tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359232382012-01-24T07:32:22.519-06:00We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. -Winston Churchillit's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.comBlogger7321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-75541195364450205262011-05-10T09:09:00.000-05:002011-05-10T09:09:03.333-05:00

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” - Martin Luther King Jr. I'm so very proud of how fast our construction workers have went.  They are working so hard and it's apparent with how much progress I see every time I drive by

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-18437429376635493482011-05-08T23:10:00.000-05:002011-05-08T23:10:59.076-05:00

Flashback in photos over the last month . . . My children being "them" :) Noah, 7 Finley, 19 months Maia, 5 These were taken before school, prior to her preschool picture day.   Playing with Easter eggs she dyed at school Such a normal face of my Maia's As is this one ;) And how you'll find Noah at least one time every day; playing legos.   The YUMMY cake pops my dear

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-74293414883963148962011-05-06T14:22:00.000-05:002011-05-06T14:22:57.973-05:00

“We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are."-- Bill Watterson One thing I've learned with our move to Omaha is to not wish for tomorrow but to savor every moment today and enjoy it.  God has made me see that with my eyes and feel it with my soul. I know some people think, "wow, I can't believe you've lived in an apartment for so long!",

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com2Omaha, NE 68130, USA41.2400801 -96.1898261999999741.2242416 -96.23207419999997 41.2559186 -96.14757819999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-60754296561233096322011-05-02T16:34:00.002-05:002011-05-02T16:43:51.103-05:00

The days are getting busier and busier, not just with the house but with everyday life, too.  Noah started his first baseball game of many on Saturday.  Seems like just yesterday Noah was hitting off of t-ball stands and swinging his little heart out (missing a lot of the time).  Today, my not long ago 4-year old is now an almost 8-year old hitting balls pitched by real people.  This was the

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-9114675965831278402011-04-29T09:55:00.003-05:002011-04-29T10:05:42.527-05:00

Even though it continues to rain here and there, progress is still being made on our house.  Every time I drive by, something else is done.  Having never built a house before, it's so exciting to even see a stack of 2x4's because it means something is soon going to be done! It's been really muddy because of all the rain.  Earlier in the week my iPhone caught a glimpse of the muddy mess:   And

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-43353186287866501572011-04-25T13:41:00.001-05:002011-04-25T13:46:55.223-05:00

I'm a bit behind.  Sorry.  Your husband going out of town for 7 days to Brazil will do that to you, though.  But, not a lot has happened on the house to even report about.  Well, nothing super exciting.  Ok, to me, it's VERY exciting, but to you all, probably not so much.  But still, it's a part of our little house-building journey. We have had a tremendous amount of rain in the last 2 weeks. 

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-35676244328432162062011-04-09T14:13:00.000-05:002011-04-09T14:13:07.050-05:00

Do you ever not feel creative?  Yeah, that's me today.  But I really want to get you updated on the latest on our house, so bear with me in this uncreative thinking.  It's beautiful, sunny and 80 degrees today.  I want to be outside!  But alas, Finn is napping and we live on the 2nd level, so a boring blog post (written from the blah indoors) it is for me at the moment.  :) Thursday it rained

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-37842434533623617102011-04-06T11:58:00.001-05:002011-04-06T13:57:11.724-05:00

After school yesterday I took Noah, Maia and Finn back to the house to see what they had done that morning.  They were super excited to get out and get close to the "hole". Checking out the hole!  Much bigger up close than it appears from afar! After we left the site, we went back "home".  It was a perfect beautiful day yesterday (72 in my mind has always been "perfect") so when we got

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-40312125355133943172011-04-05T13:49:00.000-05:002011-04-05T13:49:25.862-05:00

Getting back to Purple Valley comes at no better time than now.  Yesterday we finally, finally, broke ground on our lot where we will be building our brand new house!  After 8 months of living in Omaha in two different apartment complexes, the feelings of happiness that overcame me the moment I saw the CAT tractor scooping dirt out of the ground to make a giant hole were overwhelming.  My

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-56886362367152537792011-03-20T14:37:00.002-05:002011-03-20T16:29:46.604-05:00

Ok, fine. I think I'll come out of hiding. There's a no better time than now, right? (That's what I'm telling myself as I sit here in peace and quiet; something I never get. I pray I get this again so I can start writing again!)And why have I been hiding, you ask? Well, most of you know my story. And I've not really been hiding. Just occupied. I got sick, then pregnant, then had a

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-37168147694744233972009-07-02T20:51:00.010-05:002009-07-03T08:43:51.578-05:00

I am so so so behind but that's nothing new. I have so much to talk about and don't really know where to begin. I'm just going to skip it all for now. A big date is approaching.Tomorrow Neil and I will have been married 10 years, together 16 years. It's funny because here we are celebrating our 10th and we should be going on a trip to somewhere tropical (we didn't go on a honeymoon and still

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-2875516642539452262009-06-07T10:35:00.002-05:002009-06-07T10:38:13.922-05:00

If interested, this is a really great site that explains some of my health problems and the things we're dealing with with the baby right now. It's been the best site for me to use to share with family so it's all more understandable. Anyway... thanks again for everything. I've felt your prayers and appreciate immensely all the emails and comments and Facebook support. I'm very lucky to have

