God Speaks!

Do you believe in signs from God? I do! I believe I receive signs/messages/whatever you want to refer to it as all the time.....through the perfect song playing on the radio, a dream I have, the sermon preached just at the right time, the devotion that really speaks to me, something I read, and other ways. Sometimes it's something comforting that I needed, other times it's confirmation for a decision I am facing, and yet other times it is just God's sense of humor showing up. I believe in signs. As a matter of fact, I am always searching for them; but sometimes they appear when I wasn't even looking.....like last night. NPayne brought home 3 fortune cookies last night....what more appropriate thing for a sign to appear in right? Someone at his office had bought them Chinese for lunch. So he brought home 3 leftover fortune cookies. After we had dinner, one of the girls said..."Oh I love these! Can I have one?" As Drew opened hers it said....."Do not dwell on the differences with a loved one - try to compromise!" She had a very shocked look on her face as she read it and then read it to us. You see she and her sister, Bryna, who she shares a room with have had a little bit of a challenging time getting along these last few weeks. They have had many hours of being confined to their room opportunities to bond and realize how much they love each other. Still yet there have been some arguments that have gotten a little uglier than I'm comfortable with letting them resolve completely on their own. Our number 1 rule, in the House of Payne, is BE KIND! As Drew read that fortune, I had to giggle a little when I said ...."Hmmm...must be a message from God!" and she nodded her head in amazement.Bryna's fortune said something along the lines of....Whatever you want to achieve, you can achieve it. Honestly I can't remember the exact wording, and today I couldn't find her slip of a fortune.
Then came the last fortune cookie....the one Addi opened and agreed to share with Elliot, since there were only 3 cookies but 4 little girls who wanted one. Guess what happened when Addi opened her cookie? Any ideas? Any guesses? Well let me tell you....after reading Drew's fortune....I nearly fell over when Addi opened her cookie and not one but two fortunes were hiding inside her cookie....YES TWO! One for Addi and one for Elli. Then Addi read her fortune, and we both stared at each other with big grins on our faces. Her fortune said...."Treat yourself to a good book for a needed rest and escape." Earlier this week, I challenged her to read "The Hole In Our Gospel" in one week's time; so she has been reading that book religiously....pardon the pun. We both giggled a little at the thought of God sending a message in a fortune cookie, but I'll tell you that we both agreed that it was in fact a message....a confirmation....and maybe a little bit of His sense of humor....in those cookies! What I know is that it made us all smile, and sometimes maybe that's all the signs He sends are intended to do....brighten your day, your mood, make you smile. Believe me.....we've needed some smiles around here lately. Thank You God!

NPayne....Got It Going On With The Camera!

Just because I think these pictures look cool....I'm posting them. I love this one, because you can barely see Thomas in the background.

I love the sky in this one. Cal's silhouette with a glimpse of Thomas and that beautiful sky.

NPayne....I'm impressed with your handy work with the camera!

Sock Puppets

My girls were bored and a little tired of being stuck inside on Sunday....although it was a really nice day Saturday....and they played outside all day.....Sunday it was rainy and cold. So Drew asked NPayne for some of his old socks, and he obliged. Before I knew it, they had made sock puppets to entertain themselves. After Drew asked me for an old pair of my socks, I told her she could have the pair with the hole in it. She was okay with that and in fact turned that hole into a finger hole which led to Bryna and Elliot wanting finger holes in their puppets. See their cute little fingers poking out! I love creativity!

Sunday Sermon Summary.....My Mountain, Your Mountain, Their Mountain

Last week, Ken preached a sermon on mountains....and how people have struggles....mountains if you will. He talked about how we should pray for others to overcome their mountain, as well as, praying for ourselves to overcome our own mountains. This week in my Bible Study, my good friend Angie shared a story. It went something like this....

