I know, I know...

Okay, I've been extremely busy. I know I said I'd post more often, but honestly, I just haven't had that much time. Here's the shortened version of the long story. I've been going through that little period at the end of the semester involving projects. I swear I've written 60-70 pages of reports in the past week. I'm done though!!! Except for studying for my College Algebra exam (I'm trying to test out of it... wish me luck). Aside from that I've been playing the role of supportive wife to my husband and his new business.

:::Begin shameless plug:::

Rob and his business partners - Matt (the idea maker), Andy (my brother), and Greg (our good friend) are starting a business called The Gamer Lounge. To start this business off they have teamed up with the Mid Rivers Best Buy (all you St. Charles folk know what I'm talking about) to host a Guitar Hero World Tour tournament. Let me tell you, it's gonna be awesome!! They've been working hard to prepare for this by making three of these babies:

Consisting of four 42" Plasma TV's and four XBOX 360's they are The. Bomb. That's right, we dropped a little under 13K one day on the electronics for these. Best Buy loves us.

So, that said, The Gamer Lounge will be hosting a Guitar Hero World Tour tournament on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Mid Rivers Best Buy. The entry fee is $20 for a chance to win your choice of a Wii bundle, a PS3 bundle, or a $400 gift card to Best Buy. We will also be raffling a Wii Fit. Come on out check it out! If you want to enter you can go here and pay through PayPal. Or you can enter the day of (if there's space available!). I hope to see you there!!!

Okay, I've done my wifely duty and placed an advertisement on my blog. ;o)

But seriously though, I'm super excited about this and so is Rob. Come support our new adventure!

P.S. If you can't make this one, we're planning another for December 28, details to come soon!

Married Life: The Good, The Bad, and the Superfabulously Ugly (and cuteness you can't deny!)

"So how's married life?" I love that question, because then I get to dwell on the fact that I'm married for a few minutes out of my day! I'm sure the question will get old, but for now I'm going to bask in all of my newlywed glory.

The Good.
If I said everything about being married is good, I would be a liar, and I don't like lying. I'm not going to sugarcoat things and say that marriage life is all rainbows and puppies. It definitely has its ups and downs. Sometimes its more down than up, but mostly its more up than down. I have to remember to cherish these times because they don't last forever. But, all in all, I LOVE being married. I love taking care of my own house. Cleaning, doing laundry, its all so fulfilling! I'm sure it will get old after a while, but knowing that I'm doing my job as a wife is such an awesome feeling. I also love the freedom we have. We are accountable to each other now. We go where we want when we want and our only real responsibility is our babies! Don't get me wrong, we definitely try and spend time with out families on a regular basis, but for me, never having lived away from home, I feel very liberated! I love not having so say goodbye to Rob every night, going to bed with him, waking up next to him. It's all so wonderful! So I could go on and on with all of this sappy stuff that your are probably ready to vomit at, but I'm gonna move on...

The Bad.
Ah... the bad. Did I ever mention how when I said my vows, I wasn't just agreeing to marry Rob, but all of his lovely friends too? Yes, I sometimes feel like the housekeeper for a frat house. Okay, a very tame frat house, but a house full of boys nonetheless. It's fun, sometimes. Others, it can be slightly annoying. Rob and I have had many a discussion regarding "us" time. But, marriage is a learning experience. We have to work hard on it and we are perfecting it every day.

Then, there's the business. Rob is definitely the entreprenurial type. He is desperately searching for a way out of the 9-5 business world. Can you blame him? Who doesn't wish they didn't have to wake up to an alarm and report to a boss everyday? Rob has wanted to start his own business since I've known him. So this summer has been a roller coaster of business meetings, loan applications, and me sitting on the edge of my seat with butterflies in my stomach at the thought of the bank putting a lein on my beloved house. Is scared a good word? I think so. Rob won't rest until he's tried. Whether he succeeds (please, God, let him succeed) or fails, I'll be standing here next to him.

