Week 15: decisions decisions

One of my many stupid hobbies I have is looking at new on the market homes and land, searching for that perfect spot we'll be able to build our dream home, or modify a close to dream like home. Our specifications:

• Large enough to have "me time" even when there are 4 people in the home. Space is necessary.
• open floor plan for kitchen, dining and family room. For those times where we will crave each other's company and not have to be in the same room. And so we can host things there.
• enough rooms to hold: us, our 2 kids (that's all we're working on for now), a guest room or quarters, a home theater, kid's game room (so they only have to clean it once a month or so), office/library, laundry room, amber's crazy idea room, Craig's gamer heaven, etc. I love the luxury of those.
• enough land to have a yard for our kids, horses (including but not limited to housing other's horses, training, trail rides, etc), have a barn where it can be rented out for weddings and events, maybe a bed and breakfast, a vineyard... to name a few things.
• a studio for my photoshoots and editing.
• a pool and pool house (pool included of course).
• and maybe even another small house or two (cute cottage) so when family comes to visit they can stay for longer without us bugging each other. Or maybe even for housing newlyweds.. Or house our ranch manager who will help hire and train horses. Yes, I've thought a lot about this.

The newest specification: in or around Hillsboro, Oregon.

All this time I've been watching the market for homes and land around Folsom, CA since Craig got on permanently; figuring we have a great place for Craig to work for a long while, lots of other groups he could work in down here... It's certainly cheap enough to build a house and for me not to have to work when we have kids (or at least a 9-5 sort of job).

Last night, Craig dropped a too logical request and desire to move to Hillsboro. It's only 3 hours away from family, there's another group like his there, it's just as big as Folsom (if not bigger) so the opportunity will be as great... And I can't fight against his reasoning. Stupid logic. I love California. The weather's great 10 out of 12 months of the year, there's sun!!!!, we finally have friends to hang out with, it's far enough away from family we can enjoy the visits...

But when we have kids, it'd be less of a burden for family to deal with to see their grand kids/niece-nephew/cousin and see them grow, instead of getting pictures and a yearly visit. At least, the close family.

And wouldn't you believe, I started my quest on trying to find something that will work for us for a while in Oregon. Unfortunately, since Hillsboro is right next to Portland, all the rich Portland people live in Hillsboro, making the price of property and homes skyrocket. For example:

California land (all or mostly usable): $29,000 to $500,000
California homes (on land of course 3+acres): $117,000 to $1.5 million.

Oregon land (all or mostly usable 3+ acres): $200,000 to $2 million
Oregon homes (on land 3+ acres): $500,000 to $15 million (no friggen joke)

Geez friggen Louise. Our tentative plan is to wait until Craig gets his first promotion, maybe even a year after then to go over to the Hillsboro office. Once he gets past that first promotion (they have a 2 year block on it at Intel.. for the first one only) I know he'll do great enough to climb from there. He's as determined as I am... just, his direction is better for us in the long run though. ANYWAY, we're undecided (depending on how long it takes us to save up) we may move in to a starter home on 15,000sqft lot or higher (boo) and if need be, fix it, save in the meantime. or we could (if we have enough saved) build/buy the house we'll be in for at least 25 years right off. It all depends. And once we move, I'll have to quit my job unless they let me work from home in Oregon (doubtful). I'll need to apply for a photography business license there too. either find a new job or join stupid get together groups to spread my business and make friends...

I really don't like tentative plans. It makes me frazzled. I like knowing the action we're taking. There's too many things to worry about with tentative plans. To many paths to go down or too many complications that could get in the way and change it.  All I know now is that moving to Hillsboro is a 95% probability and since it's friggen expensive, we can't buy the luxuries we have been. No more gadgets, no more clothes, no more excess food, no more going out to dinner, no more going out to movies, no more buying "frivolous" items. My favorite kind. I'll have to start making things more often... which will take more time (not food, but gifts and things we need, I already do that for food).

Tough cookie.

Week 13 & 14

Week 13: My birfffday week :)

Craig spoiled me by letting me throw a party and getting me an espresso maker (that I've only been bugging him about for... like ever) there was a lot of excitement in that week. Craig let me get a new tree. A bigger one. We bought decorations and lights (had to go back to the store because we underestimated our tree) and decorated it before December ***gasp!!***. But since it was my birfffday week, I was receiving cards and gifts and my cards and gifts ALWAYS have a home under the Christmas tree. He got a lot of crap for it from work, but they just don't understand! mean-ol' non-December-birfffday people. I think we even keep the Christmas tree up til Sammy's birfffday if we can help it. Craig got his home entertainment system with only 5 speakers because our apartment's too small for the 7 speakers our receiver allows.