She had encountered a young single mother, at her children's school, who had 4 young children....the oldest being in 1st grade. This mother was currently going through a very difficult divorce and fighting for custody of her children. She stopped Angie in the school parking lot and asked her to pray specifically for her as her divorce trial was the following Monday. It was make or break time. Angie spoke about how her own husband had been out of town a lot for work, and how she had been a little crabby as she had to do chores that he typically did.....take out the recycle, fix the garage door, etc. She said after this young mother approached her in the parking lot, her own attitude and crabbiness changed to gratitude. She was reminded that she would only be doing these chores that she didn't care for for a few days whereas this young mother would be doing them always....or at least until her children were old enough to help out more. Angie said as she prayed for this mother's mountain.....the divorce trial and custody of her children....she realized that her own mountain was not that big. She was not focusing on the little irritations but realizing how grateful she was to have a stable life, a hard working and devoted husband....who did those pesky chores she doesn't like....and her wonderful children. The following Monday, the young mother nearly accosted her in the parking lot as she explained with great joy that she knew Angie had prayed for her; because her divorce trial was over. She in fact was granted sole custody of her children, and everything went the way she had prayed it would. Her life will definitely continue to be challenging....raising 4 children with a loving husband can be challenging....much less on your own, BUT it is also more stable and settled. And this young mother was so grateful to Angie and all of those who prayed for her and her children. As Angie said in Bible Study, sometimes when we pray for others' mountains to be moved; it takes the focus off of ourselves. We then realize that our mountain may not be as big as we thought it was. Of course there are times when our mountains are really big....almost too big to climb, but hopefully we will have people like Angie to pray specifically for our mountains to move....so we can hurl ourselves over them.

The Best Day Of The Year....For Cal!

You guessed it.....Cal went for a ride on THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE....yes the one and only THOMAS!

Thomas visits our city once a year,

and it is the best day of the year for my boy!

He and NPayne walk down to the depot.....

....get on the train....

....pulled by Thomas....

....and go for a 25 minute ride....

....the best 25 minutes of the year for Cal.

After they ride, they browse around a little

and NPayne takes some photos, then.....

....they start to walk home.....

on the way home, they stop at the railroad crossing and.....

....wave to Thomas as he passes by!

.....and of course they wave at the passengers!

.....the best day of the year for Cal!

From our street corner, you can see Thomas pass by;

so everytime he blows his whistle....Cal runs out to the corner to see him pass.

Thomas is now asleep....until next weekend....then he will take some children for rides!

Maybe even me and Elliot will ride. Then Thomas will head back to the Island of Sodor until next time. Cal will bid him farewell and start the countdown til he comes again.

It's COMING!

It began today.....

He's going tomorrow!

Any ideas what I'm referring to?

Here's a hint!

And just to get ready....

Cal's Thomas is also "sleeping"....

....as he explains to his sisters

each time we drive by where Thomas is parked sleeping.

I think it is so fabulously cute and actually quite genius that he builds Thomas his own

"bed" out of blocks to simulate the "bed" that the real Thomas is kept in!

It makes me heart happy to see Cal so excited,

and to know that each night before he climbs on his top bunk

that he puts Thomas to bed and says "Goodnight Thomas! I'll see you on Saturday!"

And he says it with the biggest smile you've ever seen!

TOMORROW is the big day.....

the day Cal waits for.....

talks about....

smiles about....

prepares for....

truly the best day of the year for him!

And it's coming tomorrow!

And he is EXCITED!

For more information about Thomas and Autism, click here!

Thirteen Years Ago.....The Best Day of 1997!

Thirteen years ago....my life changed forever! You were born at 10:13 pm after a few hours of very intense labor. You were my first child....the first time I experienced motherhood....the best thing I've ever experienced! I remember every single thing about March 3, 1997! For the first time, I saw a piece of me....my heart....walking around outside of my body! I remember holding you in my arms, and crying randomly, for the first few months of your life.....tears of complete and utter joy....tears of a love I had never experienced....tears of thanksgiving to God for blessing me in a way I had never dreamed about....tears of gratitude for making the bond between NPayne any myself even stronger! Since you were born, I have cried a lot....sometimes when you were sad or hurt which made me sad or hurt....but mostly out of the intense love I have for my children. I remember calling my mama a few weeks after you were born and telling her how sorry I was for anything mean, disprespectful, or ungrateful I had ever done to her; because I truly had no idea how much she loved me until I had you! For you I am beyond grateful. I adore you!

I love that you are such a kind soul and so very loving and helpful.

I love that you are equally as beautiful on the inside and out.

I love that you love church and your church family.

I love that you are growing your relationship with Christ.

I love that you are becoming such a responsible young lady.

I love that you are perfectly okay with hand me downs and

would never ask us to spend lots of money on THINGS for you.

I love that you are so appreciative when we do buy you something....even the littlest thing.

I love that you are learning how to manage your money and spend it wisely.

I love that you will also do something a little frivelous with your money and buy your sisters an ice cream from the ice cream truck.

I love that you love to spend on other people.

I love that you are sooooo creative and embrace your creativity.

I love that you write a Thanksgiving play every single year and direct

your siblings and cousins.

I love that you make your siblings birthdays so special by planning fun things for them.

I love that you leave me sweet notes telling me how much you love me.

I love that you are a good student but don't take school too seriously.

