there is a possibility it could have been an “ectopic pregnancy” (tubal pregnancy).

He told us we would need to follow up with Paula’s doctor on Tuesday to have another urine test and blood test to confirm which it was. Our appointment was Tuesday at 9am. It was indeed a threatened abortion, which I think is a simply terrible name. There wasn’t a tubal, which we were happy about because that can be life threatening for Paula.

It was rough for Paula going to the doctor. We just didn’t put two and two together to prepare her for seeing pregnant women at her OBGYN. It is an obvious thing that we should have expected.

The doctor tells us that this was a fluke incident. It is actually common. There is no reason why we cannot have a normal, healthy pregnancy. Most likely, the pregnancy was abnormal and Paula’s body sensed that and therefore saw it as a threat and began the process to reject it, hence “threatened abortion.”

So now comes the grieving. It is somewhat odd to me. I know many of my friends have gone through this, but until you do, you don’t know how hard it is. I had no relationship with this child. I had never held him/her, nor have I seen his/her face. I only knew of his/her existence for a matter of days, but my heart broke as if I had known this child all my life. My boss told me something quite profound. She said that this child never knew sin. He/She was never tempted and never had to make choices that would separate them from the love of Jesus. That child stands absolutely beautiful, without sin in front of God’s throne today… and he/she is a product of Paula and me.

We are in no way angry with God. We know and hold firm to the fact that God knows exactly what He is doing and that His will is absolutely perfect. The blessing from this is that there is no question that we are able to get pregnant.

We do ask that when you are around us, that you act normal and not ask us about this or talk to us about it. Please don’t call us or email us asking about this. We are going through our grieving process and having to relive with everyone that asks or emails will delay getting through our grief. If we want to talk about, please let us bring it up.

Thank you all for your continued prayer for us. You don’t know how much that means to us.

People Get Ready ...

2008-06-12T09:07:00.003-04:00

I know it has been a while since my last post. I must say that 30 seems to suit me....so they say.

I must say that I have had a wonderful time over the last month. We have had the opportunity to spend time with some awesome friends here in Charlotte and in Georgia as well. I had my very first experience going tubing on Lake Norman a couple weeks ago. It was absolutely amazing. I have never been able to do anything like that before. It was so exhilarating!!! Wayne said he couldn't believe that I actually got out there and did it. I was a little surprised myself. I really had no intention on getting out there but as we were riding on the lake to get to the spot to start tubing I started thinking. I know that can be dangerous for me. I realized that I am not the same person. I have worked hard to loose an amazing amount of weight so I could be healthy but also so I can do these types of things for the first time in my life. I put that life jacket on and I was the first one to get on the tube. It was a two person tube so Wayne got on there with me and off we went. We ended up going two times.

We also were able to go to the Holiness Congress in Atlanta. It was an amazing experience for both Wayne and I. God spoke to each of us in way that was so powerful. I really came away so blessed and renewed. I could feel the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart and soul. I had a few realizations about myself. I realized that there is still healing to be done in both me and Wayne. The wonderful thing that was made evident to me is that God is not done with me yet. I am sure Wayne feels the same way. Life over that past five years has not been easy but it has been an amazing adventure of trials and triumphs. God is victorious and He is seated on the throne!!! It excites me to think of what God is going to do in our lives as a married couple, in our corps, in our division, in our territory, in our country, in the world!!!! I am getting all excited just sitting her typing.

I hope for those of you that were also there that you walked away with a passion. I know that God is doing amazing things everywhere.

Well I guess I should close for now, but as I said at the top People get ready.....God is still on the throne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is the day.......

2008-05-09T14:29:00.002-04:00

I turn 30!!!!

I am actually okay with that. I am embracing the whole milestone of a new decade to enter in to. I feel blessed that I have made it this far in life. I feel blessed that for the first time in my adult life I actually feel healthy. I also feel like I look younger than I did when I turned 21, go figure. I did decide not to have a party or anything. I just want to go to dinner. Then, we are going to go back home and have Chocolate Cheesecake (made with splenda)!!!! I am really excited about this. There is a bakery in the area I work that makes sugar free options. Cheesecake has always been my favorite but I have not been able to enjoy for 19 months. I am certainly not complaining though, because over these last 19 months I have been able to loose 190 pounds.

God has blessed me in more ways than I can even begin to express. He has done exceedingly and immeasureably more than I could have asked for. What a great God we serve!! I really take each day as a blessing.

There has been something that I have learned recently about trusting God. I am not the best at letting go of the control on most things. I never realized how much of a control freak I really am. To even begin to think that I could do any better than God himself. Well, a couple weeks ago, I had a God moment during church where He said, "Paula, trust Me." I became completely overwhelmed and the tears began to flow. There have been several things going on in our life lately that has really been stressing me out. I made a commitment that day to trust Him. When I finally released the reigns and let go, I felt a load of burdens had been lifted. I walk more upright and stand taller because I don't have to carry that around with me anymore. I am excited for what the future holds and how God is going to use me and Wayne. I am also excited to see what other blessings he will send my way.

