Payne in the Blog

Awaiting Gabriel

2010-11-21T14:51:00.002-06:00

Our friends, Ryan and Summer Davis, are adopting the cutest little guy named Gabriel. He's from Ghana. I'd post a picture, but I didn't ask for permission so I won't. Their story is an amazing one. Our church is having a Spaghetti dinner and Silent Auction on the Friday after Thanksgiving (5 to 8:30) to help raise money to cover adoption costs. Before God closed the door on international adoption, we were looking into it and the costs are astronomical. If any of you reads this and wants to help out, the cost is $5 per adult and kids under 10 are free. We got tickets at church, but I'm sure you can show up and it will be all good. We were going out of town after Thanksgiving, but things have worked out for us to stay in town and we are really excited to be able to go and help.

They are going to show a holiday movie for kids and there will be a silent auction with many items from local businesses. Also, if you own a business and would like to donate a gift card/ a service/ etc., please let me know and I'll pass that info along.

Bring out your family and show your support to an awesome family!

More info here

The idea of Adoption

2010-11-21T14:40:00.002-06:00

So yesterday was National Adoption Day. We didn't even know, but since our adoption isn't finalized yet it's all good. It seems like more everyday my thoughts come to rest on our adoption. Makes sense since that is what a good portion of our time is spent preparing for. But I've been thinking about it beyond our own situation. The idea of adoption. How there are so many kids out there that get abandoned, neglected, abused, ignored, and have so much less of a life than they were intended for. I can't hear about an adoption or a situation with orphans without my heart breaking.

Our two boys are loved. By God (more than anyone). By our family. And by Barb and I. As we raise them, we want more than anything for them to know that we love them. I don't think I am the best dad in the world, but I do take much pride in being the best possible dad I can be. I know that, despite me not always letting my kids do whatever they want, they lay their heads down at the end of the day and know they are loved. It actually hurts to think that their are kids who go to sleep without that assurance.

At this point, I'm pretty sure we are done adding to our family. We haven't closed the door to that, but I don't think we are being led to to that at this point. We'll do whatever is asked of us by God. But I do see us being more concerned and connected with the orphans of this world. We've been looking more at what we have and how we can use that to bless other people, especially these kids. I think we are going to have some family projects soon aimed at helping those kids while teaching ours.

Do you want to adopt 2 sisters?

2010-11-18T17:38:00.002-06:00

(This is our adoption story we shared on facebook awhile ago. A lot has happened since then. We will be updating this to catch up with where we are at now)

Do you want to adopt 2 sisters?

I think that is the exact text that popped up on my phone a couple months ago from Barb. The funny part is that I didn’t even hesitate. I texted back “Yes”. That is how our adoption journey started. Through an absolute miracle, we got word about 2 sisters, ages 7 and 5, from Hollywood, Florida who needed a home. I won’t go into detail on all of the specifics, but their mother suffered a major stroke this past year. She was in her mid to late 40’s. It has left her basically unable to care for herself, let alone 2 young children. Her husband is much older than her. He is a good man who loves his kids very dearly, but with his age, his own health issues, and the situation with their mother, he is looking for a good home for his children to be raised in and there really aren’t any families or friends who are able to care for them. We have thought and prayed over this decision and have decided to move forward with trying to adopt the girls.

We were able to meet Destiny (age 7) and Xiamara (age 5) a few weeks ago. The girls are spending the summer up in Akron with their cousin’s family. After Barb, Josh, Jackson, and I spent a night playing and talking with them, we were ready to take them right then. They are adorable girls. Their mom is from Thailand. Their dad is from Florida. I believe at least one of the girls was born in Thailand.

The process of adoption is going to take a while, with a home study required of us as well as some other things probably. However, we are able to get temporary emergency custody of them soon so that they can be enrolled in school here. So, it’s possible they will be living with us in a week or so. We are so excited, but a little overwhelmed to think of all the things we need to do before they show up.

The boys are very excited about having sisters and have been telling people about them. Josh just doesn’t want to share his Star Wars toys. Jack said he would share his. If you’ve seen our house, I think we’ll have more than enough toys to go around.

We will keep all of you updated on our adoption as well as post pictures as soon as we have some. Thank you in advance for all your prayers and support. We are excited to see what the future holds for this family of 6 (sorry, cat. You don’t count)

The Lip

2009-05-27T11:26:00.001-05:00

The Lip from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

This is "The Lip". It's the face that Jackson makes when he gets mad or doesn't get his way.

