Avery Posse

new {normal}

2011-09-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Zambia, Africa
September 4th 2011

We're HOME!!!
After 7 weeks in Africa..we're home and with our new DAUGHTER!!

At times, it seemed like we would never be able to leave.. Painstakingly at the mercy of a very slow country.. Extreme emotional highs colliding with extreme lows.. But I would do it again in a heartbeat.. Every bit of it - I would go through it all..

It's been 1 week since we arrived in Seattle, and it still seems surreal..
I longed for the day that when I looked into my rearview mirror, I'd see my little girl sitting in her carseat.. It's a good thing I was still parked in my driveway as I sat there bawling with my baby in the back seat for the first time!
Happy tears..
She now looks at me, with a question in her voice "happy tears?"
Yes baby, these are happy tears.

So many tell us - she is so lucky. I actually think we are the lucky ones! Blessed beyond belief! I can hardly describe the absolute pure joy it has been for us to witness this amazing transformation of our daughter as she learns how to be a child! How to giggle and dance. How to be a sister and a daughter. How to hug and be held. How to hold her head high and speak clearly. How to be silly and cry when she is hurt.. And we're just two months into this forever relationship!
How we are SO blessed!

We have marveled at the amazing beauty that God doesn't make mistakes.. He created her especially for us. She is a true Avery - in every way!

Zefina means God has hidden.
We believe wholeheartedly that He had her safely hidden, waiting for that day when she joined our family forever and became an Avery. What a sweet day indeed!

We could not be more thrilled with how amazing Zefina is transitioning into our family and into her new home. But I have found re-entry a bit overwhelming. My mind feels exhausted. A reel seems to be constantly running through my head - the sights, sounds, smells.. the feeling of people as they press around you. The daily plead of total strangers that we please adopt their children too.. their nieces and nephews of their deceased siblings.. Or that we take them - so we can have a nanny.. Our own lawyer, as he sat in our cottage with his beautiful little 3 year old - asked us to adopt her as well..
Trying to process 7 weeks of this and so many more emotions.. and trying to process it through with our kids.. its a lot. And sometimes I just want to turn off the reel, turn off the processing for just a few minutes.. To relish in this moment we are in with our new family, right now. To bathe in this new little life God has given us.
We know that everyone is SO excited for us and is anxious to meet our precious little Z, we can't wait for you to get to know her and her fun little personality. We want to express our deep gratitude for every single prayer, all your love and amazing support - we still do covet your prayers and support! Your support got us to Zambia, and helped us through during our time there. We are forever grateful!
And now that we have entered into the beginning our new "normal" we've realized we need to hunker down and slowly (as much as that's possible with 4 kids!) ease into this different pace of life. Please know that if you don't hear from us or see us, its not you - its us :) We just need some time is all. We do love you all!

Before I close this post, I want to bring your attention to Wait No More a Wa. State Adoption Conference held at Overlake Christian Church on September 24th from 1-5.
In Wa. there are over 1,000 kids sitting in foster care right now, waiting to be adopted..
Focus on the Family is sponsoring this event to advocate for these legally free kids in the Foster Care system, waiting to be adopted. Come learn and meet with agencies who will be there to support you in information etc....
Will you go? Will you learn about the awesome ways adoption can grow and complete your family?! You don't even have to go all the way to Africa! :) just Redmond!
We thought we had an idea of how blessed we would be when we adopted Zefina..but WOW! We have completely been blown away!!
Please, sign up here and go, and let a child change YOUR life.. Adoption Rocks! :) {trust us!!}

So close..!

2011-08-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Today was an incredible day..! We have Zefina's birth certificate (that we got yesterday), Her passport (that we weren't suppose to get until this evening), Had her consult with the Visa Dr. AND the actual Dr. appointment (we we're going to have to wait until tomorrow afternoon to see the Dr!) And we were able to move up our Visa interview to tomorrow morning at 9:45! (had apt for thurs @ 2) Woooo Hoooo!!!
This is CRAZY huge!! This means there is a huge possibility that we will be getting on a flight to come home on Monday morning!! Monday! That's in less than a week!!

I have to say this all now feels very bitter-sweet..all of a sudden I have an urgency to visit the places we've been wanting to see - villages, people, homes..It makes me crazy excited to begin our new normal at home, but SO so sad to leave our new friend Sophie and her new baby girl Natasha - that is also from Z's home. I am without a doubt certain that God has kept us here so we can be apart of each others lives. And this, I am more than ok with! :) Sophie is a single, young missionary from Michigan who is in the process of adopting little 2 year old Natasha from the Bryant home.. What an incredibly beautiful display of Gods love she is! We we're originally suppose to leave for home last Thursday - God had different plans! Instead, that afternoon we got the wonderful honor to be her 'family' and be with her as she welcomed Natasha home for the first time. What a beautiful blessing this new relationship has been to all of us! It puts a lump in my throat thinking about leaving Natasha and Auntie Sophie {as the kids call her!} we rely and depend on each other for support and encouragement - but it brings SUCH joy knowing that Zefina and Natasha will be raised knowing, seeing and being a part of each others lives forever. I pray there will be more kids to join this 'family', but for now take comfort in having Sophie and Natasha as apart of ours..

It's OFFICIAL!!

2011-08-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

We are PROUD to announce the newest member of the Avery family!
Zefina Yuyu Avery!!

Gotcha Day August 26th, 2011

God is SO good - our adoption decree has been SIGNED!! Never has the pounding of a stamp sounded so sweet!

We are the PROUD new parents of 4 kids!!

The race is now on..! We just received word that Zefina's birth certificate would be available today!! (we were told Monday at the earliest) So Chris just left to go downtown to get the birth cert then will race over to the passport office to submit her application before they close at 5pm. We were told 2-5 days with the passport - who are we kidding - we're praying for 1 day :) We have an apt. with the US Embassy on Thursday at 2 (providing we have the birth cert and her passport). She (embassy lady) has warned us that adoption investigations can sometimes take more than a day, and they are open 1/2 days on fridays.. {you still following??} We have tickets on hold for us for the next Monday morning (Sept. 5th) Lord willing the 6 of us will be on that flight ALL together!
We were suppose to be heading home today..God's plan is much bigger than ours - this is so clear!

Helicopter ride over Victoria Falls

2011-08-23T01:28:00.000-07:00

::Hippos::

::Elephants::

Progress from Zambia

2011-08-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

First Family Photo!!

Our 2 African Princesses!!

We need prayer for these things -
1. The effective date granted (soon)
2. Court papers filed
3. Case to be heard quickly
(realistically the first 2 can be done by the end of the week, 3rd can be done by early next week)
4. Adoption decree granted (done at court hearing)
5. Birth Cert. (should take 1-2 days after adoption decree)
6. Passport rushed (2-3 days)
7. Visa (1 day)
8. 6 Avery's board a plane on the 24th of Aug..!! :)
Our return flights are currently scheduled for Aug 24th to come home to Seattle, we can change them if things aren't finished here but its pricey (it was much cheaper still to book round trip than one-way's)

You may be wondering why things seem to be in "limbo" so much - like why we waited 13 days for a police report (before anything else could proceed) - we knew this was the way it was going to be, this is a part of the process. Zambia doesn't allow a single paper to be written for an adoption until you set foot in Zambia (which means all the waiting we did in the US was ON the US). We knew the process was going to take a long time - and we knew we'd be doing it all on our own without the help of an agency. BUT we also know God has completely gone before us and has paved the way for us - it has been so very clear to us over and over! We know he's not going to leave us now and won't abandon us here in Africa - penniless and without our daughter! We've chosen to embrace this time here as a family - to get to know our new daughter, to love on her and her country. To learn about ourselves - and to open our hearts to the life lessons and knowledge that we will take away from this incredible journey. (And the small fact that we can't control the speed in which things are done in :)

We really REALLY do covet each of your prayers!
So far 'home life' is going really well and Zefina seems to be settling in and relaxing as a new Avery - she's silly and dances and plays around - clearly is getting more and more comfortable with us and is trusting us more and more each day. She's eating great, kicks Haley in her sleep sometimes - but other than that is sleeping fairly well, not crying out or having nightmares.
We TRULY believe all the prayers are being answered and know that God has not left us - but has continued to go before us and prepare the way for us. We feel so very blessed to have so much support!!

