Thursday, December 27, 2012

GOODBYE FLUFFY


On Christmas Eve, I called my Mom after getting a text from my sister saying that Dad was going to take Fluffy in to the vet. Mom regretfully told me that it was time to put Fluffy down. By Christmas, she could no longer walk or eat solid food. I was so sad to hear the news, but thankful for the many, many years Fluffy was a part of our family. At 18 years old, she had lived a very full life.

There was the time that she decided to run away from home only to come back days later with frostbite on her ear.


She had a few litters of kittens one of which produced a cat, Felix, that found a home with my aunt and unce and their family.


And most recently, while we were having Christmas (a few weeks early) at my parents house, we learned that mom had to put all of the candles into cases to keep Fluffy from catching on fire after she accidentally walked past an open flame and was immediately set ablaze. I guess she didn't even realize her dilemma, and Dad had to rush over and pat her out.

I will miss you dearly, Fluffy! We love you!

The last pic I have of her...

Friday, December 21, 2012

AUNT ASHLEY


I'm an aunt! I got the text from my dad at about 9 pm on Wednesday night. It's a boy! Mason Christopher was born at 8:40 pm on December 18 weighing in at 8 lbs, 21 inches.




Andrew and I got to meet him yesterday. He is so cute! I know I'm biased, but he is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. Seriously! He slept the whole time we were there, and made the cutest faces in his sleep. Oh, I love him so much!


I did a lot of baby hogging, but I did let Andrew have his turn. I think it's still a little unnatural for him, but he will get the hang out it.


Chris, on the other hand, seems to be a pro!


Lisa is doing well, and she got some really nice flowers from a really nice husband. Good job, Chris!

I couldn't be happier for Chris and Lisa. They are going to be great parents. I can't wait to go see him again today!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

GAMES & PAINS

A recent gift (Kong bone) didn't last more than one hour...

I would like to introduce you to a new feature... naughty pet of the week. This week, Coby thought it would be fun to try to bring his outside toy inside. You know, the one with mud and gross-ness all over it? He knows the rules! Silly dog thinks it's a game.


On a more serious note, we had quite the scare with him on Sunday. Andrew abruptly jumped out of bed on Sunday morning. I thought he was just getting up to feed the cats so they would leave us alone until he yelled at me to come downstairs. He sounded anxious and worried, and when I asked what was wrong he said that Coby could barely walk. What?!?

I hurried downstairs and saw Coby trying to come in from outside. It looked almost like his back legs were kind of limp. My heart broke watching him struggle, and I immediately thought the worst. I called the vet and left a message to make an appointment. Andrew and I talked for a bit and thought maybe we should wait a bit to see if he improves before we rush him in. After I got back from my run at about noon, he seemed to be back to normal. So, what the heck was that?

The best I can come up with is that he was in a heavy sleep and his back legs went numb. I just hope it doesn't happen again anytime soon. I'm not sure I could carry him if I had to!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

STORY TIME


Last weekend while we were visiting Andrew's parents, I learned a little something about my husband that I didn't know before. Just when you think you have heard it all...

One week while Andrew's mom was cleaning his room, she made an interesting discovery. She called in Andrew's dad to talk about what they had just found. There was something in there that no one would expect to find.

Earlier in the week, Stephanie had made a purchase and received it in the mail. The company? Victoria Secret. Like most companies tend to do, they sent some additional marketing material. I guess Andrew found some of it and decided that he needed to keep some for himself.

Although finding a catalog full of half-naked women is something that you find in your teenage son's room, you usually don't find it between the mattresses of your five-year-old.

When Stephanie asked Jim what they should do about it, Jim's response, "Not a thing!"

I couldn't stop laughing! Nice work, Andrew!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

SPECIAL DAY


Today is not only a crazy, special day (12-12-12), but it is also my dad's 60th birthday! It's like the ultimate kind of birthday. You only get one golden birthday, but today is even better! We will never see another date like this in our lifetime. What a great way to start a big, birthday year. I couldn't have planned it better if I did it myself.

I'm not able to share what I got him (he hasn't gotten it yet), but I think my brother and sister-in-law would be able to give the best gift ever today. Lisa, are you listening? Give us that baby already!

