All Moved.....July

It is official we have survived THE MOVE to Gainesville. Last Sunday we moved in, wow we have almost been here a week. We had some great friends help with oh so fun process on a 101 degree day. Luckily, the move went pretty smooth with no major casualties as far as all of our crap goes. We had an old dvd player that decided to break in the move, and few little things here and there. I can not explain how nice it is to not be moving. We will get some pictures once we are all the way unpacked. We have completed the kitchen, main living area, kids room, our room is unpacked. Now we just have random things to find places for, as well as pictures to find walls for, etc. It is finally feeling like we live here which is a nice feeling.

Besides the move, not much has been going on, Corey has been hard at work. I started my graduate classes for certification, so all my extra time not working, or taking care of kids is now occupied by studying, watching videos, reading and taking tests. On school work "breaks" I unpack or organize some things. Other then that, life is pretty normal these days and everyone is adjusting to the new place beautifully. That is all with us for now, hope everyone is having a great summer!

Time Flies....The Taylor's

Well I am officially a slacker and a half. However this time there are lots of good reasons why it has been so unbelievably long since my last post........

First off, we got hitched on March 26th 2010 and it was the happiest day of my life.

My parents threw an amazing wedding for Corey and I and it was everything I had dreamed of. We got married at St.Andrew Lutheran Church and had the reception at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna. It truly was an amazing celebration of our friendship,endless love and support for each other. We have been through a lot together and no matter what seems to come our way, one thing never changes I will always be there for Corey and he will always be there for me, we can lean on each other and make the other crack a smile even in the hard times. Thanks to all the family and friends that gave up their time and helped us celebrate our special day. Here is a picture from that special day: Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Corey Taylor.

Our amazing wedding was followed by 5 days in California. We flew out the next morning at WAY TO EARLY in the AM. We both felt pretty crappy on the flight, and we arrived there by 930 am CA time. We started off in Napa Valley and truly it was amazing there. We loved the vineyards, although I would be lying if I said we weren't overwhelmed. We had heard about how its literally hundreds in a row, but once we saw it, we were like WOW. We stayed in Napa 2 days and finished up that area by heading to Longboard Vineyards which was in the Sonoma area. This vineyard ended up being one

of our favorites. From there we headed to the San Francisco area. We spent a few days

in San Fran hanging out and exploring. We went and saw Alcatraz and other sights of San Fran. We loved San Francisco and ended our trip to that area by getting a

matching tattoo on the top of our shoulder blades. The tattoo is of a flower that is half a Calla Lilly and half a rose, with a banner that has 3.26 in it. We got them done by Barnaby at Mom's Body and Tattoo Shop in San Fran. He did an amazing job and we love them. The honeymoon seemed way to short, but doesn't any good trip?!?! We came back to reality and got back into the swing of work. See a picture to the left of Corey and I in one of favorite attractions The Castle/Vineyard we saw in Napa. For those of you Bachelor watchers it was where Jake went on one of his dates during the last season as our tour guide of the castle liked to point out. haha

Which leads be to the second reason life has been so crazy. Corey and his custody case for the boys at the beginning of June and this was much awaited and anticipated for Corey and I. We were trying to get full custody of the kids so that they could have more stability in their life and give them so routine, as well as a safe environment. Well we stewed that whole week and we had an amazing outcome. Corey and I got full custody of the boys, with their mom getting visitation every other weekend. So we have them for two whole weeks, then she gets them Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon on the second week. The boys have adjusted amazing, and we have noticed big changes in their behaviors. We have not had as many discipline issues with either of them and they both tell us they are happy, which makes my heart smile. Anyone who knows us, knows this has been an uphill running battle since Corey and I first started dating so we were beyond glad to finally see something really exciting and good come out of all the sweat, time and energy we have put into this issue. So with full custody came a lot of schedule adjusting, and getting into a new routine for everyone. The kids are doing awesome with everything and Corey and I count our blessings everyday for having such fun loving kids in our daily lives. Here is a picture of the boys with their little friends From bottom around clockwise: Nathan (8), Braden (4), Brooklynn (2), and Maddie (almost 4). The boys loving hanging out with these girls and enjoying the

pool while Corey and I go to work during the week and our friend Angie truly has been a blessing to help us out through all this chaos since the New Year.

