Yellow and Black Wedding (caleb's fave colors- says his wedding will be like this)

Create your own Yellow and Black wedding theme. My inspiration:

“Palm Springs” Yellow Invite and butterfly cake photo from KenzieKate.com, Bride photo via

iamstyle-ish.com, black and yellow favor box from A Modern Proposal, and elegant yellow and black themed table scape courtesy of Bella Fluerny.

Have you decided on yellow as your wedding color but not sold on the black accent?

Contact Nim's Invitations (469-222-5974) to do your wedding invites and thank you's!

10 Tips for Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

1. Don't seek happiness. If you seek it, you won't find it, because seeking is the antithesis of happiness. Happiness is ever elusive, but freedom from unhappiness is attainable now, by facing what is rather than making up stories about it.
   
   
2. The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral, which always is as it is. There is the situation or the fact, and here are my thoughts about it. Instead of making up stories, stay with the facts. For example, "I am ruined" is a story. It limits you and prevents you from taking effective action. "I have 50 cents left in my bank account" is a fact. Facing facts is always empowering.
   
   
3. See if you can catch the voice in your head, perhaps in the very moment it complains about something, and recognize it for what it is: the voice of the ego, no more than a thought. Whenever you notice that voice, you will also realize that you are not the voice, but the one who is aware of it. In fact, you are the awareness that is aware of the voice. In the background, there is the awareness. In the foreground, there is the voice, the thinker. In this way you are becoming free of the ego, free of the unobserved mind.
   
   
4. Wherever you look, there is plenty of circumstantial evidence for the reality of time—a rotting apple, your face in the bathroom mirror compared with your face in a photo taken 30 years ago—yet you never find any direct evidence, you never experience time itself. You only ever experience the present moment.
   
   
5. Why do anxiety, stress, or negativity arise? Because you turned away from the present moment. And why did you do that? You thought something else was more important. One small error, one misperception, creates a world of suffering.
   
   
6. People believe themselves to be dependent on what happens for their happiness. They don't realize that what happens is the most unstable thing in the universe. It changes constantly. They look upon the present moment as either marred by something that has happened and shouldn't have or as deficient because of something that has not happened but should have. And so they miss the deeper perfection that is inherent in life itself, a perfection that lies beyond what is happening or not happening. Accept the present moment and find the perfection that is untouched by time.
   
   
7. The more shared past there is in a relationship, the more present you need to be; otherwise, you will be forced to relive the past again and again.
   
   
8. Equating the physical body with "I," the body that is destined to grow old, wither, and die, always leads to suffering. To refrain from identifying with the body doesn't mean that you no longer care for it. If it is strong, beautiful, or vigorous, you can appreciate those attributes—while they last. You can also improve the body's condition through nutrition and exercise. If you don't equate the body with who you are, when beauty fades, vigor diminishes, or the body becomes incapacitated, this will not affect your sense of worth or identity in any way. In fact, as the body begins to weaken, the light of consciousness can shine more easily.
   
   
9. You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you and allowing that goodness to emerge.
   
   
10. If peace is really what you want, then you will choose peace.

one of my new save the dates and one picture of my ticket invitation

I can put this ticket for any type of event, and use any kind of picture!
this is just one of my many Save the Date cards

new announcements

Top picks for wedding colors this fall

Trendy fall wedding colors this year include chocolate brown and taupe, burnt orange and chocolate brown, celadon and chocolate brown, and chocolate brown and yellow. Brown in big this year.

July (so far)

Sorry I haven't posted but man have I been busy... we had the fourth, and we cooked, grilled, baked everything for that day.. it was a busy weekend for that matter... then we got a new grill that the hubby just had to try.. he brought it home and put it all together himself, so it like we had to grill everything that weekend.. you know how men get.. sometimes worse than women i swear..

then I have been working on invitations, I want to make some just to have to show what I can do.. ya know? Someone might see one of those and really like them... so I have been busy creating and making announcements and invites.. and I found some software to help make some cool ideas that I have been seeing for cards.. I get that tomorrow.. then I will be busy making all kinds of things.. lol...

oh and did you hear we are in this month parenting magazine, in the article about picking your battles with your kids.. let me know if you don't see it.. I can find you a link...

How was your fourth? what did you do? Anything crazy happen?

Jon & Kate FREEBIE LIST

From tampamomof573

I knew they got some freebies but this list is unbelievable! Once they started making big bucks with the show they should NOT have kept taking the free stuff. And churches pay for her to fly? What are those churches thinking? I hope that with the direction the show has taken people stop giving them free stuff. Are the companies making that much from the exposure on the show?

