We're Brothers Forever

This post is about Cameron and Conner being brothers. However, I got the title from a recent American Idol episode featuring a guy named Renaldo who wrote a song entitled, "We're Brothers Forever." My girls and I have really enjoyed watching this and laughing at it. If anyone would like to view it the link is http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KwSOx_FYZkc&feature=related

Anyway, I took this picture of my boys a couple weeks ago. When I went to check on the boys before going to bed this is how I found them. I thought it was so cute that Cameron climbed in Conner's crib with him and they fell asleep like this. Cameron even has his two favorites -- his cup and nigh night (blanket). Since this date it hasn't been quite as "cute" when Cameron climbs in Conner's crib especially when Conner is asleep and Cameron ends up waking him up! We have had to be very firm with Cameron about not getting in the crib. Well, these boys are definitely turning into brothers. Cameron is so sad when Conner is asleep and asks me to get him up. Conner loves to watch Cameron and enjoys playing cars with him. However, there are times when they get annoyed with each other, like all siblings do. Conner is already starting to hold his own. Yes, he has started screaming, hitting, and even biting when a toy is taken away from him or when he doesn't get what he wants. Looks like he's going to be a biter just like Cameron was. I just wanted to share a couple funny things Cameron said this week. When I asked him, "Cameron who is my boyfriend?" He smiled and said "Me!" When I asked him what he wants to be when he grows up, he said "a dinosaur." I am still learning about boys and seeing how different they are from girls. I am so grateful I got these two boys who will be brothers forever.

Weight Loss Update

Well, I lost two pounds from the last time I weighed in at Weight Watchers on December 31. I only lost .5 from last week, so now I am 13.8 away from my goal. I did get a bit discouraged this week because I am trying so hard and the weight seems to come off so slowly. I am trying to be patient which doesn't come easily to me. I have resisted a lot of things that were offered to me (cinnamon rolls, heart candies, Girl Scout cookies,). I have been watching my serving sizes too, but mostly focusing on getting sugar out of my system. It's so much easier to resist treats when I don't have any sugar in my system. I would like to share some of my favorite diet foods that have worked for me. My favorites are oatmeal, sugar free hot chocolate, popcorn, Crystal Lite or diet soda, and lots and lots of water. I also go out for frozen yogurt when I really need a treat. Reporting my progress on my blog has also kept me motivated and has helped me to stick to the program. I will give another update next week. Thanks to Laura, Holly, and Penny for your comments on last week's post. I really appreciate your support!

P.S. I left the four older kids home asleep last night (Lloyd was working) and took the baby to the movies at 9:30 along with ten other girls. We were celebrating a friend's birthday. We saw 27 Dresses. I absolutely loved it! I laughed a lot and enjoyed how upbeat it was. I would recommend it especially for women, guys might like it too. It's not really appropriate for young children (rated PG-13). I am so glad I got to go out. I left the movie in such a happy mood and Conner was perfect, he slept the whole time.

14.3 To Go!

In my last post, I said I wouldn't focus so much on the number on the scale in my goal to be healthy and slim, and I am going to remember that. However, my weight is a more exact way to measure progress than just going by how my clothes fit. I am really ready to loose the rest of this baby weight. Conner is over a year old now and I know I can do it. So I weighed myself today and I am 14.3 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight (going by my Weight Watchers book of my last weigh in before I was pregnant). So every Friday, I am going to post my weight loss on my blog to monitor my progress. I think this will keep me accountable and on track with the program. I think I'll also mention something positive I did to help with my goal. I'll probably mention something about food choices since exercise is not something I struggle with. For this week, tonight I am going on a snow overnighter with my Girl Scout troop. All the girls are bringing snacks to share. I am bringing a veggie tray. I think this was a wise choice. I'll let you know next Friday how things are going.

