Amicalola Falls

Hello lovelies,
We are on vacation this week and have decides to just explore our gorgeous state again. We went to the farm and clayton and Dillard Georgia but those posts come later. Right now, you guys get to here me whine.

We went to Amicalola falls. It's a gorgeous waterfall in north Georgia. I want to get in shape and I wanted a park where I could take the dogs. The park fit the criteria and I hadn't been there since I was like 5. If 5 year old Mallory can make it up the mountain and the 604 stairs to the top then surely 25 year old Mallory would have no issue right?

Wrong. First the dogs haven't really been in public around other dogs since we bought the mini horse farm. There is no reason to go to dog parks when they have acres to run on here. That is changing this week. They wanted to play with every dog they met.

We found a quiet wooded area away from everyone else and had a picnic. Riley was an angel. Duh, he is my dog.  Lacey barked at everybody that passed. Apparently she had claimed the woods as her own. Brat.
After our picnic we started our hike. Bad idea. About half way up, after being pulled up the mountain by a very excited pit/lab at a very fast rate, I started feeling nauseated. Don't run up a mountain with a very wild pup after eating.  I was pretty sure everyone on the trail was about to witness a very ugly post lunch moment.

We found a bench and I sat there for 20 minutes trying to calm the jerk down.  I was silently cursing 5 year old Mallory for making this trail look so easy. We started up the stairs again and Riley panicked a little because he could see through the stairs. It slowed him down a bit, but now I was ready to run. When we got to the top it was worth it. The views were breathtaking. 

 

I did learn I need to work out more. I also learned the dogs need to get out more and that kids have way more energy than I ever will.  Maybe next time when we go back I will be in better shape and can enjoy it more.

That time I found a rattlesnake at work.

Let's all travel back to Monday... 

I am sitting at my desk when mom comes in with her new rescue dog that is still terrified of everyone. About an hour later someone leaves the door open and he gets out in to the back yard. 

How the heck do you catch a dog that doesn't trust you and isn't driven by food? 

A lot of coaxing and chasing. 

Somehow in the chaos, my dads dog comes to the back along with my cousins 4 month old puppy. CHAOS. 

Haley (dad's dog) and Remi (the scared little basset/beagle)

Don't they look cute. They aren't. Not when you are chasing them around 400 cars.

Any who... at one point we are along the back fence. We go to the left and hit the end. They go around the front of the cars to the right and I chase them back. The we go left again. We are running in a tiny lane about 12 inches wide between the back of the cars and the fence. 

About the 3rd back-and-forth I heard leaves rustling and a distinct rattle. I look down and about 6 inches from my feet I saw what looked like a black snake. Then I noticed the rustling sound was his freaking TAIL!

And he was standing a foot off the ground. 

This picture freaks me out. 

I froze. It felt like 5 minutes, but it was more like 30 seconds. It clicked that I was looking at a Timber Rattler. A dark, pre-shed, post-winter timber rattler. I ran backwards fast and saw mom and dad running towards where the snake was. I knew I had already made it angry. I started screaming "rattle snake, rattle snake, rattle snake!" at the top of my lungs.

We got away from it and I stood shaking in the middle of the yard. Then I noticed the dogs were still running along the fence. Past the snake. Over and over again. 

I started screaming their names, begging them to come. Four years ago my sister's 4 pound mini dachsund was bitten by a Copperhead. She almost died but my sister rushed her to the puppy ER and hubs and I kept her the following week for all the fun creams and pills. 

I just knew that one of these three were going to be the next victim. Somehow all of my screaming scared the snake and it got away when I was focused on getting away so the dogs were okay. After 45 minutes we wrangled all the brats, but I am still shaken up. 

Who thinks they are going to find a RATTLE SNAKE at work? 

Not me. I was grouchy and touchy for the rest of the day. And cleaning the barn? I jumped every time my horse moved. I am typically okay with snakes. I worked at a zoo! But, it's different when a rattle snake decides he hates you.

Never Trust a Min Pin

I am posting this post as a warning.  If you own a Min Pin or ever come in contact with one remember, they are just pretending to be an ally. Learn from my story.

The min pin that tricked me is, of course, Lacey.

Sorry it's blurry, This is one of her baby pictures (5 months) when we thought she was so innocent.

