Sweetening our Speech

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." -Proverbs 16:24

Grooming take 2

In case you missed "Grooming gone wrong," please refer to this previous post for an explanation of why Piper's OOC(out of control) hair went untouched by a groomer's clippers for so long. I must admit, although we are faithful to brush him everyday, his hair had gotten a little "ruff" around the edges...okay maybe a lot rough! And with it getting to be in the 90's here, we figured it was time to bite the bullet and give the groomers another shot. I have to admit I was a little apprehesive, but knowing that it could'nt be any worse than last time, we handed over the leash. The results?? PERFECT! I was so pleasently suprised at what a great job they did! I felt like our groomer really listened to us and took time to get Piper looking his best.

We did'nt want Piper to come home looking like a differant dog. Last time he was practically buzzed from head to toe(even his ears people!) so this time we were definitly erroring on the side of "cut as little off as possible!"We just wanted him to look like himself, but better. We were shooting for a cleaner face, and just a tad bit of hair trimmed off to make his length a little shorter and sharper looking-but still long and curly, as it is his trademark:) I can't tell you how happy I was when we picked him up...we had butterflies just expecting the worst! And when he bolted through the door and ran towards us, I was elated to see my puppy looking so clean cut and handsome! Enjoy the before... (click to enlarge)

And after.... Tadaaaaa! So fluffy, soft, happy and handsome! No to mention he smells soooo good!

And look, he has eyes!!!
They blowdried his hair straight, so it's not quite back to it's crazy curly self yet. However, it's just a matter of time. Don't pay too much attention to that messy looking wet ear, he always get's his left ear wet after he eats since his food/water bowls are right next to eachother. While it's adorable and kindof funny, we do plan on getting him two nice and seperate bowls for his birthday coming up in June. :) All that grooming was exhausting for Piper. Check out those perfectly pedicured paws!

You can't imagine how wonderfully soft he is...it's magic really! There must be something in that water because I've never felt him that soft before-it's like puppy/baby hair!

I can't tell you how exciting it is to be posting "after" pictures this time around :) Now that's a Yorkiepoo haircut!

Cake Challenge!

Last week Chris & I attended Wake Tech's annual "Cake Challenge" at the Convention Center in Downtown Raleigh. As in Food Network type cake challenge you ask? Exactly. The theme was North Carolina monuments/places of interest. While Chris and I unanimously agreed that the zoo cake should take first, grand prize went to 63 year old grandmother Norma Miller for her model of the NC coast. Wow, I hope I have this much talent at 63!(Note: The first 5 pics are the challenge entries)
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Even though we arrived a little late, and the center was a lot crowded, it was fun to see the different decoraters prepare their cakes live(in the professional chef hat no less!), and then do the ceremonial "move" for judging. There were also a lot of pre-made exhibition cakes, as well as tons of food from local restaurants. All in all, a delicious experience!

Weekend Adventures in Raleigh

I heart Raleigh. The list of why we love living in Raleigh seems to grow and grow the more time we spend here. This weekend we added to the list with a trip to the famous farmers market and an awesome afternoon in Downtown's Moore square at the annual SPCA 3k dog walk/celebration event.

To start, the farmers market is always a fun Saturday morning activity. The season just opened, and the strawberries are as fresh and sweet as ever! I had an authentic German super pretzel, and Chris enjoyed his one of a kind glass bottle Sundrop, that is after his "best ever" ham biscuit from the infamous farmers market restaurant. Piper enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the market as well and was on his best behavior, mesmerized by the scent of fresh baked bread and just waiting for crumbs of many kinds. Annnd, if I knew anything about flowers, I'd have to say that the nursery was pretty awesome, overwhelmingly so. Next time I'll have to bring an expert, aka mom, to help with the picking.

Without a doubt, the highlight of my morning at the farmer's market was the purchase of a looonnggg awaited item on my home wish list. I was beside myself with excitement as I laid my eyes upon it...could it be? And just when I had stopped looking! There it was, my pink and brown monogrammed garden flag. I know it's just a little flag, but seriously, I've been wanting one since the day we moved in our house on McDowell. I can't tell you how many times I've stepped into Kirklands with fingers crossed, or saw something similar and turned it down because it wasn't "just right." Could you believe that I was just inches from ordering it online(which was about $10 more expensive) just DAYS before and then let it go because the shipping and handling was 1/2 as much as the flag itself! And there I was on Saturday...I saw some flags at a small stand in the little shops at the market and after asking the lady(just in case) she said she didn't have any, but that she thought that "Judy" did. I inquired where I could find this "Judy," and with a slight skip in my step sauntered towards her set up. To make a long story short, I found Judy, and the swirly girly "S". The waiting paid off-I ended up with the perfect flag, and at half the cost! Lord, thank you for Judy and her impeccable taste. :)

With our flag and natural Carolina honey in hand, we made our way Downtown to the big ASPCA dog walk event. The turnout was a total surprise to us-there were HUNDREDS of dogs there. Piper had a blast, and it was so much fun to walk around and see all of the different puppies, pet friendly vendors and fun activities like best kiss contest and best trick. The weather was sunny and beautiful, and it made for the paw-fect afternoon in Downtown Raleigh-they even blocked off 2 streets to make way for the all the puppies! Oh, and we scored a ton of swag-more than we had hands to hold. Piper was spoiled with dog treat after dog treat, and was a happy, full bellied and exhausted camper by the time we made it home.

In other weekend news, we had a nice "ice cream for dinner" night at our local Coldstone(thank you entertainment coupon), and I made Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches on Sunday afternoon. We had to make up for all that walking somehow! :)

Backyardigans

I love my parents' backyard. So splendidly Springy.
A perfect day for puppies to play. Dad and sister pose for pictures by the picnic table. Use your magic eye to spy Piper in the background..a Murry "mini me" wouldn't you agree! Grandad and mom dine on the deck.Gotta love those Sunny Saturdays :)

Egg Hunt and Bouncy House make Spring Festival Soar!

The Girls are Back in Town!

The great reunion came and went too fast! I am so thankful for my favorite girls, and am already looking forward to our next grand adventure.

Girl talk-check.
Raleigh-check.
Belly laughing-check check. :)
Stroll down memory lane at Campbell-check plus.
Ice skating-Rain check :/
Shopping, brownies & cheesecake-checkmate! Yum yum!
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Cheers to lifelong friendships!

Spring Festival this Saturday!

Sing for your Supper and Best Friends Reunion

This is Open Mike Night at Spinner's Grill-the greatest family friendly, burger making, music loving, ice cream lickin place in town! Oh, and enjoy the sweet screaming toddler's introduction:) I promise it goes away soon enough...talk about an ice breaker!



"Divine Romance" by Phil Whickam


"Amazing" by Josh Kelly

On another note, the big reunion is just ONE day away! The last time Jessica, Lisa and I were all together was 1 year, 8 months and 6 days ago...my wedding that is. I can't wait to spend time with my favorite girls! The picture below is of the three of us at our last big girls trip in Myrtle Beach almost 3 years ago. Stay tuned for tons of new pictures and adventures!

Somebody should have warned me...

...about the multitudes of wriggly wormy worms wandering around in my dirt! I knew I was bound to encounter some little critters while pruning my green thumb, but certainly did not expect so many! Little charcoal thumb, I'm not sure this is an obstacle we can overcome...
Cute right? Well, this animated apple accesorising worm is welcome in my little backyard anytime. The real thing can beat it!