A Dog's Life is the life for me

 

Back in 2005 we were blessed with the opportunity to welcome a 5 month old pup into our home.  Amy remembers asking his prior owner, Darci, if he already knew his name or if we could change it.  Darci replied he most certainly knew his name.  Amy was quite bummed cause she wanted to name her first puppy "Carter" after Chris Carter of the Vikings.  Darci then told Amy his name was "Carter" after Carter Beauford; who was a drummer for Dave Matthews Band.  Seriously?  This dog was Meant to be in our family! Darci was sweet enough to send us some pics of Carter from Nov 6, 2004 (we got him for Kris' Bday in March 2005).  He was Much bigger by the time we saw him and it was only 4 months later!

 

Yep, this is our first full day with our new family member.  Isn't he cute? Kris was so excited for his birthday present and Carter was clearly jazzed to be here. He had plenty of toys and all the cuddles he wanted!

I will never forget the day Darci brought Carter to our home on S Mobile Way.  She walked in the door with him and he went Crazy ... and I mean ... CRAZY!  He ran through our living room, did circles in our kitchen, flew down the hall, jumped over our bed and came back to the living room.  Cam's response was written all over his face "That Thing better Not be staying".  Ok, admittedly they were not best friends instantly, but they did end up loving each other dearly.

 

Carter was so welcomed into our family that George and Pat built him a table for his food and water.

He loved people to the point that he most likely would've been diagnosed with separation anxiety.  He was always in your face... and I mean close.

 

This is proof that Carter graduated from obedience school... Ok, he admittedly 'barely' passed, but ... a pass is still a pass!

But the one thing you could guarantee was that he knew the sound of Kris' truck and Amy's jeep.  There was no denying that.  He also knew about the time we would come home.  Here is a pic of little Kasey, Cam and Carter (baby Karsten must have been napping) all waiting at the door for Kris to come home.

Over the years, we watched crazy Carter grow into the most loving pup. This is a dog who loved to get sprayed in the face with sprinklers, enjoyed long runs with Amy, loved pheasant hunting with us, adored his throwing dummies, and looked for every opportunity to play in water.  He even got to go on the boat with us and had his own life vest!  We were even blessed to take him on vacation to the Poudre River this past summer.  He was so happy all weekend.  It was a memory I hope all four of us will cherish forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a few hiccups in Carter's health over the years with tumors and a stroke called FCE (Fibrocartilaginous Embolism), but nothing slowed this dog down.  He bounced back to health each time and was back to his old self.  On Sept 10th, we got home and Carter was lethargic and sad.  He wouldn't eat an ice cube or peanut butter; which if you knew Carter.... were his favorite things ever.  We were worried, but the vets told us to watch him and bring him in if things got worse.  They didn't.  He reverted back to his old self within a day and we thought all was perfect.  Then, on Sept 23rd, he was again lethargic to the point where he would no longer stand up.  Those happy eyes we know and love were so sad.  We took him to the vet and did ex-rays to find out his spleen ruptured.  They are guessing it was a partial rupture back on the 10th and now it fully ruptured.  Emergency surgery was an option, but recoup time was quite extensive and the doctor told us at Carter's age this was not a great choice.  It was his time.  That is when Kris and I said goodbye to the pup that has meant so much in our lives.  We are now taking this moment in our blog not to be sad... but to celebrate the life of Carter who was always referred to as our "good little pup"; no matter how many grey hairs were on his chin.  Karsten will tell you he is sitting on our roof with God; but Kasey will point out he is higher than outer space. Either way; he was a great dog ... and our first puppy love.  He will be missed in this household (even by Cam; although he won't admit it).  Now, get out there and keep chasing those bunnies, good buddy.

October 2004 - September 2014

Loved By Everyone He Met!

Karsten Turns Four

Seriously - is there anything cuter than a Future Rammie?  Karsten could pick any birthday theme he wanted ... he contemplated baseball (but we did that at age 2) and finally landed on a CSU Football theme!  We were extra happy as we had most of the decorations already since we have 'just a few' CSU items in our home.

We were also blessed again this year that former neighbor and long time friend, Sandy, was willing to find time to create this masterpiece for Karsten.  Looks just like Cam the Ram, don't you think?! Perfect!

 Before the festivities began... we had to start with a sword fight.  Good thing so many people wanted to participate!  On Guard!