So if that isn't enough reason number three and four I have been MIA. The third reason is Corey and I have decided to start looking to move. So in my downtime I have been sorting through stuff, organizing, and starting to pack up stuff that we canlive without for a few weeks. We are hoping to move by August 1st. We are moving for a few reasons, the first is utilities are killing us out here in our current house. We love the property, but paying what weare in utilities on top of our rent and other bills is becoming too much. Also we are ready to be in closer to family, friends, as well as our jobs. Moving also means that if something happen at Nathan's school we would both be closer from our jobs to go get him. The area we are looking to move is Gainesville/Bristow or maybe

Haymarket. We are actually seeing some places on Sunday so hopefully we will fall in love with one of the rental properties and put an application in for one of them. Either way this is a new chapter in our life and hascreated a lot of work. Which brings me to reason number four, I have decided to take some graduate level classes. These classes which start next week, July 15th will lead me to become a BCaBA, which stands for: Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. To become a BCaBA I have to take 3 classes, one right after the other, so one starts in July and ends begininng of October, and then the next one starts a few days later and goes until January and then next one starts and goes into April. Once I complete all the classes I have to study and sit for a Board Exam to become a certified associate behavior analyst. The board exam is some serious hard stuff, just like any board exam that nurses, lawyers etc sit for. So why am I doing this?!? Well I am in love with my job, doing ABA with children with Autism. I get beyond excited to see the progress they make and the milestones they hit with our help. So since I have finally found something that I can actually say I get up out of bed in the morning and don't groan at the thought of going to, I decided to get some certification and with it will come a promotion to a consultant with my job. Speaking of promotions, I just got a promotion a few weeks ago to a Senior Therapist which was really exciting. After finally finding something I love to do, I now hope more then ever that everyone can find something as rewarding for themselves as I have and that they truly enjoy doing day to day. So we are trying to get as organized and as much done as possible as far as packing/moving goes before my class is really demanding. It will be a lot of work juggling work full time, with two kids full time and a graduate level class but I know if I put my mind to it I can do it. It would be easier if Corey had the typical 9-5 job cause he could help with the kids in the evening, but that isn't the case so I will make it work.

So that is the TAYLOR life lately. Corey is doing great, still really busy at work....summer is definitely always crazy for him with business. He works hard for the boys and me and I am grateful for that. No exciting news with our crazy dogs, Mylo is still a playful ball of energy and Addie still puts him in his place even though she is only 15 lbs.

It truly is a sight to see when she does it, I guess it helps that he thinks he is a small dog. Hahaha. Here is a picture of our "little boy" Mylo who will be two in November and Addie his "big sister" who will be five in November.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer, and takes some time to stop and appreciate the little things. I truly believe its those little things that make your day. Hopefully I can add BLOGGING to my TO DO LIST at least every two weeks, and then maybe I won't forget. We will get everyone our new address once we know where that will be. :o)

WOW Is it Really March?

Well time has surely been flying this year so far. I am in shock that we are already in March and the end of the second week of March at that. There is a lot going on with final preparations for the Wedding and exciting outings leading up to the wedding. I have recently accomplished the following for the wedding; the final meeting with the florist, meeting with the DJ, we got our marriage license, did our final two meetings with the Pastor, and now I get butterflies in my stomach thinking about how close we are. 15 days?!?! Really...OH my. I would be lying if I said I wasn't getting nervous/anxious. It will be a major sigh of relief when I get down the aisle and through the service, hopefully without balling my eyes out. On a lighter note still a few things to get done before the big day, I have to go finish getting the Liquor for the reception, I am sure everyone is glad to hear that I will be accomplishing that. Haha. Then I need to finish sending the DJ a few things he asked me to get together for him, and meet with the organist who will play at the service. Oh its going to be a busy weekend. I am hoping to knock everything out so that I can have at least a few days of just relaxation. On more exciting news, I get to do my Hair trial on Saturday with my awesome hairstylist Nicki. I am beyond excited to see that come into play since I have already done my makeup run through two months back. So while I am running around this weekend trying to accomplish things, Corey will be taken away by his groomsmen and good friends for a road trip to The Carolinas for the weekend. I just ask that he comes back in one piece, and doesn't go to the hospital or jail on his trip. Other then that I know he will behave. So after my weekend of busy busy with the two boys under foot as well, I will surely deserve some girl time the following weekend.

