Wednesday, August 29, 2012

{ Life } Phase Two


I know, I know… I still have lots to post about the wedding. What about the bachelor and bachelorette party? What about the showers? What about the recaps? I’ll get there. It’ll get mixed in with the here and now.

With the wedding over, this blog is still about the life of Carl and Katie. Now, we’re just a Mr. and a Mrs. I’ve taken his last name, and we continue to build a life together, which means the next step is fast approaching: a house.

We started talking to our realtor about a week ago, and tonight we meet with a financial guide. We are in to get our pre-approval and see just what it takes to own a home and, before that, to purchase one.

I think my anxiety over this might be greater than my anxiety over the wedding. This is a huge deal. It’s a big. It’s a really firm commitment of time and money and life. It’s got me freaking out a little bit.

Don’t get me wrong, I want nothing more than to own a home with my brand new husband, but it’s all a little daunting. How does one navigate this process without melting down?

To start, the paper work required to do a financial check. From both of us is required:

W-2 forms from 2010 and 2011
Tax returns from 2010 and 2011
Statements from all open bank accounts
Pay stubs from the last 2 pay periods

Tell me that doesn’t make you start hyperventilating just a little bit.

First of all, I know I should be better about tracking my tax information. Bless my mother for having all my past W-2s and a hard copy of my tax returns on her computer from TurboTax… but who knew this would all be needed? Yikes. It’s been a little hassle to gather it all together, and Carl needed to order his tax statements and his 2010 W-2, so we won’t have them tonight. 


I like to be proactive rather than reactive… but there wasn’t really an option, here. If we want a home before 2013, we act now.

And so it begins. Phase Two: The House Hunt.


Saturday, August 18, 2012

{ Life } Home from the Honeymoon

And we have teasers! I can't explain to you how excited I am to see all the photos that Tracey Joy Photography took for us. It was so much fun working with her, and Carl and I agree she will be our go-to when we start a family someday! I can't wait to get the rest back, but here are the teasers.

Thank you so much for making it a memorable day, Tracey!!


^ Our Father Daughter dance was to Boot Scootin' Boogie! ^


 ^ Carl and my first dance as a married couple ^



^ An excited moment pre-wedding with my bridesmaid and cousin, Sarah ^