My Un-Resolutions

When I started thinking about what resolutions I wanted to make for the new year, I started feeling anxious about making more goals for myself when I already have so much on my plate. I am constantly trying to improve myself and do set many goal (maybe too many). For these reasons, instead of making New Year's Resolutions this year, I am making what I call "un-resolutions" Listed below are my un-resolutions. I hope they help me to be a more relaxed and peaceful person.

• Instead of constantly multitasking and thinking about what I need to do next, I'll try to focus on the present and enjoy each moment.
• Instead of beating myself up when I make a mistake, I'll brush it off and know I'm human; I'll be less judgemental the next time someone else makes a mistake.
• Instead of always trying to have the entire house clean or the laundry done, I'll realize with small children these things will always be a work in progress.
• Instead of scolding my children when they misbehave, I'll give them a hug, tell them I love them and explain that we all make mistakes.
• Instead of feeling guilty when I lounge around the house or give myself a treat occasionally, I'll appreciate how important it is for me to recharge my batteries.
• Instead of being constantly busy and always rushing to the next activity, I will slow down and try not to over schedule myself or my kids.
• Instead of telling Lloyd how I feel about every little thing, I'll bite my tongue more and remind myself how much I really do love him.
• Instead of always going to extremes and being an over-achiever in things like my calling or being a Girl Scout leader, I'll try to delegate more and simplify.
• Instead of focusing on what I didn't get done each day, I'll focus on what I did accomplish.
• Instead of focusing so much on my weight on the scale, I'll try to realize how fit I feel and try to make wise food choices.
• Instead of making chore assignments for my children, I'll ask them what game they want to play.

My 2007

It's hard to believe it's already 2008. My friend, Laura, who encouraged me to start a blog gave a review of her 2007 on her blog and encouraged her readers to do the same. I am using the same format Laura used:

An unexpected blessing - My greatest blessing of 2007 was the safe birth of Conner McKay Payne on January 9. Because of that, Lloyd got to take two months off and get sick pay using family leave. I never dreamed I would have two months off with my husband. It was like a dream life for us. We got to spend lots of stress-free time together. Our marriage was never better. Another unexpected blessing came when my sister flew out for Conner's blessing. I had no idea she was coming, it was a complete surprise!

Feeling Important - I feel important when Conner hold his arms out for me and only me. I know I'm the only one in the world he wants at that moment. Cameron reacts in a similar way when I pick him up from the gym child care; he's so happy to see me. I also feel important when Primary children see me at church or other places and their eyes just light up because they know I really care about them. (I really love serving in the Primary Presidency.)

Craziest Thing I Did - This would have had to have been on July 21 when I took 7 kids to see the Harry Potter movie at the drive in by myself. Then, on the way home, we stopped to buy the final Harry Potter book at around 1 am. The older kids watched the kids in the car while I ran in the store. It was also really crazy when Lloyd and I floated down the river with another couple (the Haslems) and underestimated the amount of time it would take. We were kicking like crazy on our air mattress and laughing the entire time.

Smartest Thing I Did - I decided to get an epidural when Conner was born. It was perfect and made my last delivery so enjoyable. I have to add the smartest thing Lloyd says he did and that was to get "fixed" so we don't have to worry about any more little ones coming our way. Another smart thing I did was go back to Weight Watchers and the gym right after Conner was born. I still am not to my pre-pregnanacy weight, but it could be worse.

Funniest Moment - This occurred when our family when to a small children's amusement park in San Jose called Happy Hollow. My brother Brad was visiting with his son and wife. We all wanted to take a family picture at one of those scenes where the heads are cut out and you stick your head in the cut out. Well, there was this little Asian girl around 5 years old who wanted to stick her head in every cut out. We kept waiting for her to be done so we could get our family photo. I even politely asked her dad if she could just give us one second to take a family photo. She would not listen and refused to leave the cut outs. Consequently, she is in the cut out face with my brother Brad. It was so hilarious; you really had to be there. Here's the picture:

Most Proud Moment - When I trained for and ran the half marathon in September. I did better than I thought I would and I was proud I did it only nine months after having a baby.

