Charlie. Omar. Sandy. OH MY!

Wow, I feel like I am living in a zoo!

Charlie is starting to turn into a bit of a terror. He's not coming as quickly when we call him, he's running further than our property outside, and he wont stop getting into things! He has this knack for finding every little odd and ends stuff! He will NOT stay out of the toilet paper, bathroom trash, or away from Sandy! Omar is smart enough to stay clear and run for her life. Sandy on the other hand gets tackled by Charlie at least 10 times a day. We never know if we should pull Charlie off or let them battle it out. Thoughts?

We put in a post and chain for Charlie to start being on while outside. It will be interesting to see how this works out. He's used to roaming around, so we'll have to see if we can make it work. I've figured out that on days that Charlie can get our and go for a walk or run, he does much better. Last week we made it 4 miles together! We did have to stop and walk at a few places but overall he did phenomenal for a 3 1/2 month old puppy! Hopefully, he'll start to learn his place around the house and continue to settle right in.

Viva Las Vegas!

Its been far too long since my last post... I'll try to recap as much as possible!

We went on a trip to Las Vegas with some amazing friends. We planned the trip last minute and were able to get some great deals along the way. Brittany and I were on the lookout for groupons and were able to get a reasonably priced bus trip to Hoover Dam and tickets to see the Bodies Exhibit at the Luxour. We ate at some amazing restaurants, tried all types of foods, and met up with a friend who now lives in Vegas.

The weather was 65 and sunny, warm enough to wear flip flops and enjoy it! We did a lot of walking and explored the entire strip. We bought a bus pass that took us back and forth on the strip, we sure saw some interesting sights! My favorite evening included dinner at one of the largest buffets in Vegas at Treasure Island. I ate more than I should have and barely left room for dessert! After dinner we went to Cirqu du Soliel! It was AMAZING!!! We saw the performance called Mystere. It was better than I could have imagined. A full 1 1/2 hours of amazing routines and performances. I could have watched it over and over again!

Another highlight of the trip was to spend so much time with my friend Brittany. We lived together in college and currently live in different states. It was great to spend quality tome together and explore an unfamiliar territory with her.

I'm sure I have more stories about the trip, but what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...right!?

 

Zack, Kaitlyn, Matt & Brittany dressed up for Cirque du Soleil! 

 

Brittany & I exploring Hoover Dam

 

We loved the M&M's store! Four floors of goodness!!!

Chicago!

I spent a long weekend in Chicago with some amazing friends. It happened to be the girls I lived with my junior year in college. We each took our own mode of transportation: bus, train, & car. We met up and had a wonderful time. We tried new foods, ate incredibly well, shopped, walked Navy Pier, played cards, and most of all were able to spend quality time with one another! Here's few pictures from the weekend.  

Not Just Valentines...

February 14. To us, its not just a hallmark made holiday, its our anniversary. Zack asked me to be his girl friend on 2.14.07. Making this valentines our 5 year anniversary- CRAZY!

Its so weird to think that 5 years ago we had our first date. Who would have thought it would have turned into all this!?!? I am so blessed to have Zack in my life.

We always try to do something cute for each other, even with out talking about it. I made Zack a card with a saying from out favorite show. Here's a picture, its from How I Met Your Mother. We've watched every episode together.

 

To go along with his card, I got him his favorite candy and what I thought was a storm trooper. (Apparently, I bought a legend trooper. I didn't know there was a difference. Oops :) ) 

Zack's gift to me was amazing. I woke up to a dozen roses, m&m's, and a sweet card. 

 

 After work & class we were able to do a late dinner out at Olive Garden. Which so happens to be the same place we had our first date. We may be a tad cheesy but I love it. Happy Valentines Day!

Charlie 3 Months!

Thanks to my sister Heather for letting us borrow her camera and to Robert & Haleigh for taking a few great pictures of Charlie.

Oreo Cupcake Delight!

I've made this recipe a couple times and its always a big hit, so I wanted to share it!

This recipe was originally found on Justapinch.com posed by Debbie110772. (THANKS)

Here's the ingredients

- 1 pkg oreo's
-1 pkg mini oreo's for decoration
-1 pkg chocolate cake mix and mix according to box directions
-8oz cream cheese needed at room temperature
-8tbsp butter needed at room temperature
- 3 3/4 cup powdered sugar
-1tsp vanilla extract
-cupcake liners

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350. Mix packaged cake according to directions.
2. Line cupcake tins with liner, place a regular size oreo cookie in the bottom of each one
3. Take 1/2 of remaining oreo's and chop coarsely and add to cake mix. (Be sure to leave out enough oreo's if you are making a second batch) Fill the cupcake tins, Bake for 15 min. Start on frosting.
4. Cream together butter & cream cheese. Add Vanilla, then add powdered sugar slowly until blended well.
5. Chop remaining oreo's until very fine. Add to frosting.
6. After cupcakes are cool put frosting on and decorate with a few mini oreo's on top.