 Then it was time to eat.  We asked Karsten what he wanted and he chose pizza ... cause what kid wouldn't choose pizza.  We didn't just order Dominos (although we LOVE Dominos, especially their Cheese!)... Nope; Amy went out of her way to make several variations of pie.  Extra Cheese, Buffalo Chicken, Pepperoni and Pepperoni & Mushroom.  Yum!

 Present time!  Ok, you gotta love a kid who enjoys receiving clothes.  This is where Karsten shouted "No Way! I Always Wanted That Baseball Shirt!"  Karsten was also pretty spoiled with lots of toys.  Bath toys, football games, darts, coloring books, trucks... you name it... this kid got it.  "How do you spell Spoiled?" ... K..a..r..s..t..e..n!

We were so excited to enjoy the delicious raspberry filled cake.  What a perfect way to celebrate such a perfect little kiddo.

Now that all the formalities are done... time to play with our new games!  Who is in for BattleShip?!?  And yes, it does take 2 to 3 adults per child to get this game in full motion!

The sign of a Super Exciting Party?? ... this last pic just about explains it all.  This is a kid who wore himself out to the point of pure exhaustion.  Guess the party is over ... till next time!

First Day of School

First day of school pics are a requirement in most homes.  In this one... Kasey requested his picture to be taken.  He wanted to show everyone his very first backpack.  On Aug 25th, Kasey began Kindergarten in Ms Watson's class and Karsten started Preschool in Ms Julie's class (both at Orchard Valley Learning Center).  Kasey is four until Dec, therefore, he missed the cutoff to join Kindergarten at a public school.  However, he is able to join private Kindergarten this year!  The current plan is to have Kasey do private Kindergarten this year and move to public Kindergarten next year.

As I said, Kasey was totally excited as he had to go shopping for school supplies.  That meant one brand new Transformer backpack, two Transformer folders for schoolwork and one Ninja Turtle water bottle for his bag. I couldn't get a picture without him showing off the bag.  So much for taking time finding the cutest first day of school clothes!

Now you can finally see their cute clothes... oh dear... those funny faces kill me! :-)  So Glad you boys enjoy school so much!  Hope that continues for years to come!

And since I am behind in posting... these boys are almost one month into school (first day was on Karsten's bday; Aug 25th).  Here are a couple quick shots of Kasey's first homework assignment.  Writing Letters and making patterns with candy. 

Mr and Mrs Jim & Sarah Paliga

We have waited Years to meet Jim's soul mate and ... we couldn't be happier!  This girl is Perfect for him!  It has been fun to watch this relationship develop over time.  From friends who enjoyed Fro-Yo together... to a first date at Spicy Basil.. to a fun loving couple getting to know each other... to a newly engaged couple whose only issue lies with their choice of football teams... to a married couple united in front of the Lord.

We were blessed to be a part of this special day with them.  Kris stood by Jim on the big day and watched him say "I Do" to one of the most beautiful brides I have seen.  It was a wonderful ceremony and we were all looking forward to the reception.

Ok, I guarantee that Sarah has plenty other (and better pictures), but this really tells how the night actually went.  For instance; have you ever seen all the tables at a reception do the wave together?

The Best Men - Tom, Karsten, Kris and Scott

Ok - that was about all the civil pictures i took.  Like I said, I am sure Sarah has many more... now, here is how the night Really Went!...

Yup, that just happened.  Got rather hot out there on the dance floor.  Too hot for a full suit; time to get comfortable.  What? It is midnight already? We better head back to the hotel before we turn into pumpkins.

The hotel was great.  They had a lovely lobby for us to continue the party.  And what else would you do at a party... other than Leg Wrestle!

Here is the crew that was too excited about Jim and Sarah's special day to go to bed.  Even Roy made it out from New Orleans!  Not sure there is much to tell from this point... there was wine, there was jack and there was little cupcake goldfish dipped in homemade honey (provided by the bride's family).  All in all; I am pretty sure we saw the sun rise, we had a lot of laughter and have determined this wedding lived up to expectations ... and Beyond!

Kris, Jim, Karsten and Roy (aka: Steve)

Gilly, Sarah, Angie, Jimila (aka: Sara) and Amy

Congrats Jim and Sarah!  We love you both and are so glad you are a part of our lives! Cheers!