Random Acts of...Spring

There are so many wonderful things spring ushers in. Little league, daffodils, flip-flops....and the annual swapping of the clothes. You know what I'm talking about. Those days when you decide you can endure the possibility of a morning in the high 30's without your favorite cable knit sweater. Unfortunately, spring is a reluctant arrival. Like a sleep-deprived mother who can't decide what the baby should wear for her first portrait, spring changes her mind often. One day will be beautiful 70 degree weather and the neighborhood yards teem with new bags of potting soil and young children in short sleeves. The next it's 50 and rainy and your 4 year old is crying because she can't wear her new capris. Or maybe it's not that spring can't decide when to stay, but that winter isn't ready to leave. So, how do you get rid of a guest who has overstayed it's welcome? Subtle cues of course. And that's where the clothing swap comes in. Remember Field of Dreams? "If you build it, they will come." Well, if you wear it, spring will come. Right?

At my house there are currently 4 large boxes in my living room. One contains all the heavier winter clothes (or pants that are too short) I have cleaned out of the girls' room recently. One contains last year's summer clothes that are still in good enough condition to save for Amelia. One contains clothes for Amelia that are a variety of sizes and season, none of which are appropriate for right now. And one is clothes to be donated next fall when others are willing to embrace winter again. Oh, and there's a laundry basket in Amelia's room full of summer clothes for her sissies. So, what's left for them to wear?

The clothing swap requires that certain items be re-categorized into that ambivalent "Spring" category. These items include short-sleeve shirts that can easily go over or under long-sleeve shirts that were light enough to make the cut. Capri pants are acceptable, but only when the weather is also warm enough for flip-flops or Crocs without socks. Jeans make any cut, any time since my mama said you should always keep a comfy pair of jeans in your drawer. Now, the closet is another delicate matter altogether.

This manic weather requires that church wear also be given careful consideration. So last week I cleaned out the closet of all dresses in velvet or corduroy with appliques of snowmen, snowflakes, or figure skates. I folded the tights and put them in the winter box. I left out the black shoes because it's not after Easter yet. I washed a stack of gingham smocked dresses bought for a steal from a friend at the bank. I ironed dresses with crinolines and big pink flowers. And guess what?

On Sunday it rained. A chilly, don't wear open-toed shoes kind of rain. And now we come to the most important addition of the spring wardrobe.

The white sweater.

Moms of girls know what I'm talking about. A sweet, deceptively warm, button down sweater that can be paired with any spring dress of any type at any time. The kind of sweater that you won't find on the Saturday before Easter if you wait until then to realize you need one.

So, here's my advice if the end of March, beginning of April, and hidden rainbow colored eggs have you thinking it's time for the swap. This week is going to be beautiful by Wednesday. Warm temperatures and sunny days. But come Sunday it's going to be cloudy. And probably chilly. So, go get a white sweater for yours or your daughter's Easter dress. And hide a sweatshirt on your bottom drawer next to that cute tank top you bought on sale at the end of last summer. Chances are you'll need both in the coming weeks.

Happy Spring!

Paynes-a-Plenty Name Game

Congratulations, friends! Many of you have been paying attention or have not forgotten who all the Payne kids are. However, spelling was an issue, so let me tell you the rule: Everyone ends in 'y'. That's our quirky thing. Really, the only one :)

The order complete with middle and married names for those who care or are searching for a baby name and don't want to buy a book:

Jennifer Lindsey Payne Brackett (like Mary Poppins, Practically Perfect in Every Way...jk)

James Corey Payne (the only boy, and don't feel bad for him)

Katy Rebecca Payne Stephens (with a 'ph', she's a little anal about it)

Lauren Ashley Payne (now worried she'll never find anyone out West to help her change it)

Calley Rachel Payne (says she's sworn off dating for now, so she'll be a Payne for awhile)

Kelsey Alice Payne (she's got one of those boyfriends my kids think is already their uncle)

Audrey Elaine Payne (let's pray she's a Payne for a LONG time yet)

and the extras are:

Joshua, Paul, and Alaina who truly deserve crowns in heaven for marrying into this crazy bunch!

Seriously, I love my family. It's loud and chaotic and certain members have definitely contributed to the grey hairs I keep pulling out, but it's also great to know there's always someone who understands the best way to enjoy snow is in a canoe behind a tractor, there is no substitute for Mama's pancakes, and if you want to leave on time, you start the process an hour early so Daddy will have time to check your tires, oil, and washer fluid.

We don't always get along, and when we do, truth is the harmony is short-lived. But what can you expect from such strong personalities, quick tempers, and pig-headedness? No matter what may come, I hope my girls cherish being born into a part of the Payne family. They will never lack for supporters, accomplices, or love, though at times they may wish to retreat to an undisclosed, isolated location that is far, far away.

Love you Payne-ful ones!

Random Acts of...Paynes-a-Plenty

Yesterday was Annabelle's birthday party, complete with too many preschoolers to count, almost all her aunts and uncles, and as she requested, a purple bunny cake made by Marmee (that would be my mom). It was great fun and only a little stressful. Did I mention decorating the rice krispie eggs with icing and sugar? I'm sure every mom there was grateful I now have DISH Network and saw a commercial that inspired that mess--I mean, fun :)

Now, let's go back to that earlier statement of almost all her aunts and uncles.

You'd think since seven of the people in attendance can claim the title of aunt or uncle, that surely they were all there. I mean how much extended family does a girl need?

Well, if you're born into an extension of the Payne family, quite a lot. My girls are blessed with six aunts and two uncles from Mommy's side of the family and as they find their significant other, I'm sure my sisters will help even out that number. Some of them are already trying, though we've got to stop referring to the boyfriends as "uncles." My girls wonder where one of their uncles went when there's a breakup and that's no fun to explain.

