ZOMBIES

I am so tired! Two nights of staying up way past my bedtime on a work night equals one sleepy lady.

On Tuesday night, Alex, Kelly, and one of their friends were grounded in Omaha after their flight to NYC was cancelled. Don't feel too bad for them. They got to hang out with us! And we are pretty cool in case you didn't know. A few drinks, some scratch tickets, and strong debate about babies in harnesses consumed most of our night. It was so good to see them! I think a trip to Ames is in order soon.

Last night, Andrew and I were dragging, and there was no way I was cooking dinner. On to Granite City! After we refueled, I convinced Andrew that we needed to go to the mall. He had to get some new jeans, and I just wanted to look. Well looking turned into a shopping spree! Fashion show!

Here, Andrew is sporting his new Calvin Klein jeans and Timberland waffle shirt. He also found a Oscar de la Renta sweater (This was only $20 down from $70! What?! We are good.) and Gap button up. Total: $83

And after many failed attempts at jean hunting, I scored some two pairs of work pants and two long sleeve tees from Gap. Total: $45 Bargain shopping is my fave :)

Then we headed to the Slowdown to see Jenna's concert. Her band, Conduits, is awesome, and I really love their music! I would like their album now, please. Alas, it looks like we will have to wait just a little bit longer... Until then, you can check out a few of their tracks online.

Can I go to bed now? Please?

CHRISTMAS 2011

Despite my lack of Christmas enthusiasm, my holiday weekend was fun and far too short.

After work on Friday, we headed to my hometown for a weekend full of festivities. Well, I guess we didn't go straight to Woodbine. We passed right through to go to a surprise bday party in Dunlap for my good friend Katie's sister. She was surprised and it was great to catch up with everyone.

After the party, we checked in with my sisters at the Buffalo Club and then went back to Katie's for what is quickly turning into a yearly (or bi-yearly with trips to Andrew's parents house) poker tournament. Oh, how I love these tournaments! Maybe it's because I won that past two tournaments. Yeah, I think that might have something to do with it. We didn't get back to my parents place until (drumroll please...) 2:30 am! Good grief! Party animals.

Saturday was spent lounging around, watching football, making cookies, doing puzzles, and eating more food than anyone should every consume in a day.

This is the best pic. We couldn't slow down and waste time with pics.

My sister even brought her roommates dog, Willa! She is quite possibly the cutest bulldog ever. And she loves me. That night, we went to the 11 pm church service that didn't end until 12:30 am. I love you all, but that is far too long. I was tired, yo! And don't they know that Santa is coming? Needless to say, I went to bed ASAP.

And what did I find when I woke up? Santa had come! He is the best. Presents galore!

This is what half of my Santa looks like!

We had to wait for my brother and sister-in-law to arrive before we could start, but it was worth the wait. I'm now the proud owner of:
- Willow Tree Three Wise Men
- Perfume
- Pepper spray (My dad thought this was a very logical gift for all of the girls this year. At least it's pink!)
- Visa gift card (I'm think leather boots are in my near future)

Other than driving Pops home and catching the second half of the Packers game that pretty much ended our night. And after such a long weekend, I got some much needed rest!

What did Santa bring you for Christmas?

CHRISTMAS CHEER

My Christmas cheer is missing, and I don't know where to find it... This year, the holidays came out of nowhere. And now that they are here, they are disappearing faster than they came.

I blame the snow and all of the snow haters. It's no where to be find. (Points finger) And it's all your fault! Haven't you haters heard of a white Christmas? I don't live in California. I want my snow, and I want it now! - - - Tantrum over.

My cures for the Christmas blues include but are not limited to:

• Listening to my extensive Christmas playlist on Spotify - Five hours on shuffle sounds about right.
• Gingerbread lattes from Starbucks
• Donating to the Salvation Army red kettles - This year, the guy who most looked like Santa got my cash.
• Sledding or snowman building
• Watching Muppets Christmas - No laughing, please.
• Going shopping when the mall is packed - I need to feel the panicked energy of everyone else who waited last minute to buy any gifts.
• Christmas lights tour

I would say wrapping presents, but I was highly disappointed with my paper selection this year. How did I end up with only blue snowman/snowflake Christmas wrapping paper? Blasphemy!

