Friday, December 14, 2007


What an amazing night last night! We had about 20 neighborhood women come to my house last night for the "Christmas Gathering", where one of our friends' friend gave a little devotional thought. This was an outreach to the friends and neighbors that came.

There was a great time of treats, getting caught up with everyone since we're not able to do that as much during the winter, and sharing of traditions (which you know I was way into based on my last entry!). Then Maureen spoke, prayed an invitational prayer, and at the end we passed out notecards and asked everyone to write their thoughts about the evening as well as indicate if they had prayed the prayer and if they were interested in a basic Bible study. There were NINE people that said that they prayed with Maureen! And there were a couple more that were interested in the Bible study!

A huge thank you to those of you that were praying for this event - there was definitely spiritual warfare going on, but we know that God had His hand on the whole evening, and hopefully the things that we know were successes are just the beginning of what He has planned for this neighborhood.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007


Currently Reading
A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking
By Ali Edwards
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A lot has happened in the past couple of weeks:

  • We went to a really fun holiday sweater party for the second year in a row. Played a fun game that I think was called hammer-schlager?
  • Carter has progressed from just rolling to doing the worm. It's funny, and he's becoming fast. Especially when he sees the Christmas tree with lights on. Crawling is just around the corner...
  • Work has been crazy. Blech.
  • I went on an amazing girls weekend with Deby and Andrea last week. Managed to get some scrapbooking done, but not as important as just hanging out - I love these girls.
  • First time away from Carter and we all survived. Even Jamie, with Carter having had his flu shot booster before I left. And now Carter goes down way better at night. Bonus.
  • Participated in Northbrook's Luciafest - I sang a solo, and Carter was a tomte.

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  • Made krumkake last night - yummy!

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  • I'm hosting a neighborhood "Christmas Gathering" tomorrow night with the women in my neighborhood Bible study - it's an outreach sort of thing. Please pray for those that are coming if you think of it - that they would be receptive to the message that is going to be shared.
  • I don't have anything planned during the day on Saturday - I'm SO excited.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition? I'm trying to implement new ones this year - like new pajamas for everyone on Christmas Eve. I'd love to get some more ideas!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Currently Listening
And So This Is Christmas
see related
Carter's second tooth popped through today...that explains a lot.

Thursday, November 22, 2007



Currently Listening
Pottery Barn - Classic Christmas
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So much to be thankful for...

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I love these two guys!

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We're off to Duluth tomorrow to see Jamie's family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 19, 2007


Work...is...crazy. Barely staying above water....

Look at how big this boy is!

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007


Currently Reading
The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel
By Margaret Atwood
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So...my update went out the door when Carter started his three week and counting sickness - ear infections (yes - that is plural), rashes, viruses, several trips to the doctor's office - ick; and when things at work got really crazy. And yes, Deby - I can now add where did October go?!

Well, what else have I been up to in the midst of sickness and work? Let's see...

  • The garage sale was mildly successful. I don't know that I'd rush to do another one, but I did make enough to buy new running shoes...
  • ...that I used to run the Twin Cities 5K (tied in with TC Marathon) with Deby. I'm so glad that we did it together, and I'm very proud of us. I shaved about 10 minutes off of my previous 5K time, which isn't saying much since I walked a majority of the second half the last time. This time, I (we) ran the whole way, even with the hill.
  • We had a fun day at a local apple orchard with Sarah, Chad and Mimi a few weeks back. The weather was unexpectedly nice, so it made it that much better.
  • Carter is getting so big! He can sit up unassisted for short periods of time - that is, until he gets excited, and throws himself back. He will be 6 months tomorrow, and I'm anxiously looking forward to seeing how big he is. When he was at one of his many doctor's visits in the past three weeks, they weighed him and he was 17 pounds and 13 ounces. Woah! That's a big boy!
  • We went to Duluth this past weekend to visit Jamie's family. However, it was a bummer that because of Carter being sick, we couldn't visit Great Grandpa Carl at the nursing home. The rest of the weekend was good - Jamie spent a majority of it helping with some home repairs, and I went to some rummage sales with Amy. The kids all had a good time together and with Tucker.

