tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85854468560780092062024-03-13T06:22:52.701-07:00Avery PosseGet youself a little Avery Action!Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-15189774850771696842012-05-04T18:41:00.000-07:002012-05-04T18:41:10.849-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So clearly, we've been a <i>wee</i> bit busy around our house! Our blog has been a little neglected - but we just <i>had</i> to come out of hiding for this! :)<br /><br />We knew that our journey to Zefina in Africa would impact our family ~ but we didn't anticipate the dramatic life change and world view of our 7th grader. SO PROUD barely begins to express our feelings of our little girl! Jr.High is rough - it's time spent navigating who you are, who are your friends and where you fall on the popularity poll. Our Haley has charged into her 7th grade year with her head held high and already a strong sense of who she is.<br />
<br />
We love you Haley and are so proud of the young lady you are becoming!<br />
Love Mom & Dad<br />
<br />
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</style><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans Light";">Dear Francesco D’ ADAMO,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans Light";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">IQBAL</i></b> has inspired me to
help kids around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
recently I was able to experience and help bring smiles back to the faces of
street kids, orphans, abused and poverty stricken kids in the heart of Zambia,
Africa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans Light";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans Light";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was hard to read <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">IQBAL</i></b> and understand how
kids and adults were living in mud huts and in such horrible environments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought the book was fictional, but when
my fifth grade teacher told me it was a true story, it affected me, big
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me want to do
something about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew from
the tugging at my heart that I needed to go to a place that needed help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it would turn out, the place I began
helping kids is the very place my sister is from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in an orphanage in Lusaka, Zambia where my family
and I spent 7 weeks visiting this past summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s full of giggles and is so much fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me how so many kids go
without parents each day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
how <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">IQBAL</i></b>
was always showing the kids that were working for Hussain to always be brave,
and taught them how to fight for what they believe in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was in Africa, I experienced
people living in shacks and cardboard boxes on the side of the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad that reading this book has
shown me what I want to do in my life, helping kids of course! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans Light";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I was at the orphanage in Zambia,
there was a little girl named Natasha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Natasha was brought to the orphanage because her mom was crazy and couldn’t
even take care of her own self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her mom hadn’t fed her in several days, baby Natasha would have died if
it weren’t for the good neighbors that called the police, telling them she
wasn’t being properly cared for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Eshan Khan takes the kids that were just freed from child labor to
“The Big Pink House”, it reminds me about the group homes and orphanages with
ark loads of kids waiting so eagerly to be adopted into forever families.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans Light";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another
way my life has been changed and my view of the world, was when Fatima had to
face the fact that she might not ever find her family or even her village ever
again, but she never gave up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
reminds me that even if at times it feels like there are just so many orphans
out there, what can I, as a kid, do about it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That all it takes is determination and courage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like with my sister, one family at a
time – we can change kids lives.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans Light";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
book <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">IQBAL</i></b>
has given me compassion for kids that have gone and are going through hard
times, and has given me the courage to help them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book has helped me become a better person by
understanding what kids around the world are going through each and every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has given me the strength to be able
to handle everything all at once, and the courage and bravery to never give
up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">IQBAL</i></b> inspired me greatly
and forever will, by helping to show me what my purpose is to do in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making it clear that I want
to help kids everywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help
every orphan find a forever family and a child labor and abuse free world! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans Light";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sincerely,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans Light";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Haley
Avery</span></div>
</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-32169782928505381662011-09-15T16:11:00.000-07:002011-09-15T16:27:14.274-07:00new {normal}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tr3MZBOahXo/TnKFBrx4WaI/AAAAAAAAA5U/I2ja7hxthnU/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tr3MZBOahXo/TnKFBrx4WaI/AAAAAAAAA5U/I2ja7hxthnU/s640/IMG_4372.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zambia, Africa<br />
September 4th 2011</td></tr>
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We're HOME!!! <br />
