Catching Up

Up American Fork Canyon with the kids!

It has been way too long since my last post. So I will just fill you in on what has been happening with the Payne Family for the past month and a half. JJ finished soccer and flag football last week and now we are trying to keep him busy. As of right now that consists of playing football inside, only a few things have been broken so far....He loves being in scouts and has a Wolf; he is very excited because I was put in as the Asst. Den Leader for the Wolves on Sunday. No YW, I'm not quite sure what to do with myself.

JJ receiving his Wolf badge--good job buddy!

McKenna has been busy just being a 7th grader. Which means homework, hanging out with friends, babysitting, SHOPPING, and most of all--being annoyed with her mother:)McKenna and one of her famous poses...

Nico is has been growing up way too fast. She will try and say anything that you ask her too and like any typical toddler she gets into everything! I can see her trying to be a "big kid" like McKenna and JJ. It is very cute but also makes me sad. Much to the chagrin on Matt she has learned how to turn on the computer so that she can see the bubbles that float across the screen. She almost lost his latest project yesterday, needless to say we are all being very vigilant about keeping the office door closed. As always she keeps us smiling and laughing with all that she does and says.

Nico looking really smart

We went hiking to Battle Creek Falls, drove to South Ridge Farms to go on a hayride and to pick pumpkins at the pumpkin patch. Went and checked out Pirate Island, McKenna wasn't that into it but JJ and Nico enjoyed it. We also went up the canyon with the Beal's. The fall colors were absolutely stunning; it just reconfirmed why Fall is my favorite season. What else...getting costumes together for Halloween, getting ready for Shardae and Keith's upcoming wedding (yeah), and just life in general. I know I have missed some stuff and if I think of anything really good I supposed that gives me a good excuse to post again! Nico, JJ, and Dylan at Southridge Farms; McKenna and her friend Laurel wouldn't let me take a picture of them.

JJ is 8

Man, is he handsome or what?

On the 30th of August our "little man" turned 8. Wow, I can't believe that he will be getting baptized and that in just four short years he will receive the priesthood. I know I am a little slow with the posts, all the moms out there can sympathize with me, right?

So JJ wanted homemade brownies this year, no birthday cake, done. This was a "no party" year so tomorrow we will take him to do whatever he wants. Last week was a little hectic with soccer games, cycling, etc. He got what he wanted, a Nintendo DS and some games thanks to his grandparents and friends, thank you. Of course the obligatory clothes from us and a few other items.

We had a little party last night with our friends to celebrate JJ's and Bridger's birthdays, needless to McKenna was smashing cupcake in JJ's face. Crazy kids they get that from their dad. JJ we love you and our so blessed to have you in our family! YOU ROCK!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

I love the dimple under his eye.

Top 8 things about JJ:
1. He is an awesome athlete.
2. He is the best brother ever!
3. He is very caring and loving.
4. Boy can he dance...and has the best hair.
5. Loves little kids.
6. An incredible reader/student.
7. Very adventurous and wants to do so many different things.
8. Funny and crazy! Just ask the neighbors...

Smile Spidey!

Toothfairy

So last night before bed both McKenna and JJ came in to tell me that they had a loose tooth. Being the designated tooth-puller in the family I informed both of them that the teeth were ready to come out. McKenna and JJ of course were both nervous that it was going to hurt; I explained to them how good I have become at pulling teeth over the years and soon their fears subsided, somewhat.

McKenna was first and by the time I had pulled her tooth out she was wondering when I was going to start. Aaah, the magic touch. Maybe I should take up a career in the field on dentistry....I think I will leave that to you Elisa.

Then JJ reluctantly stepped forward and his tooth came out easily despite the fact that he kept closing his mouth and leaning his head back so that I couldn't reach his tooth, silly boy! Of course the Toothfairy made an appearance at our home last night; I don't recall ever having my kids loose a tooth on the same night. Maybe it is karma....or all the sweets they are constantly wanting to consume. Oh well, they were both excited to wake up to money under their pillows.

By the way in the picture they are both trying to show off the gaps where their teeth used to be; they look like they are just being silly. Gotta love 'em.

1,000 Warriors

This past Saturday Matt raced in the 1,000 Warriors bike race that was held in conjunction with the Tour of Utah. It was an extremely difficult race that involved just over 10,000 feet of climbing. Not only was the terrain difficult but as most of you know it was very hot.

