Payne Family Life

Payne Family Life Update

We’ve been a little quiet lately — not because there’s nothing going on, but because we’ve been really focused on what matters most right now: building our new infrastructure and raising our girls.

Sadie has officially entered the “no-nap zone.” You know the one — where if she naps, she’s wide awake ‘til midnight and cranky the next day. After a few tough afternoons (and lots of boundary testing), we decided to try something different. For the rest of July, on days I can tell she’s hit her limit, I’ve been keeping her home with me. She gets to sleep in, skip the nap, and head to bed at night ready for rest. And honestly? It’s been incredible. She’s listening better, playing more, and genuinely thriving.

With preschool starting this fall (3 days a week!), we’ll roll back daycare to part-time. And even though it’s a little untraditional, I’ve started giving her a "play schedule" on the days she’s home with me — little Post-it notes on the wall with fun hour blocks: dress-up, lunch, dollhouse rest time, snack, clean-up, playdough. It’s simple, but it gives her structure and gives me time to focus on work. Win-win. 

Speaking of work, I’ve found such a rhythm in my economic development role. I’m finally seeing some of the projects I’ve prayed over start to take shape, and I truly love what I get to do for our community.

On the farm side, we’re still shipping dry-aged beef nationwide (thank you!!), and we are so close to solving the cold storage and transportation puzzle. Once that’s in place, we’ll be able to expand our local offerings and finally open the farm shop we’ve been dreaming about.

Looking ahead to August, we’re hoping to sneak away to Colorado for a little family hiking trip on a kid-friendly trail Sadie’s been excited to try. We’ll hit the zoo or maybe a pool and just soak up time together. (Great tip for those who don't have vacation time). Simple day trips spread out, allow you to enjoy family and still get your hours in during the summer. Last tip, if you buy a pool pass, its like a one time payment for fun all summer! We are trying to go at least 2 times a week in July, before our pool closes.

This year has taught me so much — but if I had to pick just one lesson, it’s this: your kids don’t need the longest vacation, the fanciest toys, or the most expensive trip to feel loved. They just need you. 

And that’s what we’re choosing to give them.

— The Payne's