Please join us for the quints 3rd Birthday Sunday March 29th from 10:00-1:00 at Bremerton Skateland admission and skate rental are free. Hope to see you there.
Here is something another mom of multiples posted on her site I found it fitting.
To all my dear friends who are also Invisible!
The Invisible Mom
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of
response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room
while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.
Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on
the phone?'
Obviously not ,20no one can see if I'm on the phone, or
cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head
in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm
invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of
hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can
you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a
human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?
I'm a satellite guide to a answer, 'What number is
the Disney Channel? I'm a car to order, 'Right
around 5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held
books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that
graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared
into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's
going, she's going, and she’s gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating
the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten
back from a fabulous trip,and she was going on and on about
the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around
at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to
compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty
pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully
wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It
was a book on th e great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't
exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her
inscription: To Charlotte, with admiration for the
greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And
I would discover what would become for me, four
life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
No one can say who built the great cathedrals we have no
record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives
for a work they would never see finished. They made great
sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their
building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw
everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came
to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw
a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He
was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so
much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered
by the roof? No one will ever see it. And the workman
replied, 'Because God sees.'
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into
place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me,
'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make
every day, even when no one around you does. No act of< br> > kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no
cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and
smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you
can't see right now what it will become.
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it
is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for
the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote
to my strong, stubborn pride.
I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great
builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they
will never see finished, to work on something that their
name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as
to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our
lifetime because there are so few people willing to
sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to
tell the friend he's bringing home from college for
Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and
bakes homemade pies. Then she hand bastes a turkey for three
hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That
would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I
just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is
anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you’re
gonna love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be
seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very
possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we
have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the
world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Great Job, MOM!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
I dont know who is crazier that lady or my life
Ok I had no idea when I posted the last blog the lady was mental. I keep hearing her say I can do it all on my own. NEVER, NEVER it is not humanly possible. The first 9 months of the babies life I slept on a good night 2-4 hours. With help I still only slept 4 hours because I had to nurse or pump. I feel like I am a strong person and at times I cannot take the craziness of life and I only have 6. I do not agree with what she has done but it is done, and now we need to pray for the children involved. I will still continue to pray for the mother. What I would love for her to say is she thankful to God for there life of her children and she needs HELP mentally, spiritually, and physically. That is all I have to say about that.
Any how It is 6:30 am and the kids didn’t sleep again last night. First Aniston at 11:00 insisting there was a bug in her room. Cami around 2:00 crying because she was scared. Then that set Belle of and she repeated over and over “I want to sleep with MAMA!!” for 2 hours. Finally Cami got to sleep. “Oh no!!” Aniston is crying again and there goes Belle “I want MAMA!!” I brought Aniston and Belle into one single bed and all three of us snuggled into tight quarters. For an hour the two fought over who got to touch me. Ok by now it was 5:00 Belle had moved onto “I want a drink of water” over and over and aniston was fighting for her position in the bed. I finally got up to get Belle a drink of water and notice its already 5:30. Ahhh!!! After water and fighting they are finally asleep and now I am wide awake. And thinking about all the things I need to get done today. Like Drop Lilli of at school at 9:00 and then teach my aerobics class at 9:30. Pick Lilli up at 11:30 while dragging 2 of the other kids with me. Life is always crazy in the Stevenson house.
Mike is really liking his job. Some days he even come home for lunch. School is going well I have a 95% in my Algebra class. I have a great teacher because I am not by any means the kind of person to get things easily. I struggled with school because of my dyslexia I always thought I wasn’t smart however, now I know I just didn’t know how to work with my disability. With time I have learned I can do anything if I set my mind to it. Even survive 6 kids under of the age of 6.
Well I better start my day. I hope I put a smile on your face because after reading through this I cannot help but laugh at my life.
Any how It is 6:30 am and the kids didn’t sleep again last night. First Aniston at 11:00 insisting there was a bug in her room. Cami around 2:00 crying because she was scared. Then that set Belle of and she repeated over and over “I want to sleep with MAMA!!” for 2 hours. Finally Cami got to sleep. “Oh no!!” Aniston is crying again and there goes Belle “I want MAMA!!” I brought Aniston and Belle into one single bed and all three of us snuggled into tight quarters. For an hour the two fought over who got to touch me. Ok by now it was 5:00 Belle had moved onto “I want a drink of water” over and over and aniston was fighting for her position in the bed. I finally got up to get Belle a drink of water and notice its already 5:30. Ahhh!!! After water and fighting they are finally asleep and now I am wide awake. And thinking about all the things I need to get done today. Like Drop Lilli of at school at 9:00 and then teach my aerobics class at 9:30. Pick Lilli up at 11:30 while dragging 2 of the other kids with me. Life is always crazy in the Stevenson house.
Mike is really liking his job. Some days he even come home for lunch. School is going well I have a 95% in my Algebra class. I have a great teacher because I am not by any means the kind of person to get things easily. I struggled with school because of my dyslexia I always thought I wasn’t smart however, now I know I just didn’t know how to work with my disability. With time I have learned I can do anything if I set my mind to it. Even survive 6 kids under of the age of 6.