Anyway, it was a good week for us.

Week 14: aah!

We didn't necessarily have a bad week, we just didn't have a good or productive week. Frustration was heavy and the monotony of going to work, coming home, eating, sleeping, going to work, etc was really bothering us. It happens every now and again when we just have nothing to occupy our attention for a little bit too long and then we bug each other in our small apt. We signed another year on that, so toooo bad!

I also had my first PAID photoshoot on Friday. Right after I saw a terrible looking/sounding accident. I cried for a day or two after that.

Week 12

We took a vacation! Just to get out of our apartment for a while. We went to Yosemite for a night. It was crowded and snowy, and Craig learned how to drive my car! (a stick)

Then on Sunday we went to Target and bought a tree, 500 mini lights and decorations. We set up an awesome second first tree! :) It's our second first because it's like... 4ft+ taller. haha. We still have our first. Which I hope we'll have for a while. It looks so pretty!

It was a great feeling to get it set up. We decided to get it because Craig's parents sent me a birthday gift, and it needed a home! It's set up in the corner of our "dining room" and it looks super pretty and home-ey.

Week 11--a week late

I'm a hardass. with everyone except Craig. I learned that it takes a lot of dedication and mind power to be a girl. Or act like a girl. Or try to communicate with girls. I grew up with boys for the first 10 years of my life, I get along with boys easier. I love to play games and trash talk skill. Sure, the girl part of me enjoys some gossip and talking. But I only enjoy just enough to hit the edge of Craig's tolerance, which happens to be mine.

Anyway... it's hard to relate to girls. Guys are easy. Straight forward. Hardly any emotion. I can deal with hardly any emotion. Because that means I don't have to show emotion. It sounds like blasphemy to girls, but I like it. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything since I'm comfortable  in that element.

The reason why I bring this up is because I get a little.... ..... frustrated when I'm assumed to be a girly girl. But there's not much I can do aside from insulting to point that out. And I don't want that either.

Anyway... Whatev.

Week 10

Last week was a difficult one to get through. Mostly for Craig. Work stresses, being extremely tired, just no will to do anything.

Friday everything got better. We actually went to dinner and the movies, something that we haven't done in a few months. Not that we have anything stopping us, but we've been in a rut and a money saving stuff. But we saw Unstoppable. Even with all the cheesy stuff it was pretty good!

We went to the Verizon store and ended up buying us new phones! We'll need to wrap them Christmas Eve and open them in the morning, because that's our Christmas gift to each other :)

anyway! My heart feels better from the last couple posts.

Early Christmas Gift

Craig and I got our Christmas gifts for each other a little early this year.

Craig: got a Droid 2.
Amber: got a Droid Incredible

It is a first smart phone for Craig. And my second. Though the one before was only an eighth as smart.. :).

And yes, I have already dropped it.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Week 9 and 2 Months

This weekend tested how far I was willing to go to make Craig happy while staying sane. I think I passed that limit this weekend.

I won't say what I did to pass that limit, but just that it was the worst thing I've ever had to do in my life. And I don't think I could do it again. And it's not even the worst thing I could have done.

Part of me wishes that what we had to do ends up not working. Because if it were me, I wouldn't have done it. It's a payback to Craig for making me do it. Which I hate. But I don't think he realizes how far out of myself I had to go. And that I only did it because of him. To make him feel better.

My heart hurts. I want to cry all the time. I'm being such a girl right now and I hate that too.

Week 8 : Sweetness

This weekend may not have been one of my proudest moments, but it helped me realize something about Craig. Though I know he does, he showed me on Saturday and Sunday that he loves and cares about me.

We went to a Halloween Party on Saturday evening.. and without realizing it, I had 8 shots of Vodka in my 4 screwdrivers without really eating. I really didn't realize I'd had that many. Which is exactly what happens when you get wasted. haha. But Craig helped me to the bathroom and sat with me a couple times to make sure I was alright. I felt bad so I kept sending him back to play.

He kept asking if he should take me home, but that would have to leave the party himself, I kept saying no. And then when we did get home, he helped me in to the shower, kept checking on me to make sure I stayed awake in the shower (didn't happen, I love sleeping in the shower. lol) and didn't drown. When I got out and went to the bed, he tucked me in. He had put a water bottle on my pillow so I had that through the night. So cute. :)

Anyway, that's my hunny :). So sweet. Let me relax and be slow all Sunday, laying in our bed (on his side). He made me dinner and got me drinks. Oh boy.. I heart him!

Week 7

Best Friends

I've been asked this a couple times before and after us getting married. Oh, the question varies, but it usually just means: "Are you guys best friends?".

