Payten's Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I want Cookie, the white dog. I want the princess from Princess Charm School. I want a ring for Mommy. I want some more cows for Daddy for his farm. Miss Weber likes flowers, please bring some. Can I have Tangled, please? Can I have the biggest Tinkerbell ever and a baby that I can push? I want that (pointing to a Belle doll) and a Doodle Bear to color on and wash. Please, can I have Sleeping Beauty, Tangled, or Ariel dress-up clothes. Thank you! I'm going to leave you cookies and milk.

Bye, Payten

Day 16 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF SOMEONE WHO INSPIRES YOU

Ms. Kimberly Stoppel, an educator at Fort Hays State University, has taught me so much dedication and shown me so much passion for becoming an elementary teacher, that I couldn't be more excited to begin my own career as an educator very soon. I have always felt a strong pull towards becoming a teacher and having an impact on students' lives, but I thought that was where my feelings ended, but I have learned so much more. With each passing year of college, my passion and dedication for becoming an educator and helping students grow has leaped beyond my wildest dreams. I am beginning my last college semester, which is the student teaching process, I am very excited for this experience!

Day 15 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE

 

Take a hot air balloon ride!

Day 14 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF SOMEONE YOU COULD NEVER IMAGINE YOUR LIFE WITHOUT

 "Family"

I don't have a picture of my entire family (grandparents, parents, and siblings), but I figured a picture of my little family would do the trick to get my point across. If I didn't have my family, I don't know how I'd make it through some of the things I have throughout my life this far! It is something special to know you have so many people you can count on no matter what situation I find myself in.

Day 13 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF YOUR FAVORITE BAND OR ARTIST

Rascal Flatts  :o) 

Day 12 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF SOMETHING YOU LOVE

 

I love these two more than anything on this planet, they are the best people to have in my life...I don't see how I can love each more than I already do, until I watch them together. That father-daughter bond is amazing, and wonderful to watch. I love watching Payten crawl on the couch to cuddle up with her daddy, listening to them "pretend" play, their conversations about everything and anything, and how much she misses him during the day while he's at work. It is something that is definitely irreplaceable. 

Day 11 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF SOMETHING YOU HATE

I ABSOLUTELY HATE FFFEEEETT!!!  ICK  (I know, I couldn't have found a cuter photo of feet, but I didn't want to share my scary view of feet. And let's be realistic, there is no way that adult's feet are truly that pretty, in color I bet they are gross!) I have a huge phobia of feet, except for tiny babies, of course. My daughter is 3, and that is the stage when I have realized that feet are no longer cute, I could play with our friend's six month old babies feet all day, adorable. After three years of age though, feet are no longer soft and cute. If anyone's feet touches me it absolutely disgusts me! I can barely deal with putting lotion on my own feet, my phobia is that bad. I HATE THEM! End of story.

Day 10 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF THE PERSON YOU DO THE MOST ****** UP THINGS WITH

Throughout Jr. high and high school, Jaymi and I could be found together almost at any given time! We did a lot of silly, off-the-wall things together, but we were always sure to have fun! This picture was taken a couple years ago while we were working wheat harvest together at COOP. After this summer, I had my daughter, and we lost touch because our lives got in the way....It's definitely sad because I miss her, but on a good note, this past weekend we had our five year class reunion, and we got to spend some fun time together! I hope we continue to keep in touch!!  :o)

Day 9 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF THE PERSON WHO HAS GOTTEN YOU THROUGH THE MOST

Shaun has gotten me through a lot of situations in my life, good and bad/big and small. The most important thing he does is allow, support, and encourage me to continue and complete my schooling. It is definitely more difficult to get schooling done with a toddler, but he has supported us like the strong, loving man that he is from the beginning of Payten's life, and I could not be more appreciative or lucky to have found him!!  ♥ Thank you

Day 8 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH

I don't think there are any words to explain this picture other than PERFECT!

Day 7 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF YOUR MOST TREASURED ITEM

I LOVE THIS THING AND I FEEL LOST WITHOUT IT!! :o)  During the school year I check my planner every day, whether it's where I need to be, double checking what assignments are due, and what appointments I have, it is always within reach! I have a large one for at home that includes every part of my life, and a small one in my planner that stays in my purse for strictly my appointments. I love these things dearly! Although, they do get neglected during the summer time, I feel like I lose track of what day it is because I'm not checking it all the time, but it's nice not having to rely on this darn thing. It feels wonderful to have TONS and TONS of free time!