But I guess the holidays aren't over yet. I hope Jenny and Chris are ready for an obnoxious amount of cheesy dollar store party hats and decorations so we can ring in the new year properly.

What are your cures for the holiday blues? And please don't say eggnog. You eggnog people are on your own.

WEEKEND RECAP: DEC 16-19

It's Wednesday. I think that means I should have updated my blog by now. Without further adieu...

Friday: Surprise! Andrew took me to Target to buy some beer for our weekend trip, but he lied. He was buying me a new digital camera instead! I can't believe he got away with it. Put a point on the board for Andrew! I hope you guys love it as much as I do :)

Trying on our clothes for tomorrow!

Saturday: We managed to wake up, run errands, AND get on the road on time. With a Starbucks in hand mind you. KC here we come! After meeting up with Nick and Emily and chowing down on some hotel grub (It was just ok...) it was time to go shopping.

The Plaza! This place has everything. We dropped some money at H&M and Forever21 and we did some window shopping at Betsy Johnson and North Face. This area of town is beautiful! Maybe next time we can take a carriage ride?

Next up, dinner at McCoy's and drinks at Kelly's with Emily's sister, her fiance, and his sister. Oh, and another surprise! We saw our friend, Will! He lives in KC and saw us drive by. What are the odds? We headed back to the hotel fairly early to catch some shut eye before our early morning wake up call. But we didn't go to bed right away... Oh, no we didn't! There were a few YouTube videos (1 & 2) and lots of jokes about my leftover buns from dinner.

Sunday: Game day! Packers gear on! Beers in hand and brats in our tummies, we headed for the stadium. Go Pack Go!

Or so we thought... The game was fun, but the stairs to our seats, the Packers losing, and our walk of shame to the hotel were not so fun.

We recovered. KC BBQ at Gates was up next! Too bad I gave it a big thumbs down... The meat wasn't for me and the sauce was just too hot. Sorry, KC. Better luck next time.

This made me smile! Thank you construction man!

Time to go home. I will miss Nick and Emily until next time. But I hope the next time I see KC, it has something better up it's sleeve.

WEEKEND RECAP: DECEMBER 9-11

Friday night Andrew and I went to his work Christmas party. Paypal has the best parties! The food is awesome! And my favorite part of the night... photo booth! Andrew was a little nervous because they would run the photo booth pictures on four giant screens. No big deal. The are awesome! Can I have a photo booth in my apartment?

Afterwards, we met up with some of his coworkers for a few drinks at Houstons. They are some fun people, and I hope we hang out with them again soon.

On Saturday, Andrew went to work (gotta love that overtime!) and I hung out at home. My day consisted of a large to-do list to motivate myself to do something other than browse the internet and drink my warm, delicious coffee...mmmm. This means that I addressed our Christmas cards and they should be coming soon!

Andrew rolling and writing down a losing roll. And then my epic Yahtzee!

Saturday night I babysat, Sunday Andrew worked some more overtime, and that means we don't get to see each other all weekend... Until Sunday night! Then we enjoyed some Yahtzee!, Mario Kart, and Packers football. Oh, and some killer risotto that we whipped up together. We are awesome.

How was your weekend?

BABY FEVER

+

 Ever since my friend Mallory has announced her little one, it seems like I have been seeing babies and baby things everywhere. And I love it! I love babysitting. I love seeing all the little ones at church. I love decorating an imaginary nursery in an imaginary house. (And it's super cute by the way!)

This one is cute! +

I expected a lot of baby pressure once the wedding was over, and I'm surprised at the lack of questioning Andrew and I have gotten about starting our own family. And for that, I say thank you! Although, maybe it would curb my desires in a "You can't tell me what to do," sort of way. (I think I have always been a little defiant like that.)