After 7 weeks in Africa..we're home and with our new <i>DAUGHTER</i>!!<br />
<br />
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..<br />
<br />
It's been 1 week since we arrived in Seattle, and it still seems surreal..<br />
I <i>longed</i> 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! <br />
Happy tears..<br />
She now looks at me, with a question in her voice "happy tears?" <br />
Yes baby, these are happy tears.<br />
<br />
So many tell us - she is so lucky. I actually think <i>we</i> 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 <i>child</i>! 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!<br />
How we are SO blessed! <br />
<br />
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! <br />
<br />
Zefina means God has hidden. <br />
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! <br />
<br />
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 <i>daily</i> plead of total strangers that we please adopt their children too.. their nieces and nephews of their deceased siblings.. Or that we take <i>them</i> - 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.. <br />
Trying to process 7 weeks of this<i> </i>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. <br />
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 <i>still do</i> covet your prayers and support! Your support got us <i>to</i> Zambia, and helped us through during our time there. We are forever grateful! <br />
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!<br />
<br />
Before I close this post, I want to bring your attention to<span style="color: red;"> </span><b><i><a href="http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/" style="color: red;">Wait No More</a></i><span style="color: red;"> </span>a Wa. State Adoption Conference</b> held at <a href="http://www.occ.org/event/2011-09-24-wait-no-more--adoption-conference/" style="color: red;">Overlake Christian Church</a> on September 24th from 1-5.<br />
<b>In Wa. there are over 1,000 kids sitting in foster care right now, waiting to be adopted..</b><br />
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....<br />
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! <br />
We thought we had an idea of how blessed we would be when we adopted Zefina..but WOW! We have completely been blown away!! <br />
<b>Please,</b> <b><a href="http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/Washington.aspx" style="color: red;">sign up here and go</a></b>, and let a child change YOUR life.. Adoption Rocks! :) {trust us!!}</div>
Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-82673599462292345262011-08-30T09:48:00.000-07:002011-08-30T09:48:47.156-07:00So close..!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">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. <b><i>AND</i></b> 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!!! <br />
This is CRAZY huge!! This means there is a <i>huge</i> possibility that we will be getting on a flight to come home on Monday morning!! Monday! That's in less than a week!! <br />
<br />
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 <i>more</i> 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 <i>knowing</i> that Zefina and Natasha <i>will </i>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.. </div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-49835949031335126312011-08-26T06:10:00.000-07:002011-08-26T06:10:35.176-07:00It's OFFICIAL!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are PROUD to announce the newest member of the Avery family! <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Zefina Yuyu Avery!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVauCPRUnj8/TleW1SiCKVI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/2Uy9edXUKjY/s1600/photo%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVauCPRUnj8/TleW1SiCKVI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/2Uy9edXUKjY/s1600/photo%252811%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotcha Day August 26th, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">God is SO good - our adoption decree has been SIGNED!! Never has the pounding of a stamp sounded so sweet! </div><div style="text-align: center;">We are the PROUD new parents of <i>4 kids</i>!!<br />
<br />
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 <i>willing</i> the 6 of us will be on that flight ALL together! <br />
We were suppose to be heading home <i>today</i>..God's plan is much bigger than ours - this is so clear!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-87093540027732339502011-08-23T01:28:00.000-07:002011-08-23T01:28:33.183-07:00Helicopter ride over Victoria Falls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwezMNAKzds/TlNPqX4bSrI/AAAAAAAAA4U/8O1VNaPsp7k/s1600/IMG_3762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwezMNAKzds/TlNPqX4bSrI/AAAAAAAAA4U/8O1VNaPsp7k/s640/IMG_3762.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ENrrcKyQw0/TlNhJLgSO3I/AAAAAAAAA5M/E_ojC74zmTU/s1600/IMG_3824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ENrrcKyQw0/TlNhJLgSO3I/AAAAAAAAA5M/E_ojC74zmTU/s640/IMG_3824.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">::Hippos::</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EEIdHiCS6X0/TlNSqUm9oeI/AAAAAAAAA4g/F7BLF-ziGxY/s1600/IMG_3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EEIdHiCS6X0/TlNSqUm9oeI/AAAAAAAAA4g/F7BLF-ziGxY/s640/IMG_3783.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOM4wS_lKq0/TlNTZG2TdmI/AAAAAAAAA4k/fnIbLzBt7fg/s1600/IMG_3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOM4wS_lKq0/TlNTZG2TdmI/AAAAAAAAA4k/fnIbLzBt7fg/s640/IMG_3784.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8Tlr3HyLbE/TlNWFgNX20I/AAAAAAAAA4o/JmsMs3gqeUs/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8Tlr3HyLbE/TlNWFgNX20I/AAAAAAAAA4o/JmsMs3gqeUs/s640/IMG_3797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tYMEag8fPY/TlNWrw1TbiI/AAAAAAAAA4s/YiispLk36Hk/s1600/IMG_3800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tYMEag8fPY/TlNWrw1TbiI/AAAAAAAAA4s/YiispLk36Hk/s640/IMG_3800.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WesHdGcISNY/TlNXVQszW-I/AAAAAAAAA4w/2bcSwBbc_Ho/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WesHdGcISNY/TlNXVQszW-I/AAAAAAAAA4w/2bcSwBbc_Ho/s640/IMG_3802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpRPN4smTFk/TlNX_PdKuZI/AAAAAAAAA40/SLBj5b4CJzg/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpRPN4smTFk/TlNX_PdKuZI/AAAAAAAAA40/SLBj5b4CJzg/s640/IMG_3822.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">::Elephants::</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-16445055169526397092011-08-10T14:52:00.000-07:002011-08-10T14:52:55.974-07:00Progress from Zambia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NWo4TSNGew/TkL0Q-Fi7JI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/VgiI4haYdqk/s1600/Photo+on+2011-08-07+at+09.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NWo4TSNGew/TkL0Q-Fi7JI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/VgiI4haYdqk/s1600/Photo+on+2011-08-07+at+09.14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Family Photo!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46K6h6lrVMg/TkL0PZpfhsI/AAAAAAAAA4M/uCiYF3ZcqpA/s1600/Photo+on+2011-08-07+at+09.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46K6h6lrVMg/TkL0PZpfhsI/AAAAAAAAA4M/uCiYF3ZcqpA/s1600/Photo+on+2011-08-07+at+09.13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2 African Princesses!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We need prayer for these things - <br />