I love that you are following your dream of being on the drum line, AND

that you are one of the only girls on the drumline! ;)

I love to watch you play and listen!

I love that you have always embraced Cal and his special needs.

I love that when you were in 2nd grade, they would call you out of class

to help Cal regroup; and that you would gladly do it.

I love that you are always willing to change your plans if it will make things easier for Cal.

I love that you love him so much that you had a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for Autism.

I love that he trusts you and loves it when you are proud of him.

I love that you have taught your sisters so many things.

I love that they look up to you and want to be just like you.

I love that Drew use to come get in bed with you when she was very little,

and you would scoot over and make room for her.

I love that you love watching Bryna's dance recitals and Drew's soccer games.

I love that you would rather spend time with your family than anyone else.

I love that you still play school and American Girl dolls with them.

I love that Elliot makes you laugh so much,

and I love that you think she hung the moon.

I love that you kiss and hug her as much as I do.

I love that you play with her and will gladly help her play a game or do a craft.

I love that you include her in your plays and in your playing.

I love that you encourage her in so many ways.

I love that you have always loved being a big sister and have always asked....

"When is the next baby coming?"

I love that you love photography as much as I do.

I love that you get almost as excited as I over a good photo.

I love that you help me in my business and will wear a silly hat or do whatever it takes

to get a client engaged in the shoot.

I love that you are my firstborn. I love that you never ask for much.

I love that you are almost as tall as I am.

I love that we can now share shoes. ;)

I love that you love your grandmothers, aunts, uncles and cousins.

I love that you are thoughtful and buy every one in our family a Christmas gift....using your own money.

I love that you are devoted to your church and are learning God's word.

I love that you take criticism to heart but don't let it get you down.

I love that when we ask you to do something, you do it.

I love that you are finally starting to keep your room clean. ;)

I love that you are becoming a beautiful young lady

but are not in a hurry to grow up.

I love date days with you.

I love that you have big dreams.

I love that you want to have lots of children.

I love that you are NOT one bit judgemental.

I love that you still hug and kiss me in public.

I love your heart....it's part of me....

when it's hurt....I can feel it....

when it's joyful....I can feel it!

I adore you!

You are so much more than I could have ever hoped for in a daughter!

March 3, 2010

Pardon me while I grieve, while I mourn, while I dwell in the rafters of self pity. Pardon me for not posting a fabulous post about my sweet daughter turning 13 today.....I just can't bring myself to do it as I'm so distraught about having a teenager!

JUST KIDDING! Actually I have to work today, and birthday posts take some time and searching for photos; so I'll post it later this evening. I'll be honest, I am mourning a little....but not about having a teenager....just about how fast the past 13 years has gone....okay now I really am getting a little teary eyed.

Have A Blessed Day while I choke back my tears and embrace my daughter turning 13!

Drew's SURPRISE

Better Late Than Never.....My Sweet Drew's 9th Birthday!

The Cherished, Loved, and Adored.....Birthday Party Fashion Show!

Place your votes now for your favorite look!

The girls decided The Fashion Show needs to be an annual tradition!

Here is a little synopsis of what occured a few weeks ago....Feb. 20th to be exact. Addi, my oldest, had the brilliant idea to have a SURPRISE party for Drew's 9th birthday; because we had a SURPRISE party for her 9th birthday. She will tell you that was the best party she ever had. I was on board, but a little concerned....Drew is very different from Addi. I was a little worried that she might be get really embarassed by the "SURPRISE". However I was pleasantly SURPRISED when she about jumped out of her skin, as the girls jumped out and yelled "SURPRISE", and then grinned from ear to ear.....FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT! Addi planned a scavenger hunt for them, we made our own pizzas, topped that off with ice cream and cookies, and then the much treasured and loved fashion show. My Lifelong Friend, Cynthia, came over to help Addi and I give each girl the ROYAL SPA treatment of manicures (I did those), pedicures (Cynthia did those....you know I don't do feet), and hair and makeup (Addi did those). They all dressed up and walked down the red carpet which was a long sheet of white paper that Addi had scribbled with red crayone. Addi made each girl an OSCAR and presented it to her at the end of the red carpet. The girls loved it and had a blast. Addi is destined to be some sort of event planner.....she absolutely loves to do this.....and I absolutely love for her to do it! And if you're wondering where NPayne and Cal were.....they were there....Cal was laying low upstairs. NPayne was helping out with everything....except the makeover part! Happy Birthday Drewby! I would be willing to bet that she may say this was her best birthday yet!

Help Me Henry....How I LOVE cowgirl boots and tutus! For more, click here!