Most Enjoyable Gifts/Purchases- My new camera (Cannon Rebel XT) that Lloyd insisted I get for my birthday; I had a couple friends who really recommended it (thanks, Laura and Stacey). I also love my Chi flat iron that I got off of e-bay (the girls and I use it a lot).

An Answer to a Prayer - My mom got very sick and ended up in the hospital last January with a pancreatic attack. The whole family prayed and fasted for her and after having her gallbladder removed, she returned to good health.

Best Trip- Our family vacation to Yosemite. It was very beautiful and relaxing. I'm glad we went with Yosemite. The kids had never been and we live so close!

Best Book I Read - I already mentioned the last Harry Potter book so I have to say the Twilight books by Stephenie Meyer. By friend Kim told me about them in July 2006 and I didn't read them until October 2007. I am officially hooked! I can't wait for the next book and movie to come out.

Goals I Achieved - I am glad I have been able to keep up with my scrapbooking by going to Friday night scrapbooking about once a month. I am really tired the next day, but I'm glad for what I got done. Lloyd is very understanding about it. I know I wouldn't be able to do it at home. Also, I am glad I started this blog with Laura's support and encouragement. It's been fun to visit the blogs of some of my friends too.

Sentimental Moment - There isn't one that really stands out. I think it is in the little moments when I realize how blessed I am for my beautiful family. It's weird to think my family is complete. Now we just have to work on enduring to the end so we can be together forever.

Conner's 1st Birthday

Our little guy is one years old! His first year has just flown by. I keep telling him not to grow up, but he's just not listening. I have really tried to enjoy each moment with him especially since he's our last baby. I feel so grateful for the joy I have experienced throughout the last year. I feel so blessed that he is such a healthy and happy baby. His birth couldn't have gone any better. I really got to enjoy him as a newborn because Lloyd took two months off from work. He is such a sweet and content baby. His laugh and smile just melt my heart. The other day he feel asleep in my arms and I just held him and enjoyed looking at his precious face. I always have something that needs to be done, but I know all too well that little babies grow up. Today I got to take a little nap with him on the couch; it was the best! At twelve months old, Conner is growing up. He can climb up and down the stairs. He eats just about everything. He loves to play with cars and trucks. He has started to get mad when toys are taken away from him, and unfortunately, he has started biting. He loves music and when the kids dance around him. He loves peek-a-boo. He's still our little baby in many ways though. He has no desire to start walking; he prefers to crawl and screams when we try to make him walk. He still loves to nurse and always puts his hand to my mouth for me to kiss it. He is learning how to drink out of a cup. He loves to be held, mostly by Mommy, but also really likes his Dad and sisters. He's not really talking much; he communicates mostly through crying, grunting, or laughing. He has a cute little head with a fair amount of blonde hair. He hates wearing socks/shoes so he's going around town in the middle of winter with bare feet. Well, as you can see from these pictures Conner is adored by us all and the love and joy of our lives. (You may notice some scratches on Conner's cheeks; he got the scratches because the day before his birthday Cameron decided to try cutting his face with a pair of adult scissors. This did not go over well with Conner or Mom.) Conner did have a fun first birthday. He opened his presents and had a lot of fun with his cake. Happy Birthday, Conner!

Daddy made a dinner Conner loved: turkey,

mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls

Lots of presents!

My new car!

Conner had a lot of fun with

his birthday cake. He especially

loved the frosting. When he

would grab a chunk of cake with no frosting, he would just throw

it on the floor. After he had eaten all the frosting off the cake, he started pounding on it like a drum. He really loved having a whole cake to himself!

Our Christmas Traditions

We are beginning to establish some annual Christmas traditions. We have tried to make several of them Christ-centered so we can "remember the reason for the season."