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-26483272515465850502009-06-04T09:54:00.003-05:002009-06-04T10:23:55.428-05:00

I just got an alarming phone call from the Pediatric Cardiologist who I saw 2 weeks ago in Peoria, IL. Yes, he called me himself. (gulp) I knew it wasn’t good.Back up a minute. Most of you know, but maybe not all, that last year was a year from hell for me. I mean, really, that’s the easiest way for me to sum it up. It was bad. Halfway through the year I realized my hair shouldn’t still be

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-36144927638079755902009-05-13T09:45:00.016-05:002009-05-13T10:33:42.121-05:00

New Orleans, like always, was a blast. It was our 4th time there as a couple, Neil's 8th time. We love it there. So much to do, see, and especially eat. You definitely cannot go there if you're on a diet, which is why I love going there pregnant. I can't be on a diet and I can use baby/pregnancy as an excuse to eat everything! :) Golly, the food is so good.So we got back Sunday at almost

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-10754234466643062592009-05-05T10:02:00.006-05:002009-05-05T11:03:59.537-05:00

We are off to New Orleans tomorrow with our friends, Heather & Lee. Very excited as we all need this getaway. Heather is also pregnant, 7 weeks ahead of me. We're very much looking forward to muffaletta and beignets! If you could spy on us, you'd see us in every restaurant at some point in the French Quarter. I haven't found a place yet which compares to such food greatness in the United

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-46741929548629671792009-05-01T15:20:00.002-05:002009-05-01T15:29:24.697-05:00

It is essential to our well-being, and to our lives, that we play and enjoy life. Every single day do something that makes your heart sing. - Marcia WiederSince love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul. - Saint AugustineOptimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. – Helen KellerRisk-taking, trust and

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-62335780379662612062009-04-30T09:35:00.008-05:002009-04-30T10:47:52.537-05:00

- Maya AngelouWell, if you haven’t checked out Facebook, you don’t know that we found out what baby # 3 is yesterday, .... and....we are having a BOY!! :):) Clear as day, a boy, and my favorite shot of all. I laid down on the table and the tech said "you want to know the sex, right?". I said "yep!" and she put the doppler on my tummy and bam, there it was loud and clear right away, HIS little

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-6681169654676963592009-04-28T11:30:00.015-05:002009-04-28T13:11:06.189-05:00

First of all, Happy Birthday, Chel!!! it's Michelle's very special day today as she is entering the wonderful 30's! :) Hope it's a really spectacular day, Chel!What a better picture to put up than the one of she and I when we were both preggie back in 2005. Chel, I want that cute shirt. I forgot how HARD it is to find cute maternity clothes!Most of you know my very dear friend, Alexis. She

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-30721986867727239052009-04-25T20:09:00.004-05:002009-04-25T20:14:39.310-05:00

Fun shots of the day....I came home from a shoot last weekend and caught Maia with my camera laying in the grass eating gummi worms. Priceless photos which I love. 100% my girl :)And then I joined her :)

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-52902469455092320372009-04-20T16:14:00.006-05:002009-04-20T16:26:22.830-05:00

...and 23 to go. Well, actually 21 because I'll be having the baby earlier. But still, not even half-way there and I'm getting pretty darn big. (insert cringy-face here) I didn't realize how big, either, until this past week. It was gorgeous out on Saturday so we (and my camera) were outside a lot. While out, Neil shot a picture of me, while I did a belly self-portrait of myself. This baby

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-40471915240605564832009-04-15T13:06:00.016-05:002009-04-15T13:33:33.753-05:00

Last week our friends, Jason and Johanna were in town visiting family and friends, so we had he honor of finally meeting baby Marin and I had the GREAT honor of photographing her. She is completely lovely in every way...so beautiful and perfect. While Marin was no completely comfortable with Neil, Neil seemed to be quite comfortable with her. I think he's ready to become a daddy again :)I also

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-32585275845538802092009-04-14T11:04:00.007-05:002009-04-14T12:53:23.773-05:00

It's been long enough since I posted at my more recent blog that I don't think some of you know that I'm pregnant. Way to welcome myself back with big news, hey? So now let's back up a bit. The day I found out I was pregnant, I also found out I had Fibromyalgia and Sjogren's Syndrome. A few months before that, I found out I also had Hypothyroidism and PCOS (Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome). As

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-27965509724819098462009-04-14T10:43:00.002-05:002009-04-14T10:45:34.747-05:00

Soo...I'm coming back. My Squarespace account is down because I was tired of paying. It gets expensive, hence why it's no longer there. Blogger rules! (Just kidding...kinda :)) So much to update you on...I'm very behind...hoping to catch up a little every day? Stay tuned! And welcome back to me!

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-9033306726256563942008-09-05T10:13:00.002-05:002008-09-05T10:15:09.790-05:00

Some people were having trouble with new posts showing up in their feeds from the new Purple Valley @ Squarespace. So I bought a domain name and now everything should be good to go. So for the last time, please change your feeds and bookmarks to:http://www.purple-valley.comHope to see you there!

