Katie & Alex - The Married Life [Archive]

katieandalex

10-15-2006, 10:59 AM

Thanks girls!

Alex and I made another big purchase last night. We ended up spending another almost $300 at Best Buy! LOL! We just bought my car a remote start system. They are going to install it on Tuesday. We have a garage, but Alex parks in it...because I can never get the door open, so we wanted to get a remote start system on my car because it probably wasn't the best thing on the car to start it and jump right on the interstate and have me drive it an hour....so we got that too.

We also bought new pillows for our bed because my neck has been acting up lately, and 2 new pillow cases. I'll have to try and clean up our apartment a bit and post some pictures.

katieandalex

10-15-2006, 01:35 PM

Well, I got on a cleaning spree today. My goal today was reorganize the office and clean up my scrapbooking stuff that was all over the room...I still have that left to do...but I did get a lot done so far today. I cleaned the rest of the apartment and took down like 3 loads of trash so far, did the dishes and 2 loads of laundry. After I get done posting this, I'm going to start on cleaning the office out. I did take pictures of the rooms after I cleaned everything all up. Just a little over view of our apartment.

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp6%3C%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232355388456%3Bot1lsi
The entry way to our apartment. There is a closet directly across from the door which stores our jackets, vacuum, etc.

Living Room: We are trying to redecorate somewhat. It will all come together once we have a house and are able to paint the walls and everything. But we are trying to go for a very contemporary look with dark red, plum purple, black and silver. As you will see from the pictures, we have our couch and ottoman already. We plan to order the chair to match the set in a month or two and get rid of the 2 tan chairs. All of the wood furniture in the living room will be left the light maple.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp6%3C%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232355387%3B8%3B8ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp6%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E23235538845%3A8ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp69%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E2323553884589ot1lsi

katieandalex

10-15-2006, 01:36 PM

Reading Area: I love this little area of the living room. Its right next to the sliding glass doors to the deck and it is just so soothing. And **** I love that papazan (sp?) chair.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp67%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232355387%3B8%3C5ot1lsi

Kitchen: We are doing all red and silver theme and trying to go for a 50s diner look. Of course, it won't completely happen until we have our house to paint stuff to make it look more put together. But we did get a lot of our red stuff to start on the transformation. The clock you will see in the picture was the whole inspiration for the room.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232355387%3B8%3A6ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp6%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232355387%3B8%3B3ot1lsi

katieandalex

10-15-2006, 01:40 PM

Dining Room: This room is a little strange. Again, we really need a house to finish the look. But we are doing green and yellow with accents of black. In our house, we will have the main accent wall painted in black. And there will be green grapes for decoration. You can kind of see that with the green grapes already in place in the centerpiece on the table. We plan to get a new dining room set when we move to a house.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232355387%3B899ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp6%3C%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E2323553884554ot1lsi

Bathroom: The bathroom is crazy bright. We we doing orange and white. In our house, we plan to have everything white in the bathroom and then have orange for the towels and other accents. There will be little touches of brushed aluminum as well, as you can see with the toilet paper holder (there is also a Q-tip holder and soap dish that match). In our house, we would love to have a shower that is built just as a shower stall that is made with those little glass blocks that are kind of marbled so you can't see all the way through.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232355387%3B88%3Bot1lsi

katieandalex

10-15-2006, 01:43 PM

Bedroom: We have changed our minds numerous times on what we wanted to do with this room, and keep coming back to our original plan with different colors. We decided on doing an Asian theme (all of the wall hangings are of Chinese symbols) with dark red and black. We have the red sheets, and just bought the black pillow cases for the back pillows. We are going to get a black down comforter to replace the green one we currently have (we were originally planning on doing red, tan and green). The walls in our house will be painted red to match the sheets and the dressers will be black. The green paper lantern will be switched with the white paper lantern currently in the dining room.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp69%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232355387%3C934ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B68%3A7%7Ffp6%3A%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232355387%3B895ot1lsi

Office: There isn't much done with this room. Its very much a mish-mash of things. The main color in the room is blue...there are a lot of blue accents on things. But its mainly a place for Alex to put his Star Wars posters and memorabilia at. We don't have many plans for this room other than to get a new desk when we buy a house.

katieandalex

10-15-2006, 01:47 PM

Alex and I talked last night at dinner and decided that we will probably stay in the QCA for a while. I don't mind the drive to IC everyday (we'll see if that changes in the winter) so we discussed checking into purchasing a house when our lease comes up next summer (Our lease is either up in June or July). I would really like to buy a house...Alex originally wanted to wait another year, but after discussing it, he sees the reason why I would like to buy. My sister was renting for the longest time because they figured they wouldn't be able to afford a house, and then found our their mortgage payment was going to be $150/month less than their rent! We are going to start looking around and see if we can get approved for a mortgage after the first of the year.

Alex also mentioned that they are building quite a few new stores in the area around the QCA (the store that he works for). They are building 4-5 more just in the QCA and they have talked about building another one in Muscatine, IA. I really don't want to move to Muscatine...but if they build a store there and Alex can take it over, that cuts off at least 20 minutes of my drive to IC everyday, in which case...I could probably car-pool with my friend, Wendy, who works with me in IC who drives from Muscatine too. So we'll see...but hopefully we will have a house by the end of next summer.

katieandalex

10-15-2006, 03:10 PM

Here are 2 pictures of the office after I cleaned it all up.

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B7534%7Ffp68%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E2323553934%3A%3C9ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3483%3B7534%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E232355393638%3Aot1lsi

katieandalex

10-16-2006, 08:51 PM

Alex and I are going to refinance my car tomorrow so we can get a lower interest rate and get it paid off sooner, since I'll be needing another car in like a year and a half because of how many miles I put on my car....hopefully we can get it paid off a lot so we don't have a lot to transfer over to the new loan when I buy a new car...

We are also going to start my name change process!!! Woo hoo!

Goin2thechapel

10-16-2006, 09:16 PM

Katie,
I'm soo happy and proud of you!! Everything looks wonderful. I wish both you and Alex a lifetime of happiness!! Congratulations on eveything!!

PS..Your glowing in the wedding pics! I love it!!!

katieandalex

10-18-2006, 09:14 AM

Thanks Amanda!

Alex and I talked about it more, and I'm going to talk to my friend, Wendy, about Muscatine. We decided that even if Alex doesn't get a store in Muscatine and stays in Davenport working, he has a much more fuel efficient vehicle now, and moving to Muscatine would split up the drive a lot. But there has also been talk that since there are so many stores being built in this area (there are 3 more going up in the next year for sure and then possibly another 2-3) that they will have to create a new district out of the stores in this area, which will call for another district manager...and Alex's current DM really would like him to step up and take over the position...which means Alex can make his home store any store in that district, so if they put one up in Muscatine, Alex can work out of that one if he wants....so we'll see.

lize566

10-18-2006, 10:50 AM

Congratulations on everything! It sounds like you have everything figured out. Reading this makes me really excited to start my adult life! I go back and forth between being excited and terrified, but hearing all your plans makes me excited. Your house sounds like it will be awesome once you get it all decorated!

katieandalex

10-19-2006, 09:17 AM

Alex said that hes still hesitant about buying a house...he wants to wait a year, but now its more he doesn't want to buy a house in Muscatine because hes not looking forward to the drive everyday until he gets his store or whatnot in Muscatine! LO!L What a baby. He'll get used to it! LOL!

I really like this house I saw online in Muscatine. I need to talk to Wendy to find out if its in a good location. She told me to kind of stay away from the South side because parts are bad and parts are good...so she said just to be safe, just stay away from it.
http://images1.e-net.com/mls/import/MuscatineIA/property/full/06925_1000.jpg

hummingbird521

10-19-2006, 09:18 AM

Pretty house.

Jenn060306

10-19-2006, 09:52 AM

That is such a cute looking house!
Good luck convincing Alex that it is worth buying one now!

katieandalex

10-20-2006, 09:16 AM

I talked to my friend Wendy and she told me different streets to stay away from and such. So thats going to be a HUGE help in trying to find a house there.Her mom is SO excited that we were thinking about moving to Muscatine! LOL! Her mom is so crazy! We probably won't be moving until spring when our lease is almost going to be up, but it doesn't hurt to look now and all of that good stuff, so maybe Alex and I could drive down there one of these next weekends just to look at some neighborhoods and such...we'll see.

katieandalex

10-21-2006, 01:14 PM

Well, I went out today and returned some stuff to Hobby Lobby that I did use for the wedding and got a $25 in-store credit. I started looking around, and ended up redecorating our bedroom for the $25. We just need the new black comforter to finish it off. I purchased 4 pictures frames, 3 candle holders, new black stones for the flower arrangement and an air freshener for my car for the $25. It looks great in our room! Here are new pictures of our bedroom and the decorations.

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34846866%3A%7Ffp67%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E232356586589%3Aot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34846866%3A%7Ffp6%3C%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E2323565866795ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34846866%3A%7Ffp6%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E23235658658%3A4ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34846866%3A%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23235658667%3A2ot1lsi

Jenn060306

10-21-2006, 03:53 PM

Awww it looks awsome! That is such a great deal you got for all that!
I love that you've got pictures from the wedding out! We haven't framed any of ours yet :bbredface:

katieandalex

10-21-2006, 04:07 PM

Yeah, we haven't heard back yet about getting our proofs from our photographer...so those are just our snapshots and our engagement photos.

Jenn060306

10-21-2006, 04:25 PM

Yeah, we haven't heard back yet about getting our proofs from our photographer...so those are just our snapshots and our engagement photos.

ohhhh the waiting game!!! Fun eh?! lol. They are great pictures from your camera! :whoohoo:

katieandalex

10-22-2006, 01:16 PM

I've been on a shopping frenzy lately! LOL! I went out to Pier 1 today and picked up a few things (6 ornaments for our Christmas tree...I couldn't resist! LOL!) and a new table centerpiece for our living room. Our other one (the floral arrangement) wasn't really fitting with the theme we wanted to do.

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3484772%3A%3A%7Ffp3%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E266%3E236%3EWS NRCG%3D3232656%3A%3A9%3C28nu0mrj
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3484772%3A%3A%7Ffp68%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E2323565%3B988%3C3ot1lsi
The center candle is red and the 2 outside ones are purple...now I just need to find purple throw pillows for the couch!

Here are some pictures of the candles in the bedroom lit.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3484772%3A%3A%7Ffp6%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E266%3E236%3EWS NRCG%3D3232656%3A%3A9%3B%3A3nu0mrj
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3484772%3A%3A%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E2323565%3B988%3B4ot1lsi

Life has been great since getting married. We've been all about going out and doing stuff together. Before we got married, we just sat around the apartment all the time, so its great to be able to go out and do stuff as a married couple.

Life is great!!!!

hummingbird521

10-23-2006, 01:57 PM

The candles and decorations are very pretty. Nice choices.

katieandalex

10-25-2006, 09:12 AM

Woo hoo! We got our prof. wedding pictures yesterday. They a freakin awesome! I'll have to try and figure out a way to post them....

brewsells

10-25-2006, 09:17 AM

ooo I can't wait!!!

The decorations you have gotten look great. I have yet to go to Pier One.. Guess I need to.. everyone loves it

Goin2thechapel

10-25-2006, 09:20 AM

Yay!!! I can't wait to seem the wedding pics!!

By the way, Your bedroom looks super romantic!!

Yipee for married life!!

katieandalex

10-26-2006, 09:20 AM

I love Pier 1. Though some of there stuff is kind of cheaply made...but I still love the store. And I absolutely adore their Christmas stuff (wrapping paper, ornaments, cards, etc).

What can I say Amanda? I'm a big romantic.

katieandalex

10-28-2006, 03:13 PM

I just ordered this from Pier 1 for our kitchen.
http://www.pier1.com/Images/p1kcatalog/g2916_240_240.jpg

And my dad is going to make this shelf for me (I saw it at Pier 1...but it was $100 and I didn't see in spending that much for it.) It will before the living room.
http://www.pier1.com/images/catalog/p02123952_500_500.jpg

Jenn060306

10-29-2006, 09:39 PM

That shelf is awsome! That would be so easy to make with Partical Board and paint! I've seen stuff in the stores like that that i loooove but refuse to pay that much for it. I've made a couple different things. It's fun!

I like the rock and roll sign! It's neat! Are you guys doing a diner theme?

And..... Love the new hair cut! super cute!

katieandalex

10-29-2006, 09:59 PM

Yeah, my dad has made a ton of stuff that our family has seen in the store and like. I'll be excited to finally have it! :)

I can't wait to get that rock n roll sign. Once we get a house, our kitchen will come together...and yes, we are trying to do a 50s diner theme with red and chrome.