I know that eventually I want kids. And I also know that my mom and dad are really looking forward to being grandparents someday. And I hope to give them that joy very soon with a new puppy (Andrew - Christmas present? Please?) They just love their furry grandchildren!

But lately... I find that I have to remind myself of the reasons I want to wait.

Last night, Andrew and I visited our friend's Justin and Nicole who just had a very sweet little boy. I got to visit with Nicole (and Brecklin) a lot while the boys played with their toys in the basement. Although it sounds like a lot of work, he is just so precious, and tiny, and so cute! Seeing him didn't really reinforce my desired timeline.

I have things to do, places to go, and people to see! And once kids are in the picture, all of that has to slow down a bit. And I am still raring to go!

But can I still do everything I want to do with a baby literally strapped to me? I don't know. And I'm not sure I'm quite ready to find out.

WEEKEND RECAP: DECEMBER 2-4

Another weekend at home! This is fantastic. I get to actually do things. Like sleep in. Craft. Cook/bake. Who knew! I think I could go for a couple more weekends like this one.

Friday:

Workout

Dinner with the hubby

Ohhh, those green beans!

After another disappointing encounter with Brazen Head (a cover to just eat dinner and leave, no thank you!), we went to Cheddars! It was nommy! And cheap. But good cheap.

Saturday:

Starbucks

Errands

Laziness

Drinks with Jill and Steve (from our softball league!)

Oh and it snowed! Beautiful, beautiful snow. I had been waiting for this stuff for awhile now, and it was worth the wait. I'm now onboard the Christmas train. Bring on the holiday tunes.

Ps. Drinks at Fox and Hound are way overpriced. I will not make that mistake again. Oops!

Sunday:
I got Andrew to do a 10 Pound Slimdown Extreme workout with me. He said, "She doesn't mess around." Uhhh, duh. I hope he is sore today!

Then it was time for football, reading, baking, and finally a trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond where we spent some more of our gift cards and ran into cousin Kyle and Amie!

Crafting is hard work!

A very productive and relaxing weekend to boot! Next weekend: The much anticipated Paypal Christmas party!

OH CHRISTMAS TREE

It all started with a phone call this afternoon. We were getting a Christmas tree. It will probably take the cake for best thing to happen to me this week! I could hardly contain my excitement.

Kitty in a box!

Armed with gift cards from the wedding and a Target coupon, we went shopping! I wasn't thrilled at first. I thought it was too skinny. But it turns out that it was perfect for our tiny apartment. And I love it so much!

Mom, please add the three wise men to my Christmas list!

We put of the rest of the decorations and our apartment is now complete, decorated, and full of Christmas cheer. Now, who wants some egg nog? And where is that snow I asked for?

OLD MAN

Andrew's birthday is this weekend! Sometimes I think that he has the best birthday. Because his birthday is on the 27th, it's always around Thanksgiving. That means that he gets to spend his birthday with friends and family, gets an awesome meal, and unlike Christmas, he doesn't have to worry about it getting overshadowed with other things. Everyone is always up for celebrating a birthday around Thanksgiving!

The downfall... I almost never get a chance to celebrate with him as a couple on his birthday. For example, this Sunday we will be driving for a good part of the day, and I'm sure after a weekend for of celebrating we will just want to crash when we get home. Because of this, I always plan his birthday during the week.

Last night, we celebrated! After a killer birthday surprise last year, I had to step up my game. My original idea was to make a choose your own adventure book to take us from dinner to, to an activity, to dessert. And it morphed into this little book! Andrew still got to make all the choices, and I got to just sit back and let the fun unfold.

Let's start from the beginning.

Tonight we celebrate,
my favorite man!
Let’s get started,
on the night’s game plan.

You will decide
the route that we take.
Your birthday will be determined
by the choices you make.