Friday Night Fever

2009-05-27T11:25:00.002-05:00

Friday Night Fever from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

My nephew, Ben, was rushed to the hospital Friday night. My wife, Barb, went with them to the hospital. My niece, Grace, joins Joshua and I in a little Cavaliers pregame face painting. The bottle was maroon, but it came out more purple. Oh well...

The Bulldogs

2009-05-27T11:25:00.001-05:00

The Bulldogs! from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

Joshua gets his first T-ball uniform and he is excited

Jack's New Thing...

2009-05-14T05:43:00.001-05:00

Jack's New Thing from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

Jackson likes to say Night Night and then pretend he is sleeping. It's hilarious.

2009-05-07T05:46:00.001-05:00

A Week with CavFanatics from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

The Velcro Wall

2009-03-12T18:34:00.001-05:00

The Velcro Wall from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

From Joshua's Birthday Party

Jack in the Box

2009-03-11T18:18:00.000-05:00

Jack in the Box from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

This is from Joshua's Birthday party.

Joshua's Birthday Video

2009-03-11T17:10:00.000-05:00

Joshua's Birthday Video 2009 from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

Here is Joshua's Birthday Video for this year.

Waterpark Fun

2009-03-10T20:56:00.000-05:00

Waterpark Splashing from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

The boys at Great Wolf Lodge

2009-03-10T04:24:00.001-05:00

The Fall from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

Trip to my parents house. I've been meaning to upload this forever. Hilarious (at least to me)

Christmas Vacation

2009-01-16T10:57:00.000-06:00

Disney Vacation Photos

2008-12-28T15:56:00.000-06:00

Vacation

Friday Night

2008-11-24T04:34:00.007-06:00

Joshua as a photographer

2008-11-24T04:29:00.002-06:00

Edit Posts

Joshua acting Silly

2008-11-24T04:27:00.000-06:00

Grandma comes over to rock with the boys

2008-11-24T04:23:00.000-06:00

October 2008

2008-11-09T20:45:00.003-06:00

Trick or Treating

2008-11-01T06:42:00.001-05:00

Trick or Treating from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

Red Wagon Farm

2008-10-31T04:30:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday, Mama

2008-10-24T04:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Mama! We made a short movie for you. We hope you have a great day.

Love,
The Boys

Mama's Birthday Dance Party from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

Mapleside Farm

2008-10-15T04:06:00.007-05:00

2008-10-14T04:23:00.005-05:00

random

2008-09-26T04:42:00.003-05:00

1st Day of Preschool

2008-09-26T04:32:00.003-05:00

Jackson's Birthday

2008-09-24T05:47:00.009-05:00

Jackson's Party

2008-09-17T04:04:00.002-05:00

Here is a short video from Jack's Birthday Party.

Jackson's Party from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

Jackson Walking

2008-09-13T20:50:00.003-05:00

This weekend Jack has been taking tons of steps. He's gotten even better than what this video shows, but here's a peek at what he can do...

Untitled from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

Jack's Birthday Video

2008-09-12T06:50:00.005-05:00

Since we didn't get a chance to show Jack's birthday video at his party, here is a link to the video for anyone interested in watching it.

http://www.vimeo.com/1714139

Pots and Pans

2008-08-01T11:20:00.003-05:00

The Lake County Captains Game

2008-08-01T11:01:00.006-05:00

The (rained out) Hot Air Balloon Festival

2008-08-01T10:58:00.002-05:00

Random Pictures

2008-08-01T10:53:00.002-05:00

4th of July Parade

2008-08-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Running of the Bases

2008-07-28T20:50:00.001-05:00

I'm starting to realize that Youtube makes all of my videos really fuzzy so I am trying out some other sites that use different video formats with higher quality. This one is a little better than the Youtube version.

This is Joshua and Papa at the Lake County Captains Minor League baseball game. They got to run the bases after the game. There were 3 rules given by the PA Announcer:
1. Use the plastic tarp to get onto the field.
2. Stay on the base path and off the grass.
3. NO SLIDING!

Guess which one Joshua breaks at the end. You can't here it, but the crowd started cheering just after he slides and I'm pretty sure it was meant for him.

Not the greatest video footage in the world, but there were too many people in the way.

Running of the Bases from Kevin Payne on Vimeo.

2008-07-14T10:53:00.003-05:00

It's been a little while since our last photo update. We have tons of pictures to show off. Since it would take up so much space on the blog, here are links to some of our photo albums for you to check out:

Vacation Photos

Random Pictures from June and July

Here is one photo album for you to check out on this site. These are from a trip Joshua and I took to see The Lake County Captains Single A Minor League game a couple weeks ago (that he still talks about almost every minute).