The Ugly.
They grow them big out here. Spiders that is. From here on out I will refer to these disgusting eight-legged creatures as just that creatures. Because, I can't stand to even look at the word. It grosses me out. I've mentioned before my ridiculous fear for creatures. If I get surprised by one, I'll hyperventilate. So, living here has been a bit trying. Our house was built in a subdivision that used to be a farm field. Our house is somewhat alone over here in the new part and there is still a lot of open land. All of this land allows for unprecedented growth of creatures. They are large. Disgustingly large. Frightenlingly large. Rob stepped on a wolf creature outside our garage that was about the size of the palm of my hand. Luckily we have a pest shield system that seems to work well and we haven't found any inside yet. But, apparently Satan has discovered this little weakness of mine and is taunting me with it. I don't like it. I don't like it at all.

The Cute!
So, let's end this on a high note, shall we? Another thing I love about being married? My family. My own little family. Me, Rob, and the kids. My babies. They're the best! I love them and they have been awesome! Remember my post on them peeing in the house. I've discovered a solution that works. I pick up their food and water! They've only pooped in the house once or twice since then and haven't peed! Squee! My life is now perfect! Just look at Dudley, who can deny a face like that? 

I'm Baaaaaaaccccckkkk!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm married!!! What an amazing week and a half it has been! The wedding went off without a hitch and our week off of work was way too fast. But, I'll start from the beginning.

The week of the wedding was crazy. We were so busy decorating and making sure everything was ready. The rehearsal and dinner were great as well. I was really proud of myself because I never really felt very nervous beforehand. The day of, however was a different story.

I took everyone's advice and made sure I tried to take everything in as well as stayed hydrated and kept food on my stomach. We all met on Friday at the church to get our hair done at about 8am. Deanna, who is AMAZING, was there bright and early and did everyone's hair. She was literally working from 8am until 3:30pm to get everyone done. I couldn't thank her enough! She did a great job on everyone' s hair and kept a beautiful smile on her face all day long! My only pictures from the day of the wedding are of us hanging out getting ready so, here goes!

Deanna (she's gonna hate me for this picture!)

Doing our hair

Playing spoons while waiting...

Doing my makeup

Steaming my veil

I must say, also, that God is good! I literally sat and stared out the window ALL DAY as it rained CONSTANTLY from 8:30am until Clary (our photographer) got there. It didn't stop!! I was pleading with God to make it stop! He did! So, we tramped out in the wet grass in the wooded area behind the church for some pictures. I'm anxiously awaiting these! I'll definitely let you know as soon as they're posted.

The week after the wedding was a great week off. Not exactly what I had pictured, but still wonderful. Remember how I said Rob hadn't moved anything yet? And he promised he would be moved by the wedding? Well, the day after the wedding he breaks the news to me that he doesn't have any UNDERWEAR! What?! So, we head back to his parents' house to get some of his stuff. We also had a LOT of company the week after. I was hoping for some more alone time, but I still had a good time.


One thing I really loved: spending some good quality time with my babies! I got a whole week to love on them and get them used to their new house. They're loving it here! As am I!


Unfortunately, I had to head back to work today... it was bittersweet. I missed my class and am anxious to establish our routine. However, I don't want to start up the day to day boring stuff. Such is life.

More to come later!

PHEW!

I'm so tired. Not that I'm tired for a bad reason. This weekend was a LOT of fun. But, I'm tired. Saturday I had my bachelorette party! It was a blast. Low key, which is what I wanted. We went to Ariake Steak House and then bowling at Brunswick Zone after which we went back to Casey's house (my future sister-in-law) and just hung out. I know it doesn't sound like much fun to some, but I loved it and I'm the bride, so there. ;o)


Saturday, Rob's dad threw him a surprise party. This was AWESOME! As much as his dad complains about Rob's friends coming over (being noisy and leaving a mess) he's gonna miss it when Rob moves out! So, Don decided to have a last hurrah and had a big poker tournament with all of Rob's buddies. Us girls hung out all night and ate pizza... :o)

Sunday, we took some groceries to the house and then a birthday party for Rob's little cousins, Max, Camille, and Alexandra. It was fun! James, Camille, and Sophia practiced walking down the aisle (hallway) for the wedding. They are going to be great!