Well I better start my day. I hope I put a smile on your face because after reading through this I cannot help but laugh at my life.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
2008 cute kids winners
Guess who has been named cutest multiples of 2008 by cute kid.com? My babies!!! I am proud once again to be their mom. This is a honor considering it is one of the top most respected contests for children. You can read more about the contest if you go to http://www.thecutesttwins.com/?&utm_nooverride=1 Besides great publicity they won a$5,000 scholarship.
The kids have been really fussy. When I took them to the doctor everyone including Lilli had a ear infection. I decided to switch them to their own rooms because they waking one another up. Annie and Weston are sleeping in their own beds like good kids. Cami and Belle still ask to be zipped in there crib tent. And Scarlett well those that know her know she is not to be trusted. Scarlett is my little monkey she is always into everything. The other night I put her to bed and asked "what would you like to dream about tonight?" she looked at me and smiled and said "your make-up." I had to laugh since every time she is missing I find her in my bathroom all made up. The funny thing is she climbs 2 gates and get threw 2 child proof doors. If I didn't laugh I would cry.
lots of smiles
Courtnee
The kids have been really fussy. When I took them to the doctor everyone including Lilli had a ear infection. I decided to switch them to their own rooms because they waking one another up. Annie and Weston are sleeping in their own beds like good kids. Cami and Belle still ask to be zipped in there crib tent. And Scarlett well those that know her know she is not to be trusted. Scarlett is my little monkey she is always into everything. The other night I put her to bed and asked "what would you like to dream about tonight?" she looked at me and smiled and said "your make-up." I had to laugh since every time she is missing I find her in my bathroom all made up. The funny thing is she climbs 2 gates and get threw 2 child proof doors. If I didn't laugh I would cry.
lots of smiles
Courtnee
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
8 are Born and King 5 Visits
What a beutiful day for this family, they gave birth to 8 healthy babies. To learn more you can read the new york times article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/us/27brfs-SECONDSETOFO_BRF.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=eight%20are%20born&st=cse
We will be on channel 5 at 5:00 or around that time.
The kids just got over a cold/flu. I spent 5 out of 7 nights up all night. Oh, and they love to share so everyone that helped me that week came down with the same thing.
Mike got a job with a contracter on base. when HR called we yelled and jumped up and down. Mike told the lady on the other end of the phone we couldn't help ourselves. It is half the money he was making at his old job, but this job is permanent and more secure.
I have started school and it is going well. I am enjoying the break from "MAMA!!"
Please pray for the tiny eight babies born and I will up date you all when they release the parents names.
Lots of Love,
Courtnee
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/us/27brfs-SECONDSETOFO_BRF.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=eight%20are%20born&st=cse
We will be on channel 5 at 5:00 or around that time.
The kids just got over a cold/flu. I spent 5 out of 7 nights up all night. Oh, and they love to share so everyone that helped me that week came down with the same thing.
Mike got a job with a contracter on base. when HR called we yelled and jumped up and down. Mike told the lady on the other end of the phone we couldn't help ourselves. It is half the money he was making at his old job, but this job is permanent and more secure.
I have started school and it is going well. I am enjoying the break from "MAMA!!"
Please pray for the tiny eight babies born and I will up date you all when they release the parents names.
Lots of Love,
Courtnee
Monday, January 5, 2009
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars
Christmas was good though we had a few problems. The days leading up to Christmas were interesting with all the snow. I haven't been able to get my car out of the driveway for a week now. My mom never made it here from Spokane because of weather. The kids and I really missed her, Cami told people her grandma Cheri was stuck in a airplane. I kept things simple this year. I want the kids to understand that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus . Lilli wanted to know if we were going to make a birthday cake for the baby Jesus and I thought that was cute.
Christmas eve, Mike, Jerry, Marry, Jamie, Taka and Amanda all worked on putting toys together and wrapping presents. We finally wrapped up around 11:00 pm. It was quite until around 2:00am and then I heard Weston. I went to their room and each one started to cry. Finally around 5:00 am I went back to sleep. I slept a few hours until Lilli said, "Mama, can I go downstairs?" I wanted everyone to see the tree and the gifts at the same time. I got the video camera and headed up the stairs to their room. Lilli, Mike and I said, "Merry Christmas, Santa came." Just then I saw Cami throw up. "Oh no!!" I yelled, "Not today, please why today?!" I cleaned her and her bedding and we went downstairs. I picked up my video camera and recorded them ripping into their stockings. Lilli was yelling "Yes, yes, this is what I wanted." Just then I notice, just as I faced the video recorder in Belles direction, she had her head down on the couch. I asked, "Belle, don't you want to see what santa brought?" In that moment she threw up all over the couch.
It could have been worse. I know I will always remember this Christmas for years to come. Click on the link below and Taka recorded the kids sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebLjrIYAlGA#
Oh and you will noticed my hair is brown and yes I have a story about that too.
