Avery Posse

Where to start...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:47:00 +0000

{View over Pattaya from my room}

I think, think, I have some sort of words for what I experienced in Pattaya, Thailand. This whole experience has been an emotional roller-coaster. Everything I felt, heard, smelled, tasted... it assaulted my every sense. I knew I was sheltered...but this much? How was I so completely clueless that something so horrific was going on in my world? It rocked my world - turned it upside-down. 2 second blips of moments, images, experiences, smells - roll constantly through my mind, even while I sleep. I haven't been able to escape it or shake it.....But I don't think I want too. I want to remember the eyes I looked into; I want to remember the unforgiving humidity; I want to remember the noises that haunt me; I want to remember the lives that have been sold; I want to remember the hope that is being given; I want to remember the lives that are being changed; I want to remember the generation that is being transformed. I will not forget. I will not turn my back. I have never been so ready to go to war.

{Walking Street}
It is so difficult to even begin to explain everything - even in a way so that you may have a hint of an idea of what is going on over there. Even for Chris - the first night I was home, we were sitting on the couch after we had put the kids to bed, he pulled out my camera and began flipping through the images..."So is that a prostitute? Is that a prostitute...?" After the 10th time of asking that same question, I put down the camera and said - you don't get it: everyone you see is for sale. It is right there - in your face. But it's illegal. ILLEGAL. HOW IS THIS OK?

{Walking Street}

There is SO MUCH MORE. But I think this is all I can do for today. Processing these images, alone, has been heart-wrenching. I find myself sobbing just looking at them. But I am constantly reminded of why I am fighting for these people. They need me. I can do this. WE can do this!

This song was written in a bar in Pattaya.
About Pattaya.
It is so true!

Bible & Wii

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:30:00 +0000

In the car this morning, coming home from dropping the kids off at school - Carter perks up from the back seat:

"Mom, do you know how to turn on the Wii?"

"Uh, yes." [I know your sick buddy, but really, where have you been?!]

"So you know how the Bible says 'think of others first'?"

"heh, yes." [ok, switching gears. but seriously buddy, I know your sick - trust me, I took you to the hospital on Mothers Day where they thought you had Meningitis...I know the 'others first' bit - you don't have to use it on me just so I'll turn on the Wii for you!]

"well, I'm gonna play on Dad's wii so I can open new games for him. Isn't that a great idea?! He'll be so happy when he plays it again and more things are open for him!" (In his laryngitis-y/swollen shut throat, totally stuffed up face/nose - dripping green goo and blood shot puppy dog eyes - voice)

"Oh, ok - I think that's a great way to think of someone else first!"

You gotta admit - the kid is smart!

Now tell me you wouldn't turn on the Wii for that?!!

i'm ready

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:32:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I am so excited to be able to share with you an amazing opportunity I have! A few years ago, God had placed Thailand on my heart. I never really questioned why or for what - but the seed was planted. About a year ago I became involved with a group of other ladies and moms - just like me, called Eastside Women of Purpose. Women committed to putting a stop to the horrific act of {Sex Slavery} and educating the women and children of SE Asia about {Human Trafficking}. Our group educates, advocates and fund raises for our partnership in Thailand with incredible people and organizations. These groups are on the ground pulling girls from the bars and brothels and setting them up into new life as well as doing prevention education for kids in the villages from where these girls come.

Which brings me to the purpose of this entry. I have been given the opportunity to go to Thailand May 22nd to 29th! To be honest…I am nervous about going. Nervous of what I will see. Nervous of what I will experience. Nervous about going without Chris and leaving the kids behind. Nervous of allowing my heart to be opened - and broken for the people of Thailand. But I feel blessed beyond blessed that God is revealing His plan that He placed on my heart several years ago - and it is actually happening! And with an unexpected bonus, a publishing company, would like to publish a book of photography on {Human Trafficking} with us. The fact that I am one of three photographers of our small group of seven that are going, is awesome! He’s using my passion for photography to be used with my passion for these women and children in Thailand - so cool! These pictures will tell a point of view that words just can’t.

On this trip, we will have the opportunity to do a few things. We want to continue to pro-actively be a part of the solution. In doing so we will build stronger relationships with our partners. By visiting and working with the project, we will be better able to recruit and provide needs for the solutions.

