By sheer coincidence, our actual blogiversary (which occurred last Friday) falls just days before what we lovingly call a “dogiversary” around these parts. Yep, Burger’s birthday was this week (yesterday actually) and this year he’s a whopping four years old. Happy Birthday Burgmeister!
Here’s the old man now in a tribute to his sister’s weekly photos:
We marked his special day as we usually do – a walk, some extra play time, and of course a special dessert from Three Dog Bakery. But this year Sherry and I also decided to break out the old home videos to take a look back at our little guy when he was truly a little guy (all 2 pounds of him). And lo and behold, the videos contained an interesting peek into our old decor (circa 2006 – before the blog even existed). So despite these being never-intended-for-public-consumption home videos, we decided they were too entertaining to hoard for ourselves. As long as you can forgive the shaky camera work, sweats as wardrobe, overuse of cutesy baby voices, and dog kisses on the mouth – yes, we’re “those” kind of people.
Oh, and might we suggest that you keep an eye out for these decorating gems in the background:
- Sherry’s original “office” that featured a desk skirted with a wrinkly old sheet
- A view of our old laundry area / entryway complete with bi-fold doors
- Our old floor plan. To give you a sense of flow, Burger even runs through the now closed-off doorway between the kitchen and our then-dining-room (now nursery) at one point.
- The yellow and ice blue color scheme in our den, complete with weird silver ornaments atop blue vases – and our fireplace screen painted white (before we repainted it back to black).
- Tons of old furniture, including our original den couch (both slipcovered and uncovered).
- A very bare looking living room before we figured out it would serve us better as a living and dining room.
This video is the perfect reminder that homes, and the way they’re decorated, evolves over time. Rooms don’t look picture perfect right away. In fact ours took four and a half years to get to where it is today- and we were definitely learning as we went (this video makes it pretty darn clear that we didn’t start out with a knack for the decorating thing at all). So fret not if your house is a work in progress – you’ll get there.
But enough explanation. Grab some popcorn and enjoy! View the video below, or click here to see it on YouTube
So what do you think? What was our most grievous decor offense? Was Burger not the cutest pup ever? Thoughts in general about how a house slowly evolves into a home? Let’s chat.
Psst: Although the footage is only 4 years old, it was shot on a ten year old mini-DV camera which is why this video is so grainy. Thank goodness for our new Flip Ultra HD (scored at Target for only $150 thanks to some sales!). For anyone out there looking for a video camera recommendation, that would be it!
Oh yeah, and don’t forget to check out our BabyCenter post of the week right here. This time we’re talking about how our house can look a bit like a daycare center one minute, and how we can stash all the baby gear for a lot less chaotic and crazy look the next minute.
Leslie says
I don’t know how you got him to lay on his side long enough to take a picture! Our beagle, who is celebrating his birthday today, would never be so coopperative!
YoungHouseLove says
Treats. Lots and lots of treats.
xo,
s
Jeannine @ Small & Chic says
The best advice I got when I was about to bring Baxter home was to document everything. I how have thousands of pictures and he’s only three! He got junk food on his first birthday (Frosty Paws), but we went with Three Dog Bakery from then on.
Anyway, happy birthday to Burger!
Jill says
Burger has the best tail! It makes me smile.
Laura in LA says
Adorable video! Happy Birthday Burger. I just noticed your updated “We’re Digging” list & see that the color scheme is not your typical choices. Is this a hint at a new re-do coming up? Love the colors.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Laura,
Good question! We were feeling holiday-ish, so the pink/red and green scheme had us smiling. So we went with it!
xo,
s
Barbara says
It’s about time!! When you started documenting Clara like that, I thought “poor Burger…while he may have 42 separate photo albums of his own, I bet he doesn’t have this!” :) Now he does!! You guys rock!
YoungHouseLove says
Of course he does! We’ve been making videos of him since day one- in fact we have waaay more hours of Burger footage than Clara footage! He’s our first baby!
xo,
s
renee says
As others have said, this is a perfect example of how decorating doesn’t happen overnight and we shouldn’t demand perfection from day one. We accumulate favorite things – frames, candles, vases, etc over time and that’s what truly makes a house a home.
And Sherry – your hair is just gorgeous long & flowing!
Happy Birthday Burger!
Kate (and Ben) says
Oh, how sweet!!! Our adorable pup is a Chihuahua mix, so we love seeing photos and videos of Burger to check out the similarities between breeds. He’s adorable!! Happy Birthday to the Burgermeister!!
-K
Carolyn says
I loved the video. Too cute!! I was especially laughing really hard at the lip balm part. Our beagle does that whenever we show him my husbands beer (he actually howls and gets mad at the beer its too funny)he does it to anything with a strong scent like lemons or onions, it sends him into a frenzy he will take off running around the house. Dogs are hilarious! We just got a chihuahua last month, she is only 2 months old and acts exactly like the videos you have of burger at that age. Full of energy.