Thank you God for being so gracious and loving. Thank you for carrying those things I cannot carry and don't want to carry. I love you!!!!

Life.....where does the time go?

2008-04-24T14:15:00.002-04:00

I know what you must be thinking.....where is this going to go? Well, I will be turning 30 two weeks from tomorrow. I don't think that I am neccessarily nervous or anxious about it. I actually feel a little blah about it. I think in a way that I want to act as if it is nothing really significant. I even told my husband that I don't want a party of sorts. I kind of just want to let it to be another day. Is that weird? A few months ago I was really excited about turning 30 and wanted a big party. I guess that is just how us women are. We change our minds frequently.

It could be that I am just tired. We have really been busy lately with church, work, friends, and all the usual routines of life. I actually am trying to figure out a weekend that there is nothing planned or scheduled so I can just do that......nothing. It really is amazing how we can get so busy doing that we forget to stop and have time for ourselves. I think that is really what I am needing is just some good old "me" time. I haven't really had that in a long time. Usually "me" time consists of laying on the couch and watching a good movie that you haven't seen a long time. It is also usually a movie that you don't get to watch often because your spouse doesn't like it.

I also think that part of my blah problem is that I feel a little stressed. There always seems to be something that comes up just when you feel likes things are finally starting to fall into place. I know that when we go through times like these it is just an opportunity for God to teach us something. I also know that these times happen so that we can grow stronger. I was listening to the local christian radio station on my way into work this morning and the radio host was talking about the song, "Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me. She was saying that most people wonder why we would ask to trials to come in our lives. Then she also said that when we are most vulnerable is when God is able to reveal the most to us. It really was like a light bulb moment for me. I sing that song a lot in Praise & Worship. I always knew what I was singing but I guess I never realized what I was asking for. The chorus goes:

"Bring me joy, bring me peace, bring the chance to be free, bring me anything that brings You glory. And I know they'll be days when this life brings me pain, but if that's what it takes to praise You. Jesus bring the rain."

So I guess all this rambling is so that I can say that I will PRAISE HIM!!!!! Even when I feel blah, I will PRAISE HIM. Even when I feel stressed, I will PRAISE HIM. Even when I feel so overwhelmed and defeated, I will PRIASE HIM.

I WILL PRAISE HIM!!!

Home Redecorating Pictures

2008-03-30T21:39:00.009-04:00

Well we did it. We finally finished painting our kitchen, living/dining room, and half bathroom on the downstairs level of our townhome. I must say that we completely underestimated the time and sweat it would take to get it done. For those of you that might not have seen it before this. Imagine that every wall was off white. Our builder called it DR Horton White. Now we have put our stamp on our home and I must say that I love it completely. It really is serene and calm. I really feel like I can relax here.

Enjoy the pictures!!!

Here is the half bathroom.

Here is a view that shows the kitchen/living/dining rooms. You can see that our dog, Phileo has found his favorite spot on the new sectional sofa we bought to complete the space.

Here is one view of the living room.

This is the dining area.

This is the lving room. We also purchased a new sectional and ottoman for the space.

"It's time, It's time!!!"

2008-03-05T16:02:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I know I have not been faithful with Blogger. I guess I have too much that I have been trying to keep up.

One quick note though. We are finally going to do it. We are going to...................................are you ready....................................we are going to paint our house!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been waiting forever to do this. I finally convinced my husband that the time is now. Of course we are just going to start with our downstairs for now but that is fine with me.

I have always been a home improvement show junkie so now is my time to try out all that I have learned over the years. Hopefully, I have learned a lot. I guess I will have to let you know.

"What should I do?"

2008-02-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

Have you ever just had things that are going on in your life and you just don't know what to do. Recently that has happened in my life. The ins and outs of daily life and the responsibilities that go along with it sometimes become so overwhelming. I used to hate it when my mom would say that she longed to be in school again. Now I know why. I used to complain about having to go to school and how boring it was or how I didn't like it. She would always tell me how much she wished she could just go to school again. Life was so simple back then. I know I am saying back then, it is true. All we had to be concerned with was whether our homework was complete or who we were going to sit with at lunch. There weren't bills that we had to pay or worry about whether there was going to be enough money to pay them. We didn't have to be consumed by working to make a living and provide for the basic needs of our family. Mind you, I don't have any children yet. When I step back and look at what it really costs to have children, I wonder if I will ever be able to afford a child. In my heart of hearts, I am so ready to be a mother and I know W is very much ready to be a father. I know our families are ready for us to go ahead and take that step. I know it must seem as if I am rambling on and on about nothing but that is what is on my heart right now.

It is my prayer that God will show me and help me to not be concerned over the things in life that I cannot control.

"Huge Milestone In My Life"

2008-01-14T14:17:00.000-05:00

I know I have not been so faithful on the updating on my blog. I might not even have anyone that will read this. I apologize for my lack of posting lately. I don't know that I have an excuse really, but here goes. I guess life has just been busy.