We’ll see the ‘border kids’ at risk for trafficking and visit a project that is rescuing and preventing kids from being trafficked. As we pray and walk the dark city of Pattiya, we will talk with the young girls and women. Inviting these women into a community of hope, healing and opportunity. Our group will meet with these young people that have been rescued and bring back the incredible testimonials of hope.There is a growing number of women of influence, that need to be involved. Our team will work to create a trip guide for future exposure that will impact and motivate others to be involved. There are many individuals we work along side that are in the thick of this tragic issue daily. Many are part of the organization that carries out the ‘sting’ operations on brothels and rescues these young children and women. We want to pray, encourage, help and give hope.

I would like to ask you to consider two things. First, would you please be praying for our team as we prepare for this trip and for during the trip. Second, would you consider praying about supporting this trip financially? I am needing to raise $1800 by May 1. Chris and I are contributing some funds and then prayerfully asking others to help. Would you consider supporting me financially? Any gift you feel led to contribute would be greatly appreciated. In a few days I will have a link for you to do so electronically here on my blog. If you would prefer to send a check, please email me or leave me a comment, and I will email you my address.
I know this trip is coming up here fast, and financially this timing is tough, but I trust that each of our financial needs will be met!

Thank you for considering helping me on this trip. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, chris.carlee@juno.com. I will follow-up with a prayer letter asking you to pray for our trip with day by day specifics.

Thank you so much!
Carlee

*If you would like more information on {Human Trafficking} you can visit: www.EastsideWomenOfPurpose.blogspot.com

Here is a video of our fearless leader, Marisa talking about Thailand: http://vimeo.com/3662997

Love God
Love People
Serve the World

Seriously??!!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:19:00 +0000

Why did God not give us an ugly daughter???!

Haley is 10. Oh, yes - you read right, 10
What the heck happened to the past 10 years - 0h, and I'll throw in the "we're not old enough to have a 10 year old" bit. (truth be told, we're probably not.)

I'd like to say we have the cutest kids on the block - well, we do...but what I'd really like, is to KEEP it as just the cutest kids. We're stepping onto new grounds - thrust into the pretty/beautiful category, without warning. Ok, I'm sure we assumed this day would come, but really - now? this soon? now?!

My friend Kara with Kara Hicks Photography had a 'child high fashion' assignment (ala Targe` and Old Navy ;) and asked to use Haley - besides the fact that she was ubber giddy to play model for a few hours, she was talking a mile a minute when she came home...had a little too much fun. Oh boy! Kara is insanely great at her talent, so of course we assumed the pictures would turn out great. Only it sort of back-fired on us. Crap. She's pretty, like totally pretty. Crap.

Oh the joys of a 10 year old. It only just begins.

Here is our Haley as a pretend model...she gets her braces off tomorrow too - shoot, its probably just going to be worse, huh?

Hun - you can get that gun you've been wanting.

tithe rap

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Oh yeah... that's right - a tithe rap. You read that right.

So the church we went to when we lived in Georgia was amazing - much like our church here - that would be why we go there. My friend Laurel posted this on her facebook today, and it was too perfect and funny to pass up! Check out the little diddly they did at 12 Stone.
Enjoy!

Mysterious

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:25:00 +0000

My husband has his own keys - that work JUST fine. But for some strange reason he likes mine better, not sure why because he hates the extra little hand sanitizer on it and my little pink "C"... So last week I found my keys in the dish with just the house key and my car key - no extra stuff to be found. Hmm, ok. So, last night I go to leave and find my car key - That's IT! Not even the tiny little ring that's attached to it, to attach to the bigger ring - just my van key! Ummm, really?!
Is he trying to tell me something?!

pass the jam

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:45:00 +0000

This little 5 year old never ceases to amazing us - he's funny - totally a character in his own right!

Over Christmas break, he came to me and told me he was hungry for a snack. I told him he could make his own peanut butter sandwich if he wanted - - he looked at me with these huge eyes and an enormous smile "Really!?" {side note: working at the pre-school has taught me that messes are OK, let them do it on their own - that is how they learn} Well, he did a great job...so well in fact that a couple days later he asked to do it again, but with peanut butter and jelly, this time Tanner asked him if he could have one too.
Carter: "Um, Mom..."
Me: "Yes?"
Carter: "Uh, Tanner....Tanner said that I make better peanut butter and jelly sandwiches than you." (totally trying to hide his smile)
Me: "Hmmm, is that so? Well look who has a new job! I guess you get to make the sandwiches for lunch now! ;)"