Today was Zefina's 4th Birthday - so we celebrated with a trip to the Zoo (which is more like a zoo/animal rehabilitation place). It was a LITTLE bit different from the zoo's we grew up going to!! I personally think there should be more between you and a lion than just a chain-link fence...but that's just my opinion!

Filters... (from Chris)

2011-08-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we got out of our comfort zone as a family…..WAY OUT of our comfort zone. Carlee and I decided to take the kids to city of Lusaka (we’re staying about 15minutes outside of the city) to see the outdoor markets. Individually we have both experienced the outdoor markets of Thailand. We learned the African market is similar but even tighter in terms of space to walk and breathe and the Zambians crowd around you while you look at different stalls.

When I experienced the Thai markets, I was responsible for myself. Yesterday I was responsible for my wife and kids and their safety…. this was weighty. My filters were on overdrive, trying to process everything I was seeing, feeling, thinking, smelling –all the while processing safety concerns, watching people crowd around Carlee and the kids. I did constant headcounts, prayed over their safety and more importantly their experience and thought process. Oh and my hand was in my pocket on my knife, ready to go….. don’t think I’ve ever felt so vulnerable and not in control as I did yesterday. The first place we walked through had stalls on both sides of the walkway – the walkway was maybe 2 feet wide with people going in both directions. People looking at the stalls, people carrying car parts, steel bars 20ft long, people staring at my wife and whistling and the roofs of the stalls made it dark so we couldn’t see the sky. Our driver guided us through the stalls and into a larger opening where it felt like I took my first breath and did another headcount…yep all 6 were here. We kept going and stopped at a few stalls.

We left and drove to another part of the market where we got out and visited open -air markets, more space but more eyes on our family. We bought a few things and the kids each bought sun glasses and negotiated a price with the seller. The smells at this market were the strongest –dried fish, urine, garbage…. Tires were being sold and loaded into a truck which created quite the crowd, tires are hugely expensive in Zambia and thieves will grab tires and drive off if possible so the tire vendor had hired police to escort the loading and delivery…. a few hundred people gathered around to wait and see if any thieves would try to steal some tires.

The third market we went to was a few minutes down the road and before we could get out of the car, we had a swarm of “runners” men who would offer to go get you anything you wanted from any of the stalls or “help” you negotiate, who would then take a cut of the sale from the vendor. This was a trip. We were looking for baby bags – the wraps that women use around their back, side or front to carry their babies and toddlers. We were taken to a stall that had the fabric for the bags and I felt the crowd press in a bit on us. In an instant I realized that I needed to get Carlee and the kids in a specific space to kind of form a wall around them as Carlee was picking out the bags….that’s when without thinking, I placed my hand on a man and pulled him out of our “zone”, he looked at me and I think the look on my face helped him realize that I needed him to move, nicely. He was one of the “runners” and he was ok with it, thankfully. Carlee picked out the fabric for the bags and we headed back to the car. As we were leaving we both heard multiple conversations about our family. The one that stuck out was a conversation about Madonna…I kept hearing Madonna…. a few different emotions and thoughts when through my head. I immediately was thinking the men were being negative about our family and adoption but was quickly proven wrong as the conversation of Madonna then went to Adoption..adoption…adoption and then I head Good, Good, Good…that’s when one of the men approached me and asked where in Zambia are we from, I told him from the States. He then asked us if we Adopted Zefina, I said yes, we are in the process and he replied with “this is very very good, very good”. He shook my hand and said “Gob bless you, this is good, this is Gods heart”. Out of chaos and what I assumed was judgement (which was really my judgement) came affirmation of the journey God has our family on.

Funny part is this is exactly what we wanted our kids to experience and I believe it’s exactly what God wanted me to experience from a father’s perspective.

I watched each of the kids respond differently yesterday to their experience and feelings. Zefina was wide-eyed and had a tight grip around her momma’s neck and she resumed that position for the 2 hours in the market which was great attachment time. Carter was holding my hand (the one not holding onto my knife) and he never let go while we were in the markets and I had to tell him a few times that he had to let go of my hand to get back in the car. Tanner kept doing check ins and when he would get uncomfortable or didn’t feel safe I would feel him lean into me to feel safety. And Haley took strides in independence when it was convenient for her but she checked in as well and would grab onto my arm or Carlee’s arm when she felt vulnerable.

Carlee and I had a great conversation with the kids during dinner last night about our experience. The kids had tons of questions and did a great job expressing what they experienced. Carlee and I were able to have a great conversation as well. I think it’s safe to say our “filters” were adjusted yesterday. This is good.

Z's home {away} from {home}

2011-07-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

{life} as we know it

2011-07-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Disclosure: I'm fairly certain ALL of these were taken by a child.

Not a single {cloud} ..imagine that

2011-07-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Today when we were walking around the grounds of where our cottage is, Haley said its like being in Palm Springs {cause she’s been there before?}. We met a 12inch long lizard Chris has named Burt. He watches over our laundry as it dries outside. All the other little lizards we see are Burt’s little sisters and brothers. Every Zambian we meet {we’re in Zambia, so that’s everyone} thinks were crazy for being in shorts and tank tops – they’re in scarf’s and pants! What they don’t understand is that we live in the Northwest and DO NOT see the sun and that this insanely pleasant *80 is divine! Oh – and for those of you that know my angst with the no sunshine/light at my home in Kirkland – you will be very happy to know that God has blessed me with Cottage #3 – where the sun rises from a cloudless blue sky STRAIGHT into my huge slider window!! Bliss I tell you!! Aaah yes, and there is a lemon and lime tree growing right out in the yard too.

Bliss.

We brought sidewalk calk today to Zefina’s home. The kids loved it!! It was so fun to be able to watch them play and enjoy it! We asked the house moms what some of the needs are within the house. A dryer is a big need – I feel like I have a hard enough time keeping up with the laundry for just the 5 of us – I cant imagine for 25+!! They also need a microwave, new pots (they don’t work very well when they have holes in the bottom and no handles) and new toys – that has been very evident. We hope to go to the store tomorrow to meet some of these needs. One of the house moms brother is a taxi driver, he took us home tonight and we hope to use him the entire time were here.

Tonight was ROUGH leaving my girl. She was clearly sad that we were going. It broke my heart!! I couldn’t bear to let her see I was sad and had to leave the gate before the tears freely flowed down my face.

This part isn’t fun.

someone {pinch} me!

2011-07-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

I must say – I do believe I’m still in shock that I’m in Africa. With my family. And I have met my daughter.

We walked to the market today – As I watched my family walk single filed on the side of the busy road in the red dusty dirt, dodging broken beer bottles – I realized those stinkin’ Keens were worth every cent! :) Crossing the two 2-way roads to the market are like playing the ultimate game of frogger x5! We were invited to church while we ate lunch at the market. Looking forward to that. The kids were invited to VBS.

We visited Z again today. Thus far we were told that she wouldn’t know about us or who we were (why we were there), and that we would take a few days to get to know her – but that they would not be telling her that we were her new parents. When we arrived today the kids ran around to the front, Chris and I chatted with Mishak the security guard/hair cutter/uncle – as we made our way through the back Z came and found us and a house mom instructed her to say hi to her mom…I think my heart stopped. I cannot believe this!!

a {new} beginning

2011-07-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

We met her!
Our baby!
She’s shy, but happy. When we arrived at her home the kids were outside playing. I kept scanning the yard for her and couldn’t find her. There are 17 children (in a yard the same size as our back yard, cut in half – half for the front and half for the back of their yard). Panic, shame and fear was starting to set in that I couldn’t even recognize my own daughter..until I heard one of the house moms announce at the doorway that here was Zefina. Someone was blocking my view and my legs went to jelly. Anxiety ripped through my body – this was it. THE moment I have been waiting SO very long for..my heart skipped a beat as I layed eyes on her (careful not to hip-check anyone in my way). I went to her, squatted down, called her by her name and said hi. It took everything in me to not scoop her up squeeze her in my arms, tell her that her momma has been wanting to hug her for so long and to run out of there with her.
I have played in my mind thousands of times what our first meeting would be like. Possibly I had already imagined it would have been that way, but nothing could have prepared me for such a meeting. I met my other three children in a quiet, dark lit room with just a few people present. I was alone with Chris and my babies, free to tell them “your momma loves you so much, I am so excited you’re here”. Quite different today as 24 pairs of eyes watched me meet my daughter for the first time, in a front yard in Africa. And I wouldn’t change that for any hospital room!
I asked her if she wanted to go play with me inside. She shook her head yes, took my hand and walked me inside.