Here is what I want to share with you today. As many of you know that on October 3, 2006, my life as I knew it changed forever. I had to take on a new way of life when it came to healthy living. I had a choice to make. I could really make a complete lifestyle change that would alter my health and future health forever or I could simply revert back to my old ways and habits. Here I am over a year later and I can proudly say that I chose the complete lifestyle change. I have successfully lost 180 pounds. I am only 20 pounds away from reaching the goal weight that I set for myself when this whole thing began. Wow.......I cannot believe it!!! I never thought I would ever see the day that I stuck to anything like this. Not only have I changed my way of eating but my way of living has changed also. I am more active than I have ever been in my entire life. I haven't run a marathon or anything but who knows what my future holds. I find myself enjoying getting out and just walking about. Before, going to the grocery store was exhausting and almost intolerable.

One thing that I would like to say is that just because I had a gastric bypass does not mean that I didn't have to do any hard work or make sacrifices. Some times people look at weight loss surgery and think you didn't have to do anything at all. I will agree that it is a great tool to get you jump started, however, you do have to commit to a lifestyle change. There are foods that you must commit to never eating again. Sugars are no longer a part of your life. I have to look at the sugar content for everything I even thing of eating. If it has more than 12g per serving forget it and I rarely eat things that have that much in them. Those are the treats for me when I feel that I must have something. It is amazing. It was also really hard for me at times. I never realized that would actually mourn food. When I say mourn, I mean cry because I could not eat something that I always loved so dearly. I never truly realized that I was addicted to food especially for emotional purposes. Now, I deal with the problems that come my way in a healthy way. I no longer look to food for comfort. I look to my God, my husband, my friends, or my family. God has taught me so much throughout these last 15 months.

If anything, I want to be an encouragement to anyone who may need it.

Lastly, I want to thank my wonderful husband Wayne. He has been my ROCK at times. Those times when I was mourning food, he was there holding me. Wayne, I love you more and more each day. If it were not for your support and understanding, I am not sure I could have come this far. I feel blessed, truly blessed, to have you for my husband, soul mate, and best friend.

Well, until next time......

The Leisters Do Hollywood

2007-09-19T14:55:00.000-04:00

Here is a blog that my husband created for our trip to Hollywood. On it has the pictures we took. They are divided into two sections: the sightseeing and the red carpet. It was the most amazing experience in my life. I am so glad that I got to share it with my wonderful husband. We did and saw all that we could in the short time we were there. We went to the Pacific Ocean and put our feet right in. It was so amazing. I am still overwhelmed by the whole experience. I definitely would like to go again and spend more time to do what we weren't able to get to.

Here is the address:

www.leistersdohollywood.blogspot.com

Enjoy!!!!

Hollywood bound tomorrow!

2007-09-14T13:43:00.000-04:00

Well, I am about ready to go home and pack my suitcase for the biggest trip I have taken in my life. It is only over the weekend but it is the coolest place that I will ever be thus far. I never ever thought that I would be able to go to Hollywood, CA and be able to be on the red carpet for the Emmy's. I am still not believing this. Last Friday I got the package containing the itenerary and all the details. We will be staying at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, which is a branch of Marriott. It looks so nice. The hotel is actually on the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Highland. We are right next door to the Kodak Theatre. Yes, that is where the American Idol finalies take place. I am so excited that I can barely contain myself. We will be taking loads of pictures. Wayne has made a photo blog. You can access the link from his blog. I have a link to his on the side of mine. I hope I didn't confuse anyone with all that.

On other news, I am so excited that a very good friend of mine and her husband will be moving here in November. Can you guess who it is?

Until next time......

On the road again.....

2007-08-24T15:33:00.000-04:00

Well, in about 10 minutes I will be heading out to the open road with my wonderful husband. Actually, I have to go pick him up from work first then we are off. I am so excited. I cannot wait to see all our family. I am so fortunate to have such great family around me. I not only have my family but my husband's family also. I don't like to look at it as in-laws. It is all family to me.

The cool thing is that we are going on the Riverboat cruise while we are in Louisville. I am really looking forward to that. We are also going to get to see some friends that Wayne has from High School. When we leave Louisville, we are off to Virginia to see my child-hood best friend. She is still considered my best friend but it makes it more dramatic when you add the child-hood......anyways. I haven't seen her in almost four years. Then we head to my parents and do the whole tour thing of our nation's capitol. We are both looking forward to that. I love history and I think Wayne does too, even if he won't admit it.

Well, I guess I should get off here so I can get my things together and head out. Keep us in your thought and prayers. When all is said in done we will have driven for 22 hours. Oh my!!

Blessings to you all!!!

Life in general......