Newest Member of the Band

2008-07-03T05:51:00.001-05:00

Shaving my beard

2008-06-11T05:33:00.003-05:00

Nana and Papa's

2008-06-11T05:30:00.002-05:00

Day at the Park

2008-06-11T04:24:00.004-05:00

My birthday with the family

2008-06-09T18:47:00.003-05:00

Baby Ben

2008-06-09T18:26:00.003-05:00

Memorial Day Parade

2008-06-09T18:20:00.002-05:00

Day at the zoo

2008-06-09T05:44:00.004-05:00

Jack

2008-06-09T05:41:00.001-05:00

Open House at Nasa Glenn Research Center

2008-06-09T05:30:00.003-05:00

Jackson

2008-06-09T05:23:00.000-05:00

Children's Museum

2008-06-08T14:55:00.005-05:00

Arthritis Walk 2008 at the zoo

2008-06-08T13:57:00.004-05:00

Random Pictures

2008-06-08T13:34:00.006-05:00

Soccer Time

2008-06-08T13:21:00.004-05:00

Changes

2008-06-03T11:13:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone. We've changed the look of our blog. I'm still working on it, but it will be updated soon, with plenty of new pictures. One thing I wanted to mention in the YouTube link on the lefthand column. I have about 8 or 9 new videos so instead of bogging down the blog, I have put a link to our video channel where you can watch all of the videos we have made. Enjoy!

Joshua's first trip to the Movie Theater

2008-04-29T05:44:00.002-05:00

Our NYC Trip

2008-04-29T05:07:00.010-05:00

Barb after I told her I saw Antonio Banderas

Our tour guide on the Cosby Show steps

Us in front of the Friends apartment

Move Over, Lebron

2008-02-29T11:47:00.000-06:00

A First for Jackson

2008-02-03T07:52:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a sweet for our family. We booked our Disney trip and our airline tickets. We had dinner with some of my old friends and their daughter. And Jackson decided (which I predicted earlier in the day actually) he was going to roll over for the first time.

Our Little Monsters

2008-01-27T15:43:00.000-06:00

Joshua with his new Lake Erie Monsters' hockey sticks

2008-01-27T15:36:00.000-06:00

Joshua at the Cavs game

2008-01-27T15:34:00.000-06:00

The shirtless rocker

2008-01-27T15:32:00.000-06:00

Playing with my big bro's Little People

2008-01-27T15:30:00.000-06:00

Spending time with Dad

2008-01-20T10:48:00.000-06:00

That's my boy!

2008-01-20T10:47:00.000-06:00

4 Month Checkup

2008-01-20T10:29:00.000-06:00

Jackson had his 4 month checkup yesterday. I feel a little like one of those farmers who shows up at the county fair with the gigantic pumpkin or those giant bunnies with the red eyes. We grow our babies big! Jackson weighs 17 lbs 13 ounces and is 26.5 inches long. He's in the 95th percentile for both. The funniest thing is that she measured the size of his head and it was off the charts! Good thing he is a little chubby or else he would look like a bobble head doll. He is the same height that Joshua was at this age, but has got a few pounds on his big bro. His nickname "Tank" really explains him when you see him. He is the man. The pediatrician said she thought he would end up about 6'2" to 6'4", but obviously she doesn't know that he'll probably be more around 7 feet tall. Doctors just don't know that much thses days I guess. He has some eczema issues, but nothing to be too concerned about.

The Future of the Cavaliers

2008-01-19T06:41:00.000-06:00

Video Update

2008-01-13T15:21:00.002-06:00

Here's a couple videos for you to check out. The first one is Jackson doing a little talking. The second one is an old school video of Joshua.