The decisions won’t be hard
and should  be made with ease.
Don’t get worried now!
This will be a breeze.

Turn the page,
to let the fun begin!
The first choice will be,
where we go for din-din!

I hope you are hungry.
It’s time from some grub!
We could be going anywhere,
from a dive to a pub!

You won’t know the location,
until you take your pick.
But I’m already hungry!
So make your choice quick.


A. Steak
B. Italian
C. Exotic

The last pic is an older couple celebrating their anniversary. Cute!

He chose steak! So we were off to Brother Sebastian's. I had never heard of it until a coworker told me that she and her husband were going there for their anniversary. The decor and theme was so cool. It felt like we had stepped into a monastery. The servers even wore robes! The food was good, but not as great as I had hoped, but I think we would go back just for the atmosphere.

While we were eating dinner, Andrew went through the rest of the book to determine our activity (that we are going to save for another night) and his gift.

The wait is over,
and it’s time for your gift.
Although there’s no rush,
this decision will be swift.

Each choice is a desire,
you have voiced before.
So I’m sure your selection
won’t be a bore.


A. Clothing
B. Housewares
C. Media (He will be getting the new Zelda game for Wii)

Because the night is short,
and tomorrow is a work day,
we don’t have the time
to go out and play.

Try not to cry,
as this date is not done.
We will save the activity,
when we have more time for fun.


A. Movie
B. Ice Skating
C. Hockey Game

I was so excited when he chose ice skating. Con Agra opens an outdoor rink in December, and I think it will be so much fun.

Because we were done with dinner sooner than expected, Andrew picked our a movie for us from Redbox. Bridesmaids! I know... I'm a little late to this party. But it was so good, and sad. How come no one told me that I would laugh AND cry? C'mon!

I think Andrew really like his early birthday. I'm already excited to see what I come up with next year!

THE NAME GAME

How sweet is this beard alphabet? And some other cool ones too!

Well, it's official. Last week, I got my drivers license with my new last name. Everything else might take awhile (reward clubs, online accounts, etc...), but I am now legally a Flater. (Pronounced like Slater)

Recently, I have been signing my new last name but forgetting to cross the "t" and still dotting an "i" that is no longer there. I guess it's just going to take some practice.

So let's all cheers take an Apple Pucker shot in celebration of my new name!

WEDDING RECAP

Now that life as returned to normal in the Flater household, I thought it was about time I give a recap of our wedding day.

Let's start with Saturday. With coffee in hand, we head to our nail appointment while the guys are probably just waking up. Their weren't enough nail techs available when we first arrived, but it gave us some time to sit and chat.

While we were there, I learned from Mallory (she is awesome.) that the bulk flowers for the reception still hadn't arrived. After making a few phone calls, I learned that the company we had ordered them from forgot to change the delivery address to Mallory's home after delivering the wrong flowers to her work address the day before. So while Mallory was off on a flower adventure, I went to get ready for the music rehearsal before the wedding rehearsal. Because it had been raining all day, we moved the music rehearsal inside along with the wedding rehearsal. Rehearsal went smoothly, I walked too fast, and the music sounded great.

Why can I not find any rehearsal dinner pics? I know there are more out there somewhere!

The rehearsal dinner was another story. Because of the down pour, it rained on our parade bbq/cookout/rehearsal dinner. We had no lawn games, lots of warm clothing, and an umbrella to keep the grill dry, so I guess we managed. After the dinner, I headed to Mallory's for a sleepover. We played with Bob (her cat), I made a belt for the wedding (Mallory was skeptical the whole time!), and we hit the hay.

Sunday: I slept surprising well until I barely woke up at 6 am and realized it was the big day! After a quick shower, Mallory and I loaded up the car with buckets or flowers and headed to Ames. On to hair appointments! Because I didn't stick with the style we tried at my hair trial, I was anxious to see how everything would turn out. But Hayley is amazing and she did a great job with hair and make-up.