Day 6 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF A PERSON YOU'D LOVE TO TRADE PLACES WITH FOR A DAY 

This has definitely been the hardest day for me, so far....I couldn't find someone that I would truly want to trade places with because it seems so silly, I love my life! I thought about past and current teachers because they have been such an inspiration in my life; my daughter because I would love to see the world through such carefree eyes again; a talk show host because I think it'd be so neat to get to hear so many stories from such great individuals; famous, rich individuals because they are able to help so many people through charities; and the list goes on and on. Finally, after lots of thinking, I chose Natalie Portman because I think she is beautiful, in an ordinary, wonderful way. I have loved all her movies, she always seems so genuine and  happy-go-lucky. I would love to have this attitude for one day, all day, because it seems each of my days has some part of worrying or stressfulness involved in it. She also inspires me because although she is successful in her acting career, she graduated Harvard, it is wonderful to know she isn't simply relying on her looks to get her through life, she has the brains to help her become successful as well!! I truly think it would be so exciting to trade places with her for a day!

Day 5 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY

As of now, nothing can ever beat this moment in my life. The time Shaun and I welcomed our beautiful baby girl into this world. Meeting Payten for the first time was the best thing that has ever happened in our life. We love every day we get to spend with her!! Such a special, large part of our life together  :o)

Day 4 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF YOUR FAVORITE NIGHT

I have had a number of good times with a lot of different friends, but my favorite nights and memories are from the many nights Shaun and I spent together before/after Payten. They seem rare anymore with all the homework I had to do during my school semester's and Shaun's long work hours, so I truly cherish them now. Of course, it's more fun to have family nights, but those moments with just Shaun and I will always be special. I love you, babe!

Day 3 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF THE CAST FROM YOUR FAVORITE SHOW

I have many 'favorite' TV shows, but The Young and The Restless is on everyday, and if I'm home, I'm sure to watch it!! So I'd have to say this show is my most favorite because I have watched it the longest. We watch many different TV series on Netflix, so I have many temporary favorites, but I can always watch The Young and The Restless. I don't record it if I do miss it because normally, it's usually pretty easy to follow, even if a few days are missed. It's the only soap that I like, I hope it sticks around for awhile longer yet! (Since all these others seem to be coming to an end!)

Day 2 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF YOU AND THE PERSON YOU HAVE BEEN CLOSEST WITH THE LONGEST

My younger sister, Katelyn, and I have pretty much been the closest pair of sisters that I have known. We had a couple years of high school together, and spent quite a bit of time together both in and out of school (I know this sounds like we had to, but our parents are divorced, and we didn't live together, so we spent time together by choice). Now, with our crazy schedules, we don't get to spend as much time together, but we still talk all the time and help one another out when needed. I know she'll always be there for me!♥

Day 1 Photo Challenge

A PICTURE OF YOURSELF WITH TEN FACTS

1. I have the BEST three year old ever, Payten Lea Burd
2. My fiance is handsome, supportive, and the best ever
3. I absolutely love reading books in my free time

4. I have a small array of dishes I can cook, and I am not really a big fan of cooking

5. I cannot wait to become a teacher and have my own classroom!

6. I feel so overwhelmed with everything at times, that I feel that I am only being half the
    mom I could be and half the student I could be :(   ...But I'm learning to balance things...

7. I love watching my daughter experience new things, it is the sweetest thing, also it
    provides me the chance to see the world through a child's eyes again, so great

8. Lately, I have tried to find the motivation to add exercising into my routine, sadly, I am
    failing at this

9. I am truly proud and astonished by the amount of things and the rate that Payten learns!

10. I am a picky, boring eater (I order almost the same thing every time I go out to eat
      somewhere.)

*30 Day Photo Challenge*

The summer schedule has begun....It's busy, crazy, and includes many spur-of-the-moment activities. Now that I don't have homework, I don't get on the computer much, yippee!! But I feel that I am neglecting my blog big time...The time between the dates in my posts are definitely lengthening, so I'm going to try and complete the 30 day photo challenge. I've seen it on other blogs and many Facebook profiles, so I'm going to try it out! Keep this blog looking loved and attractive   :o)  