Christmas eve, Mike, Jerry, Marry, Jamie, Taka and Amanda all worked on putting toys together and wrapping presents. We finally wrapped up around 11:00 pm. It was quite until around 2:00am and then I heard Weston. I went to their room and each one started to cry. Finally around 5:00 am I went back to sleep. I slept a few hours until Lilli said, "Mama, can I go downstairs?" I wanted everyone to see the tree and the gifts at the same time. I got the video camera and headed up the stairs to their room. Lilli, Mike and I said, "Merry Christmas, Santa came." Just then I saw Cami throw up. "Oh no!!" I yelled, "Not today, please why today?!" I cleaned her and her bedding and we went downstairs. I picked up my video camera and recorded them ripping into their stockings. Lilli was yelling "Yes, yes, this is what I wanted." Just then I notice, just as I faced the video recorder in Belles direction, she had her head down on the couch. I asked, "Belle, don't you want to see what santa brought?" In that moment she threw up all over the couch.
It could have been worse. I know I will always remember this Christmas for years to come. Click on the link below and Taka recorded the kids sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebLjrIYAlGA#
Oh and you will noticed my hair is brown and yes I have a story about that too.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Merry Christmas 2008
Merry Christmas, we have snow!!! Before the snow hit, I took the kids to Crista Shores Senior home. This is the 3rd Christmas we have visited Crista Shores. It really makes me feel good to see how much joy the kids bring to others. Some people tear up and others just laugh at the thought of 5 two year olds. This year it was special because I brought Molly (my sisters little girl) with us. For those that don't know, Molly was born with cancer and at 2 weeks old she had a kidney removed then shortly after that completed 19 weeks of chemotherapy. Molly is cancer free and thriving. The people at Crista Shores prayed for her and they were elated to see her walk through the door. I try to have her over to our house once a week because her cousins adore her. We are planning to visit 5 more senior homes in the next few months. It is rewarding to say the least.
Mike and I took the kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at Clear Creek Nursery last Saturday. Lilli couldn't wait to see him but the others were a little scared. Scarlett nearly hyperventilated, she was so scared. She wanted nothing to do with Santa. Weston tried to be brave for his sisters and he stood frozen with big eyes. Maybe they will like him better next year. Before bed that night Scarlett said "I don't want Santa to come".
We had a interview with a local paper this week and Weston got most of the attention telling Charles (the writer) that he had a penis like daddy. He said it over and over while stripping off his clothes in front of the photographer. Finally after the hundredth time of saying " I have a penis" Charles laughed and said "I am happy for you buddy." I never know what is going to come out of their mouths these days.
Everyone is close to being potty trained. Belle, Aniston and Cami are doing great. Weston likes to open the front door and pee outside. I find little puddles every now and then on the floor. Usually I discover the pee pee after I slipped or stepped in it. Aniston is always quick to point out the urinator, she takes on that first born role. Scarlett is struggling as well. She asks me for a diaper, puts it on herself and goes in the bathroom. Then comes out and says "change me I pooped in my diaper". I have bribed her with everything I can think of. Sometimes she thinks about it and then I find her behind chairs or under the table going to the bathroom. Lately her new spot is behind the Christmas tree.
Mike is still adjusting to being home or should I say I am adjusting to Mike being home. Oh it is hard anyway you look at it. He joined the electrical union and we are hoping to find something close to home. The last job he was on, he commuted 2 hours there and 2 hours back. I am going back to school next quarter to finish my education degree. I am still teaching aerobics 2-4 days a week at West Coast Fitness. They are awesome to give me free daycare while I work. I load the kids up every Thursday and Friday, then pick up my friend Sara and 3 other kids. We drop all the big kids off at school and head to the gym. Sara is such a good sport about all the chaos the kids create. Thanks Sara you are a true friend.
I trust that god will give us what we need when we need it. It seems to always work that way. When times get hard, you just adjust and that's what we are doing. The kids, Mike and I have what we need. We feel blessed to have a healthy family and a home. thank you too the businesses (and individuals) who donated and helped build our home last year. There were alot of very generous people who gave materials, time and expertise I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New year.
If you are in need of a calendar please don't hesitate to order one online or email me courtneestevenson@gmail.com. They make great Christmas gift and are defiantly a conversation piece.
P.S. I have been looking for easy inexpensive recipes if you have any please email me.
Lots of Love, Courtnee
Mike and I took the kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at Clear Creek Nursery last Saturday. Lilli couldn't wait to see him but the others were a little scared. Scarlett nearly hyperventilated, she was so scared. She wanted nothing to do with Santa. Weston tried to be brave for his sisters and he stood frozen with big eyes. Maybe they will like him better next year. Before bed that night Scarlett said "I don't want Santa to come".
We had a interview with a local paper this week and Weston got most of the attention telling Charles (the writer) that he had a penis like daddy. He said it over and over while stripping off his clothes in front of the photographer. Finally after the hundredth time of saying " I have a penis" Charles laughed and said "I am happy for you buddy." I never know what is going to come out of their mouths these days.