Christmas with the Cavs

2007-12-28T05:27:00.000-06:00

As part of a Christmas Day this year, Joshua and I headed down to The Q for The Cavs game against The Miami Heat. I won a contest through the Cavs website called Eric Snow’s Full Court Fathers’ Challenge. We got to go early and get down on the court and watch the Cavs shoot warm-ups. About half of them were out shooting and almost all of those Cavs came over, said Hi to us, and signed an autograph book that was given to Joshua (along with a hat, t-shirt, pens, pencils, and a team pennant).
After that we were moved to another seating area for a little bit. Then, when the team came back out we got to go back on the court and watch the official team warm-ups. There was so much commotion around us that I just started snapping pictures, hoping some of them would turn out. What is funny is that I never thought to get any pictures of Joshua or myself down there. The Cavs took a picture and it will be on a website soon and they said they were sending me a copy. Once that shows up I’ll post it for all of you. We also got featured on the Jumbotron before the game started. I’m hoping to get video footage of that as well.
After all that was done, we were taken to our seats, which were pretty good and we watched about half the game. Being Christmas morning presents, no nap, and being at the game about 2 hours early, I think half a game for a 2 year old was really good. He had a blast, though. We stopped in at the Cavs team shop and got him a small Cavs basketball (which he has taken to bed with him every night) and bought Mama a Cavs shirt. Overall, it was one of the best Christmas Day’s I’ve ever had and I know Joshua will remember it as well. Thanks to Eric Snow and Julani for making this happen for me and my boy.

Christmas Morning

2007-12-26T07:42:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T19:01:00.000-06:00

Here's a Christmas Present for you...An update of a couple months worth of pictures...

October and November 2007

rocker

The Rocker

2007-11-08T18:13:00.001-06:00

So, one of my favorite band's, Relient K, have an opening for a new drummer. Here's a little audition video for the world's greatest 2 year old rocker.

Little Guy

2007-10-21T21:24:00.000-05:00

This is who Joshua and I refer to as "little guy"...

Superman

2007-10-21T21:23:00.000-05:00

Rock Star

2007-10-21T21:20:00.000-05:00

Day with Dad

2007-10-21T14:26:00.000-05:00

Mama was at her class she takes on Saturdays. We dropped off Jackson at Nana and Papa's house. It was time for a Joshua and Daddy day! We headed out to Berean Bookstore in Fairlawn to pick up Mama's birthday present from the boys, some tickets to see her favorite music group (Don't worry, she already knows about them). Joshie also got a pumpkin book. After that we noticed something going on over at Home Depot next door. It was a safety day. Joshua got a coloring book, a wooden toy fire truck for us to assemble, some candy, a sticker, a home depot apron, and a trip inside the "Roo Roo"!

After we were done in the fire truck, we take a quick trip to "Donald's" for some lunch and then we are off to the fall festival at church. Joshie spots the inflatable obstacle course and goes crazy. Of course he's not big enough to climb the first part so Dada had to go in with him (I had just had a conversation with Barb about wanting to go in one of these). We had a blast. We also got to paint a pumpkin, color, eat popcorn and donuts, drink cider, get some skittles, and grab another giant pumpkin to take home.

And since things are always better with loved ones around, we met up with Uncle Jim and Gracie as well as Jen Jen and 3 of her kids.

Oh, and the best part...Our side trip in Fairlawn to Guitar Center. This place is like Disney World to Joshie. Last time I debated on whether or not to get him some drumsticks and ended up not getting them. Not this time!

New Pictures

2007-09-20T11:12:00.000-05:00

Jackson goes Outside

Jackson Ray

2007-09-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the world, Jackson Ray. Here is your story. On Saturday, September 15th 2007 your mommy and I went to the hospital for a non stress test. Your mom had some issues with her blood pressure and the doctor wanted to make sure everything was ok. Well, mommy was fine, but during one of her contractions you decided you didn't like something. The doctor was watching and decided we weren't going to wait any longer. We got into our delivery room and waited. And waited. And waited a little more. Eventually they went in and broke mommy's water. Things progressed a little bit, but not too much. You already like messing with us. Eventually your mommy decided that she might need some help with the pain and got an epideral (who could blame her). After that, things flew by very quickly. At 8:52 pm you showed up. You were 8 lbs 3 oz and 21 inches long. You had some issues that evening with too much mucus in your lungs so they moved you into the NICU for the nexy day, but you were total ok. Now you are home with us and your big brother, Joshua.

Here are some pictures from the hospital and your first day home.

Jackson's First Day

Jackson comes Home

My new drum shirt!!!!!!!!

2007-07-22T08:56:00.000-05:00

Our trip to the zoo this weekend

2007-07-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

Almost all the animals were out and being playful so we got some sweet pictures. Enjoy!

Top Secret

2007-07-22T08:53:00.001-05:00

Gracie and I have been secret friends for a while. She loves hanging out with Uncle Kevin when no one is looking, but when we are all together she is hesitant to come near me for some reason. Well, here's some proof things are changing...

