Take me out to the movies

Once a month, my pledge sisters that live in town all get together for a 'GNO' (Girls Night Out), usually planned by Mrs. Smith.

Last night we took the opportunity to take up an entire row at the theatre for the opening of Sex and the City 2. It met all my expectations - it was a horrible sequel. I found myself numerous times hoping it would end soon.

Those times usually coincided in me reaching in my purse for this.

I was not alone in my contraband refreshments.

As a sidenote, there is no cool way to buy wine minis. I held my head high as I walked down the aisle past all the nice wine, and even past the twist tops, straight into the section reserved for 4 packs of wine minis and coolers. The wine aisle is definitely a class system, and last night, we were slumming it.

As not to let any of the minis go to waste, Mrs. Smith and I shared some patio time when she dropped me off. My run suffered this morning, but it was very worth it to talk in person, rather than via email.

We are excited about a long weekend with a lot of good food and good friends.

Hope your weekend is filled with the same.

In the trenches

To quote myself earlier, not much can shake a stick at food and cake tasting. Yet, as easy as it is to get tied up in the fun and excitement of preparing the wedding, Matt and I have talked quite a bit about how much more important it is to prepare for the marriage.

So, last night we went for our first pre-marital counseling session with the pastor that is marrying us come October. He is a close family friend of the Searsons, so it means a lot that he will be the one standing with us.

When I get nervous, I get sweaty and have a much greater tendency to cry. (I know you're jealous of this trait). I would be lying if I said I didnt do a little of both.

We spent most of last evening all getting to know each other (I'm Type A and Matt's Type B. Knock me over with a feather), and outlining what was to come in our next few sessions.

One of my takeaways was what we discussed about problems. Every relationship has them, and they are easy to sweep under the rug. Yet, if we walk through them together in faith, they are also what bring you together as a couple. As we were leaving, he shared with us that although him and his wife had seen their share of difficult seasons, there was no one he would rather have in the trenches with him the past 30 years.

Our relationship has seen a few trials, and I feel blessed to have been in the trenches with this one.

We also talked about "LLR". Liking, loving and respecting. Most couples enter into marriage thinking love is the most important element, but in reality, respect for your spouse is what holds you together. Homework for next week is to bring in a list of the qualities we respect/admire in each other. Sounds like an excel list to me.

On a lighter note, I found this sweet note in my mailbox today.

I'm a sucker for a thank you note. Especially when they are totally unexpected. We are so excited about our photographer, and this sealed the deal that we had made the right decision!

Let them eat cake

These past few days have been hands down the best part of wedding planning. While it thrills my soul to fill out addresses in an excel spread sheet (and if you know me, you probably know there is absolutely no sarcasm in that statement), it can't shake a stick at food and cake tasting.


Monday, Matt and I met with our caterer. He was passionate about serving good food and throwing a great party. We clicked immediately. He sent us home with a big box of food that I've been eating on all week. Sorry for the lack of pictures. The aftermath wasn't pretty.

Not to be outdone, we met with the cake lady Tuesday night. It was quite the drive out to her little shop, but oh, was it worth it. Did I mention she was located next to a mexican restaurant? Take note Birmingham, thats smart city planning.

Clockwise from chocolate:

Chocolate, french vanilla almond, white with buttercream, strawberry and italian cream.

We could barely eat it.

When I got home, roomie was on the lanei with wine. What a great way to end the day - cake, wine and the company of a few hundred mosquitos.























We have loved all our wedding vendors. Everyone has been so accomadating, and seems (almost)as thrilled about our wedding as we are. It really has made planning a breeze. (knocking on my faux wood desk about now).

Rollin' on the river and the end of an era

This weekend, we headed out to acquaint ourselves with the nature of the great state of Alabama. What better way to do that than in an intertube floating next to your favorite cooler?

We made a stop at Publix to fill er up. Matt was embarrassed about his smurf blue wal-mart crocs. The t-shirt wasn't at all embarrassing. For him.

I wish I had my camera to capture on film some of the wildlife we saw. A picture paints a thousand words, and I don't think I have those words this morning.

Sunday was Matt's sweet sisters bridal shower. It took place at the church where we are getting married. It was good to get a sneak peek and meet all the people that watched him grow up.

As soon as I left, it was time to put on our A-game. We hit up the store to finalize our menu for the series finale of LOST. Matt and I have cooked dinner and watched Lost every Tuesday since we began dating. Lost has been one of our constants.* The menu had to be just right. I think we nailed it. We were so happy with the way it ended. I may or may not have cried buckets. There is no documentation.

We label every cork from the wine we drink. This one was a definite keeper.

Smoke Monster Gouda with Ghost Pines wine. (Thanks LW!)

The man is a whiz in the kitchen. Work that pepper Matt!

Mr. Cluck's Chicken and Smashed like Christian Shephard Potatoes.

Everyone's excited about Lost! This is Namaths excited face.

The final intro. So it begins...

Atomic Cake Bombs.

Our personal Polar Bear.

The final LOST exit.

A celebratory cigar.

*excuse my LOST dorkiness. It's the end of an era!

A blue eyed boy meets a brown eyed girl...

Matt meets Erin.

Matt meets Namath.

Namath approves.

We're making it official.

Here we go......