Dad,

I hope you had a very special day and you have an even more amazing year. Thanks you for always being a great dad.

I love you!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

GOLDEN BIRTHDAY

Some days it is really easy to feel like a mom... In the last 24 hours I have cleaned up puke, baked almost four dozen cupcakes, and watched Despicable Me.

Cutest culprit I ever did see.

Ok, so the first one was the cats and watching the cartoon was my own decision, but the cupcakes, those were for Andrew's 27th birthday!

Presents? For me!

Today, I took half a day off work to help Andrew celebrate his golden birthday. We started with coffee at Aroma's in the Old Market and some lunch at Chick-fil-a (the first time we have been since they moved into town!) After we were full and hyped up on caffeine, we hunkered down to catch up on Walking Dead. I actually think this is the first episode we were able to watch together this season, and it was a really, really good one!


Andrew's dinner request was homemade lasagna with garlic bread. No problem! I have never made one until tonight. Not bad, if I do say so myself. I also may or may not have finished it all off with a cupcake. I couldn't resist!

Coby really like the smell of the lotion for some reason...

Andrew then got hooked up! By hooked up, I mean he got to open his presents from me. Packers socks, lotion, and Moscow Mule mugs. Whoop!


Dessert? German chocolate cupcakes (not from scratch) There was just no way that I could send him to work without some goodies for his coworkers. Oh, and a gift card to Jimmy John's in case he gets hungry at work tonight. Am I awesome, or what?

Overall, I would today was a good day - cat puke and all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDREW! I LOVE YOU!
(I had to yell it for him to hear me all the way at work.)

Thursday, November 22, 2012

MANY BLESSINGS

+

I'm looking forward to today so much! This afternoon, Andrew and I will visit my family for a Thanksgiving feast. My family and the stuffing can't get here soon enough! I am so thankful for the amazing people in my life and for all of my many blessings.

Andrew and I have been blessed in so many ways this last year. Our most recent journey has brought us into our first home, and we couldn't be happier with it. With the house came our dog, Coby. He is so patient and loving. I'm not sure why I am so fortunate, but I thank God for everything he has given me.

I'm thankful for everyone who is reading this. Thank you for all of your support. It's easy to get discouraged but everyone has been so wonderful. I will try not to let you down! Thank you!

I'm thankful for the many opportunities that have blessed me recently. God hears our prayers and knows what is in our hearts. He always provides, and I am so glad I am able to share those blessing with others. I will follow His goodness all the days of my life!

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. May the next year provide you many, many reasons to be thankful. Gobble, gobble!

If the holidays are difficult and you need someone to talk to, please reach out to someone that can help.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

WEEKEND RECAP: NOVEMBER 16-18


What a lazy weekend! Andrew was away for the weekend (hunting with my family), and I got to stay home with all of the furry children. Here is a quick rundown...
  • Watched more Downton Abbey than I would like to admit.
  • There may or may not have been wine.
  • Pops introduced me to the best pork tenderloin West of the Mississippi River. 
  • Took some Christmas pics for friends (From what I have seen, they aren't terrible. Win!)
  • Met up with Amie and Lisa for some BBQ. 
  • Spent far too much time browsing Home Depot.
  • Successfully avoided all housework.
After everything that I did this weekend, you still just get a picture of me with my cat. Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

WEEKEND RECAP: NOVEMBER 9-11


Highlights:
- Jaipur - Indian food! It was so delicious. Can we get another one of those Groupons?
- Andrew surprised me by taking me to see Wreck It Ralph. I'm actually 10 years old, ok?
- Lunching with Chris and Lisa at Barrett's Barlycorn
- Thrifting for old house materials (it's a thing)
- Beautiful, 70 degree weather!
- Babysitting
- Quiet coffee mornings
- Not doing a darn thing on Sunday (downtime)

Cat from house thrifting place!

Lowlights:
- Eating far too much Indian food, so uncomfortable
- Raking and hurting my back doing it
- Not doing a darn thing on Sunday (lazy)

Monday, November 12, 2012

NOVEMBER UPDATE

Puppy cuddles!

Reading: I'm still reading the Game of Thrones series. It seems to be taking me forever (I'm sure I'm not alone in this feeling.) I'm currently on the fourth book, A Feast for Crows. George R.R. Martin is keeping me busy!

