Wiped Out

I am just too exhausted to write much tonight. We have been sick all week, but today we went to the zoo since the boys are feeling better. I on the other hand, feel worse!! Once again, I am counting my lucky stars I get to sleep in tomorrow and not have to worry about dragging my sick butt into work. In the meantime, I also need to clean like crazy and get the house ready for my mom!! Now that I am home full-time I see how much I neglected the house when I was working!! Don't get me wrong, it was never TOO out of hand but it could've gotten that way if I had let it go for too much longer!! So far I have been keeping up on the laundry, mopping the floor almost daily, and keeping the showers, toilets, and sinks spotless. The hard part for me though is accepting that the house will get dirty again, even a few seconds after I clean it!:) Lol. There are always going to be spills, stains, and stuff that gets broken...especially with two little boys! Lol. It's almost like Groundhog Day because I feel like I am forever picking up the same toys and wiping up the same messes.:) I am not complaining though, if that's the biggest stress in my life, I'm in pretty good shape!!!

Magazine Mayhem

My husband sat me down today and broke the bad news: now that I am staying home, I am going to have to surrender some of my magazine subscriptions! The radio business turned me into a bonified magazine junkie and I loved it! Gossip magazines, fashion, music, money, parenting, fitness. You name it, it was mailed to our house! Lol. After the moment of magazine truth today though, I had to sit down and think about what I could sacrifice, and what I can't live without.:) So I did it. This is my little review of what a few of (what I think) are the best magazines out there. You know me, I am always open to feedback! If you disagree, or want to add your favories too just shoot me an e-mail. BrookeTaylor9@yahoo.com

Child WINS!!!

For best overall magazine. In my humble "expert" opinion anyway! Here's the thing, I have probably subscribed to every parenting/baby magazine on EARTH since I was pregnant with my oldest son.:) Honestly I think they are all great but if you are only going to get ONE parenting magazine, my pick would be "Child". They just go above and beyond on all the little details in the magazine. One of my favorite features is when they review new, upcoming cartoons and educational programs will be on TV that month. Not only that but movies, and new books are rated with a "star" system and they give a candid account of what age group would benefit and why. They also profile small business owners who have children's clothing stores in different cities (gotta love a mag. that plugs the little guy)!!

Belly

This is a brand new pregnancy magazine which I have heard rave reviews about! There are so many adorable preggo. magazines out there already (EPregnancy, Fit Pregnancy just to name a few). From what I have heard, this one will focus more on the fashion, and where/how to shop for the best maternity wear. GOOD IDEA!! Maternity clothing has come a long way, but Lord knows when I was pregnant, I could've used all the help I could get!!! I'm intrigued already!:) To find out more, check out the website: www.bellymagazine.net

Feelin' Lucky

This magazine is SPOT ON when it comes to what's in, what's out, and what the upcoming trends will be. If you are fashion-challenged this is especially good because it provides a road-map to finding your own style. If you are already a fashionista, then you know what I'm talking about, it's THEE fashion mag. to have!

48 Hours

I am sitting here watching CBS tonight and it's just surreal. They are profiling the neighbor (and good friend) of Jim's parents. They lived right next door in Georgia and her name is Cherry. She killed her husband and was sent to prison for murder. It's just crazy to see someone on TV that you know, and for me, there are details about the case I know which they didn't disclose! They showed Jim's aunt Anita (Cherry stayed with them while she was out on acquittal) and they showed his Uncle Greg!! She killed him out of self-defense, although the jury did not believe that. This probably sounds like a rambling, confused post today but it's just crazy to see this! We spent time with her, Jim rode her horses, she was at our wedding!! We knew they had been taping this last year and I missed the first airing so I'm glad I caught it tonight. Oh how I wish I could TELL ALL because I know so much more of the back story. Honestly though, it's just a tragic story for everyone involved and I still look back and can't believe it happened. If you want to read about it, click on this link: http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/48hours/main3410.shtml. It's listed under "The Right to Kill?" Interesting read if you missed the show.

On another note, we are all sick. I took the boys to the doctor today and it turns out we all have Strep throat!! The great thing though, is I don't have to worry about missing work to take care of them. That always used to be such a crisis for Jim and I so it's great to know I can be home and give them extra TLC. Okay, 48 Hours is back on. Unbelievable.

Big Apple Bound!