I'll have to upload photos later, since apparently xanga is doing server maintenance.

Thursday, September 27, 2007


Does anyone know what happened to September?

Real update to come soon...promise.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Things are crazy at work...I don't know why I thought it was a good idea to work from home today and tomorrow while running a garage sale! It should work out ok, I'm just hoping I don't have any more fire drills at work... And maybe we'll actually make a little money so I can buy some new running shoes!

Monday, August 27, 2007


Today was Jamie's first day back, and Carter's first day at daycare - which is thankfully just at our neighbors. He's going to be so spoiled! Anyway, Jamie picked him up after work and Savannah, who is 8, told Jamie that he rolled over. Jamie was like what? Then sure enough - he brought Carter home, put him on his tummy and he rolled over! Thankfully he did it for me when I got home too, otherwise I would have been really sad!

Carter had his 4-month appointment last Friday - he is a big boy! 25.5" long (75th percentile), 16 pounds (also 75th percentile) and 41.25 head circumference (37th percentile). He did really well after his shots, too. I mean, as well as can be expected. And he slept a lot the couple of days afterwards, which was nice.

Here's a few new pics...

Meeting Great Grandma Burleigh:

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Smiling at Great Grandma Jobe:

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Hanging out in the exersaucer:

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It's so sad that summer is almost over, but we are looking forward to being outside more this fall when it cools down a little!

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Currently Listening
MTV Party to Go: Platinum Mix
By Various Artists
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We're headed to Duluth for the weekend - in my new car! Ok, so it's not exactly new, but new to me. It's a 2002 Chevy Impala. I really like it, but it's so much bigger than the Mazda was! And actually, Jamie pointed out to me that it's bigger than the Rendezvous...that just seems wrong. Ha!

I'm really buying into the sleep begets sleep theory - Carter hasn't been napping as much the last few days, and it has been so much harder for him to go to bed! He just keeps fighting it for some reason. Although he has also been waking up a lot more than he used to, but he goes right back down. Or so I think, anyway - Jamie's probably getting up to put his pacifier in. Next week is the last week that Jamie will be home with him, though, so then we'll have to split the waking duties.

So here's a random question - what is your favorite workout song? Or if you have a Nike+, what do you have as your PowerSong? I'm trying to put together a new playlist for running...

Tuesday, August 7, 2007


Currently Gaming
Nintendo Wii Play with Wii Remote
By Nintendo
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So work is going well - I'm settling back into a routine. A routine that since late last week has included a workout. At times, I'm excited about that; at others, not so much. But I've got a 5K to train for, and I don't have time to spare! It's easier to work out at the gym while I'm at work when I don't feel as much like I should be spending my time with Carter. I need to make sure I'm taking care of me, which will help me take care of him even better. I think that's what I was wrestling with a month or so ago...

Jamie's enjoying his last few weeks with Carter before school starts again - he's doing such a good job. I think it's funny how many people will say "Oh, how's Jamie doing with the babysitting?" My response is "He's not babysitting; he's parenting." Who wouldn't want to parent this guy?!

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He was dedicated at church a week or so ago...it was a nice dedication, even if it was a big church, with a bunch of other kids being dedicated at the same time. I don't think God minds what the service is like, as long as the intent is pure. Anyway, it was a nice time with family after church!

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We had a nice, very last minute National Night Out gathering in our driveway with almost all of the neighbors on our 'block'. It is so great to have good neighbors that we also call friends!

Monday, July 16, 2007


Currently Reading
50 Fast Digital Camera Techniques (50 Fast Techniques Series)
By Gregory Georges, Larry Berman, Chris Maher
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So tomorrow I go back to work...it brings mixed feelings. I'm excited to go back and see my coworkers, and strangely enough to get back on some type of schedule/routine, but obviously am sad to leave my Little P. Who would want to leave this face?!

