We need a few things...

So apparently I'm not as equipped as I thought (ok, I never even thought I was in the first place - I'll be the first to admit that!)
As most of you know we moved 3 weeks ago OUT of my moms house - seriously, I think its great, but seriously God - you totally get a kick out of this don't you?! So, while my mom is with us, for however long she needs to - or can stand the kids pool table in her "room", I may need to move that! We are needing a few items to borrow for a bit:

* A side table for all her goodies - I was thinking even like a tv tray-ish type thing (?)
* A wheel chair - I really need her help in where I should put the flowers I just bought (I got to Molbaks on monday - was TOTALLY overwhelmed, called her and she helped me pick out flowers for 2 hours!)
* Crutches - some that will fit someone who is 5'2"
* A bell or something - I cant hear her from upstairs in my room
* Some sort of tray for her lap to eat with

I figured this will probably get out to more people than I'm sure I have in my email book.
Thanks!!

Tredding above the water

What a whirlwind! First of all I have to say thank you for everyones prayers! They are working!! Please don't stop though!

Update from last night to today:
Our mom went into surgery at 6:30, it took 3 hours (fortunately, I'm a min. from Evergreen and went home for about an hour or so - Dana brought dinner for Chris and the kids - MANY thank yous friend!!) The Dr. came out to show us the new x-rays - - 7 screws and 1 long metal plate...sweet! Like Mother like Son :) He also said she would be in the hospital for the next couple of days to work with a physical therapist, and wouldn't go home until she can walk with crutches - yikes ($$ adding up in my head). Sadie and I headed home about 11 - I didn't go to bed until 1, my brain wouldn't shut off...

I had to get up early to do a photo shoot out in Duvall - Chris left his Bible open on the couch for me to read, my eyes fell to Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Thank you - I needed that - In everything give praise... I'm not one to give praise during trial. I had peace this morning, overwhelming peace, that HE is in control, HE will bless my mom, HE will provide the funds needed for every bill - HE is watching over her.

On my way out this morning my mom called and said she's getting discharged this morning!! WOW! The therapist came in, she walked, and is being sent home! So as if having all three of my kids weren't enough, Sadie took all 5 kids to the hospital to pick up my mom (cant imagine what that was like - although when I got back home, all the boys - Levi included - were wearing and dancing around in Haleys dresses! You just gotta let go sometimes!) So snug as a bug, mom will stay with us for as long as need be - or until she cant handle us anymore:) Sadie and I will tag-team her house cleaning jobs so she can keep her income - this should be real interesting!! Maybe I'll learn how to clean my own house - although, I have a strong feeling after cleaning someone elses house for 5 hours, I will not want to clean my own...

She cant work for 3 months, and to top it off wont be able to go to Michael's Navy Graduation next week - because of worry of blood clots. She was able to get ahold of him today and let him know, he sounded very sad about it -but seemed encouraged to be able to come home after A-school (8weeks) before going over seas.

I don't know where the money will come from, but I do know that God will provide. He is faithful! God is good!
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers - Thank you!

when it rains it pours

Real quick - My mom slipped on the wet grass between my moms house and her neighbors (little steepish hill). Her ankle broke in 3 places. The EMT's were there when I got there, took her to Evergreen - thank goodness for good friends, I dumped the kids with Jolene (thank you!!) Chris had his Dr. apt just now, so ran to do that with him - more on him later, he'll be ok - thanks for your prayers!
PLEASE be praying for my mom, she doesn't have insurance, and is self employed - cleans houses, aside from not being able to work - pay bills, we are going to Michaels Navy graduation not this weekend but next in Chicago - and because she is going to have to have surgery on it, the dr. said he really doesnt think she's going to be able to fly - heart breaking! Please pray that once they get in there they will see its not as bad, it will heal quick, and she'll be able to go.
Chris so badly wants to be able to write her a check, and say here - everything will be fine - but we are so not in a financial spot to be able to do that, (stress is bad for him too) Please pray for her finances, I know she will be taken care of, just not totally sure how yet.
She'll be staying with us for the time being - she joked at the hospital that just as Chris is getting rid of her - she's moving in! (you have to know their relationship :)
I know I can count on all your prayers - thanks in advance!!!
C

Update

Ok, so I'm not a fan of the whole "my heart hurts" deal. AND Chris has never been big on actually letting me know when he's feeling crummy - until its too late (well, I suppose it has never been too late - but we don't want to get that point!!) Last time he had an 'episode' was in March, and I have to say, I really like our Dr. and his nurse - very to the point, very thorough, they answer all my "dumb" questions (and like I'm not asking a dumb question). In fact last time the nurse said he should have called 911 - they totally harped on him (good). But still its not enough, we need to see a heart specialist - I need your help - who should we go to? He's done all the stress tests, EKG's...
The fact that my husband IM'ed me this morning to say "I don't want to worry you, but I need to show you where all the Will, and Benefit information is" No, that doesn't worry me at all - ARE YOU CRAZY???
He needs to be seen ASAP, but I don't want to just open the book to make an appointment. Does anyone know anyone??

