Looking For...

I'm in the market for a few items. Wondered if anyone has a good recommendation. I am big on word of mouth. Tried and true.

1. Mid-size SUV or other family vehicle(mini van, burb, etc.)- likes and dislikes? Year, Make, Model? Anyone selling anything in good condition? The Honda just isn't cutting it anymore.

2. Childrens Kitchen Set- looking to get one of these for Rylee's 1st B-day at the beginning of April. So many choices- which is the one to get?

3. Besides Pottery Barn...other sites/stores for boy bedding? Also... any good leads on wall decor for boy rooms?

4. Office furniture- is it just me or are there not many options for decorating an office these days?

5. A good place/selection for rugs. I need a bunch- area rugs, under dining table, entry way, kitchen, bathrooms, etc.

6. Any good sites for home decorating? I'm in serious need of inspiration and home shows don't start for a couple more months.

Thanks for any input- the blogging community always comes through.

Before I was a Mom

So....I had one of "those" weeks. You know the kind where you feel like a total failure- you can't keep your house clean, you're not in the running for mother of the year, you have nothing cute to wear, you need to drop that baby weight, in need of a haircut, your house isn't home show perfect, you're sick of winter, blah, blah, blah! Yah- tears and a break down and the whole nine yards. That's the kind of week I had.

In my own little pitty party- I started thinking of when life was much easier- you know when it was mostly about me and a little bit about others. You see, before I was a mom, I led a glamorous life. (J/K). I worked in downtown Salt Lake for an advertising agency as a Public Relations Coordinator. I parked in a parking garage, Monday mornings consisted of an agency production meeting- often with warm drinks and donuts or bagels provided, I had business meetings in fun and upscale restaurants, would stroll around the Gateway or Crossroads mall or temple square during my lunch breaks, I wore somewhat professional clothes and didn't get one bit of slime on them all day long, I engaged in interesting conversation daily, I had a to-do list that actually got done, I had a rather large office all to myself and would spend my days pitching news to the media and using my mind writing and creating collateral for various companies. Then I would go home to my perfectly clean house (since no one was home all day) and enjoy the company of my husband or watch TV or do whatever I wanted without any interruption.

Life has certainly changed now. But the change really has been for the better. Don't get me wrong- there are days when I miss my "old" self and would love to go back. But I know that what I'm doing now has much more purpose and reward in grand scheme of things. I saw this "Before I was a Mom" awhile ago and then my friend emailed it to me this week and it was very timely- really put things back into perspective for me. I can't imagine life without my kids. I really would be missing a lot if I wouldn't have moved beyond my former life into something much better. Nothing has taught me more about life or myself than motherhood. It truly is the refiner's fire.

Enjoy! And tell me about it...who were you in your "former" life?

Before I Was a Mom

Before I was a Mom, I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom,
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on. Spit on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Everyone Has a Story....Here is Ours

It's taken me forever to get around to this. I was "Husband Tagged" by Nicole. Here's the low down on my favorite guy...Justin!

What is his name? Justin Max Taylor

How long have you been married? It will be 6 years in May

How long did you date? Ha, ha-- like 5 years, but this was on and off and includes the time he was on a misson (which we wrote, but I dated while he was gone.)

How old is he? 28

Who eats more sweets? For sure me- he likes certain treats, but has much more control than me. For instance, I can't stand it when he wants to "save" a treat for later- I'm always trying to get him to give me his if he doesn't want it. He'll save it forever too- I can't hardly stand it without wanting to eat it myself. I'll keep asking him- "are you going to eat that yet? Can I have it?"

Who said I love you first? Not sure who said it first, but I completely remember the first time I realized I loved him. I was like 18 years old, but the actual words most likely came later. He was completely different than anyone I had dated and knew he was worth keeping. It was probably me though- but I can't really remember the moment if so. (I need to take a peak at my old journal) I was always pretty certain as to how I felt about him. I do remember all the details of when he told me though. I thought, "Finally!"

Who is taller? Him- he's about 6'2, I'm 5'4

Who can sing better? Justin- he hides his talent under a bushel though. He seriously has a good voice and can sing country better than the best. When he's in his zone- he'll belt out a pretty nice rendition. I don't have much of a voice, but I'm not afraid to sing either. Sometimes on our long drives home to Idaho (when we lived in UT) we'd break out in little duets to kill time- we sang some Tim & Faith, numbers from the Moulon Rouge sound track & others. We've even been known to make up our own musical- just singing whatever came to mind in true Broadway style (singing every sentence/line)- seriously so funny! (no one but the two of us have ever or probably will ever witness this). Good times!