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However, it's so nice to know that Jamie will be home with Carter for another six weeks or so! I'm guessing things will look something like this (more so the second photo...):

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Today we had Carter's 3 month pictures taken (one day early), and just spent a low key day together as a family. Jamie was good enough to humor me with a second photo shoot so I'd have some good shots to print out and bring to work.

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Saturday, June 30, 2007


Six years ago today, I was awaking from a night of little sleep - there was too much excitement for what the day ahead held. I went through a flurry of preparations that morning, from loading the car several times full of stuff to getting my hair done; from picking up my dress to then unloading all the stuff. Primping, prepping, pacing...praying.

I had certainly thought about this day for a long time , and there had been more than a year of planning, but now it was actually here. I was ready to burst with excitement. Only slightly nervous (mostly about if I would trip and fall!), I thought for sure I would cry as my best friends and sisters were helping me wait out those last few minutes. Then it was finally time, and I went to meet my dad in the hallway. I thought for sure I would cry as I waited with him, in those last few seconds. Then as we walked into the chapel and saw so many family, friends and loved ones I was overwhelmed. But all I could focus on was the most important person in my life, who was standing at the front of the room waiting for me. As we listened to songs and scriptures and then said our vows, I thought for sure I would cry. But I was just so happy all I could do was smile.

It was such a relief to make it through the ceremony - especially since I didn't trip and fall! - and I couldn't wait to go and celebrate with all of the special people in our lives. The horse and carriage ride from the church to the Landmark Center was so great; it gave us a good chance to have a few minutes alone amidst all the craziness. Getting to the Landmark Center was amazing - it was even more magical than I had hoped it would be. We had a great time dancing (I hope everyone else did too!), and trying to catch at least a few minutes with all of our guests.

I've said on several occasions that I would love to relive my wedding day - I remember so many amazing and wonderful snippets from that day. The special people who helped make the day possible, from participants in the ceremony to those who helped with reception things at the Landmark. The support from friends who stood up for us, and have continued to support us. The guest tables having to sing a song with the word love (as opposed to clinking glasses) to get us to kiss. And so many more... To relive everything would be so incredible!

But without taking away from that special day, all of that wouldn't matter. What matters is our marriage - the everyday. The fact that my husband is the man that God wanted for me (ever since I saw him with that fluorescent jacket on... ) and only me. That he makes me feel as though I'm the most important person in the world. That he makes each day more wonderful than the last. Six years has gone by very quickly, but when I'm with him sometimes it seems like time stops. I can't wait for the years to come, to see what is in store for the rest of our marriage. Because even though it seems inconceivable, I can't wait to love him more tomorrow than I do today.

I love you Jamie!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007


Carter is getting so big! He now weighs 11 pounds, 4 ounces (50th percentile) - up 4 lbs 4 oz from birth weight, but up 5 lbs 1 oz from when we had his feeding issues and had to have him back in the hospital! He is 23.5 inches long (75th percentile), from 21 inches at birth, And his head is apparently little, as he's only in the 10th percentile for head circumference (thankfully for me ). My great aunt and uncle from Texas are coming to town late this week - I'm very excited for them to meet Carter!

One of the reasons I haven't been updating much lately is because I feel like I don't have a lot to say other than what's going on with Carter. I was kind of sad about that, because it also feels like I don't have much of my own identity without him. HOWEVER, I realize that of course it has to be all about him right now - he's only 9 weeks old! And I will slowly be able to start getting things back to normal...at least I think so, anyway. Moms out there - can you confirm? I feel like I'm almost a bad mom for saying that, because it certainly isn't because I don't love Carter with EVERY ounce of my being, but, well, I don't know. It's not like I want my old, pre-Carter life back, because I love being his mama, but I want to have some things of my own to talk about. Does that make sense? Ok, I think I'm just rambling now...