Thanks for the hair. Alex said he doesnt' really like the color...but its because hes not used to it...I really like it! :)

MOB Karen

10-30-2006, 08:47 AM

Oh, I just wanted to say that I love the new haircut and color. I think it is very flattering! http://www.simply-baby.net/forum/images/smiles/nod.gif

Kacie_bride

10-30-2006, 03:04 PM

Oh, I just wanted to say that I love the new haircut and color. I think it is very flattering! http://www.simply-baby.net/forum/images/smiles/nod.gif

I second that!

katieandalex

10-31-2006, 09:16 AM

Thanks girls. I'm thinking in a few weeks I'm going to go and get it changed up. I want more layers (usually I flip it out) and I want different bangs...we'll see if I get up the balls to cut the bangs differently though.

katieandalex

11-04-2006, 05:38 PM

Gosh, Alex is so lazy!

Anyways, I got my rock n roll wall hanging the other day. I love it, Alex hates it. Oh well, we are still keeping it. It won't go up until we get a house though. Now we are discussing just staying in the QCA because we like it so much here...but just moving to the far west side of town so it cuts off like 10+ minutes of my drive. Plus, I think I might go insane living in Muscatine....I was talking to my friend who lives there...yeah, I don't think I could handle it....theres nothing there.

We put up our Christmas lights on our deck tonight. We are not going to turn them on until after Thanksgiving, but I wanted to make sure I had them up before the snow hit...I hate putting up lights in the snow. I like how it turned out! :)

katieandalex

11-05-2006, 01:04 PM

Alex and I have been so bored this weekend, so today we went out and bought a newspaper and we are going to go around to a bunch of open houses to decide what we like and don't like in houses so we know what to look for when we are going to buy next year.

ladymelissa

11-05-2006, 03:28 PM

Best wishes on your house hunting!

katieandalex

11-05-2006, 11:32 PM

Oh my gosh. I think we found our realtor while we were out today. She sent us a bunch of listings and info on first time homebuyer deals for financing. We are probably going to go on Tuesday to apply for a mortgage to see how much we can get approved for, but there are 3 houses we really want. If we can get approved for enough (which really isn't a lot and we don't forsee it a problem) we may possibly be moving by the end of the year. We are going to call the realtor that we met to see if we can set up viewings of these 3 houses, but we were just in love.

I'll post some pictures.

katieandalex

11-05-2006, 11:33 PM

The first one we like: (by the way, they are all on the same street).

http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4080220.jpg
http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4080220A.jpg
http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4080220C.jpg
http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4080220F.jpg

katieandalex

11-05-2006, 11:38 PM

Here is the 2nd house.

http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4080283.jpg
http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4080283A.jpg
http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4080283B.jpg
http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4080283C.jpg

katieandalex

11-05-2006, 11:41 PM

And last but not least, the 3rd house.

http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4081483.jpg
http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4081483A.jpg
http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4081483B.jpg
http://www.weddingannouncer.com/gallery/files/4/1/7/QUADCITIES4081483D.jpg

katieandalex

11-05-2006, 11:42 PM

I'd say out of the 3, we like the first one I posted the best. We are SO in love with these houses!!!! I want one so bad...but that would mean moving within the next month, probably, which means taken down our Christmas lights outside that we just put up!!!

KMPLUVGUCCI

11-05-2006, 11:47 PM

All those houses look very nice...Congratulations on finding you possible future homes!
As for the financing, let me give you a tip...
There is a loan that Bank of America offers from ACORN Housing. It is a 100% financing loan with no private mortgage insurance AND the rate is 0.75% lower than the current market rates. It is for 1st time homebuyers and the loan that I offer to ALL my 1st time buyers.
Feel free to ask me any questions that you may have! I am happy to help!
OH, BTW I am a Loan Officer, just in case you were curious.

KMPLUVGUCCI

11-05-2006, 11:47 PM

Here is the website for ACORN Housing just so you can learn a little bit about them...
http://acornhousing.org/TEXT/wwa.php

KMPLUVGUCCI

11-05-2006, 11:51 PM

OH, and one last thing...
There are income limits and Loan amount limits depending on your county.
There are also several Down Payment Assistance programs available in IOWA. If you let me know the county you are looking to buy in I can get the limits for you and help you locate some down payment assitance.

katieandalex

11-06-2006, 12:09 AM

We will be purchasing in Scott county. The realtor we talked to say that there are a few lenders in our area that do really well with first time homebuyers assistance, and one of them we actually bank with. So we were going to check them out first and talk with them about what all we need for down payments, etc.

nic1124

11-06-2006, 12:15 AM

House hunting! how exciting! congratulations! I'm sorry I'm so excited but i know I'm looking forward to getting a house as much as I'm looking forward to the wedding! All your choices are very nice. Good luck and keep us informed :)

hummingbird521

11-06-2006, 08:47 AM

katie all three of the houses are beautiful. How exciting for you both. Happy Hunting and Good Luck.

katieandalex

11-06-2006, 09:28 AM

Well, all three houses are a no go. I guess Alex talked to a lady at work and she said that area isn't very nice anymore. She said its turned into a lot of low income housing and the cops are up there all the time, according to the paper. So we are off to find a few more houses that are possiblities.

hummingbird521

11-06-2006, 09:38 AM

Ahh sorry to hear that. They were all so nice. Good Luck on the continued house hunting.

katieandalex

11-06-2006, 09:46 AM

Yeah, I really want a house...we looked at 2 yesterday...the one I didn't really want because it seemed like it would need a lot of work down the road (the house had panelling on the walls which they wallpapered over and then painted over....scary!) and the other, the bedrooms were WAY to small....once we got our bed and dressers in the "master" bedroom...we wouldn't be able to move. Its going to be hard to find a house that we both agree on, thats in a good neighborhood that doesn't need a ton of work right away....arg.

countrygirl

11-06-2006, 09:54 AM

Hey Katie, sorry that the houses aren't working out for you. I am sure that something will come along soon. All in due time my friend!!! Good luck!!!

katieandalex

11-08-2006, 09:26 AM

We just went yesterday to get pre-approved for a mortgage. We are just waiting to hear back from the lady. She is supposed to be calling me later tonight to let me know what we are approved for and such.

Goin2thechapel

11-08-2006, 09:58 PM

yay!! Happy House Hunting!!

katieandalex

11-10-2006, 09:50 AM

hummingbird521

11-10-2006, 09:54 AM

sorry to hear that Katie. Don't give up hope yet, maybe you can find something more within your budget.

katieandalex

11-12-2006, 05:29 PM

Woo hoo! Tyler and my mom's Christmas presents are bought! And my sister is half bought for....now I just need to buy for Alex's parents, Alex's grandpa, my dad, my brother, my BIL, Jessica, Amanda, and Wendy!!! Ahhh! Too many people to buy for....at least I'm getting there!!!

I wanted to buy Tylers present early because I didn't want to deal with the toy aisles after Thanksgiving!!! It was bad enough today!

BriansBride07

11-12-2006, 07:54 PM

So sorry the house hunting is not going so well but give it some time you will find your dream house. Congrats on finding some good x-mas presents.

katieandalex

11-14-2006, 10:22 PM

Woo hoo! I just bought a brand new 2007 Nissan Sentra S today! It looks like this:
http://www.nissanusa.com/ngstcms/img/shopping_tools/vehicles/sen_07_l2_20s_qm1.jpg\

WhiskeyGirl

11-14-2006, 10:29 PM

Its looking like the house thing is going to be out of the question right now. Our banker is still seeing if she can find something else for us, but what she had for us yesterday was not going to work at all. Our mortgage payment was going to be almost $1000 a month!!! NO WAY! So if she can't find something else, we will just wait until closer to our lease to be up next summer and then look at buying again. Right now we still have a decent place to live so its not like we have to move right now, it just would have been nice. Oh well.

Wooo! A thousand bucks a month! I wish! We are paying $1100 just for renting! It really seems like a sweet deal to me but then your area is probably a lot different then mine! The last two houses we owned we payed $1700 a month and $1500 a month, I wish we can find a house for $1000...but that's besides the point! I wish you luck on finding the perfect house at the perfect price! And Congrats on the new car!! :D

ladymelissa

11-14-2006, 11:14 PM

Congrats on the car! What color did you get?

katieandalex

11-15-2006, 08:47 AM

Shawna: Yeah, we are paying $635 for rent right now in a 1000sq ft 2br apartment. So if we bought a house, we decided we didn't want the mortgage payment to be higher than $800, right now. So we decided to just wait.

Melissa: I got white. The one I showed looks just like mine but mine has different rims on it. They had a white, a red and a tan one. I didn't like the tan, and I really liked the red one because it had leather and a sunroof, but it was also $3000 more than the one I bought. And I've been dying to have a white car again (I love white cars!). It is such a better car that Suzuki. I loved by Suzuki but this is much more "luxury" than my Suzuki was...the seats are more comfortable and the ride is so much smoother...plus is gets like 10 more mpg on the highway that my Suzuki did and will definitely hold its resale value better.

hummingbird521

11-15-2006, 11:13 AM

Congrats on your car. It is very pretty. Enjoy driving it.

Jenn060306

11-15-2006, 02:52 PM

Cute Car! It's really nice!

I'm sorry to hear about the house trouble. Near Toronto it is super expensive to rent. It was about $450 a month to rent a bedroom in someones house when i was going to school. $1000 a month does sound expensive if renting only costs $635.
Good Luck with it all!

ladymelissa

11-16-2006, 02:12 PM

Melissa: I got white. The one I showed looks just like mine but mine has different rims on it. They had a white, a red and a tan one. I didn't like the tan, and I really liked the red one because it had leather and a sunroof, but it was also $3000 more than the one I bought. And I've been dying to have a white car again (I love white cars!). It is such a better car that Suzuki. I loved by Suzuki but this is much more "luxury" than my Suzuki was...the seats are more comfortable and the ride is so much smoother...plus is gets like 10 more mpg on the highway that my Suzuki did and will definitely hold its resale value better.
Sounds like a great deal! Congrats!

White is also a great color for cars, it is so practical.

katieandalex

11-17-2006, 09:38 AM

Sounds like a great deal! Congrats!

White is also a great color for cars, it is so practical.

Yeah the guy at the dealership said that white is there best selling color. He said when buying a car, definitely think about what other people would want so you have a better chance of getting rid of it in the future. He said "Don't go out and buy a yellow car, unless you really want a yellow car...most people don't want that. Stick to black, red, white and silver for the most part."

BriansBride07

11-17-2006, 09:48 AM

Congrats on getting a new car it looks really nice. Have fun with it

ladymelissa

11-17-2006, 07:28 PM

Yeah the guy at the dealership said that white is there best selling color. He said when buying a car, definitely think about what other people would want so you have a better chance of getting rid of it in the future. He said "Don't go out and buy a yellow car, unless you really want a yellow car...most people don't want that. Stick to black, red, white and silver for the most part."
That is a great point. Black is my personal fav. But white stays so much cooler in the summer and is the most visible color, hence safer. The paint job also seems to look better longer b/c it doesn't absorb as much heat.

katieandalex

11-18-2006, 09:33 AM

Yeah, I really like this car. Probably my favorite since my Cavalier. I like the looks of black cars (my Cavalier was black)...but I would never own another one. Black cars, for me, have to be completely clean and spotless and that would mean that I would have to wash my car like 3 times a week...like I did with my Cavalier. I love black cars...just not for me. So I go with white because you don't have to worry about dirt and dust as much on white cars! LOL!

katieandalex

11-18-2006, 09:34 AM

Here are some pictures of my actual car.

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3486%3A9635%7Ffp6%3A%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E23235956782%3C4ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3486%3A9635%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E232359567%3B735ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3486%3A9635%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23235956782%3B7ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3486%3A9635%7Ffp6%3C%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232359567%3B6%3C%3Aot1lsi

katieandalex

11-18-2006, 02:54 PM

Woo hoo! I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping. I still have to buy the other half of my sister's present, my BILs present and all the stuff for Alex's side, which we are going out and buying after Alex gets home from work, as well as my dad's Christmas present. Everyone else is done. I went out and checked on a few things for Alex's Christmas present, but we don't ever switch Christmas gifts until after Christmas so we don't get duplicates from other people. I tihnk I know what I'm getting him, but I can't post it on here because he likes to snoop around to find out his gifts! LOL!

hummingbird521

11-18-2006, 03:44 PM

Congrats on being close to done on the christmas shopping. I wish I could say that. lol

ladymelissa

11-19-2006, 12:35 AM

Cute car!!!