I think I just found my motivation to get in shape. We are going to NEW YORK!!!! I am SO psyched!! Jim and booked the trip and decided to just go for it, just the two of us!! We had planned a big 5 year anniversary trip to Rome, paid for it, and then cancelled it the last minute. I had a nightmare about something bad happening if we left the boys, and my guilt took over so we just too the family to DisneyWorld instead. Needless to say, I think every day we talk about how much we wished we should've gone ti Italy!! We totally regret canceling it now. We can't afford Rome anymore so we opted for New York!! We are staying at the Grand Hyatt attached to Grand Central Station and right in the MIDDLE of all the action!!:) We are SOOO excited and there is NO WAY we are canceling this time!! Lol. So now our busy summer just got even busier! My mom is coming to visit next week, after that we are going to Ohio and my dad is taking Jim to golf with Arnold Palmer. Then in August we'll be in NYC! After that Gabe starts preschool so we are booked solid and going non-stop. Besides, if/when we have another baby we knew it would be a LONG time before we took another trip. So we are doing all we can right now to just live it up and get out while we can!:) They have some incredible deals at hotwire.com right now. Vegas, NY, a bunch of all-inclusive destinations. If you are looking for a quick getaway, check out Hotwire or even expedia.com.

As far as the workout regimen. Yeah. That's not so good. The whole family caught some horrible bug and I have felt way to crappy to get my butt in the aerobic mood. I have been eating better but we had doughnuts for breakfast today so that just went out the window too!! Tomorrow, I PROMISE I'll workout. Lol.

My New ~DO~!

I told you it was BLONDE!! I'm still getting used to it but hey, it's summer so it fits!! My regular stylist is Tia (lamiragesalonandspa.com) but this time I went to my friend Brita (Tru Colors in DePere) and she did a great job too!!! Side note: Why do my teeth look gray here?! Ick.

Junk in the Trunk

I'm getting it. I just know it. All these HOT days, and hours at home are wrecking havoc on my waistline! Whenever I feel a little bulge coming on, I usually detox my system and go on a major fitness kick. I think it's time I get started. My new schedule allows me to be home, and have access to all our junk food 24/7. Normal people would just NOT buy the crap, but I am addicted to chocolate, so it's beyond my control! Lol. The good news is that I have doing pretty good with my workouts. That has been my "mommy time". Jim takes the boys and I get time alone to pour into my running or "The Firm". I think that has helped a lot, or else I would've gained about 15 pounds due to my munchies!! Usually I need an incentive, or motivation to really make me stick to my diet so I'm trying to find one right now.:) Aside from that, the boys are great and family life has been amazing. Tommorrow we are starting our first theme (Independance Week)! We went to Michael's and bought a bunch of festive crafts and we have 4th of July cupcakes all set to bake.....see, MORE junk!!! Ugh, I have to get a grip on this!!:)

Take a Seat Slugger!

Isn't this adorable! I found this baseball glove chair for only $99 at: www.kidsdecor.net.

Yummy Idea!

What a cute way to get your kids involved in the 4th of July! You can find the recipe for this "Uncle Sam Ice Cream" treat at: www.familyfun.com.

They are loaded up with costume ideas, crafts, recipe's, games and much more to get your children in the Independance Day spirit!

Photo Shoot

We made it through the photo shoot! Bill from "You" magazine came over and took pictures for about 1/2 hour with the whole family. Gabe and Grant were hamming it up! They were both posing away like pros and it was so funny. I had a minor hair crisis Monday because I realized I REALLY needed to get my roots touched up before the pictures. Luckily Brita from Tru Colors Salon fit me in. She did an awesome job! My hair is platinum blonde now! Laura also squeezed me in for a quick facial at Hotchandani Laser Aesthetic Center. We won't be on the cover of the magazine, but make sure to pick up a copy (if you are in the Green Bay area) when the July issue comes out! I can't wait.:) Overall we are having no problem keeping busy! We have a trip to the Zoo planned, the library, swimming, and a whole list of activities! Grandma is also coming up for the 4th of July so we are psyched for that. That's about it! The boys are napping and I have major cleaning to do before they wake up. By the way, if you have a "can't-live-without" item you'd like to share.....let me know! I am always looking for new stuff to post and I could use your help! I can be anything from clothing to cleaning products, toys, you name it! You can e-mail me at: brooketaylor9@yahoo.com

**Shopping Tip of the Day**
Target has most of their summer/outdoor stuff on sale! Squirt guns, pools, bathing suits, sprinkles, and much more!

Traveling with Kids?

