Vote for Naomi and The Birthday Present

I thought I would jump start the process of Naomi's very successful modeling career by entering this picture in a contest to be on the cover of the November issue of Parents Magazine.

I just did it for fun and we're asking for your votes!  Please click the link below and vote every day until May 9th.  I have been harassing everyone I know to vote through texts, email and Facebook...why not put it on the blog as well???

http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/id/7/w/18/y/2010?page=355&esrc=nwphotofaves4a

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The Birthday Present

I know you all are dying to know what Gerry got me as a gift for my b-day.  After we got home from Shogun, he handed me a card that said "Birthday Present" on the envelope.

This is what it said:

To celebrate your special day, we have reserved an appointment with an exclusive personal shopper on the afternoon of Sunday, May 16th.  This time will be set aside for you to enjoy.  There is one thing you must do before you go and that is guess the identity of your personal shopper!!!

(no, it was not Stacy London)

I guessed my wonderful sister-in-law, Karen and I was right!!!

The card went on to read:

Beyond a special afternoon for you to enjoy, this shopping trip will come in handy for your anniversary present!!!

Now let me just clarify that all who know me personally, know that I am not the chic-est dresser in town.  I know what's in style, I just can't figure out how to get things to look right on me.  I tend to lean towards a solid color shirt and jeans.  I only change my purse when my friend Erin gets a new one and gives me her old one to borrow.  And I've had the same jewelry since before I got married (which is almost 5 years ago.)  

Karen is a very snazzy dresser.  She is a professional career woman during the day and knows how to party it up at night and she always dresses the part. (She also does not have kids yet...)  She has helped me several times when I've been in a bind to find clothes to wear. So, it wasn't a big surprise when I figured out Gerry asked her to help me shop.  He is so sick of hearing me complain about the lack of clothes in my closet.

So you're probably asking "What is the anniversary present?"  I was, too.

He handed me another card that said "Anniversary Present" on the envelope.  

The inside said:

On the morning of XXXXXX***,  we will be heading to___________________ to celebrate our Anniversary!!!  So enjoy your day out with your personal shopper and make sure you get some fabulous new clothes for__________________________!!!

Then he proceeded to tell me that he arranged for my brother to watch Maria and his sister to watch Naomi, and our neighbor is going to watch the dog and we are going on a weekend getaway!  But he wouldn't tell me where or how we were getting there.

Yesterday, he finally gave in and told me we are taking a train ride to ...

CHICAGO!!!

Whooo hooo!! I am so excited! I love Chicago, and I love that we are taking the train! We don't have to worry about the drive, we can just sit back and relax and be together!

I am constantly amazed at what this man does for me.  I am so grateful for him and I am so thankful for each and every family member who is taking part to make our little getaway possible!!!We are lucky to have you all.  

So Karen, John, Jeff & Kelly- I'm thanking you ahead of time, from the bottom of my heart.  I love you!

And Gerry- I love you too!  I can't wait for Chicago!

****Husband made me leave out the date for safety reasons...****