1. The effective date granted (soon)<br />
2. Court papers filed<br />
3. Case to be heard quickly<br />
(realistically the first 2 can be done by the end of the week, 3rd can be done by early next week)<br />
4. Adoption decree granted (done at court hearing)<br />
5. Birth Cert. (should take 1-2 days after adoption decree)<br />
6. Passport rushed (2-3 days)<br />
7. Visa (1 day)<br />
8. 6 Avery's board a plane on the 24th of Aug..!! :)<br />
<i>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)</i><br />
<br />
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 :) <br />
<br />
We really REALLY do covet each of your prayers! <br />
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. <br />
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!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">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! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzaBzv7PGJc/TkL0N72sPBI/AAAAAAAAA4I/zpzlW4uHAlM/s1600/Recently+Updated1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzaBzv7PGJc/TkL0N72sPBI/AAAAAAAAA4I/zpzlW4uHAlM/s640/Recently+Updated1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-17467823500577302302011-08-04T12:36:00.000-07:002011-08-04T12:36:50.749-07:00Filters... (from Chris)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday we got out of our comfort zone as a family…..WAY OUT of our comfort zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Individually we have both experienced the outdoor markets of Thailand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I experienced the Thai markets, I was responsible for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I was responsible for my wife and kids and their safety…. this was weighty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did constant headcounts, prayed over their safety and more importantly their experience and thought process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We kept going and stopped at a few stalls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We bought a few things and the kids each bought sun glasses and negotiated a price with the seller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smells at this market were the strongest –dried fish, urine, garbage….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were looking for baby bags – the wraps that women use around their back, side or front to carry their babies and toddlers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were taken to a stall that had the fabric for the bags and I felt the crowd press in a bit on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was one of the “runners” and he was ok with it, thankfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carlee picked out the fabric for the bags and we headed back to the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were leaving we both heard multiple conversations about our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one that stuck out was a conversation about Madonna…I kept hearing Madonna…. a few different emotions and thoughts when through my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook my hand and said “Gob bless you, this is good, this is Gods heart”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of chaos and what I assumed was judgement (which was really my judgement) came affirmation of the journey God has our family on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched each of the kids respond differently yesterday to their experience and feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Carlee and I had a great conversation <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with the kids during dinner last night about our experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids had tons of questions and did a great job expressing what they experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carlee and I were able to have a great conversation as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s safe to say our “filters” were adjusted yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is good.</div><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29IYOcJwZi0/TjqJIiw4JvI/AAAAAAAAA3o/ZqS1pm3k1Mg/s640/Zambia+2011-164.jpg" width="478" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTUxY78MxeE/TjqLbAac8ZI/AAAAAAAAA4A/06VDK4WJsIg/s1600/Zambia+2011-174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTUxY78MxeE/TjqLbAac8ZI/AAAAAAAAA4A/06VDK4WJsIg/s640/Zambia+2011-174.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn1IJF1-bU0/TjqL1aIFu6I/AAAAAAAAA4E/2nxCP8KrPkY/s1600/Zambia+2011-177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn1IJF1-bU0/TjqL1aIFu6I/AAAAAAAAA4E/2nxCP8KrPkY/s640/Zambia+2011-177.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><span id="goog_1051223908"></span><span id="goog_1051223909"></span></div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-27533645336077235932011-07-31T06:14:00.000-07:002011-07-31T06:27:10.839-07:00Z's home {away} from {home}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj8LEposRfc/TjVVlTFhqyI/AAAAAAAAA2I/qd1iub-t0hg/s1600/1st%2Bpics%2Bof%2BZefina2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="384" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj8LEposRfc/TjVVlTFhqyI/AAAAAAAAA2I/qd1iub-t0hg/s640/1st%2Bpics%2Bof%2BZefina2.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loqgmK9doRk/TjVVmkJDieI/AAAAAAAAA24/EINAlNN3baE/s1600/1st%2Bpics%2Bof%2BZefina8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="384" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loqgmK9doRk/TjVVmkJDieI/AAAAAAAAA24/EINAlNN3baE/s640/1st%2Bpics%2Bof%2BZefina8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTwZid8tt6g/TjVVm2SxMkI/AAAAAAAAA3A/yMIILqjuCQ0/s1600/1st%2Bpics%2Bof%2BZefina9.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTwZid8tt6g/TjVVm2SxMkI/AAAAAAAAA3A/yMIILqjuCQ0/s640/1st%2Bpics%2Bof%2BZefina9.jpg" width="640" /></div><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: NONE;"><br />