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-39975505304797953602008-08-25T17:43:00.000-05:002009-04-20T17:45:04.700-05:00

Okay, I can't stand it. I have to post her picture tonight.Lucy Sue Ann. 10 weeks old and the most adorable little fluff ball I've held in a long long time. The kids and I went to mom's to meet her this afternoon. We all fell in love. Welcome to the family, Lucy!

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-38615750620936757352008-08-25T17:38:00.000-05:002009-04-20T17:41:01.773-05:00

It's Macrolicious Monday today. Gotta have something to be happy about right? I could call it Blue Monday, but I have to be as positive as possible for the beginning of a new week's start, right?! Seeing a nice macro shot makes me so happy because it shows how intricate and detailed our world around us is. I shot this just last night after I had watered my flowers. Hope you like.How about a

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-13807408798125987442008-08-23T17:35:00.000-05:002009-04-20T17:36:31.185-05:00

WHAT IS LIFE?Life is an Adventure ... Dare itLife is a Beauty ... Praise itLife is a Challenge ... Meet itLife is a Duty ... Perform itLife is a Love ... Enjoy itLife is a Tragedy ... Face itLife is a Struggle ... Fight itLife is a Promise ... Fulfill itLife is a Game ... Play itLife is a Gift ... Accept itLife is a Journey ... Complete itLife is a Mystery ... Unfold itLife is a Goal ... Achieve

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-7221548185320184722008-08-23T14:24:00.003-05:002008-08-23T15:00:19.686-05:00

I'm off to a new place and I hope you will come visit me…Love,Val"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination." -Don Williams Jr.

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-32373412760460108412008-08-22T17:27:00.000-05:002009-04-20T17:29:18.001-05:00

I decided to try a new place for my blog. I like blogspot, but I'm a person who thrives for change; it's what keeps me going and keeps my world fresh and exciting. I like change, but only when I'm in control of it. (Don't most?) I like moving furniture around in my home (I have loved doing this sine I was in grade school. My mom would walk up to my room and I would have moved every single

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-35320969261655749912008-08-14T19:54:00.005-05:002008-08-14T20:10:05.590-05:00

(For some of you, you already know this -- sorry for the repeat!)Thankfully, the thyroid blood tests, glucose, etc., all came back normal -- yay! Problem, however was my blood pressure. Weird, eh?! Yeah, I had SUPER high BP. It was worse than when I was pre-eclampsic with both Noah and Maia during my pregnancies. At the beginning of my appointment it was 148/98, second time it was taken (

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-7055224200416969842008-08-12T23:22:00.003-05:002008-08-13T00:15:46.341-05:00

In the past week and a half, I have been out of my house twice. Last week I was feeling so poopy that I never had the energy to leave. So Saturday was my first day out in a week and it was for a very cool reason: to shoot pictures of my very lovely and beautiful sister-in-law Ashley. She wanted pictures and I had wanted to do them, so Ash, her mom, sister and myself all headed out on our photo

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-28626009283723364602008-08-07T11:42:00.004-05:002008-08-07T12:11:31.159-05:00

. . .for not being around. I have quite a few things ailing me. Figuring out a couple things (just yesterday we found out two) and still awaiting the other (next Thursday). Nothing to be worried about. Believe me, I'm relieved that I finally know what's partly wrong with me. I was so so so so worried. I know worrying doesn't get any of us anywhere, but it's really hard not to worry when you

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-44881626510755053962008-08-06T10:25:00.001-05:002008-08-06T10:25:40.255-05:00

What sky! What light!Originally uploaded by * VWC Photography *Ah in spite of all it is blessed thing to be alive in such weather... —Samuel Beckett

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-28410682888805934142008-07-25T09:41:00.004-05:002008-07-25T10:04:45.035-05:00

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.” ~ Karen RavnThat quote makes me think of these pictures:I have my last wedding of the entire year, before my bff's wedding in Sept. I'm kind of nervous. I'm not usually nervous, but I am. It's my cousin's wedding and I want her pictures to be perfect. I

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-86295505372311963012008-07-24T09:31:00.041-05:002008-07-24T11:41:09.000-05:00

Our trip in the RV was a blast and we're thankful for Papa and Grandma to let us tag-along. Who knew riding in a motor home could be this much fun?! It really was. And going to Oklahoma was so great, too. Seeing Brad and Chel's new awesome home and exploring downtown Norman with trendy little shops right down Val's alley; that was so great, too. But spending the time that we did with

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-30547571296471180962008-07-22T14:24:00.003-05:002008-07-22T14:26:32.005-05:00

Descriptions and part II of our journey (with pictures) later . . . :c)

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-61292608988135799342008-07-21T15:41:00.006-05:002008-07-21T16:17:50.362-05:00

There's not a better day than today to tell about our adventures with my family, on my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's 7th anniversary. (Happy 7th, guys!!!!! Love you bunches!)The past 4 days have been a very post-worthy happy time. Brad and Chel (and the kids) were "home" for a week. We spent some time with them Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We got home yesterday (

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-90085911973963605962008-07-16T19:33:00.006-05:002008-07-16T19:55:21.574-05:00