Watching: The Mindy Project is a new addition to my DVR. It's been awhile since I have watched a show like this, and I forgot how much I miss it. Is anyone else watching?

Listening to: I love Taylor Swift, and I don't care who knows! I bought her cd the week it came out and have been listening to it on repeat ever since. Now, who wants to go to the concert with me?

Thinking about: Everyday I think about how I need to get back into a workout routine. I feel like I'm a better version of myself (physically and emotionally) when I exercise. I also want to add some meditation into the mix. It's so beneficial for you mind, body, and soul. So, why am I still not doing it?!? Has anyone tried www.calm.com? It seems like a handy tool to get started.

Loving: I have been making a lot of bread and dough lately. I have made pizza dough and tonight I want to make Honey Beer Bread and Banana Bread. Now I just have to find someone to eat it!

Looking forward to: I can't wait to meet my first niece/nephew! He/she should be here sometime next month, and I don't think it can come fast enough. Let's all jump up and down! Chris and Lisa aren't telling anyone the name that they have picked out. They said that it could be for a boy or a girl, and Andrew and I both thought it was "Alex." Nope. I have thought of another one though, but I'm not going to say!

Making me happy:They holidays are coming up, and I am so ready for it! Included in my list of holidays is Andrew's birthday. Only a couple of weeks away!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

2012 PACKERS GAME

We finally made a trip to Lambeau! The Packers won, we had a great time, the drive sucked, and we were all so tired. We did the stadium tour, met Defensive Coordinator, Dom Caper, and stayed with Nick's awesome aunt and uncle. We ate the local food, drank the local beer, and randomly saw Andrew's uncle and cousin! I got accused of stealing a bag left in a bathroom stall by a drunk fan and we drove past the president on the way home.

And it was all worth it! Picture time!






Wednesday, October 31, 2012

HALLOWEEN 2012

Andrew and I celebrated Halloween over the weekend by going to see my cousin, Jenna, at her bar and going to another cousin, Renee's, Halloween party. We thought we were being so clever with this year's Halloween costumes. Maybe a little too clever! Only one person knew who we were... Success?

I think we pulled it off pretty well. What do you think? Can you guess who we were?


Stumped? You are not alone! We were two of the members of the Portland Adult Hide-and-Seek League from the show Portlandia. Here the is skit!



Coby was begrudgingly a cowboy. This is the cycle. We put on his cowboy hat. He shakes it off. We put on his cowboy and tell him no when he starts to shake his head. He stops trying to shake the hat off but puts his head down and looks like the saddest chocolate lab you have ever seen. I can't stand it so I just take it off. Next year, he will def. be something that doesn't have a hat. Suggestions are welcome!


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

FLATER/REED HALLOWEEN


Sunday marked the official end to the Fourth Annual Flater/Reed Halloween Weekend. There was a couple of trips to Side Door Lounge (Friday and Saturday), a dance party, brunch at Wheatfields, Vala's Pumpkin Patch, a nice nap, meatloaf, pumpkin carving, Hero Quest, a few beers, and a Packers win. And here are a few pictures to mark this wonderful occasion!



Wednesday, October 17, 2012

COBY TURNS 7

Labrador Loaf - Three Dog Bakery

Yesterday, Coby turned 7 years old. And what kind of birthday would it be if there wasn't cake? After we all had dinner, we took a walk down the street to Three Dog Bakery. He liked sniffing all of the good smells and making a mess of their water bowl.


Happy birthday, buddy! We love you so much and are so glad to have you as a part of our family. We are looking forward to many, many more years of fun! Thanks for being so awesome!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

WEEKEND RECAP: OCTOBER 12-14


This weekend was another road trip! You know how much we love those. We graced Des Moines and Ames with our awesome presence, and had so much fun seeing our friends.

Andrew, pumpkin beer, brie, Gavin, Emily listening to Andrew read scary stories
Highlights:
Brie en Croute with pumpkin butter (might be the best thing I have ever eaten)
Pumpkin beers
Early breakfast with Mal and Max
Meeting Gus and seeing Gavin Emmett (Alex and Kelly's dogs)
Tailgating
ISU game
El Azteca in Ames
Olde Main
Baseball games


Lowlights:
Rain
5 am wake up call on Saturday
Hillside seats for the ISU game (we won't be making that mistake again!)
Forgetting my toiletries bag at Nick and Emily's

Thursday, October 11, 2012

FIRST AID KIT

On Monday, I got an extra special treat. Andrew took the night off, AND we got to the First Aid Kit concert at The Waiting Room. What a great show!


