HOUSE OF PAYNES

Off To The Races!

2009-05-17T20:26:00.018-06:00

When I asked Gabe what he wanted for fathers day, he answered in a split second! I want to go to the Lemans Series at Miller Motor Sports Park! So that is what we did. It was a perfect sunny day and the Porsches were out. The races were fun to watch and it was so cool to be able to go right down in the "pits" and see all the cars. I did not think I was going to like it, but I had a really great time. Happy Early Fathers Day Gabe!

Now that's dedication!

2009-04-28T08:07:00.007-06:00

Last week Terra was in town visiting, and so was Gabes mom. We had everyone over for dinner and it was a packed house with Hillarie and the girls too! Terra was staying in Jordans room with the baby. It was starting to get late and I told Jordan that he needed to go do his reading homework, not even thinking about the fact that his room was in use. About 15 minutes later I went in the laundry room to get something and found this:

Now most kids would have used this to their advantage, to not do their reading! But Jordan just made use of what was available! I knew that laundry room counter would come in handy! You notice that his teddy bear "squishy" and Brutus got in on the action too :)

Porsche, Perennials, and Pineapple!

2009-04-20T21:34:00.015-06:00

Was today a GORGEOUS day or what! Gabe had the day off, and I did not have to go to work until 4pm, so we decided to take the porsche out for a drive to Thanksgiving Point. We went to the tulip festival and walked thru the gardens.

Oh yeah, if your wondering about the pineapple, we stopped at JCW for their famous hawaiian burger with......pineapple!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T07:51:00.003-06:00

A "SWEET" new job....

2009-03-11T16:16:00.013-06:00

I just started a new job at Sweet Afton's in Gardener Village. It is so much fun, and the people are great. No one is in a bad mood in a candy store! I love working in the village and hopefully I will still have a paycheck after wandering around on my lunch hours. Here is what a day at my work looks like....pretty rough eh? Did I mention they give free samples of fudge....come on in and say hi!

Dreams Really Do Come True......... for Gabe!

2009-03-04T18:40:00.004-07:00

Gabe can now die a happy man. I think he came out of the womb, with a love for the Porsche 911! He has always wanted this car and now he's got it. A local dealer got one in on a trade and it was just too good of a deal to pass up. I must admit that it is beautiful and quite fun to drive. Yes, he actually let me drive it :) I am very happy for him and he deserves it! Congrats Babe!

An Affair to Remember......

2009-02-20T10:21:00.002-07:00

It was Mom's 60th b-day, so we had to come up with something good! Mindy, Terra, and I decided to do a 2 day event here in Utah. It started on Friday morning where the girls met at Kneader's for their famous French Toast. If you haven't had this yet, you are missing out. We then headed over to the Brickhouse Day Spa and had massage or a facial and then met in a room together to get our pedicures! It was heavenly. Then it was racing to get ready and meet all of the rest of the crew at the Salt Lake Temple. We took pictures in the Joseph Smith Building, and then went thru a session. It was so neat to have all of the family in the temple together. Next it was PF Chang's for dinner, and over to the Melting Pot for dessert. Everything was perfect and we were totally exhausted by the end of the night. We were supposed to go snomobiling the next morning, but everyone decided to sleep in. Saturday the boys went off to Ruth's Diner for creme brule and chocolate malt shakes while the girls went to work on turning Mindy's downstairs into a "tent". It turned out so beautiful, and we never would have gotten it done if Wendy had not been there to supervise! We had bought white t-shirts and printed words that were important in life and also described the person wearing it. Mindy had the girls from her ward come over to "take orders, and serve dinner" to everyone. We had Cafe Rio salads. Sooooo Gooood! Okay I have to give a huge shout out to Dippidee for the cake. It was amazing. Both to look at and to eat! We played a few games and then settled in for a slide show program that featured tons of pictures and the voice recordings of each person's special message for mom. It was such a great weekend and I don't think it could have been anymore perfect. Happy 60th Mom! Hope you loved it as much as we all did.

Camouflage and Basketball!

2009-01-17T11:27:00.005-07:00

Here is Jp and his basketball team. They only have a few games left, but Jordan has been working hard on being more aggressive and taking shots. Last week he made a shot between half court and the 3 point line!! I am not sure why he went for the "all camo look" underneath his jersey, but when I asked, he said it was because he wants to be in the army when he grows up :)

The Auto Show!