Everyone is close to being potty trained. Belle, Aniston and Cami are doing great. Weston likes to open the front door and pee outside. I find little puddles every now and then on the floor. Usually I discover the pee pee after I slipped or stepped in it. Aniston is always quick to point out the urinator, she takes on that first born role. Scarlett is struggling as well. She asks me for a diaper, puts it on herself and goes in the bathroom. Then comes out and says "change me I pooped in my diaper". I have bribed her with everything I can think of. Sometimes she thinks about it and then I find her behind chairs or under the table going to the bathroom. Lately her new spot is behind the Christmas tree.
Mike is still adjusting to being home or should I say I am adjusting to Mike being home. Oh it is hard anyway you look at it. He joined the electrical union and we are hoping to find something close to home. The last job he was on, he commuted 2 hours there and 2 hours back. I am going back to school next quarter to finish my education degree. I am still teaching aerobics 2-4 days a week at West Coast Fitness. They are awesome to give me free daycare while I work. I load the kids up every Thursday and Friday, then pick up my friend Sara and 3 other kids. We drop all the big kids off at school and head to the gym. Sara is such a good sport about all the chaos the kids create. Thanks Sara you are a true friend.
I trust that god will give us what we need when we need it. It seems to always work that way. When times get hard, you just adjust and that's what we are doing. The kids, Mike and I have what we need. We feel blessed to have a healthy family and a home. thank you too the businesses (and individuals) who donated and helped build our home last year. There were alot of very generous people who gave materials, time and expertise I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New year.
If you are in need of a calendar please don't hesitate to order one online or email me courtneestevenson@gmail.com. They make great Christmas gift and are defiantly a conversation piece.
P.S. I have been looking for easy inexpensive recipes if you have any please email me.
Lots of Love, Courtnee
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
November only, Limited Edition family portrait sessions
The holidays will come and go before you know it, so now's the time to take advantage of Coffeehouse Photography's limited edition family photo sessions. There will only be 8 more shoots booked for the rest of the year, as we too spend time with our families over the holidays.
Every year I look forward to getting new family photos done to send out as holiday cards and for gifts to give out to my family and friends, and here's your opportunity to do the same. Now through the end of the month, you can let us capture you and your family in a familiar setting such as your home or a favorite location of your choice (In the Kitsap area only, please). Book your session on the weekend and get two photographers for the same price. (Steve and Courtnee will both be shooting)
The cost is $325. This amount covers the session (Approx. 45 minutes) and one professionally retouched image of your choice for your Christmas card and a signature 8x10 print perfect for framing. All the images will be available on our Website for purchase, in addition to hundreds of personalized products including holiday cards, wall calendars, framed prints, mouse pads, and lots more.
SESSIONS MUST TAKE PLACE NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 1ST! There is LIMITED availability, so shoot an email over to clients@coffeehousephotography.com to set up your session now!
To browse photos from a couple of our recent shoots, copy and paste or just click on the following link to start the show.
http://www.coffeehousephotography.com/darkroom/share/?n=Joss
http://www.coffeehousephotography.com/darkroom/share/?n=Pompilio
To browse the product catalog, just visit http://www.coffeehousephotography.com/ and click on the 2008 Catalog link on the top of every page for more information.
Every year I look forward to getting new family photos done to send out as holiday cards and for gifts to give out to my family and friends, and here's your opportunity to do the same. Now through the end of the month, you can let us capture you and your family in a familiar setting such as your home or a favorite location of your choice (In the Kitsap area only, please). Book your session on the weekend and get two photographers for the same price. (Steve and Courtnee will both be shooting)
The cost is $325. This amount covers the session (Approx. 45 minutes) and one professionally retouched image of your choice for your Christmas card and a signature 8x10 print perfect for framing. All the images will be available on our Website for purchase, in addition to hundreds of personalized products including holiday cards, wall calendars, framed prints, mouse pads, and lots more.
SESSIONS MUST TAKE PLACE NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 1ST! There is LIMITED availability, so shoot an email over to clients@coffeehousephotography.com to set up your session now!
To browse photos from a couple of our recent shoots, copy and paste or just click on the following link to start the show.
http://www.coffeehousephotography.com/darkroom/share/?n=Joss
http://www.coffeehousephotography.com/darkroom/share/?n=Pompilio
To browse the product catalog, just visit http://www.coffeehousephotography.com/ and click on the 2008 Catalog link on the top of every page for more information.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Halloween
We had the best time going door to door. Weston giggled from house to house collecting candy. Belle enjoyed being in the back opening one candy bar after another. Cami danced back and forth with her adorable grin across her face. Scarlett got candy and then went back to the door with the hope no one noticed she was double dipping.Aniston jumped up and down and yelled trick or treat with her little lisp. Lilli was a starlet, her dress was so long it drug from door to door. Every now and then she would hike it up so high her unders would show. We all laughed and enjoyed the kids. It was a stress relief to laughing and having fun.