Fast-forward to last night. Everyone was getting ready for school the next morning. The kids were laying out their clothes, pulling out the backpacks from the weekend, filling up water bottles... Carter walks into the kitchen, opens up the pantry, pulls out the bread and PB, walks to the fridge, pulls out the jelly. Plunks it all down on the table.
Me: "Whacha doin' bud?"
Carter: "I'm making sandwiches for everyone - its my job!"
So granted, it took him four times longer than what it would have taken me and with half the mess, the peanut butter wouldn't have been double dipped with the jelly, and the bags wouldn't have been covered with sticky jelly - but they were perfect.

New firsts

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:24:00 +0000

{This is the look of "Please, Mom, put the camera down and help me!"}

We're big believers in our kids learning responsibility, ownership, and involvement in being apart of a family. We think it gives them more pride - knowing their dog is happy and healthy because all the poop is picked up in the yard, her water bowl is filled... you know, things like that ;)

example: Mom and Dad don't do everything

So, going along with this theme, Chris thought it was time Tanner learned how to wash the dog - - either that or he just didn't want to do it himself :)
He actually was a total trooper - Ellie on the other hand was less than amused (see above pic :) Chris had him strip down to his boxers and hop into the shower in our laundry room...fun times! :)

Let it Snow, Let it Snow - Let is SNOW!!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:32:00 +0000

*Snowflake Lane*

*Visiting Santa at Molbaks*

Yay for a White Christmas!

Love this white stuff - like totally love it! Snow has a way of covering up the ugly, making everything beautiful and new, quiet and peaceful. And nothing like a good dousing of snow to stop you in your tracks days before Christmas - keeping you bound to your house...to your family!

Yes, my planned big shopping day was 'spoiled' by the kids not having school - and me lacking the "driving the mini-van in a foot of snow" confidence. But it eventually got done...and so did a massive igloo in the neighbors yard - and a pretty sweet fort in ours. So did endless hours of sledding and playing in the snow; the realization that I have turned into my mom - awaiting at the door with open arms to fill with wet boots, gloves, hats and pants, to find the perfect vent for each one to dry them out while the kids re-fuel with hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles. By the end of the night, we all sack out in front of a Christmas movie - up way past bedtime...just to do it all over the next day.

*Fort making in the front yard*

*Ellie loving the snow!*

*Christmas Eve*
Christmas Eve was a long day - good, but long. I have a new respect for pastors (even more for the wives!) The older two were apart of the choir so were at each service: 3, 5 and 11. We were asked to be apart of the cardboard testimonies during the services too. Um, that was powerful! About 50 people, most we 'know' some we didn't. All though, had a testimony that was shocking/touching/sad/amazing, something we never would imagine - in the end blessed by God's glory! The first side of ours said: *Scheduled an abortion 10 years ago* Flipped over said: *Celebrating 10 years with our daughter* God is good! No question! (**Disclaimer - Haley doesn't know anything about abortion, and how we headed in that direction, she does though, know about how we thought we were going to give her up for adoption. Both Haley and Tanner weren't in the worship center when we did our cardboard testimony. We will talk to her about that part of her story when she is older - old enough to understand** Thanks! Click here if your totally confused scroll down to the side note :)

Carter was a wee bit bummed that he had to sit through three services - although when he realized he got to hold a candle, perked up...but the kid sure does surrender easy when he's tired! He passed out cold during the entire 3:00 service - unlit candle clutched into his little hand and all. He woke up when they raised the lights at the end of the service, you could see the anger on his face because his candle was still unlit... We all went over to Josh and Sadies for pizza, and the kids got to open a gift (pj's).
*Carter was apparently looking for more "gifts"!!*
-And yes, his pjs are over his pants
I was SOO close to letting Carter wear them when we went back for the 11 service. Good thing he didn't because they were short on kids in the choir - we asked Carter if he wanted to sing, he said yes - so he did! It was hysterical!! First of all, the kid was good! The only time he took his eyes off Mr.Tim was to glance over at us with this enormous smile! We couldn't focus on anything else - doesn't help that the pastor and worship leader were keeled over laughing too! It was awesome!! And I forgot my video camera at home!! Another parent recorded it for us and I'm just waiting for that now - I'll post it when we get it.