2009-01-17T08:15:00.006-07:00

Gabe and I went to the auto show yesterday. After looking at all of the cars, (and eliminating all the ones we could never have), this was our favorite. It is made by Hyundai if you can believe that. This was a tricked out version, but still within reach someday:)

Super Sledding!

2008-12-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

From our Family to Yours!

2008-12-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

For everyone we did not have addresses for! We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

The awesome 80's!

2008-12-20T10:03:00.003-07:00

We went to an "awesome 80's" party this week and had a blast! I thought I had picture of everyone, but half are missing. Here are the ones I have. Can't wait for next year's party!

P.S. If you want to see all the great pics go to our friends "The Dearth Duo" and see them all!

Innovative Ideas!

2008-12-17T07:25:00.006-07:00

When we got the hot tub we were wondering how to put more water in during the winter when we could not use the hose due to the freezing temperatures. A bucket won't fit in the kitchen or bathroom sink. We would have to run up and downstairs a million times. But Gabe "McGuyver" Payne is so smart! Why didn't I think of that??

Recent odd and ends...

2008-12-13T10:28:00.010-07:00

Nothing spectacular has been going on lately but here are some of the things we've been up to. First of all Gabe went to Seattle to have his teeth worked on, and he got this great shot of Mt. Rainier from the plane. Isn't it gorgeous. Of course, it was nothing but gray and rain underneath those clouds. :(

Here was the gift we gave to our neighbors for Christmas. With not a lot of cash this season I tried to come up with something cute that did not scream "I'm cheap!" So I went to Costco and got 3 four packs of Martinelli's, 1 spool Costco ribbon, and got 12 gifts for under $30. Not too bad eh??

For those of you who received our Christmas card, you know how much we love our new hot tub! Check this out. Who needs to go to a club.... I now have a disco in my hot tub!!

And lastly,Gabe and I were just talking about how weird it was to be this late in the season with no snow. Well, this morning I opened up my front door to this! Maybe we shouldn't have said anything!

Whew! That was alot in one post! :)

Lucky 13!

2008-12-07T10:56:00.010-07:00

Jp started basketball and had his first game on saturday. He was pretty nervous, but he made a basket in the first half!

He is not an agressive person and does not like confrontation. The last time he played basketball, he would just shadow his guy and run up and down the court. When we asked him why he wouldn't try to steal the ball he said "because it's not nice mom!".

But NOW he thinks he's got what it takes to be a true "baller"!

Can't wait to see how the season turns out. GO JP!

So hard to say goodbye...

2008-12-04T11:32:00.007-07:00

What a great woman and fabulous Nanny! Every fond memory of growing up has Nanny in there somewhere. She lived a full a wonderful life, surrounded by the family that loved her. Even in death she found a way to get us all together before she passed :) Family meant everything to Nanny and it showed in everything she did. I just wanted to say how much I loved her and that the world was a better place by her being here. Here are a few things that remind me of her:

Thunderstorms, Sunday Dinners, the Candy dish, Oscar Perfume, Rain, Parties, "a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck", green jello, Blue Bell (her car), Carmel at the Svensgaard Inn, Christmas, Cannon Beach, tacky jewelry, Fall leaves and most of all her unconditional love and the way she made you feel like you were the most important person in the world whenever you were with her.

So here's to you Nanny. I will never forget to live life to the fullest, break all the rules, love my family and when in doubt: Party!

I love you Nanny.

HOT and COLD!!

2008-11-06T16:45:00.004-07:00

Are all boys retarded? Who would leave a nice warm hot tub to do this?? It was pretty funny to watch,(and since I was nice and warm), more power to them! :)

What happens in Vegas....

2008-11-05T11:13:00.004-07:00

Gabe and I took a very "spontaneous" trip to Vegas for less than 48 hours! We left late Saturday, arrived Sunday morning. Did the vegas thing all day, and then left Monday morning. Favorites were: the Bellagio Fountains, Forum Shops at Ceasar's Palace, and Cirque de Soleil!

Boo!

2008-11-03T20:28:00.007-07:00

Halloween is not my favorite thing, so there are only a few pictures to share. Here is Jordan as a Ninja with Mia "aka" Captain Jack Sparrow.