I have to think about this really hard each time. Even though I always come up with the same answer. "No, we're not." which shocks people. understandably so.

I just can't bring myself to call Craig my best friend. To me, a best friend is someone you can tell all your secrets to, you're not afraid of what they think of you, and you can count on them to be around for you when your at your absolute worst.

I tell Craig about 95% of everything, there's just some things he really doesn't need to know. I may not be afraid of what he thinks of me, but you better believe I'm being the best me so he doesn't have to see my worst. Why would I want that? Why would I want him to see that? I don't want my husband (still ew) to realize he married a potentially crazy person (hehehe.. not thaaaat crazy). And I reapply makeup after work, don't let him see me without makeup until bedtime or wake up, don't eat as much as I want (which is really for the better), all so I can not look at my absolute worst. I think the day I stop doing all that for him is the day we've lost our romance and now we're just roommates.

Don't worry! I express most of my feelings, but I've learned to sensor so we can have a peaceful relationship. Not one with lots of drama and crazy-face stuff.

But with all of that in mind... I don't do things with my best friend that I would absolutely do with Craig. I don't carry on a sexual relationship with my best friend (sorry puppy!;p lol), I can fall asleep without my best friend laying next to me-I have a horrible time without Craig, and I don't share money or my opinion on what we should do with our money with my best friend. I'd be absolutely stupid not to do it with Craig. though, i will buy stuff for my best friend, but I'm not going to open a personal bank account with my best friend... definitely a business bank account!! hehehe.

He considers me his best friend, but it's a little different. He doesn't have his previous best friends around us anymore, and they hardly talk. He has good friends here, but they aren't best friends. I hope it changes. That there's someone that he can hang out with at any time and he doesn't get sick of them after a while... Of course, he's a dude, so he can blow off the "sick of them" easier than I can. But I wish it was better for him.

Anyway! I love him so much, but he's not my best friend.

Week 6

OOOOPS! missed Week 6! We got our bed! I have pics! coming later!

Week 5

Babies on the Brain

Yes and No (to your question you haven't said out loud yet).

This week.. 2 babies were born in my family. It's scary, happy for them, weird, and I guess a little neat. It definitely makes me think.

One thing I find myself doing is being super super freaked out for them. Since I'm at the age of babies... at least in my family. Lets see... my mom would have had Jason and I already.. or at least be preggers with me. Julie had Brandon (or been preggers). My cousin is... 20? and she just had hers Wednesday morning. And I'm pretty sure everyone else would have been preggers by now.

I'm just glad Craig and I are way too selfish to want to try now. I guess, we're not that selfish since most of the things we have planned before kids, is to make their life better after we have them. Build a home, start my own business, maybe invest in some other businesses, learn and invest in stocks, save money... buy new cars (at least 1 new now, so that it's old and we won't be sadface when it gets dirty later. haha). So, we're semi to mostly selfish!

Between Week 4 & 5

This was so funny to me that I had to share it.

Someone asked me if I had the "newlywed glow" at work (we work in different offices) and I replied with:

"no, public happiness makes me uncomfortable"

which is true. I don't like the comments of "awww" and "how cute!" "newlyweds!" or the advice of what to look for in our marriage. I mean there is a lot of great advice out there.. for instance what my grandpa told us at our wedding. Which I can't remember the exact words, but it pretty much meant, marriage is hard work.

What I don't like is the "ohh, just you wait, you guys will hate each other" or the "just wait until he sees some hot young thing, you'll be dumped in a heartbeat" I don't know who they are married to, but it's definitely not to my (ew) husband (ew). Good thing he's not around when this happens because then I'd have to speak up and start a fight. Without him around I can just remind myself that they're miserable, and they just want someone else to bask in their misery too. and then I don't have to get in a fight with them about how they're miserable. Because usually it's in public.

Anyway, there's no "married glow" because we're just.. us. And we like that. Maybe later I'll be frustrated that I didn't soak up all the attention, but by that point, maybe it'd be time for a renewing of vows with our kids or something, then we can be as cutesy as we want.

Month 1

Week 4

Still feels like dating!!! Nothing feels changed. We've been married officially for 30 days. over the course of 30 days.... We just feel like normal. Our world hasn't been shifted. We don't feel this special link to each other that you just can't get while dating. I just don't feel it. Even when we fought while dating (it got rarer and rarer as we got older), we still didn't think of the break-up option. We knew that wasn't even a possibility. I mean, I feel bad that I didn't have a more giving or prosperous family to help me like his family did so we could be rolling in dough, but we both don't care. My family is what they are. Insane, crazy, looney, and completely involved in each other's lives. His family is disciplined, older, small, and completely involved in each other's lives. I couldn't ask for anything better.