2007-08-13T15:44:00.000-04:00

I have been doing a lot of soul searching lately. I have been asking God for some guidance, wisdom, and strength. I have in deed gotten what I have asked for and more. We serve such and amazingly awesome God. His goodness and faithfullnes never ceases to amaze me. There have been many days that I felt like giving up and throwing my hands in the air. Thank God, those days are behind me. I have learned so much over the last few years and continue to learn daily about how I can serve Him better and how I can help others. I have come to a point in my life that I am ready to be inconvienced for the sake of Christ and the furthering of His kingdom. For those that know me, you know I have come a long way to even be able to say those words. I am truly excited for what God has in store for my life and for my husband's life as individuals and as a couple. I am excited and encouraged by what God is doing in our corps. I am excited and encouraged about the part I am now playing and any future parts I will play. I am excited that God continues to strengthen me daily for the new healthy lifestyle choice I made last October. I am proud to say that I have now lost a total of 141 pounds. I am amazed at my accomplishment and look forward to reaching my weight loss goal of 200 pounds. God has blessed me in so many ways. I can't say that all has been a smoothe sailing but in every trial I take it as an opportunity to ask, "What is God trying to teach me?" Wayne and I have taken that to heart and daily live by that philosophy, if that's what you might call it.

Well I should close.....be encouraged because we serve an amazingly awesome God.

Tell others about Him!!!

What a day!!!!!!!

2007-07-31T15:33:00.000-04:00

Okay, so most of you probably know by now but for those that were not so lucky to hear. I had my hair done on Sunday afternoon. My hair dresser also asked if she could lighten my eye brows. I was a little apprehensive because I had never done that before. She asked me if I trusted her. Of course, I said yes. When all was said and done, I had blond highlights and lighter eye brows that were supposed to make my eyes pop. They really did make my blue eyes shine so I was told. That night I felt like the skin above my eye brow was going to break out. It became itchy and feeling irritated. I put some Benedryl Cream on them and went to bed. I woke up at around 5:30 am yesterday to look at the clock and I could not open my eyes. I thought that I must be really tired if I cannot open my eyelids. Much to my surprise it was because my eyes were swollen shut. Yes, completely shut. I could barely get them separated to try and see. I freaked out and started yelling for Wayne. He was around the corner in our guest bathroom. He is nice enough to try not to wake me when he gets up in the middle of the night. Anyways, I had to feel my way down the hall and around the corner. He immediately got me some Benedryl and applied some more cream to the affected area. I was terrified. I didn't know what to do. Wayne ended up going to the pharmacy when it opened and got some cortizone cream that the pharmacist said to try. I called my doctor once they opened and they told me as long as I was not in pain or having swollen lips or throat I didn't have to come in. My doctor told me to take benedryl, use the cortizone cream but to avoid getting it in my eye, and put an ice pack over my eyes every 15 minutes on and then off for 15 minutes. I had to miss a whole days work because I couldn't open my eyes enough to see or drive myself to work. It was awful. I thought that nothing could make my day better..................but here is the amazing part. I was entered into a grand prize drawing through a radio station here in town last week. I was a daily winner and won a digital camera and put into the running for a trip to Hollywood, CA to sit on the red carpet at the Emmy's. I really didn't think much of it and didn't expect to win the trip. I was happy with the digital camera. I had never won anything like that in my life so I was thrilled. Around 12:15 pm yesterday, my cell phone rang. I didn't recognize the number but answered it anyways. It was the radio station. They asked if I had been listening that morning. I told him that I hadn't because I had an emergency. I didn't want to bore (or entertain) this man with what I was going through. He said they drew my name and called it on the air. I was the winner of the trip to Hollywood, CA to go to the Emmy's red carpet!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!! I first asked if this was a joke. He assured me it wasn't and went over the details with me. He also said he needed to know who I was taking and that we needed to come in to fill out the paperwork so we can get our airplane tickets booked and all that good stuff. We get two, round-trip plane tickets, hotel accommodations, $125 ground transportation allowance, transportation to and from the Emmy's red carpet, and $850 spending money. I must say that I teared up at the point. I told the guy that I had such a horrible day so far but that this news has made it so much better. He laughed and said that he was glad that I won since I needed a pick me up.

Well, there you have it. I went from one terrible, awful day to being able to experience one of my lifelong dreams to go to Hollywood. We will leave September 15th and get back on the 17th. We are going to see and do as much as we can while we are there for that weekend.

I will post a pic of my new hair and eye brows once the redness and swelling goes completely away. Until then, imagine me with a big smile on my face.

Until next time.......

Happy 4th!!!!!

2007-07-05T13:57:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. I know we did. It was pretty relaxing. I must say that I did not go anywhere to watch fire works. I watched them on TV. I know that is pretty lame but I didn't want to get into all the traffic and my neighbors seemed to shooting some pretty nice ones also. However, around 1:00 am they were still letting them off. I was so tired. I don't even know if Wayne even heard them once he got to sleep. Phileo (our dog) was terrified and heard every one of them go off. In turn, he would wake me up if the sounds of cracks and pops already hadn't. We are looking forward to this coming weekend and week. On Sunday, July 8th, will be our 7th wedding anniversary. It is so hard to believe that it has been that long. Every day is such a blessing to spend it together. I often look back on our life together and laugh a lot. We sure have had some really things happen to us and we have had some really trying times. God has certainly blessed our marriage and I am thankful for that. I am just as much if not more in love with my husband today as I was when I first knew he was the ONE. I love you Wayne and look forward to many more years to come.

