Kelsey...SO Much More Than A Dog.....

The Glade House is a very sad place today as we had to put our Kelsey to sleep last night. She came into the world 16 years ago on President's Day and so began our adventure together. I met Kelsey when she was just 3 days old and actually picked her sister out because she had better markings and Kelsey was the runt of the litter....but when I went to pick the sister up when she was weaned...she was actually very shy...and I'll never forget Kelsey, so tiny still, come running around the corner like a little tornado tackling her brothers and untying shoelaces. The breeder got onto her while we were there and Kelsey talked back to her and pranced away little tail in the air...so full of sass and spunk. Mike was actually there with me to pick her up and needless to say, right away, we knew she was the one and took her home instead. I look back at how much she's been through with us. She started out with just me, to Mike and I dating, to us getting engaged, to marriage and then kids 1, 2 and 3. When it was just she and I...I was going to college and she was my world. Then she became Mike's and my dog and she was our "child" and went EVERYWHERE with us. She wasn't away from us for more than 2 days until our honeymoon. Then when we had kids and she moved into the "family dog" role instead of the "child" role...she did so with love and grace...and a few temper tantrums (she wouldn't be spunky Kelsey without a few of those at least). She LOVED the kids and they became hers too.
She was loving, loyal, spunky, sassy and SO SMART! Mike used to tease me that I talked to her like she was one of the kids...but the thing is I COULD because she UNDERSTOOD what I was saying. When we put in our backyard, I told her she had to start going to the bathroom in the rocks instead of the grass because she was killing it...and from then on she went to the rocks to go to the bathroom...just like that. Of course, being spunky Kelsey...she had what I called her "bee up her butt" days where she just wanted to get a rise out of me and she'd look right at me and wet in the grass like what are you going to do about this? Of course as soon as she did it, you could see all over her face that maybe that wasn't the best idea and maybe she should have rethought it through before actually carrying it out. :) She knew the names of all her toys, all the rooms in the house and all the doors. If we were going somewhere I would tell her we were going out the garage door and she'd go there and wait for me. She HATED to be brushed and so from a puppy, I could never leave it out because she'd hide it and she'd hide it GOOD and never in the same place twice. SO SMART!
She's been aging and I could see it. She was completely deaf for the past two years. We still communicated though because I'd taught her hand signals when she was a puppy and she'd remembered them. She used to sleep with us, then it got too hard to get on and off our bed so she slept on her own bed on the floor by ours. In the last 4 months, the stairs became hard and so she started sleeping on her bed in the laundry room instead. It's so hard to see them age and not be able to do the things they used to that made them so happy. The last year and especially the past 6 months were really hard on her and we saw her age quickly. Her lower spine and back legs started to give her a lot of pain and were giving out on her. She couldn't play ball which was always her FAVORITE thing to do. She LOVED food and in the last two weeks she lost all interest. Her healthy weight was between 21 and 24 pounds and last night she was down to 14 so she had lost almost half her body weight. Dementia was really setting in and she was starting to forget and just go to the bathroom all over herself, her bed and the house...definitely NOT our prissy Kelsey. We put her on a strong antibiotic in case it was a kidney or bladder infection but it didn't help. Besides to go outside to the bathroom and eat, she literally slept ALL the time.
We have an amazing vet and he asked us some good questions last night. He asked when the last time we saw her truly happy and excited about something.....when was the last time we saw her smile......and when I really thought about it.....I honestly couldn't remember the last time because it had been so long. He said when he looked in her eyes, he didn't see her anymore and it was only going to get harder for her. So we made the excrutiating decision that it was time for her to be at peace and not hurt anymore. The kids came in and told her goodbye and gave her hugs and then went to the lobby while Mike and I stayed with her. Seeing the life go out of her, my logic and my emotions were at polar ends. My mind knew I was doing the right thing for her, my heart was breaking and I felt so sad and guilty.
Grief is it's own entity. Everyone handles it differently. In the beginning, all you can focus on is the last 5 minutes of their life and the 16 wonderful years of experiences you had with them just make you sad and cry. The kids are all handling it in their own way. None of them know life without her but Kyler has been with her the longest and is taking it the hardest. His heart is breaking and he just sobs. Mikaela is sad and cries. Kamden is sad but his young heart and logic is so sweet and innocent. He misses her but he says she's happy and running around with Bama and Jesus and they're both throwing the ball for her so he's not sad and doesn't cry for her or him. And some people don't think kids can teach us things.
Time heals and I know every day will get easier. I know we will start to think of her and all the amazing 16 years we had with her and it will bring a smile instead of tears. But right now...the void in our house, family and hearts is SO big. I do know one thing for sure...she was VERY LOVED and will be VERY MISSED! We will ALWAYS love our sweet baby brown eyed girl!