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br />
<img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div></div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-34098985090747308772011-07-30T13:22:00.000-07:002011-07-30T13:27:50.539-07:00{life} as we know it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Disclosure: I'm fairly certain ALL of these were taken by a child. <img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGtIYcDMn3M/TjRoCFzV4mI/AAAAAAAAA1w/na0XIxRim8I/s1600/Recently%2BUpdated.jpg" /><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: NONE;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div></div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-32223298201106642632011-07-27T13:44:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:44:50.179-07:00Not a single {cloud} ..imagine that<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">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 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rises</i> from a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cloudless </i>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. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Bliss. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
This part isn’t fun.</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-36474071653631387342011-07-27T13:34:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:39:20.219-07:00someone {pinch} me!<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">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. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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! <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span> 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. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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!!</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-33953328913965797802011-07-27T13:33:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:33:15.160-07:00a {new} beginning<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">We met her! <br />
Our baby!<br />
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. <br />
I have played in my mind <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thousands </i>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!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I asked her if she wanted to go play with me inside. She shook her head yes, took my hand and walked me inside.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Be still my heart. My daughters hand was in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mine</i>. I have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">LONGED</i> for this moment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</div><div class="MsoNormal">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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- 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..</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-42867874279541355612011-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:40:05.740-07:00{journey} to our daughter<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Good Morning from Africa!! <br />
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. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Today will be a great day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
A GREAT day! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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! <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span> We made it back to the airport to stretch out and relax before our next 11 hour flight. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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! </div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-63538366283015577622011-07-27T00:38:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:35:38.055-07:00Newest member of the Avery 6<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b1OOJpcMJ8/Ti_AxiePf7I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/xxYLEZ9vFoI/s1600/2011-07-261.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b1OOJpcMJ8/Ti_AxiePf7I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/xxYLEZ9vFoI/s640/2011-07-261.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: NONE;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-67767403720496931932011-07-19T12:39:00.000-07:002011-07-19T12:39:27.014-07:00Adoption Art Auction!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Head over to our <span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span> pages to bid on a piece of Carlee's art! </b></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Painting has been Carlee's therapy throughout our adoption journey. Purchase a piece of art and be a part of bringing our daughter home! <br />
**Bidding BEGINS NOW and CLOSES at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. Please place your bid in the comment section. Highest bidder at midnight on each piece wins!!**<br />
THANK YOU!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>{We leave TOMORROW to go pick up our daughter!!!}</b></i><br />
<br />
Payments can be made using Paypal through our blog {top of this page} by the end of the day 7/20/11</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHLA5oN6pug/TiXaaVnDA5I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/7UkW7hPX3Bw/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHLA5oN6pug/TiXaaVnDA5I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/7UkW7hPX3Bw/s640/IMG_0941.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">"Cherry Blossom" 36"x 24"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_0ssKTgzNw/TiXaXIV-I6I/AAAAAAAAA0M/yLJkgSY3lgE/s1600/Adoption+Art+Auction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_0ssKTgzNw/TiXaXIV-I6I/AAAAAAAAA0M/yLJkgSY3lgE/s640/Adoption+Art+Auction.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">20"x 20"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxly11c-uUA/TiXaVlYa32I/AAAAAAAAA0I/ITQ5OeG7gKU/s1600/Adoption+Art+Auction-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxly11c-uUA/TiXaVlYa32I/AAAAAAAAA0I/ITQ5OeG7gKU/s640/Adoption+Art+Auction-43.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">"Edward the Elephant" 20"x 20"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8DjO9wYBno/TiXaR_gRAZI/AAAAAAAAA0E/lLURZfaoIPg/s1600/Adoption+Art+Auction-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8DjO9wYBno/TiXaR_gRAZI/AAAAAAAAA0E/lLURZfaoIPg/s640/Adoption+Art+Auction-42.