First Aid Kit is a sister duo from Sweden. I'm not sure how we first stumbled upon their music, but I'm glad we did. I think I can speak for both of us when I say that our favorite part was when they performed one song with only their voices and a guitar. No drums, no piano, no microphones. It was such an intimate moment! Everyone was so quiet...


After we left the show, I told Andrew that I can only describe their voices as hauntingly beautiful. I'm convinced these girls were born in the wrong decade, but I'm glad that I get to enjoy them now.

Friday, October 5, 2012

NEW ADVENTURE

There is a project that I have been working on the last few months that has been consuming a lot of my thoughts. I wish that I could say that it has taken up a lot of my time, but it hasn't and that's why I can't stop thinking about it.


In June, we adopted Coby. In his papers, it said that his family surrendered him to the Humane Society because they could no longer afford him. Just by looking it his size, it's easy to see why. That boy can eat! Which got me thinking... I can't imagine how painful it would be to have to give up a pet (a member of the family) because you couldn't afford their food, medications, etc. Coby wasn't the first dog to be given up for this reason, and he won't be the last. Just thinking about it breaks my heart.

I started doing some research. I found numerous pet food banks across the country! Many cities with more than one, but I couldn't find anything in our area. I contacted the NE Humane Society, and they said they didn't know of anything like it in the area. That's all I needed to hear. I immediately got to work determining what I needed to get one started. That's when I found a brick wall...

To start accepting donations (food, money, etc), you need to have nonprofit status. To get this, you need to file forms, and prepare articles of incorporation, and assemble a board, and the list goes on and on. I quickly realized this was going to be no easy task. I contacted a couple of lawyers. At the cost of over $5,000, I could have this started in no time. But where was I going to get that money? I can't raise funds until I have the status, and I can't get the status until I have money. See the dilemma? Ugh.

Bring in the Omaha Community Foundation! They were my first glimmer of hope. They are essentially a nonprofit that helps nonprofits. And they could help me! With them, I can file an application, and if I'm accepted, I can use their nonprofit status to get the pet food bank up and running. This means that I start raising money (and food!) and apply for grants!

I thought it might be a good idea to meet with the Food Bank for the Heartland to see if they would be able to help in anyway. At this point, I would be so thankful for even some good advice. But luckily, Susan Ogborn, the president of the Food Bank for the Heartland, agreed to meet with me, and we were able to talk about how they might be able to help. Yes!

Now for my next dilemma. The OCF application isn't exactly a walk in the park... The application has challenged my patience, my determination, and writing abilities. I plan on just muddling my way through the best I can and try to keep my hopes up.

Before today, I was really hesitant to tell too many people about this dream of mine. I think mostly I was afraid to say that I failed if it didn't work out. But I really, really want this to work. I want to make this a reality and make a difference in my community. Trying to stay positive is probably the hardest part. Not everyone has been supportive, and numerous people have told me that it sounds like too much work. There have been more than a few tears shed, but I don't want to give up. I think maybe I just need a little encouragement (and a lawyer, accountant, and business writer) and maybe a few prayers for the project and my sanity.

Thanks for listening!

“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” 

- Theodore Roosevelt

Thursday, September 27, 2012

FALL CLOTHES

I am working really hard to update my wardrobe so I can be more hip and with it.


1 / 2 / 3 / 4 /5


1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Making this was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. It made me really think about what I would buy, and what would be a good mix of items and colors. They are all reasonably priced. Hmmm... Maybe I should just go shopping now!

What are you planning on buying for fall?

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

WEEKEND LESSONS: SEPTEMBER 21-23

Instead of the regular weekend recap, I prefer to share with you a few truths that I learned this weekend.

This is Lucy. She is very energetic!

1. We are at our pet limit. As much as I want more animals, I don't think it's possible at this moment. We are currently dog sitting to make some extra cash, and I'm actually really glad it isn't premanent. I think I would go crazy!