Here's the list of what I'll be uploading during the next 30 days:

1. A picture of yourself with TEN facts

2. A picture of you and the person you have been the closest with the longest

3. A picture of the cast from your favorite show

4. A picture of your favorite night

5. A picture of your favorite memory

6. A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

7. A picture of your most treasured item

8. A picture that makes you laugh

9. A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

10. A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with

11. A picture of something you hate

12. A picture of something you love

13. A picture of your favorite band or artist

14. A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

15. A picture of something you want to do before you die

16. A picture of someone who inspires you

17. A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

18. A picture of your biggest insecurity

19. A picture and a letter

20. A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

21. A picture of something you wish you could forget

22. A picture of something you wish you were better at

23. A picture of your favorite book

24. A picture of something you wish you could chance

25. A picture of your favorite day

26. A picture of something that means a lot to you

27. A picture of yourself and a family member

28. A picture of something you're afraid of

29. A picture that can always make you smile

30. A picture of someone you miss

I'm taking this challenge! Starting........NOW!!

Bowling Fun*

This was Payten's second time bowling ever. The first time was after a long day, and Payten had taken no nap, so it was a complete disaster! This time was so much better, she loved it!!  She also had a friend along to enjoy the fun too! It was a great family evening, and Payten definitely can't wait to go again!!  (P.S. Sorry, the video is sideways, I couldn't figure out how to get it rotated!)

Payten + Avery = Besties♥

ahhhhhhh

I am so thrilled!! I turned my LAST homework assignment of the semester in last night. Whew! So glad to start my SUMMER BREAK!! The beautiful weather we have had these past couple days sure made it hard to stay focused and get those last few assignments done, but I DID IT!! Hopefully, we'll celebrate with some family fun tonight, I'm thinking bowling or Putt-Putt! So glad to have time for fun! :o)  I am so ready to start having more time for Payten too! And scrapbooking!! I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful weather, and getting close to finishing your semester too!!

We went to my dad's farm last night for some fun and BBQ, Payten was excited for her tractor ride with Grandpa! Such a sweet farm girl!

Hoppy Easter

We went to my Grandparent's house for Easter Sunday, it's always enjoyable to see the family and spend some time together. I especially like letting Payten have time to get to know her Great-Grandparents!

Doing some serious hunting for all her Easter eggs!!

Her basket FULL of goodies!

Payten and 

her Great-Grandparents!!

I will cherish these pictures forever!

:o)

Family Pictures

Our super beautiful princess  :o)

 

 Swinging, of course, her favorite past time!

 Only the PRETTIEST, BEST smile ever!!!

 

My favorite picture of my sweetheart

Yay, BUBBLES!!

If you ever need someone to do your family pictures, try Tracy Perrett Photography!! You can see more of her work on her website, http://www.tracyperrettphotography.com. She's on Facebook too! She is nice, and we've always been happy with the way our pictures turn out.

i love my family ♥

There are four weeks left of this semester, and then I'll be free until this fall! Then crunch time when it comes to Student Teaching, but wow, AM I READY!! I can finally see the end, and it feels so good. 

This past weekend was the best weekend we'd had in a while. It was full of things to do, but it felt great to really get out of the house and get some things accomplished! Shaun took this past Saturday off, which was nice because he's been working like a crazy person for awhile, so it was great to enjoy him at home. We started the weekend off with Payten's three year pictures at the park, and we could not have asked for a more beautiful time to do them! Payten, of course, had a blast doing this! We enjoyed lunch at Applebee's, ran a few errands, and then visited the 'fast, racer cars' at the Mall. Payten was thrilled about this! She loves the fast cars! And a bonus, the Easter Bunny was at the Mall while we were there, so Payten got her picture taken with him! Yay! She loves him this year! After we finally came home, we relaxed a bit, and then dove into cleaning the house. Yes, I made Shaun do quite a few things, but I am so grateful it is all done! I have so much homework this week, it's nice not having to worry about a messy house as well!! So, thanks so much babe for helping, I really appreciate it :) On Sunday, we started off by enjoying the weather again, but working for my dad. We had to walk around a few areas and pick up twine, as boring as this sounds, it was alright. Payten was so proud each time she found a long piece of twine! Then we rode the go kart around, played on the swing set, washed my car, went to the store, Subway, and came home to shampoo the carpets. After Payten took a GREAT nap (which is an accomplishment anymore, she only takes like a half hour one, or just hangs out in her room to satisfy me..I haven't figured out which yet). Then we just enjoyed the rest of the day by sitting around and watching Amazing Race. It was a perfect, family weekend, and the weekend only made it that much more enjoyable! 

