Wednesday, January 30, 2013

DIY?

My friend Mallory asks me for house updates all of the time. Mallory is the type of girl that picks out a project, buys all the materials in the first trip to the store, doesn't need help from her husband, and makes some really cool stuff. (At least, it seems that way.) I, on the other hand, am the exact opposite.

Well, I got the package open...

Every time I get started, I think "This is defiantly a two person job. I should probably wait until Andrew gets home." Well, that leaves a lot of unfinished work. Let's take a look, shall we?

Window/door stripping, kitty litter cabinet, smoke detectors, paper towel mount, window film. Luckily, I think that is where the list ends.


Other things I want or plan on doing (at least until it warms up and I can take my projects outdoors): making bed skirts, painting master and guest bedrooms, making wall art, finishing the freaking bathrooms, and adding drawer pulls to the dresser. I'll take all the help I can get. Really.

Please note: Don't use a Sawzall for this. You want a jigsaw.

I just wanted to make sure that you guys didn't feel like I was leaving you in the dark. The truth is, I will get to it... eventually. Until then, I think I'll see what new ideas I can find on pinterest.

Monday, January 28, 2013

HELLO, LADIES!


This weekend, Mason was the man of honor at his baby shower. He is quite the ladies man!


Grandma Jean and Jan were meeting him for the first time, and Mom, Mikey, Lindsey, and I hogged him the rest of the time (Grandma and aunts always win!)


Also, I'm pretty sure Mason has a full wardrobe until at least his fifth birthday. We just can't help ourselves!


Happy shower, Mason!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Caring for Kyle



Getting together wih friends is always a nice time to catch up. While in Mexico, we talked with Sarah and Ryan about work, life, family, and friends. It was during one of these conversations that Sarah and Ryan informed us about the status of our mutual friend's health, and the trials that him and his wife are going through on a daily basis. My heart broke for them... 

In high school, Kyle was diagnosed with Wegener's Granulomatosis. Wegener's is the inflammation of blood vessels that affect the nose, kidneys, lungs and other organs. Kyle has been living with Wegener's for awhile now, but it wasn't until recently that things got have gotten serious and more than just medication is needed. Kyle was referred to University of Iowa Pulmonary (lungs) and Nephrology (kidneys), and after countless lung and kidney function tests, it was determined Kyle had 20% capacity in his lungs and 22% in his kidneys. Due to the decline he has been forced to use oxygen 24/7. Eventually, Kyle will require a double lung and kidney transplant.
 
The story on their webpage explains it better than I ever could. I hope you take a few minutes to learn more about them and their difficult journey. I have included a widget in the sidebar to make donating easier. This is just a small amount of the expenses they will incur and any donation is greatly appreciated. 

Kyle and Stephanie are an amazingly strong couple. Their commitment to each other and their determination to combat this is simply inspiring.

I hope you will join us in sending them all of the love and prayers that they need.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

¡Hola amigos!


Well, the vacation is over and life is (almost) back to normal. We swam, laughed, drank, ate, slept, and lounged through our five day trip to Cancun. Our resort was really nice (people were ALWAYS cleaning), the food was good (but nothing to write home about), and the weather was great (even the overcast days). Overall, we had a great time with Sarah and Ryan, and I would do it all over again if I could.  Because no one wants to read an essay about all the fun we had, so I thought I would share a few fun lists that I put together to break up my never ending slideshow.



Most memorable moments:
  • Mayan ruins
  • Euchre games late into the night
  • Playa Del Carman - eating & drinking, shopping, trying to find a bathroom
  • Last day beach sunrise



Funniest moments:
  • Drunken phone calls from Sarah
  • Trying to swim in the ocean (I eventually got the hang of it)



Biggest Surprises:
  • The number of different countries represented at our resort
  • Meeting two other couples from Omaha
  • Seeing Sen. Ben Nelson on our flight/Hearing about Ryan seeing Andy Reid on their flight



Things we would have Googled if we had internet:
  • What happened to Mimi from the Drew Carey show?
  • Celsius to Fahrenheit
  • Blood types



Things Ashley forgot to pack:
  • Pajamas
  • Razor
  • Hairbrush
  • Sunglasses

Thursday, January 17, 2013

SAILS


Andrew and I have have really starting to work on getting on bedroom in order. Get a headboard, paint the walls, put up artwork...

One day while browsing pinterest for art ideas, I saw a poster that I really liked. I really wanted a copy for our bedroom, but there was no download link (wishful thinking). I thought it was such an awesome and powerful quote that I just decided to put one together myself.