Matt did exceptionally well; going up the Alpine Loop on the Sundance side he had ridden himself into 4th position but on the way down a horrific crash occurred involving 5 cyclists. The race was neutralized for 45 minutes to and hour. I am happy to report that Matt was not involved in the crash but sadly my cousin's husband, Steve Beck and his best friend Dave Collins, were two of the cyclists that were seriously injured. I am happy to say that Steve will hopefully be released from the hospital today and that they are going to start bringing Dave out of his induced coma tomorrow. It is safe to say the the two EMT's that arrived on the scene shortly after the crash that were also racing saved Dave's life, thank you. Here is a link to the story if you are interested in reading more http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=7650578. Who says that we don't have angels watching over us....?

As for Matt once the race resumed he flew up Suncrest but then began having pain in his right knee on the way down. By the time I saw him again at the last SAG station he was in full blown pain with just over 12 miles left to go with an average gradient of 8-10% neither of us were sure he was going to make it. I can't begin to express how proud I am of him. He finished or as he puts it he "limped" to the finish 15th overall in his category. He basically rode from Wasatch Blvd. and up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird with one leg. My kids think I am crazy as I am sure Matt does because I get a little emotional thinking about it; I can relate to the pain while at the same time knowing the desire one feels to finish what they have started. SUPERMAN

Matt you are our WARRIOR! We are all so proud of you and hope and pray we can figure out what is going on with your knee before LOTOJA. Our prayers are also with the Steve Beck and Dave Collins and their families. Matt you ROCK:)

12 and Counting

I can't believe that McKenna is 12. Where has the time gone, it is so surreal to have a daughter that will be starting Jr. High in a few short weeks. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was in Jr. High and going to Girl's Camp for the first time.

McKenna we love you so much and are so proud of you; your father and I could never have asked for a better daughter. You are such a kind, loving, helpful, funny daughter, sister, and friend. But, you definitely have your Aunt Joelle's knack for fashion and shopping, you go girl!

12 Things we love about Kenna:
1. She is a Fashion Diva and Shopper-extrodanaire
2. She is an incredible dancer-check out the "Dancing Queen" post
3. Incredible BIG sister
4. A great helper
5 . A loyal and loving friend
6. Gives the best looks--if you know what I mean
7 . Puts on a great concert while listening to her ipod
8. Gives the best pedicures and back rubs
9. Always willing to give her mom fashion advice
10. Has a tender heart
11. Gives it her best try even when it is scary
12. Has great taste in food

Porcupine Hill Climb

I actually did it. I did my first bike race this past weekend. It was the Porcupine Hill Climb; it started at Porcupine Pub & Grill at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon and finished at the base of Brighton Ski Resort. Matt and his cousin Ben also raced, needless to say they were faster than I was.

I really enjoyed it and I plan on doing it again next year, hopefully with a better time. Halfway up the course a moose ran out of the woods and directly in front of the group of riders that I was with. We literally missed hitting the moose by 2 seconds, nothing like almost getting mowed over by a giant moose to get your HR going. For the last 1K my legs were absolutely screaming, it was a long and at times really steep climb.

Matt ended up taking 10th in the Cat 4's and his cousin Ben took 14th. For some reason they had me listed as DNF (did not finish). After a ride like that you definitely want to see yourself as finishing but according to my time I would have taken 6th in the women 30+ competitive citizen category. I was just racing for fun and the experience not for points like Matt.

Anyone want to join me next year.....?

Here I am trying to look like I know what I am doing while not falling over.

One and Walking

Nico turned one on the 12th of May and shortly thereafter decided to give walking a try. At first there was a lot of falling involved but it didn't take long for her to figure out how to make her legs do all the work. Needless to say we are extremely busy trying to keep up with her now. Just tonight she thought it would be a good idea to try running; she thought it was hilarious. It doesn't hurt when all of your family and friends are cheering you on.
Before I know it she will be 16 and asking for the car keys. Actually, now that she is beginning to walk I should buy her her first pair of running shoes, 5k anyone...?
ENJOY:)

The Dancing Queen

Enjoy this entertaining video of McKenna doing her thing. She will probably kill Matt and I when she is older/now for posting this. I suppose I should start saving for therapy now....This is her impromptu 80's dance; hence the outfit. She meant it to be funny--not serious, Becca! Thanks for letting us film it at your house and for being willing to be her audience.

Nico is 1!!

