BEFORE









AFTER

My Puppy Scott

Many of you know all about my freakish Scottish terrier named Scott. If you don't already know him, take a minute to peruse previous posts to learn his crazy history as a Barclay.

Anyway, since we adopted him about 3 years ago Ryan has been trying DESPERATELY to help him grow a beautiful, traditional, Scottish skirt. This is hard work—after every romp in the woods there are branches dragging behind him and burdocks smooshed into every nook and cranny. If you know anything about Scottish terriers I don't need to tell you that they do NOT like to be groomed! So, this traditional, Scottish skirt has been a labor of love for over 3 years.

 

About 2 weeks ago Ryan decided it was time to stop the madness. (Now I know how it must feel to be a parent and just simply give up on a ridiculous idea and just let your kids be who they want to be) He made an appointment with Kim. Now, Kim is a special, special woman. She understands our timid and temperamental Scott and loves him anyway (especially if there is a generous tip attached) and she is LITERALLY the only groomer in the city that will allow an appointment with our little angel.

 

Yesterday was the DAY for Scott; Ryan sheepishly took him into his date with Kim. Kim took ONE look at his beloved, traditional, Scottish skirt and laughed; knowing there was no way she was going to be able to save it. Ryan gave the okay to do whatever was necessary to make Scott not dready and nasty…. EVEN if it meant shaving him completely.

Now, NO ONE thinks that when they give the okay to do something drastic the situation is ever going to ACTUALLY arise—well, let me be the FIRST to say that yesterday it did AND we've been laughing ever since. His new nickname is "The Mooose".

 

Scott BEFORE The MOOOOSe AFTER

 

We're all enjoying a good laugh at his expense and it's making him rather cranky… I better go before he eats the cat!

 

 

Me and Ryan at our Christmas party







Me and my dad on Christmas...





Me and my handsome nephew Dylan on Christmas

I’m Re-committing Myself!

Yes, it is true. I'm re committing myself to the blogging process. Today marks the day of a new post and a new direction for the Barclay Update. Stay TUNED!

Christmas with the Barclays

It seems that every year our Holiday traditions become more and more concrete. I love the holidays and the joy that being with friends and family brings, but sure am glad when they are over!

 

Our holiday season always begins with the Harrington ladies getting up at the butt crack of dawn on the day after Thanksgiving. WE are not getting up early to milk a cow or save the world. No, nothing noble at all… just some good ole fashion shopping. Years ago it was a necessity—when Dylan was so little that he was fascinated by the fun toys and games that are notorious for being below production priced ONLY at 4am on Black Friday. BUT now, it has become a tradition for us… we spend Thanksgiving afternoon scouring the ads, making lists, and devising our strategy and game plan. Interestingly enough, the amount of energy we put into the day does not equal the amount of $$ that we spend. With our family it is never about the $$ and always about the experience. Black Friday Shopping is no exception!

A Holiday music concert conducted by my husband darling is typically 2^nd on the countdown to Christmas. You see, this concert is special because when you conduct 4^th & 5^th graders you have brand new performers that you must present to the community after only 10 weeks. This is a very stressful time in our house. No matter how many times I remind him that he can NOT make his students practice he insists on being the best ever and if you know my husband he ALWAYS reaches his goals; this year was no exception.

I know your all so interested in the rest of our holiday traditions, but I must continue on with our regular scheduled program of playing Xbox with my darling….