I created it in mint because that's what goes with our bedroom, but I also created one in navy because I thought it might be a little more versatile for everyone else. The file size is standard letter (8.5"x11"). If I did this right, you should just be able to click the link and download a copy directly. If that doesn't work, too bad. kidding! You just have to wait for me to get around to fixing it. Enjoy!

mint
navy

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

JANUARY UPDATE

Erin helps me blog!

Reading: Game of Thrones. Are you sick of this answer? Fifth book in the series, and last one for awhile. Just a little bit longer! Then, I want to check out some Nora Ephron. I will shamefully admit that I have never read anything by her... (please don't throw any tomatoes!)

Watching: Downton Abbey and Girls are back on the air, and I can't get enough!

Listening to: Mumford and Sons, Alt-J, and Black Prairie. Good stuff!

Thinking about: All of the updates that I want to do to the house. Maybe the appropriate label would be dreaming about. I want to get things in order to really help it feel like home; more things on the wall, fresh coats of paint, new pillows and curtains. All in due time...

Loving: Sleeping. I feel like I can never get enough! I have been slacking on working out in the A.M. because I just need more snooze time. There is really only one way out of this rut, just get up.

Looking forward to: MEXICO! On Thursday, Andrew and I will be lounging on the beach, reading, drinking, and sleeping in. It will be wonderful!

Making me happy: Spending time with my husband. I feel it's so rare that we get quality time together, and I love even the small moments. Someday, the overnight shift will be just a memory, but for now we will do our best with what we have!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

PACKERS REPLAY

Jim trying his hardest to raise a Bears fan.

Today is a big day for the Packers. Andrew has been talking about this game since the Packers won last weekend.

Andrew had told me before about how he cried after the Packers lost the same playoff game to the 49s in 1998. I thought it was a really cute story, but after seeing the last few mins of the game, I can see why he was so upset. Look it up. 

But this isn't just a big game for the Packers. It's also a big game for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers grew up in California and was a huge 49s fan. Later, the 49s would pass over him in the first round of the NFL draft in 2005. I think this clip says it all...



With the exception of the 2010 Super Bowl and actually visiting Lambeau, I'm not sure if I have been this excited for a Packers game. So if you are looking for the Flaters this evening, I think you know where to find us.


Go Pack Go!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

CHI TOWN

This weekend I was able to visit my friend Katie in Chicago. I always joke that it's like a real vacation because her studio is like my hotel. The best hotel ever because it has a cute cat, Rosie!

Sick | Not Sick

Katie got really sick on Saturday putting quite the damper on our plans for the day. So with a change of plans, I did a lot of reading, strolled around her neighborhood, did a little shopping, and watched her sleep (Ok, that sounds creepy... but I kind of did. Studio apartment, remember?) Her awesome boyfriend, who was supposed to be leaving the city for the weekend but stayed to hang out with me while Katie was ill, took me to watch the Packers game at a bar with some of his friends. What a cool dude! (No pics... Didn't want to look creepy with a bunch of people I didn't know.)

Katie's waffle sandwiches were pretty cute. One and a half thumbs up.

On Sunday, Katie seemed to be feeling much better so we met up with her friend, Sarah, at the breakfast place of my choosing, Waffles. I give it one thumb up mostly because we had a drawing competition that involved spotted antelope, caturtles, and a sick looking dog. The food was nothing spectacular.

If we played "Guess the price!" you would all lose.

And then some shopping where I found a deal that was too good to be true! Please be jealous of my beautiful new purse. Other than that, we did a lot of lazy napping and tv watching, football and Downton Abbey!

Overall, it was a very good weekend. I know Katie was quite bummed about her sickness. On the plus side, I even slept in the same bed with her and didn't get sick. I have the immune system of an ox! (I don't even know what that really means... but just know that I am awesome.)

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

HELLO, 2013

New Year's Eve - Iowa State Football, beer, Lego Harry Potter, and Portlandia

Ah, a new year! A fresh start! A new chapter!

This year, I want my new year to be an everyday event. A daily promise to myself to be more loving, forgiving, and compassionate. I feel like cheering because I know tomorrow will be beautiful. Life is a gift and a blessing. Let's enjoy it!

I just want to be a better me. I want to wake up every morning with a clean slate, a new beginning. I want to look at the day in review and know that I am a better, wiser version of myself than the day before. I want to make mistakes and fall off the wagon, because sometimes it's the missteps and errors that put you one step closer to becoming the better you. I want to grow, learn, and explore. And I want to cheer! Hooray for another day full of promise and adventure!

I want adventure! I want to live and love like crazy. I want to be spontaneous and calculated, at the same time.

I resolve to have a mindful, thankful year full of intrigue and happiness. The bad days will be there too, and I will love them all the same.

Will you join me?