I hate to even say it but Mike once again is laid off. He has been home for 2 weeks and we are hoping for him to find something soon. I think the kids have started driving him crazy. It is funny how mom's can look passed the crying and fighting. He asked me the other day why they cry so much. hmmmm. I hope he is getting a little taste of what it is like to be at home with 6 kids. I'll keep you updated.
Each holiday gets better I cannot wait for Christmas!!!
I hate to even say it but Mike once again is laid off. He has been home for 2 weeks and we are hoping for him to find something soon. I think the kids have started driving him crazy. It is funny how mom's can look passed the crying and fighting. He asked me the other day why they cry so much. hmmmm. I hope he is getting a little taste of what it is like to be at home with 6 kids. I'll keep you updated.
Each holiday gets better I cannot wait for Christmas!!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Calendar pictures that didn't make it
Hi everyone it is that time of year and yes, the calendars are almost here!! These are a few pictures that didn't make the grade but still super precious.. Since everyone is hurting this year for money I am trying to bring the price down to $10.00.I plan on selling adds for 20-40 dollars. if you would like to place a add, sell them on your site or at bazaar's please contact me courtneestevenson@gmail.com we should be putting pay pal on our site in the next few days. I have made Christmas cards as well. I will update everyone at the end of next week on my progress.
The kids are loving the new house. Lilli turned 6 last week and the kids still are singing happy birthday. Mike is working in Renton. We are praying like everyone else about our economy. Mike has a week or two left of work before his job ends. we are not sure what he will do from there. I know god will provide.
Have a fabulous day!!
Courtnee
The kids are loving the new house. Lilli turned 6 last week and the kids still are singing happy birthday. Mike is working in Renton. We are praying like everyone else about our economy. Mike has a week or two left of work before his job ends. we are not sure what he will do from there. I know god will provide.
Have a fabulous day!!
Courtnee
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Home sweet home
In 1995 Mike and I purchased our first home, a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom 900 square foot mobile home. I could not wait for something of my own. At the time we thought we would spend a few years in our mobile and then build on our property. We never wanted to live beyond our means. I fixed up my home and in 2002 prepared a beautiful nursery for my first baby. Lilli entered the world and I was forever changed. She became everything to me and I knew I would sacrifice anything just to be with her. Mike was making only $9.00 per hour and we watched every penny. I was very thankful we had a home and took pride in what we had.
Later that year I asked Mike how he would feel if I had a daycare inside of our home. I figured if we built a bigger home I could stay home with Lilli. I had become very good at stretching money, however I knew there would be no way for us to make payments on a construction loan and our current home. We rented the mobile and we put everything we owned in Mike’s mother’s home. Mike and I purchased a 5th wheel for the three of us to live in. The summer felt unbearable and for Christmas we decorated a tree outside. Lilli would look out the window and say “pretty”. Bless her heart! She had no idea that living in a 5th wheel was not fun! I kept pressing forward and reassuring myself that this would be a small sacrifice.
Living in that situation made me face just how dysfunctional my marriage had become. Mike worked with the tides which meant he worked graveyard. Those that know us know that Mike and I are complete opposites. Mike still loved to go out and socialize and I did not want to leave Lilli for even a minute. I came to terms with my husband’s addictions during this time. I started seeing my living situation as never-ending. One year later I was still in a 5th wheel with no building permit and a husband who had just checked into rehab.
At this time I saw everything slip away. Lilli and I stayed at my mom’s house in Oregon while Mike spent a month and half in rehab. I did not know if my marriage was going to make it. I grieved over my marriage and the loss of my dreams. I had pictured myself in a beautiful home with a husband and 2 or 3 kids and everything seemed to be falling apart. After Mike got out of rehab I refused to live another day in the 5th wheel. Once again we moved back into the mobile.
I felt defeated about our living situation but at the same time felt lucky that my husband was healthy. Mike and I started to laugh again. We went to church on Sundays. I felt the disappointment fade. Lilli was turning 3 and we wanted to give her a bother or sister. I could not wait to do it right this time. Mike would be healthy this go around and we would be doing everything together. Since I do not have a menstrual cycle I cannot get pregnant without medication. I made an appointment with the fertility specialist. We started looking into the daycare and the house situation all over again. In that same month we got a building permit. I was back on course. I got bids from companies and everything started taking shape.
And then yep you guess it – QUINTS? Well the house and the daycare would no longer work since I would have too many kids to even be legal!
