Posts in FAMILY
CHRISTMAS PHOTOSHOOT - 2020
CHRISTMAS PHOTOSHOOT - 2020

I always look forward to our annual Christmas photoshoot. I enjoy capturing photos from our days and take a lot of them. :) But it’s actually pretty uncommon for all of us to be in a photo together at the same time. I love that each season of life is documented in some way. Each year, our photo has a story to tell along with it. 2020 hit us hard like so many others, but our joy, closeness, and love for one another is fuller, stronger, and greater than it ever has been. I love seeing this captured in these photos…

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HOLIDAY LIVING ROOM TOUR
HOLIDAY LIVING ROOM TOUR

Christmas decor has a way of changing the whole feel of our living space. And when it comes to decorating for the holidays some years I’m more in the mood for decorating than others. But 2020 is by far the most I’ve ever looked forward to and anticipated the transformation. This was the most into decorating the boys have ever been as well. I let them do as many decorations as they wanted to. It was a joy to see the excitement and anticipation all over their little faces…

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FAMILY, DESIGN, EVENTSJACINTHA PAYNECHRISTMAS ALL, HOME, DECORATIONS, DECOR, HOLIDAYSComment
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS - 2019
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS - 2019

A few years ago we began making a scrapbook of all the photos and videos from Christmas and putting them into collections here on the blog. It has been a really special practice that has turned into a tradition for us. Of course, the work is done mostly for us, but I hope that this glimpse into our family is encouraging to you in some way…

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FAMILY, EVENTSJACINTHA PAYNECHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS 19, FAMILY, FAMILY VIDEO, HOLIDAYS, CHRISTMAS ALLComment
THANKSGIVING WEEK - 2020
THANKSGIVING WEEK - 2020

In spite of 2020 and all that has happened this year, there is so much to be thankful for. Yet, when our minds slow down during quiet moments the future can feel uncertain and scary. I hoped there would be moments of quiet and reflection over the Thanksgiving week. But in addition to finding ways to quiet our minds I wanted to provide opportunities for us to consider and enjoy all of the things we have to be thankful for…

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FAMILY, EVENTSJACINTHA PAYNETHANKSGIVING, THANKSGIVING20, THANKFUL, THANKFULNESS, 2020, THANKSGIVING WEEK, HOLIDAY, MOMENTS, MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT, FAMILY, FOODComment
DEVELOPING A RHYTHM FOR LEARNING AT HOME
DEVELOPING A RHYTHM FOR LEARNING AT HOME

Even though we basically do a form of school year-round we officially started our new year at the end of September. No matter what each year holds, I’m thankful for the time we have together. Learning alongside them is the most wonderful kind of hard. Deeply grateful for their lives…

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READ, ORGANIZATION, LITTLE ONES, FAMILYJACINTHA PAYNEHOMESCHOOL, DEVELOP, RHYTHM, LEARN, HOME, LEARNING, MEMC-OBEDIENCE, OUTSIDE21, WEEKLY LESSON, LEARNING-DOCSComment
A NEW RHYTHM - 2020
A NEW RHYTHM - 2020

I’m constantly learning that seasons don’t last forever. Now that Calvin and I have been working from home together we needed to rework our daily rhythm again. I’m thrilled about this new life we’ve set up and really hope this season lasts a long time. It’s taken some work, but Calvin and I have learned how to work together even better this summer...

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ORGANIZATION, FAMILY, LITTLE ONESJACINTHA PAYNESCHEDULE, RHYTHM, NEW, 2020, FAMILY, RYTHYM FOR LEARNING, NEW GROWTH 21Comment
ABNER'S BIRTHDAY WEEK - YEAR 2
ABNER'S BIRTHDAY WEEK - YEAR 2

We celebrate another wonderful year with Abner in our lives. Even though it's only been two years, it's hard to imagine life without him. This boy makes us laugh and is so full of love. We had the best time celebrating him this weekend.

You never know what things your children are going to attach themselves to. Abner has grown a love for construction vehicles, Thomas / trains in general, and good food. We themed his birthday around trains and spent the day playing on his new train set, painting, driving around on his new digger, and eating lots of food…

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FAMILY, EVENTSJACINTHA PAYNEABNER, BIRTHDAY, 2 YEARS OLD, BIRTHDAY PARTY, THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE, TRUCKS, PARTY, FAMILY, HOME, BALLOONS, STREAMERSComment
DISNEYLAND - CA - 2019
DISNEYLAND - CA - 2019

For the last few years, Calvin’s work had taken him to Southern California. In 2019, we were able to take a day to visit Disneyland with both of our boys. We’ve been feeling a little nostalgic and ready to visit again. In the meantime, we’ve gone through some of our photos and videos and put them together to remember the magic. I hope you enjoy some of the magic with us…

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EXPLORE, FAMILYJACINTHA PAYNEDISNEY LAND, CALIFORNIA, RIDES, ITS A SMALL WORLD, CARS, RADIATOR SPRINGS, FAMILY, THEME PARKComment
LISTENING AND ENGAGING
LISTENING AND ENGAGING

I’ve spent the last two weeks listening and, when necessary, engaging others. I realize how little I truly understand the injustice the Black community receives continuously. I can't say enough how I want to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I want to learn from the people using their voice for change and share what I learn as much as I can…

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FAMILY, RELATIONSHIPS, THINKING ALOUDJACINTHA PAYNEBLACK LIVES MATTER, LISTEN, LEARN, ENGAGE, HOW I THINKComment
SCENES FROM A FAMILY HIKE PART II - KY
SCENES FROM A FAMILY HIKE PART II - KY

We love getting outside as a family. It never fails - surrounded by all the green, the fresh air, just stepping away - it does wonders. This is especially true with us spending a lot of time around the house these past few… months. Lately, our outdoor time has mostly been walking around the block and playtime in the back yard. Last week we set aside a full day to get out of the house and go on a little hike together…

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FAMILY, EXPLOREJACINTHA PAYNEHIKE, WALK, WATERFALL, FAMILY, ADVENTURE, LOUISVILLE, THINGS TO DO, OUTSIDEComment