Happy Birthday to me ~ the Chicago way

I am actually going to post this entry without pictures because . . . well, because I'm just drained and super lazy this evening now that I'm home and back settled into reality of mommy hood in small town, USA. I. am. pooped.

So Chicago. Oh how I love that city.

There have been so many memorable moments in my life ranging from my first tractor ride at the age of 6 months to hanging out at my favorite bar in college, Tres Hombres, to of course, the birth of my children (even though I had a 31-hour labor with Maia). That said, some of the great memories of my life continue to be amazingly wonderful with this weekend ranking up there with the best. Not only because I got away on my birthday but because I have people in my life who really love me . . . a lot.

Before we even left on Friday I had received a dozen cards in the mail, 2 wonderfully sweet packages (Alexis and Patty!) and flowers (Natalie)! I took pictures of all, but like I said, I am l-a-z-y and t-i-r-e-d. But if you really need to know, hehe, the flowers are gorgeous (orange gerbera daisies with modern flair!), my package from Alexis was filled with goodies picked especially for me that I love and my package from Patty included the same Val-ness. So I left small town, USA feeling very loved. Thank you, friends!

I really didn't do too much but shop, but heck, what's wrong with that?! I got a dress for Heather's wedding, (which is gor-geous!) and I bought myself an outfit (which I wore to the greatest talk show on earth) with the nice little treat Neil's mom sent me to Chicago with in my wallet (thank you, Pat!!). And I hit some great deals at a store I had never heard of called Loehmann's which I could have spent hours upon hours in (and almost did). Do you all know of this store? It's so much like a TJ Maxx but ten hundred times better! And of course I hit the big 4-floor Borders on Michigan Avenue in search for a new copy of my favorite childhood book, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." and the Sassy book I talked about a little while back. I couldn't find the Sassy one, darn it. I have to special order it. Eh.

So get this! We got up on Saturday in search for a Starbucks when we began seeing dozens of people in green and then dozens upon dozens more. It didn't phase us except that they apparently cared enough to celebrate this Irish holiday and they were quite festive doing it. However, then we find ourselves suddenly in the middle of the St. Patrick's Day parade and the dyeing of the Chicago River. Seriously, I'm not kidding. We were in total oblivion but when we figured it out, it was really awesome to be caught in the middle of it.

What made my actual birthday day was seeing my dear friend, Katie, her husband, David, and their daughter, Rachel, whom I hadn't met yet and she is a year and a half old. I feel really bad about that. Like really bad. But thankfully Katie is such a forgiving friend and loves me truly. So I got to meet the little peach, and oh my goodness is she ever a peach! I feel so blessed to have finally had this opportunity. What great parents they are. And what a great birthday dinner it was to share with them.

The most exciting part, which I know some of you are dying to hear, is that today I did get to see a live taping of the Oprah Winfrey show. And it was . . . oh my goodness . . . spectacular. Did anyone see it?! Simon Cowell was on it which couldn't have made it any better of a show, and I'll happily tell all about it tomorrow because like I said already, I am pooped to the max. Getting up at 2:50 a.m. just for Oprah will do that to you. :c)

Thumbs up, thumbs down?

Help me justify something.

I bought a dress and it's beautiful. It was 1/2 price and calling out my name. But it better fit, that's all I've got to say.

I have 3 weddings this winter, and that's how *I* justify the purchase. Last year I was a bit bigger. I hadn't lost all my pregnancy weight, but this year I'm back to my size (I still don't feel back to "me" yet, but my goal, by the first wedding, is to feel like a hot mama again ;))

The first wedding is my sister-in-law, Michelle's, brother's wedding (Andy). Missy, who is in my sidebar. She is marrying Andy. I'm going to have this really cool extended family now. (Not that I already didn't call him/her/them family, but now I guess it will be even more official!) Missy is the best!

Anyhow, so I have their wedding to attend (my niece is the flower girl!), then I am shooting a wedding the first weekend in December (in which I'm also invited to as a guest) and in which my very good friend, Johanna, will be attending (it's her brother-in-law's wedding) and she and I both decided we have to look hot, so we'll look hot together. (Tee hee) And then I am shooting another wedding the first weekend of January. It's a huge wedding, 8 attendants each, Neil and I will know probably a 1/3 of the people there and and it's an all black and white wedding (isn't that cool?!) So my dress isn't black and white, but it's still pretty subdued, and sometimes it's fun to stand out a little bit when I have my camera in my hand ;)

So this is what I bought. And all I keep telling myself is, I got a great deal on it. And I'll wear it a lot. And I'm never going to be pregnant again, so I will (hopefully) be able to wear it for many more fall and winters to come. I'm right, right?? Right??

Tell me it's hot. Tell me I'll look hot and that it will be worth it. It's gonna fit, it's gonna fit, it's gonna fit.
But isn't it pretty? (Jo, I hope you don't have your dress yet. We have to coordinate, ya know?)

P.S. I'm not telling the price.

