Payne Party and GingerBread Houses

Last Saturday we had the annual Payne Christmas Party. It is so great getting together with all of Devin's family... they are a rowdy but fun bunch.

All the kiddos playing together...

Every year they put on a live Nativity...

Then we circle up for the White Elephant game and everyone gets pretty ruthless! As you can see it is a very large family!

Yesterday, Adalyn and her cousins made gingerbread houses. Although most of the decorations ended up in Addie's mouth (and then spit back out) it was fun to watch them make them.

Adalyn, Natalee, Danielle (here from South Africa with her parents), and Carson with their finished Gingerbread houses.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Being Left with a Legacy

Saying good-bye is never an easy thing. Especially to someone who has had such a profound impact on so many lives. Grandpa Payne was just such a man. I have been so blessed to have been brought into the Payne Family... a family whose Patriarch left his legacy of love that continues to spread throughout each generation. Today, we had the opportunity to celebrate his legacy and life and we were reminded through his example, and the stories given by his children, that the most important thing we have is our family. Grandpa Payne's love for his family is apparent through the lives that his children and grandchildren have led. Never in my life have I seen such an amazing family...all led and loved by such a great man and his wonderful wife. Grandpa Payne has returned home to our Father in Heaven, but I know that he is still working for and guiding what he loved the most... His Family.

Adalyn has always been very sensitive in these situations. At the viewing she really wanted to hold Great Grandpa's hand and she kept saying "Gandpa Seeping (sleeping)." She also, without being prompted, went right to Great Grandma and gave her hugs. Today, at the funeral, she was determined to touch the casket and again said "Gandpa Seeping" and then said "Jesus." She then blew Grandpa kisses, said "I love You" and "Bye Bye." Such a sweet moment to have with her.

Amazing

So, it's no secret... Pregnancy is a difficult time for me. The hormones, the sickness, the tiredness, the swelling, and the large protruding belly that makes it impossible to bend over at all. It has been a major trial for me, particularly this second pregnancy. Although I'm not sure why (maybe it's the hormones, or maybe it's because rather than getting the rest I need I am chasing a 1 year old) it has been rather difficult this time around. I have felt overwhelmed and under-rested. I have also felt that I haven't been dealing with this trial as well as I know I can... I am finding it harder to stay positive and easier to fall into the "poor me" mentality. Which is even more frustrating for me, considering what time of year it is. This is my favorite time of year, and yet I feel that it has been harder for me to enjoy.

Last night, I was reminded of all this. I had a moment to do some Christmas shopping, alone, and on the drive I heard a song that for some reason caught my attention. It is not profound in any way, doesn't have an inspirational message, and is really just your typical country love song.

But for me, it reminded me just how lucky I am. While listening to this song I immediately thought of Devin, and decided that this would be considered "his song." If you know my husband you will understand why. If you don't know him, know that he is just one of those special people that everyone wants to be friends with because of how AMAZING he really is. Not because he works at it, but simply because it is in his nature. I was reminded last night that somehow I was fortunate enough, not only to first become his friend, but to then have received the promise of being with him forever. And now, even through my most difficult trials, I get to have him by my side helping me, pushing me, and loving me through it all. And our daughters will be so fortunate to have one AMAZING father as their example.

So thank you Devin, for being the AMAZING person that you are and putting up with me (I know it isn't always easy!) I love you. (Sorry for the sappy post!!)

Winter Boots

Winter boots, side by side... a simple reminder of the precious miracle we have been blessed with.

St. George Vacation

Due to the fact that I am fully aware that it will be quite some time before we are able to take a family vacation once the baby is born, I decided that we needed to hurry and take one. However, I am past the point that I can fly, so we took a little road trip down to St. George over Thanksgiving weekend. It was nice to get away from everyday life. Here are some things that we did...

We are very grateful to Matt and Shannon for letting us borrow their portable DVD player this weekend. It made the drive a much easier one for us!

The Tuacahn Theatre had a Live Nativity, Festival of Lights, and Santa Clause. It was so much fun and Adalyn loved all of it.

Addie was so excited to see Santa Clause, right up until it was actually our turn. But as long as I stayed with her she was thrilled with him. Throughout the entire 20 min. drive back to the hotel she kept saying "Anta(Santa), all gone!"