Be still my heart. My daughters hand was in mine. I have LONGED for this moment. We played with dolls and big legos inside then went outside and played. She’s shy and puts her head down a lot. Sitting in my lap on a chair outside, I asked her what made her laugh and smiled. I tickled her neck and got a shy smile, tickled her knee and got a laugh. I got my daughter to laugh! She went and joined Haley on the teeter-totter, she was going up and down and suddenly whipped her head towards me – looking for me, smiling and laughing – like ‘look mom!!’ my heart melted! I all of a sudden had tunnel vision and could only see my oldest daughter holding tight to her baby sister as they played. I felt like I was doing good. No tears. Holding strong. Then Chris squatted down and pulled her into his embrace..she put her arm around his neck and started gently patting his back. done. She was in the safety of her daddy. I was done.

Leaving today was hard. Not only because I was leaving my daughter, but because I was leaving all of these beautiful babies that so badly want a mommy and a daddy - I knew I would be back for her. She is mine, and I find comfort in that. But most of these others don’t have a mother that is returning for them. My heart breaks for these precious ones..

{journey} to our daughter

2011-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Good Morning from Africa!!
We are currently flying right over Lusaka and the sun is rising. Incredible. Absolutely incredible! I am already in awe of this beautiful country and my feet haven’t even touched the ground. What a gift to wake up to, on the morning I meet my daughter for the first time! Worship music in my ears, soaking in the sun on my face from this stunning cloudless African sky.

Today will be a great day.

A GREAT day!

I am renewed with fresh sleep and sheer excitement! We are tired and exhausted from three days of travel but are SO excited! We left Seattle on Wednesday evening and arrived in London yesterday (Thursday). Our journey got off to a rough start with my body getting hit with a terrible body flu right when we arrived at the airport in Seattle. We thought it was a panic attack because of how I couldn’t take deep breaths. My chest muscles hurt so incredibly bad. I’m still not able to yawn, cough, sneeze, clear my throat – burping even hurts. We finally got some medicine the last hour of the 10hr flight to London because the pain was so unbearable. We found some theraflu type stuff in London, its taking the edge off so I’m now able to sleep and be comfortable. Praying no one else gets this and it passes quickly. We had a 9 hour layover in London so we took the train into the city, got some food and quickly encountered a monsoon! The kind where a couple of inches of rain is rushing down the road! Haley got sprayed by a passing car! Tanner: “I thought that only happened in the movies!”. Apparently the movies that are filmed in London! :) We made it back to the airport to stretch out and relax before our next 11 hour flight.

We’re all now starting to wake up on the flight – good nights sleep! Thankful for airplane sleep..can’t wait to stretch our legs in a bed tonight!

Newest member of the Avery 6

2011-07-27T00:38:00.000-07:00

Adoption Art Auction!!

2011-07-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Head over to our Facebook pages to bid on a piece of Carlee's art!

Painting has been Carlee's therapy throughout our adoption journey. Purchase a piece of art and be a part of bringing our daughter home!
**Bidding BEGINS NOW and CLOSES at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. Please place your bid in the comment section. Highest bidder at midnight on each piece wins!!**
THANK YOU!!

{We leave TOMORROW to go pick up our daughter!!!}

Payments can be made using Paypal through our blog {top of this page} by the end of the day 7/20/11

"Cherry Blossom" 36"x 24"

20"x 20"

"Edward the Elephant" 20"x 20"

18"x 14"

"Zed the Zebra" 20"x 16"

{4th} of July

2011-07-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

{heavy heart}

2011-06-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

We just received news yesterday that one of Haley's classmates took his life. 12 years old. We were on our way out last night when we got the news, to celebrate our 12th anniversary. Yeah - how do you celebrate.. Haley doesn't know yet, she's been at her Auntie and Uncles house..I don't know how to tell her..I don't know how to physically get the words out of my mouth..I hate that these kids have to even grieve such a loss. 12 years old! They all just graduated 6th grade 3 days ago..!
I heard that the school counselor was at a house where several kids had congregated..she was there immediately..technically her job is done for the summer and with these graduated 6th graders..but she's here for the kids.
I'm at a loss. We're all at a loss. It has never crossed my mind that we would ever have to walk a child through this type of grief..my heart is so heavy for this mom..crushed..how does a parent bury their child..?
Please pray for Haley's heart as we tell her, and that we have the right words to say. That we are able help her and her friends find comfort..

My Father's, Father's day {gift}

2011-06-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to ME!

I couldn't have received a more appropriate Father's Day gift today. Today Carlee and I received our immigration approval, which was the last approval needed from USCIS, before we could book our flights to go get our little girl, Zefina!!!

We're official!

It's taken longer than expected but it's all been in His timing. I think His timing of Father's Day weekend is perfect by the way and on purpose.

Stay tuned, we'll post again this week as we get more details about travel:)

We're coming for you Zefina!

- Chris

when life gives you lemons...make {lemoncello}!

2011-06-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

I am always on the lookout for the perfect Lemoncello Martini
:: so far the Arizona Grand Resort takes the cake ::
Since its a bit hard to make the quick jaunt whenever I'm in the mood for the refreshing lemony drink I have decided to perfect the perfect Lemoncello Martini!

But first I have to perfect the {lemoncello}...

Start with {9-10 lemons}

Grate the rind from the lemons using a {fine grater} ~ be careful not to get the {bitter white pith}

Add the rind to a {mason jar}

Find the highest proof {grain alcohol} your state sells

Wa. State is 151 proof. The higher proof of alcohol the better the lemons are able to release their fragrant oils

Combine the grain alcohol & lemon rinds. Seal it up and give it a good shake
~ I know, it looks yummy already -- but wait!!
{good things come to those who wait!}

Put the mason jar in a cool dark place ~ somewhere you'll remember to try to shake it up
every day for {21 days}
:: I know super long - but it WILL be worth it, I promise ::
Shaking it daily allows the oils to release from the lemon rinds. I kept mine in our coffee cabinet - since I use that daily :)
:: I don't normally have Malaria meds in there (or Typhoid in the fridge)
just waiting to go to Africa! ::

Finally - {21 days is over}! Isn't it beautiful!


For this part you'll need:: {coffee filters} {colander} {large bowl} {simple syrup} :: simple syrup ~ 2 cups boiling water. 2 cups sugar. dissolve. cool. keep up to 2 weeks sealed in the fridge ::

Line your colander with a coffee filter, slowly pour the mixture

Doesn't it look like sunshine! It smells {incredible} too!

Drained rinds ~ you could candy them if you'd like {I haven't yet}

Add {2 cups of your chilled simple syrup}. Taste it, if you'd like it sweeter add more. Adding the simple syrup will change the color from crystal clear to a creamy bright yellow!
:: sorry about the phone pic! ::

Now you have homemade Lemoncello!
Put it into a {glass container with a sealed top} & keep it chilled in the {freezer}!

Remember this is still a STRONG liquor! So be careful not to sit too close to your patio heater if you choose to sip this traditional after dinner drink on a warm summer night! :) You just might catch on fire! Better yet ~ make a martini out of it!