My weekend . . . in pictures.

So I know we are already to Hump Day, so also almost to the next weekend. But let's just pretend for a minute that I'm on top of things and that this is Monday, k? Just humor me :c) I'm not even doing WW today. But wait, it's not Wednesday, it's Monday! (wink) So that means I am on top of things. Way to go, Val!

Last weekend . . . a great weekend . . . and one of my less stressed and hurried weekends in a long time, and I know in a long time to come as well! So I thought I'd post pictures since I kinda photo-journalized my days anyhow.

Erin had asked what books I bought while at B&N last week. Here they are. One is country, which if you know me, I don't scream "country", however I have a strong love of vintage style, and this book had quite a bit of it, hence, why I bought it! The other one is totally me. In-style, but in a less expensive type of way!

Saturday morning my mom and I did Race for the Cure. We walked in honor of my Grandma Libby, mom's mother. I had done the Race before, mom had not. She was so glad she had that opportunity. We had over 4100 in our race here in town. It was empowering, yet so very emotional. Here we are in pictures after the race. I forgot my camera, so these were taken when we got back to my house. And the one picture on the top right is our bag of yummies. I love freebies!

Then I drove to Springfield to meet up with Jen. Jen use to live on my block. We became the best of friends. I know God put her on my street for such a short amount of time so that we would meet and be friends forever. She and her family now live in Hattiesburg, MS. I haven't seen her in almost 1 year. And I've missed her. A lot. This is me on my way to visit Jen. I had NO KIDS IN THE CAR (Amen to that!) and I got to listen to my music (Regina Spektor) and I got to think quietly in peace. It was heavenly.

Here is Jenny-Jen and myself! We had to get coffee (why of course!) and we also hit the stores (um, hello, duh!). Jen had to get a dress for a wedding she was going to that evening. This picture here is of one she bought. She bought two and she called me later saying this was the one she wore (it was my fave!). And, as you can see, I had such fun with the 3-way mirrors! It was so great seeing her. Time was way way way too short, though. We're planning on getting together again late summer or early fall.

Then I hurried home to freshen up for dinner with Mandy & Heather. When I walked into my house, I saw this. I guess this pile of newspapers kept the kids occupied while Neil packed some boxes. Whatever it takes, I guess? I was just glad I could turn around and leave again!

Dinner was great. I know both Mandy and Heather from grade school . . . kindergarten through our senior year of high school, actually! Wow, that is a lot of years. Mandy is now in Cincinnati, and she came "home" for the weekend. So we all got together for Mexican food and 'ritas and had an absolutely wonderful girly-girl time! So up above are some fun pics of my girl, Heather. And the one on the bottom right is a picture I took of a picture on her camera of her at her zoo taking care of her Cheetahs. Yep, those are hers!

Halfway through our 4-1/2 hours at the restaurant, we called my best boy friends, Jeff and Brian, to see if they'd join us. Of course they did! We had such a great time, too. Jeff and Mandy got into some heated - yet friendly - arguments over evolution and Christianity. Jeff, a Christian, tried his best to give his argument and she tried her best to give hers on evolution. Mandy is going for her doctrine and her study is in evolution. It's really really hard to get her to understand how we believe that God is the creator of all things and that once we die, we will forever live again. But, then I understand that it's hard for her to believe it when she has had such in-depth study of evolution, and have been taught by professors who are not Christians. I cannot judge her or what she believes, and I won't. Jeff didn't either. He just tried to help her believe. (That's what we are suppose to do.) I love Mandy so much. I just pray she will one day change from Agnostic/Atheist to becoming a Christian. I pray very hard for this, actually. My heart aches that she feels she is going to hell and laughs about it. I so badly want to change that. But I know it's out of my hands.

On a lighter note, we had lots of margaritas. Lots. We had a wonderful time and I look forward to more to come. We're trying to talk Mandy to moving back home! (Hint, hint if you read this, Mandeline!)

Then Sunday we got to get back into our very-soon-to-be house to try and decide on colors for the house. In the kitchen we were trying to match up light yellows to paint over the mustard-y color. And then I found some master bathroom decor which I just stumbled upon (the best kind of buys!) which were way on clearance at Bergner's and are the perfect match to the color we are painting the master bedroom! I love good buys and pretty things!

Happy 4th of July to my readers! Friday we close on the new house! I am so so so excited! Offer still stands for the weekend painting fun! My mom is making Italian Beef and I'm bringing other food and of course, drinks! We may even be without kids thanks to O'ma! Let's kick some wall-painting booty! :c)

Oh, and I got my computer back with a new hard drive. I have yet to turn the darn thing on. The thought stresses me out.

Fun Stuff to Make Mopey Monday Super-Duper!

This is definitely a "what-will-they-think-of-next" thing, but wow, isn't it cool?! I'd love to put this in the bathroom to greet me after Clocky (below) wakes me up!

You can't hide from Clocky! He knows where you are and he will find you. Especially on Mondays!

