A Furry Farewell

First a disclaimer:  You are going to think I'm an awful person after reading the next few paragraphs.  That's ok.

 So recently Zeke and I had to have a conversation.  It started with "It's not you, it's me....ok, well you had a lot to do with it but mostly it's me."  That dog wore me out.  Literally.  I have new wrinkles under my eyes that will forever remind me of Zeke.  I made up my mind (because Dave told me I had to!) that if I could find a better home for Zeke then I was going to let him go.

 He is a great dog, a super-intelligent dog but also a super-energetic and attention-needing PUPPY!  I do feel like I should have better known what to expect back before we ever got him but I didn't.  No good explanation there.  We went in cycles where things were good, then I was about ready to open the front door and watch him run, then good and repeat.  The kids were getting in trouble for things that the dog was really responsible for and the dog was gettting in trouble (a lot) for things that puppies shouldn't really be in trouble for.  I was tired of being mean and grumpy. (Insert "amen" from Dave and kids here) 

I couldn't just let Zeke go to anyone but I really felt like he needed to go for his sake and mine.  I mentioned this to my mom last Saturday and long story somewhat shorter, by Wednesday she had me in touch with the perfect answer.  This past Saturday Zeke moved in with his new family - a super dog-loving, single lady with a huge backyard and plenty of time and love for him. She had a yellow lab that recently died and was looking for a new companion.
Here are a few of her own words from an email she's sent since Zeke has been at her house: 

I can't thank you and Kelly enough for sharing him with me!
He is so funny and so smart and so full of  happy energy.  What a wonderful, sweet puppy!  
I just can't get over the coincidence of how both of us were able to help each other out. 

 I say this is no coincidence at all.  Thank you God for answering prayers about silly black dogs.

We told the kids what we were doing all along but I don't know that they really get it even still.  When they came home and Zeke's crate was gone they asked where he was.  I told them that a really nice lady that needed a dog had taken him to her house.  Without missing a beat, Chase said, "Well that's great!  Now Zeke can't rule the house anymore."  Taylor was a little more concerned.  She's has asked when he'll come home many times and each time we come back in the house she immediately checks to see if the crate is back yet.  If she had cried I would have been crying with her.  So far, we're ok.

It was a hard decision but now that I've seen how it has all worked out, I know it was the right one.  This is an "open-adoption" :) so the kids will probably get to see Zeke some and I'll probably keep in touch with his new mother to see how he's doing.  I feel like I could seriously write an entire book about all I've learned from my 4 months with Zeke.  Now that I'm not chasing after a puppy I might have time to actually do just that ;)

And now, to make you forget about the sad story of Zeke, a picture of my fashionista.  It was painful, but yes, I let her go out in public looking like this the other day.  I made her let me take a picture so one day I can show her this when she's older.

Valentine Rewind

First up was the school party.  In a weird twist of events, Dave was able to make it to the party so he and Taylor stayed for the fun while I took Zeke to the afternoon puppy kindergarten class (so he could "graduate" with his friends!)

 He didn't get my text reminding him to take pictures until near the end, so we only have a few to show for it but it looks like a good time! 

 Must be searching for a surprise in this one!

At some point it must have been warm enough to go to the park because these pictures were in the middle of the Valentine ones.

For the first time in nearly 5 years I was bored at the park!  No one needed help and no one wanted to play with me!  I could have taken a book.  It is almost sad! 

Taylor was big in to having her picture taken this particular day.  Each time she tried something new she'd call me over to take a picture.  Kind of reminded me of Megan someone else I know.

Crazy kids.

 Back at home the Valentine's gifts started rolling in.  

 There were packages with enough candy to last til summer and toys and enough Chuck E Cheese giftcards to entertain the kids for days!

Taylor helped make some cookies.

Later that afternoon we delivered the cookies to some special people around town.  We stopped in to see Mrs. Gladys and I wanted to get a picture of her with the kids.  The home had about 6 other women in the living room and Taylor was slightly overwhelmed.  She wouldn't budge!

 When Dave came home the kids had to close their eyes while he got out the gifts.  

 Taylor got a new belt...

 and an umbrella.  Two things she'd been asking for recently.

 Chase got more basketball attire because you can never have enough!  

Finally, Zeke is an official graduate.  Here he is admiring his new diploma.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Two Little Chickens

Just a little Tuesday entertainment for you.

Catching up!

First up, my favorite picture of the week.  I was getting ready for church on Sunday and in marched this parade.  Taylor was loving life with some princess pals.  Chase looks a little too coordinated.

Flashback to more than a week ago and it was Emmy's first birthday party.  

She was thrilled that so many people invaded her space! 

 Once the presents came out she didn't seem to mind all the people anymore!  The kids were more than happy to help...too much.

 Playing with Emmy's presents.

 The birthday cake.  Emmy was excited that the boys were so excited!

 The classic group photo.  Emmy was loving the party life by this point!

 Chase is loving spiky hair these days.  I feel like the hair-do matches the teeth!

 We tried for a Valentine's photo shoot at home last week.  This is about how well it went.  

Zeke was so excited that he jumped on Chase and poked a hole in his shirt before we ever took the first picture.  He also wasn't very good at sitting still! 

 This is probably the most accurate representation of the sibling love!

 One thing Taylor does love is some gum!  Not sure why I ever first gave her a piece but she asks for it all the time now.

 Here's the Taylor smile I was looking for in the Valentine's pictures!

 Showing off her new Valentine's tutu to wear to ballet.  

 Chase showing off his first report card.  

 Taylor and I went to a baby shower for my cousin on Saturday.  

Here she is with my mom, Emmy and my grandmother.

 Apparently fascinated with Emmy!

This week should provide some more exciting photos with Valentine's parties and Zeke's hopeful kindergarten graduation!

Joy & Dancing

 So I'm going to start volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House and this week I went down for my introduction and tour.  I took the kids with me and on the way there I was explaining what we were doing and what it meant to volunteer.  Well, they were great and as we were getting ready to leave the lady gave them each a Joy Jar to take home.

 As you can tell from their faces, a Joy Jar is like Christmas in a can for kids!  All my work on the car ride there was down the drain.  Forever now volunteer = Christmas.  They can't wait to go back!  It's all good.  They'll be put to work soon enough.

 Since we were in the neighborhood, we paid a visit to Dave at the office.  I'd like to say that was snow on the street but somebody had a rough time with their styrofoam!  It was a nice January day for a walk though!

 I'm happy to report that ballet is once again a good thing.  Since the bribery sweet tea 3 weeks ago, we've been all smiles (and I still haven't had any more tea!) We got to sneak in for the last few minutes of class today to see what they've been practicing for the recital.

Here's a quick preview!