Below, a sample of just some of the swag they've scored:

- Free beds
- Front-loader washing machines
- New furniture
- Free solar panels for "Going Green" episode
- Clothes from Gymboree and Gap
- Mady & Cara birthday at American Girl Place (2 dolls and birthday package for 2 adults & 2 kids): $710
- Trip to Florida Key's for Jon's 30th birthday
-Tickets to Dutch Wonderland amusement park: $309.50
-1/2 an organic cow from Natural Acres Farm: $1,395.00
-Tickets to Philadelphia Zoo: $104.00
-Tickets to Walt Disney World: $654.00 per day
- Utah house rental (estimate: $5,000), ski lift tickets $72 for six days), ski school lessons ($140 per child)
- Upright piano, which they got rid of when they moved into their new $1.1 million home : $5,550-$6,350
- Violin: $100-$300
- Old house re-carperted
-Crayola Factory Tour: $90.00
-Teeth Whitening (for Jon & Kate): $1,310 (average price for 2 adults)
-Hair plugs (Jon): $5,200 (average cost)
-Sesame Street Place tickets: $509.50
-Day with Thomas the Tank Engine: $180.00
-Beach trip to North Carolina, house rental, Jeep tour
-Sight & Sound Christian theatre tickets: $236.00
-SkyBox at Phillies game
-LegoLand tickets: $550.00
-San Diego Zoo tickets: $278.00
-Grand Wailea Resort (Hawaii) for 2008 vow renewal: Suites range from $725-$1,080 per night.
-2 purebred German Shepherd puppies: $1,000-$3,000 per dog
- Please Touch Museum tickets: $150.00
- Giants grocery store: $5,000 in gift cards and a year's supply of diapers

In order for the show to survive, Mediaweek's Berman says the Gosselins need to be upfront with the audience.

"They're now a celebrity couple," says Berman. "The emphasis of the show has changed, and they need to address how they've evolved."

"If they don't evolve the show, I think the audience is going to be upset,"
he tells Us. "You can't fool an audience.

Nim's Party Planning

I can help you plan your next event! Email me for your the next event in your life!!! Let me help you plan it so that you can enjoy your special day! Email me today!

nimsinvitations@yahoo.com

Grin and Giggles

Here is a new thing that I am going to start doing on my blog... Enjoy!!

Ten Commandments for Husbands

1. Remember that thy wife is thy partner, not thy property.
2. Do not expect thy wife to be wife and wage earner at the same time.
3. Think not that thy business is none of thy wife's business.
4. Thou shalt hold thy wife's love by the same means that thou won it.
5. Thou shalt make the building of thy home thy first business.
6. Thou shalt cooperate with thy wife in establishing family discipline.
7. Thou shalt enter into thy home with cheerfulness.
8. Thou shalt not let anyone criticize they wife to thy face and get away with it. Neither thy father, nor thy mother, nor thy sister or any of thy relatives.
9. Thou shalt not take thy wife for granted.
10. Remember thy home and keep it holy.

Marriage Poem

To keep your marriage brimming

With love in the loving cup.

Whenever you're wrong, admit it

Whenever you're right, shut up.

There are many ways to say "I Love You" to your honey. Here are some you might not have thought of:

1. Leave chocolate kisses by the bed with a sweet note from you.
2. Dedicate a song to him on his favorite radio station.
3. Call him at work just to see how his day is going.
4. Try to prepare his all-time favorite dish. It may not taste quite like his mother makes it, but he’ll appreciate your efforts.
5. If he’s extra busy at work, offer to pick up his dry cleaning, fill his car with gas, or stop by the bank for him.
6. Organize a “dream” file, saving articles and photographs of vacation destinations or new home ideas that the two of you could work toward together.
7. Spend a Saturday at home together - with the door locked and the answering machine on.
8. Give him a break from rush-hour traffic. Offer to take him to work one day and pick him up that afternoon.
9. Tuck a small note in his pocket that tells him you love being his wife.
10. Take him out to see an action movie he’s been dying to see.
11. Tuck a book of “love” stamps in his briefcase.
12. Call his mother, just to see how she’s doing.
13. Write “I Love You” in lipstick on the bathroom mirror before he goes to get ready in the morning.
14. Celebrate every holiday!
15. Wear his favorite perfume.
16. Surprise him with a subscription to his favorite magazine.
17. Rent his favorite movie and make his favorite popcorn.
18. Write “I Love You” with chalk in his parking space at work.
19. If you can’t be home for dinner, leave him a romantic note in the refrigerator.
20. Deliver muffins or bagels to his office one morning.
21. Fax him a love note.
22. Drive by his office and leave a note on his car windshield inviting him to a romantic dinner.
23. Establish seasonal traditions such as a picnic on the first day of spring, or an annual trip to a mountain hideaway the first cool day of fall.
24. Make sure he never runs out of his favorite cologne.
25. Make a note of his boss’ birthday and remind him the day before.
26. Enjoy a sunset together.
27. Fill the cookie jar with those chocolate covered graham crackers he loved as a child.
28. Let him test drive that new, expensive sports car - just once!
29. Send him to work with a plate of your famous homemade oatmeal cookies for everyone to enjoy with their morning coffee.
30. Present him with a novelty apron to wear with he barbecues.
31. Leave a loving message on his voicemail at work.
32. Drop by his office when you know he’s out to lunch and leave a provocative note that makes him want to rush home that evening.
33. Go on an old-fashioned date to the skating rink or bowling alley.
34. Root through Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations for wonderful expressions that describe how you feel about him. Hide cards inscribed with the quotations where he’ll find them.
35. Find a scale model of that Ferrari or Jaguar he’s always wanted, so he can have the car of his dreams.
36. Write him a real letter once in while, just as if you were away and hadn't seen him for a while.
37. Sit down once a month and schedule a couple of interesting dates. Always have something to look forward to as a couple.
38. Borrow or rent a convertible and surprise him with a moonlit ride.
39. Surprise him with a sweatshirt from his college alma mater.
40. Leave a path of rose petals that leads to your bedroom. Naturally he’ll find you waiting there!
41. Tape his favorite comic strip to the bathroom mirror.
42. Carefully open a new box of his favorite cereal. Insert a love note and reseal the package.
43. Freeze a note that says “I love you” in an ice cube.
44. Place a rose under the windshield of his car.
45. Share a bubble bath.
46. Give him a roll of Life Savers candies with a note that reads “You’re my lifesaver.”
47. Write “I love you” on the eggs in the refrigerator.
48. Order 10 boxes of his favorite Girl Scout cookies.
49. Dress up for Saturday dinner at home.
50. Write him a poem and cut the piece of paper into puzzle-shaped pieces. Mail the envelope to his office.
51. Remember his mother’s birthday because she was wonderful enough to raise such a special person.
52. Buy him a years supply of golf, tennis, or racket balls.
53. Leave fun messages that flash up when he turns on his home computer.
54. Invite him to lunch unexpectedly.
55. Slip a scented love note into his briefcase.
56. Arrive at his office at 5:00 on Friday to whisk him away for a romantic weekend.
57. Send him a card for no reason at all. Just that you love him.
58. Go for an early morning walk together.
59. Celebrate even the very smallest of occasions: the 100th Wednesday of your marriage, etc.
60. Buy his favorite CD and welcome him home to beautiful music.
61. Place a favorite CD in his car so he’ll have relaxing sound for his daily commute.
62. Leave a romantic message for him on your home answering machine.
63. Develop new interests that the two of you can pursue together, take golf lessons or join a health club together.
64. A spontaneous hug or kiss goes a long way!
65. Rent a bicycle built for two for a weekend outing.
66. Cook him a candlelit dinner after a particularly stressful day.
67. Schedule one night a week just for each other. Don’t make any other plans.
68. Take a midnight stroll and enjoy the moonlight together.
69. Begin your own traditions with a favorite vacation shop or restaurant that will help you fall in love all over again whenever you visit there.
70. Fill his car with helium balloons and a great big card that says you care.
71. When you shop for yourself, remember to buy a little something for him.

Birthday:

1. Throw him a surprise party, complete with balloons and noise makers.
2. A week before his birthday, start sending him birthday cards, so he’ll know how much you appreciate the even that brought him into the world.
3. Turn a birthday gift into a treasure hunt.
4. Rent a billboard for a birthday card he’ll never forget!
5. Send him a musical greeting card.
6. Prepare his favorite breakfast and serve him in bed, with a note from you tucked under the plate.