Mother's Day idea. Is this not the most adorable thing ever? I would cherish this forever and ever if my kids got me this. (Hint, hint hubby!)


Me so want this. I mean, for Noah, that is ;c)


One of my favorite online shops is selling these. I need them for our one-day new house (ho-hum . . .)

Is it a washing machine? Well, maybe for . . . birds?!


Not just a head of lettuce, but something else pretty nifty, too!

Most things either courtesy of one of my favorite "oh-that's-so-neat" blogs, Swiss Miss, or things I've just ran across on my own :c) Enjoy dreaming, enjoy laughing, enjoy your day, enjoy whatever!

New favorite home finds for my shopping list

I looooove this butterfly crewelwork rug from Anthropologie, but what do I not love from there?


I adore this wallpaper tree from romp and think I need to get it for Maia's new room. It would fit so perfectly in with her vintage-y decor.


I cannot get enough of this new ottoman from Garnet Hill, which is why I need it. It's going on my "wants" list for the new house!


And I must have this three-tiered table from Room Service. Would work perfectly in one of our bathrooms in the new house. (Yes, one of the bathrooms. I've never had more than one bathroom so this excites me more than anything!)

Not just surprise, soyprise

No "Foto Friday" from me today, but instead, another blogging frenzy. I found the greatest little gift over at Spoon Sisters today. I love this idea! If you know me, you know I love gifts that are different and unique. This one I love for those reasons, but also because I grew up on a farm where 1/2 our crop were soybeans. I have spent many many years becoming quite good friends with soybeans. Spent way more time with them than I had ever dreamed of doing. While at the time I hated it with a passion, I now look back on those bean-walking days with a smile because of all the memories I have in the fields with my brother, parents, grandpa, and cousins. So now, not only are soybeans doing hundreds of things for our communities in the food sense, they are now making us smile with cute little messages to make our days more fullfilling and happy. How fun.

Begin your Christmas shopping here

With Christmas right around the corner, I thought it might be fun to tell you some of my favorite websites to explore and shop. Maybe at one of the sites you will find yourself in an "ah-ha!" moment where you all the sudden find the perfect gift for a hard-to-buy-for person? And if not, well, it will just give you something to do when you find yourself in need of some website surfing to pass the time. Enjoy.

~ So I am addicted to baby boutiques. Here are a few of my very favorites!
~ Baby Dooda
~ Blabla Kids
~ The Retro Baby
~ Uncommonly Cute
~ Craftsbury Kids

~ Bella Luce - things like Peruvian Chocolate Moisturizing Syrup - can you say 'heavenly'?!
~ Madallie - perfect if you travel w/ kids a lot and need new things for them to do!
~ Patemm - Ok, these are awesome. They make diaper changing time easier when you are on the go. I don't have one but know of people who do and say how much they love them!
~ Anthropologie ~ My favorite of all time clothing shop
~ Playthings Past - for old-fashioned fun toys
~ Fat Brain Toys - another great toy site that I like to surf
~ Zebra Hall - ok, and just one more toy shop, I promise!
~ Poppie Girl - I love different and this site has that. Cute hand made jewelry and tees.
~ Baby Bento - this site is great if you like sushi or know someone who does. Cute sushi-inspired baby items. . . yum.
~ Jenni Bick - beautiful hand made journals, albums, papers. . . so pretty
~ One Good Bumble Bee - fun 80's inspired stationery and more! I guess you are starting to realize how much I personally love snail mail!
~ Miss Lovely - hand made pretties of all kinds!
~ Etsy - this is one of my favorite places in the internet world!
~ Dog Like Nature - one of the most unique stores online (that I have found) dedicated to your precious pooches
~ Calliope Boutique - a fun, unique and creative store of all kinds of finds
~ Valerie Confections - ok, so I had to put this one in here. It's chocolates made by a girl named Val!
~ Absolutely Audrey - if you need something to make you and your shoes even more unique, try this site.
~ Bibelot - absolutely beautiful things - my favorite sections are the jewelry and baby section of this site
~ What on Earth - this site is great because it's made for the hard-to-buy-for person
~ Nest - more hand made stuff - I just can't get enough of it!
~ Tennessee T-cakes - I got an email from these people and it made my mouth water
~ Zevro - I just love cereal, so I love these
~ Femail Creations - thanks to Kristin, I've been hooked on this one for a long time
~ Groovy Paper - 'personalized stationery for the cool kid and hip adult'
~ Uncommon Goods - great gifs for everyone, including guys!
~ Active Endeavors - another favorite clothing site
~ Shop Heidi - this one is in lieu of my friend, Heidi. It's adorable wrappings that actually remind me of her.
~ Color Warp pc - this is a neat site where you can get your Macs custom colored! (Alexis!!)
~ Organic Bouquet - absolutely beautiful flowers of all kinds
~ Fred Flare - more fun 80's inspired clothing and gifts
~ Zipper Gifts - great gifts of all kinds - modern, vintage, for kids, for dogs, you get the picture