• Journey to Bethlehem - This is a favorite one for the entire family. A church in Ceres (town right next to Modesto) has been giving this gift to the community for ten years now. The Journey to Bethlehem is a 45 minute trek similar to the one Mary and Joesph would have taken to get to Bethlehem. We travel in families with tour guides dressed in Biblical clothes. As we greet one another we say, "Shalom." We begin the journey in Nazareth at Joseph's carpenter shop, then we cross the Jordan River. Along the way, angry Roman soldiers who ride real horses stop us and call all of us (Jews) "pigs." At the next stop, we warm ourselves near the fire of a family who is also traveling to pay their taxes. We see the wise men with their gifts for Jesus and a real camel. We also see the shepherds and the angel. We have to meet King Herod. We stop at the marketplace in Bethlehem. We meet the innkeeper and his wife. The final stop on our journey is in the stable with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. At this stop, we all kneel at the Baby Jesus while a special song is sung. It is very spiritual and touching. The kids beg to go year after year. We usually have to wait anywhere from 1-2 hours just to get through the line, and then another 45 minutes for the journey. It is very cold waiting outside. We had the whole family with us this year, all bundled up. The kids favorite part is the angry Roman soldiers; they really can be scary. I am amazed at the real camel we get to see up close. The marketplace is also really cool with everything for "sale" from grains to fabrics to fruit to candles to breads. It's very fancy and fun to look at. This church really goes all out. There is no cost and they even give you warm cider after the journey. If anyone would like more info regarding this event the link is http://graceceres.org/Journey.htm
• Nativity Festival - Each year our stake has a nativity festival where hundreds of nativity sets are put on display. We always enjoy looking at all the different nativities. The Primary children are also invited to sing at the festival. This year Kylie and Katelyn got to sing. It was very sweet! The festival has a special children's room where the children can make their own nativities.
  

Primary Children's Choir at Nativity Festival

Our singers - Katelyn and Kylie

• Primary Caroling - This was actually the first year we did this so I don't know if it will become a tradition. As a Primary, we all got in a trailer pulled by the Primary President's 12- passenger van. The trailer was decorated with lights and had bails of hay for the children to sit on. We drove (very slowly) around the neighborhood and caroled. The kids all seem to have a fun time and I think the neighborhood liked it too. We ended at the Primary President's home with hot chocolate and cookies.

Modesto 8th Ward Primary

Caroling on the trailer ...

• Photo with Santa - I'm planning on doing another post about our trips to see Santa. Let's just say this is a tradition I have carried on from my own childhood. I took a picture with Santa every Christmas until I was 17 years old. My mom has all the photos, except for the one from my first Christmas which was lost in the mail (they didn't do Polaroids in 1973 and mailed the photos).
• A Visit to Temple Hill - We try to make it out to the Oakland Temple at least once during Christmastime so we can see all the beautiful lights. Sometimes we even enjoy some of the concerts they have there (the hand bell choir is my favorite). This year we went on December 8. It was a very special day because it was the first day Courtney went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead; Lloyd got to baptize her. Kristi also got to do a session that day; she's pretty sure that was her first temple trip since Conner was born. In the evening, we all enjoyed a family dinner at Round Table Pizza and got to see all the pretty lights.

