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!

May 28, 2009

Our slice of heaven...

This is our backyard. It wasn't like this when we moved here last July. Jim has worked hard putting in a pond complete with fish, a tree house for the kids, rope swings, grass, flowers, mulch, and so much more. It is a nice tranquil place to relax in the morning with breakfast and coffee or in the evening with a glass of wine. Great job honey!



These swings entertain not only our kids, but the kids from the entire neighborhood. It seems they are in constant use and the squeals of delight are music to the ears. The older kids climb the ladder holding the swing, tuck it between their legs and jump! They say it is like flying as they sore through the air and into the leaves on the tree.

Jim's pond. I think he should start a pond business when he retires (I secretly hope that is awhile away). The kids love to feed the fish, turtle and frog. I love sitting and listening to the water trickle and the birds singing as I am enjoying a glass of wine at night, but Jim likes the morning with the quiet of the early morning, the cool air and his breakfast...


Lights on or off at night this little corner is just so tranquil.

7 comments:

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

Beautiful!!

Michelle said...

this looks like something out of a magazine!

it is beautiful... enjoy it!!!

- michelle

Sabrina said...

that's awesome!

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! What a great yard! How long will you guys get to stay in that house?

MP

ArtworkByRuth said...

I know envy is a sin, so I'm just adding it to my "wishlist" on the heavenly mansion side of things...What kid would not want that in their yard!? Great job!

Anonymous said...

It looks so beautiful, I'm so jealous. My Jim and I have none of those talents. It sure looks like an awesome place to be.
Petra

junglemama said...

It is just gorgeous!

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.

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