Which reminds me, I was going to get a degree in something, but we decided that the only thing that could help me be a better mom would be to take some early education classes. I won't take them, though I may take some photography classes. But anything I quit my job to go do, is not going to help me be a stay at home mom. I won't be working at a 9-5 job, bringing in a lot of money. I will find other things to do so I can help bring in some cash for Craig and I and whatever kids we have. But it was really important to me to be a stay-at-home mom more than anything else. So, I won't even consider getting a degree until after my kids are in college too. And by then... what jobs could I get afterwards when I'm all crusty and old??

Anyway. I wanted to post some pictures for our three week project... but it's now moved to 3 weeks and a couple days. We have to return our original bedding because it wasn't what the picture showed. And then we bought different sheets because the other sheets we got only work with the original duvet set.

But our bed is epic! I LOVE it!!! absolutely love love love it. It's huge, and imposing, and comfy! aww, so nice :D. I've been sleeping all through the night. I only had to crack my back the first night. It's so great. Love to sit on there and watch shows... or read... or... just lay there. lol. :D

Craig didn't like it at first.. but Rogue comes up more often now. She loves her heights! And since our bed is waist high, she loves it. She can sit at the head or in the middle and Isis has no clue she's up there. Isis jumps better now, not high enough to jump on Rogue's kitchen counter perch, but high enough to jump on the bed frame then up on the bed. So awesome :D

Next weekend I'll post some pictures!!! :D HOPEFULLY! As long as the new bedding works. lol. ugggghhh!

Week 3

Us VS Divorce

This has been on my mind for a lot this week. I think it's because the marriage license is looming over us... and then it's officially official. It might also be because people are always calling in to radio stations about divorces they've either gone through or going through. And I just... can't fathom it.

So I have been thinking about it. I think about how I feel about Craig right now. And how I assume Craig feels about me. How happy, no matter how dramatic our wedding was (just because of the officiant), we were that day. How thankful we were that people wanted to partake in our day... and how confident we were and still are that we'll be able to hold true to our vows. That our 6 years together prepared us for our married life... so we know what works and what doesn't work with each other. But, listening to people that have been in a similar position, are now divorced.... I just can't imagine it. I mean, I can see their progression to get in that situation: eg., not taking care of each other or themselves, not listening to each other's needs or expressing those needs, having kids without establishing their marriage foundation, having kids thinking that's going to "strengthen" your marriage when it's in the pits, taking each other for granted and not showing enough appreciation for each other's accomplishments, etc.

It still scares me though. When Craig came home from work this Thursday, I just looked at him and got really upset. Just the thought that we may not be together later on in life burned my heart. It was awful. So I told him, that if either of us feels like if we were in a position where we would cheat given the opportunity, then we have to tell each other. Or that if we are given the opportunity, then fight it as hard as you could, come home and tell the other so we can fix it. Because that means we're not getting what we want out of each other. And that's how adultry and divorce happens. I sure have given Craig enough reasons to cheat in the past, but he hasn't. And even if he had... I don't think I could blame anyone but me and my own selfishness. I've since changed my stupid feminist view that HE needs to do everything for ME and I don't need to give HIM ANYTHING because I'M more important than HE is. The only thing I can compare it to is the self righteous though never effected slavery and black people. Women have been repressed for the longest time (I would say close to the way slaves were, just without the serious physical output they did... though abuse sure was given freely to women).. and since my rights were given to me because repressed women fought for it, I need to make up for all the "pain" THEY sufferred. When really.... I don't. I was never repressed. I was never told I'm less than a male and I have a smaller brain so I can't make decisions that are more important than what's for dinner that night. I don't have to make up for anything. I can just live my life because of what was done in the past. So.. I changed that. I started treating him better. And holy hell did that make our relationship so much better. I was happier. I think about him and I get giddy. after 6 freaking years!!! It may not be at the heart pounding level it was when we first touched, hugged, kissed, held hands, etc. but it feels good.

I know a lot of people get divorced for good reasons. Abuse, sexually or physically, is a great example of why you should get divorced. And I would even add verbal abuse to that list. Although, I'd say there's always signs, and if you ignore them and get married anyway (especially if you think you can "change" them), then you are also at fault.