I was surfing through one of my favorite sites, Shutter Sisters, and in the "Daily Click" section, I was pleasantly surprised (or not) to see a picture of me on there. (gasp.) Thankfully I'm not all that in focus and what's really funny is that I took this one morning when I hadn't showered and didn't have an ounce of makeup on (you can't see my face so that doesn't really matter, I guess) and

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-81051383676935624652008-07-16T15:43:00.003-05:002008-07-16T15:56:08.830-05:00

. . . updated Typepad with a lot of wedding pictures.. . . locked my keys in the car this morning after taking the dog to the vet. Thank goodness I dropped her off before going to the library and doing this. Thankfully we weren't too far away from home. So we walked home (a mile walk in the 90 degree weather!) and thankfully we came home and found the sliding glass door to be unlocked. So no

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-8751271196027937532008-07-16T08:55:00.003-05:002008-07-16T08:57:46.333-05:00

. . . now you don't!Happy 4th, only 2 weeks late! :c)

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-76548574699714532152008-07-15T16:14:00.004-05:002008-07-15T16:30:24.713-05:00

We spent all morning and early afternoon with Grandma and Aunt Ashley, Aunt Chel, Uncle Brad, Ella and Adi. This was my first time seeing my beautiful niece since the week she was born into this world. It was awesome seeing her. She has grown so much in 5 months. I can't get over how beautiful she is. My entire family is so beautiful, but it's only natural for me to think so, right? :)Anyhow

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-2176212858925068192008-07-14T15:24:00.007-05:002008-07-14T16:15:46.964-05:00

Brad and Chel and the girls are home for a week! Woo-hooooo! I get to see them, hopefully tomorrow, and then again Thursday. Neil and Noah haven't seen them for 9 months, so it's exciting.Back a couple weeks ago, my friends, Matt and Lisa, visited on their way to North Dakota from Virgina. You can read about how I met Lisa here, along with zillions of pictures from her visit, but here's a

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-31576435092644952322008-07-10T19:19:00.004-05:002008-07-10T19:32:15.329-05:00

And so does summer,and bright colors,and flowery scents,and gardening,from which I get the love and appreciation for from my mom (thanks, mom!),and sunlight,and the pretty light at dusk just perfect for taking any picture,and bokeh,and perfect evenings,and pretty pictures,and friends to share those pretty pictures with.Happy Love Thursday and Happy Foto Friday.photos courtesy of my garden,

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-292655342096627582008-07-09T16:31:00.008-05:002008-07-09T17:10:44.092-05:00

I get so excited for my friends when good things happen to them. They are my friends so of course I think they deserve nothing better than the best. Here's the other exciting news.Most of you either know Heather or know of her because I talk about her so much. She is one of my friends whom I have known for like 26 years. She has been through a lot in her lifetime . . . I won't go into it, but

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-64152809184511157892008-07-09T15:42:00.003-05:002008-07-09T15:53:07.938-05:00

I know it's been a while. So busy. So busy. Who isn't, though? Lots of excitement, one of them being . . . . .Drumroll . . . .My dear friend, Johanna, IS PREGNANT!!!! Okay, okay, so I've known about it for a while . . . she actually told me in secrecy in May and I didn't tell a soul. Not a soul. Her husband's family and my husband's family are inter-related and you know how things travel

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-84385081731585764862008-07-02T15:51:00.003-05:002008-07-02T16:18:07.645-05:00

These are two separate photos that almost work as one. I didn't even realize till I uploaded them here!..my favorite kitty, Millie, who we got the year we were married, so showing this one only seems right, eh? :c) She's been a part of our marriage the entire time. Wow. I mean, meow. ;)Playin' around. What we're seeing lots of. Ewww. They are pretty colors and they're here for a reason,

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-44325014965542464962008-07-02T09:18:00.012-05:002008-07-02T16:20:34.687-05:00

I am a day early but that's because I have time right now. The next few days are going to be pretty busy with the 4th, the long weekend and we're going to the water park on Saturday --- woo-hoo! I think I'm looking more forward to that than the kids, but that's probably because I know what a water park is ;c)Anyway, tomorrow is Neil and my 9th anniversary. 9 years ago we were married in an

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-4745129110444837372008-07-01T09:51:00.005-05:002008-07-01T12:20:05.980-05:00

Wow, my wedding season has sure flown by, and now it will fly by even faster. My last wedding of the year, in October, just canceled. I've never had this happen in the 7 years I've been doing this, so I guess that is good. And I'm glad they decided this before they actually tied the knot. I give them credit for that. I'm really bummed for myself (selfishly..) because this was the wedding at a

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-21842457983241769092008-06-28T23:08:00.004-05:002008-06-28T23:29:51.623-05:00

And this is what I've been doing a whole bunch of. Good thing, of course.But it's crazy. Just got done proofing a wedding 5 minutes ago after spending literally 18 hours on it. One more to go. Then hopefully I can begin on some orders. (Hopefully.) Thankfully my clients have been patient with me. (Thankfully.)Sooooo much going on. Let's see . . . . . . weddings, shoots, swimming lessons,