On a side note, I went grocery shopping this week. I've definitely been worried about this. We're on a budget, obviously and I was really worried about how much money it was going to cost to get all of those basic things for the house - salt, pepper, vegetable oil, etc. But, I've been clipping coupons, and I went through the ads for the week. Overall, I think I did really well! And, I LOVE Super Walmart! As much as I really don't like shopping at Walmart, you can't deny it when their prices are lower than the grocery store's on sale with a coupon!


I'm going to end this post telling you that I'm getting married next week! AHHH!!! I'm super excited and super stressed. But, after the wedding I have a week off! For now I have to get through a week of a period-induced headache (yuck!!) that hopefully doesn't turn into a migraine, again. I don't need that teaching four year olds.


With that said, I can't say I'll be posting much in the next couple of weeks. I'll definitely make one last post before the wedding, but hopefully after all of this is over I can spend some more time on here!

Playing Catch-Up

I've decided that I'm a bona fide procrastinator. I didn't use to be a procrastinator. This is why I never blog and never go to the gym. I keep telling myself that I'll go later, or I why bother? Nobody really reads your blog anyway. Just don't eat as many calories. I blame my new procrastinating ways on Rob. Case in point.

Me: Rob, this weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, I'd like to get you moved out to the house for the most part since this will be one of our only free weekends to do it before the wedding.

Rob: Steph, the wedding is THREE WEEKS AWAY!

Me: But, I REALLY don't want to be moving our stuff the week after the wedding when we have off. I want to relax and enjoy being MARRIED.

Rob: We have plenty of time.

Me: Fine.

See, how can I not keep a little of this from rubbing off on me? I mean, Rob is the procrastinator of all procrastinators. Example number two:

Rob: What ring size are you again?

Me: Why? (Is he going to buy me two rings!? Oh wait. Oh, no. My thoughts come to a screeching halt as I realize...) You haven't bought my wedding band yet!?

Rob: No.

Me: Babe, the wedding is in THREE WEEKS!!!

Rob: So, all I have to do is go buy it.

Me: What if it has to be sized!

Rob: Oh.

Yup. We're gonna arrive at our wedding day and I'm not gonna have a wedding band. What am I gonna do, borrow someone's? I need to take a deep breath. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Okay. It'll all be okay.

Speaking of the wedding... I've done a few things in preparation... and I have pictures!!!

Mom and I spent an entire Sunday afternoon tying tags to bubbles with ribbons. It was fun, let me tell you. I'm happy with how they turned out though!


I bought my dress for the rehearsal dinner (again.)! I had bought one earlier and didn't really like it for the occasion anymore so I decided to keep my eyes open. Well, I found this adorable dress from B. Moss for $30! B.Moss is definitely one of my new favorite stores. They have some adorable clothes! (and good deals..)


I also put together my flower girl's gifts... some hair accessories and their Build A Bear giftcards!


Another exciting accomplishment, I dyed my crinoline for the wedding blue! I debated for a while on whether or not to do this, and then thought, what the heck? So we dyed it, and I took it to the bridal shop with Jocelyn to try on with my dress to make sure it worked! I love it.


James' gift came in the mail. I doubled it as his ring bearer gift and birthday gift since his birthday is July 4th. It's a bedroom set with trucks, trains, and tractors on it for the big boy bed he's getting after I move out! He'll love it!


I also had another shower, which I mentioned last time I actually posted. It was a lot of fun. I got some awesome stuff!

My cousin, who's doing my flowers sent a bouquet to see if I like the shape and size of it. It's not at all what my bouquet will look like, but it still looks fabulous after a 4 hour trip in a warm car without water. She also sent a boutonnière, which I'm sure looked a lot better when it was fresh.


One of the gifts I got is a figurine we're going to use for our cake table! Along with this sign. It'll be great.


On a note totally not related to the wedding... WE HAVE GRASS!!! They put sod down at our house on Monday! It makes our yard look HUGE (which, it is at almost 15,000 sq. ft.). Although, now we have to figure out how to water it... since we're hardly ever there. I really don't want it to die.


