September 28....the best day of 2003!

Happy SWEET SIXTEEN Bryna Mae Payne. My spunky, fun, talented, beautiful girl. Almost the tallest Payne, next to Neil and maybe Cal. The girl who has always sung her way through the day....living life in a musical and making ours one too. Neil never understood musicals....he would say, "Who breaks out into song and dance randomly like that?" And then we had you, and now he totally gets it. Definitely the messiest, most unorganized Payne; but also the most carefree and one who is always up for adventure. You are hard working, dedicated and passionate about the things you love. I am so thankful for your kindness, your feistiness, your goodness. I am so thankful for your genuine love and gratitude. I am so thankful for keeping us on our toes, getting us out of the house and pushing outside our comfort zones. I am so thankful for the beauty you create with music and just by being you. I could listen to you sing all day long! I adore you B-Nut....now let's get to driving really soon, because you're also the busiest! 

September 3rd....the best day of 2006!

Happy THIRTEENTH Birthday Elliot Ann Payne! My babiest of babies. The funniest and most independent of us all. The one who dressed herself from head to toe, without help, from the time you were itty bitty. My lover of books, homemade fettuccine alfredo (only if I cook it), animals, performing, Harry Potter, friends, "Friends", all things music, making your bed, trying your best, a really good sandwich, phone cases, art, church, cheesecake, helping others and your family. You're an amazing friend and encourager. You love people well and may be the most non-judgmental person I know. Your heart is good and generous and welcoming. I love the way you are always excited to see your dad when he gets home from work, the way you are inclusive and kind, the way you keep me in line, the way you are so on top of things, the way you overcome challenges (especially when they are big ones), the way you support your friends and are genuinely happy for good things that happen for other people. I love the way you smile, take care of business, wish you were still a 2 year old, offer to help me with so much, are honest, give me a goodnight kiss every night and allow me to sing and dance to wake you up each morning (without being cranky about it), the way you make people feel. I love how hard you work to reach the goals you set, the way you love your siblings and the way you don't complain when I say "no" to R rated movies. I love your sincere and nice manners, and the way you will text me a "Thank You" when I send you a scripture each day. I love getting the "I Love You Mom, Thanks for all you do" random texts throughout the week. I love the way you love, it's inspiring and righteous; and people are blessed by your presence. I want to be more like you with each passing day. Welcome to the teen years. And I would bet when the day comes that I get on your last nerve, embarrass you, and you want to roll your eyes so hard; that you will never let me know it. I adore you my sweet Ellicinderelliwithabellyfullofjelly. Thirteen already looks good on you!

This quote has always reminded me of you, because you're a helper: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
― Fred Rogers