My personal favorite is a Lemoncello Martini ::

Rim your martini glass with a {wedge of lime}, then dip your glass in {fine sugar}
:: regular sugar blended in the blender, just be careful you don't over blend into powdered sugar :) ::


In a {shaker} mix {ice} {2 shots lemonade} {1 shot limoncello} {1 shot citron vodka} {1tsp simple syrup} {squeeze of lemon or lime}

{YUMMY}!

This is another {yummy} Lemoncello Martini
:: sorry again for the phone pic...and my daughters lovely ketchup face on her burger! :) ::
In a {shaker} mix
{ice}
{1 shot limoncello}
{1 shot lemonade}

{1 shot raspberry lemonade}
{1/2 shot citron vodka}
{1tsp simple syrup}

Rim your glass with a {lime} & {fine sugar}
{pour}

I still have some tweaking to do...but taste testing these lemoncello concoctions isn't terrible! :)

{enjoy!}

where i {fit}

2011-06-09T03:17:00.000-07:00

Never did I ever imagine I would be where I am right now.

But never would I ever change this place.

It's where I am.

Where I'm suppose to be.

It's where I belong.

This is where I fit.

Just below his chin, nestled completely perfect in his chest.

Where my fingers rest on top of his hand, resting between his knuckles when were driving in his truck.

When I'm standing one stair above him, his hands are on my waist and we're eye to eye.. him leaving for work, me groggy and in my robe.

The way my legs sneak under and over his ~ no matter how I'm sleeping.

The way he looks at me.

The way his arm is in front of mine when he holds my hand. Leading me. Protecting me.

The way my hand tucks into his at night when he sleeps with his hand above his head and my arm is under my head.

The way we move around our kitchen..and when he spontaneously grabs me and dances me around in it.

The way he loves me with everything he does.

The way his entire hand fits around mine when they are cold.

The way I can feel and hear his heart beating when he pulls me in close and wraps his arms tight around me.

This is where I fit.

Perfectly. Fit.

{hitched}!!

2011-06-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

My baby brother is now a husband!

What a FUN and beautiful wedding Michael &vKrista!

Congratulations!!

{coronado, ca}

{may 14, 2011}

Absolutely LOVE the way he is looking at his beautiful bride!


My grandparents were beaming the entire weekend! I'm SO happy they were able to make the trip down from Seattle! Aren't they adorable!!

Siblings!
Sadie, Michael & I


SISTERS!! Me, Krista & Sadie

Sadie and I
{considering we didn't know what the other was wearing, I'd say we went together pretty well!}

Welcome to the family Krista ~ We love you very much!!
Congratulations you two!!

{giant} chalkboard

2011-04-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

So I saw and fell in love with a friends giant chalkboard that she found at a flea market...

I haven't had such luck finding one of my own - but while brainstorming fun projects with my sister - it hit me - I can make this wonderful chalkboard!

I started with the trim pieces - I was a bit over-zellous and didn't measure beforehand the wall it was going to go on -- so I had to trim it down a bit. (**note to self: measure before you start**)

Final measurements are 33.5in x 43in


I sanded down the boards so it would look worn and kind of old, I used a power sander - much quicker.

Added paint (that I found in my sisters garage, love shopping at her house :) and sanded it again
(*I cut the corners at an angle as well)


Sprayed a piece of thin-ish plywood with chalkboard spray paint (under $4 a can) I used almost 2 cans - I wanted a true chalkboard feeling.

Coming together nicely! Originally I tried gluing the trim to the board, but they kept popping apart, so we screwed the chalkboard to the trim from the back - totally the best way to go, its super sturdy now.

I do love that it doesnt look brand new - and the wood is super soft.


I put a wire hanger on the back - and there she is!

I LOVE it, and as you can see my kids love it too - although I think most of the artwork is Carters.

(all the pictures were taken with my phone - sorry! :)

Z's {first}

2011-03-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a new first.
We made our very first purchase for our new little girl!
We have been waiting patiently
(albeit painfully patient at times).

This Momma's heart has been aching for this moment.

We're adopting a little girl that is between birth and 5 years old.
As a mother your hearts desire is to provide and prepare your home for your children.
SOOO difficult when you simply can't.

Since I can't prepare my home, God has been using this time to prepare my heart.
I've decided to look at it as a gift. To me and my daughter.

So sweet Zefina ~ Here is our long awaited gift from us to you.

We love you Zefina!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

{anything} is possible

2011-03-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

I overheard a short conversation between my boys last night -

It went like this:

Carter: "Did you know not EVERYthing is possible?"
Tanner: "Yes - Anything can be possible, God can make it possible."
Carter: "I'm gonna start praying that Ellie will talk."

End of conversation.

(these were taken last night :)

painting {therapy}

2011-03-08T01:04:00.000-08:00

{Today marks a new day}

We are officially {done} with our adoption paper work.
We are now just waiting to clear immigration and then will be free to travel - we're hoping May!

{woooooo hoooooo!!!}

Man this has been a trip! I know its not over - in fact really its just beginning...but it still feels so good to be finished with the mounds of papers to be filled out, documents to be found, doctors to visit, friends & family, banks & doctors to notarize forms, shots, passports, hours of classes, fingerprinting....done.

Aaaaah :)

So, this evening I found myself in a quiet house. Boys were in bed, hubby's working, I had just sent Haley off to bed after enjoying a late night cup of tea with her.
...I was feeling like my brain was a bit fried.
With our adoption (and I would assume with most) everything must be exactly 'so'.
No: if's, and's or but's.
My time has been spent pouring over pages of directions and instructions on how to fill out a single form. No room for error. No room for mistakes.

Ugh.
All day my mind keeps going over everything I can think of -- certainly I've forgotten something...? Can we really be this close to done?!

So I picked up a paintbrush, turned on some music and refilled my tea...
I am NOT a painter. At all. But what's interesting is I had all my supplies - canvas, brushes and paint - all tucked away in the corner of my office...I must have subconsciously known this day would come and I would need an evening of painting therapy...

While letting my creativity and mind go, I couldn't help but think about my daughters and when this is finished, hanging it in their bedroom...

{update}!!!!!!

2011-02-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

What an amazing night. {really I could just stop right there!!}

I don't think either one of us actually anticipated the type of support that we have been bathed in! In short, its been overwhelming...

{I} truthfully never imagined that our family would be able to gather so many people that would clear their schedules, to come out and support our family. It was like a wedding. Only better! And 11 years later -- and when life is So so much sweeter. :)

January 29th we had a wine tasting fundraiser to help bring our daughter, Zefina home from Zambia, Africa. It was held at Apex in Woodinville, they were wonderfully generous in donating all proceeds from the wine sales that night. Apex is also where the story of our daughters name began...that will be another post, or a part of our Lifetime movie special as someone suggested - haha! :)

Our fundraising goal that night was to raise $10,000 towards the minimum of $25,000 needed to go get Zefina and make an impact in the lives of countless other kids in Zambia, Africa. Over 150 of our closest friends, families and strangers attended the event or gave online raising a total of $5,000 profit that night!!! AMAZING! It was so cool to see so many of YOU committed to our adoption and the partnership with a Zambian community. Even more exciting to think of how many people were there that night who are also in the adoption process, open to thinking about it or are just now wrapping their minds around the WHAT IF?

Thank You doesn't seem like quite enough to express our deep gratitude to each and every one of you. YOU have made a great difference, in the life of our little girl and our family, and in the lives of countless children- that truthfully could not survive without you.

It's not too late! You can still make an incredible impact on a little life.

Donate.

Donate what you feel led. You have an amazing opportunity to be an infants saving grace between life or death. {It can be done quickly and safely by clicking the "Donate Now" button at the top of this blog}

More updates on progress to come. Thank you all so much!

Chris, Carlee, Haley, Tanner, Carter & Zefina

{journey} to our daughter

2011-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to share our journey of adoption to our daughter.

This journey began in May of 2009 after I {Carlee} took a trip to Thailand in efforts to fight Human Trafficking. It became clear to both Chris and I, that our 4th child was to be through adoption. After two more trips to Thailand to help fight Human Trafficking as well as trips to an orphanage, our ability to adopt from Thailand was stopped due to the strict Thai governments rules and regulations. Our hearts were broken for these children, and the heartache continued as those doors were slammed shut.

