IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

How many times have you heard the phrase; “It’s the thought that counts?”

I can remember as a child, sitting with this bewildered look on my face because an older relative gave me a brand new package of socks or undershirts for Christmas. I think my mother understood my expression, yet she would always manage to whisper in my ear “Cathy, thank your Cousin Cleo for those nice socks – remember, it’s the thought that counts.”

I’ve heard those words so many times, but this week they were soothing to my own ego.

Let me share a secret! I am not a crafty person. I’ve been known to struggle with glue! Scissors, a paint brush and possibly power tools (not sure because Doodle Dad won’t let me near them), are not my friends. You name it – it’s a challenge.

I marvel at all the incredible homemade pet treats expertly displayed every week on the Tasty Tuesday Blog Hop. I’ve dreamed of the day, I could join in with my contribution.

When I received this cute cookie decorating kit as a holiday gift, I thought “now’s my chance!”

bovBecause of Harley’s sensitive tummy, I am very strict about what he eats. The ingredients on this cookie box seemed safe enough, but I have danced with my Bissel Carpet Shampooer enough times to know to stay away from icing!

However – I had a plan, Harley could watch me try something new, and then we’d take it over to his four legged furrend Mila as a little Christmas gift.

Mila and Harley meet on our walks and they romp almost daily…

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With Harley as my assistant, I checked out the ingredients. This can’t be that difficult:

  • six pre-made cookies
  • one bag of white icing (add water)
  • one bag of red icing (add water)
  • one black icing tube

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I was like an athlete in a championship game. I was pumped! I had Christmas music playing in the background, spicy egg nog coffee in my favorite mug. #Iwasready

So how come as soon as the whistle blew, I made a mistake. #doggoneit 

That’s right – the “red” icing was not supposed to go on the sides of the house – it was for the roof!..

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Not totally discouraged, I pressed on. I was determined to right my wrong! However, there wasn’t exactly enough red icing for all four sides, and way more white icing for just my little roof top.

Now what I’m about to show you is a hot mess, so get ready…

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What did I tell you?

Harley wasn’t even faking his disgust…

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Remember when I told you about not having enough red icing? Well, when you “smear” white on top of red, you get pink. #alldaylong

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And “yes” I had the nerve to write Mila’s name on it, and “yes” I even tried to draw a heart on the rooftop thinking it would make it better. #dontjudgeme #Itried

Packaging! That’s what it needed, the right packaging…

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Either there’s absodoodletutely no shame in my game, or I’m crazier than I thought. #youbethejudge I put on Harley’s sweatshirt, placed his gift in a bright orange tote bag, and off we strutted – to deliver the goods…

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Thank the doodle Mila and her mom were surprised, flattered and seemed genuinely happy to see both of us AND accept Harley’s gift…

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There was even a moment to take a quick photo under the Christmas tree before we left…

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As he and I strolled back to the house, I didn’t feel as bad as I probably should have for that disastrous cookie. Maybe because as I hummed a few bars of “dashing through the snow” I remembered what my Momma used to tell me. So I glanced down at Harley and told him “it’s the thought that counts”….

Merry Christmas! 

Thank you so very much for sharing us with all your friends!

 

 

 

20 Comments
  • Tiffany
    December 23, 2014

    Oh wow. It turned out really cute. Pink roof and all 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 23, 2014

      Oh Tiffany, you’re such a Doodleville fan 🙂 Thanks!

  • Emma
    December 23, 2014

    It was like a Valentines Love House, only on Christmas. We dogs could care less about the looks as long as it tastes good, you know. Glad you have fun with it at least!

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 23, 2014

      Emma, you’re entirely too kind – like I said in the post, that thing was a “hot mess” HOWEVER, it was great to surprise Mila, she has a cast iron tummy, so I’m sure she’ll enjoy every morsel. Thanks for the encouragement 🙂

  • DashLilly
    December 23, 2014

    You and I might have been separated at birth! I buy a kit, I read the instructions, I prepare carefully… and I invariably make some silly mistake early on in the project! I love the house. I bet Mila loved it too! and the thought was a wonderful thought!

    Happy Happy!

  • Sand Spring Chesapeakes
    December 23, 2014

    awe, sweet! Great job!

  • It's Dog or Nothing
    December 23, 2014

    How funny that we both put up crafty things today! I think it turned out pretty darn cute, but I couldn’t help but chuckle the entire way through.

    Don’t worry, Nick won’t let me near the power tools either. Something about avoiding a hole in my leg.

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 24, 2014

      I cracked up when I saw your post! That was too funny! I, however see true talent in your fingers! Sounds like Nick and Doodle Dad have a great deal in common. Merry Christmas!

  • Karen
    December 23, 2014

    So funny! You are so creative. Mila loved it and yes she has eaten some, after I made sure to explain to Dean that she gets a little bit, 2 or 3 times a week – and that is all! Thanks again! Karen

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 24, 2014

      You are too kind Karen 🙂 Thank you so much for dropping off some goodies last night. We will certainly make good use of them over the holidays. Harley must wait until Christmas to open his gift from Mila. I’m sure he’ll love it!

  • Jan K
    December 23, 2014

    Well, this post left me with a smile on my face….so you must have done something right! I am not a DIY person either….I do OK with baking but not much else. The joy of baking for dogs is that they really don’t care how it looks!

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 24, 2014

      That is the truth JanK! Mia’s mom said she is enjoying the house one little chunk at a time! Pawhaps dogs are who I should bake for!

  • laverne bennett
    December 23, 2014

    Cute house. I’m pretty sure Mila appreciate the gift. MERRY Christmas.

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 24, 2014

      She really did Laverne, Mila and her mother dropped by last night to bring Harley’s gift – it was gorgeous!

  • Jenna Drady
    December 23, 2014

    Oh wow! How cool is that!!!!!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 24, 2014

      Thanks Jenna, we thought we’d release our artistic side – trust me when I tell you – we won’t be doing that again soon LOL

  • Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes
    December 24, 2014

    Who wouldn’t want a Harley and Doodle-Mom original?

    Besides, you never claimed to be an architect. 🙂 And I like a pink house better than white anyway.

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 24, 2014

      A-HA Pamela, I never thought of it that way an “original” 🙂 Well the pink color just worked out pawfectly because Mila is a girl….

  • Kimberly Gauthier
    December 26, 2014

    I think you did a bang up job! 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 27, 2014

      Awwwhhh, Kimberly you are truly too kind 🙂