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">18"x 14"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZudNwDmazE/TiXaO2h206I/AAAAAAAAA0A/DkWcbuniKkM/s1600/Adoption+Art+Auction-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZudNwDmazE/TiXaO2h206I/AAAAAAAAA0A/DkWcbuniKkM/s640/Adoption+Art+Auction-41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">"Zed the Zebra" 20"x 16"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-24135453570626965362011-07-15T15:54:00.000-07:002011-07-15T15:56:44.228-07:00{4th} of July<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyA6lzzJmN4/TiDFQbKLnxI/AAAAAAAAAy8/4WWJBLbmw4Q/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20111.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyA6lzzJmN4/TiDFQbKLnxI/AAAAAAAAAy8/4WWJBLbmw4Q/s640/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20111.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<div><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq8WB1YUOgQ/TiDFQr9MeGI/AAAAAAAAAzE/SGVxfoW_jXA/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20112.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq8WB1YUOgQ/TiDFQr9MeGI/AAAAAAAAAzE/SGVxfoW_jXA/s640/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20112.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N74N_8aPNMM/TiDFQt24GAI/AAAAAAAAAzM/Mq0PGy0i6pg/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20113.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N74N_8aPNMM/TiDFQt24GAI/AAAAAAAAAzM/Mq0PGy0i6pg/s640/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20113.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkXpyB7U1BA/TiDFRAaMXoI/AAAAAAAAAzU/WlOkTglzD5c/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20114.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkXpyB7U1BA/TiDFRAaMXoI/AAAAAAAAAzU/WlOkTglzD5c/s640/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20114.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgb-pB5od_8/TiDFRNdIbyI/AAAAAAAAAzc/I8ZOQPL3pp0/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20115.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgb-pB5od_8/TiDFRNdIbyI/AAAAAAAAAzc/I8ZOQPL3pp0/s640/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20115.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7x0NfIVsFc/TiDFRYu-VpI/AAAAAAAAAzk/FCiXNdl1alw/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20116.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7x0NfIVsFc/TiDFRYu-VpI/AAAAAAAAAzk/FCiXNdl1alw/s640/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20116.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dicgZzpfty4/TiDFR0kiwvI/AAAAAAAAAzs/XzCmJ7-T8BA/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20117.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dicgZzpfty4/TiDFR0kiwvI/AAAAAAAAAzs/XzCmJ7-T8BA/s640/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20117.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkRAjVbTQ6Y/TiDFR693rvI/AAAAAAAAAz0/kxGWbijGgyU/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20118.jpg"></a></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkRAjVbTQ6Y/TiDFR693rvI/AAAAAAAAAz0/kxGWbijGgyU/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20118.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkRAjVbTQ6Y/TiDFR693rvI/AAAAAAAAAz0/kxGWbijGgyU/s640/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20118.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7tklqRs-D8/TiDFSIYylQI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Y7-7os7O79o/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20119.jpg"></a></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7tklqRs-D8/TiDFSIYylQI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Y7-7os7O79o/s1600/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20119.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7tklqRs-D8/TiDFSIYylQI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Y7-7os7O79o/s640/4th%2Bof%2BJuly%2B20119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: NONE;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-73944662422047088002011-06-25T11:44:00.000-07:002011-06-25T11:44:43.161-07:00{heavy heart}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 <i>hate</i> that these kids have to even grieve such a loss. 12 years old! They all <i>just</i> graduated 6th grade 3 days ago..! <br />
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 <i>and</i> with these graduated 6th graders..but she's here for the kids. <br />
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..? <br />
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..Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-70117574104253952082011-06-18T18:37:00.000-07:002011-06-18T18:37:37.445-07:00My Father's, Father's day {gift}<div style="text-align: left;">Happy Father's Day to ME!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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!!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We're official!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned, we'll post again this week as we get more details about travel:)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We're coming for you Zefina!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Chris</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-20678911734973478242011-06-15T13:27:00.000-07:002011-06-15T13:27:40.784-07:00when life gives you lemons...make {lemoncello}!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am always on the lookout for the perfect Lemoncello Martini <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">:: so far the <a href="http://www.arizonagrandresort.com/">Arizona Grand Resort</a> takes the cake :: </span><br />
Since its a bit hard to make the quick <i>jaunt</i> whenever I'm in the mood for the refreshing lemony drink I have decided to perfect the <i>perfect</i> Lemoncello Martini!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But first I have to perfect the {lemoncello}...</span><br />