Your house has come such a long way. I love seeing how it use to look. It gave me much more of a boost to keep going with our house and that it definitely takes time and doesn’t happen over night! :-)
Christine says
Ok he really was a cute puppy!.. still is
Nicole says
Hi Sherry and John! Congrats on your 3 years of blogging! So exciting! Can I ask where your TV stand is from? I saw it in the home video, so I’m assuming its an older one, but I really like how it can hide a lot of wires, etc. My husband and I have a mount tv stand and it drives me crazy that I can EVERYTHING. Thanks! I love your blog!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Nicole,
That’s an old Ikea model (a free hand me down from John’s family). Perhaps you can find something similar at ikea.com or at yard sales or thrift stores?
xo,
s
Redlilocks {Swoon Worthy} says
Oh my god, how TINY was Burger!! Cuteness overload!!
Nice to have the reminder that a beautiful house is born over time. We just bought our first ‘grown up’ house 4 months ago and it’s such a slow process (I want everything done NOW because well, I’m impatient like that) but it’s good to know that everyone has to start somewhere. Thanks for sharing ;)
steph says
Oh my gosh, I laughed so hard at the part where John is getting kisses from Burger on the couch. His pose looks like he should be getting licked by a 90lb dog instead, haha!
Sherry, I totally agree with another commenter – you should wear your hair down more for blog pics, it looks beautiful!!
Have a great day!
Shelley @ Green Eggs & Hamlet says
Am I crazy or does Burger have a sort of a goatee on his chin? I thought I saw darker fur in a Fu Man Chu-ish pattern on his chin/throat in the last part where you celebrate his first birthday.
Congrats on the blogiversary and happy birthday to Burger!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re not crazy, Shelley – Burger totally has a dark muzzle (we call it his Homer Simpson beard) though it’s gotten whiter lately so it’s less distinct. The first birthday footage is actually a perfect capture of how dark and distinct it used to be.
-John
Dana @ House*Tweaking says
Happy Birthday Burger!
Thanks again for the friendly reminder that turning a house into a home doesn’t happen overnight! You aren’t too proud to share all the nitty-gritty stuff…that’s what I love about you guys. Keep it real.
Christine says
Oh! that picture of burger made me laugh out loud – HILARIOUS!!
Rachel says
Baby burger is sooo adorable! Happy Birthday to him!
This does make me feel a bit better about the current state of our house. We moved in a week and a half ago with much less furniture than we’ll eventually get (because of going from 600 sq feet to over 1800). So, right now the house looks pretty ugly and empty to me, and it’s been stressing me out. I haven’t been able to do anything (not even finish unpacking) because of full-time work, graduate classes, and wedding planning (less than 2 months away!). BUT I just take a big breath and know that in 6 months it will be sooo much better. I also feel better seeing you guys with your hand-me-downs and older furniture and knowing that eventually you got to the point you wanted to be (and are still making awesome updates all the time). So, thank you for the inspiration and congrats again on your blogiversary!
Miranda says
Love, love, love the picture and his snazzy t-shirt. Happy birthday Burger–may you have many more!
Alice says
I was just saying yesterday to my twin sister that I wondered if our older sister (whose birthday was also yesterday, Sept. 27) had her birthday in common with any celebrities, and now I know she does! Sis and that superstar Burger have the same birthday!
I can hardly wait to get home from work tonight to watch the video of Burger (and Casa Petersik back in ’06). Darn the employers who block us employees from watching YouTube on the job!
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says
I’m so glad we’re not the only ones with the ugly house and tons of cheap or free furniture a few years ago. Things have come a long way! Everything (and everyone) looks great!
http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2010/05/28/living-room-phases/
Kinga says
Happy Birthday Burger! He shares the same birthday with my pup, although Mr. T is only 2 years old
Laur says
Z ME! I need the small faux deer head wall trophy – really, it’s gone past wanting it and has turned the corner into needing it!
Oh, and Happy Birthday Burger! My own chihuahua, Emmett will be four this December 27th
Krystle says
That video was sooo sweet! It’s great that you guys not only have the opportunity to remember Burger’s early puppy years, but to see you guys as a couple, before the blog, before the renovations, and before Miss Clara! It’s the Petersik’s early years too! Thanks for giving us an insight! Your home wasn’t that bad, by the way! Happy Birthday Burger and Happy Blogiversary guys =)
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
This is totally unrelated, but I just found this great blog on doing DIY weddings for less and thought you might enjoy it! It’s a great site.
http://www.oncewed.com/
Brandi says
You guys are too cute! It’s so neat to see you all four years ago and Burger is so tiny. Thanks for sharing! I just adored this video.
Jessica says
Happy Birthday Burger!
He was such a cute puppy and he had so much energy! I laughed out loud when he was bouncing all over the bed and fell right off! Thanks for sharing!
Annie Rutschow says
Awww! Burger may be the cutest thing ever! (I have already emailed my husband with yet another plea for a puppy!)