Who is smarter? Well, I'm older (by 8 months), so I guess me, based on my level of experience. Ha, ha. Just kidding- we both have a pretty good head on our shoulders. School was always pretty easy for me and I feel like I can figure most stuff out. But-- Justin has more schooling than me, if that means anything. However, I have a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and he has a Master's in Accounting, which is much harder than mine in my opinion. Jus is smart because he applies himself and works hard to achieve. He knows more about his stuff- like sports, money/finance, house details, fixing things, cars, etc. And I know more about my stuff like kids, organzing/planning, people, writing/reading, computers, technical things (he has no patience for trying to figure stuff out- like anything that involves reading a manual or assembling stuff- I do most of these things or else he just wings it- like when he put the side of the crib on upside down- um not how it goes, didn't you read the instructions?).

Who does the laundry? Me now. Jus used to help when I worked full time and he was going to school.

Who pays the bills? Justin. I used to keep really good track of stuff like this, but now this is completely his deal- I couldn't even tell you what's coming in or out. As long as I've got some to spend- I'm fine.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me

Who mows the lawn? We've never really had a lawn yet. But... I had to growing up and have no problem with it. When we lived at my parents house, Jus did it. I guess we'll see once we get our yard in this Spring.

Who cooks dinner? Me- but I wish that he would more often. Once again, he used to help occasionally with this. He does help on Sundays or cooks breakfast sometimes.

Who drives? Jus- he's a nervous wreck when I drive (for some reason?)

Who is more stubborn? Both- most people would think me and I am pretty stong willed, but Justin in silently stubborn. If ever someone has to apologize- it's mostly me that gives in first. But... I usually do get my own way.

Who kissed who first? He kissed me and I was his first kiss! (I had slightly more experience already). We had been dating for 3 months before he got the guts to go for it. Once again, I was like, "Finally!" It was 11 years ago in March. It happened in the Rigby High parking lot and he was wayyy past his curfew, so his dad came looking for him. It was totally worth the trouble he got into.

Who asked who out first? He did. He asked me to Senior Ball- December 1996! I never expected him to ask me and definitely never thought he would end up as my husband. I honestly thought he asked me because his brother Greg (who was at college, but who I had been friends with forever and was better friends with than Jus) had put him up to it. Turned out that wasn't the case. Funny how things work out.

Who proposed? He did- Finally! Can you tell I had to be patient for this guy? After he got home from his mission, it was a roller-coaster for a year, but we finally figured stuff out. We had a nice dinner at Jakers and then he popped the question at the Green Belt- overlooking the temple. I picked out my ring, so I knew it coming, but didn't think it would happen that night. We got the ring in Logan (where I was going to school) and since I had been with him constantly, I didn't think he had went there to get it. Come to find out- our friend Ryan met him in Pocatello with it. Also...my dad was in a farming accident the day we got engaged and I had been at the ER with my family- so I definitely didn't think it would be that night, but I think he had the ring and just couldn't wait. We both knew, but our families had no idea- they were very surprised!

Who has more siblings? Him by one. There are 7 kids in my fam, 8 in his. But we are both 3rd to the youngest.

Who wears the pants? Me mostly, but like I said he has a silently stubborn side to him that wins out occasionally. It's probably more one leg in really- we're both good at compromising and the whole give and take bit.

Thanks Nicole for Tagging me on this- it's fun to actually record stuff like this somewhere. To keep the tag rolling, I tag: SHANTAY TAYLOR, HEIDI TAYLOR, JULIE SUNDSTROM, CHELSIE PEDERSON and TASHA PRICE. Have Fun!

Homebound

So we've been a little homebound during these long winter months. The other day, I finally did decide that I couldn't take it any longer, so we made the trek to I.F. to do some shopping. After getting stuck (when I was trying to turn around to go back home to get my cell phone (that I forgot) in case we did get stuck- go figure), driving at apprx. 40 mph or slower the whole drive there and then having to push a lady's car out of the drifting snow banks off the side of the road (and my pants were wet knee high). I just decided it isn't worth it. So.... here's a few ideas on what you can do when you're stuck at home.

1. Fix up a little V-Day arrangement. Just a clear vace, V-Day candy and some cute flowers. Too bad all the candy is now gone- but what do I expect? We've been home all day long, remember. It was cute.

2. Carry your little sister around the house - it probably won't make your mom nervous at all. (And while your at it- don't bother getting dressed either.)

3. Make a snow cave with your dad.

4. Or maybe sledding on a greased up cookie sheet is more your style. We don't own a sled?

5. You could always have a little photo shoot to entertain mom.

6. Or..pretend that you're going skiing and your scooter is your snowboard, your bat is your ski pole and construction hat & goggles are ski gear- Oh and don't forget your gloves- it's cold out there. (Jace got this idea after watching the Backyardigans- they were going skiing and he gathered all his items to improvise what they were doing.)

7. There's always gymnastics!


8. Or toilet paper pulling- that's really fun!

9. But a little R&R is usually the best! Just eat, drink, (watch some more T.V.) and be merry right?


10. But...if all else fails. Stick something up your nose! It will atleast give you a good laugh.

Ahhh.. the adventures of hibernation.

