Purple Valley: holidays

In Lieu of Today.

In Lieu of today, I share with you, more pics of me and him. Enjoy!

Him and I when we were driving home from somewhere? in 2001. I took this pic of us driving down the road in my convertible with the dog. See her? She's in between in all black cheese'n. And yes, I was drivin'. I'm not as brave as I use to be. Kids do that to ya. I love this picture, though. Neil has on his I Heart NY tee that I bought him in NYC that same summer.

Him and I at Dan and Danielle's wedding in Chicago a couple years ago in 2004. Andrea told me at this wedding that she was preggie with Audrie! Awww. And I grabbed Dan's ___! What?! Oh, nevermind. Neil and I had the best time at the wedding.

This was taken at our house 2 Christmases ago when we did our Progressive Party with 5 of our neighbor friends/couples. It was so much fun! We probably won't have too many more pictures taken at this house. Exciting but sad at the same time.

Happy Valetine's Day, to my One and Only on our 13th V-Day. I love you.

The Perfect Valentine's Day gifts

This is very true, very fun, very not-happening for me - but perhaps for you?? Courtesy of Urban Baby Daily, one of my daily must-reads! Who knows, maybe my children and darling hubby will surprise me? Read on . . .

True Romance

Ah, Valentine's Day – time to bask in the glow of your family's love. But does that have to mean chocolates, overpriced roses or a spa certificate you'll never have time to use? Instead of cards and flowers, what do you really want this year? How about one of these priceless gifts:

An entire day of cooperation from your toddler. He doesn't scream about the way his toast is cut at breakfast; he's willing to wear the clothes you choose and he goes to bed (and stays asleep) without complaint.

A night out at a hot new club with your favorite single girlfriend. Bring only a tiny bag for cash, keys, lipstick and phone. Turn off phone.

One leisurely afternoon at the gym. Instead of skipping your cool-down and running home to relieve the babysitter, wouldn't you love a chance to finally check out the hot tub, steam room and sauna?

A weekend full of fun family plans, and nothing has to be cancelled because one of the kids involved (probably yours) has a cold, flu, ear infection, croup or pinkeye.

Your husband doing household chores – shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning, the whole bit. Seriously, is there anything sexier than a man unloading a dishwasher?

The perfect outfit to flatter your "transitional" body, now stuck somewhere between your scale-tipping ninth month and your pre-pregnancy ideal (never mind that the baby's already in preschool).

Brand-new music on your iPod, courtesy of your dear husband, who downloads stuff he knows you'll like and sets up a playlist just for you.

A nap that lasts as long as you like, with no interruptions. When you wake up, miraculously, everyone is still alive.

New shoes – including an afternoon off to go shopping for them with your best friend.

And of course, handmade valentines and macaroni bracelets from your littlest admirers, presented with "breakfast in bed" and a visit from the tickle monster.