Our December....

Happy New Year! It's always hard to believe when a new year rolls around. I swear it takes me a quarter of the new year to actually remember to write the correct date. I'm hoping that happens to everyone and it's not my age or my memory.

Our December is usually pretty low key for the most part but this one ended up being pretty hectic.

The first weekend in December, Kyler and Mikaela performed with the Children's Choir at church for Christmas. They had two performances that weekend and they all did a really good job. Kyler had a little solo which he loved and had a lot of fun doing. Kamden sang with the preschool choir at the spring performance but decided to forego the Christmas one this year. He said he was "tired" from baseball....I'm rolling my eyes as I type that. He's such a stinker.

Kyler started basketball which thrilled him to no end. He's loving everything about it...his team, his coach, his practices and can't wait for the games to start next weekend. They're on Sundays this year which is new for us and we haven't decided if we like yet or not. I guess we'll see.

Mikaela wrapped up this semester of dance. She got measured for her recital outfits which she LOVED. Getting measured for special outfits is definitely one of the fun "perks" to being a girl and she loved every second. She also got to see what her recital outfits will look like. Seeing them put her over the moon and I have to say, they really are pretty. Her instructors did a really good job picking them out. She performed her December dances in both her classes. I was really impressed with her tap dance as they only had one practice before they performed it. They're definitely starting to pick up new dances quicker. She's very excited for this semester because now they finally start learning and working on their recital dances.

Both the kids had fun on their last day of school before Winter Break. Mikaela got to wear pajamas to school and had a "Game Day". Kyler had a Gingerbread House Making Party with pizza, snacks and dessert afterwards. Mike had the day off so he got to go with Kamden and I which was fun. Kamden always enjoys getting to go and hang out with the big kids but it wore him out. He almost fell asleep on the 2 minute ride home.

We had a lot of Christmas events this year which was fun. Mike ended up having two company Christmas parties to go to. One with his current employer and then he got invited to his previous employer's that he worked 10 years for as well. We really enjoyed both. It's not very often we get to get dressed up and spend evenings with only adults. We also got invited to some friends' for dinner and Gingerbread House making which was so much fun! It's always nice when all the kids get to play and the adults get to talk and everyone has a great time. The Schimke's took Kyler and Mikaela to the Menaul school to see what used to be the Bug's House for their birthdays and they had an amazing time. So, I think it's safe to say, the Glade family had a very nice December as far as Christmas parties and get togethers go.

The first Monday of the kids Winter Break, I had an appt with my vascular surgeon for what I THOUGHT was just a check up to see how my leg was doing and to re-evaluate. Mike took the day off and I was glad because I found out I have another blood clot (UGH!) and he ended up doing more injections....grrrr....NOT what I had in mind the week before Christmas. Injections are never fun but this time he did them on the back of my leg so sitting is not easy. Needless to say, our trip to Clovis wasn't very comfortable...good thing it's short. I'm so ready to be done with all this leg/blood clot business.

The kids' winter break was really nice as not only did we get a break from school, we got a break from EVERYTHING....sports, dance....everything. To not be on our "schedule" for two and a half weeks was OH SO NICE! The kids got to play with Jayden and Payten several days and have a sleep over, we had a few play dates and we got to go to the movies a few times. Yes, it was a very nice break. But that being said, it was also nice to get back into our school routine again. Kamden was definitely ready to have his quiet time during the day back.

Kyler officially turned ELEVEN on the 28th. It's so hard to believe he's that old already. He had his party in November so for his actual birthday he got to pick where he wanted to eat for his family birthday dinner. He picked Azuma where they cook everything at your table. He loved it so I think it's safe to say, was happy with his choice.

After seeing pretty much every pregnancy sign in our newly adopted kitty and even her going into what seemed to be every sign of labor...the only thing we didn't see was...kittens. Yep, Abbey went through a full blown false pregnancy and I now know waaaaay more about cats than I EVER wanted to. Poor thing, you have to feel for her but it's probably for the better. The last thing the world or our family needs is more kittens. The cure for a false pregnancy is getting spayed so she has an appt in two weeks with our vet so we won't have to worry about her having a real or a false pregnancy again. Never a dull moment...never, never.