Extra info- I prefer to make the cupcakes the day before. It allows the frosting time to soaking in the powdered sugar and it tastes more like oreo cream on top on day 2. Also, I do not always by the mini oreo's. Its based on personal preference.

Enjoy!!

OCD

Its been another fun week at the zoo :) When in reality I mean out home. Having three pets roaming the house can be a bit much at times! But it makes for some great stories to share!

The other morning I woke up and headed for the bathroom. I found Zack's tooth bush in the hallway and was really confused. I then went to the bathroom and realized that all the toothbrushes in the holder had fallen out into the sink. (Why we have four tooth brushes when two people live here, I'm not quite sure) I picked up my tooth brush added tooth paste. After closer examination I realize that a certain cat or two had decided to chow down on our tooth brushes. Of course I had already brushed my teeth with my chewed up tooth brush before I realized it. Look closely, you can see the gnaw marks!

Our cats are usually very enjoyable to be around. Here's a picture of Omar and Sandy cuddling. They don't often have a chance to sleep on the ground these days, unless Charlie is in his kennel. Aren't they cute?! 

We took Charlie for a ride to visit Zack's parents. He did very well in the car. I was pleasantly surprised. Even at the in-laws he behaved well, not even an accident in the house. His potty training has been improving. I think he's starting to understand the process. The chewing on the other hand has started to get worse. He hasn't ruined anything quite yet- just leaving really distinct marks on the items he gets a hold of.

Fitness, Charlie & A Pet Peeve!

This past week has been good on many levels.

Let's start with fitness.

I was able to put in three days at the gym. I'm working on my mileage- no where near it needs to be but at least I'm moving in the right direction. Quick story that will hopefully make you laugh- first off, I hate working out in January. There are so many people, and its a pain to have to wait for the equipment that I want to use. A positive about working out in January is the amazing people watching that can take place.

There were three guys on treadmills the other night. I could tell they were all old friends, maybe even played football together in high school. But now, they are in their late twenties and are all over weight. I had head phones in but could tell they want to race to a mile. After a half mile, the guy on the far left turns down his speed to a walking pace and gives up. The guy on the far right makes it to 0.75 mile and then also slows to a walk. The guy in the middle is determined to make it the full mile, and his good friend decides to take matters into his own hands by bumping up the speed on the treadmill to a fast sprint. Finally the guy finishes the mile and I am sure he's going to hack up a lung in the process.

Charlie-

Charlie had his first trip to the vet this week. He had a lot of shots, nails trimmed, ears cleaned, and weighed. Zack found out that we were feeding him way to much food! At nine weeks he's already 20.5 pounds!!! Major oops on my part. We were giving him food three times a day, two scoops each time. The vet said we should be giving him just one scoop three times a day. We did find out that Charlie has a yeast infection in his ear, who knew that was even possible? Charlie did great at the vet's and Zack sent me this picture while I was at work. Isn't he precious!?

 

Last weekend we celebrated my papa's birthday. He's 86 years old and is one of the most amazing people I have ever known. He's always in a good mood, has a listening ear, and even slips you a $5 here and there just so we can treat ourselves to a candy bar. Here's a picture of my papa & I at my wedding. 

Lastly, here's a huge pet peeve of mine. Its almost a full month since Christmas- PLEASE TAKE DOWN YOUR DECORATIONS.

Relapse

Oh Charlie. We have been doing so well on the potty training subject, until today! Of course there are a couple accidents here and there, but today has been the worse! We take him outside and he doesn't go. We bring him in, and he goes on the carpet. This cycle has happened about 8 times today. How frustrating. I think it has something to do with the weather. Every time the snow starts to melt and it gets very wet outside, Charlie has issues. This is going to be a very long winter and spring.

More news on pets: we had Sandy & Omar fixed last week. They seemed to adapt well after the surgery. However, Omar was sick for a couple days this week. She couldn't keep his food down, had diarrhea, and a pretty large bump on her incision. We were just about to take her to the vet and decided to give it one more day. Luckily, she started to keep down wet food and has been doing better ever since. Omar did have an accident on our couch. We had to wash the cushion several times, now our entire living room smells like febreze.

The fitness challenge hasn't gone too well this past week either. I hope to make it to the gym at least three times this week. Maybe if it warms up enough I can get in a run outside, or at least take Charlie for a walk.

Embarrassed.

I'd like to think it takes quite a bit for me to get embarrassed, especially in public. Today, I was proven wrong. I was shopping at the local grocery store and saw that one of my favorite drinks were on sale. Of course they had to be on the very top shelf. The drinks I'm referring to are called Fuse. They are one of the only kinds of juices that I like to drink, and there are only a few flavors that I know I like. One of my favorites is peach flavored. Anyways, I was able to reach the other kinds that I wanted, but I couldn't leave without at least one peach. Without thinking I did what I do at home when I can't reach something, I jump to reach it.