Christmas morning we awoke to more snow - and dumping!! The plan was to open stockings, then pack up the presents and head down to my moms (10 houses away) for breakfast and the rest of the morning festivities...Well, the van got stuck in the street when Chris tried turning it around to load up the presents. Josh and Michael came to pull him out...they got stuck...ok, ok, abandon the mini-van, lets just try to get Josh's car unstuck...So after about an hour, we were ready to load (into Chris burb - why we didn't try that in the first place, don't know ;) We made it over there - and enjoyed our day!
I couldn't think of a better way to spend Christmas! I found this Christmas a little more reflective this year than most. It could have been the snow, could have been that we are in our own home finally this year, could have been the Christmas Eve services that we and the kids were involved with... Not sure. But I do know that God sent His son to be born to a virgin, in a barn - so that we may have an everlasting life with Him. Our prayer this Christmas Season is that you receive the free gift that is found in Jesus Christ, so that you too may have an everlasting life with Him.
May you be blessed in the year ahead!
Love, The Avery's

*Gift Wrapping Central*

*Carter helping Chris prepare his amazing Christmas dinner*

*The star I made for my mom*

*Go figure. The fridge was full I'm sure...*

Merry Christmas!!!

Our Elle-bell

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:49:00 +0000

Wow! What a week and weekend!
Ok, so here's the update - I haven't had a ton of time to blog (clearly) and Chris said I HAVE to change my facebook status...so here's the low-down.
Ellie (our lab, that we've had for about 8ish years) was acting funny - not eating, tail tucked, couldn't find a comfy place to sleep. That was Wed. night, Thursday I left for work, sick about leaving her, but not having an option to stay. Chris came home during lunch to check on her and found her laying behind a tree in the backyard (that's what animals do when they are dying). He scooped her up and took her to the vet. They said she was severely dehydrated and had about 6 more hours to live at that point. They put her on a IV and did x-rays. They could see she swallowed a toy, but it didn't seem it was blocking anything so they kept her overnight to watch her - and to keep her on the IV. Thurs. night we had my cousins wedding rehearsal that I shot...the kids came home from school with a sitter, asking where Ellie was.
The next day (wedding day) after a phone call from the vet saying that she needed surgery, after more x-rays turned out there were more toys in her -and string tied around her intestine... Long story short, we decided to take the kids out of school to go say "goodbye" since we don't carry credit cards, and don't have the cash to plunk down for an expensive surgery - which was Heart-wrenching. When we got to the vet, the gal said, "It's Christmas, the Dr. would like to do this for free". Umm, its safe to say I was in full hysterics at this point! We gave Ellie our love - and to the Dr. and nurses :)
It was SO hard to see her not even lift her head! Later that day the Dr. called with the update. The surgery ended up taking 3 extra hours...she had a little plastic frog, a huge plastic spider, various other hard plastic pieces, and what ended up being the red stitching to a baseball...I thought we were over the child-proofing the house stage... guess not!

She is doing well, we got to bring her home Monday afternoon - we are SOO happy to have her home! She Loves the snow, so we let her out is small doses.

We have received such a wonderful blessing!

Thank You Dr. Sharp!!

**P.S. If you need a good vet - go to the one that is across the street from the Kingsgate Safeway! :)

Yes I did!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:14:00 +0000

Yep - that would be the blessed sound of Christmas music my friends!! Baby -you knew it was coming!
Oh, and YES that IS Michael W. Smith as well....In fact say *hypothetically* your husband gets you a bunch of tickets to this AMAZING concert - I would *hypothetically* be available to come (cough, cough - friend Marisa ;) Actually - I pointed out to Chris on the radio yesterday that Spirit is giving out tickets (totally beside the fact that he promised me last year, because of that whole debacle, he would take me to this years concert) and that they'd be smokin' better than the seats we would buy (I cant swallow paying $90 a rear to sit in the same seats we sit in every Sunday - BUT this IS Michael W. Smith after all!) So, I suppose if I want seats (where we can see ;) I better get my dialing finger ready to fight for those tickets!

Total side note:
THANK YOU for your support and prayer for Chris and I while we shared our Testimony yesterday (three times). I was actually shaking like a leaf before the first service, but suddenly felt an overwhelming peace. I Couldn't have done it without Chris by my side either. There were three very powerful testimonies shared, and we feel blessed to be apart of a church that will tackle the heavy issue of Abortion head on in such a loving, grace filled way! Please, if you have a chance, listen to this service at http://www.occ.org/, if you know ANYONE who has been affected or faced with abortion - please send this to them. God is good - and he works in such amazing ways!
Love you friends!!