Then there was Gabe with the "Elvis Head" that actually looked pretty good!

And then there was the "Elvis Head" on me, which did NOT look good!

and most pathetically, here is the apple that Jordan "carved" (because I never got any pumpkins) and put on the doorstep!

And of course, Michael was "too cool" for halloween and went to hang out with some friends!

I guess I should have said.."Ever wonder what your husband does when your gone?"

2008-10-26T21:27:00.009-06:00

This from the guy who hates people looking at him......who knew??

Note: there is no music, just the "um" performance :)

Fall Fun!

2008-10-26T18:41:00.003-06:00

Here are some photos from our recent trips to the canyons. I think Gabe and Mikey were having a little "too" much fun...:)

Ever wonder what your kids do when you're gone??

2008-10-23T14:34:00.007-06:00

I went into photobooth to make a picture for my last post and I came across some of the last things Mikey had been doing while on the computer. Totally hilarious!

**note: make sure to turn off MY music player and turn YOUR volume all the way up for the full effect. :)

Hmmm....six things about me...??

2008-10-23T14:30:00.004-06:00

Okay, so like Terra totally tagged me! Can you tell I have never been tagged? :) Anyways here they are in no particular order.

1. One of my biggest “pet peeves” is when people use the brake on their car as a drum while they are singing or jamming to their favorite song. You know- tapping it along with the beat. For some reason I suddenly want to kill them when that happens. Weird I know.

2. I still sleep with my blanket I had as a child. It used to be all cream with pretty pink, yellow,and blue stripes. Now it is all brown and torn, but I love it. I did leave it home went I went to college and thought is was gone for good, but my mom wrapped it as a wedding present for fun. I guess it was meant to be :)

3. If I could do anything in the world for a profession, it comes down to 2 things. I would either be a Dancer (hip-hop) or a Lawyer. Or maybe a Lawyer that dances..... yeah that sounds good.

4. I am not a kid person. There I said it. I plan to change the locks and pack their suitcases the day they turn 18! I know I am awful, but I just tell it like it is. I love my kids and am excited for when they have grandkids- I will just really like it because it will be in THEIR house where I can give them back. :)

5. I love thrill rides! I will ride any rollercoaster/thrill ride you can think of. I love the adrenaline rush and that it makes you feel alive. When Gabe and I were in Vegas, we rented a car and drove to Stateline just to ride a rollercoaster at Wild Bill’s. It was awesome!

6. I am a hopeless romantic! Cheesy isn’t it? I love flirtation, chemistry, dating, passion, the whole 9 yards! A life without that..... is NOT a life worth living.

So there you have it! I tag Mindy, Hillarie, Chelsie, Sara A and Effie!

A Work In Progress...

2008-09-24T16:22:00.003-06:00

I realize I have not posted in awhile, but I have been a little busy (obsessed) with trying to figure out our new MAC! It is so cool, and does so many things!! Anyways, I am designing a new website and hope to have it up and running soon! I will post the new address once I get it all figured out. Until then pray that I learn this this one thing: GET UP AND STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER....

Hold on to your flags!

2008-09-11T22:17:00.007-06:00

The other day Jordan asked me why the blog was all about Michael :) So finally I have some new pictures of Jordan to share! He just started a new season of flag football, with his same coach from last season. He had some EXCELLENT defensive plays, and stole his share of flags! Awesome job JP! I went to Michael's game right before this one, so Thursdays are pretty much football from 3:30 to 7:30. It makes for long days, but is definitely fun to watch! Not to mention it gives me some pretty good "bragging" material;)

Here we go again!

2008-08-29T08:51:00.005-06:00

Michael had his first high school football game yesterday! It was a VERY hot day, and it was at Box Elder High. That's about 11/2 hours north of us. They did awesome. The final score was 20-0! This ends a very busy first week of high school for Michael, but he is having fun. He leaves the house at 7:00am and doesn't get home til 6:30pm, so mom's having fun too ;) His number is #95 (which he hates) but the sophmores got last pick. Jordan will be having his first game in a few weeks, so theres lots more to come!

Which Decade Looks Best??

2008-08-22T19:20:00.011-06:00

Found this great website, check it out at yearbookyourself.com!

