About Our Family

El Paso, Texas, United States
We are James, Lisa, Patrick, Christian, Carson, and Ella Payne a military family serving our country via service in the U.S. Army. Jim and I have been married for 18 years and have 3 wonderful home grown sons -Patrick, Christian and Carson. We recently adopted our beautiful daughter Ella Grace Ana from Donets'k, Ukraine in September. Jim and I began our Army life together at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas and every assignment thus far has extended unique opportunities and challenges for our family to grow and learn; to become a stronger, committed, and a prepared Army family. Having recently lived abroad for six amazing years, we cannot express how thankful we are for the opportunity to have represented our great country and to discover the cultures and customs of other countries; to become close to the people and learn from them; to open our hearts and minds to the unfamiliar languages and way of life in other countries. Having now moved back to the United States, we are looking forward to discovering what new adventures await our family. Rest assured, wherever the Army sends us we will continue to serve you and our country proudly. Army life, we wouldn’t trade it!

July 11, 2008

Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, FIVE


Five short weeks to go!
We'd love to hear from you at

2 comments:

The Flying Eagle said...

EEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKSSSSSS!!!!! 5 weeks is not long at all!!! I have no idea how you are feeling but I am flipping out a little. I think we have all the big things out of the way. (well except for finishing the family room remodel job -- still missing flooring --- I guess this is a pretty big deal). But there seem to be a hundred little things to get ready and 5 weeks is really not long at all!!! Did your facilitator give you an idea of how long the offices will be closed for the independence day holiday (http://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2008/ukraine.htm) that next Monday? Ours was pretty vague in his answer but I have heard that a holiday there lasts all week and we should not count on making any progress with the legal aspects of the adoption. Happy packing!!!

12/7/08 14:48
junglemama said...

It will be here before you know it! :) Our little guy will be homeon the 18th!

13/7/08 16:33

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This is our "spot" we began at the beginning of our journey in May 2007, to adopt a child from Ukraine. In August 2008, we traveled to Ukraine to bring our daughter/sister Ella Grace Ana home; and on September 12, 2008 we did just that.

While our journey to bring her home is complete, our journey together is just beginning. We will continue to keep our spot here, posting as frequently as we can; and keeping you updated on our next journey in life...maybe a second adoption is in our future.

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