Within weeks of learning a Thai adoption was impossible, a friend of ours told us about children in Zambia, Africa.

In the coming days and weeks, God made it very clear that this was His route to our little girl.

During the summer of 2010, we began gathering any information we could on Zambian adoptions, there was little to be found. Early in September we found a private homestudy agency here in Seattle, Wa and have since been going hard after our 'babies'.

Yes, babies...
God has revealed to us over this time that he would like us to be prepared that he may ask us to adopt two siblings.

We are overjoyed as we anticipate to travel to Zambia late May, 2011. We are blessed to be able to take our children Haley, Tanner and Carter on this life changing journey as well! We plan to immerse ourselves in the Zambian culture and serve in the local community.

We were connected with an amazing woman who runs three rescue homes for abandoned infants, orphans and young children in crisis. They also provide assistance to local families, offer free education to children who cannot attend school due to family poverty, and provide infant formula to babies at risk of abandonment or starvation. When a birth mother has lost a battle to HIV/Aids or dies due to birth complications, it is all too common to bury her baby just a few days later, the families left with the infants may be too poor to provide the proper nutrition - leading to death within days or dropping the babies at these homes - which creates another orphan and need. Through this program, they have seen children, families and communities thrive! We're excited to partner in these efforts and help by serving, delivering and donating to the program during our estimated 4-6 week stay in Zambia as we wait for our adoption process to be completed.

Will you be a part of our journey and partner with our family in bringing our daughter(s) home?

We're excited to continue sharing our journey so please check back for updated blogs!

Love,
Chris, Carlee and the kids!

my {heart} in his pocket

2010-12-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

I must share a conversation I just had with my 7 year old, Carter.

It began with a simple question:

Mom, have I always had a twirl in my head?
Yes hun.
Wow! So I'll probably have it until I die.
You'll have it even after you die!
Uh - One more question...
Yes?
Will the world come to an end?
Yes! When Jesus comes down from Heaven to take all of his believers back up with him.
Yeah, but we can't see him when he comes down...
I don't know if we'll be able to see him or not - we'll have to wait and see.
Well you know how we don't take our bodies to heaven - just our hearts go - so he'll probably just put our hearts in his pocket or something - and take us up that way (completely sure of his answer).
Hmmm...
Uh, Mom? One more thing -
Yes?
Did you know that in heaven we wont get any scratches!
Yes I did know that! Very cool, huh!?
Uh - one more question -
Yes?
Do we sleep in heaven?
Nope! Because we won't get tired!
Wow! We're going to be awake for a long time!!

Who would have thought this is what goes through this boys head - all while matching socks! :)

{still}

2010-11-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

Wow.
A lot has changed since my last post.
A lot.

Our family has been in the process of...well, lets call it an update, revamp, rejuvenation. We've gone into sort of a hibernation. And we're loving it. All of us!

We've taken this season in our life to be still. And if you know anything about me - then you know that is HARD for me. To be honest, I think I took it harder than the kids when we decided no soccer this season, I mean really, that's my social time too!

We've said no.
Turned things down.
Backed out.
And hunkered down.

It has been SO healthy for our family!
I have learned (for the first time) that saying no is actually OK. People won't hate me or think I'm horrible for not being able to do something... I'm liking this!

The kids are thriving.
We're not racing home from school, shoving a snack in their face and racing off to {3} practices all over town, to have dinner on the road, home at 8, homework, then bed...
They're calm. Relaxed.
They love "rock time"- time as a family vegging in front of the tv.
They crave that time.
It's their down time.

Why did we not go into hibernation a long time ago?!

Hmmm, the {calm} before the {storm}.

I am so ready for the {storm}!!

Where to start...

2009-07-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

{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

2009-05-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

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??!!

2009-02-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-15T18:25:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

{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!!

2008-12-30T11:32:00.000-08:00

*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

2008-12-19T11:49:00.001-08:00

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!

2008-11-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-04T16:19:00.000-08:00

...and their all mine!

Amy - you are amazing!!

One Choice

2008-10-31T17:10:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-09-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

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 -

2008-09-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-09-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-09-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

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?

Proud Navy Sis!!

2008-08-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

We're back from Chicago...well two of the three - because of the ash all the flights were delayed or cancelled, Sadie and I barely got on, but Krysta is still there - so sucks for her!! I finally laid my head on my own pillow at 4:00am this morning. Here are just a few pics of Michaels Navy graduation - I kind of feel like it doesn't do it justice! I'm Proud, Honored, Patriotic and thrilled to have been able to be there to support Michael in this honorable journey! It gives me goose bumps to listen to the video of 987 proud men HOO-RA - seriously - its AWESOME!!
I have some great stories and pics... more on that in my next post.
Sailor - Job WELL DONE!

While taking this shot, I hadn't found him yet - I was shooting with my big camera with one hand and my small camera in the other taking video - that would be why its crooked. He's in the center, sticking out a bit, facing forward.

Walking around Navy Pier (isn't he cute!!) There is also NO PDA allowed, but can link arms like this - he was a stickler for the rules too (but is still a rebel at heart - oh, the stories!)

Well, that's it for now - I'll sift through ALL my pics and video and put them up later...I'll have to take a pic of his official Navy picture too - the glasses are sweet! (my mom sent him his contacts and they let him wear them this week) Oh, and the Navy base was incredible and beautiful - but you are NOT allowed to take pics of it, we were only allowed in this room. In fact when we pulled up the morning of the grad. Krysta pulled her camera out to check the battery, a guard thought she took a picture, we had to pull over and he had to look through our cameras - crazy!

Carter-isms

2008-08-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

I have to say, my life was WAY boring when the kids were in Ga... When Chris called after I got them from the airport the first thing he said was "I missed all the kids - but I missed all of the crazy things Carter says or does, has he said anything funny yet?" Well, he didn't have to wait long...
I took the kids straight to the beach house after the airport, I was chatting with my mom, Sadie and Krysta out at the pool before going into the house to change, the boys headed into the house to go to the bathroom...until we heard the worst blood-curdling screaming cry - the type where you think your childs arm is being sawed off - I take off booking it into the house, running to the cry: Carter is standing in the dining room - "I couldn't find my way out!!" Really? Aah kid - your killing me!

Oh, there's more...same day, that evening, we're on the back porch -
Carter: "Mom, what's his name again?" pointing to Levi - basically such close cousins they could be brothers!
Me: "Really? You don't know his name?!

Carter: "No, I cant remember"
Me: "Bud - you cant remember your cousins name?" (kinda trying not to laugh cause he was totally serious!) "Did they brainwash you while in the south - or too many cousins names to remember? Its Levi"

Carter: "Ooooohh, that's right" walks off.

Same night, minutes later - points to Greyson (who was just wearing a swimmer that had a tiny bit of pink on it, so I'll give him that at least)
"Mom, is that a boy or a girl?"
Me: "Ok, your kidding right??"
Carter: "MOM, what is it?"
Me: "Boy bud - Greyson is a boy" Wow!

Yesterday morning, Carter had been curled up with my mom, then starts to hop down...
Grammie: "You done visiting?"
Carter: looking at her sort of stunned "I'M not the one visiting - YOU are!!"
I suppose he's right!

I finally about two years ago got a little notebook and titled it Carter-isms, because I knew I wouldn't remember all the crazy things this kid says!

I'm tired...

2008-08-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Ditto what she said :)
**Minus the tree incident - insert my children playing 'Monkey in the Middle' in the house and breaking one of my glass hurricanes** (this was thursday, so my brain was a bit fried by this point, I think the quiet "go to your rooms" was a way better punishment than me yelling)

We need a few things...

2008-07-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-27T21:06:00.001-07:00

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..."

2008-07-24T09:12:00.001-07:00

(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...

2008-07-22T23:09:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-07-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Seriously!!

Period.

I Cried

2008-07-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

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 ;)

2008-07-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-11T07:27:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

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!!!"

2008-07-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

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!)

Send letters - ASAP!!