The day after our anniversary we have some friends coming to visit for about 5 days with their two kids. I always enjoy when they visit or we visit them. We have so much fun together and it also is good to be able to share things we might be going through. They are great friends that truly are part of our family. I thank God for them also.

PS. Look at his blog. He got a tattoo last Friday and it is so cool!!!

"Hillbilly Name"

2007-06-21T17:48:00.001-04:00

Your Hillbilly Name Is...

Bobbie Jean Beaver

Hillbilly Name Generator

Summer Time!!!

2007-06-21T17:39:00.000-04:00

I am so excited that Summer is officially here. I haven't really been that excited about a season in a long time. Since loosing 125 pounds so far (Yay!!!), I find that I am a lot more active than I have ever been. I like getting out and about. I enjoy going out in the sun and just walking around. I also enjoy the pool in our neighborhood. I have been swimming more in the last month then in the last 4 years. I am so thankful that I am able to enjoy those things. We are going to be going on vacation at the end of August. I am so excited and cannot wait. This will be the first real vacation we have taken in a long time. We are going to Louisville, KY and then to Washington, DC. It will be a total of 1500 miles that we will travel in that 10 day period. I know it is a lot but I cannot wait. I am so looking forward to spending time with Wayne's family in Louisville. We haven't been there to visit in four years. I know, shame on us. We are planning to try and see as many of Wayne's high school friends as possible while we are there. We are also going to visit with some family that I have living there. Then it is off to see my parents and tour our nation's capitol. I haven't really toured DC since I was a kid. I am soooo excited about that also. I know it might seem like a boring vacation to some but for us it is going to be the best time ever.

Well, I just wanted to update since it has been a while.

Take care and have a great summer!!!!

Laugh Until It Hurts

2007-05-18T12:59:00.000-04:00

LIST FOR THE DAY - Top Eight Morons of 2006

1. WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP ? AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.

2. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS : Police in Oakland, CA spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, "Please come out and give yourself up."

3. WHAT WAS PLAN B ??? An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.

4. THE GETAWAY! A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.

5. DID I SAY THAT ??? Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words: "Give me all your money or I'll shoot", the man shouted, "that's not what I said!".

6. ARE WE COMMUNICATING ??? A man spoke frantically into the phone: "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart". "Is this her first child?" the doctor asked. "No!" the man shouted, "This is her husband!"

7. NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED! In Modesto, CA, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun. Unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his pocket. (hellooooooo)!

8. THE GRAND FINALE !!! Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert, an hour east of Bakersfield, CA, some folks, new to boating, were having a problem. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get their brand new 22 foot boat, going. It was very sluggish in almost every maneuver, no matter how much power they applied. After about an hour of trying to make it go, they putted into a nearby marina, thinking someone there may be able to tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the out-drive went up and down, and the propeller was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard. NOW REMEMBER...THIS IS TRUE. Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!

Here is something else that had me laughing so hard I was crying!!!!! Enjoy!!!!

A first grade school teacher in Virginia had twenty-five students in her class. She presented each child in her classroom the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb.

It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are 1st graders, 6-year-olds, because the last one is a classic!

01. Don't change horses .................................... until they stop running.
02. Strike while the ...................................................bug is close.
03. It's always darkest before .................................Daylight Saving Time.
04. Never underestimate the power of ...................................... termites.
05. You can lead a horse to water but .......................................... how?
06. Don't bite the hand that ........................................... looks dirty.
07. No news is............................................................impossible.
08. A miss is as good as a ...................................................... Mr.
09. You can't teach an old dog new ............................................ math.
10. If you lie down with dogs, you'll ..........................stink in the morning.
11. Love all, trust ............................................................. me.
12. The pen is mightier than the .............................................. pigs.
13. An idle mind is............................................the best way to relax.
14. Where there's smoke there's .......................................... pollution.
15. Happy the bride who....................................... gets all the presents.
16. A penny saved is ...................................................... not much.
17. Two's company, three's .......................................... the Musketeers.
18. Don't put off till tomorrow what ........................you put on to go to bed.
19. Laugh & the whole world laughs with you, cry &........You have to blow your nose.
20. There are none so blind as ....................................... Stevie Wonder.
21. Children should be seen and not ............................ spanked or grounded.
22. If at first you don't succeed ................................ get new batteries.
23. You get out of something only what you............ see in the picture on the box.
24. When the blind lead the blind ............................... get out of the way.

And the WINNER and last one!

25. Better late than........................................................pregnant.

What a weekend!!!