I wish I was even close to being done Christmas shopping! LOL

katieandalex

11-19-2006, 10:43 AM

Yep we went out last night and finished my dad, my BIL, Alex's mom, and bought my friends birthday present that is January 14th. So now we just have to finish my sister (once I get her list), get one more thing for Alex's dad and then order Alex's grandpas gift. My grandparents just get like a pointsetta or something so we wait until right before Christmas to get that.

ikkin510

11-19-2006, 11:57 AM

I wish I was as organized as you when it came to gifts! I have next to nothing done and I HATE to shop during the holidays. Wanna do my shopping for me?

katieandalex

11-19-2006, 01:05 PM

Haha. This is the first year we have been like this. Usually we are beating the holiday rush down the week before Christmas because we never had money until right then. This year we both have jobs and we are able to afford to go and buy all of our gifts at once. Plus this year we are making up for the last few years that people didn't get the greatest gifts. It used to be that our limit was $15/person and this year I think we spent closer to $40/person. I love Christmas shopping but I HATE all of the stupid drivers and people in the stores....annoys me to no end. Here is a list of everything that I've bought or still need to buy.

My Mom: snowman ornament, snowman welcome sign and Sudoku handheld game
My Dad: 4 wildlife t-shirts from Gander Mountain
My Brother: $25 Menards gift card and a blue vase for his living room
My Sister: chili pepper dip dish and something else (not sure what)
My BIL: $25 Best Buy gift card
Our Cat: 3 canisters of Whisker Lickins and a new pink camo collar
Alex's Mom: Willow Tree angel and $25 Von Maur gift card
Alex's Dad: rechargeable LED work light (and a K&N air filter for his truck)
Alex's Grandpa: (Jeep button up shirt)
My Grandparents: Pointsettas and sparkling grape juice

Friend, Jessica: Candle, photo album and 6 ornaments - for her birthday "Dear John" Nicholas Sparks book and candle
Friend, Amanda: Candle and photo album
Friend, Wendy: green throw blanket, green thermos, green candle holder and candle, another candle. Butterfinger stixx
Friend, Melissa: Margarita and dip kit, penguin canister with Reese's pieces, Reese's bells and cashews, and gag gift Christmas CD (she hates Christmas music! LOL!)

*The stuff in italics I still need to buy.*

katieandalex

11-19-2006, 04:00 PM

Woo hoo! My Christmas tree is up and the lights on. Now its just waiting for the ornaments that are going on on Tuesday. Woo hoo!!! And the underneath is plum filled with presents. And I just got my sister's list...off to buy her present tonight!

Maria: Nope, none of those people know about this site, or have a reason to be on this site too! LOL!

BriansBride07

11-20-2006, 08:20 AM

Wow you have so much done, Cute car by the way. I wish I had that much done for x-mas shopping.

katieandalex

11-20-2006, 09:27 AM

Christmas shopping officially done. We ordered Alex's grandpa's Jeep hat yesterday and bought his dad's air filter too. And got the list from my sister and went out and bought her 2 pairs of funky socks and a fruit juicer...shes weird. Thats what she wanted. So we are now officially DONE!

katieandalex

11-21-2006, 12:56 PM

So I decided to make a dessert to take to my parent's Thanksgiving day meal. I was debating between banana split delight or green supreme cake. I decided to make the banana split delight for Thanksgiving and save the green supreme cake to take back for Christmas. Yumm yumm! I'm so ready for Thanksgiving and all the great food.

Our Christmas lists are put together for the family. And today we are going out to get our ribbon at Hobby Lobby to decorate our door for the contest at our complex and we are also going to decorate our Christmas tree as well. I'll probably post some pictures tomorrow of it.

Jenn060306

11-21-2006, 04:13 PM

I have to ask.... Green Supreme Cake?! What's that?

Decorating the door at your complex sounds like lots of fun! I wish we had that when we lived in an apartment. It was so boring there. I can't wait to see the pictures!

katieandalex

11-21-2006, 06:25 PM

Green supreme cake is pretty much pistacio cake with pistacio icing...if you're interested in the recipe I can post it up here.

Well, most everything is done. We need to still put up the lights and our mini-Christmas trees for our door decorating and we need to get another set of battery operated lights for our "train tree". Here are some pictures.

Our door:
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp6%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23235979976%3B9ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp6%3C%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E232359799%3C7%3A%3Aot1lsi

Our "Train tree". Alex collects the Lionel train ornaments, and they wouldn't fit on our tree this year (I went insane on buying new ornaments), so we created a train tree this year.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp68%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXROQD F%3E232359799%3C7%3A7ot1lsi

katieandalex

11-21-2006, 06:25 PM

Our tree before the ornaments:
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXROQD F%3E232359799%3C7%3B3ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp6%3A%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23235979976%3B%3Bot1lsi

katieandalex

11-21-2006, 06:26 PM

Our tree after ornaments:
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXROQD F%3E23235979976%3B6ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp68%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXROQD F%3E232359799%3C7%3A6ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXROQD F%3E23235979976%3B8ot1lsi

We definitely need a bigger tree next year. We are going to move up to a 7.5' tree.

katieandalex

11-21-2006, 06:26 PM

Our outdoor decorations. Check out the penguin!!!

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp6%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E232359799%3C7%3B2ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348738738%7Ffp68%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXROQD F%3E23235979976%3B%3Aot1lsi

MOB Karen

11-21-2006, 06:46 PM

Very nice, Katie!!! We don't have one thing up yet, and don't plan to any time soon. It's not Christmasy to me yet. Maybe because it's almost 90 degrees here. Melissa is going to love that penguin. lol

70707Bride

11-21-2006, 10:34 PM

katieandalex

11-22-2006, 09:33 AM

Yeah its sort of a tradition to us to put up our Christmas stuff right before we go home for Thanksgiving, so thats why ours is up already.

BriansBride07

11-22-2006, 10:50 AM

I just love your train tree what a great idea... LOL the penguin is too cute thanks for sharing .. Everything looks great..

katieandalex

11-23-2006, 09:36 AM

Thanks. We need to put lights or tinsel or something on it, the tree is kind of plain right now.

Jenn060306

11-23-2006, 10:04 AM

Katie your tree looks awesome!!!
I am so impressed that you have all those presents wrapped and under the tree already! I haven't gotten anything! lol.
The door and your outdoor lights look great too! I am super excited about getting all my decorations up now!

katieandalex

11-24-2006, 09:30 AM

Yeah usually my mom is on top of getting Christmas present purchased...but this year she called me and asked what I was doing and I said "Wrapping presents" and shes like "Christmas presents? Wow! Already! I haven't even started yet." LOL!

Thanksgiving was great yesterday. We got back home at about 10:30 or so. I helped my mom put some things together for our dinner. We ate at about 1pm and we were supposed to go to Alex's parents house at about 3:30/4 but Alex's mom called and said that his dad had the stomach flu and for us to not come over. So we stayed at my parents house until like 4:30 and then went to visit Alex's grandpa and headed back home by 5:30. When we got back to Davenport we stopped at Wal-Mart and bought a CD player for Alex's store (he wanted to play Christmas music at the store today) and "Date Movie" and came home and watched that...hilarious movie! Now we get to go back home again tomorrow!! Woo hoo!

SaralovesMike

11-24-2006, 09:52 AM

Katie, I love the decorations! esp the penguin, how cute.

Congratulations on getting the shopping done and wrapped. I'm so jealous! Can you come do ours now? LOL

Got the sig board the other day btw THANKS SO MUCH!!

ladymelissa

11-24-2006, 04:31 PM

I love your tree, very pretty! I adore the penguin!

I am glad you had a nice T-day! I hope your FIL is feeling a little better.

katieandalex

11-24-2006, 07:20 PM

Sara: You are welcome on the sig board. We were going to have our BP sign it at the rehearsal, but we forgot it...and decided I didn't have a use for it now.

Melissa: Thanks! I haven't talked to them, but we are going back home for the weekend tomorrow and we may stop by to see them if he is feeling better.

I hear Alex talking to my brother on the phone and they were saying something about Alex moving back to the Dubuque store, which would mean I would have to leave my job and get a job back in Dubuque...humm, I'll have to find out what is going on.

katieandalex

11-29-2006, 01:12 AM

katieandalex

12-01-2006, 09:36 AM

Holy cow! We got a ton of snow last night...and the weird thing is...it was only our county that got hit in Iowa...pretty much. My friend, Wendy, told me that if I wasn't going to go to work ever (because of snow) to call her because she probably wouldn't go either because she pretty much drives the same route. She didn't have any snow, and she lives only a half hour away from me! I got out onto the Interstate this morning to get gas and to check out the road conditions...and the Interstate was moving at 25 mph! So I called into work and they want me to keep checking and keep them posted on if I can make it in later, but they did hear that it was bad over my direction...even though where I work has like no snow! LOL! Here's a picture of our complex right now from our deck.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/3487%3B%3B956%7Ffp69%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232359%3A9%3A8377ot1lsi

katieandalex

12-01-2006, 09:54 AM

Alex's cousin is getting married on December 30th and we just got the invite in the mail (they didn't know our address) but I got on their wedding website....umm can I just say yum to the menu!

THE MENU
Hors d' Oeuvres and Cocktail Hour
Asiago Cheese Crusted Breast of Chicken with a Light Tomato Basil Sauce

Mmmm!

NicksBride

12-04-2006, 11:43 AM

wow your tree and outdoor decorations look soo good. I love your door and outside lights!!!

katieandalex

12-05-2006, 08:31 AM

Thanks! We still have been so lazy and haven't put the lights up around our door either...we better get doing that so its up for the judging on the 19th!

Nothing really exciting has been going on so thats why I haven't been posting much. Boo. Alex and I went out and we bought most of my Christmas presents. Alex finds it easier to just take me out and let me pick out stuff I like and then wrap it up. He did order a few things from Fredericks that I don't know what they are (not like nighties or anything...I really like their undies, bras and clothes there). But otherwise, I got a new pair of shoes, new throw pillows for the couch and 4 shirts that I've been wanting. I think Alex is going to be getting his front lip he wants for his car and I already ordered and paid for his fog lights that he wanted.

NicksBride

12-05-2006, 12:33 PM

What a good wife you are!

katieandalex

12-07-2006, 09:35 AM

Man, yesterday was a bad day. When I was leaving for work yesterday, I walked out our apartment building door and slipped on a sheet of ice that was covering the entire stoop and my back landed right on the corner of the stair. It was terrible. I went down and put in an incident report with the complex office, but I'm going to have to go to the chiropractor or something. I hurt SO bad this morning from it. I can barely move my neck. Alex said that I need to go to the chiropractor right away and anything our insurance doesn't cover we are taking the bill to our complex to pay. I guess 3 other people in our building fell on that ice as well. I'm going to be really pissed if it turns out that I'm really screwed up and they won't pay for the bill and we have to take this to court, but I'm super pissed that they didn't take care of the maintenence of the snow and ice like they should be. This is Iowa...they should know how it is.

NicksBride

12-07-2006, 02:21 PM

oh no!! I am sorry that has happened that must have been really scary, sounds like those people need to get out there and salt that!! I hope it is nothing to serious !

ladymelissa

12-07-2006, 02:52 PM

OMG! I hope your back and neck feel better soon and the complex gets their act together. I would also go get checked out by a doctor or something, just to make sure you didn't break anything.

katieandalex

12-08-2006, 09:30 AM

Yes, I talked to a girl Alex works with and got the phone number to the chiropractor she goes to. I'm going to call today on my lunch break and set up an appointment with him to be checked out. I had back problems when I was little and it was causing me to be sick all of the time, so I finally went to a chiropractor and it fixed my problems and I haven't had a problem since....but I'm worried that if I don't go right away that I'll end up like I did when I was little. I called the complex and told them that I would like them to cover the bills. And the property manager said that she would have to talk to the owner about that and get back with me.

My back was really bad yesterday, and sleeping Wednesday night was horrible. But last night was much better sleeping and this morning its a bit better. My neck doesn't hurt as bad, my back still hurts and my legs is a bit better than yesterday. I looked at my back in the mirror this morning and the bruise is finally starting to form from the fall.

70707Bride

12-08-2006, 03:17 PM

Jenn060306

12-08-2006, 08:44 PM

Yikes! Sounds like you did have a pretty nasty fall! I hope you can get looked at soon by the Chiropractor and not have any problems as a result of your fall! And hopefully the property maintance will take care of your medical bills. it definatly is their fault they haven't taken care of their building.
Best Wishes Sweet Pea.

ladymelissa

12-09-2006, 04:46 AM

I don't know how far you plan on pursuing the payment of your bills regarding the fall, but some documentation wouldn't hurt.

I hope you are feeling better!

katieandalex

12-09-2006, 09:20 AM

I'm feeling much better, but Alex looked at my back last night and he said the bruise is really bad, I couldn't see that in the mirror. But I have an appointment at the chiropractor on Tuesday. Either way, if they say they are going to pay or not, I'm going to go to the chiropractor and depending on if they say anything serious is wrong depends on if I will take it further or not.

katieandalex

12-11-2006, 10:05 AM

Last night I made an awesome dinner. Jon would be so proud! :) I can't wait until he returns back to work. Anyways, I made parmesan crusted chicken breast with cream cheese sauce and rice. It was yummy! Definitely keeping that recipe!