</span><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc9r2pkbsI0/TfhCl4DuWcI/AAAAAAAAAyY/uKFgjqFooPY/s320/Limoncello-40.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Start with {9-10 lemons}</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvgDfZ4Z05Y/TfhCn-LIh3I/AAAAAAAAAyc/r2H4L66musc/s320/Limoncello-41.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grate the rind from the lemons using a {fine grater} ~ be careful not to get the {bitter white pith}</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Shxzqywk4c8/TfhCrH8HomI/AAAAAAAAAyk/yzINBKSAypw/s1600/Limoncello-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Shxzqywk4c8/TfhCrH8HomI/AAAAAAAAAyk/yzINBKSAypw/s320/Limoncello-43.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add the rind to a {mason jar}</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bGSC3_q4SN4/TfhCpPnpSVI/AAAAAAAAAyg/jXl9vEtfZl0/s1600/Limoncello-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bGSC3_q4SN4/TfhCpPnpSVI/AAAAAAAAAyg/jXl9vEtfZl0/s320/Limoncello-42.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Find the highest proof {grain alcohol} your state sells</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wa. State is 151 proof. The higher proof of alcohol the better the lemons are able to release their fragrant oils</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4F9Guh5QDFk/TfhCscrHI-I/AAAAAAAAAyo/9gR00vUzfJ0/s1600/Limoncello-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4F9Guh5QDFk/TfhCscrHI-I/AAAAAAAAAyo/9gR00vUzfJ0/s320/Limoncello-44.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Combine the grain alcohol & lemon rinds. Seal it up and give it a good shake</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">~ I know, it looks yummy already -- but wait!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{good things come to those who wait!}</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPXEOjSNaNo/TfhCueGvv3I/AAAAAAAAAys/AVWE7KjK57E/s1600/Limoncello-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPXEOjSNaNo/TfhCueGvv3I/AAAAAAAAAys/AVWE7KjK57E/s400/Limoncello-45.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Put the mason jar in a cool dark place ~ somewhere you'll remember to try to shake it up <br />
every day for {21 days}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">:: I know super long - but it WILL be worth it, I promise ::</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Shaking it daily allows the oils to release from the lemon rinds. I kept mine in our coffee cabinet - since I use that daily :)</span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">:: I don't normally have Malaria meds in there (or Typhoid in the fridge)<br />
just waiting to go to Africa! ::</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIjXzvweNQo/Tfg77xkFX9I/AAAAAAAAAyU/Jz0d0cOvupg/s1600/IMG_9198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIjXzvweNQo/Tfg77xkFX9I/AAAAAAAAAyU/Jz0d0cOvupg/s320/IMG_9198.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Finally</i> - {21 days is over}! Isn't it beautiful!</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4wJHwEeLaU/Tfg0ECbMFEI/AAAAAAAAAxw/M8qfzILECOw/s1600/IMG_9186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4wJHwEeLaU/Tfg0ECbMFEI/AAAAAAAAAxw/M8qfzILECOw/s400/IMG_9186.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For this part you'll need:: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{coffee filters}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{colander}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{large bowl}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{simple syrup}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">:: simple syrup ~ 2 cups boiling water. 2 cups sugar. dissolve. cool. keep up to 2 weeks sealed in the fridge ::</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgPZ67JGntM/Tfg0J-dwBRI/AAAAAAAAAx4/nIk8e_nKQww/s1600/IMG_9208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgPZ67JGntM/Tfg0J-dwBRI/AAAAAAAAAx4/nIk8e_nKQww/s320/IMG_9208.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Line your colander with a coffee filter, slowly pour the mixture</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySLyj0FUFdQ/Tfg0LNQcmsI/AAAAAAAAAx8/q5vPouHqxWU/s1600/IMG_9212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySLyj0FUFdQ/Tfg0LNQcmsI/AAAAAAAAAx8/q5vPouHqxWU/s320/IMG_9212.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doesn't it look like sunshine! It smells {incredible} too!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfLs55t-nck/Tfg0IrgdOJI/AAAAAAAAAx0/NW-Ju2f7DXE/s1600/IMG_9207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfLs55t-nck/Tfg0IrgdOJI/AAAAAAAAAx0/NW-Ju2f7DXE/s320/IMG_9207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drained rinds ~ you could candy them if you'd like {I haven't yet}</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mITPgFt4zk/TfkJ3gDGMDI/AAAAAAAAAyw/xnO7lk9Anto/s1600/Limoncello+46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mITPgFt4zk/TfkJ3gDGMDI/AAAAAAAAAyw/xnO7lk9Anto/s320/Limoncello+46.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add {2 cups of your chilled simple syrup}. Taste it, if you'd like it sweeter add more. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Adding the simple syrup will change the color from crystal clear to a creamy bright yellow! <br />
:: sorry about the phone pic! ::</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Now you have homemade Lemoncello! <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Put it into a {glass container with a sealed top} & keep it chilled in the {freezer}!</span><i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<i>Remember</i> 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! <br />
<br />
My personal favorite is a Lemoncello Martini :: </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pS2TzMzlleg/Tfg0MsOgunI/AAAAAAAAAyA/eTNOTkaAO1c/s1600/IMG_9213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pS2TzMzlleg/Tfg0MsOgunI/AAAAAAAAAyA/eTNOTkaAO1c/s320/IMG_9213.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rim your martini glass with a {wedge of lime}, then dip your glass in {fine sugar} </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">:: regular sugar blended in the blender, just be careful you don't over blend into powdered sugar :) :: </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28UPCgw1K0s/Tfg0N9EZDgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/Rb_xM-5Ufxw/s1600/IMG_9215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28UPCgw1K0s/Tfg0N9EZDgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/Rb_xM-5Ufxw/s320/IMG_9215.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a {shaker} mix</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{ice}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{2 shots lemonade}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{1 shot limoncello}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{1 shot citron vodka}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{1tsp simple syrup}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">{squeeze of lemon or lime}</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hbyiyXmxfEw/Tfg0RLWrIUI/AAAAAAAAAyM/zQdsQN4arHk/s1600/IMG_9219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hbyiyXmxfEw/Tfg0RLWrIUI/AAAAAAAAAyM/zQdsQN4arHk/s320/IMG_9219.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{YUMMY}!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8fpEIrRX0I/TfkJ9VfHjyI/AAAAAAAAAy0/mcXbgkgMsB4/s1600/Limoncello+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8fpEIrRX0I/TfkJ9VfHjyI/AAAAAAAAAy0/mcXbgkgMsB4/s320/Limoncello+47.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is another {yummy} Lemoncello Martini<br />