Finally Updated

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:17:00 +0000

I took my website down to do a little construction until Spring-ish, but have been having last minute - 'where is your website - we need pictures for Christmas'.
So, there she is Angel Face Photography
Enjoy.

My Loves

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:19:00 +0000

...and their all mine!

Amy - you are amazing!!

One Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:10:00 +0000

I came across this video.
It hit me in the gut.
If you know Chris or I - you most likely know our story.

We have been asked to share our story with our church. I am beyond terrified of being in front of so many people (hands falling asleep, legs feeling like jelly, vision going black- that's when I think about it) But...I've always felt that if our testimony can change the life of ONE person - then it will be worth it.

Good Morning Sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Yesterday morning on my way to work, I rounded the corner to find a stunning view. The sun was making its way up into the blue autumn sky and the valley was covered in a soft blanket of morning fog. I was completely over-come by Gods amazing beauty. This morning - determined to somehow capture this beauty I grabbed my camera and left the house a few minutes early. I feel these don't do what I saw enough justice. But imagine - a cold crisp air on your breath, leaves on trees bursting in reds, oranges and yellows, and as far as you can see from the left to the right - quiet fog nestled between each tree.

Mmmmmm. I'm fairly certain God spent more time on our little corner of the world :)

I'll will admit... I was driving when I took some of these - like these two above - I was on Willows, I couldn't stop. Is taking pictures while driving the same as texting while driving??

Rock Star

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:11:00 +0000

Our daughters a Rock Star - serious Rock Star! She's been playing soccer on the Purple Tornadoes for a couple of years, and Chris coaches these amazing girls -- Its like they woke up and realized what soccer is all about this year! The fact that Haley is good at any sport is amazing - not that she cant do it - but because she's my daughter - and I wouldn't be what you call athletic...at all. BUT she IS. Our girls are 7-1 awesome! And, bonus for them - Coach Chris hasn't thrown his Starbucks at all this season (again - yeah, winner moment :)

Chris put Haley in as goalie a couple of games ago - at first I thought - well, we'll see how this goes... she's a girls girl - likes her nice clothes, playing with her babies, pretty hair, dirt's not her fancy - braces + ball = no good. You get where I'm going, right? I don't know what happened to her, but once she hit that goal box she transformed into this Rock Star - blocking EVERY ball (they were a good team too!) Attacking each ball if it even came close to her carefully guarded goal - throwing her body on the ball - not caring is a flying foot is inches from her face. So far she hasn't let one ball passed her - now the pressures on (for me) I am now totally nervous for her at each game. She loves it - she's proud of herself - she's a fearless girl, with a new sense of pride in herself!

Can't help but think this guys totally hot when he's coaching these girls! :)

Half time pep-talk

Check out that face!

ADD for me

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:29:00 +0000

Yes...ADD. Like that should come as a surprise to anyone who knows me! I have to give credit to my sister who was bold enough to say "do you think maybe you have ADD?" That's when it hit me - I must, I have to have ADD, it only makes sense. I've managed to live 27 years with ADD - textbook ADD to be precise - well at least that's what my therapist says. Therapist - yes I officially have a therapist! Like the kind where you sit on the enormous brown leather couch where your feet just dangle (or is it just me where my feet dangle?) and the man looks over his reading glasses at you, pen poised over his blank piece of paper clipped to his clip-board -- THAT kind of therapist. And believe me, I wasn't too thrilled to have to go to him - but I did my duty. First off my regular Dr. told me that I had to go to one to be officially tested - "just one time and then we can put you on something" Ok. Until sitting in the Therapist office, he informed me it was a three visit deal. WHAT!? "I was told this is a one-time deal!" ($$ flashing in my mind- weird something else was going on in my head?!) Yeah, he had to learn about my family - all I kept thinking was, what the heck does the age of my sisters children have ANYTHING to do with my ADD??! OR, the name of my elementary school - aah! it was killing me to sit there! ($$ just flashin' away!) He sent me on my way with three tests, one for me, Chris and my mom to fill out - or for them to butcher me - whichever way you look at it is fine ;) I actually didn't look at theirs - I probably would have cried.
So I passed with flying colors - phew! Yippee for meds - seriously! My Dr. started me on the newest ADD med - Vyvanse. Apparently its the best. So how was my first day on the meds, you ask. Wonderful - like seriously great! I was actually pretty nervous to start something - just because I've always been this way - so of course I think the way I am is "normal" (ha!) so I didn't know how or what would change. My friend asked me this morning how I felt (as soon as it hits your stomach it is in effect) - trying to put words to how I felt I said it felt like a creamy - calm -- hows that for a describing word?! Not drugged or sluggish, just aware, happy, energetic. I found that I had insane amounts of patients for my pre-k kids. Their whining didn't bother me - YAY! So there is one side effect... weight loss. Bummer.