The extra mile:

1. If his favorite sports team is in town, surprise him with two tickets.
2. While on vacation, arrange a parasailing lesson, massage or anything else he wouldn’t normally do on his own.
3. Have his car washed, including the tires and the interior.
4. Plan a weekend of fun activities without leaving town. Go to the farmers market on Saturday morning; eat a leisurely brunch; go swimming in the afternoon; see a movie; eat at the new neighborhood restaurant.
5. Have his wedding band engraved to read “I Love You”.
6. For a really special surprise, contact an old friend he hasn’t seen in a while and arrange a surprise meeting.
7. Splurge and have your next dinner at home together catered.
8. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city.
9. Go to a carnival together. Spend all your change on silly games.
10. Share an outdoor concert under the stars.
11. Mail him a menu from that new restaurant you’ve been anxious to try - along with an invitation for dinner - your treat.

Business trip:

1. Slip a scented love note into his briefcase.
2. Send mail to him when he’s away on business. Be sure to enclose a picture of you!
3. Surprise him with an engraved luggage tag for his next business trip.
4. When he returns from a business trip, get the Welcome Home banners out and have a private celebration.
5. Slip some of his favorite candy into his briefcase.

Anniversary:

1. As an anniversary gift, write the story of your love as if it were a fairy tale. Include some of the reasons why you love him in it.
2. Plant a tree to commemorate a very special occasion such as your anniversary, first house, birth of your first child. Then watch the tree grow along with your love.
3. On your anniversary, surprise him with a limousine for the night. The two of you can cuddle in the back just like you did on your wedding day and enjoy a night on the town.

Thanks to Executive Homemaker for these!!

Words I WISH I had said to different people in my life, at some point, but didn't, for one reason or another..

I wish that time you heard me throwing up and I said I was just wasn't feeling well, you didn't pretend to not know the truth. Maybe I would have only had an eating disorder for one year, instead of four, if only you'd confronted me about it.

I cheated on you while you were serving our country in Okinawa. When I broke up with you, I didn't tell you... because you were already so broken, I knew it would completely destroy you. Incidentally, it is part of the reason I have served alcohol to any military personnel who came to my bar, regardless of age. It was my pathetic little way of righting the wrong I did to you.

I use you as an example of a time when I "had" to give up on a friend because there was just no getting through to her, and I couldn't watch it anymore. In truth, I still feel incredibly guilty for giving up on you, no matter what the situation was.

Thank you for accepting my lame ass excuse that I was getting birth control behind your back from Planned Parenthood at 16 because "it helped my period." It was the wiser (and kinder) thing for you to do.

I know you judge me for my number.

I let you move halfway across the country with me, even though I knew that I didn't want to be with you anymore, because I was 19 and terrified of being completely on my own. Years later and still a friend, I think you are an amazing person for not hating me for it.

I found the letter you wrote Dad that ended with, "Something has to change." I always wonder how close you were to getting divorced.

We all know he's not the right guy for you. And so, I believe, do you.

I know you don't approve, but I don't regret all the drugs I did. I still get a tingle at the base of my spine when I think about some of them. I don't want them anymore… but I don't regret it either.

As much as it sucked going through what we did, I am really glad that I now know these three things: 1) How much you actually love me, 2) That I do have the strength to leave, and 3) That I won't ever need to use it. We are stronger and better for what happened.

I was completely lost in North Carolina until I met you. I probably would have given up and moved back home if it wasn't for you. I miss you. I miss being surrounded by the gay and fabulous in general.

Part of me wants to choose a life of financial security and FREEDOM rather than giving you grandchildren... but at the same time, after everything you've done for me, I don't feel I have the right to deny you that. Or rather, that I couldn’t live with myself if I did.

I love you so much, for years after I moved out of our bunkbeds into my own room, I would have dreams that something had happened to you and have to run into your room to make sure you were there, and that you were okay.

I am so completely, unbelievably glad that I found you here in DC. A girl ain't nothing without some real bestie girlfriends by her side.

You keep saying you feel horrible about yourself... you keep saying you want to lose weight. I SEE how unhappy you are in the dressing room of the department store, and it kills me. But you don't DO anything about it, even when I hold your hands and cry and tell you I want to know that you will be at my daughter's wedding someday. I don't know what else to do to inspire you.

I know, unquestioningly, that we will still be friends when we're 80, even if you stay in the South and I in the North forever.

I never believed it would be possible for me... but when I look at you, I truly see the rest of our lives... and for the first and only time in my life, that excites me instead of scares me.

From http://www.twentysomethingwriters.com/