Adventures in Babysitting

2007-07-22T08:40:00.000-05:00

Gracie's Birthday Party

2007-07-22T08:36:00.000-05:00

Here are pictures from Gracie's Birthday party. Also, below that is the video of Gracie and Joshua that I made for her. A few people asked about it so I thought I would post it. I also fixed a few of the pictures that got cutoff in the original video. Enjoy.

Grandma and Grandpa's House

2007-07-22T08:29:00.000-05:00

Our trip to Virginia

2007-07-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

Our little Drummer Boy

2007-07-22T08:23:00.000-05:00

Father's Day at the Zoo

2007-06-17T20:50:00.000-05:00

There was a woman in the Australian area of the zoo playing music and was looking for kids to join her band. Guess who wanted to be in the band?

A Day at the Ballpark

2007-06-17T20:21:00.000-05:00

Saturday we took Joshua to his first baseball game. He had a blast. He lasted much longer than expected. Here are some pictures.Joshua and Daddy riding on the Rapid
Our picture with Slider
Joshua playing in the cool Kidsland at the ballpark

Outside the ballpark was a giant sand filled area because it was Beach weekend down there.

He can watch the water, but can he run down the beach in slow motion???

The Cavs

2007-06-17T15:27:00.001-05:00

We took Joshua downtown to the Cavs Fanfest outside the Q. It was a pretty sweet atmosphere. They ended up losing, but it was a great season. Joshua even knows most of the players names (and nicknames).

Joshua and I in front of the cool guitar in Tower City

We are planning a trip downtown this summer to see all the guitars on display

The blimp

Perhaps a glimpse into the future?

Local Celebrity, Leon Bibb

The Sprinkler

2007-06-17T14:55:00.001-05:00

Barb left Joshua and I home to go to an adoption shower for the night. These are the events that transpired shortly afterward...

2007-06-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from my recent birthday party and a few from a trip over to Nana and Papa's swimming pool.

2007-05-21T19:18:00.000-05:00

Time to brush my teeth!

2007-05-21T18:54:00.000-05:00

Joshua with his new drum (the old one mysteriously got a hole in it)

Joshua coloring on Mommy's Mothers' day card

2007-05-21T18:28:00.000-05:00

Baby Jackson is starting to show
I dressed him like this on purpose because I knew it would drive Barb insane.
Joshua and his sweet Ikea tent

Joshua and Grandma
The lost member of Devo

Joshua loves to vacuum. I look forward to when he wants to mow the lawn.

Go Cavs!

2007-04-18T21:22:00.000-05:00

Tonight Barb and I went to the last game of the season for the Cavs before the playoffs begin. The Cavs won tonight over the Bucks. This gave them 50 wins for the season and also, because New Jersey also won tonight, locked up the #2 spot for the Cavs in the Eastern Conference.

The best part of tonight is that because it was Fan Appreciation Night, they gave away tons of stuff. I had just commented to Barb about how we weren't going to win anything and then the Arena Host came to our section. Everyone was yelling for her, but once Barb yelled she was pregnant it was no contest. So Barb got on the Jumbotron and they gave us Round trip Airline tickets to anywhere in the Continental US.

2nd best part of the game? Barb thinks she got a couple kicks for the baby while we were walking to our seats. There was a live band playing nearby and Joshie always kicked when there was music around so it's quite possible.

3rd best part? Nachos!!!!!

Easter

2007-04-11T18:32:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to our album of Easter Pictures...

Easter

The Piano Man

2007-04-04T20:15:00.000-05:00

Our little Joshua has mad skills when it comes to music. Sure, these are just toys, but I think he might someday be a musician. He loves music. He loves passing out his drums, maracas, and guitar and leading the family band in a jam session. He's got the rock-n-roll yell down pat. He karaokes. He breakdances. A woman in the church nursery said he was the only 2 year old she's ever seen keep a beat like that. Check out some candid shots of the piano man from tonight's concert...

New Blog

2007-04-04T17:42:00.000-05:00

My Brother, Brian, and my sis in law, Kathy, have a blog now. I added it to my list of links on the right. Check it out.

2007-04-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

Here are a few random pictures from the past couple weeks...

Joshua shows off one of his scars from a fall on the driveway

Bubbles! Stop taking pictures of me, Uncle Kevin
A Saturday morning snack

2007-04-03T05:43:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos from Baby Timmy's visit to our house. Joshua was very curious, but also very jealous. He turned into a daddy's boy even more than usual. We had so much fun with the new baby. Click on the photo to link to the photo album.

Joshua and Baby Timmy