On a note related to the house, we had our first security scare (and hopefully our last). I got a call from Brinks a couple of nights ago saying that our alarm had gone off in zone 4. I missed the call, so this was a message. I was thinking that zone 4 is the basement (which is guarded with a motion detector) and wasn't too terribly worried considering we live in the middle of a field and a mouse could have gotten in or something (which isn't good, but it's better than a burglar!). Turns out the alarm tripped was the glass break detector in the great room! It detects if glass is broken within a 30 ft radius. They called my house and asked if I wanted them to send the cops. Um, YES! Turns out it was nothing. A false alarm. But, regardless that was scary!

Write it on the calendar

Rob asked me what I was doing today after school. I told him I was going to stop by the house and grab the mail and make sure everything was okay. He actually asked me to wait for him so he could go too! He NEVER wants to go! I wonder what got into him?

I'm also hoping (probably in vain) that my new comforter set has arrived. I ordered it three days ago....

And... after we finally get SOMETHING on our bed so it looks nice, I'm finally going to take some pictures of the house and make my gigantic before and after post! Please, people, don't get so excited, I know this will be the highlight of your day. :o)

Weekend in Review

What a great weekend! Aside from my incessant coughing, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Saturday, I got up and forced Rob to go out to the house with me and do some work while the weather was nice. I say force because Rob rarely voluntarily goes out to our house to do anything. Maybe its a male/female thing. I can almost always think of something to do out there, whether it be cleaning or organizing or just sitting and enjoying MY house. It's quiet out there. I don't get quiet time very often. About 20 minutes after we got there and watched the informational video on our new security system, Rob sits on the couch and, as I'm putting away all of HIS winter clothes that HE wanted to bring out, says, "Are you ready to go yet? I'm bored." Cue "the staredown." I'm not done yet, therefore you must suffer. Now I'm on a mission to find more to do. Tee hee.

Saturday night we enjoyed dinner at Roadhouse with my brother and sister-in-law, then came back to the house and relaxed. It was great.

Today, I got up and went to Sunday School at church, since I was going to miss the service and headed out to the Square One Brewery to meet some fellow Blogging (and non-blogging) friends. This was my first get together and, in addition to being extremely nervous about driving in St. Louis with a fear of having a coughing spell, I was very nervous about meeting all of these women who I've become such good friends with online. You may remember, I'm really shy. I refused to be shy today and tried my best to be a little outgoing. I'd say I was somewhat successful. Anywho, check us out after a DELICIOUS breakfast and quite a few funny stories.


From left to right, back row: Donna, Brigid, Julia, Ame, Christie, Jen, and Me.
Front Row: Teresa, Amber, Lauren, Kristal, Mary, and Meghan.

I definitely plan on going back to the restaurant, and I hope to eventually make it to another G2G.

This afternoon, however, was a different story. Rob and I decided we'd brave the crowds and head to the Zoo with Ryan and Stephanie. Big mistake. I was warned at the G2G that it was Earth Day. I did not know, however, that they were having a festival for it at Forest Park. So, after sitting on Hampton for and hour and a half just going the mile and a half from I-44 to Forest Park, we decided it wasn't worth it and headed home.

But the evening perked up when we found out that Jeff and Casey (Rob's brother and sister-in-law) are going to buy us a grill for our wedding gift! We are SUPER excited! Also, we headed to Linens-n-Things and ordered a bedroom set. We found it on sale in the ad this week and couldn't pass up the deal. It is VERY similar to the one we registered for except WAY cheaper. We got the comforter, two regular shams, two euro shams, a bed skirt, and two accent pillows for $65! I love it!


Now we start the week over again... but, that just means we are one more week closer to the wedding! 8 weeks and counting!

What a week!

This past week has been crazy! I'm going to go through it step by step, so prepare yourself for a gigantic post!

• Going back to last Saturday... Rob and I's wonderful friends Chris and Samantha got married! It was beautiful! The wedding was at St. Peter Church in St. Charles and the reception was at the Foundry Art Center, definitely a cool place. I'll let the pictures do the talking, though...
  

