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.
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.
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!!)
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!
