More Random Fun

My organization for blog posts seems to have flown out the window.  I'll need to come up with some better titles besides "Random", "More Random", "Random Fun". . . .  but nothing else seems to fit with the photos I'm grouping together these days.  So, I bring you, more random fun from the past few weeks:

The girls and I enjoyed free cone day at DQ after lunch, but felt it only fair that the guys get in on the treat, so we all went back after dinner!

I finally got to have lunch at school with my boy.  He played it cool, but was willing to snap a quick photo before running out for recess.

He is usually happy to help in the kitchen, especially if it involves licking a beater. =)

She LOVES her daddy!

She even lets him fix her hair with his "hair junk"

Holding hands with herself . . . 

. . . then she drew Rooke holding hands with her 

Gretchen's music class was learning to play "Hot Cross Buns" just before Easter, so the girls and I made some hot cross buns for Gretchen to take to class and share.

  

Her amazing music teacher, Mrs. Cameron.

Trying out Bridgette's new playdough set from her birthday 

 Making crowns to remind us that Jesus is God's chosen King!

Video Serenade

There is a lot of singing that happens in the Payne home.  I've been trying to capture some of our family's "top ten hits" right now, but it's usually just the girls who are willing to sing for the camera! =)

From February: yes, I agree that singing while eating dinner isn't the best manners.  Just trying to get her sweet voice when I can!

My mom used to teach this song to her fifth graders, so I learned it from her.  I guess I sing it often because one day, out of the blue, Rooke sang the whole thing on his own!  I had no idea he knew the song!  His accomplishment prompted Gretchen to work on learning it for herself, which she did in just a couple days.  And with a little help and encouragement, I am proud to say that all three of my children and I often sing the "state song" together! =)  If you need subtitles for this video, just get a list of the states in alphabetical order.  They're all there!

I got tired of listening to the kids sing the state song, so one day in the car I decided to shift our focus and we made up this little melody:

Serenading those waiting with us at the DMV (as a bonus, you get a glimpse of some of her newly-three-years-old-attitude-spunk as well!)

Rooke likes to sing, too, but isn't much for performing.  So as not to leave him out, here's a snippet from a couple months ago when shoe-tying was finally starting to click.  I love the look on his face at the end!

Practicing the Discipline of Gratitude {March}

In March I was thankful for . . . 

1. this book from my sister-in-law - powerfully challenging. 

2. the way the morning sun comes in while I'm making breakfast 

3. the love of a friend shown in a planned visit

4. happy lunches with my girls

6. a refreshing winter walk 

7. this little girl, who won the prize for the best Payne traveler on our trip to Minneapolis.   

8. worshipping with my family at Bethlehem Baptist Church 

9.  a memorable day at the aquarium, exploring the amazing undersea creation of our Creator 

10. the hope of Spring felt in a gloriously warm family walk

11. a really yummy breakfast with my favorite people (Bridgette not pictured!)

12. a care package of love.  Just because!  I learn so much about thoughtfulness and generosity from my mother-in-law.

13. the smell of freshly baked bread 

14. warm enough weather for a bike ride with my big girl 

16. free cone day at DQ! 

17. a goodie bag from a neighbor I barely know who just wanted to be an encouragement 

18. a happy kitchen helper 

19.  this special three-year-old on her special day, and being grateful for the joy that she brings to our family 

20. he still calls me Mommy 

21. Saturday morning breakfast 

22. warm cookies 

23. a change of scenery and a free treat to share for our after-school snack 

24. He works hard.  Which makes him coming home for lunch all the more special.

25. my best friend

26. lunch with the whole fam

27. an unexpected moment alone to finish up some business and find nourishment of a more permanent nature

28. sunshine and a new box of sidewalk chalk

29. getting to sit down and actually watch one of the games 

30. Monday morning sleepy-heads who gifted me more-than-usual time alone

31.  When I open the curtains in the morning and the sky takes my breath away 

Bridgette the Birthday Girl!

Bridgette turned THREE last week!  We had fun celebrating our special B, who brings so much joy to the family.  I have some more photos and videos of our special three-year-old to share, but will just start with what we did to celebrate her birthday.  

Her birthday celebration actually started a couple days before at her first gymnastics class from 

Kaye K and Big Daddy!  It was so fun to be doing something just for Bridgette and she loved it!

She wanted pizza for her birthday dinner.  We weren't going to be together for dinner on her actual day, so we celebrated the night before with pizza, cake, and ice cream.

We let her open Uncle Sean and Aunt Jessica's birthday present early - a fun shadow book and flashlight!

There was much debate about her cake.  For a long time, she insisted she wanted a "Jesus cake", but we couldn't figure out what that would look like.  So she went with a "blue three" and picked out her sprinkles.  Happy Birthday!

She's pouting because she insisted that we NOT sing to her.  Funny girl!  We tried to distract her or do the song differently, but she was adamant.  Oh, to understand the mind of a three-year-old!

For her actual birthday, she asked for Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bacon - a "B" breakfast!

And one gift from the family before Daddy left for work . . .

She got to read her new book from Aunty Auby and Uncle Scott before naps, and then a special birthday box from Grammy Deb and G-Daddy was delivered just after naps.  Perfect timing for our afternoon!

Grammy Deb is a firm believer that the siblings should receive a little gift on birthdays.  Rooke and Gretchen had no problem with that! =)