We had just started attending New Life Church in Silverdale. Mike was still very new to church but I think he really felt accepted there. Word got around quickly about my pregnancy and the decision I had made to not reduce any of my babies. I really needed comfort and reassurance and the church gave that to me. I was approached by a group of people eager to help. Mike and I met at a friend’s house and our new friends prayed for our family. I felt unbelievably touched and accepted. A few weeks later I got a phone call for another meeting. We sat at the table and discussed what it would take to continue our house plans. The church then set up an account for donations. The church and channel 4 tried to raise awareness about our situation. As time went by Mike and I made plans for our home while I lay in my hospital bed awaiting the babies’ arrival. As my delivery day moved closer I become concerned that things were not moving as quickly as we had planned. When Mike pressed for information as to when the house would begin everyone involved concluded that we should prepare to rent. We were told to find a place to rent and that the rent would be taken care of. I was overjoyed with that decision. Our mobile was 10 years old and need a lot of work. The house we chose was in downtown Poulsbo. It was a darling blue two story and it would be available just in time for the kids to come home. I pictured my family walking strolling downtown. I measured for curtains and all the necessary home items. The babies were born and Mike and I spent lots of time traveling back and forth from Seattle. I had a tough time recovering. I had not even walked in five months and my energy level was next to nothing. Our insurance company paid to put us up in an apartment on First Hill in Seattle. The apartment was so dirty, I hated to even put my head on the pillow. I kept thinking that soon we would be in our home in Poulsbo and everything would be clean and fresh. I got a call that Aniston would be coming within a few days. I panicked since our house was not ready to move into for another two weeks.. We made arrangements to live with my mother-in-law. Belle came home next and then Cami. Mike and I were exhausted. Our pastor came to see the babies and after the conversation we had a tough decision to make. He explained the church had collected $20,000 from all the media attention. If we rented for a year it would deplete the money for our home. I was disappointed and hurt. Mike and I once again misunderstood the situation. Mike and I took matters into our own hands decided the mobile home would be the place to live. Preemies require a special environment and we prepared the mobile for them. Mike ripped out the carpet and put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. During this time we were all alone. I called my good friend Julie Holberg and she offered her husband’s help. Trevor Holberg and Mike worked day and night until the mobile was ready. By this time all the babies were home and the volunteers were trickling in. I cannot believe we fit all the volunteers and our family in that house for a year!
Our house was still not making headway. It seemed like there were so many people involved but no decisions were being made. People began to drop out of the project. Mike was at the end of his rope. The media attention had died and so did the house. Finally my pastor came to me and said it was more than what the church could do. My heart sunk. The pastor felt that there had never been an offer to build the house but only to “help” build us a home. Once more Mike and I had apparently misunderstood.
It seemed that whenever people met us our saw us out in public they would say “Oh, you are the couple that New Life built the house for!” Our entire community believed we were living in a new house! I felt that the church had done many good things for us and I did not want to appear ungrateful. I would respond with “It is still in the works but taking longer than we anticipated.” I was not sure how to clear up the misconception and I am still not sure.
There are many things about the situation that sadden me. The biggest thing is I feel Mike’s relationship with God was hurt. I think he sees the work of God in our family but he just does not have the same faith in churches. I continue to pray for him to reconnect with the Christian community.
At the end of the first year the kids began to crawl and a few times they got tripped. Now it seemed to be more of a safety concern rather than just a matter of close quarters. My dad offered to let us move in his house. Once more Mike and I made the decision to move. This time we had tons of volunteers helping us. Thanks to them the move went smooth and the kids adjusted well. Summer came and went and the hard thing about living at my Dad’s was there is absolutely no yard. The back butts right up to the property line. We made the best of it and often loaded up the kids and took them to parks. Our loyal volunteers went through all the stress of trying to get our house of the ground with us. They put their heads together and created a plan to help us build our house. After a lot hard work – mostly paperwork – the quintuplet foundation was established the house was back in action. I made calendars of the kids and sold them wherever I could. We had bake sales and an auction. The foundation called local businesses for discounts and donations. These are the wonderful individuals who deserve the credit for our home being built. They sat in the cold selling things and collecting diapers. They felt all our growing pains and frustrations with our living situation. With everything they did we managed to raise $120,000 in donations. That was labor, money and materials. I want to let everyone out there know how humbled I am by their generosity and kindness. Your kindness and caring made our home affordable for Mike and me. We now have a $400,000 loan which is a lot but we will make it work. The house has come at a very heavy price. I received nasty letters from some people. One awful letter even suggested we give our babies to Brad and Angelina as they were looking for more children. I was criticized and chastised for accepting donations with some letter suggesting that Mike and I did not work for what we had. We have lost friends in this process and we are sorry for all the miss communication that took place. I have learned a ton about people as well. Everything comes with a price. I am just happy the house is finished and we can finally put a close on that part of our lives. God made everything happen in his time. The gift of learning and sharing came out of this experience. I praise God for providing friends, family and much determination.
Thank you to all the people who helped make our home a reality! The woman leading the project was Mary Davidson. Mary, words cannot even say how much you mean to my family and me. From the first day I met you, you have stood at our family’s side. Thank you, thank you for making our home possible. You pushed Mike and me when we wanted to give up. Through all the tears and education we made it.