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-48022568318087406022008-06-24T17:41:00.002-05:002008-06-25T22:04:23.647-05:00

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-76634389894006946732008-06-23T23:28:00.005-05:002008-06-23T23:45:53.669-05:00

My dearest, Erin, and her sweet hubby, Jer, are here, and it's so so great. It's their 2nd (and last *sob*) night here before heading to Pennsylvania tomorrow. I'm doing everything in my power to try and keep them here or at least convince them to come back through Illinois on their way home. I don't think it's working, but I'll keep trying until they (and Penny) leave. It's been the best

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-70028848776910427252008-06-20T13:40:00.011-05:002008-06-20T16:35:36.739-05:00

Been a while, eh?My life goes on crazy turns sometimes. (Don't all of ours?) Unbelievably enough, I'm without my new laptop now. It's definitely not me, but something that was wrong before I even received the new computer. On start-up, it takes 5 minutes to load, whereas it should take 20 seconds or around there. It shouldn't take that long. So I took it in to the mac people and they

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-86260465152683284202008-06-16T12:21:00.007-05:002008-06-16T13:16:37.110-05:00

Weird Facts About Myself The Rules:Once you’ve been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird, random, facts, habits or goals about yourself. At the end, choose 6 people to be tagged, list their names & why you tagged them. Don’t forget to leave them a comment saying “You’re it!” & to go read your blog. You cannot tag the person that tagged you, so since you’re not allowed to tag me back;

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-40309530751918849862008-06-15T10:17:00.002-05:002008-06-15T11:35:51.010-05:00

Happy Father's Day, Baby.Originally uploaded by * VWC Photography *Happy Father's Day to the best husband and father in the world. We've been together 15 years and married 9. We've came from holding hands walking down the hallway of our high school to holding hands while sitting at the park watching our children play. We've came a long way, baby.And here we are now as mommy and daddy to our

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-59512216154799350002008-06-13T10:31:00.001-05:002008-06-13T10:32:12.311-05:00

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-36770477531351045862008-06-12T13:21:00.008-05:002008-06-13T13:07:40.567-05:00

I don't think any of us need reminders about how bad drugs are. But a couple things that have happened recently have hit really close to home for me. And it has made me think. A lot. Makes me think about the people, the people's families who have been affected and then I think about myself and my own family, especially my children. It makes me really really hope and pray to God that I will

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-40331649327493768642008-06-11T20:13:00.005-05:002008-06-11T20:34:37.822-05:00

Yes, this is the news. Sorry it doesn't get any more exciting than this . . . :c)Click on the 2nd photo to read more about what it is!

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-26858874264752727952008-06-11T10:51:00.006-05:002008-06-12T12:17:52.587-05:00

"your computer's hard drive is bad". Which I knew. Just disappointing to hear those words. I'm having them put in a new hard drive along with the attempt to recover the lost data.My poor computers. I have a really bad computer history, don't I?Update ---They called and yet again, nothing could be recovered. I'm mourning a bit because I had an inkling of hope :(I did get a new hard drive put

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-25355813862944593352008-06-10T08:33:00.008-05:002008-06-10T17:55:08.073-05:00

As I proof zillions of pictures, I must take a break to share some of my favorites.Saturday in Chicago, Johanna met me at the apartment at 8:30 a.m. We took a taxi to Millennium Park where we met our first family at 9:00. It went awesome despite the no clouds and very hard morning light. It's hard to complain about beautiful weather, but for perfect-o photos, you really need some overcast. Ah

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-57944036318378641942008-06-07T10:00:00.002-05:002008-06-07T10:04:18.865-05:00

While downloading pictures from last weekend, I came across this one of my dear friend, Johanna and her husband, Jas. Jason did NOT want to do this picture, but once he was in the water, I think he was really thankful we (Jo and I) forced him to. I love this picture because of the rainbow and because of the expressions on their faces. It couldn't have turned out any more perfectly. What a fun

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-38329178035923646222008-06-06T15:27:00.004-05:002008-06-06T16:47:17.989-05:00

I'm working on a wedding album, as I have been doing for probably the past 36 hours. As I work on a page, I have been putting some of the photos up on flickr. Flickr is my absolute fave if you haven't already figured that one out. I spend so much time there these a days. It's an addiction but at least it sticks with what I like to do most :c) Since I haven't had a wedding for a few weeks,

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-85137237134676376122008-06-04T23:20:00.004-05:002008-06-05T14:55:52.572-05:00

At the end of Noah's school year this year, all the pre-school classes and the kindergarten class visited one of the teacher's farms. What an amazing farm it was, too. I think I had just as much fun (but probably more fun, hehe) as the kids. I was in heaven :) We played with dogs, puppies, cows, horses, roosters (just watched those as they aren't nice animals!), and goats. We also played

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-19385920774274466022008-06-04T17:21:00.005-05:002008-06-05T14:59:37.086-05:00

Here's the latest!Just to let everyone know, They gave Corie an Epidural about an hour ago. about five minutes later her water broke so we are moving along. She is dialating a little over 5cm so she is progressing along. She is doing really well and feeling much more relaxed, so hopefully we will be pushing in no time. We will let everyone know when baby B comes to join us.talk to everyone

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-44905602510078376302008-06-04T11:50:00.002-05:002008-06-04T11:53:19.191-05:00

I sold the sunflower print at It's 4 The Kids! Woo-hoooo I'm so excited! Hope you all have had a chance to hop over to the site and see the other artists. There are some neat things poppin' up over there. Oh and I'd be happy to sell another sunflower print, too ;) Remember, it's for the kids.

