LoriePaynePhotography

Plans for my new photography website are under way, but unfortunately I won't be able to work on it until school is out!  STAY TUNED for its unveiling!

Stress Relief

We had such a fun day.  We started out with Drew's soccer game....her team won, and she played great.  Then we had a quick lunch at home all gathered around our big ole table which is how I like to eat.  Then we packed up and headed to the zoo.  HOWEVER, when we got there....there were 5 gazillion people.  The parking lot was full, and it was a 10 mile hike both ways, barefoot in the snow....well not really, but you get my drift.  So we opted to skip the chaos  zoo and explore our own backyard; or one of the nearest big cities.  We ended up in Ft. Worth.  We went to The Water Gardens....super beautiful and amazingly spiritual.  We trotted on over the famous Ft. Worth Stockyards, which we have been to before; but it's been a while.  We explored the arena, watched the cattle drive, rode ponies, sat on Longhorns, ate ice cream and did a little window shopping.  Drew and I both found the boots of our dreams.  We finished up the day with a nice family dinner at a local restaurant and headed home.  It was such an enjoyable day, and besides the fact that I have a friend coming over to babysit for me tomorrow; I'm really okay with not getting all the chores done.....GASP!  Actually Addi, Bryna and Elli did a lot of "picking up" while we were at Drew's game this morning.  They're so great!  My stress level is way down, and I am feeling really relaxed.  Now excuse me while I go sit on the couch and do nothing for the rest of the night....oh and I'm not going to stress over the mess!

Look Up!

I think I need to be medicated or just drink a lot....I'm not sure which, but something to give me some stress relief!  My life has been a whirlwind, and I'm focusing a lot on regrets lately.  My girl has been sad....crying daily!  I've cried myself to sleep or awake nearly every night for the last two weeks.  I need some stress relief.  I'm searching and searching, and then I remember.....why HELLO....look up!  I just read this.....
COME TO ME with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive abundant blessings.  I know the depth and breadth of your neediness.  Your life-path has been difficult, draining you of strength.  Come to Me for nuture.  Let me fill you up with My presence:  I in you, and you in Me!  My Power flows most freely into weak ones aware of their need for Me.  Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; they are links to My Presence!  Jesus Calling!
FOCUS!  FOCUS!  on Him not on me!

This Mama Don't Do Drama

Well there's lots of drama in my life lately, and I have never been a fan of that.  I love a good drama, but not this kind.  I'm exhausted and really just becoming more and more irritated by it.  I  have drama in ways that I would have never dreamed.  Last night I had a little drama relief, I went out with a group of ladies that I have gotten to know this year.  I don't know them well but after last night and a few cocktails, I know some better than others!  ;)  On a serious note, it was nice to just sit and listen and laugh.  It was nice to appreciate my husband even more so than I already do for taking on many tasks last night, so I could go.  It was nice to appreciate my children even more as I shared about them with these sweet ladies.  It was nice to hear about my new friends' and their families.  It was just nice!  I need a little more nice!

CRY BABY

If you are reading my blog for the first time, I need to confess.....I'M A CRY BABY!  I cry a lot, often, frequently, and sometimes for no apparent reason.  I can't even imagine what I'll be like when I go through menopause.  Please count this as my formal apology to my family and friends when that happens.  Yesterday, I cried several times.....
-a friend's hurting heart (don't want to share too much info.  here)
-a friend's hurting heart over losing her dad
-seeing the most angelic and sweet little 15 month old, who has some special needs, come in to tour our preschool
-seeing her little hand wave at me when I greeted her by name and having her mama say "She likes your pretty voice."
-hearing her mama say "I just want her to love school."
-thinking about my girl going to middle school
-worrying about my girl going to middle school
-being too tired
-watching Caine's Arcade on Vimeo
-being witness to the enormous support of a friend with a hurting heart
-talking to my friend about her mother with alzheimers
-listening to moms of some high schoolers with special needs voice their concerns about the way their children are being treated
-uncertainty about many things
-feeling like life is passing me by
I have felt uncertain and sad a lot lately, but I have been so blessed by so many things as well.  That sweet little 15 month old made my day and all the days to follow that much more blessed.  The note her mother sent about how much our school embraced her and seeing our teachers embrace her was one of the most wonderful things I'll ever witness.  I am blessed and through it all God is with me.  He is my refuge.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 
   my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, 
   my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

HOMESCHOOLING

What are your thoughts on homeschooling?  I am so torn between what I think I am able to do, what is best for my kids, and what they want to do.  Send me a message or comment.

Last Bluebonnet Session of the Season!

ME!

Did you know....

I don't like carpool lanes.

QT cokes taste funny, because they are made with filtered water. I would rather have unfiltered water in my coke.

I have only had 2 pedicures in my entire life.

I am addicted to chairs, linens, and dishes....oh and coffee and babies too.

I was a cheerleader in jr. high and high school.

I was NPayne's first girlfriend.

If I won the lottery, I would give most of my money away; however I would get a chauffer to drive me around in my old suburban.

I am not a fan of the mini van.

My kids make me a better person.

I'm not really cut out for anything that calls for getting up really early or staying up really late.

I might write a book someday.

I use to bite my nails.

My mom and dad always called me Lo Bug.

My family and good friends call me Lo.

NPayne rarely refers to me by my first name but instead as Mom....not as in his mom but as in the mom of his children.

I could browse on Pinterest and Etsy for hours!

I LOVE flea markets, thrift stores, and garage sales.

I am saving wishing for a new camera.

I've been moved to tears several times this week.

I love my husband.

I would miss Sonic if there wasn't one near me.

I don't like to be busy.

I love birthdays, Easter, and July 4th; but Thanksgiving is my favorite.

I can't stand clutter and a mess, but my family doesn't seem to mind it.

I don't mind washing, drying and folding the laundry; but I don't like putting it away.

I would rather scrub the toilet than dust.

I haven't seen a "grown-up" movie in a very very very very long time.

I am fascinated by forensics.

I might plant a garden this year.

I love my old house...even though it's still a work in progress after 15 years.

NPayne still knocks my socks off.

So there ya go.....a little about ME!

LR4

I got Lightroom 4, and I am IN LOVE! I shot these photos today of my beautiful girls. My handsome son was not in the picture taking mood, since it was about to storm when we took these; and he is horrified of storms. He waited in the car with NPayne. We may try to incorporate him into a few photos next weekend. Same spot, same sisters, same clothes....just add one brother!

Happy Easter!

Photographer

I love....

taking pictures

editing pictures

looking at pictures

hanging up pictures

looking at pictures again

pictures that take my breath away!

I love....pictures!

She's Fabulous!