So I decided for my new years resolution that I was going to give up drinking soda that whole year. This past year I gave it up for lent and then some....so I ended up giving it up for like 3 months and I lost like 10 pounds doing that. I decided at the end of the 3 months that I would just start drinking 1 soda a day, and then I got back into drinking a ton of soda again. So my goal is to give it up the whole year. January will be a hard month, but after that will be a lot easier. I would also like to workout more...but its so hard for me to 1) get motivated and 2) stay motivated. I just want to be where I was at when I was in high school (so I would need to lose about 35-40 pounds) and I just keep thinking "Why can't I get there." But then I remember that in high school I cheated, and thats how I lost my weight...and I really don't want to do that again...ugh. And then I look at my mom and I know thats what I'm going to look like when I'm her age, so I don't want to even try because I know in another 15-20 years I'm going to look like what I look like right now anyways.....arg. Plus in another 5 years I'll probably be pregnant....and we all know where that goes. Man, I hate thinking about losing weight because it always depresses me. I've kind of accepted my fate in my weight problems because of my mom...but I really want to do this for Alex. He would love for me to look like senior year again, and because I was so thin my senior year, I was a freak, and he loved it. I know that either way he will still love me because he was with me when I was larger and then lost the weight and then put it all back on and then lost it and then put it all back on again....so hes been there, but I know he'd like to see that hot freak come back out again! :D

70707Bride

12-11-2006, 12:35 PM

I have a friend who gave up drinking pop for a year, then after a year, she couldn't drink it because it made her sick lol. There's no way I could give up drinking Mt Dew. I love it! So if you can do it, more power to ya!

countrygirl

12-11-2006, 12:39 PM

Your dinner sounds wonderful!! Would you be willing to post the repcipe?

I gave up soda a few years ago, and w a little exercie mixed in, i lost 25 lbs in a month. I have thought about doing it again, but man it's hard!!! I need to give that and coffee up again!!!

ladymelissa

12-11-2006, 01:22 PM

Best wishes, I know you can do it!

There isn't really anything wrong with coffee, provided it isn't loaded with sugar and real cream.

Jenn060306

12-11-2006, 01:23 PM

Ohhh giving up pop good luck with that! I might try that cause i know it would be good for me to not have all that extra sugar. I wish you lots of luck in reaching your goal!

How's you back feeling today?

katieandalex

12-12-2006, 12:53 PM

My back is doing much better. I think it was only hurting because it was bruised.

Starting day 2 of giving up soda. I went all day yesterday without it, and it was hard...I almost ran to the gas station to get a soda. But I have a killer headache...which I always have the first 2 weeks. Before I gave up soda completely, I gave up regular soda and only drank diet. I was killing for a regular Mt. Dew and I went and got one...and man, it definitely wasn't worth it. I had it all up on a pedestal, and it totally wasn't that great. Hopefully I can do it again...Last time that 10 pounds made a TON of difference in how I looked....so it would be great to do it again! Thanks for wishing me luck!

I'll post that recipe later tonight or tomorrow morning. It was definitely yummy and only took like 20-25 minutes to make! My kind of recipe!

ladymelissa

12-12-2006, 01:30 PM

Congrats on starting the soda thing. I give you credit for starting so soon and not waiting till Jan. For the headaches you could try black coffee (as there are little or no calories in that) or just take a caffeine tablet. Best wishes!

NicksBride

12-12-2006, 02:45 PM

Good luck on your soda free days. I gave up caffenie and soda as well and the migraines are enough to make you want to go right back to it. but stick with. its OK to cheat every once in awhile.

katieandalex

12-13-2006, 09:50 AM

Thanks girls...last time, after the first 2 weeks my body got used to not having the caffeine and my headaches went away....its just the first 2 weeks that are terrible.

Here are that recipe I said I would post.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken
2 cups Minute Brown Rice
1 can (14oz) Chicken Broth
6 Ritz crackers, crushed (I just used Shake N Bake)
2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup cream cheese

Cook rice as directed, using 1 1/4 cup broth and 1/2 cup water. Mix cracker crumbs & paremesan cheese. Rinse chicken in water, dip in cracker mixture. Heat oil on medium heat, Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes. Set aside. Add 1/2 cup broth & cream cheese to sam skillet. Cook until boil. Stir constantly. Simmer 3 minutes. Spoon over chicken. Serve with rice.

NicksBride

12-13-2006, 10:49 AM

oh YUMMY! That sounds really good! I am going to print that and see what develop.s :)

katieandalex

12-14-2006, 09:47 AM

Yeah, I was surprised. I was a little hesitant about the sauce at first, but it ended up being really good. And I was rubbing it into Alex too. He always says that I don't know how to cook...because usually all I cook is mac & cheese and Rice a Roni because I get home so late. So I was like, Ha! I do know how to cook...when I want to! LOL!

So Alex and I are probably going to get a puppy. For the last few weeks, every Tuesday we'd been going to the humane societies in the area to look at the dogs and cats. And before we started going we decided that we wouldn't bring home another dog or cat until it was exactly what we wanted. Well, Tuesday we saw this Siberian Husky...and we'd been dying to get one. But another person had a hold on it and ended up adopting it yesterday. As Alex was researching and looking for other dogs in the classifieds. He found that the American Eskimo puppies were a lot cheaper, plus smaller and less active. So that way it would be better for our apartment right now and since we don't have a yard for them to run around in a lot. Plus the Husky was older, so it might not have done well with Chewy. So if we got an Eski it would be a puppy and grow up around Chewy...so really the only one that would probably have a serious problem to begin with would be Chewy. We are going to meet a few people this Tuesday to look at some Eski's that they have for sale and decide if we want one or not. But they are so adorable.

http://www.petsdelight.us/images/AmericanEskimo_01.jpg

http://www.gotdogsonline.com/american-eskimo-dog-pictures-breeders-puppies-rescue/pictures/american-eskimo-dog-0015.jpg

http://www.k9breedlist.com/images/Sherry_Pierce_American_Eskimo_Dog.jpg

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images14/AmericanEskimoChloeIMG_0104.JPG

Plus I love the fact that they are all white. I have slight allergies to dogs and cats and was told that I would do best with lighter colored dogs and cats because they give off less dander. Which is why we got Chewy since she is very close to white and I've never had a problem with her.

BriansBride07

12-14-2006, 10:00 AM

You may be surprised at how well Chewy welcomes the new little puppy. I know we have a 6 yr. old dog. He loves our cat that we brought to him as a kitten and our other little dog but she was 5yr. old when we got her but only weighing in at under 4po. he thinks she is a baby. He is so cute he is the mack daddy and controls them, cleans them and everything You would think he was their mother. But don't bring in any other outside animal from another person's house and he is ready to attack lol he is so funny. I hope it all works out for you. They are just adorable.

Jenn060306

12-14-2006, 10:15 AM

Awww! I used to have an American Eskimo! I adored her! She was a little angel! She looked exactly like the one holding the football. She was fluffy like that. :)
They are very good dogs! Very strong, a little one can give you a good tug on the leash if you arn't expecting it.

I think you'll really enjoy an american eskimo. They are wonderful dogs!

katieandalex

12-14-2006, 10:37 AM

Thats good to hear. We tried a dog once with Chewy, and she freaked out. But the dog was a bit older, and plus it was a terrier and really hyper...and we didn't introduce them the best of ways. She alright with my sister's one dog and my parents dog. She met them when she was a kitten. My sisters dog is terrified of her. My parents dog was so interested but she still had claws and gave my parents dog a good smack across the face, and that was the end of that. But the only thing we were concerned with with the Husky being grown was that we heard that Huskys don't try to hurt cats but they think they are toys and pick them up and throw them around and then it snaps their necks. The dog doesn't mean to hurt it, but it does. And we were just concerned that we would come home and our cat would be dead on the floor. They said Huskys are great with cats if they grew up around them. So we figure if we get a puppy, the dog will be fine with the cat, it will just be the cat that will have to get used to it...which might take her a month or so. With other cats she hated them at first, but then a month or so into it she was taking care of them like they were her own.

We are hoping it will turn out like this! LOL!
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images10/AmericanEskRt2.jpg

Jenn060306

12-14-2006, 01:55 PM

We are hoping it will turn out like this! LOL!
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images10/AmericanEskRt2.jpg

LMAO! That is great!

BriansBride07

12-14-2006, 03:08 PM

LOL that is to cute.

70707Bride

12-14-2006, 04:22 PM

Those dogs are so pretty. It looks like my aunt and uncle's old dog. I'm not sure what it was but her name was Nikki, and she was all white. They look so soft and fluffy! My friend has a small dog named Chewy. Hehe. And I didn't know that with light colored animals you have less allergies. I am allergic to cats.

katieandalex

12-15-2006, 09:38 AM

And I didn't know that with light colored animals you have less allergies. I am allergic to cats.

Yeah when we bought Chewy, we were talking to the lady working there and said something about how we wanted a cat but we didn't know howi t would go because I was allergic to cats. We were originally looking at all charcoal colored cats, and she told us to stick more towards the white, cream, tan and orange because they give off less dander. I didn't have any problems with Chewy and she is kind of white/cream with charcoal accents. We had an orange cat for a while, and I had a few more problems with him because he shed a lot more than Chewy. And we had a tan cat for a while that the first week or so that we had him I had a problem, but after that I got used to it. We wanted to adopt this all black cat at the humane society once, but in just the little while I was playing with him I had hives all up and down my arms and I was sneezing like crazy, so we never got a black cat...even though we just love them.

Well last night at like 10:30 the guy who adopted the Husky called us. He was asking if we were still interested in it because his apartment complex won't allow it. The humane society called to check, but the complex never told them on the weight restriction of no more than 25 pounds. So he wanted to know if we still wanted it. Alex talked to him again today and found out more information. I guess the husky is great with kids, other dogs and we think cats. And the reason why he just lays around all the time and isn't very active is because he was hit by a car once. I feel bad for the dog, but after reading more into Huskys and after talking about it more, I just think a puppy is the better way to go for Chewy. Even if the husky was ok with cats in his cage at the humane society does mean he will be ok with our ***** of a cat...she has an attitude and it sometime provokes stuff...I think with a puppy it would be easier for her say "I'm the ***** around here. So I'm the boss and you're not." I really liked that husky...but just not right now. Chewy needs to get used to dogs first and then maybe a husky later.

NicksBride

12-15-2006, 03:29 PM

aww those dogs are sooo pretty. I used to work in a kennel and those dogs were the most affectionate cuddly dogs that we ever had. As puppies they are just adorable.
Huskys are good dogs, but they are SUPER SUPER hyper and sometimes can get aggressive. I would suggest getting a puppy that way you can raise it and Chewy can get used to it. The husky from the humane society I am sure was a great dog, and it is sad that that guy couldn't keep it. But I think you would be happier with a fluffy puppy! :)

katieandalex

12-16-2006, 10:50 AM

Yeah, Alex talked to another husky breeder yesterday and said that they can be very picky. They will love some people and hate other people, and she did say that they can get aggresive too. I feel so bad for that husky at the humane society, but like you said...I think a puppy will be better. We'll see what happens on Tuesday when we go to check out the Eskies.

So today, after I get off work, we have to go back home for my dad's side Christmas. On the little invite thing it said to bring a dish or a snack for later. Well, they are eating the dinner at 1pm and we won't be there until closer to 3pm. So we are bringing a dessert kind of thing. We made it up last night...and wow. We are just going to call it "Alex and Katie's Christmas Creation." LOL! We were trying to make this Triple Berry Cheesecake Tart....and wow, nothing was really turning out. First, the berry mix I bought was a 4 berry mix...so there it was the quadurpal berry cheesecake tart. Then I couldn't find a **** pan to make it in, so I ended up spending $20 on a freaking pan. Then the crust is a Nilla wafer crust, so we had to hand crush the Nilla wafers...that was a joke and ended up putting the butter and wafers in the mini-chopper so we ended up with pureed Nilla wafers. For the filling you are supposed to mix like 1/2cup sugar, a pack of cream cheese and 1cup of whipped cream...well I missed the 1 cup of whipped cream thing,a nd ended up putting in the whole container! LOL! Then you are supposed to top it with the berries (which was fine) and then make this lemon Jello, well before we even put it on the tart it was already hardening....so we had to put it in the microwave to melt it again, and then dump it on the tart....wow. So the recipe is now called "Alex and Katies Christmas Creation." It was nice though because we made it together last night...usually I end up making all of the stuff by myself, and Alex was impressed that he helped. Hopefully it tastes alright.

ladymelissa

12-17-2006, 05:46 PM

I hope you find the perfect puppy!