So, that's what has been going through my mind a lot this week. I think the only way I can fight the thought of divorce is to only have him be my husband when I introduce him or talk about him with other people. And same with him and me being his wife. When we're together... we're boyfriend and girlfriend (one thing that I really believe Mormons do a great job of teaching). I want to be his mistress. I'd love for him to call me his gf or mistress to his friends or coworkers.. just because... if you think about that.. how great is it that someone you spend most of your time with... is someone you enjoy spending time with. Which is what you would do with your mistress or your girlfriend (or the opposite for males... whatever that would be... a mister?? lol)

Week 2

This was such an emotionally charged week.

It started with excitement. Then went to depression. Then excitement. Then depression. Just in one day.

I guess that's what I get for being a passionate person. It's both good and bad. Good when it's excitement, bad when it's depression. Sounds bipolar. But I don't hate on people when I'm depressed. It's just turned inward.

So by the middle of the week I started getting better. Craig helped a lot. Plus, I was FINALLY starting to get over my 2 weeks of sickness. Craig and I started doing P90X.... ... I want to kill the disc. It's so tough. The best part of the video is that the guy says that if you can't do any more, take a break. My favorite thing to do while exercising :D. Plus, Craig doesn't get on me for pausing for a bit since the leader-guy says we can!

We also got approval for vacation and bought our tickets to visit home :) (sorry, can't say when on here, it's the Internet, where bad people roam. Ready to rob us blind if we let them)

Friday I braved Babys R Us and a few baby sections in cheap-o places like Marshalls and Ross. I walked in excited, and as soon as I saw everything in there... panic attack ensued. I'm not expecting, I was trying to find cute stuff for a newborn photoshoot next month. I had a nightmare that night from it, where no one would pay attention to me and Craig wanted babies and was so upset that I didn't want to. Well, I definitely don't want a baby. That much is apparent. But the good thing is that Dream Craig is not like Real Craig. Real Craig is just like me. No babies for a long time.

After my scare at Babys R Us, we went to the new Buffalo Wild Wings in our old town we lived in Cali and it was pretty nummy! One of our friends is obsessed with the place and since it just opened there she REALLY wanted to go. Good thing it was nummy :D! Not good enough to go every single week like she said she's going to do... but nummy enough for once a month?! Or every other month.

Saturday we decided to look for a new bedroom... everything. New mattress set, new bed set... new bedding. Oh boy are we spending a lot. We decided to get the extra luxury line of Stearns and Foster. And we moved our decision from upgrading from a Full to a Queen, to upgrading to a California King. We went home and measured our room to make sure it would work. It'll barely fit!!

The reason we decided to do the Cal King is because we would have to re-buy everything when we buy a house... and we highly doubted that we would have the money to do that after putting a huge down payment on a house. So! We will cramp it for a couple years. :D We went to several furniture stores on both Saturday and Sunday and priced out every little option. Since we are having to get rid of 1 desk and our sofa in our bedroom, we only have room for a bed and 2 nightstands, so we went to Target and picked up 3 2drawer and 1 cubby-hole thing for our shoes to move our drawer clothes that are in the bedroom, to our walk in closet. Craig LOVES it because it looks cleaner in our closet now.

So, we dedicated this whole weekend to a new bedroom. :D Even though when we came home from our last try on Sunday Craig said he would prefer not to do it all, he changed his mind at 9pm that night, he was just so tired. So! The search is back on!

I did a lot more pictures for Justin and Saranade's wedding. I HOPEFULLY am going to be done VERY soon! So I can start on downloading on a CD and do the book. I keep buying movies (the $5.00 and 4-$9.99 kinds) so I don't get super bored while editing.

I gave a couple people at work business cards for free photography.. To build my portfolio! It was awkward. I asked Craig for help on trying to set up the business licensing and stuff too. He was really sweet and got right on it. So hopefully!!! by October I'll have a business license (eeek!) and a business plan and terms and conditions and invoice and all that junk... and a general theme of how I want my business to look. I dunno. I'm excited, and extremely nervous.

Okay, that was week 2 of Craig and Amber Deitering! Still no marriage license yet, but our emergency officiant did get the revised one.. he said he signed it and it's in the mail to Sac County, but it does take forever for mail in sucktown. It's very confusing for me to figure out what I should be signing. I can't legally sign Deitering I don't think, but then if I sign Andersen and the license is backdated, then that means it's not valid. ugh. so confusing! I just can't wait to get the license, change my social security information and then finally my license (next week for that!! eeek). Alright.. thanks for reading!

Week 1

I guess I wanted to verify that Craig really meant the "in sickness" part of the vows, because I got sick... allllll week.

Monday, I woke up with a really bad sore throat and a runny nose. I couldn't swallow.. well, without crying.