*The only part I would have changed was the crammed, late night of homework I spent doing Sunday night, but that's what I get for procrastinating. The weekend spent with family was well worth it though!! Also, I did not exercise, how much of a slacker am I?   :(

HOPE YOU ALL HAD A FABULOUS WEEKEND AS WELL!!

Seven Day Self Challenge!!

DAY FIVE!!

Phooey...I didn't get any exercise in today! I completely enjoyed a relaxing morning watching T.V. with Shaun and Payten, and then after naptime we went to see HOP! Such a cute movie! After some shopping, we came home to eat some BBQ, watch the ACM awards, and do more homework. Yuck! All in all though, it was a pretty good day.

I AM GOING TO GET UP EARLY TOMORROW MORNING AND EXERCISE   :)

Seven Day Self Challenge!!

DAY FOUR!!!

I failed  :(  Saturday was filled with a TON of homework time (boo), and then we spent some time at our friend's house. So, it was a good day, just not for exercising....Also, I was very sore, so I'm not sure I would have made it through an exercise activity, ha. I'll start back up today! No worries, surely I'm not the only one who doesn't have time to fit exercise into their schedule EVERYDAY! If you can though, good for you!! :) I'll be back later with an update!

Seven Day Self Challenge!!

DAY THREE!!  (Did you think I didn't participate? It is pretty late for an update!)

It was a super late night of homework last night, and my loving daughter slept until 10:00 AM this morning, so I really thought today was going to be bad in the exercise department, but boy, was I wrong!! I went out and got some exercise TWICE today, so excited about it! I feel great about it too! (And this weather just makes it that much easier to really get out and do something.) This afternoon I took a TWO MILE walk with Payten! :) And after some homework, supper, and grocery shopping, I came home and ran OUTSIDE! YES! (Well, I fast walked/ran.) I went for 1.5 MILES and seeing how this isn't an ordinary thing for me, I thought I did pretty well on my walk/run ratio! I'm hoping to keep this up because I am LOVING it!! And I know my daughter completely enjoyed the walk as well :) Also, a soda update: I only had ONE yesterday and ONE today! If I keep this up, maybe someday I'll cut it out completely! YIPPEE!!

three DOWN....four TO GO!!!  :)

Seven Day Self Challenge!!

DAY TWO!!

I for sure thought today would be challenging, and I was sort of right. My predictions: I thought I would have a HORRIBLE time getting myself out of bed in the morning to go workout and be sore. WRONG and WRONG! I only rolled over once and thought about going back to sleep before I reminded myself that I needed to get my bottom out of bed, and I got right up! I was not sore up until the moment I got onto the Elliptical, then it KILLED my poor knees. I didn't want a treadmill because I really wanted to work my arms as well, but this thing is hurting my, already bad, knees. I'm hoping it'll get better though, and that I didn't make the wrong machine choice. I had to take three quick breaks to stretch out my legs during my workout today.  :(  But I pretty much kept my same stat's as yesterday, so I am happy. On a side note, I drank a little more soda than I would have liked myself to yesterday, BUT today...I haven't had a soda yet!  (I think this cutback on the soda will be harder than starting a workout routine.)

Today's Stats:

   Time: 15 minutes and 54 seconds
   Calories Burned: 160
   Distance: 1/2 mile
   RPM: 57-64

two DOWN....five TO GO!!!  :)

Seven Day Self Challenge!!

WHEW!! I finally got the motivation to get my butt out to the garage and on my Elliptical! I am sharing this information in hopes that if by adding this self challenge in my blog (making it public), I'll be more motivated to do it! I believe if I voice my ideas they are more real than if I keep them to myself! So....Starting today, and the next six days, I WILL get on my Elliptical and only allow myself ONE soda each day. 