Oh.....The Torture...

2008-08-22T15:44:00.004-06:00

Why me? What did I do to deserve this? First, I have to LET him have a drivers permit AND NOW he wants to invite a GIRL over!! A parent should only have to do such things like once a year- let alone in the same week. :( He knows he can't date until he is 16, but we said we would consider allowing her over now and then when parents are home. That was a few months ago, but he asked TODAY! As you can see I snuck this picture thru the blinds so they could not see me. Her name is Nicole. She is very nice (for a girl). Notice the cast on her right foot..... I figure if she does any thing I don't approve of, then she won't get far when I hunt her down;) I have a feeling that this is just the beginning...

Holy Macaroni Batman!

2008-08-14T15:53:00.004-06:00

This is scary on SO many levels! I mean, first of all, there is NO WAY that I am old enough to have a child that can drive. And second of all, the poor unsuspecting drivers of Utah have no clue of the DANGER that now surrounds them!
I would like to take just a moment to give my appreciation for a little piece of heaven I like to call the "DMV". We arrived at 7:30am. I was renewing my license and Michael was getting his permit. I waited 3 HOURS and 20 MINUTES to get my license and then they said that Michael had to have his social security card not just the number. We had his birth certificate, but that wasn't good enough. So we then had to go to another "FUN" place called the Social Security Administration. Here, we got to wait another 2 hours to get what we needed. Then of course, we got to go back to the "DMV" to get back in line for Michaels permit. I have to admit that I threatened to LITERALLY KILL him if he failed the test, because I was not coming back there for another 4 years!! Guess what.......he PASSED!!
So I guess you could say that I was both HAPPY (to leave) and SAD (he's driving) all at the same time. :)

Botox for Boys!

2008-07-29T15:37:00.009-06:00

Have you ever wanted those "pillow-y" lips like Angelina Jolie? Well look no further.....than your back yard that is!

Why spend all that money- when you can just go out back and "tick-off" those WASPS near the fence.
Gabe got called out to a job to help one of his technicians who was having some trouble. Right as he put his head up and over the fence, the technician said "oh yeah, there is a wasp nest ....." too late! It stung him right on the upper lip. :)

Chelan 2008!

2008-07-29T14:25:00.008-06:00

It was a fabulous 2 weeks at the lake and
the weather was great. We got to see Terra and David,
and meet little Issac for the first time. He is sooooo dang
cute and a perfect angel. For the boys it was all about the
boat. They wakeboarded, kneeboarded, and rode the tubes
all day long. Jordan got up on the kneeboard on his first
try! Basically, it was "HEAVEN" as usual. Can't wait for
next year already!

Fun with Photobooth!

2008-07-02T22:58:00.002-06:00

Prest-O Change-O!!

2008-06-25T17:18:00.003-06:00

You know it's pretty bad when your neighbors say thank-you for finishing your yard. I mean, it's only been 3 years.... what do they expect! We REALLY wanted concrete, but the last bid we got was around $6500! So we had to go for plan B. All in all, I think it looks pretty good. Anything is better than the "roller-coaster of a weed garden" we had going.

Check out the SWEET new ride!

2008-06-20T14:59:00.005-06:00

Okay, just because Gabe took that ride in the BMW doesn't mean he needed to call our new car purchase a "roller skate with a motor". I think it is pretty dang cute myself. It is a 2005 and only had 28k miles on it, which is extremely nice because the bumper to bumper warranty is until 60k miles!! Our Explorer went about 300 miles per tank and cost around $80 to fill it. This one goes 300+ and only takes around $40. I don't know about you but it....WORKS FOR ME!

"My Pop"!

2008-06-16T14:42:00.011-06:00

Do you ever sit alone and think about your parents and what they mean to you? Or how much they influenced you growing up? Or just reflect on all they did for you, and how long it takes for you to realize the sacrifices, and selflessness it took for them to meet your needs even though there were several others in the home that needed the same love and care. I can only hope that I might have a similar impact on my boys and make them feel the way I do about "My Pop"!!

My Dad is Gary Foster Payne. He is my Idol, and always has been. I have had many great experiences with my dad, and they all helped to make me who I am today.

