A Laid Back Kind of Day...

We had a laid back kind of day. Watched a movie, read our books, did only a little cleaning. Only went out to lunch and to Wal-mart. The kids were asking to play in the sprinklers, and I told them that they had to wait for Paul to get done listening to the race. He was chilling with his radio on the hammock. Then it happened again....this crazy flash rain storm. The kids went crazy, and the dog got a bath.

Berry Picking

Today we went to Ditzler Orchard
to pick strawberries. They were wonderful, and the kids had the best time picking the berries on their own. Made me think of when my Nana use to take me to pick berries when I was smaller.

A Tea Party

This beautiful girl invited Macey to her (3rd )Birthday tea party!

Refreshed....

91 today here in Terre Haute, and I was out working a good part of the day hosting a racing lunch at the Bank. When I picked up the kids they had been playing hard and were sweaty...with flushed cheeks. So into the kiddy pool, and away with the hose we go. Everyone got cooled off. But then tonight, right before bed....

The skies let loose and the rain feel...hard. We were all dressed for bed, and there are no pictures because even I, mommy ran around the yard with the kids one time, and to the tree and back. Mostly I did this just to torment the dog because he wants to follow me, but doesn't like the rain. This does not make sence, because he loves to play in the hose. Whatever..he is Jack.

Now it is thundering...and the rain is hitting the roof. I am going to kiss Macey goodnight, but not sure if we are home free just yet, because she likes a little reasurance when it is thundering and lightening outside. But I do know that wherever I crash tonight, be it with Macey, on the sofa, or in my own bed with a snoring husband, if the rain and thunder keep singing to me...I'll sleep good!

Three Graduations (next year)

Tonight was the School Program, and graduation. Can you spot Gavin and Macey in each of these pics? My only hint is that they are both on the front row.


Poor Gavin wore a pair of jeans that were too big for him, and kept pulling them up all night long. The song "Pants on the ground" comes to mind.

Paul and I listened to the "Pomp and Circumstance" march, and I felt a lump growing in my throat already. Next year it will be Taylor who will graduate from high school, Gaivn who will graduate to middle school, and Macey who will graduate to 1st grade. I know that right now my life is just a blur of days that have blended together since I brought Gavin home from the hospital.

But this year as they all seem to be growing up, and there are no diapers to change, bottles to feed, and only sippy cups that hang on to the tender few first years. I feel as if I can finally stop and enjoy my children and each of their accomplishments. I wish I could just freeze time and stay right where we are now. So as Macey holds her certificate that shows she passed pre-school, I take a picture in attempt to freeze this fleeting time.

As much as I am eager to see who they will each become, and where life will take each of them. Right now I just want to hold on to today and make it last as long as it can.

Tonight I planted flowers. I lost track of how many after 28.

I still have an entire flat left, but ran out of dirt and pots...so I am sending hubby to the store tomorrow with a list.

The kids helped me water, need I say anymore :)

R.I.P.

Two sick cars (not counting studebakers), and a dead lawnmower. Efforts to bring the lawnmower back to life are currently taking place. Special thanks to Papsy who is bringing his lawnmower over today so we can finally mow our lawn. It hasn't been cut since before we left on vacation, and we are about to lose our dog and child in the weeds when we let them out to play.

Our Porch.....

Welcome to our porch, my favorite place to enjoy the summer!

Everyone has a spot here on the porch...

I noticed all these sticks in a plant below this bird house Gavin made for me a few years ago...guess some little bird has been busy today. The house is about to bust apart at the seams.

Today Paul helped me pick out our summer ferns we hang every year...this one is George.

The porch is a great place for conversation, and watching the world go by, especially during a thunder storm.

Everyone is welcome here!

Creature Comforts...

Macey's special blankie from Mamoo

Both of my kids have something that is special to them. Something that they keep at home or take with them when they sleep over somewhere. This is Macey's. The other night Macey left this blanket at the farm and we had to make a special trip out to get it!

A New Toy....