Today's Stats:
   Time: 15 minutes and 35 seconds
   Calories Burned: 160
   Distance: 1/2 mile
   RPM: 56-63

one DOWN....six TO GO!!!  :)

Clay Handprint Project

I started a box last summer of Payten's projects and colorings because I love seeing how much she progresses (even from one week to the next), and I think she will really enjoy being able to go back and look at all her fun she had as a toddler when she is older. I am a huge pack rat when it comes to anything of Payten's. I've started multiple scrapbooks for her, have all her pictures placed by year on my computer (someday, I'll get these put on individual memory cards to give her as well), and anything I don't know what to do with...I throw into her keepsake box! Anyways, back to the point of this blog post! A clay handprint keepsake: I've seen this project before, and LOVED the idea of it. I think it's adorable, especially, since I am a huge fan of keeping track of Payten's hand growth. Although, I wasn't sure how to do it, so this week I finally found a recipe and directions on how to do it!

Clay Handprint Project:

What you'll need- Flour, Salt, Water, Vegetable Oil, and Paint

Step One: Preheat oven to 200 degrees

Step Two: Combine four cups flour, one cup salt, and one and a half cups HOT tap water. Add two teaspoons of vegetable oil

Step Three: Kneed dough (If dough is too dry- add water/if dough is too wet- add flour)
Step Four: Have your child place his/her hand in the dough (Try not to make the dough more than a half inch thick in places, otherwise, it will take a couple days to harden good)...With the leftover dough, I let Payten use her cookie cutters to make shapes as well
Step Five: Bake the dough for two hours and let it set overnight to completely harden/dry

Step Six: Gather paint materials and let your child get creative!

I was very excited as to how well this project turned out, and I love the handprint! It is definitely getting placed in Payten's keepsake box! Also, we made a couple extra that she is going to give to both her Grandma's! Good luck and have fun!

Getting to know Payten

I read this on a friend's blog and thought it would be a fun way for all of you to see more into Payten's world. I asked Payten these following 20 questions, and these are the kind of answers I got :)

1. What is your name?   Payten Burd

2. How old are you?   Three (She also showed me three on her fingers)

3. Where do you live?   Uh...At Ellis

4. What is your favorite color?   Uh...Pink

5. What is your favorite animal?   A duck

6.What is your favorite food?   Noodles, like chicken noodle

7.What food do you not like?   Like some cheese, the yellow one

8. What is your favorite thing to play?   Play-Doh, like with Melman (her tiger), coloring

9. Where is your favorite place to go?   To Ellis at the park/Grandpa's farm

10. What do you like to do there?   Play with my best friends/Play with his puppy, feed cows, ride on his tractor

11.What is your favorite song?   Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

12. What is your favorite thing about bath time?   Play with my baby dolls and toys

13. What is your favorite thing about bedtime?   Sleep with Melman and Princess

14. What is your favorite book?   Like the library ones

15. Who do you love?   Uh...Like Dora, Mommy, Daddy, Cletus, and Chevy

16. What are you good at?   Run FAST

17. Is there anything you don't like to do?   Run through the sprinkler, like I get all wet

18. Where is your favorite place to go shopping?   Walmart

19. Tell me some ways you are helpful.   Do some laundry

20. What makes you laugh?   Uh...Like (giggles) him (pointing), Melman

While asking her the above questions, I wrote down each answer.....So, after we were done, she got out HER crayon and paper and interviewed Momma (for some reason, she has switched from calling me, Mommy, to Momma lately, pretty cute)!!  :)

BIRTHDAY BLAST!

Well, after much time dedicated to making party invitations, a friend list, grocery list for lunch, and much, much more for my precious daughter's third birthday party....It has come and gone! Here are some favorite moments from her party I'd like to share.....................

Of course, everything revolved around the Princess theme, so she had a Belle cake

Payten and Avery enjoying some park fun while lunch was cooking

All the girls had to sit together for lunchtime

The cupcakes were very delicious

One, of the many, gifts she received

Bubbles are the best entertainment EVER

Payten sitting with some of her balloon decorations and showing Mommy how old she is!

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CAME AND HELPED US CELEBRATE!!!