Okay so last night, I was really craving something sweet and I didn't want to completely blow the diet so I decided to sneak into the kitchen for a marshmallow or 2. I have learned that one marshmallow will cure any sweet craving I have and I figure they are better than a whole bowl of ice cream or a candy bar. Lacey follows me into the kitchen and begs. This is the conversation we had. Yes I talk to my dog.

Lacey: Growls
Me: "Lace, I am hiding from your dad because he thinks he has more self- control than me. Go away."
        This diet has become a competition. Anything we do together becomes a game, I swear.
Lacey: Jumps up and down and whimpers
Me: " Look, these things aren't good for me, so I am sure they are awful for you."
Lacey: blank stare and a growl.
          At this point she is drawing too much attention to the kitchen. 
Me: "Fine you can have one! One! But eat it in here so your dad doesn't know what we are up to."

That little brat marched over to the doorway to the living room (she stayed in the kitchen) and smacked as loud as she could right where he could see her. I thought we had an understanding. Nope.

Don't trust a min pin. Ever.

My dogs ARE my kids!

 

So people are always asking when I plan to have kids. I mean, I have been married almost 2 years where are the little ones? 

I have little ones. I have a 7 year old (I cannot believe she is 7) and a 3 year old. 

Meet Lacey and Riley. 

Cutest faces ever. 

Here is a list of reasons why I am convinced they are just like having kids... 

1) They bicker like children. Riley is always taking any toy that he thinks Lacey might be interested in. Lacey constantly tattles. The next minute she is stealing his bed and he is pacing and grumbling. Just like human siblings. 

2) Riley has severe allergies. I am constantly reading labels, handing out allergy meds, applying ointment and snuggling with a puppy that doesn't feel 100% on his bad days. It's just like caring for a human child. 

3) Riley is a late sleeper like me, he loves veggies like me, and he is a people person dog just like me. Lacey is an early riser, she is super smart, and she is a loner just like Chris. Just like kids, they take after their parents. 

4) When we go to the weekend house okay, anywhere I have to be sure to pack water, the correct food/treats for Riley, his meds, toys, potty bags, extra leashes and a blanket for Lacey. It's just like packing a diaper bag.

And finally... 

5) I love them unconditionally. I look forward to getting home and snuggling with them. I don't know what I would do without them. Kinda like kids. 

Am I the only one obsessed with my monsters? Please tell me there is someone else as obsessed with their dogs.

Valentine's Day Link-up

Ever wonder if your spouse really knows you?! Like even the simplest questions? Well now is the time to find out!

HOST:

The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife

COHOSTS:

JanLoves, The Marvelous Flight of Cara, Delightfully Dunn, From Awkward to Art, Planned in Pencil,   Jessica Who?, Northern Belle Diaries, You and Me are We, The Family Darr, Songbirds and Buttons, The Grace of Southern Charm, Just Simply Live, Pretty Living PDX, The Lemonade Diaries, Life as I know it

Here are the instructions:

1. Fill out the Valentines Day Questions. You can find them here.
2. Hand over the same set of questions to your spouse and see if they can answer the questions about you. 
3. Write your post and compare both of your answers
4. Link up your blog post below!

Want to see how my husband and I did? Read our answers below. 

How long have you been married?

Mallory: 2 years in May 

Chris: I don't know... a year and some change... um... a year in 8 months. 

Where was your first date?

Mallory: We went to a horse event (go figure), dinner and the park. It was a busy night!

Chris: Fajitas, the horse thing and the barn. ( he forgot Wills Park) 

Where was your first kiss?

Mallory: Wills Park - Alpharetta the night of that first date. 

Chris: The barn. (Wrong. How does he forget that? He recreated it the following year!)

Who first said, "I love you"?

Mallory: He did! 

Chris: Me. 

What were your wedding colors?

Mallory: Light yellow and white with hints  of light green

Chris: Yellow and green

What is her most commonly used phrase?

Mallory: I over use whatevs but other than that I don't have a catch phrase. 

Chris: hmm... not a phrase really but she talks about Soul the horse constantly. I think "Soul is perfect is her most used phrase. I think if he was a person, with a job, she would leave me for him. 

Who is her celebrity crush?

Mallory: Luke Bryan or Tanner Foust. 

Chris: Tanner Foust. 

If she was ordering drinks for both of you what would you each get?

Mallory: A hurricane for me. He doesn't drink so a sweet tea for him. 

Chris: Sweet tea. 

What is the best meal she has ever cooked you?

Mallory: He loves my chicken alfredo. 

