Happy Halloween!

...Or, "Happy Howloween!"

(Bill thinks he's a dog, too - with immaculate jumping skills and a strange bark.)

Don't they both look so happy?  The boyz weren't exactly thrilled about their costumes - but they sure were adorable!  I had to bribe Dale with a bone.  I tried to sit Bill up, but he kept falling over; he was convinced that his pumpkin hat weighed him down.  

I spent all day Saturday cooking chili in the crock pot and baking apple cake, brownies, walnut and chocolate chip cookies, and Halloween cookies.  Later that night we watched CJ's favorite Halloween movie, 'Hocus Pocus.'  On Sunday future hubster had to work all day so I went to visit my parents and a few craft stores, then to Meredith's to drop off some goodies.  When he got home, we put together our wedding invitations and watched Halloween movies. 

By the way, after we stuffed all of the invites CJ and I used hot wax and a stamp with an "E" on it to seal them.  I am very proud of our work and that I had enough patience to do every last one!  Above is just an example I found - mine are not all that perfect. :)

Really, October is almost over?

It seems like my birthday was just yesterday; however my birthday is on the 3rd and it is now the 26th.  Slow down, little world!  Normally during this time of year we're watching all of the Halloween movies on television.  We haven't watched one so far!  I really can't believe how quickly time is passing. 

Life has been busy lately.  Busy with birthdays, Thanksgiving planning, wedding planning, honeymoon planning, New Years Eve planning...I love it!  We're also trying to iron out decor plans, finish designing our wedding programs, squeeze in a couple of trips to see family within the next few weeks, and this weekend we'll be sending out wedding invitations!  Sending out wedding invitations!  I can hardly believe it!  Before we know it, our wedding will be here! 

I had my final dress fitting last week along with a hair and makeup trial.  Mom came with me.  We topped off the afternoon with a quick shopping trip, of course.  Such a beautiful day.  I didn't want it to end.  Oh, and I got these soft, cozy beauties:

Thanks to my wonderful, sweet grandparents we have solidified our honeymoon arrangements.  If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have a honeymoon.  We are so grateful!   I hope that their health will allow them to attend the wedding.  I'll be praying for that and would appreciate if you would too.  We're really excited about our plans, where we'll be staying, how we'll get there - we're chartering a small plane.  I am admittedly terrified of the flying aspect, but hopefully that is something I'll overcome before then.  

Our bachelor/bachelorette party is Friday night and we are excited to dress in our Halloween costumes and celebrate with some pretty amazing friends.  BUT, before that happens, we're taking CJ's youngest sister out to dinner for her birthday. 

I'm giddy on most days lately.  I love sitting next to my love on the couch and thinking about how I will soon be his wife.  I look forward to stting next to him on the couch for many, many years.  One day we'll be sitting on the couch with grey hair watching our grandchildren play - but hey, there's plenty of things to look forward to before then! 

PS - This is the cutest pizza ever...it's also dinner tonight! 

Happenings at home.

How is it that we have managed to book up almost every weekend until the wedding?  I just came to that realization a few days ago.
We have had some super fabulous weekends lately that have consisted of a shopping trip/day with my mom, lots of time with friends watching football and munching on good food, blueberry muffins for breakfast, and a surprise party for CJ's oldest sister, Staci.  Love!

Last week I was busy writing thank you notes, trying to find tissue inserts for wedding invitations, booking final walk throughs with vendors, booking hair and makeup trials, booking a final wedding dress fitting, finding Halloween costumes for our bachelor/bachelorette party, running a house hold, exercising, and forgetting to feed Dale at his dinner time every night.  Busy, but blessed!

If it wasn't for the best mom in the world, I might have lost my mind in all of the wedding planning lately.  I have no idea how she does it, but she manages to simplify every problem I have without dismissing it or belittling it.  Her words are like magic.  There is something about spending time with her that brings me back to reality and I am reminded that no matter how old I get, I am always my mom's little girl...my mother's daughter.  I am so lucky that I am her daughter and there isn't a day that passes that she doesn't remind me why. 

 Because all things in are life right now seem to be wedding related, why stop with our movie selections?  I was surprised, but CJ actually agreed to watch 'Bride Wars' and 'Bridesmaids' and liked them both!  I have to say, these may be my favorite movies of all time.  If you haven't seen them, you definitely should! 

Birthday Shananagins.

I feel like I'm on a roller coaster...enjoying the thrill of the ride and the view up top, but not being able to really focus on one object, because I'm not in one spot long enough!  Crazy.
I had a really great 29th birthday.  We had such a nice time last weekend...I didn't want it to end!  We spent our off day on Friday eating Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast and shopping.  CJ took me to my favorite restaurant with my lovely ladies.  Saturday night we headed to Meredith and Adam's for a cookout and plenty of football.  All of the girls came over - and their sweet boyfriends/hubbys.  Ahh, the weekend was blissful!  Luckily for me, my birthday didn't end there... 
Future hubster let me open my gifts on Monday.  He spoils me:)  He bought me some clothes, a ring holder for my engagement ring and wedding bands, and a Vera Bradley duffle bag.  Love!  We went to CJ's mom's for dinner earlier this week and she made my favorite meal:  garlic steak and mushrooms with homemade mashed potatoes, crescent rolls, salad, and cupcakes.  YUM.  On top of all of the cooking she did, she also got me something I've wanted for entirely too long.  The one and only.  The Furminator!! 

My love.

My other loves.

Tha's a lot of blonde!

My sanity, my angels, my best friends.

My Katie.

A few nights ago we got to go see our nephew, Jonah play in his soccer game.  He's the best on the team!  It was really nice getting to see him play for the first time this year:)  Other than that and small wedding details...I guess there hasn't been much else going on - although it doesn't feel like that!
Here it is, Friday night again.  We're getting ready to head out for date night.  I hope to spend time with my mom tomorrow morning while my sweetie enjoys some football.  Later we're headed to a sport's bar to watch the games with our awesome friends.  Perfect!  xo