2008-07-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, so its been three weeks since my brother has been gone in the Navy doing Boot Camp. And I think its safe to say he sounds home-sick! We just got our second and third letters from him today - both were two pages about needing more letters, and the time and way they get their mail - and that mail is the only thing they all look forward to. SO, if you would like to send mail here is his address - mind you, I think he's just looking for ANYTHING, even if its what you had for lunch - tell him about it!! He may not have the time or chance to write you all back always, but please know that him receiving these letters is what is keeping him going - he NEEDS them!!
SR, Thomsen, Michael
Ship 13/Division 284

Recruit Training Command
3420 Sailor Drive
Great Lakes, IL, 60088
But please do not send any food, just letters/cards

His first letter was interesting, he said that he got 5 shots, 3 of which were done needless - compressed air gun shooting the stuff into your arm - he also said they hurt WAY more too. And that right after those he was asked a question and got it wrong and had to do push ups, and blood was streaming out of those 3 holes. He also said he kept track and was up for 53 hours from when he was first picked up from the hotel to when they were allowed to go to sleep, and so his ID pic. looks like he's a meth-head...nice. And if they close their eyes longer than it takes to blink then they do push-ups. I had a weird dream that he was home and that his body looked still the same, but he had these crazy big arms...strange. There was more in his letter, like he missed everyone - wants EVERYONE to write, and that he misses his girlfriend Krysta "real bad".

They are only given their mail on Sundays for some reason, so write - and write often! He said everyone else is getting a ton of mail. My kids are sitting at the counter writing him a letter, both just showed me them, and they both said that 4th of July will not be fun with him not here... maybe we should work on happy things to write to Uncle Michael about :)

Oh, we also just found out that his graduation is Aug. 8th. Mom, Sadie, Krysta and I will be going to Chicago on the 7th and will come back either th 10th or 11th. We're not sure yet how much time we'll have with him. He said in the letter today that we will be receiving a graduation packet soon with more info.

Off to Wal-Mart...

2008-07-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Wish me luck! I'm not sure what sparred this adventure...I'm sure I'll have plenty of "things" to look at. I did make sure not so shower today so I'll fit in. (For my Georgia family and friends - Wal-Mart is not the same 'nice' place to shop here) Although this Roll Back smile - doesn't look so friendly!!

WE DID IT!!

2008-06-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Pictures for a Purpose was a MAJOR success!! I think out of a 9 hour shoot day, at 20min a sitting, I only had two kids who didn't want to be there - but that's totally beside the point - I think the all around tone of the day was "This is great", "This is SO easy!" "Will you be doing this quarterly?!" (NO:) Above all we were BLESSED with an insanely smooth running day, and we are just that much closer to educating the people of South East Asia about Child trafficking. God had an obvious presents on Saturday! Did anyone count how many kids we actually took pictures of?
My body apparently took a beating - I feel like I've been hit by a truck. I guess when you kneel and bend over for 9 hours its does bad things to your body. For some reason I feel like I did Suzanne Summers Thigh Master for WAY TOO LONG... When Chris finally got home from his softball tournament on Saturday night, we both were laying in the living room moaning and groaning - seriously, we're 27... is this when it starts??!
Thank you amazing volunteers for putting this together and running it, and for the talented photographers for giving your time and talent, and for all the wonderful ladies who helped on Saturday (Joe, you were a lifesaver!!) Thank you Lord for such a wonderful day! I look forward to what we can do next year!

9 years and still going strong!

2008-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend Chris and I headed to a family friends beach house in Olympia for our Anniversary - Pure Bliss!! It was SOO relaxing to sit and soak up some much needed sun and R & R! I still cant believe we’ve been married for 9 years and together for 13 - WOW!!

By the end of the weekend - Chris was so annoyed with me because of all the pics!

Don't you wish you were here! And yes - that was the temp out at the pool!

The amazing view

There is a HUGE Cala Lily plant on the side of the house - such a stunning flower!

My desperately-in-need-of-a-pedicure feet (where's that Ped-Egg??!) And my personal Chef in the kitchen - ooh I love him!

Enjoying the view and company

FYI: Chris is an AMAZING cook!
On the way down to the house we stopped off at the Farmers Market and got some food for the weekend, we only got dinner for that night because we had reservations at a nice restaurant for the next night - We got some yummy clams, I got a piece of fish and Chris got a Ribeye - as we were devouring our food, we figure this food was way more delish (and WAY cheaper than what we would have payed at a fancy place - theme of the weekend - free beach house, cheap meals... clearly we didn't skimp though!!) So we headed back to the Market and canceled our dinner plans the next day!

Enjoying the good grub while watching God's great beauty

This is the look of "put down the camera or I'll throw it into the water" look

Happy Anniversary Baby, I love you! I had a great time with you this weekend!

Thank You Josh & Sadie and Mom for watching the kids all weekend!

AND

Thank you Candace SO much for blessing us with the beach house this weekend!

"These are few of my Favorite things..."

2008-06-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Chris!!

Yay for nice weather for Fathers Day - trust me - I prayed for it too!! ALL Chris wanted for Fathers day was Ruffles regular potato chips, French Onion dip, Curve Ball & Sun - Yes, this man is easy to please!! Oh - and don't forget whiffle ball - another game that the "boys" have made up that makes no sense (much like the beach house games...). Here are some pics of our relaxing day.

This is the kids' gift to Chris

And He's Off...

2008-06-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

So, it's been almost a week since saying goodbye to my brother, and I'm just now sitting down to write about it. I'm not sure why - I think a big part of me doesn't even know what to say, and the other part of me doesn't fully want to accept the fact he's really gone. To say saying goodbye was hard would be a total understatement. I tried to play out in my head beforehand what it was going to be like, just to be prepared...I thought Haley and Tanner would have a difficult time and Carter wouldn't totally get it - well I was wrong - Tanner dealt with it by going the opposite way everyone else was feeling and was acting supper goofy - Carters the one that surprised me the most - he fell apart - like really fell apart. Watching that was heart-wrenching. What pulled him together...? Michael told him he could sleep in his bed whenever he wanted (saying this to the kid that asked him the other day "Uncle Michael - when you die, can I have your room?") I knew Haley was going to have a hard time too - and she did. Michael's girlfriend Krysta was over that night too, she could barely talk about it - I remember all too well of having to say goodbye to your boyfriend - there is nothing anyone can say that will make you feel better.
We got two quick calls from him, one at the airport, and another I think when he got to the base, he said he'd call in two weeks. He is having to have his wisdom teeth pulled and his cavities filled right away - I'm assuming they did it this past weekend. Mom, Sadie, Krysta and I are going to go to his graduation in August, so that is something to look forward too.
Moms doing ok, I think better than I thought she'd be doing. I think it helped that he was hardly home to begin with!
We miss you little bro - I know you'll do your best! We're very proud of you too!!!

"My Dream Room Is Spectacular!"

2008-06-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

Alright, I've got a follow-up from some of the comments from my last post. Haley brought home yesterday a bunch of school work that has been put in a book from over the year (we're closing in on the end of the year) This is TOO good! I was just looking through it this morning...

My dream room is spectacular!

The walls are bright blue, with white cool clouds. And the floor is bright purple and as I look around my room I see my dog on the beanbags! I also see the flower carpet because I love, love, love flowers. I also see my drink stand with lots and lots of drink's and as I look around more I see my dogs dog bed and her food and water by my bed. My closet is big it has my jackets and my dresses and some of my nice shirts. Then I see my goldfish tank and my dresser with my, shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, and tanktops. My bed is so awesome it has a sky pillow and the sheets are striped!
My dream room is awesome!

Writinn by
Haley Avery (3rd grade)

In her own words! (and typos :)
Well - that should give us some good starting points to how to do her new room!!
**Oh, she aslo got a Wonderful! from her teacher!**

My Favorite Souvenir

2008-06-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

We went to Disney World (along with various other place too!) in April with 14 of the 18 Avery family members. I know, I thought we’d loose at least one kid too - NOPE! Boy did we luck out! So anyway, we were shopping around Downtown Disney one night and I saw this guy - I actually thought he drew out the profile then cut it out. I figured the boys were off shopping in the pin store - and that was way more their thing. I wanted Haley to have it done. It was SO cool to watch - the guy just picked up a tiny pair of scissors and whipped it out in less than a minute!