Prayers for Chris Please

This isn't the normal funny entry, but we need your prayers tonight.
Chris has had a history with heart problems - I know, he's a healthy, active 27 year old. When Carter was only 2 months old he had a heart attack. Long story short, they really have no clue why he experiences these pains. I REALLY don't want to spend the night in the hospital (this is the kids' first night in their new house - but that is a totally petty thing to say, huh?) I don't want to take him because I don't want him to be in pain. Anyway, would you please be praying for his health. I know he's not going to be a fan of me writing this - but its the best way I know to get it out.
Thanks guys!

"I'm so excited..."

(I'm singing that song from Saved by the Bell :)

My kiddos are on their way home right now!! I had such a hard time falling asleep last night, then woke up early today. I had very strange dreams all night - Chris got glasses - and they weren't cute either - they were big and red and the glass part didn't fill up the frames - ick! (maybe its because I forgot my own glasses at home...hmmm)

I asked for the kids to call me before they took off, well that was at 6:15am my time, so I kept waking up to see what the time was. I'm a paranoid mom - who can blame me. But I have to say I did WAY better the second half of the leg - no crying (yay) and I'm starting to like being in my own home - although still not a super fan of being alone - but I'm making do.
When I talked to the kids last night I told them I was going to pick them up from the airport and take them straight to the beach house - you would have thought I told them Santa was coming with me! They were SOOO excited. I was actually hesitant about telling them - especially my oldest since the entire trip she's been over the moon excited about her new room and how its set up - (did I tell you she made us a 3-D model of how she wanted her room set up...Watch out world here comes Haley!! Wow, that is SO not my style, clearly she's a first born - Sara, she must get this from you - totally not Chris or I :) But she was excited - totally excited!
I can't wait to hug and kiss my babies - I cant WAIT!! Pictures are sure to follow!

Didnt think I would forget did you? Tater Sauce...

Lita - ( for those of you who dont know, Lita is my nickname for my wife Carlee)

Yep - its me, Chris. Didnt think I would ever figure out how to get into your blog and create a post did ya.

Ladies - I hope you enjoy this story and remember it so that when you think you should make fun of your husband on your nice family blog, YOU DONT.

A while ago my loving wife decided to create this blog, which I thought was a cool idea, better her than me from the technical level and as I learn more about it I am finding it really is a place for women. I actually can say that I havent seen any posts on my wife's friends blogs written by their husbands. This blog deal was super neato at first that was until I read one day a post titled "the big sweep". I didnt even have to read on to know that my wife was taking a blind shot at me in front of possibly hundreds of other women and more importantly, women that I see regularly. See the big sweep is to ensure that there are ZERO bugs, spiders or crumbs in my bed before I get in at night, although still not sure where the crumbs come from maybe the kiddos. I think they may be in on it. Its makes perfect logical sense to do the sweep and should not be considered OCD. Lita you thought you were brilliant and so did some of the responses of your lady friends, I am keeping that list too for a later return of favor by the way.

So Lita, I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to post back atcha and have only just now found out how to do this. You're probably getting ready for bed at the beach house tonight and right now all your friends are going to learn about the most wonderful condiment in the world - TATER SAUCE.

When visiting in Georgia 2 yrs ago we were at a steak house mind you, with my whole family and my lovely bride orders fish and chips. Weird - was the first thing that went through my mind but shes beautiful and blonde and I love her so I let the fish order go without comment. Everything was going fine until the food came out. The server placed the food on the table and asked if there was anything else we needed. This is where my hottie chimed in "umm yeah could I get some TATER SAUCE". I quickly looked up to see the look on my dads face, shocked same as me, wondering what the heck is TATER SAUCE. I then looked at the server who with a few missing teeth in the front also had a puzzled yet curious look on her face. The movie (old school) comes into mind now that I think about it "maybe its a color or a style that I have never seen before, maybe its something we dont even know about". What is Tater Sauce, the server slurred out... hottie inserts "ohh you know that stuff". My dad pipes in still with mass confusion on his face "ketchup, mayo, ???" hottie again "no, TATER SAUCE" and she said it so confidently almost trying to convince herself. An awkward time of about 10 seconds goes by and the server came to the rescue with her knowledge - unbelievable I know. "do you mean Tarter Sauce" hottie repsonds "ohh yeah sorry, thats what I want".