Sam's SIX flowergirls and FOUR ringbearers! There was a lot of cuteness walking down that aisle!

Sam with Jenn (left) and Lisa (right) her bridesmaids

Cutting the cake!

Beautiful bouquets! There was a red rose in each of their bouquets in memory of our dear friend Meghan who died in a car accident last year.

Rob and I with Chris and Sam

• Sunday I got to see another good friend again. I hadn't seen her in almost a year and she's pregnant! Well, she must be, considering it was her baby shower. It was adorable. She's a bit of a country girl and it was a camping theme with camouflage and even a fake campfire. It was so much fun! She is adorable too. Just makes me all the more jealous of pregnant ladies! I'm definitely not having kids for a long time though, so don't get any ideas!
• Last week started the race to get my homework done. I'm wanting to finish all of my "pre-assigned" stuff for school so I don't have to think about it anymore. I didn't do too bad, but I had a LOT to do, so I was good and didn't blog while I was doing homework. It was tough though!
• Last Friday I went to the Drunken Fish for the first time with Chris and Sam and Jennifer. It was so good to get together with them and talk about her wedding and mine coming up! I'm so jealous right now! I want to be married.... Sigh... soon enough! So the Drunken Fish was not at all what I expected. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but for some reason I was disappointed. The food was pretty good. I didn't get Sushi since I've yet to bring myself to try it, but I got a beef noodle bowl which was fabulous. I have to say, though, I found the restaurant to be a little dirty in general - hidden by the low lighting. It was small and I had a hard time understanding our waitress, but they served Pepsi, which made me pretty happy... :o)
• On Saturday I continued the race to finish the homework before going to the City Museum for Ryan's birthday. This was a definitely fun, but I have my reservations. So this place is supposed to be a big playground for adults (well, kids too) right? Cool, I can't remember what Tumble Drum was like, time to relive my inner kiddo. Enter me, ready to play. So, I'm feeling pretty brave, going up really high and crawling through tubes I'm way to big for while my knees are crying and decide to follow the crowd. Big mistake. They all decide to go into a tunnel to which we have no idea where it leads, nor what comes after the "descent." After the "descent" is a VERY dark, VERY narrow, VERY short tunnel that was NEVER ENDING. I'm not really a claustrophobic and not really afraid of the dark, I mean I tend to concentrate more on spiders in the dark, small places than the places being small and dark. Not this place. It was terrifying. Well, take a look for yourself: this is lit up by a flash, imagine it pitch black. Yeah, not cool at all. Especially when the floor decided to go up and make the dark, small tunnel even smaller. Yeah, wow. Warning for future visitors - don't descend the thing that looks like a well. Its super scary. But I'll share some other fun pictures from the night as well...

Eric serenading Ryan on the piano...

Denny and Rob with the creepy mask...

The gigantic kaleidescope

Here it is. THE HOLE. Yeah, imagine it pitch black, totally not cool.

Ryan the birthday boy and his girlfriend Stephanie, they are so cute!

• On Sunday I had a shower! But, first let me backtrack to Saturday night after the City Museum. Cue barfing. Yup, all night. Good old mother nature decided to bestow upon me the gift of the stomach flu the night before the shower I've been looking forward to for weeks. Come Sunday morning I was feeling a little weak and slightly nauseas, but I forced down some applesauce and put on a happy face before heading to the shower. Once at the shower, I was okay. I didn't get to enjoy the lunch at Java G's but I got a lot of awesome gifts and got to see some family I hadn't seen in a while! Say a little prayer for Rob's Aunt Billie though. She passed out when the shower was ending and hit her head on a table. We had to call and ambulance and it was definitely a scary moment. From what I understand she is doing fine now, but they are running tests to figure out why it happened.

So concludes my week of chaos... now we are two months from the wedding! Let the two months of chaos begin! I have a bunch of stuff to do still, but everything is coming together now and I can't wait! By the way, I'm still working on the house...