Our Forever Family





Oakland Temple


• Gifts at the Dollar Store - Every year we take the children to the Dollar Store so they can buy gift for each other and for me and Lloyd. We really want them to learn that Christmas is about giving to one another. They are really cute and thoughtful about picking out and wrapping the gifts for each other. They try to be very secretive about what they got each other. It's a fun tradition!
• Card/Annual Letter - Every year I make cards for all our family and friends and send them out with an annual newsletter (we do about 100). I keep each year's cards/letter in a special book. It's great for Family History. I also love receiving cards and letters from family and friends. (By the way, one of my friends asked how I can afford to send out the professional photos we take. We always go to a place called Lee Photo. They use to give out the negatives for free and I would go to Longs and print them out. Starting in 2007, you have to pay $7 to receive a CD of all your photos or $20 if you want the negatives. We have gone to this studio since 2004; they all know our family.)
• Gifts for Friends/Families we Home or Visit Teach - A few years back I started a tradition of giving out homemade gifts. I try to do something creative. I've given out Family Home Evening kits, an advent story book (took way too long to type up), and this year we made CDs. I hope I can think of a new idea next year.
• Christmas In the Park - We have a tradition to visit Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose. I use to decorate trees for it when I was a Girl Scout and a cheerleader. Well, with Lloyd having to work Christmas Eve, Christmas, the day after, we just didn't make it there this year. I know we'll be back next year.
• Christmas Eve Block Party/Luminaries - Every Christmas Eve we have a block party at the home of one of the neighbors. We begin the party by decorating the entire street with luminaries (candles in brown paper bags). It really looks amazing; everyone calls is "Santa's runway." Then we enjoy lots of food and visiting with one another. It's a great way to keep in touch with the neighbors and it's early enough that we can still do our own thing as a family. I planned on taking some photos of the luminaries all along the street and forgot. I'll have to do it next year!
• Christmas Movies - There are just a few Christmas movies we have to watch every year. Most are ones I loved as a child. Some of our favorites are: Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, Frosty's Winter Wonderland, Yogi's First Christmas, and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. I discovered a new one to add to the favorites, The Christmas Shoes, it is based on the song with the same title which was on the CDs we gave out. This movie is just so precious. Katelyn and I watched it and just cried together. It shows on Lifetime or you can buy it from Amazon.com. I highly recommend it especially if you like the song.
• Reading (or Acting Out) of the Christmas Story from Luke - Of course this is a very special tradition we do each Christmas Eve or Christmas. This year was a little crazy with Lloyd's work schedule so we just watched Luke 11 (church video). Kylie kept reminding me, "Christmas is not about presents, it's really about Jesus."

Christmas time is such a magical time of the year. It's a special time when we can be together as a family and feel the love of the Savior. It's so wonderful to be able to spend Christmas with our little ones. I now understand what it means when people say you receive more joy when you give than receive. I wouldn't trade the look on my children's faces on Christmas morning for all the money in the world.

Cameron Is a Sunbeam!

Today was Cameron's first day as a Sunbeam. He's officially in Primary! I was a little nervous to see how he would do. I didn't know if me being in the Primary Presidency would make it better or worse. Well, after today I must say his teacher, Sister Counter, is a saint! He did fairly well during sharing time/singing time. He did best when Sister Counter held him on her lap so he couldn't get up and run all around the room. Today there were three other boys and a little girl in his class. I have to feel a little sorry for the little girl stuck with four boys. After Primary, Sister Counter said she didn't realize how active Cameron was. She said I can't really say he's a "handful," he's more like an "armful." Well, I guess today is only the first day. He's got plenty of time to improve and get use to the routine. Bless Sister Counter's heart! I must admit, when I only had three girls many people would say, "Boys are different, just you wait." I did have three active girls, but Cameron takes it to a new level. Lloyd and I were both very active children so I guess that what we get. Well, it's such a joy seeing these kids grow up. I really can't believe Cameron is already a Sunbeam.

Our Version of the Polar Express

On December 17 the whole family, along with our good friends the Haslems went on a Christmas train ride. We had always wanted to go, but could never rally justify the cost around Christmas time. We decided to give in this year, especially since Cameron is so in love with trains. Luckily, the tickets that cost around $30 per person were reduced for our particular train ride and we only had to pay $10 per person; we were so glad about the good deal. We all dressed in our pajamas for our train ride. On the train we had hot chocolate and cookies. We sang a lot of fun Christmas songs. The kids got to listen to a story. And, of course, Santa came to visit too. They really kept us busy during the 90 minute train ride. The kids enjoyed it. I thought it was fun to be together as a family. The train did go pretty slow and we never arrived at a special destination like the "North Pole" or something. I'm sure there are some better versions of the "Polar Express." Anyway, this was a fun time for our family.

Our friends, the Haslems

The thrill of riding on a train!

Even Conner got a cookie.

Cameron, riding a "reindeer in training."


