Our Boyz

It seems to have been a while since I've posted much about the boyz.  Besides eating, chasing, hiding, and seeing who can get the most attention - here's what they've been up to...

Acting pitiful while being snuggled.

(excuse Dale's chub roll covering his left eye)

Shopping and watching videos on the internet.

 

Making funny faces.

Napping.

***



(or a cat)

18 More!

Our world is becoming increasingly busy!  18 more days until I'm a little wifey married to the most kind, funny, respectful, hardworking, loving, thoughtful, animal loving man I know.  I am beyond excited and my heart swells when I think about how special our day will be and what our journey together will hold.  There is no doubt in my mind that God knew what he was doing when he brought us together.  All roads lead to Rome. 

Now, onto the most important ladies in my life.  My mom, CJ's mom, Meredith, Staci, Katie and Jill all came to the most beautiful lingerie shower thrown for me last week at Meredith's house.  Meredith, Katie and Jill were the hosts.  Everyone was so generous, I got so many nice things...but my favorite was all of the advice and the memories we made.  We all sipped on delicious vino and nibbled on cheeses, crackers, fruit, chocolate covered strawberries, petit fours, and chicken salad.  Yum!  I felt like such a (tired) bride that night, it was wonderful!  I'm so lucky to have such incredible women in my life.  My mom is the world's best, I'm thankful for CJ's family loving me like their own, for his older sister who is now like my older sister, and I have the three best girl friends in the entire universe.  That's right, THREE!  



Staci, Jill, Momma, Me, Katie, Meredith.

It took me almost 28 years to realize how important the relationship between women is.  I've always been a little too independent to appreciate the value of a friendship or what it means to really have a best friend.  Throughout this wedding planning process I have been amazed by the amount of love that my girl friends have shown me.  I've even at times felt guilty for my behavior years prior.  I am very thankful that I realize now instead of any later how valuable each of these ladies are to me.  I know CJ also loves their company and the company of their sweet husbands/boyfriends.

Over the weekend we celebrated Meredith's birthday at a Japanese steak house, spent Saturday night at my mom's with homemade pizza and vino, and were just about worthless on Sunday....except for the cookies I baked.

 
(Side note:  We had planned to make sausage and turkey pepperoni pizzas at mom's.  Dale came with us to visit his grandmother and decided to break into the bag holding the pepperoni, busted the package they were in, and ate every last one of them.  Heifer.) 

Ahhh, Thanksgiving.  So many delightful things to be thankful for.  This has been a sweet, sentimental year.  We'll be spending turkey day in Mississippi this year.  I don't care how long we've lived here, it still feels like home as soon as we cross the state line.

Random Rambles.

Why do people enjoy camping?  We seem to have several friends who look forward to camping this time of year.  I've tried to understand what would be fun about sitting by a fire in the middle of the woods, sleeping in the elements with insects, and waking up without warm running water or electricity...on purpose.  Being without modern technology is something that happens on accident, like when the power goes out or you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowehere because something terrible happened.  To me, camping sounds like punishment...right up there with water boarding. 
What is going on with the fall television line up on Bravo?  I remember the nights when Bravo played constant Housewives reruns.  Now there's cooking and clothing design shows smeared all over their channel during the week.  I'm not sure how to entertain myself with mindless television until the 25 days of Christmas returns!   

I told CJ last night that I intend to catch all my favorite Christmas cartoons on tv this year...

Charlie Brown's Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

Frosty The Snowman

We had another great weekend.  I wish they would stop flying by!  We spent some time with Katie and her boyfriend watching football on Saturday.

On Sunday I woke up to a sweet note in my nightstand, followed by breakfast in bed.  I have a sweet future hubster.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing and watching movies.  It was pretty amazing.  I'm loving this season!

I made French toast for the first time Saturday morning!

I had my first cup of hot chocolate yesterday.  Mmmmm.

Our weekend consisted of...

A final walk through with our caterer, event design company, and florist at the gallery.  Eeeek!

My ears getting pierced for the first time.

A sweet date night out.

A combined surprise birthday party and LSU/AL football party...with GiGi's cupcakes!

I made white chocolate covered pretzels.

Beer bread.

Spinach and artichoke dip.

Breakfast in bed prepared by my sweetie.

Homemade chex mix.

A wonderful Sunday dinner that consisted of lasagna and garlic bread.

Several Sunday movies.

Looking back, no wonder my skirt is snug this morning.  That was a lot of food! 

I suppose I'll run it off all week! 

Black Tie Accepted?

We sent out our wedding invitations this week! 
I've gotten a few questions as to what 'Black Tie Accepted" means. 
No, men do not have to wear a tux.
No, women do not have to wear an evening gown.
Relax! 
More or less, the request for black tie accepted on the invitation was made to encourage people to get dressed up and feel fancy.  We want our guests to feel just as special as we do on our day!

Here is an excerpt from an article that may clarify the definition for you better than I can:

For a black tie optional event, guests can always wear the same attire as for a black tie event. For guests who want to go a bit more casual, gentleman can wear a dark suit with a white shirt and conservative tie. (Note: Not every etiquette expert thinks the "optional" phraseology is necessary, but it does serve to emphasize that a tux is not required.) Women can feel free to wear dressy separates if they choose. *women can wear cocktail attire, the longer the dress the more formal.

Basically, you wear whatever you want just as long as you've got some comfortable dancing shoes to keep you on your feet all night!  We are so excited to celebrate with you! 

A few more notes -

Yes, the reception is following the ceremony at the same venue.  No driving!

Parking will be on the (well lit) street.

No, we aren't having a sit down dinner.  Hors d'oeuvres.

We are registered at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

We have reserved a block of rooms at a hotel near the gallery for any of you that may be interested.  The accomodations may come in handy for our out of town friends.  There is a discounted rate available if you make the reservation within the next two weeks and mention the 'Bynum-Ewers' wedding.

If you need directions or have any other questions, please feel free to ask away.

205.567.7928 - call or text

ewers81@yahoo.com - email