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-65572340493778693272008-06-04T10:44:00.005-05:002008-06-04T11:47:22.373-05:00

I got this email from my good friend, Corie, just seconds ago! A baby is coming, and on Sami's birthday! Yesterday the post on her blog was "still pregnant"!We are at the hospital. We were admitted around 7:15am. I was up all night with contractions, starting consistantly around 5 am. Needless to say, I'm already tired.They just started pitocin, to get my contractions to 2 min. apart.At 7:30

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-86929673317993042412008-06-03T09:58:00.005-05:002008-06-03T10:31:52.720-05:00

Absolutely cheesy title I know :c)The new 'puter was suppose to be delivered on Friday after we had already left for Chicago. I called UPS and tracked down the package so they held onto the computer and (thankfully) delivered it on Monday instead. Good thing because I wasn't going to be home but also because severe weather went through Friday night. The pretty silver Mac was opened late last

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-21818036022607474912008-05-29T12:27:00.006-05:002008-05-29T13:19:44.029-05:00

This time of year is so busy for me. Wedding after wedding, shoot after shoot. It's never-ending. I love actually going out and photographing and I love coming home and post-processing on my computer, but I really don't like the time it takes me to post-process. Man oh man oh man. So while I have been down one computer and online a ton less, I'm still attached to my other computer as I proof

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-53073861530080613532008-05-26T15:17:00.004-05:002008-05-27T09:27:06.279-05:00

I just spent $3100 on a new computer. Thinking of all the money I have spent over the years on macs makes me feel sick, but at the same time, it's probably a sickness that makes me buy another one. It's a vicious vicious cycle. As they say, "once you go mac, you don't go back". Yup, it's true. But my stomach still hurts from the files I lost and the money I just forked out which make me feel

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-16915211029302463302008-05-26T11:54:00.005-05:002008-05-26T12:16:31.617-05:00

It has not even been a year that this last happened to me. Is it even possible?! (Apparently so.)While working on my desktop Mac doing some proofing, I also had open my macbook trying to open up a slideshow, when suddenly my computer (macbook) went still. (For mac users, you know that twirly rainbow circle? It just kept going and going and I wasn't even able to click on the blue apple or any

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-31009816441547779802008-05-22T17:58:00.005-05:002008-05-22T18:21:41.228-05:00

Before:Our hair event went fine. I never imagined it would, but it did. I also prayed a lot going into it :c)First of all, I was so scared Maia would fall asleep on our 30 minute drive to the hair place, but I was able to keep her awake. Falling asleep would mean a very cranky uncooperative child when we got there, as most of you can relate. Then I was afraid Maia would not sit in the chair.

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-20871826899817716662008-05-21T23:32:00.009-05:002008-05-21T23:51:56.022-05:00

I'm thrilled! One of my favorite websites ever has featured one of my photographs for their "Love Thursday" feature photo section!!I love love love Shutter Sisters as they are so inspiring to me every single day. Not just with the photographs themselves but also with the words that are written along with them. Every picture tells a story. But those stories always come alive once told in

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-46923528529001985702008-05-21T08:51:00.006-05:002008-05-21T09:48:04.175-05:00

This shot is extra special because it's not only a part of Wordless Wednesday, but also a part of It's 4 The Kids, an organization that my friend, Michelle B. began. Michelle is an amazing writer and artist. She has an incredible gift of illustration. You can see some of her work here, here, and here is a book she is publishing called Macy-Sue LaRue. Anyway, this is by no means a sales pitch

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-30636520478584199342008-05-20T10:40:00.006-05:002008-05-20T11:11:38.484-05:00

We moved my mom and dad into their new house on Sunday. Neil and dad worked incredibly hard. What strong boys they are! :c) This adorable (I'm biased) picture is of my kiddies posing in the new kitchen. They love it at Grandma L and Grandpa B's new house. And Noah always reminds me that it's "right next to TARGET!". (And I say, "yes, I know, Noah...") I have a few other pictures, but I just

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-67517598069742196382008-05-19T18:40:00.008-05:002008-05-19T18:57:28.303-05:00

Well, it happened. I was sitting 10 minutes ago in my office working. I thought Neil was watching the kids. Boy was I wrong. Maia comes into my office saying "mommy, Noah cut my hair!". Yep, it's cut. Yep, I lost it. Yep, I can't stop crying.I know this happens to every little girl with hair at some point. But it was her brother, almost 5, who did it. HE KNOWS BETTER. And he KNEW he had

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-24062502724676520062008-05-18T17:51:00.007-05:002008-05-18T20:19:58.125-05:00