:: sorry again for the phone pic...and my daughters lovely ketchup face on her burger! :) ::<br />
In a {shaker} mix<br />
{ice}<br />
{1 shot limoncello}<br />
{1 shot lemonade}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">{1 shot raspberry lemonade}<br />
{1/2 shot citron vodka}<br />
{1tsp simple syrup}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rim your glass with a {lime} & {fine sugar}<br />
{pour}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I still have some tweaking to do...but taste testing these lemoncello concoctions isn't terrible! :) </span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">{<i>enjoy!</i>}</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-85801413796688432872011-06-09T03:17:00.000-07:002011-06-09T03:17:05.323-07:00where i {fit}<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRoJE-LbsnI/TfCVrhh5NJI/AAAAAAAAAxo/OG-AYqgC5t8/s1600/IMG_7363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRoJE-LbsnI/TfCVrhh5NJI/AAAAAAAAAxo/OG-AYqgC5t8/s640/IMG_7363.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
Never did I ever <i>imagine</i> I would be where I am right now.<br />
<br />
<br />
But <i>never</i> would I ever <i>change</i> this place.<br />
<br />
<br />
It's where I am.<br />
<br />
<br />
Where I'm suppose to be.<br />
<br />
<br />
It's where I belong.<br />
<br />
<br />
This is where I <i>fit</i>. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;">Just below his chin, nestled completely perfect in his chest.<br />
<br />
<br />
Where my fingers rest on top of his hand, resting between his knuckles when were driving in his truck.<br />
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<br />
The way my legs sneak under and over his ~ no matter how I'm sleeping.<br />
<br />
<br />
The way he looks at me.<br />
<br />
<br />
The way his arm is in front of mine when he holds my hand. Leading me. Protecting me.<br />
<br />
<br />
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. </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
<br />
The way we move around our kitchen..and when he spontaneously grabs me and dances me around in it.<br />
<br />
<br />
The way he loves me with everything he does.<br />
<br />
<br />
The way his entire hand fits around mine when they are cold.<br />
<br />
<br />
The way I can feel and hear his heart beating when he pulls me in close and wraps his arms tight around me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This</i> is where I fit. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<br />
Perfectly. Fit. </div><br />
<br />
</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-90948865851552713572011-06-02T09:30:00.000-07:002011-06-02T09:30:33.612-07:00{hitched}!!<div style="text-align: center;">My baby brother is now a husband! </div><div style="text-align: center;">What a FUN and beautiful wedding Michael &vKrista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Congratulations!! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">{coronado, ca} </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTFMafjhBss/TebHNvX67HI/AAAAAAAAAwc/t8HXStQBFyw/s1600/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTFMafjhBss/TebHNvX67HI/AAAAAAAAAwc/t8HXStQBFyw/s640/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-413.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<i>may 14, 2011</i>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qe8p-CdRaEM/TebG-Qw8j8I/AAAAAAAAAwY/Tf26FbwmSKQ/s1600/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qe8p-CdRaEM/TebG-Qw8j8I/AAAAAAAAAwY/Tf26FbwmSKQ/s640/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-400.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely <i>LOVE</i> the way he is looking at his beautiful bride! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-COZrhI8JXAA/TebHi0QPUSI/AAAAAAAAAwo/ITLaiw7pj94/s1600/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-COZrhI8JXAA/TebHi0QPUSI/AAAAAAAAAwo/ITLaiw7pj94/s640/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-427.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandparents were beaming the entire weekend! I'm SO happy they were able to make the trip down from Seattle!<br />
Aren't they adorable!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XRLxTni3qI/TebInrBgCsI/AAAAAAAAAw4/0Bf2tHdZ5wQ/s1600/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XRLxTni3qI/TebInrBgCsI/AAAAAAAAAw4/0Bf2tHdZ5wQ/s640/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-468.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siblings!<br />
Sadie, Michael & I</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM0YwVYp1kA/TebJiA6GSWI/AAAAAAAAAxE/RFeqnSL05hg/s1600/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM0YwVYp1kA/TebJiA6GSWI/AAAAAAAAAxE/RFeqnSL05hg/s640/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-483.jpg" width="531" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>SISTERS!!<br />
</i>Me, Krista & Sadie<i><br />
</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Vunv2oPD4/TebJ6uEQOoI/AAAAAAAAAxI/f6cpoz-WepY/s1600/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Vunv2oPD4/TebJ6uEQOoI/AAAAAAAAAxI/f6cpoz-WepY/s640/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-488.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadie and I<br />
{considering we didn't know what the other was wearing, I'd say we went together pretty well!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN4NELClEPo/TebKtjW92BI/AAAAAAAAAxY/GJxMI-WwkD4/s1600/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN4NELClEPo/TebKtjW92BI/AAAAAAAAAxY/GJxMI-WwkD4/s640/Michael+%2526+Kristas+Wedding-500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the family Krista ~ We love you very much!! <br />
Congratulations you two!!</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-29722576824139341342011-04-25T12:31:00.000-07:002011-04-25T12:31:37.015-07:00{giant} chalkboard<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">So I saw and fell in <i>love</i> </span>with a friends giant chalkboard that she found at a flea market...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't had such luck finding one of my own - but while brainstorming fun projects with my sister - it hit me - I can <i>make</i> this wonderful chalkboard! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKJyYzTMmqs/TbXC7vMeecI/AAAAAAAAAvw/HzznGQpvjPk/s1600/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKJyYzTMmqs/TbXC7vMeecI/AAAAAAAAAvw/HzznGQpvjPk/s320/photo-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">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**)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Final measurements are 33.5in x 43in</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKhxD3jUMRg/TbXC9XfI03I/AAAAAAAAAv0/fpFdTRXSvJQ/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKhxD3jUMRg/TbXC9XfI03I/AAAAAAAAAv0/fpFdTRXSvJQ/s320/photo-2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sanded down the boards so it would look worn and kind of old, I used a power sander - much quicker.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVro6r8wFpw/TbXDD9sxzfI/AAAAAAAAAwE/GaVxT8GVN4U/s1600/photo-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVro6r8wFpw/TbXDD9sxzfI/AAAAAAAAAwE/GaVxT8GVN4U/s320/photo-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added paint (that I found in my sisters garage, love shopping at her house :) and sanded it again<br />