Yay for ADD, meds & Therapist!

Big day in the Avery house!!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:05:00 +0000

Big Deal #1:
Carters 5th Birthday...Daddy played the "I need a personal day" card (ok he seriously needed it) and brought in some balloons to school

His class sang Happy Birthday to him...although it doesn't really look like it here...hmmm.

When asked what he wanted to do for his Birthday dinner
he said Chuck E Cheese...yeah, um that place is closed on
Wednesdays - pick another place (actually we didn't lie to

him, promise). Pizza Hut, ok, I guess that beats Old Folks
(I'm totally serious, that is what my kids call Old Country
Buffet!) After that we went to McDonalds - ok, confession
I felt like WHITE TRASH, here it was, 8pm on a school night

with all our kids having $1 sundaes watching my 5 year old open his present. What did we give our son on his big birthday you ask...a backpack - yup, a backpack (bonus that his bday is after school starts too - 50% off - oh, I sound so cheap right now) Ok, to my defence - he ASKED for a backpack -I kept asking him too - for weeks, it never changed. At least I have one practical child :) You should have seen his face light up - the boy was Giddy!!

Here he is passed out on the couch (not sure why, it was
probably 10 at that point :)

Big Deal #2:
Tanner learned how to mow the lawn - Yikes!!

All geared up in gloves, eye protection, and ear plugs, he officially mowed his first lawn. After that he taught Carter how to pick up the dog poop. Graduation day for all :)

We have some friends -

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:15:00 +0000

That ROCK!!
Bill & Tori invited us along with some other friends to join them at the Seahawks game yesterday! Yay! Bill works with the Seahawks and has field privileges (I don't know exactly what its called - but that sounds cool, right?) So, we were able to go down on the field while the players were warming up - so cool, no awesome!! I'll be the first to admit, I'm not a super-fan, actually - I loath the noise that comes from a football game (and add a head cold, not good). BUT nothing can beat the energy coming off that field... the sun was out, the tight end(s) were - a - tight ;) And I joined in with the noise. I think my husband is now my super-fan :) The seats were awesome, right under the 12th man flag. Our boys were a tad jealous - we dropped the kiddos at church and ran...look, we prayed on the way there that we'd make it in time! :)

Chris walking out of the tunnel onto the field

Bill, Kirk and Chris

Erica & Michael

I'll be totally honest with you - I don't know who this is!

These 4 planes flew over right at the start of the game.
I took almost 300 pictures. The entire time (on the field) this was Chris: "Hun! You getting this!!!?" Yes babe all of it.
Thank you Bill and Tori SO much! We love you!!

Big Birthday Bash!!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:22:00 +0000

Carter & Greyson (and Grammie) share the same birthday. Carter celebrated his 5th and Greyson his 1st - two VERY important milestones in ones life (ok, so they all are) so we had to have a Carnival party!
The weather was amazing (you never know what your going to get here in the NW :) And its a good thing because we had somewhere around 30 kids. We had popcorn, candy - LOTS of Candy, face painting, hot dogs, a magician, pie in the face - the works.

I love how Tanner looks mad - this was totally HIS idea!!

I love this picture for so many reasons - all the kids were lined up at the candy table - Liam - on his tipie toes, in the center with his little fist gripping his goodies - behind his back - like, 'I dont have anything...' Love it :)

The after Party...

My baby with his baby-blues

Click HERE for more party pics - there are a lot more!!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:16:00 +0000

We did it! We completed our first day of 2nd and 4th Grade! Haley has Mrs.Graham - in the portable next to the portable I had in 4th grade - same school, its crazy! She is SO excited to have her - she even told me she had a dream about getting her! Tanner has Mr.Judge. He'll do well, I'm sure (our little Questie). Haley cut her hair, she looks way too old now!

