I am here

I am sorry about dropping off the face of the earth. Life has been really busy the past while, and blogging just wasn't something that I could get done. Thankfully my brother Jason put some pictures on for me. I wish he could always take my pictures for me. He is good at taking them, and has an amazing camera. Now we are back to just my little old 4mp point and click. It was nice while it lasted. :)

I have had a very busy past few weeks. It has been filled with family, which has been wonderful. At one point, we had 5 Payne kids (and families) here in town at one time. It was not planned exactly, but what a treat. My little sister Lindsay, her husband James and their two boys came for a couple of days from Colorado over memorial day weekend. It was so nice to have them here. I wish they were closer- like the rest of our family who is far away! My brother Carter and his son Uli came from southern NM for their yearly trip. We always look forward to having them come. The kids LOVE playing with Uli and look forward to it every year- for months in advance.

My brother Jason, sister in law Joy, and their 3 kids came to stay on and off for a couple of weeks. It was not a planned trip. Joy's brother Vic and wife Molly lost their sweet little daughter Lucy. She was just a couple weeks shy of turning two and was their only child. She choked on a tiny piece of apple that went to her lung. ( I am not positive that I explained it perfectly) They were not able to get it out before she was without oxygen for too long. It was such a sad, heart breaking time. Lucy was kept alive for about 5 days, so Jason and Joy were able to come right away from NM and be there to support them during this time. I was so grateful that we were here to stay with and be able to help with their kids during this time so they could be there for their family. It was heart wrenching for me to hear what was going on, and to imagine what Vic, Molly, and their families must be going through. I think as a parent, when you put yourself in their shoes, it is unimaginable what they must be feeling. I cried. And cried. And cried. I also prayed for them. A lot. It has changed me as I have seen their struggle. And their blessings. I have prayed that somehow Heavenly Father could make their burden lighter. I have been much more patient with my own kids. I have held them all more. I have tried to be a better mother and more grateful for each moment I have. Vic and Molly are inspiring. And, as I have learned more and more about Lucy and her life, I know she was too. I wish I knew them. I have only met Vic, one time a long time ago. This is their blog address if you want to get to know their beautiful little Lucy, be inspired by their amazing strength, and see the incredible outpouring of love shown to them. www.jacksonparkcity.blogspot.com. Joy was an amazing support to them during this time, and was a great example to me of doing anything you can to support your family. She is an amazing person as well. It was fun to get to spend time with my niece Allie, and nephews Luke and Wesley. They are such sweet kids. You really get to know them when they are here for more than the usual couple of days. This experience has made me realize even more how blessed we are to have family. That is what it is all about, and I am so grateful for both of our families and all they do to support us.