Your Christmas Creation sounds very... interesting. :bblol: You'll have to let us know what it tastes like.

katieandalex

12-18-2006, 09:31 AM

The Christmas Creation was a hit. Everyone was saying how good it tasted. We tihnk that next time we make it that we would probably only use strawberries and then use like strawberry Jello. The lemon Jello, to me, just didn't flow right with the rest of the dessert...but I guess thats what made it a tart.

We've been in search of a dog...and man, I'm about ready to just say "No dogs right now." Alex has his heart set on a husky or an eskie...and we talked to a few people and they both said that they biggest they would go in our apartment would be like a cocker spaniel. So we did start looking at other smaller dogs...but Alex is SO picky when it comes to small dogs. I really want a Schnauzer, but Alex still wants a big dog. We saw these Snoodles (Schnauzer and Poodle mix) that were just adorable...but I think $500 is too much for a dog. The pugs they had at the same place were $800. But we have some numbers for some cheaper Schnauzers, we also saw this Shih tuz that we really liked, and it really likes us too. He is just a little cuddle bear. The place with the Shih tuz also has a 7 week old Schnauzer that I just LOVE but its not for sale yet. We'll see. We are still going to Muscatine on Tuesday to meet the lady with the Eskies...Tuesday is going to be another whole day of trying to find a dog.....great

NicksBride

12-18-2006, 09:37 AM

Good luck on finding a puppy.It is hard, but then one day it will happen. I searched for 6 months trying to find my Chihuahua and stopped looking, the next day i found him. You will find a member of the family, or they may find you. haha

katieandalex

12-18-2006, 09:15 PM

Yep, I got the directions from my friend on how to get to the place in Muscatine that we are meeting this lady with the Eskies. Then she gave me directions to get to the humane society in Muscatine as well, so we are going to check there tomorrow too if we decide not to get an Eskie.

Giving up soda is going well. 1 week down so far. My headaches have pretty much subsided. I started getting a little one earlier tonight and I took some Tylonel and got rid of it pretty quickly. This weekend was hard to not drink soda because that was all my parents pretty much had at their house, good thing our hometown water is awesome. But just drinking water gets kind of boring as well...every once in a while I need to spice it up with some juice or something like that....

ladymelissa

12-18-2006, 09:38 PM

Congrats on the soda cessation!

You could probably still get a bigger dog if you make sure to take it on frequent and sometimes long walks or runs. That might even make for a great exercise plan!

hummingbird521

12-19-2006, 01:51 AM

I just wanted to tell you I have a Shi Tzu and they are wonderful dogs. We bought her when she was only 8 weeks old and have had her for 3 years now. The reason we chose this breed is because they are really good in apts. they dont' bark a lot unless they get really really excited. She is playful and as a puppy honestly didn't chew up everything in site. The only thing to watch out with this breed is they are very prone to have skin allergies. I remember you said you have a cat. We have two of those as well and she loves them to death. she sleeps with the one kitten all the time.

katieandalex

12-19-2006, 09:23 AM

Thanks. We really like the Shih Tzus, just the place we were looking at wanted like $500 for one, and I really didn't think that was worth it. But a few breeders in the area have them for like $200-300. I love the Shih Tzus because they are just little cuddle bears. We'll see what happens. I really want a Schnauzer though....

NicksBride

12-19-2006, 12:04 PM

good for you on the soda venture. Schnauzers are such sweet dogs. They are really cuddly and they are really kind around children and other animals. A friend of ours used to have one and it lived FOREVER as well. Either way, you are looking at some great dogs!

StaceyMc

12-19-2006, 04:34 PM

I stopped drinking soda as well. If you shop at WalMart - look in the section that they have flavored waters (which isn't the same place as regualr water - I think that's so dumb). They have cans of flavored water - it's fizzy. The mandarin is my fav. I drink one of those when I'm craving something other than plain water. Also, I'll drink flavored sparkling water

I can't wait to see what doggie you get to bring home!

katieandalex

12-19-2006, 07:28 PM

Stacy: Thanks. I'll have to check that out.

WE GOT A PUPPY! We ended up getting one of the American Eskimos that we went to look at in Muscatine. Hes such a little cuddle bug. He is so tame and just lies around. The other one she brought we thought he might be a little too high strung for us. Chewy has been fine with the dog, so far. When we brought him home, he didn't even flinch at Chewy, but she just went up and sniffed him and then hid in the bathroom. We brought her out a little later while he was sleeping and she walked up really slowly sniffed a couple times and then backed away slowly...but they are both sleeping in the same room right now, so thats at least a good sign. We named him Hahn Solo, to keep with the Star Wars theme we already have going. LOL! (Alex's parents also have a cat named Toby Wan Kenobi). And I have pictures!!!!

katieandalex

12-19-2006, 07:28 PM

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34897%3A983%7Ffp68%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23236474%3B%3C666ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34897%3A983%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23236474%3B%3B766ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34897%3A983%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23236474%3B%3C676ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34897%3A983%7Ffp6%3A%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E23236474%3B%3B772ot1lsi

katieandalex

12-19-2006, 07:29 PM

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34897%3A983%7Ffp69%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23236474%3B%3C68%3Bot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34897%3A983%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23236474%3B%3B776ot1lsi
Hahn playing with one of Chewy's toys. He is more interested in Chewy's toys than his own! LOL!
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34897%3A983%7Ffp6%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E23236474%3B%3C697ot1lsi
Chewy watching Hahn play.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/34897%3A983%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23236474%3B%3B77%3Bot1lsi

mariaandmanish

12-19-2006, 07:34 PM

He's absolutely adorable! Congrats, Katie! So precious!!!!

hummingbird521

12-19-2006, 11:53 PM

Katie he is just the cutest thing. My DD looked up at the first picture and started cooing. she said he is sooo cute, "can we have one mom".

ladymelissa

12-20-2006, 02:23 AM

Awwww, he is way too cute! I want one, too! I cannot get over it, that is the sweetest little puppy that I have ever seen! How big will he get?

BriansBride07

12-20-2006, 08:58 AM

HOw cute is he. I just love puppies. Congrats on adding to your family. I'm glad that chewy is doing well with the puppy, before you know it they will be snuggleing together.

katieandalex

12-20-2006, 09:19 AM

His parents were 20 lbs and 25 lbs, so he will probably be some where around that.

Jenn060306

12-20-2006, 11:24 AM

AWWWW So friggin cute!
I love him! Hahn is an awesome name too! lol!
He reminds me of Snowball so much! I will have to find a pic and scan it in to show you. She got to be 15 pounds. The runt of the litter. I'm really glad you were able to get him. They are really great dogs!

countrygirl

12-20-2006, 12:59 PM

OH Katie, your pup is soooo cute. I want our dog to have pup's so bad.

NicksBride

12-20-2006, 01:53 PM

OH MY GOSH! That is the cutest little puppy, what a sweet little face, his fur just makes me want to squeeze him! What a great gift for Christmas! Congrats new puppy parents. :)

ladymelissa

12-20-2006, 01:57 PM

OH MY GOSH! That is the cutest little puppy, what a sweet little face, his fur just makes me want to squeeze him! What a great gift for Christmas! Congrats new puppy parents. :)
I know, I wish I could reach through the screen and hug him!

I also forgot to add that he is a perfect Christmas puppy, he just looks so "wintery" almost like a polar bear. 25 lbs. that's a good size, not too big but not too small.

Congrats!

NicksBride

12-20-2006, 02:07 PM

I agree, still small enough to cuddle! I bet if you had snow you would loose him. haha

katieandalex

12-20-2006, 08:18 PM

Yeah, plus they love snow as well. So if we had snow right now I'm sure he would go crazy in it. He loves going outside right now...its kind of cold outside...but not too cold. He just runs around out there in it! :)

katieandalex

12-20-2006, 08:52 PM

So I got bored at work tonight, and I decided to start looking at some home decorating ideas online. Here are a few that I really like.

http://photos.ivillage.com/images/photos/resize/hh_Inspirations%20Gallery_1141156753198_713923D.jp g
http://photos.ivillage.com/images/photos/resize/hh_Inspirations%20Gallery_1141156888566_358836D.jp g
http://photos.ivillage.com/images/photos/resize/hh_Inspirations%20Gallery_1141154576411_212816D.jp g
http://photos.ivillage.com/images/photos/resize/hh_Inspirations%20Gallery_1141156855204_864707D.jp g

katieandalex

12-20-2006, 08:55 PM

http://photos.ivillage.com/images/photos/resize/hh_Inspirations%20Gallery_1141155164164_52826D.jpg
I love this bed!
http://photos.ivillage.com/images/photos/resize/hh_Inspirations%20Gallery_1141155631914_850686D.jp g
I love this for Alex's bathroom.
http://photos.ivillage.com/images/photos/resize/hh_Inspirations%20Gallery_1147282080383_197173D.jp g
http://photos.ivillage.com/images/photos/resize/hh_Inspirations%20Gallery_1147293904758_287701D.jp g
I love this for my bathroom...especially the shower!!!

NicksBride

12-21-2006, 09:05 AM

oh VERY pretty.. I love the bathrooms they look very elegant and modern!!
How was your little baby last night for sleeping? DOes he cry at night?

katieandalex

12-21-2006, 09:29 AM

When we first put him in the cage he cried. But then Alex put a blanket over the cage, we heard that helps with crying, and he quieted up right away and slept through the whole night until 6am. I got up and took him outside at 6am because it was a normal time that he would go out (I didn't want to train my dog to think we would take him outside at all hours of the night). We brought him back inside and put him back in the cage so we could go back asleep (Alex took the day off yesterday because he hasn't been feeling well) and he just went in and went to sleep again.

Then last night we put him in bed and had the lights on for a little bit while we went to the bathroom and he cried until we shut the lights out. Then since Alex and I get up separately in the morning (him like 2 hours before me) we've been putting him back in the cage while we take showers so he doesnt' go unsupervised, and he'll cry a little bit and then he quiets down.

Hes doing fairly well with training. He knows what "no" and Alex now has him trained that he knows that if you hit your hip, that means no and he stops. Alex said yesterday he had him going outside to go to the bathroom all day and only made 1 mess in the house. But then I came home from work and he got all excited and peed. LOL! Hes a lot more playful now that hes more comfortable in his environment.

NicksBride

12-21-2006, 11:09 AM

aww what a sweet little angel he must be and he sounds like a sweet dog. he is getting used to you and know that you are mommy and daddy so that is always a good feeling. It is always hard with new puppiesa nd their first night. Our puppies were terrible their first night and then they get better, good for you for doing so well with him he sounds like a real sweetie. :)

katieandalex

12-21-2006, 05:21 PM

Yeah, hes doing well....but mommy and daddy aren't doing so well. Alex still isn't feeling well, and I think I'm starting to come down with whatever he has...:(

brewsells

12-21-2006, 09:21 PM

Oh, he is so freakin cute! I love little fur balls like that. sounds like you are doing well with him. Puppies have lots to learn. If you have any questions on it, let me know. Adam is a trainer.

ikkin510

12-21-2006, 10:39 PM

O Kate, great choice! I had an american Eskimo. I loved that guy so much. broke my heart when we had to put him down. He did love to run....kept me in shape...lol. Looking at the pictures of your new guy reminds me of him. He is a cutie!!

MOB Karen

12-22-2006, 08:15 PM

http://www.terranuts.com/forums/images/smilies/treeblink.gif Very cute dog! Congrats!!!

katieandalex

12-26-2006, 11:09 AM

Well, after talking this weekend. I thnk we decided on moving to Muscatine again. The housing market is so expensive in Davenport, and it will be easier for us to get into a house in Muscatine right now, which would also save on gas and such since I will be able to carpool to work. We contacted the realtor we've been working with to send us listings in that area instead. So hopefully we can really start house hunting after the first of the year.

Ugh, we are getting so burned out on training Hahn. We realize it takes time...but its so hard when he was house trained so well at my parents house this weekend and then we bring him home and hes right back to square one. Its really frustrating...I can't wait until hes a bit older and starts getting out of the puppy phase...because thats what is the most frustrating, IMO.

Welp, back to work today...ugh.