Immediately after hair, I went to pick up the bouquets... (This is where you would play a sad trombone.) They were so much smaller than I had imagined (and what my picture looked like), some of the flowers were neon, and the billy balls were all bunched in the middle. (I actually don't like to talk about this because it makes me sad...) I almost tossed them and had everyone go without. Who needs bouquets anyway?!?

Luckily, I had made the guys "button"ineers, and they looked awesome.

We were then off to the reception site to decorate...

While the guys set up the chairs for the ceremony. Easy enough? Too easy...

We then went back to the hotel, everyone got ready, and before you could blink it was time for pictures. Cassie Garnet was our photographer for the day, and she is simply wonderful. I think this is the point where Andrew started getting anxious/nervous. He wanted to look over the marriage license, he realized he had forgot to set-up the table for the remembrance flowers (let me just say that I hate flowers at this point in the day) and programs (Sarah K and Laura A to the rescue!), and he needed a minute alone. I, on the other hand, popped some bubbly and just relaxed with my girls. The ceremony went swimmingly.

Andrew's aunts played the music for the ceremony. It was exactly like I had imagined, and I am so grateful for their help.

Andrew got teary when he saw me walk down the aisle (the first time he had seen me since the night before) and it was over in a flash (no really, it took maybe 10 mins) After a few more photos it was time to eat, drink, and be merry!

The reception went smoothly, the food was good, our DJ was great, and we had a great time on the dance floor.

The shuttle bus back to the hotel was even a good time! We did head to the bar for a nightcap at the nearby bar before we headed back to the hotel, ordered Fighting Burrito, and passed out.

All in all, it was a good day. If I had to do it all over again, there are some things I would do different

- Choose the outfits for the bridal party  

(The mismatched motif just didn't turn out the way I had imagined.)

- Make my own bouquets

- Spend more time worrying about what I'm going to look like 

(Making the belt the night before the wedding?!?! Crazy bride... Also, the only thing I forgot to bring from home was my cardigan. Oops.)

- Spend less money 

(DJ, dress, etc...)

My favorite parts of the day:

- The vows

- Food

- Toasts

- Dance party!

Least favorite parts of the day:

- Waiting until 4 pm for the ceremony

- Trying to avoid seeing Andrew

I think that sums it up. I promise to never-ever-ever-ever write another post this long!

WEEKEND RECAP: NOVEMBER 11-13

Check out the awesome broach bouquet!

Well, this was the last wedding for awhile... It's bitter sweet. I love weddings, but I think I have had my fill for awhile. Kyle and Amie's wedding was beautiful! Everything went smoothly, the food was great, and it was so nice to see ALL of my family in one place! We were able to kick back and catch up with everyone at the rehearsal dinner on Friday and the wedding and reception on Saturday. I only wish it could happen more often!

Sunday was quieter. Andrew and I went to a play at the Omaha Community Playhouse. We saw Flyin' West. It was a great Sunday afternoon activity to tear us away from our regular football games. We are really looking forward to going to A Christmas Carol next month. I can't believe Christmas is almost here!

Next weekend will be a quiet one. Andrew will be going hunting with my family, and I will be staying at home doing nothing! It's going to be great!

What did you do this weekend?

CHOPPING FOR CHARITY

My thoughts leading up to the big chop.

Wednesday night: Oh, crap! Tomorrow is my hair appt. It's too late to back out. I'm going to miss my hair. I think I am going to ask Andrew to come with me. I hope I don't regret it. Ouch, ouch, ouch! (My hair got caught in my sports bra...) I hate this hair. I can't wait until it's gone.

Thursday: It still hasn't set in yet. Oh crap, I forgot to ask Andrew to come with me. I hope I don't hate it.

Haircut Time: So nervous. So nervous. (cut) I'm so glad it's gone! It feels so light! And fresh! And short! And amazing! Hooray!

Thank you Photo Booth for the terrible photo quality. Much appreciated.

Friday: I wish I would have done this sooner!