Chris: Homemade chicken alfredo with garlic bread

What is the worst meal she has ever cooked you?

Mallory: Pasta with vodka sauce. That was a flop. 

Chris: Stuffed grape leaves. (I forgot about those!!! I have to agree with him. The whole house smelt like it.)

What is the most-played song on her iPod?

Mallory: The Airstream Trailer song

Chris: That Airstream song. 

What would she say is your most annoying habit?

Mallory: His snoring or the fact that he researches everything for hours. 

Chris: Snoring. 

What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed?

Mallory: I can't sleep without snuggling with Riley dog.

Chris: Reads a book and snuggles with her dog. 

If you could throw out one item of her clothing what would it be?

Mallory: I have no idea. He hates flip-flops so maybe those. 

Chris: Flip-flops!!! 

What would you say is your favorite thing about her?

Mallory: He loves my love for animals. He says it means I have a heart of gold. Oh and my boobs.  

Chris: No matter how stupid my ideas are or how mean I am or how angry I get she still loves me. 

What's her go-to drink at Starbucks?

Mallory: Mocha Frappucino or caramel macchiato

Chris: Mocha frapp

What's her blog's name?!

Mallory: He better get this. 

Chris: The Grace of Southern Charm. 

Pogo Sticks and hot wine

Hello. This is me right now. 

Okay. Okay. I am not at the country club right now. I am on my couch. 

That was me at my best friend's wedding last year. 

When I could drink. Because my nutritional coach didn't spout random shit about how wine=calories. 

Why was I sad then? Because I spent too much time dancing and my wine got warm. 

See lot's of dancing?

Note to self: You should have just enjoyed that warm wine, because now you are wine deprived. 

I do have plenty of whine though. See what happened there? Yeah I am lame. 

That was not the point of this post I am just way off track. 

Okay... see this face. 

Riley S. Dog

Yeah he looks cute, but he has issues. Actually both of my dogs have issues. 

The other day it was gorgeous out and I had stuff to do in the barn. I didn't trust them, because Lacey runs under the fence all the time. She just uses me for food. She could care less about hanging around. 

So I put them on tie outs near the barn. This is where it gets fun. The second they are tied they turn into maniacs. Even if they can still touch me. They seriously lose their heads. 

Lacey ties herself as tight as she can around anything. She will find a blade of grass and wrap her lead around it. EVERY TIME. Then she sits there and pants and paces until I unravel her rope,so she can quickly tie herself to something else. It's cute. 

Riley grows Pogo sticks in the bottom of his feet and jumps as high as he can. Then he jumps at me. He never jumps on people unless he is tied. Then he forgets manners.  It's like he goes into primal mode and forgets that he lives inside and sleeps on my bed and he is not actually a yard dog. Then he gets bored and eats grass until he vomits. It's attractive. That's why all the lady dogs are after him. Most def. 

I am going to go snuggle with the weirdos. Have a great day ya'll!

Rain, Rain Go Away!

It has been raining for four days in the lovely state of Georgia. Four days!

My whole world is soggy. Does anyone else think that the word soggy is an odd word?

Any who, with the wet conditions there have been no photos and as you can imagine no fun activities. It has seriously thrown me into a rut. Not just a blogging rut but a life rut.

My poor horse has not been outside in four days. He reared at me Monday. Lovely. Sorry, Casper, we have at least two more days of this crap.

I have to beg my dogs to go outside. Do you know how embarrassing it is to stand outside in my pajamas begging, " Please go potty, pleeeeaaaase." My neighbors probably think I am pretty pathetic and I can promise you my dogs think they have the upper hand here. And maybe they do.

My garage is flooding and smells lovely. I just kinda hold my breath when I walk to the car. I cannot wait until the rain stops so I can use the shopvac and clean up that mess.

I am sorry I have been slacking here the past couple of days, but now you know why. I am basically having to swim to work and back!

I promise to be in a better mood tomorrow.

Oh How Pinteresting

I love this link up. You get to see all the randomness that caught my A.D.D eye. There is no rhyme or reason to this one. That seems to be my thing this week.

Source: Tumblr via Angela B on Pinterest

Source: Gypsy Farm Girl via Keeley R

Source: Project Decor via Tracey C. on Pinterest

Source: Tumblr via Donna H

Source: The comfort of cooking via James N

             

Friday Letters

Dear pit bulls, You are misunderstood and I don't think it is fair. Tonight we watched Beyond the Myth. All I can say is wow. People are ignorant. I really need to do more for the breed. Maybe finish my book about adopting my guy? My fortune cookie did say something about that.