I tried SOOOOO hard to get Craig to go ride horses. But to no avail. We did go to the horses and drop off all the left over apples though! They were pretty happy to get the 5 bags from us. But Craig and I went with my Dad and his girlfriend Ann around all of Lake Tahoe. It took us like 5 hours, but we stopped a lot. Once was in Reno.. only to walk through a super smokey casino to get back over the California line so we can eat in a non-smokey environment. haha.

We left early the next morning to get back home and to kitties. I was so tired and sick that I tried very hard not to pass out.. but by the time we got everything inside and we put all the awesome money we got in the bank so we wouldn't lose it.. picked up a kitty bed for Rogue... I passed out for a couple hours on the bed. I couldn't stay awake to help Craig put everything away. His parents called some time during then, and I remember being barely awake for that, but otherwise, it was just me in the middle of the bed... sleeeeeping. I think I had Isis for a little bit too. She likes sleeping on the bed... spread out.

Wednesday was an extra "recovering" day for us, so that's what we did... or tried. I was still sick. Craig was awesome and took care of me, making me everything, trying to make me feel better.

I missed both Thursday and Friday of work, but I was so dizzy and nauseous it wasn't even funny. No way would I have been able to drive in to work without endangering myself or others on the road.

Craig played the "Engineering vs Marketing" softball game on Friday night, and won (Engineering). I finally was let out of the house and we went over to some friends house.. Then Saturday morning, Craig played in a double elimination softball tournament that his company put on. They played 4 games back to back.. to back to back. I took several pictures of everyone. I'll put them up later (still editing Justin and Saranade's wedding photos. I want those puppies done!!)

It was a great day. Got introduced as a wife, which was weird. But otherwise, it was great.

Sunday, I tried playing a softball game (softball weekend! holy moly) but I could only make it to bat and play 2 innings in outfield. I totally couldn't do any more. I was shaking, could hardly breath, coughing from just running to first.. And even today, I'm at about 75%. which usually I'm at about a 90%... I'll probably sleep for hours when I get home today.

That was week 1! I think we've totally reached the peak of our "awww so cute, newlyweds" stage.. we feel the same, the only difference is how we introduce each other now.

I don't like real cutesy stuff, it's awkward. So the 1 week of hearing that was way too much. Sure, we may miss out on one of "the best time in our lives" but I don't think so. Craig asked me to rub his back in front of his coworkers and I immediately did it. They came back with "awww. just wait, she's only doing this now because you just got married". But I don't think so. what I thought was.. He just played 4 straight games of really good softball. He could probably use a rubbing... AND, that means I can ask for one later :D. Plus, he'd taken care of me so diligently while I was bedridden the whole week. It's the least I can do for him.

But I hope we don't lose what we had when we were dating. The constant need to prove that we love each other. I think that's what those kinds of comments really mean. That people get too comfortable and realize that their life isn't all sunshine and butterflies any more and try to ruin it for others. I dunno. They're great people... but had they met Craig and I before we got married (well.. met me, but seen us together) then maybe we wouldn't hear that. Because we feel the same. Except for now we can start saving and doing, rather than thinking "After the wedding" after everything we decide we want/need/would like to do.

In conclusion... Craig really meant his vows of "in sickness and in health"... we've used up all our tolerance for newlywed comments... or even being "newlyweds"... we feel the same as dating (as I told him that wouldn't change for years ;P)... and we love that we feel that way. Our first week was great. Same as dating!

The Deiterings - Established: September 5th, 2010

What to say about this day....??

It was probably one of the fastest days we've ever had.

So, I woke up puffy and a little sick. From both the drinking and the crying. One of the best decisions I made for the pre-wedding pampering was to do a ride that morning. As in, ride some horses.

I took my bridesmaids (plus Jason--can't remember how he came in to it, I just remember I invited him.. probably to entice him in to coming to the wedding) on a horse riding luncheon! Stacy Puppy has never been on a horse, and I believe Jeana hasn't had too much experience with them, so we took the easy ride. Julie, Samantha, and Jason took the advance (LUCKY!) hehe. Well, as it turns out, though it was a peaceful and relaxing ride, our lead horse was an easy spook. She got afraid of logs in the trail. And kids. and a jack-ass runner who wouldn't stop for us to pass because a runner coming towards a horse makes them freak out. idiot.

anyway. Our lead horse freaked out at some logs, so it made Stacy and Jeana's horse freak out too. Mine (JD) was a little too far back and didn't freak out until more towards the end. But our lead was an awesome rider and though her horse was running in circles like a crazy thing, she stayed on. Impressive. Jeana's horse ran about 10 feet up the hill. Stacy's backed up and went maybe 2 feet up the hill. Then when mine decided to freak out (he couldn't be older than 10, but he was like an old soul and lazy) and ran about 20 feet up the hill. all off the trail.

