House hunting - fun, challenging, stressful...
Some really nice ones out here...choices, choices, choices.
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!
November 12, 2009
Update
Seem like a Monday today since yesterday was a "day off" for Veterans Day! To all our veterans and active duty - thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you have made, are making, or will make.
So far it has been a quiet week. Daddy Payne just came home from a trip to Korea and the kids (and I) are so thankful to have him home. I can remember when we were first married it was so hard to say "see ya later" when he would have a field problem (for weeks sometimes). As we grew wiser and more experienced it wasn't as difficult - until the deployment to Iraq. That was really difficult especially living overseas, but I was very fortunate to have wonderful friends and the ability to bring the children back to the U.S. to see their grandparents. Now, for some reason, just saying "see ya later" when he leaves for a trip seems more and more difficult. Sure we are able to put ourselves into a routine, but gosh it is so hard when he leaves. I pray God gives me the strength to support not only our children, but other families when he deploys again.
The kids are all doing well. Report cards came out - everyone is doing great! With the nest empty during the day (it was a hard adjustment) I was spending 3 hours shopping for groceries! Crazy! Crazy! I have since solved that issue.
I am working out regularly now - see improvements and enjoying "my time" during the day until the 3 little people come home...then I enjoy hearing everyone trying to talk at once and tell me about their day at school - BEFORE the arguing begins! LOL
Birthday's and Thanksgiving are right around the corner - I can't believe it!
So far it has been a quiet week. Daddy Payne just came home from a trip to Korea and the kids (and I) are so thankful to have him home. I can remember when we were first married it was so hard to say "see ya later" when he would have a field problem (for weeks sometimes). As we grew wiser and more experienced it wasn't as difficult - until the deployment to Iraq. That was really difficult especially living overseas, but I was very fortunate to have wonderful friends and the ability to bring the children back to the U.S. to see their grandparents. Now, for some reason, just saying "see ya later" when he leaves for a trip seems more and more difficult. Sure we are able to put ourselves into a routine, but gosh it is so hard when he leaves. I pray God gives me the strength to support not only our children, but other families when he deploys again.
The kids are all doing well. Report cards came out - everyone is doing great! With the nest empty during the day (it was a hard adjustment) I was spending 3 hours shopping for groceries! Crazy! Crazy! I have since solved that issue.
I am working out regularly now - see improvements and enjoying "my time" during the day until the 3 little people come home...then I enjoy hearing everyone trying to talk at once and tell me about their day at school - BEFORE the arguing begins! LOL
Birthday's and Thanksgiving are right around the corner - I can't believe it!
November 7, 2009
We Are Safe....
First a HUGE thank you to all of you who sent emails or called wanting to know if we were okay. Yes, we are fine - we are stationed at Fort Bliss which is about 8 hours away from Fort Hood. While we are all physically okay, our Army Family is saddened by the tragic event at Fort Hood and ask that you pray for our extended family.
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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.
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.
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.