2007-04-03T16:45:00.000-04:00

We went up to Virginia last weekend for a very special occasion. First, let me start off by saying that last Tuesday I woke up and was terribly congested and could barely talk. Most of you know that I had been asked back in October to sing at Wendy's wedding. I have looked forward to this for months and the week of the wedding I get sick. I didn't just get sick. I got really sick. I went to the doctor's on Wednesday and got three perscriptions. I began taking them immediately and praying that it would clear up in time for the wedding Saturday. I just kept getting worse and worse, but I was determined to sing. I really didn't get to enjoy the weekend as much as I would have wanted to because I felt sooooo bad. Wayne put a video on his blog of me singing one of the three songs. He said that I did well but I was very disappointed with my performance. Oh well, what can you do? Darn that pollen and whatever else helped me get sick!!!! I was very happy to be able to be a part of the event though. It was a very beautiful wedding and Wendy made a absolutely beautiful bride. I have some pictures on my myspace page if you would like to take a look, but you have to be one of my friends to look. JJ was the ring bearer and he was so cute. He did really well for a four year old. He looked so handsome in his little tuxedo though. I know this is random but for those of you keeping up with my weight loss success, I have now lossed a total of 102 pounds. I was so excited to make the 100 pound loss mark.

Well I guess I should go but I wanted to share with you how things are and have been going.

Until next time . . .

It's been a while...

2007-03-15T16:51:00.000-04:00

I know it has been a while since my last post. Life has been busy and I guess I wasn't sure what to say. I am definitely loving my job and every aspect of it. I have been there for 2 months now and it really seems that time has flown. I have always known that Accounting was what I loved to do but never had the opportunity to do it full time. Now that I am in that type of job, I literally cannot wait to get to work every day. This is the first time that I have ever felt that way about a job. For those of you that are keeping up with my progress on weight loss, I am proud to announce that I have lost a total of 90 pounds so far. I am so proud of myself for sticking to this. I know that having the surgery was a drastic measure but it really has changed my life and thinking on a lot of things. I really no longer look to food for happiness. I definitely enjoy the fact that my clothes are definitely falling off. I have had to get rid of some of them and have bought a few as well. I think that it has come that time when I really need to start buying more. I am finding out about some great stores that I never knew about and could never fit into any of their clothes. I had to buy a dress for Wendy's upcoming wedding and actually was able to find one that only cost me $10.80. Can you believe that? I was shocked when we were checking out and the dress was on sale. I had no idea it was on sale at all. The shoes I got were more than the dress. In fact, they were three times more. Well, I guess that is enough rambling for now. I will post again soon, I promise.

Love to all my friends far and near.

"At last my love has come along . . ."

2007-02-15T17:35:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday was Valentine's Day. I hope everyone felt loved and gave love to those around you. I must say that I am probably the most lucky woman in the world. For those of you that know my husband, you are doubting me on this one, but he is a great husband. No, he didn't buy me diamonds or roses. He did however get me the box set for the Ace Ventura Pet Detective movies. For those that know me well know that I love those movies especially "When Nature Calls." I can pretty much recite every line to that one. I know you are thinking, wow I had no idea that you would like such humor. I also like "Dumb and Dumber" so there you go. He not only got me that but he also got me the Celtic Woman CD from their latest show. I love it so much. I immediately opened it and put it into the stereo. We listened to almost the whole CD last night. For our big gift to each other we will be going to see Harry Connick, Jr on March 3rd. We are both very excited. I have never been to a non-christian concert. I had never been to a Broadway show until we went to RENT last month. Enough rambling though. I really wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that I had the best Valentine's ever just because my wonderful husband made sure to leave a card by my alarm clock to read right when I got up and then gave me another one at dinner. I must say these cards were the best cards I have ever gotten. I love him so much and am so blessed that God provided me with such a wonderful husband who loves God and loves me.

I know, enough with the mushy stuff. What can I say, I am in love.

Make sure you tell all those around you they are loved!!!!

JJ Makin A Pizza

2007-02-04T15:46:00.001-05:00

Welcome to DMSI!

2007-01-22T19:49:00.000-05:00

I have been at my new job for a week now and it is wonderful. I enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work instead of dreading the day. The people that I work with are really great. Everyone is so nice and helpful. It is also such a relaxed environment compared to what I have been dealing with. I am actually doing something that I really enjoy. I am working in Accounting which has always been something that I was passionate about. I know what you are thinking, that has to be boring. For me, it isn't. It is a great way to spend the day. I guess I have a lot of my father in me when it comes to numbers.

Before I go, let me tell you about my first day. The actual work part was great. As I was leaving for the day, I walked through the guard shack and was headed to my car when it happened. A white minivan backed right into my driver's side door. Right there in front of me. I couldn't believe it. I remained pretty calm and began to even chuckle about it. I knew immediately that my husband would not be laughing about it though. The guy pulled his car away from mine and got out and said a few choice words to himself because he knew he had really messed up. He is Latin American and did not have a valid ID. He only had one from his country. I was surprised he didn't just drive off. He didn't really speak English only a few words, most of the four letter. The security guard came with me to make sure that the guy did not try to run for it. We waited on the police. At this point, I started thinking, wow, I hope he has insurance. Luckily, he was not the owner of the vehicle. The actual owner of the vehicle did have insurance, thank the Lord. So now our car is in the body shop and I have a rental. The rental is actually nicer than both of our cars. It is a 2007 Chevrolet Trail Blazer with leather seats. It also has a heated driver and passenger seat. That is really cool considering it has been quite cold lately. They say our car will be ready possibly Thursday but more likely Friday. By then we will probably have made a down payment on a Trail Blazer of our own. You should of seen Wayne's eyes light up when he got to look in and sit in the SUV.