Get the "Backseat Valet". It can hold everything from food to finger paints! It also helps keep the back seat organized so your car isn't ransacked by the time you get to your destination! You can find it for $24.95 at: www.leapsandboundscatalog.com

Mommy Must-Have!

By far my favorite summer item! It looks good on just about every body type, hides the belly bulge, and it's comfortable!! I love the fact it's sexy but not "hoochie-ish", or revealing (in case you are bending over the pick up a baby for instance). Best of all, it's ON SALE! Victoria's Secret is offering a deal 2/$40! Try pairing it with jeans for an ultra-slimming effect.

Dad's Rule!

So yesterday was Father's Day and it was fabulous! My big secret gift was that I got Jim's watch repaired that has been sitting on a shelf for 8 years!! He spent a ton of loot on it when he bought it (10 years ago) and it's one of those watches you wear your whole life, but it broke 2 years later. I found it, had it fixed, and suprised him! He was so happy and for once I scored big time in the gift department! We also made him lasagna and baked a big chocolate cake. The other big project was a video I created for him, with pictures of our boys. That was a total-tear jerker! Well, I have so much more to write but things are crazy and I need to run! We are prepping for the photo shoot tommorrow and we have a million things to do today! Hair cuts, cleaning, errands, etc. Have a great Monday!

Mommys Gone Wild!

I have to clarify..this is a PRE-Mommy photo! This is my friend Linda and I judging a Venus swimwear competition back in our party years! I found it sorting through old photos and it made me realize how MUCH has changed since then! I was 20 in this picture (almost 7 years ago...yikes) and we were both madly searching for someone to fall in love with. Flash forward and now we are both married and those days seem like another lifetime ago!! Hmmm...I wonder if I could still fit in that dress?!

What to Wear?

That is the big question. Bill, a photographer from "You" magazine is coming over to take pictures for an upcoming article. "You" is part of the Green Bay Press-Gazette and it's a montly magazine. They interviewed me a few weeks ago for a story they are doing about women who decide to leave the work force and become SAHM's. So Bill will be over next week to hang out with our family, snap photos, and get a feel for what our daily life is life. Ahhh...pressure! That means I have to try and make our house look like it belongs in "Better Homes and Gardens" and our family like we stepped out of a Norman Rockwell painting! I mean honestly, wouldn't you? You don't want to be in a magazine with clutter in the backround and a messy house right? So I'm basically trying to make everything PERFECT for this photo shoot next week. I don't know what we should all wear though! There is NOW WAY I am going to wear my usual yoga pants and tank top (which is my true full-time mom attire). At the same time, I don't want to overdue it and wear something over-the-top and too dressy. The boys are easy (polo shirts and khakis) so we are good there. Well, that is the big dilemma in my day!:)

My last day of work was exactly two weeks ago. Crazy how fast the time has flown already. It's still hard for me to listen to my old radio station and realize I'm not really a part of it anymore. It will probably take me a while to get over that. I can say honestly, that I have not had one moment where I questioned my choice to leave my job though. Especially with the choice to start Gabriel in preschool this fall. If I had waited even a few more months, I would be missing so many awesome memories that we've already made. Monday we are all going to the school to get a tour and make sure it's the right place for him. We had to fill out the enrollment form today and Jim and I were both getting emotional! Okay, I need to clean while the kids are asleep. I have a few surprises up my sleeve for Father's Day, check back to find out what I'm talking about!:)

**Shopping Tip of the Day**
All About Savvy is having a 60% sale on everything right now! They carry the most chic diaper bags, baby clothes, and big brother/big sister items! They are pricey but all the celebs rave about their stuff. Check it out at: www.allaboutsavvy.com

Happy Chaos

Wow. I have been a bad blogger lately! It's mainly because I've been so frustrated trying to figure all of this computer stuff out. If I was a true enterprising mind, I could create a really cool website and maybe even make money at it! I get a new idea every day and I've started keeping a journal of all the cute features I could add to a website. Thing is, I SUCK when it comes to computer knowledge so I have nowhere to go with it! I know a few people who said they might be able to help though, so we'll see what happens.