I can remember when I was a little one, just waiting for my dad to be home from another long day at work. Us kids would jump all over him and wrestle with him until he was red in the face. He was always a good sport. He is also very strong!! I remember he would put his arms out to his sides, parallel with the floor, and stick out his index fingers and have a kid hanging on each side and would make his arms go up and down like a teeter totter! We would hang from his fingers!! His buddies call him "Vice Grips" cause he can crack an acorn with his thumb and pinky.

He can also make ANYTHING with his bare hands and a few raw materials. When I was about 6, or 7 years old, he made me an excavator for our sand box. Not a little toy, but an actual excavator I could sit inside and move levers to dig holes in the sand! It was awesome!! It was painted black and yellow just like the real things. He also makes just about any type of furniture, and he can also sew a mean dress!

I remember riding with my dad in the car and asking him thousands of questions about anything, and everything, then following them up with "Dad, do you think I ask too many questions"? He would always laugh and say "of course not". I would ask "Dad, do you think I could play in the NBA"? And he would say " You can do anything you want if you try hard. Look at guys like Spud Webb! If he can do it, so can you!" He encouraged me, and supported me in all that I did/do!

He showed me the meaning of hard work, and the importance of providing for a family, by his example. I can not remember if my dad ever called in sick a day in his life! And he would put in long hours too! He still puts in a 16 hour day from time to time! I love him for that.

My dad also helps people with whatever they need. A blessing, a ride, fixing a car, helping someone move, or advice about anything. He is a real "Go-To Guy"! I know Heavenly Father is very pleased with the work he continues to do for others on this earth. And so am I.

On the exterior, he can look like a line backer that wishes to crush the quarter back at the word "Hike"! But I know him on the inside. Not quite like my mom does, but I know he has a huge heart in there!! When it was time for me and my family to move to Utah, my dad was at our home in Mukilteo helping us out. When we were all packed and ready to go, we said a prayer with our family and it was time to say good bye. My dad gave me a huge hug, the kind were the fingers dig into the back slightly, and began to cry a little. He wimpered and said "I love you Gabe". Man, that meant the world to me to see my dad like that, and to feel that tremendous unconditional love he has for me.

This last year my sister Hillarie's dog Sarah, who lived with my parents on Whidbey Island, died suddenly on the front porch. It was very difficult for my mom and dad, and Hillarie as well. I was in town for the beginning of our summer vacation staying at Chip and Ann's house when I got a call from my mom at 6:00am in the morning. My mom was in Chelan with Hillarie, and Chelsie and their girls when this happened. She asked if I would help my dad bury Sarah. I was happy to help.
It is always hard to bury a loved one even if it is an animal. It was just me and my dad there and we buried her out by the big rope swing tree where the grandkids like to play. Once we covered her up, my dad went inside to get something. He came back out with the dedicatory prayer to dedicate the grave for the dog. We were not sure if it applied to animals, but it couldn't hurt, right?. He asked me to read it cause he wasn't sure if he could keep it together or not. I started in and I didn't even get one sentence in before I lost it. There we were. Two grown men crying like girls. It was great. These are the types of things that remind me how great my dad is, and that he is a human being, not just a super hero.

Dad, I love you more than you know. I know that you are proud of me and that you love me as well. I appreciate that you love my mom so much, and that you treat her like the Queen that she is. Thank you for everything you have done for me, and continue to do. You have set a tremendous example for me.

I can't wait to see you at the reunion next month.

Happy Fathers Day POP!

Gabe.

DUDE, THAT IS MY CAR..........

2008-06-09T16:10:00.009-06:00

Holy Ravioli!!!! I (Gabe) just went for the ride of my life! Jen and I went out to purchase a car from a used car dealer (looking for a car that gets 30+ miles per gallon....cheap, cheap) and met the coolest car salesman in the world.

I am not thrilled that we have to buy what I consider to be a wiener of a car, but this salesman made my day...my week...OK, he made my life (almost) complete.

When we pulled into this small used car lot, we knew what we were looking for because we found it online, and arranged to drive it. Well, I only saw one car, and it was not the car we came to drive. I know some of you may think this car is just a "pretty little beamer", but this car is a full blown race car, with nice shoes. It has only been street legal for a couple months. I won't bore everyone who could care less about cars with the details of what is under the hood. (A list of what is NOT under there maybe shorter).