Well I guess you can say, I have had an eventful week. But, I still love my new job.

Until next time . . .

It's a New Day!!!

2007-01-14T21:55:00.000-05:00

I know I have not blogged in a month. I definitely can say that a lot has happened in this last month. I joined Curves and love going. It really make a huge difference in my energy level and makes me feel like I am doing something good for myself. I also have now lost 65 pounds. I am so proud of myself. I never imagined that I would be able to come this far. I still have quite a ways to go but I am confident that I can do it. Wayne has really taken hold of the new healthier lifestyle so it has changed both of our lives. I am so proud of him also for his success in losing 20 pounds.

The next big change in my life is that tomorrow I will be starting a new job. I am very excited and very nervous all at the same time. God has truly been at work in our lives and I am very thankful.

Well I need to head off to bed. I am sure I will not sleep because I am so nervous and excited. You know how it is.

Blessings,

Paula

Do I have a number for you?!?!

2006-12-14T19:51:00.000-05:00

Well for those of you that know me know that I had a life changing event in October. I wanted to let everyone know that I have officially reached 50 pounds of weight loss.(YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHH!!!!) I guess you can say that I am just a little bit happy about that. I still can't believe it myself. I must say that there have been days that are harder than others but God and my wonderful supportive husband have definitely been there for me. I know it has been a while since my last post. I guess I just didn't really know what to say or have anything to say. I am still working on the Letting go and Letting God. It is getting a little easier for me to do so. I have released a few things and actually been able to let them go. I find myself trying to go back and pick them up but I remind myself it is not mine anymore it is God's. I really appreciated the comment that Kathy left me on that last post. Kathy, it was so inspiring and encouraging, thank you. I have kept it in my email box so I read it again and again. Things are happening for me which I hope I will be able to share soon but until I know for sure what the outcome will be I cannot let you in on it just yet. Well thank you to all my friends for not giving up on me. I know that I haven't been able to see most of you as frequently as I would have liked over these past few weeks but I look forward to seeing you this weekend. For those friends that live far away, I miss each of you deeply.

Living healthy....

Paula

Why can't I let go...and let God?

2006-11-15T13:49:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't been keeping up with this blogging thing the last few weeks. I honestly haven't known what to talk about. I guess I still don't. I have been back to work since October 31st and it has been really interesting. I think I have come to the point that I really don't feel fulfilled in my life. I feel like I don't have a purpose. I am in that searching mode. The problem is that I really don't know what I am searching for. Wayne and I have been doing devotions from a wonderful book that he mentioned on his blog. It seems like the very thoughts and problems that I am dealing with are all in this devotional. I guess God worked it out that way. I have laid out my many problems and concerns before God and left most of them there. I am the worst at releasing things to God. I have gotten better but I still have a few that I am holding onto. I don't know what keeps me from releasing these things. I know there is many people who know how I feel. Please pray that I will overcome this.

Until next time. . .

My Celebrity Look-A-Likes (I wish)

2006-10-28T22:33:00.000-04:00

Snow Anyone?

2006-10-24T11:49:00.000-04:00

I must say that yesterday when I saw it has snowed in the mountains I was a little jealous. It didn't really snow a whole lot but it snowed. I love snow and how beautiful it looks falling and how beautiful it looks when the ground is covered in such white powder. When I was a little girl we live in Virginia. Every year it would snow and not just a little. We would wake up and have 2 feet of snow. When we lived in Waynesboro, VA, we had like a major blizzard. It was probably a little over 3 feet. I just remember that it was even with our front porch that was pretty high. We lived in a very old house. When I say old, it was like 100 years old, no kidding. It was on top of a hill so you had to drive up to it. My Dad opened the front door and being the funny guy he is decided to see how deep the snow was. He took our black cat and dropped off the porch. All I can say that all we saw was white snow and a hole. Soon the cat came scratching to the surface and by that time the black cat was now white. Needless to say, the cat wouldn't go near my Dad for a long time for fear that it would travel to the white wonders again. Some of my favorite memories are sledding down the hill with my whole family having fun outside. My grandmother lived with us and she would always watch us out the window and wave. When we would come inside she would always have hot chocolate ready for us. I miss those days. I was telling Wayne last night that I hope we get a good snow this year so I can try to play in it again. I know it won't be as fun since we don't have a big hill where we live but still I would love to make a snowman.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...please!!!!

I know it might be too soon for it to but I can't wait until it does.

Let me know what your best memory is with snow.