Old Man Winter

Do not let the wreath on my front door fool you- nothing could be further than the truth. I'm sick of the cold and the snow and the nothing to do and everything else about winter. I wish I could embrace it, but truthfully, I don't really enjoy it anymore. Sure...back in the day, when I had the luxury of wasting my whole Saturday's skiing- probably enjoyed it then. Now.. not the case. I'm officially a fair-weathered girl and wondering once again why we moved back to Idaho? Go away old man winter!!

This is Justin just stepping into our back yard- nice!

And our poor mailbox. Truthfully, the mail lady couldn't deliver a day or two because the mailboxes were covered (and also because our mail lady is a mail nazi- this is not the first time she hasn't delivered due to unperfect conditions. Would it kill her to brush the snow off? Honestly!)

And the big 'ol heaps of snow piled, just waiting to melt. Check out how good Jus has kept up on our driveway! He hand shovels that sucker nearly every night. Makes for a hastle-free in and out....until the snow plow comes again of course.

The blog just wouldn't be complete without recording the winter wonderland we've had this year. What ever happened to El Nino anyway?

What Not to Eat

Wanna know what the 20 worst foods in America are? This was included in an article from Men's Health. This was unbelievable to me- good to know what not to order! I can personally recall that I have ordered or atleast tried 5 of the 20 items listed- and I wonder why I have to go to the gym. Definitely going to make a mental note of this. http://www.menshealth.com/eatthis/worstffchicken.html

20. The Worst Fast-Food Chicken Meal- Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips from McDonald's (5 pieces) with creamy ranch sauce 830 calories 55g fat (4.5g trans fat)48 g carbs

19.The Worst Drink-Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo'd Power Smoothie (30 fl oz)900 calories 10 g fat 183 g carbs (166 g sugar)

18.The Worst Supermarket Meal-Pepperidge Farm Roasted Chicken Pot Pie (whole pie)1,020 calories 64 g fat 86 g carbs

17.The Worst Healthy Burger-Ruby Tuesday Bella Turkey Burger1,145 calories 71 g fat 56 g carbs

16.The worst Mexican Entree-Chipotle Mexican Grilled Chicken Burrito 1,179 calories 7 g fat 125 g carbs 2,656 mg sodium

15.The Worst Kids Meal-Macaroni Grill Double Macaroni 'n' Cheese 1,210 calories 62 g fat 3,450 mg sodium

14.The Worst Sandwich-Quizno's Chicken Carbonara (large)1,510 calories 82 g fat 3,750 mg sodium 106 g carbs

13.The Worst Salad-On the Border Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef 1,450 calories 102 g fat 78 g carbs 2,410 mg sodium

12.The Worst Burger-Carl's Jr. Double Six Dollar Burger1,520 calories 111 g fat

11.The Worst Steak-Lonestar 20 oz T-bone 1,540 calories 124 g fat

10.The Worst Breakfast-Bob Evans Caramel Banana Pecan Cream Stacked and Stuffed Hotcakes 1,540 calories 77 g fat (9 g trans fat) 198 g carbs(109 g sugar)

9.The Worst Dessert-Chili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream 1,600 calories 78 g fat 215 g carbs

8.The Worst Chinese Entree-P.F. Chang's Pork Lo Mein 1,820 calories 127 g fat 95 g carbs

7.The Worst Chicken Entree-Chili's Honey Chipotle Crispers with Chipotle Sauce 2,040 calories 99 g fat 240 g carbs

6.The Worst Fish Entree-On the Border Dos XX Fish Tacos with Rice and Beans 2,100 calories 130 g fat 169 g carbs 4,750 mg sodium

5.The Worst Pizza-Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza 2,310 calories 162 g fat 123 g carbs 4,470 mg sodium

4.The Worst Pasta-Macaroni Grill Spaghetti and Meatballs with Meat Sauce 2,430 calories 128 g fat 207 g carbs 5,290 mg sodium

3.The Worst Nachos-On the Border Stacked Border Nachos 2,740 calories 166 g fat 191 g carbs 5,280 mg sodium

2.The Worst Starter-Chili's Awesome Blossom 2,710 calories 203 g fat 194 g carbs 6,360 mg sodium

1.The Worst Food In America-Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing 2,900 calories 182 g fat 240 g carbs

Check this out- love it

Ran across a show tonight that I'm totally loving- America's Best Dance Crew. Seriously had me wanting to bust a move! This is not a "So you think you can dance" type of a show. This is funky, hip hop, break dancing, booty shakin', street dancing- unreal choreography, want to join in type of a show. So fun & entertaining. It apparently premiers on Thurs at 9 (I think) on MTV. So for all you x-cheerleaders/dancers, etc. this is a show for you. Shows like this always make me wish I was 17 again so that I had a reason to dance- why is it that when you get older, you just look dumb dancing? Maybe I'll have to hit up a club and dance my heart out - yeah right! Or possibly host a dance party? Anyone want to come? I know I'd have a few takers. We've still got some moves.