For Christmas we stayed home. We love being home Christmas morning. The whole day was so relaxing and as close to perfect as I think you can get. For New Years, we drove to Clovis to see our family. If we have a second home, Clovis is definitely it. I don't know how you can be surrounded by that much family and it not feel like home. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the entire family while we were there, but we got to see a lot and we had a great time.

I think that's all our December news. We hope your 2012 is a phenomenal one! Having all of you in our lives, definitely enriches ours! Keep us posted, we love hearing about everything going on in yours!

Sending Out Lots Of Love and Hugs,
The Glade's

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Our November....

Merry Christmas! There's snow outside and Christmas music and decorations everywhere! I just love the beauty, magic and mystery that only this time of year brings! I can't believe that there's only a few weeks left of school before winter break and Christmas is just around the corner.

November was a little crazy and brought some changes our way. Like my best friend Katrina eloquently put it, busy is a word we often use, but doesn't even begin to cover it. So true!

The last week of October, a lost or abandoned 6 month old cat began wandering our neighborhood. Mikaela noticed her right away to which we told her to leave the cat alone. For 3 days the cat followed me to the mailbox and I ignored her. I wanted her to go home or someone ELSE to take pity on her. I love all animals but Mike and I and the boys are dog people through and through. Mikaela, however, has been a cat person since she knew what one was. We did a pretty good job of ignoring her till we had our first really cold Fall night and she was meowing outside our door. I swear she knew all along that we're suckers. I brought her in to Mike's horror. I thought she had to belong to someone because she's beautiful. I made it perfectly clear to the kids that we were NOT keeping this cat and we took her to the vet to see if she's microchipped. She's not. I went on a mission to find her owners. I checked craigslist, the paper, called the pounds and rescues. I looked for lost cat signs and put up found cat signs....nothing. As fast as I was looking for her owners, the kids were falling in love with her and it was mutual. When no owners were to be found, we had to decide if we wanted to keep her or find her another home. Mike and I had to decide if we could be cat people. We took a month to decide and during that month, the kitty actually worked her little way into our family. Mike was the hardest sell and I think she knew it because she followed him everywhere. But I think what won us over in the end was the fact that she gives real hugs. Sweetest thing I've ever seen. So, I still don't know if we're cat people but apparently we're THIS cat's people. ;) Kitty got a name, a collar, a bed and there's actual cat toys in our house...I'm still shocked....but Abbey has moved in. Oh and there's one more recent development...she's apparently pregnant...little hussy. ;) I tell ya...never a dull moment in this house...ever. ;)

Both Kyler and Mikaela had their birthday parties this month. Mikaela decided to have three friends go to the movies to see "Puss In Boots" and then come back to the house for pizza, cake, ice cream and a sleep over. Kyler's birthday isn't until December but we've found that people get really busy after Thanksgiving and so we celebrate it early now. Kyler had so much fun at his party last year, he decided to repeat it again this year. He had a bunch of friends go swimming at the Aquatic Center and then come back to the house for pizza, cake and ice cream. Afterwards a couple of the boys spent the night. They both thought their parties were a hit so I think it's safe to say we had success. :) I'm still having a hard time believing Kyler is ELEVEN and Mikaela is EIGHT! Where does the time go??? :(

Kyler and Mikaela are back in Ballroom again with Jayden. We had taken about a 5 month break but are back into the swing of things...no pun intended. ;) They're all three taking the Junior Ballroom class and then Kyler likes to stay for the class afterwards with the older kids for more experience. Kyler and Jayden are finally getting to take private lessons together which was the plan all along so they could dance together. It's been fun and they're all enjoying being back.

Kyler has his first basketball practice of the season this Saturday and he can't wait. We needed a little bit of a sports break after baseball and so we didn't let him play the Fall basketball league like we usually do and just signed him up for Winter. You would have thought it was the end of the world that he wasn't playing a sport every second of the year by how he's been driving us crazy asking if his coach has called and when practices start. He was able to get the same coach that he's had for the past 3 years so we were excited about that. He's a great coach...works them hard but is still patient and easy going... so it should be a good season.

Mikaela is wrapping up this semester of dance. They're starting to get ready for their recital in May. This month they pick out their recital outfits. They're learning their Christmas dances for December and then when they come back from the winter break in January, they'll start learning their recital dances. She's very excited!