Where has the time gone? It doesn't seem like a year ago I was in the hospital about to give birth to my sweet little girl. I remember poor Matt about ready to faint and how relieved we both were when the nurses finally got her to cry. To say a lot has happened in the past year is a big understatement.
I love being a mom to my three wonderful and incredible kids and it was definitely worth the almost 7 year wait to have Nico. She has been such a sweet blessing for our family. I love to watch the interactions that happen between McKenna/Nico and JJ/Nico. Matt is such a doting father and Nico literally lights up when she hears him come through the door after work or a bike ride. I am truly blessed to have such a fantastic family.
Here are a few pictures of Nico from the past year; my how she has grown!

Nico on her first day home.

The love of a sister is like no other.

One proud and protective big brother.

Hey fuzzy hair...

Mom, I promise I'm not tired...

"I love pink and brown, well at least my mom does."

Nico makes some of the funniest faces...

On A Roll...

Since I seem to be on a blogging streak, why not make it three posts in one day. Yes, I actually do other things besides post and FB. A few more pictures of the kids since I love them so much.
McKenna the Shopalholic:)

JJ our multi-sport athlete.

Nico the ruler of the roost, what she wants she usually gets!

They really do love JJ very much.

Just Because

It seems like I never post a picture of myself; maybe because as a mom I am usually the one taking the picture. So I thought I would try and find a halfway decent picture of myself. So here is the result, a little blurry because Matt took it on his phone but of course Nico makes me look better. Becca is that you I am talking too...?

FOOD FIGHT!

So what do we do for fun on Sunday evening, why have a food fight of course. It all started when Matt decided to take a handful of mashed potatoes and smear them into McKenna's hair. This was followed by McKenna shreiking, "I just washed my hair." At this point we all, except for Kenna, started laughing hysterically. Matt thought she needed some more potatoes so in they went.

McKenna then threw potatoes at Matt, then she got a squirt bottle and started sparying him and that of course led to Matt throwing water on her. I decided I had better join in so I took a big handful of mashed potatoes and corn and smeared it in JJ's face. At this point he chased me outside and we began throwing food at each other. Needless to say I'm sure that if any of the neighbors were watching they all know that we are completely crazy!!! I still think that there are potatoes and corn outside. The kids left a little for the birds, how thoughtful.

Nico was feeling left out so Matt gave her a fudgesicle which she proceeded to devour. At least he gave it to her in small pieces. McKenna then decided to give the rest of it to her and the rest is history-she ended up looking like she had been sitting in a mud puddle.
Dinner Anyone?

I Love Shopping!

This is a phrase that McKenna says quite often. It still amazes me how different the two of us are. Don't get me wrong I love to shop but I can't ever remember saying that when I was 11 years old. I definitely don't ever recall wanting to wear any of my mom's clothes or shoes at her age. I suppose I should be flattered that she thinks I have a few items that look stylish enough for her to wear.
Joelle and I laugh about the fact that McKenna is so much more like her. If I am ever wearing anything that is "cute" Kenna inevitably asks me, "Did Joelle give you that?" Thank you Jo for helping me to look presentable enough for McKenna to claim me as her mom. She loves and adores you and not just for your sense of fashion.
I love that McKenna always asks me if she looks "ok?" Please my sweet daughter you always look fabulous and you are breathtakingly beautiful!!!
So if anyone is ever in need of a babysitter be sure to give McKenna a call. She is always in need of more $$$ so that she can go shopping because she as she informed Matt and me we don't give her enough allowance to cover all the cute things she wants.

My Hometown Hero

This post is dedicated to my Hometown Hero, my awesome hubby. Matt never ceases to amaze me. He is such a dedicated and loving husband and dad; so it is no surprise that that dedication can be seen in other aspects of his life i.e. cycling, work, etc...

As many of you already know Matt's mom was diagnosed with CLL-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. She is undergoing a battery of tests to determine the cause but seems to be holding up quite well. As a result of this diagnosis Matt has decided to raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation through their "Hometown Hero" project.

For several years Matt has been an avid cyclist. Again his dedication to his training is quite remarkable. For the past several years he has raced the LOTOJA which is a one day 206 mile race from Logan, UT to Jackson, WY. Talk about a sore bottom! Needless to say my husband inspires me to be a better person.

It is no surprise when I say that Matt is an extremely private person so I am even more proud of him for putting himself out there. Now that I have written a small paper I just want to give a BIG shout-out to my Hometown Hero who just happens to look really HOT in stretchy pants!! I love you Matt!

If any of you are interested in learning more about Matt's cause just log onto http://www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org/netcommunity/lotoja2009

April Fool's Day!

So I have been sitting here for the past hour trying to Nico that she needs to go back to bed before I have to get up again with McKenna and JJ. Yes, she just finally nodded off! Anyway back to my wonderful April Fool's Day or my birthday.