BriansBride07

12-26-2006, 12:05 PM

IS it he smells something in your house ex. like another animal that used to go to the bathroom on the floor, before you moved there. That may be the case in the prob. with house breaking him at your home vs. your parents. I use this product called "OUT" it can be found at Walmart in the pet section it works wonderful on pet stains and smells you can also use it in a deep cleaner machine, or just scrub into the floor. I hope this helps best of luck with the training.

katieandalex

12-26-2006, 05:37 PM

Thanks Christina. Well, he did do that a bit at my parents house. He pee'd a few places in my parents house right away and we figured it might be because my parents dog has been going to the bathroom in the house quite often now because she can't control herself. Its possible that he may smell another animal in the carpet...but its always in the same general area everytime he goes (in the dining room). He never does it anywhere else in the apartment....its a mystery to me....

katieandalex

12-26-2006, 05:38 PM

Oh, I forgot too. I made another recipe for my family Christmas yesterday that everyone was raving about too. I just must be a good cook or just chose good recipes or something. I made this Southwestern Layered salad...it was yummy. I brought it in my lunch today too. :)

katieandalex

12-27-2006, 10:49 AM

Woo hoo! We bought our new Christmas tree today. After this year, we decided we needed a new Christmas tree because ours was a little packed with ornaments. Our current one is a 6' one and we wanted to get a 7' but all of the 7' ones in the area are all prelit and I absolutely hate prelit trees, so we ended up with a 7.5' tree...yeah we definitely need a house by next Christmas...its HUGE! But I'm so happy because we got it on the 50% after Christmas sale and it was only $40!!! We bought a bunch of other decor things like a new tree skirt, candle holder, welcome mat, etc....eee I love after Christmas sales!

katieandalex

12-27-2006, 10:59 AM

Our realtor just sent us some listings in Muscatine. There is this one house I absolutely love. Its a little out of our range of what we were looking at and is just outside Muscatine...but I love it! I really want to go check it out, as well as a few others she sent us. But by far, this is my favorite.

http://quadcities.fnismls.com/Paragon/ListingPictures/QUADCITIES/5/QUADCITIES4082815.JPG?217499519

70707Bride

12-27-2006, 11:11 AM

Nice house! And you'd have a lot of peace and quiet out in the country, with a huge yard!

hummingbird521

12-27-2006, 11:15 AM

Oh I love that house. I love older homes and the look of them. Good luck house hunting.

NicksBride

12-27-2006, 02:07 PM

oh that house is sooo cute! What a great big yard for your dog to run around. As far as house training that is the MOST annoying thing to do with dogs, for our dogs we use a training word such as "Do Business" or "Go Potty" that way they associate the word with the act and then giving a treat. As others have said he probably smells the other dogs as well who may have come before. Be patient he will get it, they aer just so cute when they are being good too!! Make sure to post updated pictures of him as he grows. :)

ladymelissa

12-27-2006, 02:54 PM

That is a nice house, it is probably very spacious inside!

Congrats on the tree! It must be hard to not be able to use it until next year though!

lea m

12-27-2006, 03:52 PM

Oh i love that house!! its houses like that that make me want to move to the USA!!

cowboysbride

12-27-2006, 04:32 PM

Oh nice house....I love that it's out in the country!

katieandalex

12-27-2006, 05:53 PM

yes, I love older homes. They have so much potential. I'm going to talk to Alex and see if he wants to drive around the area around Muscatine on Monday to check it all out so we have an idea of what the area is like since we don't know much about it.

As for house training, we are using "Go Outside" and "Go Pee" like I used with my parents dog when we trained her. So hopefully he'll figure it out...I realize it takes time, but its just gets frustrating. Alex thinks that Hahn looks bigger since we got him, and I'm not seeing it yet. But I'm sure he has gotten bigger...but I'll definitely post some more pictures of him in a few more weeks. He totally destroyed one of Chewy's mice last night....ripped the entire butt off of it! LOL! And then Chewy had these balls that had seeds or something inside of them and then a feather attached...Hahn ripped the feather off and put like 3 dents in the ball....and yesterday he was using Chewy's scratching post!!!! LOL! He seriously thinks hes a cat! LOL! Hes definitely a very playful dog and definitely needs a big yard! Hopefully we can buy a house soon for him to have that big yard! :)

For the Christmas tree, its still laying in my back seat of my car. We didn't know that we were going to need a new Christmas tree this year until after we got ours up. So we will just have to store it for a year....It will be nice to have a full size tree next year. We'll have to buy more lights for it next year too...humm, I forgot about that one. Maybe I can still catch some on clearance this weekend. The tree we have now we got on clearance after Christmas like 4 years ago....its definitely the time to buy all of your Christmas decor....thats always when I stock up.

Alex was making fun out of me last night, telling me that I spend my Christmas money from my parents on the weirdest things because one of the things I bought was a Hershey Kiss fondue pot. Its in the shape of a silver Hershey Kiss. It was on clearance at Kohl's and I definitely wasn't going to Kohl's for that...but it was right inside the door and it was so cute. I probably wont' use it much, but its adorable. I definitely found some great deals on stuff for the house...and I still have to got out to Bed Bath & Beyond this weekend to use a few coupons I have for there to get plastic mixing bowls and some other random things that I still want for the kitchen.

My brother & sister went in together on the present for Alex and I this Christmas. We said we wanted anything left on our Bed Bath & Beyond registry. So they bought us these table lamps we registered for. They are for the living room and go with the contemporary square theme we are going with in there. We only have 1 endtable that we aren't even using as an endtable right now, so we used our gift card to Target that we won for our complex door decorating contest we won and ordered another matching endtable for our living room. It should be hear on Friday...and then we have to rearrange the furniture in our living room to make it all work so we can put up our new lamps. :)

NicksBride

12-28-2006, 09:55 AM

oh I have that silver fondue set as well, I LOVE IT!! Just be careful because the chocolate gets REALLY hard after and it is hard to scrape off the bottom, but it is really cute and we love ours. Have fun. :)

katieandalex

12-28-2006, 10:34 AM

Maybe we'll just clean ours while the chocolate is still hot...we haven't used it yet...and I don't know when I will, but its still cute.

So this morning, Hahn was really making me mad. I took him out this morning, fed him and then went to get my oil changed. Came back home, took him out. He did his thing outside, then we come inside, I was on the computer and he was chewing on a stuffed animal in the office with me. Next thing I know, I look over and he pooped on the floor. Then he ran over and pee'd on the other side of the room. I cleaned that up. Then like 5 minutes later he went over and squatted and pee'd again. So I took him outside and all he wanted to do outside was play. Everytime he pees in the house its just a little dribble, so I don't know if hes marking his territory or if he just can't control his bladder. So I started doing research on house training that particular dog, and it said that that kind of dog doesn't have full control over its bladder until at least 15 weeks at the earliest...well, Hahn is only 8 weeks now....so I guess I can't be too upset with him for little dribbles...but the pooping thing...I don't know. It just really stresses me out because I ask Alex how he did at night after he came home from work and he does great with Alex at home, but the minute hes at home with just me he doesn't do so well anymore.

hummingbird521

12-28-2006, 11:17 AM

When you take him out to do his business to you let him run free or put him on a leash? I found it was better to use the leash that way they know what they are brought outside for. And something else to consider, I have been told numerous times that if they are kept in smaller quarters they don't like to mess up their space. so you might consider only letting him have free run to one room for now. I found out with my ShiTzu that if she was kept in the kitchen only she hated messing up her room and would go outside and then as she got more and more usedto going outside then I allowed her into the other rooms. Hope this helps.

NicksBride

12-28-2006, 12:06 PM

Treasia has a good point with the leash, what we found works well is Taebo our Black lab/great dane LOVES peanut butter and he only got it when we went outside. So when he saw peanut butter he knew that it was time to do business. I think with a puppy so small they have a hard time with distingushing between outside play time and outside business time. I know it is hard but be patient as I can see you are being and he will get it. :) They aer just so cute though aren;t they? During the day dogs bladders are more active and I am sure when DH gets home his bladder has slowed for the night and he may be less active which is why it seems he does business less often. I am sure he is a sweetheart and can't wait to see updated pictures!!

katieandalex

12-28-2006, 06:07 PM

When we were at my parents house and he was doing really well with house training he went outside without a leash. At our apartment we take him out on a leash. Everytime he does his business outside we praise him while hes going and he gets all excited and then when we get back inside we give him a treat. If we just goes outside and runs around and doesn't do his business, he doesn't get a treat. He hasn't messed in his crate while hes in there....but each time he messed in the house this morning he was in the office with me and that was the only room he was allowed in (he likes to chew right now and I'm afraid he may chew on our new sofa and I don't want that). We'll see.

House hunting is so fun. My realtor just sent me a ton of listings in Muscatine. Some great houses for our lower end of our price range. With a mortgage calculator on the link she sent me, I figured out what our top dollar amount will probably be at this point (that we want to spend, not what we can afford....we can afford more than we want to spend right now). There are a few that I'm definitely interested in and I'm going to run past Alex sometime in this next week...then maybe we can start looking at houses. We know we can get approved for a mortgage right now, the question is just house much. They had us approved for a mortgage a few months ago, but we had to look at so much more expensive houses with looking in Davenport....which meant we had to get approved for more and the mortgage payment was going to outrageous. Now we are looking at a much cheaper scale, so I'm hoping we can get approved for a good mortgage in a range we can afford so we can buy soon....I'm getting antsy!

As for pictures of Hahn, I took a few this morning while he was playing. I'll try and post them up tomorrow morning. I would do it tonight, but I'm getting together with my friends Wendy and Melissa after work to get some great Mexican food, margaritas and exchange Christmas presents so I won't be home until later....good thing I don't work until noon tomorrow!!!

ladymelissa

12-28-2006, 07:09 PM

We know we can get approved for a mortgage right now, the question is just house much.
You do have houses on the brain! LOL I hope you can find something wonderful soon!

NicksBride

12-28-2006, 07:13 PM

katieandalex

12-28-2006, 09:11 PM

You do have houses on the brain! LOL I hope you can find something wonderful soon!

Haha!:rofl:

katieandalex

12-28-2006, 09:12 PM

ahahahahaha to cute!
It is fun looking for a house, espically now that you have a growing family. I hope you guys find something that you want!!
It sounds like you are doing a great job with Hahn and I am sure it will just take time, its like have a new born, sometimes its one step forward two steps back kinda thing. I am sure you are doing everything right it just takes time. :)

Yeah, I sent an e-mail to Alex with a list of the houses I liked and told him to look at them and see what he thought. He sent me an e-mail back saying there were 3 that he liked. So I e-mailed our realtor with those 3 and told her we were very interested in those ones. We want to keep our house under $120K and the most expensive one out of the three was $108K.

Alex said Hahn was doing well tonight as well....maybe it is just the more active bladder during the day thing. I only get to see him in the morning and at night I only see him for like 30 minutes before we go to bed....

Ok, totally off the topic of anything, but I just compared my new avatar to my signature picture....yeah, I need to get back into tanning again! LOL!

NicksBride

12-29-2006, 08:19 AM

katieandalex

12-29-2006, 09:14 AM

hahahah in both pictures you look lovely, I think it must be the coloring in the picture. hahaha. But you look very nice in both pictures I love your big hair on your avitar haha I can't wait to cut my hair after the wedding!

Yeah I grew my hair out for the wedding...I probably grew it out for a year and a half and only trimmed it twice (the last time I trimmed it was like 10 months before). Plus I didn't dye it at all (I usually dye my hair a bit darker than my natural color) for like a year because I was afraid that it would turn out bad and I wouldn't be able to fix it before the wedding. So thats why my hair was so blonde for the wedding. I kept telling everyone I was going to get it cut off the day after and no one believed me...I even told Alex, "If there was a salon open at midnight the night of our wedding, I would get it cut then!" LOL! Instead, we went at 9am (right when the salon in the mall opened....only one open in town on Sundays) the day after the wedding. We went to my parents house to open our cards and presents and everyone was like "OMG! You cut your hair!"

NicksBride

12-29-2006, 09:33 AM

haha sounds like me. I am a serial hair dyer I just dyed my hair black the other day because I really like how it looks adn my mom was like WHAT IF IT TURNS OUT BAD! Luckily it was fine, but in the time since we got engaged about 9 months ago, I have not even trimmed my hair. I trimmed it three days ago and got bangs put on for my wedding hair-do. But after April comes and goes I cannot wait to go and get my hair cut, probably the day after!! I am taking the MOnday after we get married off from work and my hair will be cut and my name will be changed hopefully that day or soon after. I HATE long hair on me and just cannot wait. The things brides do to look pretty on their day. ;)

katieandalex

12-29-2006, 10:15 AM

Sp I got a few more pictures of Hahn today...and a really good one of Chewy staring at him. Yeah, we caught Chewy...shes being a litle dare devil. When Hahn is in his crate, Chewy sits outside of it and sticks her paws in it to torture him....shes so evil.

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3A%3C2%7Ffp6%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327 %3DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B85%3C%3Aot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3A%3C2%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3A%3B64ot1lsi
He loves this monkey...
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3A%3C2%7Ffp69%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B8634ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3A%3C2%7Ffp68%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3A%3B74ot1lsi
His ears are finally starting to perk up so he looks more like an eskimo.

katieandalex

12-29-2006, 10:16 AM

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3A%3C2%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B8639ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3A%3C2%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3A%3B7%3Bot1lsi
He looks like hes loving the monkey!
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3A%3C2%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B8646ot1lsi
Hahn being naughty with dad's shoe.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3A%3C2%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3A%3B88ot1lsi

katieandalex

12-29-2006, 10:17 AM

And one of Chewy sitting in the window while Hahn goes crazy on his monkey.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3A%3C2%7Ffp67%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3A%3B59ot1lsi

katieandalex

12-29-2006, 10:20 AM

And finally, we found a house we absolutely love! Now we just need to talk to the bank again about getting a mortgage and then go and take a look at it in person. I absolutely adore the house. Plus it has a 2 car garage and a 3 car stall that was turned into a workshop area, which Alex loves. And I absolutely love all of the old features about this house...and the kitchen!