I'm excited - we're going to go to the library! I'm embarassed to say I've only been to the library once since we moved to Carver almost 2 years ago. And that was just to get my new library card. I think I'm going to look for some books on how to help me with my new DSLR camera...it takes good pictures as I've been using it on auto setting, but I'm guessing I could do much more if I was a little more educated on how to use more of the functions. I'll try to post some 'before and after' shots in the next week or so...

Thursday, June 21, 2007


FOUR JOBS I'VE HAD IN MY LIFE:
Factory worker for lotions/soap/other bath products
Montgomery Ward men's department lead
Target management intern
Advertising account executive
FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
Shakopee, MN
Duluth, MN
St. Louis Park, MN
Carver, MN
and a bonus - Apartment 56, Moldova
FOUR TV SHOWS I LIKE TO WATCH:
Lost (!)
The Amazing Race
The Office
Last Comic Standing
FOUR PLACES I'VE BEEN ON VACATION:
Mazatlan
Kenya/Tanzania
Amsterdam
Seattle/Vancouver

FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
Chicken Pad Thai
Tortilla Chips & cheese
Orange Chicken w/Rice (especially from The Cheesecake Factory)
Dairy Queen chocolate dipped cone
FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
On a beach in Mexico
In bed sleeping
Somewhere in Europe
Grand Marais
FOUR PLACES I LIKE TO SHOP:
Target
Gap Outlet
Home Goods
Archiver's

Saturday, June 9, 2007


Currently Listening
Surfacing
By Sarah McLachlan
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Yesterday Carter was a little fussy in the early morning (5-6-ish), so Jamie took him for a little bit, then I went in. I was trying to explain to Carter that he might feel better if he could keep his paci in his mouth when he gave me a HUGE smile. At that point, I didn't care that he was up or what time of the day or night it was - that smile was the best way to start my day!

While I'm not exactly looking forward to going back to work, I am going to be glad to go back to my work friends. It was really fun to catch up with most of them - if only for a few minutes - when I stopped in on Tuesday for one of their baby showers. Coworkers really can make or break your work experience, can't they?!

My grandparents came back from Florida on Thursday, and yesterday they came down to meet Carter - it was SO cute!

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Wednesday, June 6, 2007


Currently Watching
The Praise Baby Collection Gift Set
By Praise Baby Collection
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Who knew maternity leave would be so busy? I'm looking forward to next week, when Jamie really will be home with Carter and me...

Tuesday, May 29, 2007


Currently Listening
Dizzy up the Girl
By The Goo Goo Dolls
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Carter is five weeks today! It's very hard to believe. He is getting so big! See:

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We spent the weekend before Memorial Day in Duluth with Jamie's family, which was great. It was so nice to introduce Carter to the rest of Jamie's family. We had to take advantage of the photo opportunity with four generation of Paulsons:

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Jamie's grandpa is SO excited that we had a boy to carry on the Paulson name.

We also got to hang out with Dena, who is super excited about being an Auntie:

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Here was Carter's first bath at home after his cord fell off:

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Then we were finally able to enjoy some tummy time - well, Jamie and I anyway, Carter didn't really like it too much:

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This past weekend, Jamie's parents came into town for a night and ended up watching Carter for us while we went to graduation and an end of year teacher party. It was great - it's always interesting to attend graduation, especially as an alum of the HS where Jamie teaches. I see people that I do and don't expect to see, and it always shows me how bad I am at small talk. Oh well! It also reminds me how proud I am of Jamie for the job he does - he really has such an impact on these kids. We can't walk two or three steps through a crowd of students without hearing "Hey Paulson!" or "Mr. P! What's up?!". And one of the girls even gave him a shout out in her graduation speech this year. He's a great teacher, a great husband, and now a great dad. I love him!