Later that year I asked Mike how he would feel if I had a daycare inside of our home. I figured if we built a bigger home I could stay home with Lilli. I had become very good at stretching money, however I knew there would be no way for us to make payments on a construction loan and our current home. We rented the mobile and we put everything we owned in Mike’s mother’s home. Mike and I purchased a 5th wheel for the three of us to live in. The summer felt unbearable and for Christmas we decorated a tree outside. Lilli would look out the window and say “pretty”. Bless her heart! She had no idea that living in a 5th wheel was not fun! I kept pressing forward and reassuring myself that this would be a small sacrifice.
Living in that situation made me face just how dysfunctional my marriage had become. Mike worked with the tides which meant he worked graveyard. Those that know us know that Mike and I are complete opposites. Mike still loved to go out and socialize and I did not want to leave Lilli for even a minute. I came to terms with my husband’s addictions during this time. I started seeing my living situation as never-ending. One year later I was still in a 5th wheel with no building permit and a husband who had just checked into rehab.
At this time I saw everything slip away. Lilli and I stayed at my mom’s house in Oregon while Mike spent a month and half in rehab. I did not know if my marriage was going to make it. I grieved over my marriage and the loss of my dreams. I had pictured myself in a beautiful home with a husband and 2 or 3 kids and everything seemed to be falling apart. After Mike got out of rehab I refused to live another day in the 5th wheel. Once again we moved back into the mobile.
I felt defeated about our living situation but at the same time felt lucky that my husband was healthy. Mike and I started to laugh again. We went to church on Sundays. I felt the disappointment fade. Lilli was turning 3 and we wanted to give her a bother or sister. I could not wait to do it right this time. Mike would be healthy this go around and we would be doing everything together. Since I do not have a menstrual cycle I cannot get pregnant without medication. I made an appointment with the fertility specialist. We started looking into the daycare and the house situation all over again. In that same month we got a building permit. I was back on course. I got bids from companies and everything started taking shape.
And then yep you guess it – QUINTS? Well the house and the daycare would no longer work since I would have too many kids to even be legal!
We had just started attending New Life Church in Silverdale. Mike was still very new to church but I think he really felt accepted there. Word got around quickly about my pregnancy and the decision I had made to not reduce any of my babies. I really needed comfort and reassurance and the church gave that to me. I was approached by a group of people eager to help. Mike and I met at a friend’s house and our new friends prayed for our family. I felt unbelievably touched and accepted. A few weeks later I got a phone call for another meeting. We sat at the table and discussed what it would take to continue our house plans. The church then set up an account for donations. The church and channel 4 tried to raise awareness about our situation. As time went by Mike and I made plans for our home while I lay in my hospital bed awaiting the babies’ arrival. As my delivery day moved closer I become concerned that things were not moving as quickly as we had planned. When Mike pressed for information as to when the house would begin everyone involved concluded that we should prepare to rent. We were told to find a place to rent and that the rent would be taken care of. I was overjoyed with that decision. Our mobile was 10 years old and need a lot of work. The house we chose was in downtown Poulsbo. It was a darling blue two story and it would be available just in time for the kids to come home. I pictured my family walking strolling downtown. I measured for curtains and all the necessary home items. The babies were born and Mike and I spent lots of time traveling back and forth from Seattle. I had a tough time recovering. I had not even walked in five months and my energy level was next to nothing. Our insurance company paid to put us up in an apartment on First Hill in Seattle. The apartment was so dirty, I hated to even put my head on the pillow. I kept thinking that soon we would be in our home in Poulsbo and everything would be clean and fresh. I got a call that Aniston would be coming within a few days. I panicked since our house was not ready to move into for another two weeks.. We made arrangements to live with my mother-in-law. Belle came home next and then Cami. Mike and I were exhausted. Our pastor came to see the babies and after the conversation we had a tough decision to make. He explained the church had collected $20,000 from all the media attention. If we rented for a year it would deplete the money for our home. I was disappointed and hurt. Mike and I once again misunderstood the situation. Mike and I took matters into our own hands decided the mobile home would be the place to live. Preemies require a special environment and we prepared the mobile for them. Mike ripped out the carpet and put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. During this time we were all alone. I called my good friend Julie Holberg and she offered her husband’s help. Trevor Holberg and Mike worked day and night until the mobile was ready. By this time all the babies were home and the volunteers were trickling in. I cannot believe we fit all the volunteers and our family in that house for a year!
Our house was still not making headway. It seemed like there were so many people involved but no decisions were being made. People began to drop out of the project. Mike was at the end of his rope. The media attention had died and so did the house. Finally my pastor came to me and said it was more than what the church could do. My heart sunk. The pastor felt that there had never been an offer to build the house but only to “help” build us a home. Once more Mike and I had apparently misunderstood.
It seemed that whenever people met us our saw us out in public they would say “Oh, you are the couple that New Life built the house for!” Our entire community believed we were living in a new house! I felt that the church had done many good things for us and I did not want to appear ungrateful. I would respond with “It is still in the works but taking longer than we anticipated.” I was not sure how to clear up the misconception and I am still not sure.
There are many things about the situation that sadden me. The biggest thing is I feel Mike’s relationship with God was hurt. I think he sees the work of God in our family but he just does not have the same faith in churches. I continue to pray for him to reconnect with the Christian community.