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3B39%7Ffp6%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3B%3A8%3Aot1lsi
Exterior...obviously.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3B39%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3C563ot1lsi
Entry way. My brother has pillars like this in his house as well, and when we went down to his house on Saturday we were commenting on how much we love the pillars. And I love the open staircase!
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3B39%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3B%3A8%3Bot1lsi
The living room...I think.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3B39%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3C564ot1lsi
The newly remodeled kitchen...just remodeled in 2005.

katieandalex

12-29-2006, 10:23 AM

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3B39%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3B%3A92ot1lsi
The dining area with sliding glass door out to a deck.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3B39%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3C565ot1lsi
The batrhoom...I'm hoping that there is a shower stall in there...otherwise we will have to add that in.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A63%3B39%7Ffp67%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E232364%3B4%3B%3B%3A94ot1lsi
One of the bedrooms.

The house is a 3BR 1 Bath house. It was the only house I looked at that only had 1 bath, but its almost exactly what we want. It met all of our other criteria (we said 3BR, prefer 2 bath, 2 car garage and prefer a fireplace.) Well it doesn't have 2 of those...but otherwise, a lot of the house was newly remodeled in the last 6 years (roof, heater, A/C, kitchen, garage, ect). Plus the garage is heated and A/C because the 3rd stall was built for hobbies.

I like it a lot. We are going to be going down to Muscatine on Monday, probably, so we will probably drive by it to check it out and hopefully schedule a viewing with our realtor sometime soon. The house has been on the market for about 3 months, and its about $20K under what we were wanting to spend. Eeee! I'm excited!

NicksBride

12-29-2006, 10:26 AM

oh he is sooooo cute! He has the cutest little yes and he looks very playful and soft. :)
What a great house as well, LOVE LOVE it. I love the jacuzzi tub as well, I think those are great! No shower? Hmm ,t hat would be a bit odd, I am sure there is one they just didn't atke a picture of it. Very cute outside as well. Good luck with talking on the bank, they are awful!!!!!!

hummingbird521

12-29-2006, 10:40 AM

the pictures of Hahn are so cute. He reminds me of a little polar bear in one of them.

I love the house. It is so pretty and the remodeling is great. I got my fingers crossed for you on this one. I love the columns as well. This gives me ideas for our remodel of our entryway. Love it a lot

ladymelissa

12-29-2006, 02:38 PM

Hahn is such a cutie pie!!!! I love the pics!

The house is gorgeous!

cowboysbride

12-29-2006, 03:20 PM

Gorgeous house, Hahn is a cutie!:ginger:

I love the pillars and the staircase too! I hope you get it!

lea m

12-29-2006, 05:09 PM

I love that house!! i love the porch! we dont have them here! :( and 1 bathrooms pretty normal here too!

katieandalex

12-29-2006, 05:17 PM

Yeah, I think there is more to the bathroom than what is shown in the picture....because notice there isn't a sink either? I think theres more to it. If there's not a shower....then we will have to add one in...no way I could take a bath everyday....I have to have a shower! So that would be one thing, and also the pink carpet in the one bedroom has to go! Of course we can deal with it for a while...but that would be a future thing too.

I'm so excited for it and I really hope we get it. Alex isn't sounding to excited about moving to a house jsut because of the added expenses of it, but its definitely worth it in the long run. I think that if we talk to the bank and it all works out there, Alex will be all for it, I think hes just scare the monthly payment was going to be too high....I hope not!

lea m

12-29-2006, 05:19 PM

Oh i really hope you get it!!!

NicksBride

12-29-2006, 07:30 PM

Yea I am sure there is a shower somewhere. I remember we went to look at a house and all there was in the first bathroom was a sink. hahaha. They considered it a bathroom. So i am assuming since it looks somewhat modern there will bea shower. I hate taking baths so I agree with you on getting a shower.
I love the staircase and the front entry. Having an extra expense on a house is a lot, but TOTALLY worth it. FH and I were going to rent and then decided that we really wanted a house. think of all the room eoyu will have and if you want kids you have plenty of room!!!

katieandalex

12-29-2006, 07:41 PM

The funny thing is, the main level is the same sq footage as our apartment right now. The basement is supposed to be about half the size as the main level and then the 1/2 story upstairs. I really like it...but when Alex was saying "Ugh, I don't know if I want to buy a house" I was like "Umm do you want to live here forever?" And hes like "NO!" Our apartment now is nice, but we absolutely hate having to deal with our neighbors...and it sucks to pay $635/mo rent on something we will never own. I'd rather spend $850/mo on a house that when we decide to move we get the money from it and you know you will almost always make a profit on a house...especially in the town we want to move because the town is supposedly the fastest growing town in Iowa right now.

lize566

12-30-2006, 12:06 AM

I'm so excited for it and I really hope we get it. Alex isn't sounding to excited about moving to a house jsut because of the added expenses of it, but its definitely worth it in the long run. I think that if we talk to the bank and it all works out there, Alex will be all for it, I think hes just scare the monthly payment was going to be too high....I hope not!

We just bought a house and it is so exciting!! I really hope you guys go for it! About the monthly payments, though, here in Kentucky the payment usually goes down $100 for every $10,000 the loan decreases, so like if you borrow 140,000 the pmt would be around 1000, but if you borrow 130,000 it would only be 900. I am not sure if that applies everywhere, although I would think it would be kind of similar. You also may have already known this, but I thought I would offer some of my new found knowledge on the housing market just in case :)! Anyways, I really hope you guys get the house!

P.S. Hahn is adorable! Makes me want a puppy REALLY bad lol!

SaralovesMike

12-30-2006, 08:18 AM

Good luck with the house. It's beautiful.

Hahn is totally adorable, cute pics!

katieandalex

12-30-2006, 10:27 AM

We just bought a house and it is so exciting!! I really hope you guys go for it! About the monthly payments, though, here in Kentucky the payment usually goes down $100 for every $10,000 the loan decreases, so like if you borrow 140,000 the pmt would be around 1000, but if you borrow 130,000 it would only be 900. I am not sure if that applies everywhere, although I would think it would be kind of similar. You also may have already known this, but I thought I would offer some of my new found knowledge on the housing market just in case :)! Anyways, I really hope you guys get the house!

P.S. Hahn is adorable! Makes me want a puppy REALLY bad lol!

I would figure it would be similar. So that should mean that our payment would go down $400/mo if thats how it works here (from what we were quoted last time we were looking at houses and the price range we were looking at)....granted it might be a little different...but that would make the mortgage payment just slightly more than our apartment payment...I think we could handle that!

Jenn060306

12-30-2006, 10:45 AM

Hahn is looking super cute!
The house looks great! I hope you guys are able to get it!

70707Bride

12-30-2006, 12:37 PM

I'm glad you posted more pics of houses! I love looking at them. I'm afraid when we start looking, I will be sooo picky!!!!!!! Chris really wants to build his own house, in which I will have a lot of say in what I want hehe. That won't be for a while though.

katieandalex

12-31-2006, 11:55 AM

We went to Alex's cousins wedding last night. It was really nice. it was at the country club, and we were like "This is the most upper class wedding we've ever been to. I would have been nice to afford this!" It was awesome. They had white pointsettas on each table. And his cousin and her new husband live in Cairo, Egypt right now, and everyone got a blue blown glass Egyptian "shot glass" as the favors. It was really nice and the food was good. Our only complaint was that the DJ wasn't very good...he kind of drug everything out too long and he was only playing the same kind of music. Plus it was kind of mean because Alex's other cousin (the girl who got married, her brother) is blind and his fiance is blind so they both have seeing eye dogs that were there with them. The guy conned everyone to come up onto the dance floor thinking we were going to do something for the B&G, and it turns out its to just do the chicken dance....the dogs were SO confused, I felt bad for them. But all in all, it was really nice and I was able to meet more of Alex's family that were not able to make it to our wedding.

Today, my parents are coming down to visit and to see our Chrismtas tree. We will probably go out to lunch or something. And then for NYE tonight we are probably just going to go to a movie...we are thinking Pursuit of Happyness. We did get invited to a big NYE bash at the Clarion in Cedar Rapids. A friend of mine has extra tickets, but we don't have hotel rooms reserved and we don't really feel like driving an hour and a half back home at 1am. So we decided to just stay in town and probably go to a movie.

We rearranged our living room because we got out new end table so we could put up our lamps we got for Christmas from my brother and sister. So I'll take pictures of the new living room today or tomorrow and post them up. I really like how our living room looks more like a living room now instead of just a door room like I thought it looked before.

NicksBride

01-01-2007, 06:58 PM

Glad you enjoyed the wedding, that was a little mean what the DJ did to them. I think I would have been a little upset about that. But I guess as I say "Differnet strokes for differnet folks" Did you end up going to the movies???

katieandalex

01-02-2007, 08:47 AM

Yep, we went to Pursuit of Happyness. It was really good. All of these younger people were there and when we were walking out they were like "That movie was really depressing." But the thing is that it ended good, but the truth is, people actually live through stuff like that. You just have to be determined to meet your goals and dreams.

katieandalex

01-02-2007, 08:51 AM

This is my last day off on my little 4 day weekend, and I'm sick. :( Alex gave me his cold that he had, and I've had it the whole weekend and its been getting progressively worse...and the bad thing about me with colds is everytime I get a cold it almost always turns into bronchitis. I woke up this morning and I can tell that it probably will turn into bronchitis too...my chest was so tight and my cough has been getting progressively deeper. Ugh...looks like I'll be sleeping this day away.

70707Bride

01-02-2007, 12:45 PM

I hate being sick, hope you get better soon!

hummingbird521

01-02-2007, 01:00 PM

Hope you get better soon.

ladymelissa

01-02-2007, 02:14 PM

I hope you feel better soon!

katieandalex

01-02-2007, 02:27 PM

Thanks ladies!

NicksBride

01-02-2007, 02:28 PM

aww that stinks Katie, I am getting a cold as well and mine always turns into strep throat, so we just cannot win. I wish you a speedy recovery!!!

katieandalex

01-02-2007, 03:02 PM

aww that stinks Katie, I am getting a cold as well and mine always turns into strep throat, so we just cannot win. I wish you a speedy recovery!!!

Yes, thank you. And you as well.

NicksBride

01-02-2007, 03:55 PM

Thanks!! I am such a bum when I am sick. I am at work practically falling asleep hahaha

katieandalex

01-02-2007, 05:19 PM

Thanks!! I am such a bum when I am sick. I am at work practically falling asleep hahaha

Oh yeah, my too. Whenever I'm sick, I'm always in lounge pants and a sweatshirt. LOL!

katieandalex

01-02-2007, 05:57 PM

Ugh, trying to put together my order for my photographer....I'm trying to make a back up copy of what everyone ordered to make sure everyone gets the right thing...pain in the ***!

katieandalex

01-02-2007, 06:29 PM

I forgot that I was going to post pictures of our new rearranged living room...here are the pics. Sorry for the messy living room, I'm in the process of taking down our Christmas tree.

Before
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A9%3B643%7Ffp3%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E266%3E236%3EWS NRCG%3D3232656%3A%3A9%3C28nu0mrj

After
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A9%3B643%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E2323653638573ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A9%3B643%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E2323653634439ot1lsi

Our new lamps.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3A9%3B643%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E2323653634442ot1lsi

NicksBride

01-03-2007, 08:50 AM

wow your room look so differnet, do you like it like that?? I think it looks really good. I love your CD holder as well, very neat!

Those lamps are so unique, I love them they give off some nice light. :)
How long did it take you to rearrange all of that.. We want to do it as well, but we have a round house and our furniture only works one way. hahaha, but it looks really nice.:)

katieandalex

01-03-2007, 08:58 AM

NicksBride

01-03-2007, 09:02 AM

Sounds like Hahn is comfortable in his surroundings now and is testing you!!! He knows what you do everyday and wants to see how far he can push it. I remember our dog taebo would do that, he does that now. As much as it annoys you, try and ignore his whining for awhile, sounds mean, but he needs to realize that he will only be let out when he is quite. Get some ear plugs hahaha.
Dog obdience is always a good place to start, they have puppy socializing which is great for dogs to get to know other dogs and it helps you train them to respond to their name, potty training and leash training, it couldn't hurt. At least he could be used to other dogs.... Hang in there, it will get better. Having a puppy I think is harder then having a kid. ;)

LoveJ06

01-04-2007, 02:10 AM

Alex complained about it at first because he didn't want the TV at an angle anymore, but now hes used to it. I did it all by myself, and I would say it took maybe an hour, hour and half at most.