We took Addie up to the Narrows so she could roam around on the rocks. It was so pretty being up there right above the temple.

We also did some shopping, hung out with one of Devin's mission companions, and caught up on some much needed nap times. It was good weekend!

Annual eBay Turkey Bowl

Today Devin played the quaterback in the eBay Turkey Bowl. Addie and I were able to go for a little while, but due to the cold weather couldn't stay for too long. It was fun to watch him play... he did an awesome job!

For the first time this season, Adalyn had to be all bundled up, but she really enjoyed being outside despite it all. It was cute watching her clap for Daddy's team!

She is starting to become a little more fearless. This is her going head first down a big slide.

Good job Devin... We love you!!

I Never Thought

*I never thought that the sight of fingerprints on the mirror would make me smile.

*I never thought that toys strewn about the house meant that we had a GOOD day.

*I never thought that this...

would sound better to me than any symphony or professional pianist ever could. Although, hearing them together really was amazing...

(Adalyn loved watching her Great Grandpa Payne play the piano and wanted to be right up there with him.)

*I never thought that I would enjoy coloring, at the age of 26, as much as I do.

*I never thought that watching kids play Ring Around the Rosie would be the highlight of my day.

*I never thought that the word Mama would be the most important word I could ever hear.

*I never thought that one good man, and one little lady could change my whole world.

*I never thought that someone else's "owie" could hurt me more than it hurt them.

*I never thought that the little everyday things are what makes being a wife and mother so worthwhile.

Our Halloween Weekend

Halloween was so much fun this year. Adalyn really enjoyed all of the hoopla of the holiday. We were able to spread out the celebration throughout a few days, which made it much more fun and easier for our 18 month old to deal with!

Pre- Halloween

Adalyn has loved seeing all the pumpkins everywhere. This is a cute one that she got from Grandma Wayment and has loved playing with it.

Trunk or Treat

Our ward Trunk or Treat was held on Thursday and Adalyn thought the whole thing was hilarious! She loved seeing all of the kids dressed up, and loved even more that people were giving her candy to put in her pumpkin basket. It was great seeing how much she enjoyed it.

Our Little Ladybug loves to fly! (If you listen closely you can hear her counting for Devin to start)

Ebay Party

Devin's work had a little party on Friday and Addie loved going from desk to desk to see what she would get next!

Happy Halloween

On Halloween day Adalyn got to spend time with her cousins Natalee and Carson (Carson gave her quite the scare!) over at Grandma and Grandpa Payne's.

That night she got to play and trick or treat with her cousin Kayson and Grandma and Grandpa Wayment.

We had a great Halloween and I look forward to more fun with the coming holidays!

Fall Fun!

For some reason, the past couple of months have felt like they have come and gone in a whirlwind. We have been busy with many different things and have really enjoyed the fall season. I really apologize for making such a long post but needed to get all of it in for my own sake when I try to remember down the road!

Petting Zoo

Adalyn love, love, loves the petting zoo. She was so happy playing with all the goats and sheep.

Adalyn riding Sweet Pea. She loved the horses the most and was thrilled that she got to ride one.

Cornbelly's

This year Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point was so much fun! They had tons of stuff for Adalyn to do and we had a great time.

The Bounce Pillows

He should have been a Cowboy!

Addie loved crawling in and out of the wooden trains

Tractor ride in Cow Carts

Adalyn would have been happy just hiding in the car!

Kiddie Corn Maze

3-D Fun House (aren't the glasses awesome!)

First Official Hair Cut

Addie's hair has been growing like crazy lately, so we finally decided that it was time to shape it up a bit. My best friend, Jessica, willingly took on the task and did a wonderful job with her!

Gardener Village

Gardener Village was decorated so well. Adalyn loved all the pumpkins and witches that they had set up. It was fun night, and Addie could have stayed their forever.

Nursery

Yes, it's true. Our little one is already old enough to be in nursery. Her first 'official' day was this last Sunday (Oct. 25), and much to the chagrin of her daddy, stayed in there by herself. She did a great job and really enjoys being in there.

Doesn't she look thrilled?