Thanks for the encouragement! We purchased our home a little less than a year ago and still feel like we’re SO far away from a finished home! Glad to know we’re not the only ones! :)
Sunny's Life in Rehab says
Okay, I’ve always crushed on that dog, but the video makes me want to EAT him! He’s two pounds of delicious puppy goodness.
Mana says
This is awesome! How did you guys decide on getting a Chihuahua? Did you consider any other breeds of dogs? Happy Birthday, Burger!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Mana,
We knew we’d do a lot of road-tripping and traveling with our dog, so we wanted to get a small sized pup for easier travel. Although we didn’t specifically shop for a chihuahua, we knew Burger was the one as soon as we laid eyes on him.
xo,
s
OwningSingle says
Too cute. Decorating can be a slow process especially for someone impatient like me. I want my rooms to look like the magazines right away!
Cassi {Miles from Suburbia} says
Burger is hysterical! What great footage. It makes me wish we’d video archived our pup Molly’s arrival. She probably would have tried to eat the camera, though. :)
Funnelcloud Rachel says
I laughed out loud at Burger in the onesie! What a cute little runt he used to be! And still is – I mean this in the nicest way, as my dogs are in the 80 pound range, so it cracks me up to see the little guy bouncing around!
Susan says
STINKIN’ CUTE DOGGIE DOO!!
Carol N. says
How cute! I showed it to my 10 week old kitten and he was all over the monitor wanting to play with baby burger. Now I need to get a video camera to take videos of his wild running sessions. He is all the way up to 3 pounds (he was 1 1/2 pounds when we got him four weeks ago) and loves to run and play. I hope he maintains his crazy ways like Burger has! Happy Birthday to Burger from Augie.
Jess says
I think that’s the first time I’ve ever seen a picture of Sherry with her hair down! Love it! :)
Monica says
Too adorable!
Happy birthday Burger!!!
Katie @ Katie Beth Interiors says
He is so stinking cute, I love it!
Rachel says
I love tiny Burger! And, as weird as it sounds, it is so fun seeing you gives “live” after years of reading. I’ve begun to recognize your personalities through your posting after all this time, but it’s still really fun to see it validated through video.
Oh, and isn’t the weird Chihuahua pounce and run thing the cutest stuff ever? Ours does this hilarious pounce, pounce, SPRING!, run, run, run, circle, circle circle routine that has us in stitches.
Thanks for sharing!
Briel K. says
How cute was/is he!! He’s so energetic! Love it.
Sarah Wessel says
I laughed hysterically while watching the video at work (proabably a bad idea since people were asking me why I was laughing so hard). You guys have the cutest family!!
Happy Birthday Burger!
kat says
awww, he’s so cute and tiny! what a little sweetie! Happy Birthday Burger!
kathy says
I’m sure I’m just totally out of the loop, but how did you come to name him “Hamburger”?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kathy,
Well he was a tiny hamburger-patty sized pup (just two pounds) with a spotty belly that looked like a cow- so we thought it was perfect!
xo,
s
Becky says
Loved the video of Burger. It made me realize I need to bust out my Flip to get some video of our chihuahua Paco acting all crazy as well!
erica says
omg! teeny tiny burger puppy! SO CUTE!!! happy bday to burger!
Amanda@Longroadset says
My fiance and I are adopting a chihuahua, a little brindle. Since we started following your blog we learned a lil more about the breed and decided it would be the perfect dog for us.
Happy Birthday to Burger!
Holly says
I love the wrinkly puppy-neck and the giant ears!
heather j. says
Happy Birthday, Burger!
I think this is the first time I’ve seen Sherry’s hair down!
Maky says
OHMYGOD… isn’t he the CUTEST thing ever??? Thanks for sharing the videos. Totally put a BIG smile on my face after a relatively rotten day! :-)
Rachel L. says
Hahaha!! That was great! The photo of Burg with the Clara tee on. Hee! And the video was adorable. I was too distracted by the puppy cuteness and Sherry’s dark hair to catch the decor first time. (You look great always, Sherry). But it was very inspiring to see how much you did with the house over a relatively short period of time. Area rugs and flooring really make a huge difference! As do the right accessories and colors. The new rug in the family room really makes that room just like the great area rug in the living room is perfect. I love how you’ve added more color and pattern to each room and how richly layered everything is now.
Another great post!
Letty says
Super cute! And I really liked seeing your house from way back then– my fiance and I are starting to look at houses, and a lot of them require MAJOR TLC, so seeing your house (which I think was always nice) from way back then let’s me know that with patience and a lot of love, maybe we can turn an old house into a cute one like yours!
Happy birthday to the cutest chihuahua I’ve ever seen!
Jennifer S. says
Too cute! I think in 4 years you might be looking at old home videos of Clara and also taking notice of the background and realizing how much you’ve changed!
I thought the striped couch was the most surprising thing. I liked the rug in the den…I have one, too.