Can we say ORTHO?? Start writing more checks!!

Last Day of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:02:00 +0000

We had some friends over yesterday for a little Labor Day shin-dig, and later we put the kids in their pj's and did some good ol' fashion smore's. And a round of "what was your best part of the summer"
Haleys: Going to Ga!
Tanners: Going to Ga!
Carters: Learning to swim! - whispers to me - can I have more than one??

I think Haley was having a bit of pre- 4th grade jitters and asked for a banana before the smore's (weird kid)

2nd & 4th Grade HERE WE COME!!

Zoo - BABY!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:01:00 +0000

So what's living in the wonderful Northwest without going to the zoo - in the POURING RAIN........ in August?! You betcha - we were there yesterday! Chris' company had their picnic there - all was good until we walked up to the food tent... We even had the kids wear tennies and sweatshirts - we on the other hand had flip flops and t-shirts on and decided to leave our sweatshirts in the car.

Chris looking over the water as we park: "Does that look like a wall of rain or is it haze?"
Carlee: "Ah, its too solid to be water, I'm sure its haze."

Um - its safe to say it was a big honkin' wall of rain.

We didn't let it get to us. We enjoyed the picnic, face painting and bouncy house then went on our merry way pumped full of Mountain Dew (it was so thrown away once discovered someone cracked into it - our kids are good enough W/O a mega caffeine overload) Dove Bars & Ice Cream sandwiches, Animal Crackers and Licorice Ropes. And went to discover the different animals the zoo had to offer.
Leave it to my Carter to spice things up a bit - seriously should have known this would come...
We came up to the Hippos - lounging in the water in the rain - their big massive bodies soaking up...the rain. We stood and studied these Hippos for a few minutes (they are sort of entrancing because even though we were standing in the rain, and they were doing pretty much nothing - we kept standing there just staring!) As Carter was walking away with Chris he said: "Mom, I wish you were a Hippo"
Oh Sweet child!! He said WERE - as in you aren't right now - Bless you little boy - you totally made my day by not calling me a Hippo! That is the biggest complement I could ever receive!
**Babe - take notes, if I ask you how I look - just say you don't look like a Hippo!**
Of course the monkeys couldn't be passed up - he wished to become a monkey too - why not, I'd like to swing from trees too :)

We ended the trip by dragging our soggy bodies to the car and heading home to hot chocolate and tea and warm pj's...Mmmm (little one asked if we could start the fireplace - it was that bad :) Each child remarked that next time we should take our own advise...wear appropriate NW gear :) Will do.

Your Amazing

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:46:00 +0000

I'm pretty sure you know who you are.

This was too spot on to hide in the comment section.
Read it. Read it again - then think about it and KEEP thinking about it.

For you...let it go...anger and hatred are toxic...
Do you see your features in theirs?
How can you not?
Do you care?
How can you not?
Do you miss your role?
How can you not?
Do we remind you of her?
How could we not?
Do you feel left out?
How can you not?
Do you think you don't have a choice?
How can you not?
Do you think we don't care?
How can we not?
Do you think it's been too long?
How could it be?
Do you think there is love lost?
How could you?
You instilled love...compassion...integrity...We remember...We still do...How could we not?
You have a choice...

Verizon you make me CrAzY!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlee Avery) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:48:00 +0000

No biggie that the last cul de sac I was at (one block down) got to have these kind, kid cautious(they'd bulldoze their "monster truck" *according to Carter* up and down our street - fast), lawn caring (they parked their massive machine IN the yard), mail abiding (our mail people are finicky - if you dig a massive hole in front of and under the mailboxes - our mail guy wont deliver the mail...for days), summer time morning noise - men - for TWO weeks jack-hammering at 6:30AM (summer time folks)
BUT I now get them here too!! This is the sight I came home to today - notice I'm parked on the street...

Bummer it was rainin' on ya boys today. Yesterday I went out to ask if they maybe did something because my internet had stopped working. I walked up to the guy who was packing up for the day - smoking. As he was hopping out of his truck walking over to the many holes in the street "oh wait, when we were digging we smelled gas - I should put out my cigarette"

Yeah, thanks I'd appreciate that.
These ones are nice - but they really suck right now.
Can I not salvage the last few days of summer I have left?