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!

August 6, 2008

Ella's Space...

Finally!

We have finished (for the most part) with Ella's room. Her room is painted lilac with white sheer drapes for the windows and soft yellow sheers hanging from the ceiling at the head of each bed. Yes, I said each...we just don't know if the Lord is blessing us with one or two little girls so we are prepared for two!




18 comments:

Anonymous said...

love the room - what if she is too little for a big girl bed? :o) It's all coming together. YEAH!!!

love you all - Schrie

The D'Antuono Family said...

the room is beautiful! we will be thinking of you and following you journey while in the Ukraine! have a safe trip!

Julie said...

Love the room! It is ADORABLE! She will love it, too. Take plenty of pictures of her room. Those were Halle Grace's favorite pics to look at! Something about having their own prepared room, decorated just for them...
Counting down with you!!!
Julie

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

Beautiful room. It will be filled before you know it. Can't wait to hear about your jorney.

... said...

Schrie,

We have side boards for the bed and they are REALLY low to the ground just in case of tumbles; and IF by some chance we need a crib, we have one of those ready to!

Love,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful room! We are thinking of you and your journey. You are in our prayers. Have a safe trip and keep us posted.

The Rutherfords

Anonymous said...

Lisa and Jim,
Great news. Good luck and be safe in your travels.

COL DMP

Anonymous said...

I love Ella's (and sisters?) room. She is going to be one lucky girl to have a family that will love her so much.

TC

Michelle said...

What a beautiful room!!! You are so brave to possible take 2!! Got a second girls name?

... said...

Michelle,

We've tossed a couple around... Lisanna, Ayanna, Ayna, Annah, Nina, Amalie, Ava, Rayah, and Arianna to name a few.

ArtworkByRuth said...

How beautiful! I am sure the two will be filled...can't wait to see with whom...! God Bless!

The Flying Eagle said...

How sweet! I love it! And so will they :-)

Anonymous said...

Best of luck with your travels. I did not realize that you may be able to bring home two daughters...what a blessing! The room looks beautiful. I'll be sure to keep checking email and your blog. Hugs to everyone. Love, DM

Anonymous said...

It is great to hear things are going well for you. Can't wait to see pictures of all of you together. Take care and be safe on your journey. Hope Jim and the boys are doing well also.
Tracie

Tina in CT said...

What a sweet and charming room for a little girl (or girls)!

... said...

Wow! U did a great job on the boys rooms and Ella's is really pretty! She is going to love it! I miss you! XOXO, carrie

Kevin and Pam said...

The room is adorable!

adoptedthree said...

Oksana would be JEALOUS, she loves purple! The room is very pretty!

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.

Please join us by following us by clicking on the "Follow" link to the left and posting your notes at the bottom of any post we have made.

Recently Visited