Lita still orders fish and chips and has slipped a few times and reverted back to TATER SAUCE...all in all shes still a hottie but will most likely never post something embarrassing about me again. Thanks baby.

Ladies - if you respond to this post, dont expect a reply to your comment. I havent figured that part out yet. And for the record I do have the list of you who thought the big sweep was funny and I will come teach your husbands how to make a post on your blog. Thanks:)

Beach House week!

We're at the beach house again this week - usually its a family trip... Mom, brother, my sister and her family - MY family. But it just so happened that the week we got the beach house is the week my kids are still in Ga, Chris has to work (and has an in-house interview), Josh my bro in law has to work, my mom has to work (only one day though), and of course Michael is in Boot Camp... SO, Sadie and I will sadly soak up the rays by the pool for everyone else... Bummer. Everyone did come up yesterday (Sunday) for the whole day - its amazing how un-motivated you become when you have no responsibilities running around!
But, its Monday AM and we're still waiting for the sun to come out... maybe we should go home and come back when the sun comes out. I got a sweet burn on my face and scalp yesterday, I was hoping to add to it. (totally just kidding - about adding to it :)

For some more news, my sister in law Sara just posted more pics and videos of the kiddos on her blog. For some reason she's only just now getting around to updating it... (HA ha - you have SOO much time on your hands, huh Sara!!!)
Enjoy my kids, they come home Thursday, yay!

Wall paper is of the DEVIL!

Seriously!!

Period.

I Cried

I'm weak...or rather - I'm no Miss Independent! I HATE being alone - like really HATE it! I'm in a house alone, that's not mine yet. I don't have tv, internet or a phone (ok, I have my cell phone). But still - I have never really realized how much I really rely on my kids noise - and company. I'm crazy paranoid! I don't like turning on the radio because then I can't hear if someone breaks into my house to kill me (told you I'm crazy - of course it doesn't help that while at my moms house yesterday I watched a true story of a lady that was stabbed while in her house alone - why do I do that to myself?!)
I got NOTHING done yesterday. I've been a mad woman trying to get this blasted wall paper off of Haley's walls - I'm pretty sure its super glued on there!!! I unpacked our bathroom - that's it. Oh, then last night while eating dinner on the deck with Chris, I stubbed my toe, and now I think its broken - super.
I miss my kids, I look around the house and can't wait for them to have their own house, a place of their own. To wake up in the morning and know the kids are across the hall (not across the country) That's another thing - waking up after Chris goes to work - not a fan. Ellie's constantly under foot - although I don't think I mind much, she's my best friend right now!!
I just had lunch with Chris at Juanita beach - human interaction is good. And actually our friend is doing our neighbors fence, and I told him this morning that even though I cant see him at times, just knowing he's there is comforting. I think I have serious issues!
I know my kids are having a great time - and talking to them helps a ton. They'll be back before I know it - and then I'm sure I'll wish they stayed a little longer. Grass is always greener...
Click here to see how the kids are doing!

Here She Is!! (yes my house is a girl ;)

Ok - we're not totally in...boxes are everywhere, not all the furniture is in - but this will give you the gist of what it looks like.

That picture on the fireplace is not staying there! We put it there because its so small - to see what Chris would say (not to mention its of when I was pregnant with Carter - so not even a full family pic) He was very nice..."Um, maybe we should put something else there"

Haley's room - will be a very pale light blue

The boys' room - I'm leaving it as is (not painting or removing the wall paper) for now

I know you were dying to know what the hall bathroom looks like :) I'll be painting it a dark grey (thank you Amy:) I took those sepia pics to go specifically in this bathroom - it drives Chris crazy that I have so many frames!Our room - obviously. We have a small patio outside w/ stairs that go down to the back deck. Sweet!

Ellie-girl.Family room to the left, office to the right

Family roomOffice

Ok - side note about my insanely HUGE desk: I found this about a year ago on craigslist - it was Exactly what I wanted - FREE!! So we stripped it and re stained it - Love it!! But its HUGE and is like 300lbs - no joke! So I don't know how I'll actually be able to sit at the desk, I might have to crawl over it to sit at it - but its wonderful - non the less :)

So there it is friends! Here's the new address:
12807 NE 141st Ct. Kirkland, Wa 98034
New #425.968.2554 (wont be set up until the 16th)

And there off!