Conner wasn't thrilled about sitting on Santa's lap.

Family Photo Shoot

It's always been a tradition for us to take a family photo each November/December. We've had this tradition since 1995 (the year Courtney was born). This is often a dreaded and stressful experience. We all have to get dressed, get our hair done, and to the photo place on time. We were actually ten minutes late for this one! Well, we haven't missed a year yet. We enjoy looking at the professional photos from each year. It's fun to see how the kids have grown and how my hairstyles have changed. Maybe I'll scan each one in some day so I can display them on the blog. Well, here's this year's photos. The girls have started asking me when they can stop wearing the matching dresses. They really have been good sports about it for many years! Well, I am beginning to realize that with seven people it's nearly impossible to get the perfect picture. I'm pretty much okay with that. The imperfect ones actually capture more personality. I'll start with the picture below. Cameron insisted on holding this candy cane. We said it way okay as long as he held still for the photo. I think he looks like a funny shepherd boy in this picture.

Yes, here are the girls in their matching dresses!

Conner's First Christmas!

Even Mom and Dad took a picture together!

I'm Back!

Sorry to anyone who actually reads and checks my blog. I know there aren't many of you out there, but I do appreciate the handful of loyal readers I have. Well, as you can tell the holiday season was just about all that I could handle and my blog was neglected. No, I didn't fall off the edge of the earth; we're all doing fine. I have a lot of posts to catch up on so check back regularly, I plan on posting daily for at least a week. Thanks for your understanding and support!

Thanksgiving

We had a very special Thanksgiving this year. Brad and his family drove all the way from Arizona to California to come visit us. This was indeed a long trip for Brad because he forgot his wallet and didn't discover it until they had reached LA so he had to go all the way back to Arizona and begin the trip again. We're glad they made it safely here. The girls were so excited to finally meet baby Dylan who was born July 3. Cameron and Cayden enjoyed roughhousing together. On Thanksgiving, we took the kids to the park to help them get out some of their energy. We enjoyed a more simple, yet wonderful dinner at Grandma's in San Jose. Ray, Grandma's cousin, and Susan Anderson and her son, Josh, also joined us. We all enjoyed being together.

Fun at the park!

Cute Cousins - Cayden and Cameron

"Aren't we cute? Grandma got us these bibs!" (Conner and Dylan)

Grandma and Grandpa with Cameron and the girls

Ray, Brad, Dylan, Anahi, and Cayden

Lloyd, Kristi, and Ray

Conner, Susan, and Josh

Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday of mine, and not just because of the food. I love what Thanksgiving represents - counting our blessings and being grateful for all that we have. I have heard that happiness only comes when one is truly grateful. I experience "Thanksgiving" every day of my life. Every night as I say my prayers I truly marvel at how blessed me and my family are. I have five beautiful and healthy children. I have the most amazing husband who is protected each day as he commutes four hours a day. I live in a country where I can partake of so many freedoms. I am so blessed to have the gospel in my life and a testimony that the Church is true. My family and I are sealed for time and all eternity. I am so grateful to my Savior Jesus Christ for His love, His life, and His sacrifice. I strive to follow His example each day. I am so thankful that we have warm clothes and a warm home. We never have to go hungry or feel lonely. I am so grateful to the Lord for the little ways He blesses my life for His "tender mercies" to me and my family. Little moments are such blessings like a smile from Conner, a hug from Kylie, a kind remark from Courtney, the excitement in Cameron's eyes and voice, the enthusiasm Katelyn has when she relays a story, or an embrace from my sweet husband. I am also thankful for the missed car accident, the sale that helps me to save a little, a healthy body I can exercise with, good friends who help me realize they're going through the same things I go through, or the Holy Ghost who prompts me and helps me to feel the spirit. I think gratitude not only brings happiness, but also peace and contentment. When I take the time to think about all that I am grateful for I feel so much joy and peace. No, my life is not perfect nor is it complete bliss (far from it), but it surely is a blessed life.

Some of my greatest blessings!