(*I cut the corners at an angle as well)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kZP3Si9BCA/TbXC-0sNNQI/AAAAAAAAAv4/8UWIwLeFETc/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kZP3Si9BCA/TbXC-0sNNQI/AAAAAAAAAv4/8UWIwLeFETc/s320/photo-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0XNnuqnU7s/TbXDAf60m2I/AAAAAAAAAv8/I25N0BzMkD4/s1600/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0XNnuqnU7s/TbXDAf60m2I/AAAAAAAAAv8/I25N0BzMkD4/s320/photo-4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sF-Hhg_xwek/TbXDCVtz_eI/AAAAAAAAAwA/s9Y33EGf2I4/s1600/photo-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sF-Hhg_xwek/TbXDCVtz_eI/AAAAAAAAAwA/s9Y33EGf2I4/s320/photo-5.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do love that it doesnt look brand new - and the wood is super soft.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAMNjbQIRho/TbXDHSc-FcI/AAAAAAAAAwM/D2tsfKsY4Tw/s1600/photo-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAMNjbQIRho/TbXDHSc-FcI/AAAAAAAAAwM/D2tsfKsY4Tw/s640/photo-8.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I put a wire hanger on the back - and there she is!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> I LOVE it, and as you can see my kids love it too - although I think most of the artwork is Carters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> (all the pictures were taken with my phone - sorry! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-3677799891769746762011-03-22T17:53:00.000-07:002011-03-22T17:53:45.320-07:00Z's {first}<div style="text-align: center;">Today was a new first.<br />
We made our very first purchase for our new little girl! <br />
We have been waiting <i>patiently</i><br />
(albeit painfully patient at times).<br />
<br />
This Momma's heart has been <i>aching</i> for this moment. <br />
<br />
We're adopting a little girl that is between birth and 5 years old. <br />
As a mother your hearts desire is to provide and prepare your home for your children. <br />
<i>SOOO</i> difficult when you simply can't.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Since I can't prepare my home, God has been using this time to prepare my heart.<br />
I've decided to look at it as a gift. To me <i>and</i> my daughter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So sweet Zefina ~ Here is our long awaited gift from us to you.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YGtspZx_4is/TYk8ZEJZVeI/AAAAAAAAAvs/tNkyfrs5ftg/s1600/Zefina%2527s+1st+blanket+%2526+stuffed+animal-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YGtspZx_4is/TYk8ZEJZVeI/AAAAAAAAAvs/tNkyfrs5ftg/s640/Zefina%2527s+1st+blanket+%2526+stuffed+animal-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We love you Zefina!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love, Mommy & Daddy </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-38519321035355801272011-03-11T10:41:00.000-08:002011-03-11T10:41:33.547-08:00{anything} is possible<div style="text-align: center;">I overheard a short conversation between my boys last night -</div><div style="text-align: center;">It went like this:<br />
<br />
Carter: "Did you know not EVERYthing is possible?"<br />
Tanner: "Yes - Anything <i>can</i> be possible, God can make it possible."<br />
Carter: "I'm gonna start praying that Ellie will talk."<br />
<br />
End of conversation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQ2j4KJUL5Q/TXprazcxgEI/AAAAAAAAAvk/Jgx7ldjrj1E/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQ2j4KJUL5Q/TXprazcxgEI/AAAAAAAAAvk/Jgx7ldjrj1E/s640/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="627" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(these were taken last night :)</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585446856078009206.post-65907942384116622022011-03-08T01:04:00.000-08:002011-03-08T01:04:21.832-08:00painting {therapy}<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: cyan;">{</span><span style="font-size: large;">Today marks a new day</span></span><span style="color: cyan;"></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: cyan;">}</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are officially <span style="font-size: large;">{<b>done</b>} </span>with our adoption paper work.<br />
We are now just waiting to clear immigration and then will be free to travel - we're hoping May! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: cyan;">{</span></span><span style="color: red;">woooooo hoooooo!!!</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: cyan;">}</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">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.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aaaaah :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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. <br />
...I was feeling like my brain was a bit fried. <br />
With our adoption (and I would assume with most) everything must be exactly <i>'so'</i>. <br />
No: if's, and's or but's. <br />
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.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Ugh. <br />
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?!<br />
<br />
So I picked up a paintbrush, turned on some music and refilled my tea...<br />
I am NOT a painter. <i>At all</i>. 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... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1spq_Kz1OV8/TXXrUkjmeAI/AAAAAAAAAvY/mWMgQd-xzEw/s1600/IMG_8755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1spq_Kz1OV8/TXXrUkjmeAI/AAAAAAAAAvY/mWMgQd-xzEw/s640/IMG_8755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J4HVPLnxnzo/TXXrvNg5rAI/AAAAAAAAAvg/x6bDkSN79KM/s1600/IMG_8756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J4HVPLnxnzo/TXXrvNg5rAI/AAAAAAAAAvg/x6bDkSN79KM/s640/IMG_8756.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br />
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...<br />
</div>Carlee Averyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949230717537434366noreply@blogger.com2