I have to start off by saying I have the greatest family and friends. I received phone calls, emails, and posts on FB all day long. As KT said, "it is nice to know someone is thinking about you." Thank you to everyone. I have to give a HUGE shout-out to Becca for arranging my somewhat of a surprise birthday dinner with Matt. Thanks for watching the kids so we could go and eat some yummy sushi!

As for the funny jokes courtesy of Heather and Becca, way to go ladies. Yes I was surprised when I sat down to use the bathroom, I will leave it at that (SaranWrap)...and when I told the kids to get ready for bed 20 minutes early. McKenna walks into our room and asked, "what time does your clock say? Why does the clock in my room say something different?" Matt, "the time on the tv must be wrong, I wonder what is going on?" This is when I start to laugh hysterically knowing that the fun hasn't ended yet.

Heather you shouldn't have told me that there was another surprise and I would find out what it was in the morning-giggle, giggle. It took me about 2 seconds to check the alarm-3am.....Matt and I had a really good laugh about that one.

Thanks to everyone for making my birthday such a wonderful day, especially to my sweet kids and hot husband:) Kenna I loved my breakfast and all the thought that went into it. JJ you rock my little man, and Nico thank you for finally going to sleep.

Pictures

So I finally got around to having the kids pictures taken. I used Skye Johansen and am thrilled with how the pictures turned out. I must say I think I have some beautiful kids, yes I am completely biased, but aren't all moms supposed to be. By the end of the session Nico had had enough and didn't want to sit still and wouldn't keep any of her hats on.

McKenna and JJ were a huge help. They tried every trick they could think of to keep Nico entertained and smiling through the entire process. I love Nico's baby chub and I don't think I realized how photogenic my kids are; I am a completely different story. It was worth the wait. I will treasure these pictures forever. All I have to do is look at McKenna to remind myself how fast they grow up. Enjoy the pictures.

If you want to see some more pictures or check out Skye's work just head to www.skyejohansen.com. The kids pictures are posted on her blog.

Sick and tired of being sick

Finally, I everyone is better. For the past week we have all had varying degrees of the stomach flu. McKenna and Nico had it the worst. Yesterday was the first day that Nico didn't get sick. I felt so bad for her; she had no idea what was going on. Luckily, I was spared the brunt of it since I was the nurse for the rest of the family. It is always horrible when mom is sick anyway because then things really begin to fall apart.

I couldn't wait for McKenna and JJ to head back to school yesterday and so we could get back to our normal routine. Matt asked me how I expect to survive the summer with all three home? Simple, " I will send the older two outside to play all day and lock the door....:)" Now if it would only get warm and stay that way.

Draper Temple

So last night for Mutual we took the YW and YM to the Draper Temple Open House. There were a few extra tickets so I decided to bring the kids along. Try telling your kids that they have to get dressed up and be on their best behavior when it isn't Sunday.

The temple is absolutely beautiful. Needless to say it was extremely busy since this is the last week of the open house. McKenna, JJ, and Nico were very good but very tired by the time we got home around 10:15. Thanks to Katie, Bridger, Makele, and Jessica for putting up with Nico's screaming on the way home. Fortunately she was a little angel in the temple constantly oohing and aahing at various things.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to take my kids with me so that I could answer any questions that they had and just to have an experience like that together. I do have to say that the wait for the buses in the small and very cramped tent was a little too long. Hey, it was good for all of us to practice being patient. Thanks to everyone for help with the kids.

I'm Still Here

Sorry it has been more than a week since my last posting. I know you are all waiting with baited breath to see what has been happening in my very exciting life. I have been having problems getting my pictures to download and I know that my postings will be even more exciting with photos. Hopefully, I will be able to talk Matt into helping me out this weekend. Besides, if Super Jenni can post without pictures for a few months then I can give it a shot:)

For Valentine's we just spent the day together which was nice. McKenna went to her first school dance on the 13th. Which I might add was very surreal. She and 4 of her friends went to Capelli's and had their hair and nails done. I would never wanted to have my hair and nails done when I was in the 6th grade. Oh how very different we are....I will post pics once I have everything worked out.

If I haven't peaked your interest yet then be sure to check back in a couple of days for another exciting installment of "Life with Shannon." Matt might be right when he says that I think I am funnier than I really am...but then again

I DID IT!

The wait is over and now I'm afraid, it will be hard to get rid of me. I finally joined the blogging world thanks to my cute friend Heather. I am up and ready for business. I do warn you however, to be patient with me as I am learning how everything works.