By far my favorite souvenir. It may sound lame, but I hope this is something she keeps forever.

…And yes, her room is bright pink - thank you Auntie Sadie ;) The next room wont be as bright so she'll hopefully sleep in longer than when the sunrises!! :)

THE Brush

2008-06-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

So here's the deal...my husband has OCD - it could be worse, way worse I know - but this one cracks me up everyday - literally.

Here's how it goes: Every night before we get into bed Chris first has to FLING back the sheets (like ALL the way), and do the brush. Brushing out any crumbs - how did he know I sit in bed all day eating bon bon's while watching soaps, brushing out spiders, wrinkles, aw you name it. He lifts his pillow, brushes it out there too. Even when I JUST put clean sheets on - which by the time I get around to it its right before we go to bed anyway - It doesn't matter he still does it.

So, when we were in Hawaii - knowing full well he'd do the brush, I bought a little realistic gecko, and before he came to bed put it alongside his pillow under the sheets. I had to roll over, I couldn't even look at him - I've never been able to pull one over on him, so I was biting my cheeks so I wouldn't laugh. Yup, sure enough, he pulled back the sheets to do the brush and quickly slammed the sheets back down "Carlee get out of the bed - get OUT of the bed NOW" "Why? Whats wrong?" By this time I had rolled out of the bed laughing so hard - he still was trying to figure out what happened.
He was so mad at me - why? Because I got him - that's why!

God has a great sence of humor!

2008-06-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

After looking for awhile now (by awhile, I mean a couple of years) to find the perfect house for our family - Monroe, Duvall, Woodinville...Ellensburge (ok, not there) And with so many "this is it - this is the house" houses - we have FINALLY found the "one".

Mind you we came back here from living in the south - where you can get an enormous house on 6 acres for $200k - ok that might be a small exaggeration, but very small. Chris and I were even talking a couple weeks ago that we hated the fact that we moved back to Kirkland - we love it here, like REALLY love it here. We love our neighbors and amazing cul-de-sac (ok, so part of us was hoping a neighbor would move or.......) and we love the kids school, our friends, Chris is like 4 miles from work (k-I love that because he drives a gas guzzling suburban) our church is nice and close - and also my work, the beaches are supper close, love the community and environment...do I need to go on, we love Kirkland. So why couldn't we have moved back to Kent - and that way our expectations would have been lower. We would have been able to make our life great there. Used to it - oh and the best part - we'd be able to afford it there!

Ok, so where is it... Well, to be exact, its 10 houses away. God must get a kick out of our family - cause sure enough as SOON as you say "Ok God, you win - we'll stop looking, and we'll be content with where were at until YOU show us what you want for us" I'm pretty sure I've prayed that before, but apparently I didn't fully let it go. So here it is 10 houses away in the next cul-de-sac up - my kids wont even have to cross the street to get to Grammies house. Oh - did I not mention that we've been living with my mom for the past 3 1/2 years? Yep, we have. All five of us and our yellow lab (in which my moms cat HATES - Just one bark is all it would take Ellie!)

The crazy thing about this whole thing is that is was our friends house, yeah, I thought it would be weird too. In fact I still think about it, and wonder what its going to be like to have them over, hmmm. Actually, I'm mostly sad because they bought a house in Woodinville, so not to another state, but still they wont be just around the corner anymore.

God has blessed us, in such a huge way. We are stoked and so excited! Stay tuned for our new address. FYI, we havent told our kids yet, we still have about a month yet before the big move, so rather than get the excitement going now - and the "I dont want to leave my friends and Grammie" bit, we're keeping it under wraps for the time being.

Oh - and we figured instead of getting a moving truck we figured we'd just have all our friends over and make a long chain to pass our stuff from one house to the other :) So if your not busy!

And if you havent figured it out yet, that is not our house - ha! I wish!!

Bon Voyage, Michael...

2008-06-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! I have to say... I think I'm in a bit of denial over the fact my little brother has joined the Navy and will be gone in 10 days. Yes, 10 days and our family will change - in a way - forever. It'll be good for him, I know - but hard for us. He has such a presents in our family and our lives that Birthday's, Christmases and everyday life will have a huge hole. Not to mention where now are we going to get our fill of unbelievable stories of Festivas - and rivers - and snow... not to mention who are we going to watch jump those Festivas into an empty pond. Wait - who's going to wear the Speedo next time we go to Hawaii??

My kids are going to be devastated - they love him, no they adore him. Especially the boys. Carter was just shining Grammies wheels with him the other day. Who is going to pick on them the way he does, or mess with their heads? It's going to be good for him - that's what I'll just keep telling myself.
My moms going to have a tough time - a really tough time, I almost wish for the sake of her our move out date was later - yeah, I did just say that :)

The question is: what are we going to miss more? Two Festiva's, a Volvo & a Crotch Rocket (non of which run) OR Michael... what do you think!
More to come I'm sure.

Can it be?

2008-05-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

The end of the Pre-school year is HERE! We only have one more day left. I have to admit - the year went by REALLY fast.

This has been the first paying job I have had since becoming a wife (almost 9 years ago). Ok, so besides my photog. business - but that's different. I have to say, its been a lot of adjustment.

First of all I had to get used to actually dressing for other people everyday - ok, so they were 4 - but still.
Second, I had to get used to actually making most of the time I did have off. I only work tue-thurs (I didn't say its a full time gig :) but still - I've always been used to just getting up and going grocery shopping whenever I please.
And third - not being around at the kids school as much as I'd like...Chris is bent on me NOT turning into "that" PTA mom -whatever that is....Ok, I know what it is ;) I still know that I can bring my own fashion senses to the PTA meetings - right?!

Well summer is just around the corner, and before we know it we'll all be going to 'Back to School Sales'...But lets not get ahead of ourselves.

SUMMER - WE'RE READY!! Come out Come out where ever you are!!

I got Tagged!

2008-05-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

I got tagged by Marisa...here goes!

Five things on my to-do list today
1. Shower & get my kids ready and off to school
2. Go to work at the Pre-school
3. Deposit checks at the bank
4. Get Tanner's baseball uniform out of dirty clothes and wash them
5. Rest...an order by my husband - I promise!

Snacks I enjoy
1. Trader Jo's salsa
2. Homemade guac. & chips
3. Edemame
4. Red Licorice
5. Really anything sweet

Things I would do if I were a millionaire
1. Buy a house on Lake Washington (ok a multi-millionaire?) & a house for my family too.
2. Build our B&B now
3. I'm with Marisa! - hire staff: Chef, Personal Trainer, Housecleaner, Assistant
4. Put my kids in private school
5. Travel

Places I have lived
1. Sequim, Wa
2. Kirkland, Wa
3. Dacula, Ga
4. Auburn, Ga
5 Kirkland, Wa

Bad habits I have
1. Surfing the net - rather than cleaning the house
2. Procrastinating
3. Eating when I'm not hungry
4. Washing the clothes and not folding them and putting them away
5. Wearing the same jeans over and over with out washing them

Jobs I have held
1. Babysitter
2. Lifeguard
3. Hostess
4. Answered phones at The Woodmark hotel
5. Mom/Photographer

I now tag - Debbie, Joanna, Mandy & Angie! Get on it!!

"...So their under here!!?"

2008-05-27T19:33:00.001-07:00

Gotta love these special teaching moments - of respect - not to mention tact. On our way around Ballard we found this memorial...and since it was Memorial weekend, we figured this was a prime time to go pay our respects, and to do a little 'field trip teaching'. Well, Haley got it - the boys...hmmm we'll keep working on them.

Too Tuckered OUT!

2008-05-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

To:

From:

To the Locks we go...