I'm sure you're wondering where all these folks came from (unless you already know me and are familiar with the craziness). I'm the oldest of seven kids. Yes, we all have the same parents and no, we're not Catholic. Southern Baptists like to have kids too, as evidenced by Bethlehem Baptist.

Now, here's a fun contest if you do know me. Can you name all the Payne children in order? Post your answer as a comment and I'll let you know who the winner is tomorrow when I continue this post.

Because I haven't gotten to the good stuff yet. Like explaining our family motto about events. Forget the fat lady. It's not over until somebody throws a fit and Calley falls asleep on the couch.

Random Acts of...Baby Belle

Well, she's not the baby anymore, but my sweet middle child is turning 4 tomorrow, so I thought I'd take a few moments to tell you some endearing things about our Belle.

~She's "Baby Belle" because her big sister was only 18 months old when she was born and couldn't say her whole name but kept hearing everyone talk about "Baby Annabelle." It wasn't long before she'd shortened it and even her nickname-hating daddy caved to calling her Baby Belle.

~Belle's middle name is Faith because she was born at a time when a lot of our life seemed very unsteady. She was our tangible example of faith that God would continue to care for and provide for our every need.

~She's the most stubborn child I've ever known, and since I teach middle school, that's saying a lot. Joshua blames this on his dad's father, saying that no one but Annabelle is as stubborn as his Grandpa was. Here's an example: She sat at her Mimi's kitchen table for an entire day one time because she refused to say, "Please, may I get down." I don't think Deanne expected the tenaciousness when telling her she wasn't getting down until she asked. Ahh...be careful what punishment you promise the Annabelle. She truly believes she can outlast you.

~She is my cuddle-Belle. Before another little person was demanding Mommy's arms in the middle of the night, Annabelle had the monopoly. Madelynne has never really been one to get up during the night; she may fight sleep, but when she's out, she's out. Not Belle. She loves to sleep (and will put herself down for naps), but when she wants to cuddle with Mommy, time of day, or night, has no bounds.

~When you ask her a question, she scrunches up her face and taps her head and says, "Think, think, think." It's adorable even if she does it because she's copying a similar phase Madelynne when through last year.

~Today when I was at her school providing birthday cupcakes for snack time, her teacher was telling me things about her. Ms. Marie: She's very good at managing...you know telling the other children what to do next. Me: She's bossy. We know. So's her sister.

~Another school conversation occurring while Ms. Marie is admiring her birthday outfit that is pink and ruffly and very girly (thanks, Kim Reed at http://www.msprissypants.blogspot.com). Ms. Marie: She's very, um-- Me: Prissy. And she is! This is my child who doesn't like to be dirty or wet and will shriek if her hands are sticky. Then there's Madelynne....oh, that's another post.

No matter what random acts she may perform, she's still our Baby Belle. And no matter what she thinks, 4 years old is NOT all grown up! Mommy's not ready to face a future of big school, prom dresses, and demands for a personal cell phone. Thank goodness most of those things are a long way off, no matter how time may fly.

I love you Annabelle Faith Brackett! Happy Birthday!

Random Acts of...Perfectionism

It's hard to look at Amelia and think of her as anything but perfect. She's got perfectly formed fingers and toes, a perfectly shaped head that's actually covered in hair, perfectly sweet eyes framed by her those perfect long lashes girls will envy her for in about fifteen years. She's perfect...even if Mommy is not.

I just hope that I'm a good mom, even if I'm not "perfect", at least not by the crazy standards I have held myself to in the past. And I believe that recognizing I can never live up to unattainable standards might be my step toward becoming a better mom everyday. One who can tell herself to let go of the laundry and the made from scratch dinner and the rug that always needs vacuuming long enough to realize the things that are perfect.

So here's a quick rundown of the "perfect" things Joshua and I have done this week:

1. Fed the family pigs-in-a-blanket and scrambled eggs for dinner. Not a vegetable in sight. And they had juice instead of milk.

2. Then, because that was an easy make-up and clean-up, we played the Wii until bedtime.

3. This morning, Joshua got the girls up and dressed and fed them frozen waffles (yes, he cooked them first). Annabelle is wearing a pink princess shirt, hot pink pants, and red Snow White socks. Madelynne has on black leggings and brown shoes and the classic low ponytail that is the only hairstyle Daddy can fix. They look great!

4. I sat on the couch for hours on Wednesday watching old episodes of ER on DVD and alternately nursing and cuddling my newest baby who has hit her 3-week growth spurt. At about 3, I finally turned on the dishwasher.

5. Belle's birthday is next week. Actual invitations might make it to folks by Monday, but if not it's okay. I facebooked everyone to save the date which is efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly.

6. And finally, I began this post on Monday and finished it on Friday. Now that's perfectionism! Or a lack of time management...and sleep....

Random Acts of...Family

Started this on March 3 and have decided to post it as is since it's a new week and I've got new thoughts to share....

So, here's a quick update of week 2 with three...would've been longer if I hadn't just spent thirty minutes figuring out my forgotten password. The lack of sleep must be getting to me, though I keep repeating to myself the wise words a friend passed on from the most important Word, "In my weakness, I am made strong." (2 Cor. 12:10)

Amelia is sweet and alert and has learned to defend herself from her Sissy Monsters by sleeping. Hence, not a lot of resting going on during the dark hours for Mommy. But, this too shall pass. I know it will take us longer than 11 days to figure out a routine and "schedule" that will accommodate everyone's needs (or at least keep them satisfied for a little while!).

We've been visited by lots of people who are blood family, church family, and chosen family in the form of dear friends, so we've been well looked after and fed! No way the pre-pregnancy jeans are going to fit when considering the pans of brownies on my kitchen counter...