Dear nails, You are gorgeous this week. Seriously, one of my favorite color schemes ever. 

Nude, Cocoa Brown and sparkles

Dear dogs, When I got home today I had a surprise waiting. You guys threw a party! There were cans and trash on the sofas, under the tables... It looked like a group of frat boys partied with ya'll. Not cool. 

Dear sleep, I have missed you. We are reuniting this weekend! 

Dear readers, Thank you for hanging in there with me through the move and the slacking. In the next month I plan to be more active, do more for sponsors and get more real with the content.

Dear Ms. Baby, We are kinda besties. Auntie adores you. Never forget that. 

Something smells like a wet dog

This weekend I started out cranky. I hate Eve. Once a month I wonder what the hell that woman was thinking. My poor husband probably hates her too, because this weekend there were a few times I caught myself stepping into psycho. Fo' Realz. 

Chris spent the morning cutting grass while I pouted over nothing got dressed and stomped around started the laundry. When he finished he managed to get my cranky rump in the car and we headed to Dock Dogs. At this point I was so pissy over nothing that the man was taking his life in his own hands just dealing with me. I love him for this. 

If you love dogs and never have gone to a Dock Dog event, go. Actually take a moment to look up it up. You back? Okay.  The dogs are so into what they are doing. You can see them twitching with excitement. The handlers praise the dogs no matter how poorly they do and every one has a genuine good time. Plus, there is the added fun of friendly competition. 

One focused pup!

Leaving the dock!

Any dog can compete, and we saw it all. My favorites included: 

Bully breed mutt!

The Awesome Little dog!

A pitt/pointer 2 pit mix's that are representing the breed beautifully. I am a sucker for anyone promoting the breed in a positive way and these two do it successfully. 

There was a lab puppy that was 6 months old. Her handler was a boy that was about 12. They made cutest pair. She kinda belly flopped in, until she didn't. She did so well in practice and then froze on stage. She just sat there like, "how 'bout I just sit up here and look pretty? Good for you?" I think she will get it eventually. If anything she looked adorable doing it.

There was a cairn terrier, yes you read that right, Toto himself. That little dog flew farther than some of the big dogs! He had some major little dog swag that comes with being awesome.


Then there was a veteran lab, teaching a child how to be a handler. It was so sweet. Even when the kid wasn't focused the dog behaved perfectly. If that doesn't make you tear up your heartless. Just kidding. Maybe.

Then there was a mutt that was a family dog. After her jump she ran to her family to greet them. The dad of the group was in a wheelchair and thinking about him telling her she was perfect and loving her while the wife(handler) looked on, giving them there moment still makes me cry. I am such a softy.

On Sunday, we took we took the dogs watch. They behaved wonderfully and I tried to convince Riley that this was totally his sport. I am not sure he is on board, but I am gonna try. After we were done there, we headed to the hubby's family dinner. They are all from Chicago and it is a bit of culture shock even after 8 years for this southern girl. They are arguing about stuff just to argue, it is so loud and there family is huge! I actually like being apart of a big family now. It took awhile to get used to, but now I am part of the chaos! They are not bad for in-laws. 

Now I need to rest up to get ready for next week!

Friday finally showed up!

Well, we made it through Friday! That means it is time for some Friday letters. 

Dear Riley, Why are you a wild man tonight? It's cute, but when you annoy Lacey and she attacks your face I am not going to discipline her. 

Dear Mortgage guy, Got the paperwork you needed me to sign today! You had the wrong address on all the stuff. I don't think the people in Midville would be happy if I signed the papers on their house. I don't even know where Midville is. 

Dear followers, Thank you. Your comments and emails made my day. You have no idea. I hope I can continue entertaining you. 

Dear Mama and Daddy, Thank you. I cannot even begin to repay you for all you have done for me over the years. I love ya'll.

Dear summer thunderstorm, I am loving you right now! I have a feeling I will be sleeping well tonight. This will probably make waking up and going to the office on my day off, just to hang with hubby even harder.

Dear Eyes, Can we stop with the off again/on again pinkeye-type crap. Seriously, I miss my contacts and I look like I am hungover and haven't slept in 4 day. 