2008-05-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I was born and raised in Washington, granted I moved away for a few years - but that is no excuse! I have never been to the Ballard locks. And to go along with our cheap weekend theme we all piled into the mini van and headed into Ballard.
I totally thought it was going to be dumpy - don't knock it till you try it! Boy was I wrong, there is a beautiful park there! The weather was wonderful! I have to admit I was a bit worried at first - the drop down (where the water comes up) is quite intimidating - and with kids - I just cant go there. So here's the low-down on how the locks work for those that don't know: It is where the lake meets the salt water (for whatever reason the two are not at the same height...hmmm) And its a passage way for boats. The boats pull into a "little" gated area, they then close a gate behind them and fill 'er up until it's the same level as the body of water is they are about to enter, then they open the gate and off you go...

Never to be outdone!

2008-05-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yay!! My 4 year old is a swimmer!! Maybe 10 min. after Chris had just said to me "Hun, I can do the training wheels thing, the potty training, and even the car driving - when that comes, but you've seen me swim...I sink, can you take on teaching Carter how to swim this summer?" Well my job just got a lot easier! My friend, Pam's daughter Grace who is a little older than Carter was 'teaching' him how to swim and how to use his arms. Not soon after did he hop out of the pool and say "Mom I want my fwowtie off" "No Carter, Im not in the pool with you" "Yes mom, Im taking it off" And in his Carter fashion took his "fwowtie" off hopped back into the pool and SWAM - ok, so at first he looked like a duck - butt up, face and feet down :) But after a sec he got it - like the whole arm thing too. Oh, but don't think it stopped there! Soon he was jumping off the ladder, then that wasn't enough, off the side - then to daddy in the deep end!
I'm so proud of my boy!

Kinda like the training wheels off his bike. Mind you the kid wasn't even 4 yet when he declared he was done with his training wheels. Not 10 min. later he was going off his brothers skate board jump. Yep... his eyes are shut!

Cheap Memorial weekend...?

2008-05-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

So, this weekend Chris and I decided beforehand that we would make the most of our 4-day weekend (Chris took Friday off - Yippee!!) And by the most we mean either FREE or very very cheap! No, we're not cheapskates...we just have a family of 5 and live on the Eastside - you get the jest.
So anyway on Friday we were suppose to wake up and go to MY favorite breakfast spot - Maltby Cafe - Oh So Yummy! But by the wonders of God, we were blessed with a 9 year old girl who, much to my dismay, has become quite the little...hmmm how should I put this delicately...Tester. Oh, but only to her Mommy - in fact that is largely the issue. So, I'm big on NOT rewarding "wonderful" (can you sense the sarcasm?!) behavior so Haley and I stayed home while the boys went out for breakfast - yes, Chris let the boys pick...McDonald's - where else??
Not off to a great start, but we didn't let that get in our way. Chris had rented a truck in the morning - my van was getting work done. They first tried to give him a canary yellow PT Cruiser - Ok, that totally makes me giggle, I can just see Chris "Um, yeah that's not gonna work... I'll take that truck over there." "Sir, I can't give you that, its not on your plan" "Yeah ya can!" "No, but you can take that purple Cruiser if you don't want this one" "Listen buddy, I wont tell if you don't tell - but I'm not taking a yellow or purple PT Cruiser" "Ok, The trucks all yours" I love my husbands power of persuasion (I sure don't have that gift!).
So after the boys went out for breakfast and ran a few errands, we all went to Redmond to do a few of my errands, while there the kids and Chris climbed the "wall" at REI...poor Tanner has been waiting PATIENTLY to be tall enough to climb...and now is!! Oh, but only by a hair! Haley rocked it (hehe, no pun intended!) I didn't even attempt - I'd put my family to shame! We went across the street to a 'chichi' little dog and cat shop...just to look right? Well, ever since our dog Ellie - yellow lab - tried to commit suicide at Easter (she ate 7 RISING hot cross buns PLUS all my brothers Easter candy ie: Cadbury eggs, peeps, jellybeans, chocolate bunnies...) her gas has been HORRENDOUS - I mean room clearing, gagging gas, stuff you have to warn your friends about before you invite them over. SOO terrible - although she doesn't seemed bothered at all, hmm, strange! So we bit the bullet and bought her a weeks worth of way too expensive food to see if it helps - hey I didn't say a BIG bullet :) Hopefully that'll clear her system then we'll go back to the cheap stuff! We'll see...
After all that we had a very late lunch at our neighbors new Thai restaurant Thai Angel - kinda across the street from the Safeway and Joann's in Redmond - not the party store side. Anyway SOO good - eat there!
Then we headed over to our dear friends the Rice's for a relaxing evening...I cant wait for summer!

What's a Memorial weekend w/o an ER visit??

2008-05-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

So apparently it was my turn to visit the ER last night. We had gotten home late from a great evening with our friends the Rices and Duryee's. We had only been asleep for maybe a half an hour and the pain began! Serious pain - the kind that wakes you out of a dead sleep - doubled over, unable to move, much less get out of bed. For a moment I thought - "This is it, its time - the baby's coming..." Then I snapped back too and realized I'm NOT pregnant. I stumbled to the bathroom - and cant pee - second thought - I have a gal stone - Oh my goodness I'm going to die from this pain. I crawled to the couch, moaning and crying - trying not to wake the house. My poor (groggy) wonderful husband came to my side - "I'm taking you to the hospital" "No, I'll be fine......OK" Thank goodness for live-in Grammies! Bless those kind waiting room staffers - I was told it was going to be a while for a room, but I'm assuming after watching me doubled over in pain - crying hysterically (quietly mind you - not so easy) they called me back right away. Oh, the pain med's - WOW - those are worth every penny! The only description I had for the pain was that it was a horrible contraction that would be a constant pain then get worse in waves. Turns out, after sonograms and ultrasounds - I had a 22cm cyst in my right ovary that burst - OK, that explains the pain! So from 1:30am to 5:30am we spent our night at Evergreen in the ER...bonus out of this event? Our kids slept until 9:30 (I guess it pays to keep them up WAY past their bedtime before you spend th night in the ER!)

OK...It's time

2008-05-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about it for a while now. It seems as though everyone has a blog now and I consider my life FAR too entertaining to not share it with all you out there!

Let's put it this way: I would be doing you a disservice if I DIDNT share my life with you! These three kiddo's keep us hoppin' - laughing...ok, so its not always a cake walk :) We have three kids - what do you expect?
Enjoy... :)

Avery Posse

new {normal}

So close..!

It's OFFICIAL!!

Helicopter ride over Victoria Falls

Progress from Zambia

Filters... (from Chris)

Z's home {away} from {home}

{life} as we know it

Not a single {cloud} ..imagine that

someone {pinch} me!

a {new} beginning

{journey} to our daughter

Newest member of the Avery 6

Adoption Art Auction!!

{4th} of July

{heavy heart}

My Father's, Father's day {gift}

when life gives you lemons...make {lemoncello}!

where i {fit}

{hitched}!!

{giant} chalkboard

Z's {first}

{anything} is possible

painting {therapy}

{update}!!!!!!

{journey} to our daughter

my {heart} in his pocket

{still}

Where to start...

Bible & Wii

i'm ready

Seriously??!!

tithe rap

Mysterious

pass the jam

New firsts

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

Our Elle-bell

Yes I did!

Finally Updated

My Loves

One Choice

Good Morning Sunshine

*Rock Star*

ADD for me

Big day in the Avery house!!

We have some friends -

Big Birthday Bash!!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

Last Day of Summer

Zoo - BABY!

Your Amazing

Verizon you make me CrAzY!

Proud Navy Sis!!

Carter-isms

I'm tired...

We need a few things...

Tredding above the water

when it rains it pours

Update

Prayers for Chris Please

"I'm so excited..."

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

Beach House week!

Wall paper is of the DEVIL!

I Cried

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

And there off!

Panic Attack

"We're Going to GEORGIA!!!"

Happy 4th of July!

Send letters - ASAP!!

Off to Wal-Mart...

WE DID IT!!

9 years and still going strong!

"These are few of my Favorite things..."

And He's Off...

"My Dream Room Is Spectacular!"

My Favorite Souvenir

Rock Star