This car "had me at hello"!! It is a 1985 BMW M-6 with approx. 600HP!!! I immediately fell in love with it. The sales man knew it too! Anyway, after we signed for our little roller-skate with a motor, I walked back out to our car and sat and stared at this BMW with EXTREME envy. The salesman saw my drool dripping down the car window, and took pity on me. He said "if you hang out for 5 minutes I'll take you for a ride".

What would you do?

I went for it and almost died! I did not know this kid raced cars in his spare time. He left the lot with tires smoking, and we hit 90 in what seemed like 2 seconds. We were heading for the freeway on ramp (it had a 25 mph sign, and an arrow that pointed to the right...I could not see the road cause it was such a sharp turn). This guy did not let up one bit and proceeded to drift 360 degrees all the way onto the freeway, and then did the same thing on the off ramp. I was in heaven!! I needed a clean change of G's, but it was definitely worth it!!

Jen was waiting for me in the parking lot were this guy got sideways one last time. This little lot had no more than just enough room to squeeze a car through going straight, let alone sideways, with cars on both sides!!

Although I do not encourage this type of driving, especially in RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, it was the best ride ever!!!

I hope to do it again soon. Next time we'll take it to the track!!

Gabe.

Oh....To Be a Dog....

2008-06-05T14:22:00.001-06:00

How I wish the only the thing I had to do, was follow the sunspot around the living room floor....

But since it's not, I guess I will go do some LAUNDRY :(
Must be nice Brutus, must be nice...

Mt. Timpanogos Cave

2008-06-01T20:59:00.003-06:00

It was a beautiful day on Saturday so we decided to check out Mt. Timpanogos cave. It sounded like an easy day trip... only a mile and a half to the cave. Well- what they don't tell you is that it is a mile and a half STRAIGHT UP!! They also don't tell you the trail is about 4 feet wide with no rails to keep you from falling down the mountain. All we kept saying was "can you imagine if Gary was here...he would FREAK out!" But other than that, there were incredible views and the cave was very cool. Definitely something to check out, but bring a leash for your small children. ;)

Introducing the new "LETTERMAN"

2008-05-29T08:42:00.002-06:00

Yep, it's official. Michael has "lettered" with Copper Hills High School in Lacrosse! Pretty darn good for a freshman. They ended up only losing twice, putting them at number 1 for their division. It is sad to see it all come to an end, BUT he has already started Football so there is lots more to come!! Congrats Mikey!!

The Dunes!! Knolls, Utah.

2008-05-19T15:08:00.002-06:00

We promised Mikey that if he brought his grades up we could go to the dunes. And what do you know..... he did! Amazing what a little motivation can do. It was a pretty fun day, and a nice and toasty 85 degrees. Any hotter than that and it gets pretty miserable. The boys were showing off as usual. Jumps, wheelies, donuts and more! We tried to explain the whole "white trash, no shirt, underwear hanging out" thing to Michael but he just doesn't seem to get it. Oh well, pick your battles....pick your battles...:)

Hip-Hip-Hooray! It's Mother's Day!!

2008-05-11T21:16:00.005-06:00

Breakfast, flowers, chocolates, swedish fish, new book (The Host), gossip mag, redbull, Olive Garden gift card, mani/pedicure, fun tableware, a fabulous BBQ cooked by the MEN, family, friends, and fun-fun-fun!!!
Ain't life GRAND? ....... I realize I am living it up here a little, but tomorrow I go back to being just regular old "mom". I think I'll bask just a little bit longer. :)

It's a MOLE-HAWK!

2008-05-11T20:47:00.002-06:00

Jordan is always asking to do crazy things with his hair. So I finally agreed that he could do it, as long as he was off track or on summer vacation. Last year he grew it out and dyed it blond. This year it is a "mole-hawk" as he likes to call it. By my calculations he has exactly 7 days left until school resumes....but until then ROCK ON JP!

"Jump Around"

2008-05-06T19:34:00.005-06:00

I don't blog! Not sure why Jen is making me write this. Any-Hoo, I guess this is us jumping like David Lee Roth.....without the "Ball-Huggers"!! (Hey, that sounds like a good photo op!) I forgot how much the back starts to tense up after jumping on these for too long. I still think I can do everything I used to do when I was 15, My body does not share the same opinion.