Friday letters

Labels

Dear Lacey "min pin",
Thank you so much for being a good puppy yesterday, even though I was an awful mommy and did not make it home before the storms hit last night. I know you are terrified of them, and you were probably convinced the house was falling. You still didn't potty inside though! You even cuddled!! This is rare. You are usually under the bed during storms.

Snuggling despite the storm!

Dear Friday,

I am so glad you are here. Seriously, I have missed you dearly and cannot wait to lounge around tomorrow. Last week was so stressful and this week was a catch up week, so you are needed!

Dear cheeseburger bobbies,

You rock! You most certainly are not part of the diet plan but whatevs your delicious. I love your cheese fries and their ooey gooey goodness. Made my day.

Love,

Mal

I wanna hold your hand...

I love holding hands. Call me weird, but there is just something so comforting about a hand to hold. People hold hands to say "I love you", " I am here for you", "I am scared too", " We are friends", " You are hot". There are many reasons to hold hands. Riley-dog has learned to hold hands. He likes to hold hands while watching t.v. It's freaking adorable. A pitty-mix that holds hands with you during scary movies? Perfection. People who think Pit bulls are vicious have obviously never had one snuggle up to them and offer to hold their hand on a rainy night. Just sayin... If your husband isn't a snuggler get a pitty. 

Little things that made my Tuesday

1) It was a cozy, rainy day at work. I love rainy days. I love the thunder, the grayness, the lamps lit inside.
2) We had soup because it was rainy, which made it that much better. Potato soup days are the best days, but I always need a nap afterwards.
3) My hubby had a day off to relax. He totally deserves it. As I have mentioned before he works insane hours, so a day off is a big deal.
4) Graceful- disaster sent a blog award my way for my other blog. Yay!
5) My dog greeted my at the door like I had been gone for months... Ok so he does this every day, but it makes me smile just the same. Seriously, rescue a fur baby. They make you feel like a million bucks.

Isn't he adorable?

6) My sissy posted some amazing photos from the Baptism this weekend. She is 15 and talented. Check out her work here.

Hallie the boxer

So this post should have been posted months ago, but I haven't had the time or the motivation to blog. Lazy, I know. Most of you know Hallie by now. She is kind of a big deal. Here is how the little Diva ended up with the Castleberry crew.
You see we spend all show season qualifying for Oklahoma, where Grand Nationals and the World Championship is. This year Sara and her horse Rifle qualified so my parents loaded up the truck and went for a week of fun! I am still a little bitter by the way. Anyways, John, a fellow horse lover just happened to have one of his rescue/foster dogs there. That adorable little pup just happened to be a boxer.




















Let me explain the importance of the breed. My grandfather used to raise boxers. Big beautiful boxers with canadian bloodlines. The dogs were my grandfathers pride and joys. When the last one, Brutus, passed away we never got another one. Everyone in the family toyed with the idea but no one ever went through with it. In January, when papa passed away, I really wanted a boxer but ended up with Riley (see his story below). I'm rambling.
Well while in Oklahoma, Hallie attached herself to dads hip and he fell in love. When my parents left Oklahoma, Ms. Hallie jumped in the truck and refused to get out. They were not looking to adopt so they left without Hallie. Two weeks later mom, the sisters and I were secretly filling out adoption papers. And 1 week later.... Surprise!!!! Dad went to pick up his baby and they have been inseparable since.
Hallie's new life includes going to the office, barn and the farm. She enjoys breakfast and lunch ordered in ( she has to rough it and eat plain dog food for dinner). She has 3 "sisters" that adore her, a puppy friend named chloe and a dog bed for lounging during the day ( she sleeps next to her parents in the human bed). But most of the time Hallie spends her time going from person to person spreading love and joy. You can't have a bad day around her. It's not possible. Who rescued who?
Any who sorry for the long sappy post. I just love that little smooshy face rescue and hope she inspires other to rescue.

success for the pups!

So the past 2 days the pups have been on a probational period to see if their crates could go to storage. We shut all the doors, picked up ANYTHING that may be tempting and told them to "watch the house". 7 hours we returned. The house was in perfect condition, Riley was waiting by the door with his blanket and favorite toy and Lacey was sleeping on the couch. I was a very proud mommy, but I wasn't convinced that it wasn't a fluke. So today was day 2. This time we went 10 hours which was the longest time they would ever have to be alone. Again, Riley was loyally waiting by the door and Lacey was sleeping. So, they earned it! The crates will be moved to storage. The dogs are happy that they get freedom. I am happy I get my laundry room back!