Private Property...It's time

It's true folks, the Taylor's have decided that our front porch will now only be open to invited guests. Don't get me wrong, we love drop in's, but have decided that opening up our lives to everyone in the universe is a little more publicity than we bargained for. And we all know, that too much exposure is not a good thing. (If you want proof, look at Britney Spears.)

We just feel that all that we love and all that we do needs to be protected. (Especially in today's world and with as much Internet crime that is going on.) We love keeping in touch with our friends and are so glad for all those that have found us and reconnected through public blogging. We have just decided that now we want to do it on a more "closed book" approach.

I have been contemplating this for awhile but, the deal breaker came tonight when I saw a Public Service Announcement (and I take my PSA's very seriously!) It said something to the effect of this, "Be careful what you post...for you never know when something you posted today, might come back to hurt you later." And I thought to myself, "If there is enough reason to create a PSA on blog posting, I'm going private!"

While I feel that I trust most people in general, I'm realizing that there are people out there, that we don't even know, who could take our seemingly innocent and well-intented posts and abuse them or use them to hurt us in some way. I've heard of recent incidents of people taking/copying photos and other information off of blogs and using them inappropriately. I've also heard of viruses being sent through your blog, etc. You never know when a perv, stalker, identity theft or other lurker could be looking in and looking for ways to harm you, so I've decided I would rather be safe, than sorry.

So....bottom line is this. Next week (or so), I'm making this private property. If you are our friend, friend of a friend, blog buddy, aquaintance, family member, connected to us in some way or just a super duper fan of our blog, let me know your email in the comments and we'll be happy to invite you. If you don't have a blog or a google account (like my sisters & other family members), email me at natalie-taylor@hotmail.com and I'll let you know what I can do for you so you can still view us.

See you on the other side of the fence!

I'm It

Tagged again. Here's some more info. about me. Take it or leave it.

What were you doing 10 years ago? Just finishing up my freshman year at Ricks College and working as the Asst. Mgr. at Zuka Juice(now Jamba). I had a very diverse group of roommates. One was from WA(who drove a new camero & had never been on a date), British Columbia (who was an RM- not very common back in the days of Ricks), South Korea (would get phone calls from her BF in Korea around 2 a.m. or later), Idaho Falls (she was my room roomie & was a clogger at Ricks), Roberts (friend from HS who got engaged this year) and an army brat who had lived everywhere from CA to China (she added a lot of spunk & lived off of rice and cookie binges)! It was a good year of finding myself out in the real world & trying to figure out where I was going to steer this ship.

5 things on my to-do list
1. Clean the house (why is this always on the list?)
2. Definitely go to the gym (remember Easter candy?)
3. Laundry (does it ever end?)
4. Figure out something for FHE
5. Schedule visiting teaching & figure out handout for VT conference next week.
Also...try to keep Jace out of the candy!

6 snacks I enjoy
1. Wheat thins dipped in veggie cream cheese
2. White chocolate mousse/ice cream with oreo and carmel mix ins
3. Oreos (the new Cakesters are yummy too), chocolate chip cookies and carmeled apples
4. Fresh baked bread or rolls with homemade strawberry jam
5. Saltines & cheese
6. Snow shack/snow cones.
(That was a little too easy)
7. Watermelon or apples too (had to throw in a healthy one)

3 bad habits.
1. Biting fingernails
2. Blogging/wasting time on Internet
3. Staying up late

If I were suddenly a billionaire, I would....probably do much of what I'm doing now, except do it much bigger and better. Give more, save more, travel more, buy more, pay more taxes. I'll tell you one thing I wouldn't do- throw down like $5,000/night for a one night stay in some suite or hotel. I always think this is so excessive when celebs do this. Even if I could, I wouldn't. There are much better ways to use money.

Five places I've lived.
1. Rigby, ID
2. Rexburg, ID
3. Logan, UT
4. Salt Lake City, UT
5. North Ogden UT

5 jobs I've had. Well, besides being a mom, I've been
1. Public Relations Coordinator
2. PR Intern for the NASA Space Grant Consortium
3. Photo assistant/receptionist for a photo studio (I scheduled photo sessions, helped clients choose photos, placed orders, put wedding books together, etc.- loved it.)
4. Office Manager for 2 different Chiropractic offices - loved one, hated one.
5. Customer service/page designer @ a scrapbooking store.