Kamden is still busy being Kamden. He really "gets" Christmas this year and is so excited about all things Christmas. There's nothing like seeing Christmas through the eyes of a four year old, I promise you.

School is going really well for both kiddos. We had the whole week of Thanksgiving off because Monday and Tuesday were Parent/Teacher Conferences which was really nice. The conferences went really well...all good things, so that always makes you proud and brings a smile to your heart. Both of them also had fieldtrips this month which was fun. I went with Mikaela's class to the theater to see the play, "Miss Nelson Is Missing". Fieldtrips to the theater are always my favorite! Mike got to take a day off work and go on a fieldtrip with Kyler's class to hike Sandia Mountain. It was a little chilly but they still really enjoyed it. While the kids were out of school, we got to go to the movies a few times....we just love going to the movies and jump at the chance when we can.

We had a nice and relaxing Thanksgiving this year. Usually we make our own turkey and Thanksgiving dinner but this year with Mike working so many hours, we decided to forego that and just decorate the house for Christmas. We still got to have a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner though because The Schimke's had us over and it was WONDERFUL! It was a perfect day.

We decided to take our house off the market the day before Thanksgiving and we'll reevaluate things again in the Spring. We got great feedback from buyers and the realtor tours, I just don't think it's the right time market wise or for us. We were always okay with staying or moving, so we're content and happy staying here for now. I have to say, it's nice not having to worry about people tromping through our house, especially throughout the holidays.

Well, I think that's all our November news. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas surrounded by people you love and the brightest of New Years!

Sending Lots of Christmas Love and Hugs,
The Glade's

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Dramatic 4 year old anyone???

Last week Kamden was helping me in the yard. We needed to blow the leaves before it snowed and froze the leaves where they were and I would have to look at them until Spring. We also needed to bury the Christmas light cords outside. We'd gotten the leaves all cleaned up and it was lunchtime so I took Kamden inside and made him a small sandwich and a drink. He wanted two small sandwiches but I told him to eat the first before we made a second. About 10 minutes later I was burying cords in the front yard and Kamden came outside and asked me to make him another sandwich. I told him that I couldn't make it right this minute but would after I got finished burying the cords.

Kamden: "But my (he says "my" for his "I"s) going to STARVE!"

Me: "You are NOT going to starve Kamden, you JUST ate a sandwich...you can wait a few more minutes for another sandwich."

Kamden: "See, you just said my going to starve"

Me: "Seriously Kamden"

Kamden going back into the house with his head down: "Yes, my seriously going to starve"

Me: "You're just fine...I'll be in there in about 5 more minutes"

Kamden: "Okay, but my be seriously starved then"

Um...drama, party of one. ;)

This is such a perfect example of Kamden because when I got back in the house about 10 minutes later, he'd made his own sandwich and was eating it.

Little stinkpot. :)

Abbey....

It was a big decision and took a lot of soul searching (a whole month's worth) but we might just be able to be "cat people". Or THIS cat's people anyway. ;) We won't push it just yet. There's still a part of me that still believes I'm a dog person and is even a little embarassed to be seen in the cat aisle at Wal-Mart. Not that there's anything embarassing about being a cat person. I've just always been a dog person and now my identity is being shaken up a bit. *stop laughing* It cracks Mike up that I zip down the cat aisle as fast as I can and actually hide the cat food and litter underneath my basket with things surrounding it so no one can see it. I know...like anyone cares. See, logically I know it's silly but my emotions have yet to catch up with my logic. ;)
We must be meant to have this cat because I worked very hard to find her owner and there's just not one to be found. While I was working to find an owner, she was just working her way into our family...and shockingly fitting right in. Mike and I are more surprised than anyone. Who would have thought??? She's smart and actually behaves better than our dogs...but what won us over in the end was...this cat actually gives real hugs. Sweetest thing I've ever seen.
So, we've officially adopted kitty and finally given her a name....meet the newest member of the Glade family...Abbey. She has a name, a collar, a bed, cat toys...she's all moved in.

And there's ONE more thing.................

We found out she's PREGNANT...little hussy. ;)

Never a dull moment around here...never. :)

Our October...

Well, the Halloween decorations are all put away and my Fall Scarecrows are out...a telltale sign in our house that November is here and Thanksgiving is almost upon us. It's hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. The day after Halloween I was in Wal-Mart and "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" was playing....craziness.

