Unlimited Style Talk

We finally decided it was time to get on with the party planning, so we had a last minute 4th of July party a few weeks ago. Trailer trash hotdogs made their debut and some gourmet Betty Crocker cupcakes rounded out dessert. Unfortunately, I never took any pics of the hotdogs but you can imagine the chili, sauerkraut, cheese and Frito combo was delish and of course calorie free on the 4th of July only. Since my creativity is visual, entertaining is all about tablescapes and fun ways to serve standard fare. It’s possible that I have a slight addiction to table top accessories. The first step is admitting it. It will be awhile before I get to step 2.

Finally get to use our cool backyard that underwent a makeover last summer by HGTV’s Hammer Heads. Had a flash of genius when I figured I could use the blow up airmattress as an outdoor day bed. Downside is nobody wanted to mess up my pillow display so I think the dogs got the best seat in the house.

The guys had some croquet game that was probably only 1 part croquet, 1 part house rules, and 2 parts alcohol. I have no idea why they were trying to croquet under the deck, I think that part of the game was alcohol induced.

Started a round of Apples to Apples, which it turns out I either make up a lot of my own rules, or that game can be played lots of different ways. It’s funny, but I always like my own rules better.

We then played a marathon game of Catch Phrase. This game never ceases to be a party hit. Simple, fast and funny. People do silly things when having to think under a time crunch.

Marc being Iron Man…

This is us getting paid for Jennie blowing in my ear. Don’t ask.

Looking forward to more summer nights….

There are a lot of reason why people don’t want to get married these days and just as many reasons why people don’t stay married. But sometimes no one talks about all the wonderful reasons married life can be blissful and worth the effort. Today we celebrate seven years of marriage and I want the world to know what a joy it is to be married to the greatest man I have ever known.

We are like ice and warm water. The same, but different. He is definitely the warm water because he melts away all my hard edges. If I am in a tizzy, he can somehow say “yes dear” without patronizing. I have no idea why a simple “yes dear” works but he makes life peaceful with his simplicity. And he also has an equally important talent in somehow knowing how to change a subject before the launch sequence begins.

Everyday he gives me the greatest gift, and that is a peaceful and loving home. What more could one ask for? His faithful support and loving kindness gives me the strength to go out and be everything I was created to be, and for that I am deeply thankful everyday. Sharing life with my best friend is life’s greatest joy.

So, are there principles for a successful marriage? Be a whole person before you get married. Love yourself so you can “love your neighbor as you would love yourself”. And forgive as you would want to be forgiven when you do something dumb or inconsiderate. Remember that if you marry a good man, he usually has the best of intentions even if he screws it up sometimes. And learn to say you are sorry. Because if you can never be wrong, then your marriage will never be right.  Marc gets these things right more often than I do.  Again, I am grateful.

More reasons why I love the way he loves me:
*He sometimes works till the wee hours of the morning to ensure that all our dreams come true.
*He packs my camera equipment. If I have a photo shoot the following day, he meticulously packs my gear and sets it in the entryway for me. It’s not that I can’t, it’s that in some small way he is taking care of me.
*He believes in me and the gifts and talents inside of me. And most importantly he loves me even more when I am using those gifts. And that is truly loving me, for me.
*And finally, he thinks I am pretty when I just wake up. (even though you know I be lookin’ all crazy with my eye mask now only covering one eye, my hair static clinging to my pillow, and MAYBE a TINY bit of drool on my pillow. Must be true love.)

As I was pulling images to add to this post, Marc beat me to it and one-upped me with a sideshow. So, since his says it all I thought you might enjoy it instead.