But after we decided to go a different route everything was... meh. haha. It was still relaxing, but it wasn't as exciting as that 5 minutes. I was really proud of Stacy and Jeana :D.

After that, I met Craig in a little rendezvous spot to meet with our new officiant again. It was kind of sweet. I wanted to wait until we were all dressed up, but... it was... cute. or something like that. haha. So we met with him, then Craig and I checked in to our room then he dropped me off. I packed all my stuff and moved it in to my car to take it to our new room to get ready.

Julie and Sammy came with me. Jeana and Virginia did my hair!!! which, after sending 17 different hair styles, they came up with their own style of awesome-ness :D.

At 3-ish we started taking the "formal" pictures. Though, I was a little late. Even though we already saw each other that morning (and the night before)... we hadn't seen each other all dressed up.

So Craig's smile was HUGE when he saw me. it was so cute. And he looked fantastic in his suit. Usually it looks like he put on his daddy's suit, but the tux fit him so well. And I loved it. He kept telling me I was beautiful and holding me.

Pictures were great, it wasn't as awkward being the center of attention as I thought it would be. But I think it was because I was confident that Holly would take awesome pictures. Even though my dress was dirty. Then Craig, Holly, Tyler and I escaped the fray of family and went up the hill and got to the ceremony late. Fashionably of course :D

From stories I've heard, Craig made sure our officiant got noticed for sticking around and doing this last minute act of kindness (who by the way, asked for no payment, and only to pay it forward). He also did some fun groomsmen stuff. Which I have yet to see, but I'm super excited.

Then, it was our turn to go. My dad was driving me, Julie and Stacy were driving with Jeana and Sammy as their passengers (3 golf-carts total). My dad and I went in to the grass and drove around the crowd and then got ready to walk down the aisle.

Finally! I got to Craig! I can hardly remember what was said, except for me saying "raccoon raccoon raccoon" so I didn't cry and Craig. He yelled "I DO!" it was so cute. Then towards the end, when we were exchanging vows and rings, his eyes were getting red and watery. So freaking awesome. I've only seen Craig cry maybe three times in our 6 years together, never out of happiness. So it was great that he was so positive about being with me forever.

We took more pictures, poor Craig had to hold me in several different positions. We had our aunt and uncle go to our room and get our marriage license (yes.... we're insane... and stupid apparently). Then we went in and watched our slide show my new brother-in-law put together. Then we were announced, started our rounds to talk. Such a happy time.

The food was fantastic. Everyone loved my extra details (a lot less than what I really did, but they thought it was a big deal :D). The music was great.. I did leave the reception area for the one Michael Jackson song. lol. I didn't have to pay for 1 Mimosa. It was great!

If you want to look, some pictures are up here!!! eeek.

yay!

So.. that was day 1 of Craig and Amber Deitering.

Pre The Deiterings September 4th, 2010

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

Oh Saturday... One of the best, yet dramatic day of this whole experience.

First of all.. it was Craig's and I 6 year dating anniversary :). Why didn't we get married on that day? for 1... it was cheaper to wait one day. Then the 2nd reason and after-thought reason was because.. hey we went through a lot of great and terrible times in our 6 years of realization to be together forever. So it deserves its own day! and the 5th is awesome, we can have 2 days of vacation together! :D

Puppy got in at about 11.. I made her go to the meeting with Cassandra with me so someone else would know what to do if I'm not available. I let her sleep (long drive in) at about 1... she had to be back up at like 3 to get ready for the Rehearsal Dinner.

Welp... my family was missing by the time I got back to the condo. I guess they all went to the lake to go swimming. So I walked over to Craig's family's condo. The correct way this time ;). And I just hung out with them until about 3 when everyone started getting ready for the Rehearsal Dinner. It was nice hanging out with them though.. especially with Craig.

Rehearsal Dinner was fabulous. Mikes Hard Lemonade! Food! Friends! Family! Games!

And then it went to chaos. I checked my phone and found a message from Cassandra (my coordinator) saying: "Amber, call me, it's about Ellen" Later I found that she had left me a voicemail too.. but I immediately called Cassandra from that message. Only to find out that Ellen (our Officiant) was rushed to the hospital after making it to the ceremony site in time for the Rehearsal... Holy crap, my world sank. Craig was great. Puppy was fantastic. She switched in to business mode and got all the information needed from Cassandra while Craig held me and rubbed my arms/back. Cassandra had a back up plan for us though. She asked the guy who had just officiated his friends wedding like an hour before and he agreed stay an extra day to do our wedding too. Stacy (in full business mode) had also asked her to think of plan c)

I cried... but we got to the Rehearsal, ran through that, met with the new officiant, then rushed to the hospital. Since we were both pretty intoxicated.. well.. too much so to drive (combined with the freak out of no officiant the day before the wedding) so Craig's dad drove us. I weaseled my way in to see her and see if she was okay... I had to wake her up, but no, she wasn't okay.