I thought I was done with anything Informant-wise even though they were to continue filming at the courthouse in Decatur on Saturday morning. My personal "informant" called me Friday to tell me. But I had a wedding reception which I was shooting at 5:00, so I decided I didn't want to spend my entire day in Decatur just waiting in hopes of seeing someone famous. Not that waiting isn't fun,

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-86478345282151600162008-05-16T09:11:00.006-05:002008-05-16T09:44:34.102-05:00

Some exciting stuff happened yesterday in this toddler potty-training home. Maia went all day in her big girl underwear with NO accidents! Poo and pee all in the POTTY! I can just (not) hear it now . . . no more "cha-chings" at the cash register buying diapers!!! I thought potty training was hard with Noah; he wanted to do it when he was ready and that seemed to take for-EVER. For Maia it's

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-26212146127328415822008-05-15T10:36:00.010-05:002008-05-15T12:19:01.730-05:00

Holy cow! I can't believe all the visitors to my site the last 24 hours. It's funny how it's all getting passed around, but then again, Matt is the Sexiest Man Alive. Too bad he didn't look like this on Tuesday:I found that I've been linked by a Matt Damon Column, which is why I'm getting all this traffic. Kinda fun, eh? Welcome to all of you from the Matt Damon Column and to those I've seen

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-7878736867012839262008-05-14T10:54:00.006-05:002008-05-21T23:27:01.329-05:00

I'm still on this huge high! It almost doesn't seem real that I saw all the filming that I did and that my determination paid off with getting to see and meet a huge celebrity. Wow, what an AMAZING moment. Here's a little bit more about the movie and the characters in it. A really big lineup of celebrities! This taken from cinematical.com:"There have been some questions raised about the

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-75057123746318894192008-05-13T22:51:00.004-05:002008-05-14T13:46:47.955-05:00

Welp, I did it. I'm burnt and red as a tomato and tired as a dog. But, I can't go to bed without posting these.Full story with 200 pics tomorrow.Goodnight from one very happy girl. :c)

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-77022346027879169272008-05-13T09:07:00.003-05:002008-05-13T09:15:20.543-05:00

I'm off again this morning to see a taping of Matt Damon's filming of The Informant. I am a little obsessed I suppose but it's more like determined. He is in my town for 2 weeks! I am determined to see him, take a picture of him and possibly meet him! I must. On a spur of a moment last night because of 2 phone calls I received from two of my personal informants (hehe), I went from yoga pants

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-45063176169298802102008-05-12T08:42:00.008-05:002008-05-14T23:25:26.944-05:00

There rarely seems to be a day where you don't find me looking like this:. . . with a camera attached to me somewhere on my body. So here's what I've been doing on those days . . .* Alexis and I had the best time ever Thursday night. Robbies, drinks, push-up bras and Matt Damon . . . not much can get better than that! (She should have a post on this soon - she took pictures - I didn't!)* My mom

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-15092991642140472632008-05-08T08:42:00.008-05:002008-05-08T15:00:48.834-05:00

Never in a million years would anyone think that Decatur, Illinois could be famous for anything but Firestone (remember the recall?) and ADM's smog. But this week they are famous for Matt Damon. He is in town shooting a movie . . . in Decatur, Illinois . . . my hometown . . . it's pretty crazy. My friend, Vickie, knows a girl who is an "extra". And this morning I received all kinds of

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-28207951860962439652008-05-06T22:31:00.006-05:002008-05-06T22:45:59.101-05:00

A Dog's PrayerTreat me kindly, my beloved masterfor no heart in all the worldis more grateful for kindnessthan the loving heart of me.Do not break my spirit with a stick,for though I should lick your hand between blows,your patience and understandingwill more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music,as you must know by the

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-2209448190734885572008-05-06T09:15:00.004-05:002008-05-06T09:48:05.154-05:00

All I am doing right now is work work work. It's on my mind 100% of my awake time, and even my sleep time. I have so much to do. But, I admit I truly love it. How could I not? Look at the picture above . . . one of my favorites. It's worth every second of my time to make a portrait like that. It makes me happy because I make them happy. But it does consume me. I even had a dream last

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-51634487095842099122008-05-04T19:38:00.002-05:002008-05-04T19:42:55.202-05:00

Boy-hood begins. So I was working down in my office this afternoon. The kids and Neil were outside. I have a window that my desk sits in front of which is to the front of the house and I can see out of. Suddenly Noah come running around the front of the house, directly in front of my window and my view. He doesn't see me, but I see him. He stands facing me and then suddenly looks over both

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-19374277825846759702008-05-03T21:41:00.002-05:002008-05-03T21:53:06.727-05:00

. . . said goodbye to Jen and Addison. We had such a great time together. Like always, it was so soooo hard to say goodbye. Who knows when we'll see each other again. Great friends are hard to find. I miss them already. . . . have a terrible sinus headache.. . . slept 2 hours after they left due to this terrible headache.. . . finally became a Twitter-er. Check out my sidebar. Do you

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-56130118261037503372008-05-01T11:52:00.004-05:002008-05-01T12:14:53.865-05:00

