Mother's Day 2010

I had a great Mother's Day, granted it wasn't much different from every other day but hearing my family say how much they loved and appreciated me was AWESOME! Maybe I am just able to more fully appreciate the simple yet important things in life better than I used to. I suppose getting older and wiser (ha, ha) isn't so bad after all.

I was able to help Matt teach JJ's primary class which may not seem like much but is truly a great blessing in many ways then I was able to be uplifted and inspired in Relief Society. I am so glad that the sun was shining and I was able to go out and enjoy the afternoon with my wonderful kids. Things just felt right; like laying in the green grass with Nico just watching the clouds roll by as she climbed all over me like I was a jungle gym. McKenna and JJ gave me a sweet card and they pooled their money together so that I could buy some beautiful flowers for the yard. McKenna wasn't quite sure what they should get me but she decided on the perfect gift...thanks you two:) Matt gave me some beautiful flowers as did my parents, thank you.

All in all as I look at my life I really am in awe at how me and my family have been blessed and the tender mercies that the Lord has continually given us. Being a mother is a very humbling calling; one that is filled with many tears, frustrations, joys, laughs, and learning experiences. When the day is done I only hope and pray that I have been there for my kids and that I am able to teach them what they need to know. I love you McKenna, JJ, and Nico!!!!!

Thanks McKenna!!!

So little miss computer decided it was time that I fixed my background and updated my blog. So I let her go ahead and do that for me, yes I think that McKenna knows a lot more about computers, blogging, FB, texting, etc. than I do. Surprise, surprise!

So here goes the Payne family update for what the past month and a half. I will try to make this as quick and painless as possible.
Matt-rode in his first century in St. George about 3 or 4 weeks ago. Bought a new bike and just finished putting it together this past week--OCD. He is really busy with work and training but seems to have plenty of time to post lots of shall we say stuff on my FB page.
Shannon-training for the SLC half-marathon in April, has started riding again and is taking a weight lifting class MWF mornings at 5:30 (messed in the head) with some friends. Busy being a mom to 3 wonderful kids and is excited for the upcoming Spring and Summer.
McKenna-busy with school, tried and for and made the 8th grade cheerleading squad. I know for all of those out there, yes my daughter is going to be a cheerleader, weird. Is counting down the weeks until Spring Break and when school is out and is basically looking forward to cheering. Is going to be working very hard earning money and fundraising to pay for cheer.
JJ-still goes outside in the rain, snow, wind, sun, you name it to play football. He is excited for soccer to begin again this week and is also looking forward to baseball. He and some friends discovered a mine on the mountain across from us and have had a blast making up stories about it--oh to be young again!
Nico-is growing up waaaay too fast. It is amazing how much she has started talking in the past couple of weeks. I think her favorite thing to say is, "NO." Her favorite movie is "UP" and I think she watches it or wants to watch it 3 or 4 times a day. She definitely keeps us on our toes.

I will update the pictures when I have a few spare moments--what are those again?
P.S.
McKenna has started her own blog but being the protective mom that I am it is private. So if you would like to be invited leave me a comment and I will pass along the message to her that she has some new "followers." www.memyselfandmckenna.blogspot.com

A Free Weekend

So Matt and JJ went to Vegas for the weekend to visit his parents and watch the Superbowl, go Colts, so that means a "girls weekend." McKenna had a late night with a friend last night while I desperately tried to stay awake, no chance. This morning I woke up and ran, showered and took the girls to Kneaders for breakfast. Then it was off to my parents so I could drop off the girls for some G&G time. Thanks mom and dad.

It has been quite a productive day, running errands and what not. I know that isn't very exciting but to be able to do so without any fighting kids is pure bliss. I met Becca and we went and saw "When In Rome." I highly recommend this film it was funny, sweet, charming, and a good way to spend the afternoon with a friend. Besides it is really easy to watch Josh Duhamel for an hour and a half, really east. As for the rest of the evening some dinner with the girls and my parents and then maybe a movie later on. Oh the excitement.....try to contain yourself:) Until next time!

I did it!

So just a quick post....thank you for all of your suggestions. As you can tell I finally got the background changed! They all really helped and it is nice to know that people still check in with what is happening with the Payne's. Thank you everyone and have an incredible day tomorrow.

Oh, and as for when we went to Maui it was the first week of December for 10 days; it was part of our Christmas. I just wish that I could go back every couple of months in the winter. It was a blast; I will post more about the trip later. Goodnight:)

Background

Ok so my excuse as to why I have not posted in almost 2 1/2 months is because for some reason I can't change my background. I know that is a really lame excuse but it just bothers me. Every time I try changing it nothing happens so I just get discouraged and don't end up blogging about anything. So I am going to vent....how was that? Aren't all of you so glad, not!

Anyway, it has been nice to get back in a routine after the holidays. I have started Ladies Day at Sundance again and I am loving it. I am taking McKenna skiing tomorrow so I keep telling myself to stay calm and to be patient. Hopefully she will have a great time. JJ is obsessed with football and was quite disappointed that his team, the NY Giants, didn't make it the the playoffs. I am beginning to worry about what is going to happen when the season is over.

Matt has already started training in earnest for the upcoming cycling season even though he shattered the head of his tibia while skiing. Of course he won't listen to me when I even suggest that he take it easy. Hopefully, it doesn't displace. Nico is growing up so fast and is such much fun! She is at the stage where she adores Dora, Elmo, and last but not least Barney. We all love watching her dance and sing and talk to the t.v. Well, hopefully I will get the background issue worked out until then enjoy the autumn background:)

A few pictures from our trip to Maui