Backyard Blues

2006-10-17T15:39:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, we just purchased our first home. We lived in a beautiful community called Lions Gate. It is a townhome community so we do not have to worry about the yard upkeep. I am glad for that because I certainly don't know what I am doing and Wayne just doesn't prefer to do the yard either. Since day one of moving in, we have had a drainage problem in the back yard. Wayne being the wonderful husband and provider that he is said he would handle it. He emailed the customer service person for our community and told them about our problem. Well, finally after a month, they finally decided to do something about it. They sent a crew of men to install a special drain in the backyard. These men came and tore our yard apart and unburied our phone and cable lines that had been freshly buried only 2 weeks prior. Don't get me started on the cable thing, it is a post in itself. Here we are a week later and the yard still looks a mess and the lines are still just laying across our yard and our neighbors yard. I knew it was going to rain today and thought, great this will make them go even slower on this little project. Aaaawwww, the joys of homeownership. I must say that I do love living here but I would love to be able to walk in what little back yard that I have. Okay, I guess enough about that.

Until next time...

If These Walls Could Talk, Maybe I Wouldn't Be So Bored!

2006-10-10T15:27:00.000-04:00

Well, here I am one week after my surgery. I feel great considering what I've been through. Each morning I get up, take a shower, take all my medicines, multi-vitamins, & calcium supplement. Then it is downstairs to start my exciting day of drinking protein shakes because that is really all I can........aaauuuggghhhhh!!!! I feel like that is all I do. It takes me one whole hour to finish 8 oz. of carnation instant breakfast no sugar added. Then I am supposed to spend the next hour drinking another 8 oz. of water, crystal lite, or decaf tea. (I must interject that I have not been successful doing that yet!) It is so hard to do because I am not hungry whatsoever so when I drink the protein shake I am so full that I can't drink the water or any other liquid listed above. It is so frustrating. I just try to drink as much as I can. I must say I found out that I can have light yogurt so I have added two of those a day to mix it up a little. Yes, folks I am leading such an exciting life right now. My highlight of the day is waiting and watching the door in the afternoons for someone to get home. Usually it is JJ that is the first to walk in the door, then Katrina and Stephen, then sometime later Wayne gets home(YAY!!). Let me tell you it is so good to see them when they get home. Being here all day with Phileo is great but he can't talk back to me. He probably thinks I am crazy because I talk to him constantly. If you know me at all, I am such a people person. I do enjoy having a good conversation or watching something and being able to laugh at it with someone else. I guess you take it for granted. That is why I am not single. The highlight of my day is when Wayne and I get to go and take walk together. The doctor ordered for me to walk at least five days a week but we have decided to go for seven days a week. It feels so good to get out of the house and just walk through our neighborhood. I never knew what we were missing by not doing this before. God has really shown me how strong I really am when it comes to this whole process. It is pretty hard watching everyone eat real food but I know I will be able to eat and chew again soon (aaaawwww to chew again, never thought that would be so nice). Thank you to all my wonderful friends and family for your wonderful words of encouragement and prayers. I know God has placed each of you in my life to help me get through this time. I love you all very much. Okay well I guess that is all I wanted or needed to say.

Until next time...

There's No Place Like Home

2006-10-05T15:46:00.000-04:00

Hello all, I am finally home. I must say that I am not cut out for the hospital life. I also must say that I am not cut out for IV's either. I am sure if you read Wayne's blog you heard about his take on the day of surgery. Yes, it is true my veins do not cooperate no matter how many times you ask them to. I was ready to scream after the 2nd one blew and just when they said they would go ahead and do a central line, the 3rd one began working wonderfully. It lasted all the way through surgery and recovery but not to my new hospital room. I know Wayne said that I was doped up and probably wasn't really in pain, let me tell you, I was indeed in pain. I was doped up but that just made we be out of it but it certainly wasn't relieving the pain. Once I did get that 4th and final IV (which by the way was in my right wrist so I couldn't use that arm or hand whatsoever), the morphine was flowing and I was feeling pretty good that was until I woke up. Every time I woke up, I would get nautious and start gagging and all that fun stuff Wayne told you about.

Over all, I guess it wasn't the worst experience ever. I actually am surprised at how mobile I am right now. Of course, now I am on vicodin so that may be helping. Well I will post more later, my incisions are starting to hurt a bit so I need to rest. Thank you all for your prayers. I could really feel God cradling me as I was completely in his care during the surgery.

Well, until next time....

My First Post

2006-10-01T21:55:00.000-04:00

Well, here goes nothing....I always said I would never do this but maybe it will be therapeutic. My problem is that I think my life is pretty boring and I don't have much to say. I guess in time we will see if that is true. Anyways, I am going in for surgery on Tuesday and after that life will never be the same. I am on a mission to a new healthier lifestyle. I know that with the support from my heavenly father, my wonderful husband, and family that I can make it.

The first lifestyle change was to first survive the two weeks of liquid diet. I must say that Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) has become my new best friend. I might add that it really doesn't taste that bad. I have had chocolate milk that tasted worse. The one thing that I haven't dealt well with is the hunger pains. I guess the 10 pounds lost so far make it worth the while. I must say that even once this first two weeks is over I still have two more after the surgery. I have heard that it will not be as bad......please Lord let it be so.

Well I guess I have rambled enough for now, but I will definitely keep up posting as I start this new adventure. Keep me in your prayers. I have a feeling it won't be that easy but I will survive and be better for it.