Aside from that things have been totally chaotic. We have a few big trips coming up this summer and my mom is coming to visit in 2 weeks!! I told Jim I want to start working at Gap Kids (part-time) so we can afford a clothing budget for the boys! Lol. We also made a HUGE decision for our family. We opted to send Gabriel to preschool this year! He is going to be 4 in September and I think he's ready for it. That being said, it makes me all the more happy that I gave up working right now. It will give us the opportunity to really bond over the summer, knowing we'll all be together 24/7. Plus I will be able to take him to preschool and not worry about my work schedule. I can say that not a DAY goes by when I'm not thinking about how happy I am to have made the choice to "retire". I DO miss Taylor Trash (OMG there has been some good gossip and I hate not being able to blab about it)! :) Plus we worry about finances, and if we can actually live on 1 income now. That's probably the biggest stresser but I know we'll manage somehow. It just sucks when you finally reach a level where you can afford nice things, not always worry about IF you can pay the bills, and then go back to square one. It's okay though because I think this will make us see how much money we've wasted on useless STUFF and focus on what really matters, ya know? Okay, enough of my babbling for the night! I promise to be better at blogging from now on! Please stick with me too, I am really hoping to get some new features lined up!


**Shopping Tip of the Day**
Naissance on Melrose is offering a FREE super cute maternity tank top with purchases over $150 or more. They also recently added a few new items to the "Sale" category so you can stock up and save! Check them out by clicking on my links section or: www.naissancematernity.com. Missy Rae will probably take care of you, please tell her Brooke Taylor sent you!

Craving Calgon

Okay, not really (not yet anyway.:)). I must still be in the honeymoon phase of being a stay-at-home mom because we have been having a BLAST! This week has already flown by. Tuesday we went to the troop send off for one of the Green Bay units. It's crazy to think Jim would be there, going to Iraq right now if he hadn't been chaptered out because of his Army disability. He was in that unit! It was emotional to see them in their BDU's , and ready to leave their families.
Yesterday my brother came over from FonDuLac and the boys had a great time hanging out with their uncle. He also helped me add my links!! If you check out the side of my page now, you can click on a few of my favorite sites.:) If you have any you would like me to add, just let me know. I'm always searching for great new sites. Today I have an appointment with Dr. Hotchandani to get a facial. I am able to try their procedures but I don't know what to do!! I'm only 26 so I don't think I need Botox, or collagen yet but a small part of me wants to just try it once. For now I'm just getting microdermabrasion and a peel. That's pretty much it!! I'm just waiting and searching and trying to find someone who can work on a graphic for my site, add some features, and make it creative. I know my boring little SAHM life won't be enough to keep people interested 24/7! Lol. Hopefully if we can spice this page up it will be more entertaining. We'll see.

**Shopping Tip of the Day**
Pottery Barn Kids has great clearance items right now!! The "Anywhere Bean Bag Chairs" are on sale for $99 and so is the super cute sailboat sandbox. You can check it out at: www.potterybarnkids.com

My First Day at HOME!

It's now official!! My first day as a full-time mommy. I'm lovin' it already and today we had a blast. I was actually home for breakfast so I cooked eggs and burned the bacon! Lol. Kerry from "You" magazine also came over to interview me. Turns out they are working on an article about the decision to leave the work force, and be a stay-at-home mom. After I announced I was leaving, one of the editors heard me on the air, and asked if I would be a part of their article. It was pretty cool to have someone come over and interview ME for once! I felt like a real celebrity!:) I think next week they are sending a photographer over to shoot some pics of us for the magazine. It will be in the July issue.

Aside from that, I have nothing to report! I'm still working on getting a web design for my page and spice it up. There are a million ideas I have for this website but my computer talent is VERY limited so we'll see what happens.

**Shopping Tip for the Day**
Gap Kids has 10% on everything at gap.com tommorrow!! Every first Tuesday of the month they offer a special online deal and you can get 10% off on everything, including the sale prices!! Plus, if you have a Gap card they are offering DOUBLE points for the next few weeks! Looks like I will be doing some online buying tommorrow!:)

Here I Am!

I hope you found me!:) I am true to my procrastination-nature right down to the last minute!:) I started another blog last month and all of my info was on my now-erased work e-mail.

If you have e-mail me and I didn't write back yet, I apologize.
Please bear with me and I get this up and running. I've got some cool ideas for this site but I'll have to find someone who knows how to design a webpage! Check back soon. I'll work on posting pictures, updating the celebrity gossip, and just my own journal ramblings too!! Thanks again to everyone for all of the amazing support!

If you like my page, please spread the word!! I am going to watch and see how many hits I get in the next week. If no one is looking, I might just call it quits for a while. I enjoy doing it though so please tell your friends and I'll try to make it as interesting as I can!:)