The first of October we went on our yearly trip to McCall's Pumpkin Patch. It's definitely become a Fall family tradition for us as we've gone every year for a decade now. We started going when Kyler was one and it's amazing how much it's grown and changed in 10 years. It's just not Halloween until we've gone to McCalls and picked out pumpkins for the kids' jack o' lanterns. Tim, Shayla and the girls met us there and we had a great time or as the kids put it, "One of the BEST days of the year".

The kids had their Fall Break from school this month. Mike had to work and so we didn't do much. I ended up taking the kids to lunch and the movies which we all love. We all get to watch a movie and I get a couple hours of peace. Everyone wins.

Both boys wrapped up their Fall baseball season. Kyler's team almost ended the season undefeated but ending up losing their last game. It was a TOUGH game, too. Kyler was catcher for most of the game and he got hit in the mask twice and his cleat once from batter's throwing the bat. The team handled the loss really well. In fact, I don't think you would have been able to tell they lost at the end of the game. Of course, their team party was right after the game so maybe that had something to do with it. Kyler limped for a few days after the game, but was back to his crazy 10 year old self in no time.

Kamden had a fun first season of T-Ball. He had the same coach as Kyler did for both Spring and Fall which was nice and worked out really well. At the last game Kamden was last batter which is USUALLY a cool thing in T-Ball because it's like they hit a home run as they get to run all the bases at once. I thought he'd love it, especially since he likes to slide home "like Kyler". Well, we forgot to tell Kamden it was a fun thing because he freaked out and got embarrassed when everyone started cheering for him and barely made it around all the bases and then didn't want to bat again even when the coaches told him he didn't have to bat last. So....Kamden sat the bench for the rest of the game...by his choice....little TOOT! Ahhhh...the joys of the strong willed child. He did love his first team party and trophy so it still ended on a good note.

Mikaela is still dancing away. She would never admit it but she loves a challenge. I've learned that the minute dance gets redundant or "boring" as she puts it, she wants to quit. Her tap class is always challenging because she's with older girls so she never complains about it. She goes back and forth with ballet. When they're learning something new, she loves it. When they're reviewing to make it perfect before they move on, she wants to quit. I'm just glad we finally figured out why she has this love/hate relationship with ballet. Both are good for her though...the challenge and reviewing to make it perfect...so she'll be staying in ballet, even when it's not as fun.

All three kiddos got to go to Payten's birthday party this month. It was a lot of fun as we got to see a ton of family and the kids got to ride to the party in a hummer limo and then play AND sleep in two bounce houses. Mike and I stayed at the party until after dinner and then since we were kid free for the night we went to the late show. It's not every day the kids get to play with tons of cousins, ride in a limo, have a party and a sleepover. Mike and I got to do that (with the exception of the limo ride) PLUS get a kid free evening! Can't beat that!

Halloween was so much fun this year! The night before Halloween we had friends over for dinner and pumpkin carving. On Halloween morning, Kamden and I went to the school for the kids' Story Book Parade. Kamden lucked out...he got to watch and walk in the parade with both Kyler and Mikaela and then go back for Kyler's class party. Lucky little boy! When they got home from school we got them all dressed up and went to the Schimke's and trick or treated with them for a little bit and then came home and trick or treated around our neighborhood for hours. Kyler was the Faceless Phantom again, Mikaela a Princess and Kyler was Spiderman.

Halloween is always the beginning of the madness for us because we have Kyler's and Mikaela's birthday parties before Thanksgiving. Definitely makes for a busy start to the holidays. We hope you're all enjoying the cooler weather and all the beautiful fall colors! We wish you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving surrounded by friends and family that you love! As always, keep us posted!

Sending Out Lots of Love and Hugs,
The Glade's

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Love little ones imaginations.....

I love my little guy's imagination and how his mind works! We really do lose the "magic" of the world as we get older which is kinda sad. If only we could see things like they do.
Kamden is always saying the cutest little things and is constantly pretending SOMETHING. I love it!
The other day we were driving home from dropping the older two off at school and I came to a stop sign and stopped.

Kamden: "MOMMY!"

Me: "Hm?"

Kamden: "That red sign has magic powers!"

Me: "Really? What kind of powers?"

Kamden: "It makes you stop, cuz you always stop when it's there!"

Totally love how they think and see things! Only a four year old could give a regular boring old stop sign magic powers. They definitely make things a whole lot more interesting and we could all use a little more magic in our lives....;)