Just a little sneak peak at the work on the trim.

2. Renovations are hard. I really thought that I was just going to be a pro at stripping the woodwork in our upstairs bath. No problem! Well, I guess I put too much faith in myself, and I ended up frustrated and with a window only partially finished. Ugh.

3. I'm not 21 anymore. On Friday night, we went to my cousin and his wife's housewarming party. I tried to keep up with all the cool kids, and I failed miserably. Beer pong, you win! Andrew came home to find me sleeping in bed with all the lights on and the tv turned up really loud. Fail!

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! I'm already looking forward to Friday when we host some friends who are in town for a wedding. Here we go again!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

ONE YEAR

On September 4, Andrew and I celebrated one year of wedded bliss.


Andrew and I both had the day of our anniversary off, and I am so glad we did! If I would have went to work, we would have gotten to see each other for less than an hour... Because we had just gotten back from CO and we did A LOT of celebrating there, we decided to forgo gifts and a meal on the town.


Although we didn't do anything really special, we were able to just hang out together and enjoy perfectly aged cake and champagne from our wedding day.



Andrew,

Thanks for being my husband.

Love,

Ashley

Monday, September 17, 2012

WEEKEND RECAP: SEPTEMBER 6-16

Well, we have been so busy around here that I haven't even had time to post an update on our weekend adventures! Time to catch up.

September 6-8
Friday night: We spent some time visiting Pops who is currently in a nursing home trying to regain some strength after an infection left him weak and unable to return to his own home once he was discharged from the hospital. (I'm glad to say that he is recovering quite well, and I think he will be back home in no time!)

Andrew and I were supposed to take a pic together...

Later that evening (way later!), Andrew and I carpooled downtown with our neighbors for Omaha's annual Midnight Run! A young lady in our neighborhood helps to put it on, it benefits local nonprofits, and it sounded like a good time. Why not do it?! I'm proud to say that I (with Andrew's help) ran the whole 5k! I know I'm just tooting my own horn, but this is something that I have never been able to do before. During previous 5ks, I would walk parts of it, but not this time! Go me!


Saturday: We met up with my parents and attended my sister-in-law's sister's wedding. Catch all that? The wedding was very cute and the reception reminded me a lot of my brother, Chris's, wedding. It was nice to spend some time with the family, but we didn't stay long after dinner.

Bro and I - Lisa giving her Matron of Honor speech

We went back to Omaha, cruised a couple of downtown bars before we ended up at Side Door Lounge. I love that place! The music, atmosphere, and people are pretty amazing. It's also nice that we can walk home!

We share a driveway with our neighbors. Their daughters like to decorate!

September 14-16


Thursday: Didn't you know weekends start on Thursday now? Earlier in the week, I won free tickets to Brew Ha Ha. It's a local event to benefit Habitat for Humanity and is put on by the young professionals group. Andrew and I had a lot of fun running from table to table to get in all the eats and drinks before we left at 7. We couldn't be late for the Packers game! The game was a great way to end the night.

Missy!

Friday: I felt like I was still recovering from the previous night, and I needed food. Grilling out and a movie were just what I needed! Later that evening, we met up with my coworker, Emily, at the Slowdown for the Missy Higgins concert. Good stuff! I have been really excited to see this show, and she did not disappoint. Unfortunately, I went to bed almost immediately after the show.

Empty theatre!

Saturday: We didn't waste any time getting back into a busy schedule! We took in an afternoon showing of Lawless where we were the only two people in the theatre. I think I like doing things while the Husker games are on! After the movie, we strolled through the art festival that was happening right outside the theatre. Before I knew it, it was time for the Czech Club Ladies' Night Steak Fry! Whoop!


The food was great, but I was sad to see how much thinner the crowd was this year. I challenged my bro and Andrew to both recruit two more guys before next year's event. We need younger blood up in here!

Sunday: I made Andrew breakfast of waffles and bacon. This is what happens when you players suck it up in fantasy football and you lose by four points to your husband. The rest of the day was spent watching football and getting some facetime in with Emily and friends. We were supposed to go to a play in the afternoon, but I told Andrew we should just skip it. I feel bad that we wasted the tickets, but it would have eaten up our whole afternoon... Oh well! We enjoyed ourselves anyway.