My father in law (AKA - Papsy) has been talking about getting a Gator for sometime. Right before we left for Florida he came over to our house to tell us that he did indeed buy one. So tonight we were all invited to dinner. I knew that Maddie and Adam were going to be there too...but was happy to see my old Highlander in the drive way because that meant Taylor was there too! So I get out of my car...and here comes most of the gang riding on Papsy's new toy...with Taylor at the wheel! I love it...

as Taylor, our John Deer Queen said...it is only fun if you are going to drive it in the mud! So they did...

Post Vacation Blues

Best parts of my day...drinking wine and listening to Macey tell me a story!


Back to the grind and it was hell to pay.... Macey stated it correctly last night when we told her that she had to go back to school today and she replied, "That is gonna suck!" Bad emails from Gavin's teacher. Over 100 email messages in my inbox and a message that my email had reached it threshold. Work (but my boss always tries to soften the blow so I know more work is hiding). My sunburned scalp is staring to peel so it looks as if I should be in a dandruff commercial. It poured down rain on me today at lunch...but I did get to have my fill at my favorite Chinese restaurant the Royal Mandarin. And I didn't even have time to talk to my good friend Kim, but we did try to call each other back today. So, "Hi Kim...miss ya!" Is it bed time yet?

My Favorite Disney Moments....

Macey seeing the Castle for the first time.....

Eating and Drinking in Epcot...

Shopping in Japan (Epcot)...

Gavin getting a French language lesson from this beautiful french girl...

How all the Cast Members refered to Macey as "Princess" the entire time. Especially when she wore her Princess gown around the resort. Now that we are home we are going to have to deprincess the princess..as this has gone straight to her head!

Watching Tinker Bell fly from the castle before the fireworks....

Having my Sister-in-Law (who had never been to Disney) fly down for the day to see Mickey and the Princess with Macey....


Not shown are the least favorite moments which included the following.....crowds, lousy Disney transportation, HOT...90, sunburned scalp, getting stuck on the Nemo ride for 10 plus minutes with a terrified little girl and a motion sick mommy (me and Macey), long lines, $9 (adult) drinks, and no free internet.

A Little Bit of Disney Magic.....

Macey gets to meet her favorite princess...

Marie from the Aristocats cleans Gavin up....

Evil Step-Sisters and Step-Mothers

At the Castle...

Georiga Welcomes Paul....

792.2 miles and some 13 plus hours later we arrived in sunny, HOT, HUMID Tifton Georgia where our Holiday Inn rolled out the red carpet greeting for Paul. Look who is guest of the day.....

Sporting his Guest of the Day Shirt!


We were wishing for a free room...but we do get a free car wash, this tee-shirt, and two free drinks from the bar!

Gavin saw the sign first...and was trying to bet us money it was for real. We all got a big laugh out of this....kind of fun!

DISNEY OR BUST....

Sorry for the lacking in blogging this week...been busy packing for our MAGIC vacation to Disney. If we can get an internet connection I will blog...if not I will play catch up when we return next week! Be sure to check in...as you all know I will take as many pictures as physically possible! I am actually looking forward to the photo service that they have at the park...because when you are the one behind the lense its hard to know you are in the moment when you look back later.

Have a great week everyone!

Happy Birthday

So this is what 37 looks like....

I have loved my 30's... If I could choose the age to have for keeps it would be this one right here. I love that after all this time, I really am grown up. I know who I am, and what I want to achieve in life. I love that my kids are past the diapers, the middle of the night feedings, and can tell me when they need something. I love that they are still young enough to love me and need me, and require hugs, and good night kisses at night. I love what Paul and I have made together. Not just Macey...but all of it...the relationships and love that are solid foundations for our kids to stand on. I love our life! We may not have the THINGS we wish we could, or more money in the bank, but we are truly rich beyond my wildest expections. And when life exceeds your expectations then how can it ever get better than that?


I love this pic of Gavin...he is looking so grown up!

Place your bets...

Derby party at the Payne house. Hot browns, bread pudding, mint juleps, hats, Kentucky burbon, and money...other than to win, what more could you ask for?