At the end of the first year the kids began to crawl and a few times they got tripped. Now it seemed to be more of a safety concern rather than just a matter of close quarters. My dad offered to let us move in his house. Once more Mike and I made the decision to move. This time we had tons of volunteers helping us. Thanks to them the move went smooth and the kids adjusted well. Summer came and went and the hard thing about living at my Dad’s was there is absolutely no yard. The back butts right up to the property line. We made the best of it and often loaded up the kids and took them to parks. Our loyal volunteers went through all the stress of trying to get our house of the ground with us. They put their heads together and created a plan to help us build our house. After a lot hard work – mostly paperwork – the quintuplet foundation was established the house was back in action. I made calendars of the kids and sold them wherever I could. We had bake sales and an auction. The foundation called local businesses for discounts and donations. These are the wonderful individuals who deserve the credit for our home being built. They sat in the cold selling things and collecting diapers. They felt all our growing pains and frustrations with our living situation. With everything they did we managed to raise $120,000 in donations. That was labor, money and materials. I want to let everyone out there know how humbled I am by their generosity and kindness. Your kindness and caring made our home affordable for Mike and me. We now have a $400,000 loan which is a lot but we will make it work. The house has come at a very heavy price. I received nasty letters from some people. One awful letter even suggested we give our babies to Brad and Angelina as they were looking for more children. I was criticized and chastised for accepting donations with some letter suggesting that Mike and I did not work for what we had. We have lost friends in this process and we are sorry for all the miss communication that took place. I have learned a ton about people as well. Everything comes with a price. I am just happy the house is finished and we can finally put a close on that part of our lives. God made everything happen in his time. The gift of learning and sharing came out of this experience. I praise God for providing friends, family and much determination.
Thank you to all the people who helped make our home a reality! The woman leading the project was Mary Davidson. Mary, words cannot even say how much you mean to my family and me. From the first day I met you, you have stood at our family’s side. Thank you, thank you for making our home possible. You pushed Mike and me when we wanted to give up. Through all the tears and education we made it.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
My kids are out of control!!!!!
Oh boy are the kids out of control. Will I survive the terrible two’s? I think I have a way of making things look rosy. Our beautiful home is almost done. I should be really really happy but my kids have lost their mind. Mike hasn’t been home in I don’t know how many months. I honestly cannot remember the last time he spent even a half a day with us. Lilli is looking for every bit of attention she can (good or bad). The kids are fighting all the time. Scarlett scratched Cami across the face and left a huge gash. Belle bit Scarlett in the face this morning and left bite marks and a bruise. Weston screamed from 2:00am until he went down for his nap. And Aniston has a huge bite on the top of her hand from Belle. I know there are mothers out there right now reading this and thinking “thank god it is not just my child acting this way” I am sorry for not sharing with you all the crazy days as well as the good days. My kids are beautiful, smart and adorable but at times I feel I am loosing my mind. I am still questioning myself if I want to post this truth. I am tired and feel beat down. I want so badly to do things on my own. Thursday night I fed the kids and started a bath. And yes it was just me home. Everything was a mess the house the kids not to mention me. I put them in the tub and washed them one by one. I dried 2 off and ran them down stairs. From the time I walked down stairs and walked up again Scarlett, Belle and Aniston managed to dump all the water out of the tub onto the floor. I wiped the water up as quickly as I could and brought the 3 monsters down stairs to join there screaming brother and sister. Just them I realized water was coming out of all the lights on the ceiling. ( Dad if you are reading this your house is fine trust me) I ran up stairs to clean up the rest of the water and ran back down stairs. My 5 darlings had there mouths open like little birds drinking this disgusting water. These incidence happen daily. Please don’t send me any hate mail for writing this. And yes I do get mail saying you knew what you were doing when you took fertility to get pregnant. And that is usually the kindest sentence in the letter. I hope all the moms out there struggling every day to keep it together see they are not the alone. The truth is I love my kids so much it hurts. I expect way to much out of myself out of fear someone will think I am not perfect. Where is that fine line? When do you let your house work build up around you and your kids walk around with a dirty face. A part of me see’s that has failing and the other part says go with the flow. People always ask How do you do it? And I smile and say day by day. Maybe I should start thinking minute to minute and allow myself to fail once in awhile.
For all that life sends my way I am thankful everyday to have healthy children. There are people that have struggles way worse then mine. Thanks for listening.
Courtnee
For all that life sends my way I am thankful everyday to have healthy children. There are people that have struggles way worse then mine. Thanks for listening.
Courtnee
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Please Pray
Hi everyone my best friend Holly needs your help.Please pray for her daughter chassy. 3 days ago she fell and hit her head. I got a call today she was airlifted to Harbor View with a brain aneurysm. Chassy is a beautiful 22 year old with a darling little boy. I will update you all on her condition. You can email Holly dainsgals@comcast.net
Many Thanks,
Courtnee
Many Thanks,
Courtnee
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