I guess I was wrong when I said I wouldn't be around much. I should have said something like, I will still be posting when I can, but it won't be posts that are thought-provoking for you or that take time for me to write. :c)My work/photography posts may bore you. If so, just carry on with your blog-surfing. I absolutely don't mind. Really!I had another maternity session over the weekend. I

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-12662111477418034292008-04-30T09:06:00.007-05:002008-04-30T09:42:31.444-05:00

It was my dear friend, Jen's, little girls 2nd birthday last week. And I missed being a part of that celebration. Addison Jayne is 6 months to the day younger than Maia. I so wish I could have been there with her as Jen threw Addy her 2nd birthday party. I miss them both so much and Maia misses the friend she's not really ever gotten to know (or wait, I guess it's mommy who is sad because she's

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-17349841122869673602008-04-29T13:43:00.008-05:002008-04-29T14:07:52.661-05:00

I know that saying is so so true. I know it. But, but but . . . I have a new competitor. And it makes me nervous. Really nervous. And I can't stop thinking about it. Is that bad? Yeah, it's pretty bad. Bad that I'm so concerned and worried. I couldn't sleep the night I found out about her. We have similar styles. The thing she has up on me: she has a studio space. Downtown. In the

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-64323887545950319922008-04-28T14:54:00.001-05:002008-04-28T14:56:13.871-05:00

May you always have walls for the winds,a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,and all your heart might desire.Happy Birthday, Chel! Love you.

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-28404357742250710232008-04-25T12:22:00.004-05:002008-04-25T12:37:57.789-05:00

. . . woke up earlier than usual and actually had time to sit down with a cup of coffee before taking Noah to school. . . . stayed at Noah's school today for two hours shooting pictures of he and all his schoolmates. It was really fun. I love watching children of all ages learn.. . . watched Maia be a big girl and play on the play equipment with all the "big kids". She doesn't need me so much

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-38411627806621552552008-04-23T10:52:00.009-05:002008-04-23T11:25:16.448-05:00

I'm not going to be around much from here throughout the summer, I'm afraid, but I hope that won't deter you from visiting me when I do have a post or make you feel like I won't visit you anymore. Because that's just not true! :c)I just started in on busy season #6 (I can't believe it's the 6th summer for me, wow!) with a wedding last Saturday. I've also got three wedding album orders in the

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-10165033503330286422008-04-23T10:11:00.002-05:002008-04-23T10:15:52.050-05:00

A fresh bright red pedicure and bright green uncut grass to run my tootsies through. Not much gets better than that!

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-33503108152129854392008-04-23T09:14:00.005-05:002008-04-23T09:23:30.517-05:00

My friend, Cerella, has a new blog. She went from a fun and witty blog about herself to a new blog about our hometown. It's simply called "People of Decatur". Hope you check it out. You'll be warmly greeted by someone you know . . . I'm working on another post, too, so please stay tuned. Lots of exciting things going on in my life here in Small Town, USA.

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-38087981800400937202008-04-18T08:29:00.008-05:002008-04-18T09:01:59.038-05:00

Southern Illinois had a 5.2 magnitude earthquake last night! I woke up at the end of it with the house literally shaking. It felt like the house was picked up and shook back and forth, back and forth like a snow globe. It was loud sounding even. We live next to a railroad with trains roaring over it 3 times a day. My first thought was "it's just the train", but then I realized no way was it a

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-50676969252259626262008-04-15T22:24:00.004-05:002008-04-15T22:31:36.033-05:00

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-28064910664861540652008-04-14T19:39:00.004-05:002008-04-14T19:48:22.086-05:00

So I just got an email from a prospective client, a bride. I'm still laughing. First of all, she is wanting me to photograph her wedding in just a couple months (kinda short notice), but the real kicker is this part of the email. And I quote, "Do you have a limit to the number in the wedding party because we have 15 bridesmaids?" Oh my lands. Seriously?! FIFTEEN?! And I thought 9 was a lot

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-85330736485593238002008-04-13T18:49:00.018-05:002008-04-13T21:16:04.788-05:00

Neil was gone this week traveling to Atlanta, and anytime he is gone, I really don't get much accomplished, hence why I haven't posted. I've also been spending a ton of time in the car driving back and forth to town where my chiropractor is. I'm not sure how much longer I can do that because I'm spending an extra $100 a month just on gas, not to mention the actual cost of my visits. I love my

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-70082635128864114942008-04-08T23:02:00.004-05:002008-04-08T23:05:53.484-05:00

My baby girl (who is no longer a baby) is running into her 3rd spring as quickly as she can looking for new discoveries and adventures all around her. It's exciting for mommy, but at the same time, so bittersweet. They grow up so fast . . .

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35923238.post-39861984807869257072008-04-08T09:52:00.005-05:002008-04-11T13:58:07.735-05:00

"You can select [friends] at random, write to one, dine with one, visit one, or take your problems to one. There is always at least one who will understand, inspire, and give you the lift you may need at the time." -- George Matthew AdamsI love that quote. Corie is my friend who inspires and makes me laugh. She is the sweetest girl ever who inspires me to be as kind-hearted and loving as

it's me, Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789723615474728001noreply@blogger.com5