We took the kids to the airport today - and there wasn't any crying...by me that it! Baby steps! AND we left them with Grandpa at the sky-cap. Yes - Grandpa is laughing at me in this picture, because I wanted to take one - SERIOUSLY - I'm not crying, that is SO good...maybe next year Tim I'll put them in a Taxi and send them to the airport ;) They will have loads of fun. We weren't even half way home and we got a call that they were already sipping their hot chocolate...the spoiling begins!

Now on to task #2...MOVE - aaahh, the fun really begins!

**Just got this email from Grandpa - thought I'd share:**
Our seats are in our seats and all is good. Kids have had hot chocolate, gummie bears, doughnuts, a large Coke, candy bars, a cinnamon roll, and a small bag of sweet tarts.We are ready to rock!

Panic Attack

Ok - I'm not sure why I've been feeling this way - could it be that I'm going to be putting my kids on a 5 hour flight across the country with their Grandpa tomorrow morning (it's Grandpa I'm most worried about surviving) OR could it be that we're actually moving, and standing it our new house makes me feel like a trespasser, OR could it be the daunting task of trying to make sure we're "all in" by the time the kids get back - and facing the fact that it just might not be possible...
I don't know what it is, but I had a full blown panic attack last night. I don't think my husband fully got it at first. My joints are the first thing that let me know its coming on - they ache - and no position makes them comfortable, so I moved from the couch to the recliner... Mind you all the while I'm trying to finish these downloads for the Pics for a Purpose - only two more sets to do... Actually my first trigger was the 'noise' from the kids - they weren't even being noisy, they just weren't going to bed as told...I was starting to flip out inside. Then the heat from my laptop was totally getting to me. I finally told Chris - I have insane anxiety - I don't know what to do about it, but you NEED to find something for me ASAP, I cant help myself right now (Josh I needed a Zanax!!!) So Chris gave me 2 Melatonin's (1 does me in just fine!) told me to shower and go to bed.
So here it is 10:03am and I feel like my vision has a slow delay - possibly TOO much melatonin?? I'm trying to suck down coffee - and spare my children's lives...
I have to cut the boys hair today - is that a bad idea?

"We're Going to GEORGIA!!!"

For the 3rd summer in a row our kids are packing their bags and heading south for the summer (or for at least 2 weeks!!) We will do our best to act sad and like we will miss them...confession: last summer was the first time I let Carter go - and I cried all the way home from the airport!
Grandpa comes and picks the kids up and then returns with them two weeks later! It is such a great blessing that the kids are able to visit their grandparents, aunts, uncles and (best of all) their cousins every summer! They have 'Cousins Week' and have camp-outs. Grandpa calls them by numbers - in which they all know what number they are (birth order :) 1-8.
Ironically it worked out that it is exactly the same time we're moving! They leave this Friday morning, and we start this weekend! You'd pay big money to have your kids gone while you pack and move!
The top pic is of the kids getting the news from Grandma that their coming.

The kids telling Kelsey, Abby and Caleb their coming!

Happy 4th of July!

We had a BLAST (he he - literally :) We had our 3rd Annual 4th of July block party and it was so much fun! Everyone had a great time - I think only 2 owies (little Jed got burned on the BBQ & Carter bit it on his bike - thanks to the gravel left behind from the Verizon workers...grrr) So out of however many kids we had over - not bad! We missed you Michael! Although you were on every ones minds. We had food (TONS) face painting (somehow I was nominated for that) a bouncy house, water slides, decorated bike parade & FIREWORKS!
Our neighbor works at the 5th Ave and his buddy is the pyro tech for the Shrek show that is opening here soon, came to our party - with his own commercial mortars and crazy amazing fireworks!
We have such a wonderful street, I'm so glad we're sticking close! Here are a ton of pics from the day, there are a ton of the fireworks - I had such a great time playing around with my camera this year.... Enjoy!
Our neighbor Jeff works for Frito - hence all the Frito tents!

Check out my amazing painting skills! Thats JR's head.

Carter - look closely, he's airborn - I dont think he touched the slide at all!



Sim WOULD NOT take his hand off his ears until some one hooked him up with some ear phones!!

Tami - all your missing is a tall bendy-straw!! :)

Chris was actually able to sit back and enjoy the show this year!

Ok - this is "Lady Liberty" Amazing!!

This picture of one of the mortars doesnt do it justice! They each had a name and amazingly they looked like what they were named...MAYBE that why they were named that! Ok, Im catching on!
We totally invited that guy back next year! SO awsome!! I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th!! (we did!)