Hahn was really upsetting us already this morning. We moved his crate into the spare bedroom because where it was at (in the living room) he would hear people walk up and down the stairs and he would start barking at them at night. Well then he whined and whined for like an hour last night and thenthis morning he whined all morning while Alex was taking a shower. Alex has been doing the same routine with him since we've gotten him and it seemed to be working...until today. Alex went into take him outside and he had pee'd all over this crate. Hahn was covered in urine and his blanket in there was covered, so I'm washing his blanket right now and we had to give him another bath (he just got one yesterday). Then we put him back in the crate so I could go back to sleep again (since I'm not feeling well) and he whined and whined and whined.

Alex and I are thinking of getting one of those bark training collars (not the shock collar but the noise one) to stop his barking...he barks at everything....every person he sees, every noise he hears, and obviously what we are doing to get him to stop isn't working. I'm thinking we may have to start taking him to the doggie obedience school that we had talked about. We were going to try and do it all ourselves, but nothing is working....he still doesn't respond to his own name.....ugh.

Most young pups cannot hold their urine all night. Ours is 3.5 months now and is just able to hold it all night but we have to take her out as soon as she wakes up or she will go in her cage. As for the whining, remember that puppies have A LOT of energy and will tend to act out when they can't burn it. Make sure to give him long walks and plenty of play and then when he goes in his crate he should be all tuckered out. I think puppy classes would be a very good idea too. It takes a while for a puppy to learn it's name too so just give it time. I know it can be very frustrating in the beginning but it's on you to work on the training so it can get easier. What I always tell myself when our pup does something "bad" is that it is my fault because I need to work on her training more. They don't know any better. Good luck.

katieandalex

01-04-2007, 08:46 AM

This was the first time he messed in his crate...and after that, last night he only pee'd once in the house. This morning he didn't go in his cage, and Alex tried a different routine that seemed to work better....so hopefully he will start with that. As with the whining, we never let him out when hes whining. The whole reason we are crate training him is because we are not home during the day and he needs to learn that while we are gone you don't mess in the house....so when hes in his crate, we just let him whine and whine...he eventually quiets down and either goes to sleep or plays with one of his toys in there. Last night I was amazed because usually if we get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night or get a drink of water, he hears us and starts whining...but last night Alex got up twice and didn't whine either time. Its funny though, you put him in the crate and hes fine but the second you walk out of the room he freaks out...and he must just sense that you're gone because we have a blanket over the crate so he can't see out the front of the crate, so he can't see us leave...but even last night he was whining, Chewy walked in the room and he quieted down and then she left the room and he started whining again.

As for holding it all night, he has to hold it all day while we are gone to work, and he does...it was just that one time. Plus I don't want to train my dog like my sister's dog...he whined all night and they started taking him outside in the middle of the night (like 3am) and now that have to do it because they can't break him of it.

My friend, Wendy, used to have 2 pit bulls, and she had a problem with them being hyper and when she took them for the vet for shots she mentioned about them being hyper and the vet told her a way to hold them so they calm down. I tried it on Hahn last night and he was freaking out at first, I held him like Wendy said and he freaked out for a bit, once he stopped freaking out, I let him and go and he was an angel of a dog all night. I guess we'll just have to try that when he gets too hyper.

hummingbird521

01-04-2007, 11:04 AM

Maybe you could try putting a stuffed animal in the cage with him for some companionship.

NicksBride

01-04-2007, 01:17 PM

geez, its like having a new baby hahaha. Everyone giving good advice and trial and error. It sounds like everything is working out find and keeping a blanket that you have in your bed for an night is always nice too (Sorry couldn't help myself) But I am sure he will turn out fine. The sleeper hold huh? hehehe sounds like a good plan.
I am sure your appreciate getting that extra sleep as much as he does. He has such a sweet face, I would have a hard time just talking harsh to him. I am a sucker when it comes to puppy eyes. :)

katieandalex

01-05-2007, 08:31 AM

We have a few of his favorite toys in the crate with him at night so he has something to play with when he wakes up and such. And we have one of our blankets in the bottom of the crate for him to sleep on as well.

Today isn't a good day. I'm going to be calling in sick in a bit once my boss gets there. I woke up at like 4am this morning and I just feel like ****. I pretty much haven't left the bathroom. Alex even told me, "Yeah you do look like ****." LOL! Aww thanks hun.

hummingbird521

01-05-2007, 08:36 AM

Today isn't a good day. I'm going to be calling in sick in a bit once my boss gets there. I woke up at like 4am this morning and I just feel like ****. I pretty much haven't left the bathroom. Alex even told me, "Yeah you do look like ****." LOL! Aww thanks hun.

Don't you just love it when they are so honest while you're sick?

NicksBride

01-05-2007, 11:03 AM

ugh, I am so sorry you are still sick. I hope you get to feeling better soon, no one likes to be sick!

katieandalex

01-06-2007, 10:07 AM

Here are 3 new pictures of Chewy & Hahn. I took them on my cell phone and then e-mailed them to myself. I love the 2 pictures of Hahn! The one of Chewy is my screensaver on my cell phone.

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3B2%3C%3B78%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E2323654%3B44334ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3B2%3C%3B78%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E2323654%3B45233ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3B2%3C%3B78%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3 DXROQDF%3E2323654%3B44335ot1lsi
This was one of the few times Hahn was actually being a little angel. Look how big that smile is on his face!

I feel a little bit better than yesterday. I have a bit more energy, so I was able to take Hahn for his usual morning walk today. still not 100% though.

I talked to our realtor yesterday and she gave me some more information. She talked to our mortgage lender we've been going through and I just need to contact them to get a pre-approval letter generated so we can set up a time to go look at houses so if there is one that we really like we can write up on offer on it. We have a list of about 5 houses right now that we want to look at, so we'll see.

AngelinLove

01-06-2007, 10:10 AM

The pictures are adorable Katie. I am glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better and good luck house hunting. Thta is really exciting.....I wish I was house-hunting, but maybe someday........ahhhhh!!!!

Jenn060306

01-06-2007, 12:42 PM

Ohhh so cute! I love the smile on hahn! lol!

Good luck with buying a house! That is absolutely fantastic!

katieandalex

01-06-2007, 01:08 PM

Just redid our dining room today. Decided to go with a different color palate in there.

Before
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3B34273%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E232355387%3B899ot1lsi

After
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3B34273%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E2323654%3B%3B6454ot1lsi
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3B34273%7Ffp6%3C%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E2323654%3B%3B569%3Bot1lsi

I SO want a new dining room table set....I hate the one we have...I can't stand round tables.

NicksBride

01-06-2007, 06:16 PM

awww Hahn had such a sweet smile on his face, "Look at me mama" haha. Glad you are feeling a bit better. Your dining room looks SOO much brighter when you changed it. Very nice!!

katieandalex

01-07-2007, 10:13 AM

Yeah, I don't feel any better today. yesterday must have been a fluke since I didn't eat anything on Friday...but I felt better yesteday and ate a little more food, and I've been in the bathroom a ton already this morning. I feel like **** again....:( Alex asked if I've lost weight since this has all happened...since Thursday morning (when I weighed myself before I got sick) I've lost 10 pounds. Thats rediculous....woo hoo....another fun day of watching TV all day. Boo....

janeandreawong

01-07-2007, 12:09 PM

katieandalex

01-08-2007, 07:49 PM

I like your home.. It's no neat..

------------------------
http://bridesmaidtailor.com

Thanks.

I feel a bit better today. Still a little woozy and a bit of an upset stomach, but feeling much better and I was able to make it into work today...and haven't been living in the bathroom today either.

Tomorrow, I think Alex and I may try and make it over to the bank to update some info with our mortgage broker and possibly try and get a pre-approval letter together from them so we can start looking at houses with our realtor. We have a list of about 6 to look at, so we'll see.

NicksBride

01-08-2007, 08:16 PM

Glad to hear that you are feeling somewhat better, good luck at the bank. Banks scare me!!! :) Just applied for a loan for our wedding, my stomach is sick hahaha But good luck for you!:)

katieandalex

01-09-2007, 08:32 AM

It feels so good. The final payment just cleared on one of my credit cards. Since the wedding we have been trying to get rid of our little payments one by one. My Eddie Bauer credit card was the first to go, and the final payment just cleared our account! We have all of these little debts that the minimum payment is like $20, and the revolving balance is like $200...and they haven't been getting anywhere. So our whole goal after the wedding was to start knocking them out, one by one. I have 2 credit cards (well now one because I'm closing my Eddie Bauer account) and Alex has 2 (one with our wedding rings on it and another one we have for back up). After the wedding bands one is paid off, we probably won't ever use that card again. Then we have 2 other random bills that need to go. They are slowly getting knocked down because we are making a much larger payment on them now...before we weren't getting anywhere with any of them. Its nice to be able to have money to get rid of bills and still have money on the side to do what we want...but it will be really nice when we don't have all of these small bills anymore and we only have our big bills like, rent, cell phones, utilities, car payments and insurance.

BriansBride07

01-09-2007, 08:39 AM

I bet it feels good. good for you and Alex to tackle it sooner than later. Before you know it you let it get to out of hand and your in credit card debt up to your ears lol...

katieandalex

01-09-2007, 08:46 AM

It already had gotten out of hand....and we had to clear it up. When we started looking into a mortgage last year the lady told us that our credit wasn't the greatest...but she noticed that we had a bad streak of late payments but are now current on everything and its good that we realized it early and did something to fix it. Alex filed for bankrupcy a year ago and since then we purchased 2 new cars that are both in his name to help rebuild that. Our interest rates are not what we would hope for, but its just something you have to do when you make those kinds of mistakes in your life. Its great to be able to get second chances to make everything right again. Our credit score as increased dramatically since we have started fixing everything. But it will be nice to finally not have any bills and be able to save more money that we do right now.

Since the first of the year we have been put on a pretty strict budget. We are going to revamp the budget everytime we get a small debt paid off to re-evaluate how much we can save, how much more we can pay on other debts and how much allowance we can have a week. So far its been working really well...but it makes it hard that I only get paid once a month....its hard to split stuff up like that when over half of your income comes in the last day of the month...:(

lize566

01-09-2007, 09:06 AM

That's good that your credit score is improving! When we bought our house, the mortgage people were telling us how hard it can be to build credit back up but so easy to let fall and I'm glad you guys seem to be doing a very good job of improving it!! I totally understand what your saying about the income at the end of the month-that is how FH gets paid and it can def. make things difficult, but I think he counts his pay check from the 30 as the next months income to kind of make it easier, so it's like he gets paid at the beg. of the month...does that make sense? I dont know if it makes any difference, but that's what he does and it seems to be working for him. Anyhow, congrats on getting some debt paid off! I know that must feel great!

NicksBride

01-09-2007, 11:36 AM

Good for you Katie, I had some BAD times with credit in college and I am stricken for awhile with my credit, its not easy but I really admire you and Alex for getting a hand on it.
I am going to have to do the same since we are applying for a loan from the bank and HAVE to pay that back. So good for you and you will be my inspiration haha :)

katieandalex

01-10-2007, 08:57 AM

So yesterday we took Alex's car in to get the windows tinted...Looks HOT! Here is a picture I took of it last night that Alex and I LOVE of it!

http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3B67332%7Ffp6%3B%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DX ROQDF%3E23236765%3B9753ot1lsi

But here is a better picture of the tint and such.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3B67332%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23236765%3B6243ot1lsi

And I also love this picture I took in sepia mode.
http://images.photo.walgreens.com/348%3B67332%7Ffp65%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D357%3D327%3DXRO QDF%3E23236765%3B8%3A79ot1lsi

After we dropped that off to be done, we went over to the bank to talk with our mortgage broker....she wasn't in her office and wasn't answering her cell phone. So we left a message for her that we were in and to give us a call. She called us late last night and we are supposed to go next Tuesday to talk with her and she said by the time we leave we will have something approved.

I ended up having to go into work yesterday for a mandatory meeting...I was super upset about it because I had to drive an hour there for an hour meeting and then drive an hour back home. Ends up that we are going through a partner ship with a HUGE lab company and most of us are switching over and being employees of this other lab company. It sounds like a great deal for us because our pay stays the same (actually the 2nd shift people like me will probably get a shift differential), we get a TON better benefits, we now have a pension plan, and our vacation hours accrue a lot better...and now WE GET PAID BI-WEEKLY! Yeah! I'm so excited about that...no more 1 big huge paycheck at the end of the month! I guess this whole merger will be done by the end of the month...but this is also good for me because this new company is all over the world so if Alex ever gets transferred, I can still stay with the same company, or if I want to go back to school for an office job, I can stay with the same company, just in the administrative portion of it. Sounds like an overall good deal.