It has been a welcome addition though. The sun is finally starting to come out of hibernation, and we have spent some quality time together out there. (Mikey was dead asleep, and would not wake up to join us. He's a "pottie-poopah") I predict a couple of minor, maybe even major injuries before the summer is over. Too many boys thinking they can out do one another! And I am usually the instigator......Is that bad?

PS. Blog-on T-Bag!! Your little boy is pretty d@mn cute!

G.

Can you say...... TESTOSTERONE?

2008-04-25T21:55:00.005-06:00

Only in a house full of boys can you be driving along peacefully, and then next thing you hear is "Oh Yeah! Well how many pull ups can you do?" "Yeah right! Prove it......as soon as we get home it's on!" "You have to go ALL the way down, none of that half way crap!" Then, you pull into the driveway, and sure enough they all immediately go down stairs to "one up" eachother. Next, it was bench presses, but you get the idea!

Funny Friday!

2008-04-24T11:25:00.010-06:00

Mindy gave me a great idea about having blog "theme" fridays! So to start things off, today will be "FUNNY" friday. Be sure to stay tuned next week for...... "FLASHBACK" friday. (It should be fun AND hopefully just a tad embarrassing!!) As for Gabe, Mikey and Jordan here, all I can say is: "That's Hot!"

Benjamin turns 1!

2008-04-19T21:12:00.003-06:00

Well, Mindy out did herself as usual! Benjamin turned 1 "TONKA" style. I will let you see all the pictures on her blog, but just had to recognize him here as well. Happy Birthday Benjamin! We love you!

Jen and Mikey head for the desert!

2008-04-18T10:55:00.005-06:00

Mikey and I just got back from a trip to California to see his dad. It was a great trip. "Big" Mike was doing well and very excited for his 24 hours of freedom on his way to Oregon. He looked great and has started running marathons. Mikey loved getting to spend time with his dad, and I loved the fact that he got the same "lectures" from his dad that he gets here at home! It really makes you thankful for all that you have, when you spend a little time with someone who would trade places with you in a second. We wish him all the best, and hope for a miracle that will let him go home.

P.S. We got yelled at for taking the above picture! But, we got it!

The American Idol Winner....according to jen that is.

2008-04-18T10:15:00.008-06:00

I admit it. I am an American Idol junkie. I am just going on record to say that David Cook should be the winner. My favorite was this clip of Billie Jean which I have included for your listening enjoyment! If you don't like it, just cover your ears and smile anyway! :)

Check out the latest Lacrosse Superstar!

2008-04-17T14:04:00.010-06:00

Yep, here he is in all his glory! Please don't encourage him.... his head is already too big. Needless to say we are pretty proud of Michael. We have had alot of fun going to the games and are bummed that the season will soon come to an end.

Hot or Not? A Halloween recap.

2008-03-30T13:36:00.013-06:00

Ok, I just had to put this in. Terra had a Halloween party and as you can see Gabe definitely wins for best costume! The scary part is that he seems to fit the part just a little too well.

VACATION TO JACKSON HOLE....RECAP.

2008-03-27T17:02:00.023-06:00

We went to Jackson Hole with some friends. It was an eventful trip! The boat broke down the second day, Gabe gave Jen and actual proposal, we went to Yellowstone, and a bear decided to visit camp! It is beautiful there and we can't wait to go back.

HOW ABOUT A RECAP.....

2008-03-27T16:24:00.005-06:00

Well since most reading this are out of state, I thought I would let you see a few things that we have been up to since we left Washington. First off we have joined a company call "Toyzz Inc." It is like a timeshare, but for toys. So we just call up and tell them which "toys" we would like for the day. Pat and Lynn introduced us to the dunes in Knolls, Utah. The boys want to go there all the time. I think my favorite are the snowmobiles. They are a blast, except for when Gabe drove his off a cliff... but we won't talk about that!

FINE, I'll do it!!!

2008-03-27T15:40:00.012-06:00

I was perfectly happy with just reading everyone else's blogs, but have finally given in and decided to start one of our own. So, here is the official FIRST blog of the Payne family. We are Gabe, Jennifer, Michael and Jordan. We hope that this year will give us fun things to update you on......or else this could be pretty boring.