5 things people may not know about me.
1. I can't stand to loose things- especially the kid's toys/parts to toys. I honestly have a mental note of what came with what and how it was displayed in the box and each and every part of nearly everything. I can tell you exactly what we're missing from over the past 3.5 years. (Like the cow and pig from the farm set Jace got from my parents his 1st Christmas) It drives me nuts that we somehow misplaced these items; so much that I've tried to replace the missing parts by calling the toy makers directly and looking for them on ebay. No luck. Call me crazy! And let me know if you have any toy parts for sale!
2. I still drive the same car that I drove as a senior in high school. My parents bought it for me brand new & I got to pick it off the lot, but I haven't gotten a new car since, although we're getting close to upgrading.
3. I've always had a "so called" sixth sense about my life- most things have turned out exactly how I thought they would. After H.S., I only applied to Ricks & I got in, then I only applied to transfer to Utah State- also got in, when I was 18, I had a feeling that I'd marry Justin and turns out that I did (only 5 years later). I thought I was having a boy on my 1st pregnancy-true, thought it was a girl for the 2nd- also true. But this is the kicker- I was reading through an old journal and way back in H.S. I was thinking about my future and for some reason wrote that I somehow thought that my future husband would be an Accountant- what are the chances? Something fishy is going on here- I should start a fortune telling business. Maybe I could see where those missing toys went.
4. I've had 2 C-sections
5. One of my life's regrets is that I didn't serve a mission. Justin always rebutes this by saying that if I would have went, he wouldn't have married me (because he apparently doesn't like Sis. missionaries) but, whatever. I think it could've been a priceless experience.

People I tag: Jillian, Alish & Jenny

Officially Grossed Out

This past week, we had to go to Wal Mart for a few items. Now, I already have my issues with the Wal Mart here (too small, crowded, out of everything always) and wish I could avoid shopping there, but since there are not many options in this one-horse town, I grin and bear it. Any of you familiar with the Rexburg Wal Mart, probably agree that it sucks.

Anyway, while we were there, Jace needs to go to the bathroom. I tried to talk him out of it, but he insisted that he could not wait. I hate public restrooms- especially with two kids in tow. Trying to hold one and help the other. AHHH- it has sick written all over it.

But this is not why I was offically grossed out. Jace was finishing up by washing his hands and out comes a lady from one of the other stalls. She completely passes by the sinks, gives me a cordial smile (as if she doesn't feel that she's doing anything wrong by not washing) and then opens the door (with her unwashed bathroom hands, mind you) and carries on with her shopping. What grown woman doesn't wash her hand after using the bathroom? I don't care how clean or careful you are- if you wiped- WASH!

I was so sicked out and in disbelief. I later saw her shopping around the store and honestly felt like slapping the scarlet letter on her-- BATHROOM HANDS! I mean what if I get her cart next or what if she puts the toothpaste back on the shelf and I buy it instead? Interestly enough, tonight at the gym, I read a statistic in a magazine that said 88% of women wash after using a public restroom and only 66% of men do. I am so glad I'm not a microbiologist because I think I'd start living in a bubble.

Like I said, just grin and bear it! (and hope you don't get that cart!)

Life Comes at You Fast

My life is moving faster than I can blog it. I'm realizing that so much has happened and GASP...I haven't even blogged it- hum, reminds me of my scrapbooks that are only about 2 years behind. So since I've been like 10 steps behind myself....here's a little catch up for our life story.

Jace attended his first Primary Activity Day- Jan. 26. They got called on missions and learned about various different cultures. I had to stay with him for the whole activity, but it was pretty interesting and I think it's important for him to go, even as a Sunbeam. (I was Primary President for like 3 years, so I'm big on having Jace attend and support- it takes a lot of effort to pull it off). His next one is this Saturday- they have a meet your teacher breakfast. Yum- maybe he'll want me to stay for that one too.

Celebrated our love for each other on V-Day. Just had pizza with the kids on the actual day, but Jus & I went and saw the movie Fool's Gold on the weekend.

Continued to frolic in our winter wonderland. This time an icicle sword fight. Creative!

Rylee took her first steps on Jan.29 (@ not quite 10 months old) and is now a pro. She's practically running. Too cute!

Our playroom ceiling started to leak (or rather sag) It had something to do with the furnace. We now have a big hole cut out in our ceiling (it's in the basement). Luckily, we caught it before it actually started to leak. When Jus poked a hole- the water just started pouring out. We were prepared with a bucket though. What a pain.

We've been swimming our little hearts out. Well...not really. We've hit up G&G Taylor's hot tub a few times and went to Green Canyon hot springs a few weeks ago to change things up a bit. Kids loved it- always love the water.

Rylee's hair is now long enough for a pony tail (or two). She wore her first one at 10 months. Aunt Hollie had to show us the ropes- I didn't think it was long enough yet. But actually it wasn't anything that a fine tooth comb, a little water and a mini pony couldn't solve. We've been trying out some new do's- clips, barettes, bows, side ponies. Girls are just too much fun.

I finally finished freakin Twilight. It only took me 3 months. I'm realizing that I don't have much time to read for leisure these days. It took me awhile to get into it, but now I'm anxious to read New Moon.

Rylee spilled the whole bag of chips on the floor....then she started to cry because she felt bad- so sweet. When I went to clean them up- she just started shoveling them into her mouth like there was no tomorrow. Would anyone like some chips to go with their office?

And...we've now been able to get out of the house and play outside for a while. Yay! I can't even tell you how much I like the sunshine. We are certainly enjoying the warmer weather, despite all the snow that is still here.

And there you have it....our past 3 months in a nutshell. Now where are those scrapbooks?

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!