What an emotional experience! holy moly. She's not that old, but... in that moment (like all others) she looked extremely old and fragile... and not up to marrying us the next day. I left there puffy and determined not to let it ruin our next day. We went ahead with Russell (our new guy) and scheduled to meet him the next morning.


Oh how I wish that was the end of it. I started freaking out because I thought our marriage license had Ellen's information on it and we wouldn't be able to change it. So when I got back, I grabbed it and went up to the village to talk to Stacy and Hung... Let them figure it out so I could stop crying. Which led to me drinking another drink from being so distraught by the day's unfoldings.


After a fruity drink, really delicious pot stickers and the reassurances from Hung that everything was okay, I finally got to sleep.

Pre The Deiterings September 3rd, 2010

Friday! September 3rd, 2010

My family and I tried to get out of Folsom as quick as possible. Which was not as quick as possible. But in our rush!!! I didn't repack. Which left me without underwear all weekend :D

Finally on the road.. much later than we wanted... it took us about 2 hours to get there since traffic loves us. (pssst... no it doesn't). I postponed my meeting with my coordinator (Cassandra) until the next afternoon, because we weren't going to make the meeting that day.

We check in, claim our rooms and beds. Julie/Brian/Brandon/Peyton and Jason come in and claim their beds and sofas :).

So far, nothing has kicked in. Yeah, we're all there for Craig and I... but, it just feels like fun.

My mom, Sammy and I had an appointment at Sassy Nails :D. FRENCH MANICURE! oh, and pedicure... Let me tell you!!! They did an awesome job making us feel comfortable! Besides the whole tickling the feet part (though, my mom's was less a tickle, and more a sanding tool.. hahaha.. so funny) and my ingrown toenails they sliced through (part of which cut my skin.. oops) it was great being pampered after soo much work for this 1 weekend.

The scariest 2 things happened that night though. Poor Craig.

It started with my mom and Jimmy going to pick up my aunt Erica and cousin Tyler from the airport. Okay, before then when Jimmy and Jason started making me screwdrivers to ease the nerves. I went down to the very bottom, looked out a dark window and thought "That'd be weird if someone was looking in right there." Only to walk a little bit further towards my room where there's also the main door.... only to see some stranger standing outside, looking in!!!! Of course I screamed! That'd be ridiculous if I didn't. Then I realized that it was housekeeping, and he came over to give us a key for 2 condo's over to use their empty refridgerator because ours was broken.

2nd scary moment: After that I started texting Craig, glad that we're finally near each other (yeaaaahhh... we were only apart for a day, but I just love seeing him every night, kissing him goodnight with an "I love you"). Then I had the insane idea: I NEED to see him. So I call to ask if I can come over. Here's where the scary part comes in. I was walking outside, in the pitch black... thinking "i can do this, I can do this, nothing's coming to eat me" when the bushes started rattling. A lot. Like... a coyote or bear was in the bushes and just spotted me, thinking that I would be a tasty late night snack. Pitch black, can't see a thing around me... I screamed so loud and ran all the way back to the condo. I called Craig back and made him come get me in his truck. It turns out I was walking the wrong way (the extremely logical way, but not the correct way) and they were closer than we thought. But I just HAD to see him. I wanted to make sure he was okay... and ready... and that he still loved me :).

Pre The Deiterings September 2nd, 2010

Chaos begins: Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

My mom, Jimmy, Sammy, Jonathan and Sevi arrive. Craig got to stay home and clean before they got here.

I went to work, then afterwards, I went to the airport to pick up Craig's brother (surprise for craig). My mom made Craig go to REI with Jonathan and Sevi. Jonathan pretending to look for a vest while Grayson (craig's brother) and I got home and tried surprising Craig for his bachelor party.

*sidenote* Craig doesn't like surprises, so he was torn between being excited and plans. *end sidenote*

Grayson steals Craig! I tried to be happy so he can leave happy and get excited!

that night, they met up with his lifelong friends: Kyle, Alex, and Tyler. I believe they went to play blackjack that night.

Back at home, we went shopping and my mom got a new really adorable dress. I also made my family go eat at Chicago Fire (my favorite restaurant).. and they loved it :D

Later that night, Sammy helped me with the card box, etc etc. :D