After two jumps, I knocked the bottle sideways and had no hope of reaching it by myself. Before I gave up, I was about to make one last attempt when I hear, "Can I help you Miss?" It was this cute old man who was plenty tall to reach the juice for me. Even though I was quite embarrassed that there were people watching me, I am very thankful for the sweet man who helped me out. I will enjoy this bottle of Fuse a little more than usual. I've always known I was on the short side, but you would think at 5'4'' I should be able to reach the top shelf!

Running. Aurora. Poop.

This week seemed to tick by incredibly slow. Perhaps it is because we have been waiting days for a good friend to have her baby. Or maybe its because this is the first full week that my husband is back in class & internship. For whatever the reason, I've finally made it to the weekend.

Here's a recap of my interesting week. Zack through out an idea to me for a new years resolution. I'm not 100% committed to the resolution yet, but I am working towards it just in case I decide to fully commit. Here's what it is: to run 1,000 miles in one year. This would be a HUGE accomplishment, but also a humungous challenge. With the Michigan weather being so fickle, this alone will make it rough. One thousand miles in one year is just over 3 miles per day, ah! I'll be sure to keep you updated on what I decide to do with this challenge.

Meet Aurora Elise Meagher, or better known as Rori. She is the newest addition to the Meagher family and is PRECIOUS! Brian & Kelly have been good friends of ours since we first met as freshmen in college. Its a little surreal to have friends with a baby! We've got a couple other friends who have kids but Brian and Kelly are the first from our college class and friend group. Zack & I were able to meet baby Rori when she was only 15 hours or so old! Look at how beautiful she is!  

 

(Yes, we may look cute with a baby, but please do not get any ideas. There's no baby Tracy coming for quite some time.)

 

Now for the POOP. Having Charlie (our puppy) around is so fun! He is great company, and is turning into a great dog. However, having him around really messes with my morning routine. Most days I have to let him out to go potty even before I get in the shower. It also takes a bit longer to get around in the morning. I have to feed all three pets, make sure Charlie doesn't chew anything he isn't suppose to, and take him out twice all while trying to get reach for work, eat breakfast, and pack my lunch. This morning I was in a bit of a hurry, as usual. Well, lets just say the it took me until about 10am to realize I had dog poop on the bottom of my pant leg. NOT COOL. All morning, I thought I was smelling something funky in my office and I couldn't figure out why. Oops. Luckily, I was able to wash the bottom of the pant leg in the bathroom sink, and hoped that my coworkers would just assume my pants were wet from the snow :)

Who Cares about Calories??

My little sister, Haleigh, spent the weekend with Zack and I. We had a lot of fun! We watched several movies, The Help, Tangled, Water for Elephants, 27 Dress, Tangled again, and I think there may have been a couple other movies. We played Dutch Blitz, Monopoly Deal, took Charlie for his first walk in this unusually warm weather. We baked a couple meals, and a delicious dessert that I would like to share with you. Warning! This dessert will not help with your weight loss goals :) 

Now for the recipe that I would like to share with you. This dessert is tasty, divine, and incredibly sweet! We did not create this, we actually found it on Pinterest. All you do is make regular chocolate chip cookie dough and have a couple Oreo's on hand. Take a scoop of cookie dough and place it on each side of the Oreo. Mold the cookie dough so it completely covers the Oreo. Place in the oven at 375 and bake for 10-12 minutes. Eat & Enjoy! 

Is it Spring Already?

It may be the second week in January but it feels like spring. Yesterday we hit 50 degrees, I'm not sure why is so warm but I will take it. I might even go for a run today! I wish the days would start to get longer, its only light out for about 8 hours, and its starting to get old.

With the warmer weather, it makes it a lot easier to take Charlie out to potty train. He loved the snow, but now he can play outside a bit longer without freezing. As long as we are proactive in taking him outside about every hour of the day, he will go potty. He has been sleeping longer during the nights without accidents :) The picture  of Charlie is from this morning  playing outside.

Omar & Sandy aren't too sure what to think of the pup yet. They like to taught him when he's in the kennel, but when he's out he chases them around the whole house. The cats usually run away and jump on a chair or couch to where Charlie can't reach them. This morning however, Omar decided to fight back. She stood her ground a batted at Charlie a couple time and then for the second time ever, I heard Charlie Bark! It was a friendly bark, but still pretty scary for a cat that's half his size.

As Charlie continues to grow and do cute things, I'll be sure to post more stories.

New Year, New Puppy!

Today marks the first day of 2012. 

What did my husband Zack, and I do today? We drove 4 hours and picked out our very own puppy. We have been wanting a dog for some time but were not allowed to have one at our previous residences.

Right before Christmas we found a house that was perfect for us to rent. In the whirlwind of the holidays we packed everything we owned and moved across town. We quickly settled in, and the puppy search continued. With the ease of the internet, my husband found a littler of puppies a couple hours away from us who had the perfect pup. 

 We drove a couple hours today to pick up Charlie. The drive was well worth it. See for yourself.

Charlie is the newest addition to the family, however we have two adorable kittens that help complete our family.