My matron of honor, bridesmaids and myself will have a busy Saturday, March 20th. First we all are going to go one last time to the Bridal Salon so they can make sure their alterations are perfect and I will be trying my dress on one last time. Then I get to go visit Nicki again for a fabulous trim and highlight. Then I will be meeting back up with them to head downtown. We will head to our hotel and checkin, and then head to Oya Restaurant and Lounge for some dinner and drinks. After that we are meeting the Boomerang Nightlife Party bus for a bar tour of DC. I am sure it will be an awesome night with my bridesmaids/matron of honor and will be a great way to spend my last Saturday as a "single woman." So other then that life is just crazy, just working and trying to get things done around the house in between all the other wedding things that must get accomplished. However I wouldn't trade it for the world. Friday March 26th is going to be an awesome and memorable day for me. In the meantime, I will just practice breathing and think of the amazing time Corey and I will have in Napa Valley and San Francisco for our honeymoon with no kids, no worries and our first trip BY OURSELVES of our entire relationship. Now that is something to get excited about, we love our friends and the boys but there is just a nice ring to the sound of a TRIP ALONE with my best friend and my soon to be husband. California here we come!!!

LOVE

With the Passing of Valentines Day this month I decided to do a post about LOVE. There lots of things you love in life, from simple things we take for granted to more complex emotions of Love. However I think even the most simple forms of Love we have for things/events/emotions/people shouldn't be taken for granted. So I decided to make a list of just some of the things I encounter in life that I love.

1. Corey (I know mushy and all but its true, he's the best)

2. My Family (from my amazing parents, siblings, extended family and of course the two little boys in my life)

3. My Job (it is the most rewarding job and I love the families I work with and my coworkers)

4. Our Crazy dogs Mylo and Addie

5. The smell of fresh flowers

6. Falling asleep cuddled up to Corey

7. Trips to Vineyards

8. A Glass of Wine in the evening

9. Holding Hands

10. Warm Weather (I'm a flip flop kind of girl)

11. Family Vacations with Corey and the kids

12. The Beach

13. Spending time with my Parents (even if its just an hour to stop by)

14. Outdoors Activities (walks, the park, anything to enjoy the weather)

15. Hanging out with our Good Friends

16. Trying new recipes

17. Sushi

18. Pickled Okra

19. Cupcakes

20. Fruit (any and every kind...mmmm)

21. Back Rubs

22. Feeling Appreciated (I mean who doesn't love that feeling)

23. Pedicures

24. The Way Corey can make me laugh even when I am trying with all my power to be mad or serious for whatever reason

25. Being Cuddled up in a blanket and reading a good book (done this a lot lately due to all of our snow days)

26. The smell of a fresh fire

27. Watching the innocence of small children

28. A good workout

29. Listening to my IPOD

30. Kisses

Whether its something small or big, I think everyone should try and appreciate the good things of life. The things we love to feel, do, see or experience. It is easy to focus on the bad or negative things, trust me we have had a lot go on this year so far and its only February. Regardless of all of that, I am beyond glad that I am soooooo in Love, and I get to experience all these great things from day to day. Some we experience more regularly and some I long to come back, such as warm weather, family vacations, and flip flop days), but they will be here soon. Take a moment in your busy day to day to think of things you Love, it feels great to think about all the things that truly make you smile.

On a lighter note and related to the topic of LOVE, Corey and I are getting married in 33 days? Really...wow. Time flies and over the last week I meet with the caterer/venue again, the photographer and got all my paperwork done for the DJ. WAHOOOO next on the agenda, a final meeting with the florist. Oh time flies. I am so excited to start my life with Corey as Husband and Wife and Mrs. Taylor. On that happy note, everyone have a good week.

Busy Busy Busy

Okay, well so much for my once a week posting in January. But honestly life has just been that busy lately. First off we have had a slew of birthdays this past month, Corey turned 33 on January 23rd, and I turned 27 on January 27th. Followed closely by my nephew Austin turning 6 on January 29th, and again right behind him was our little Braden aka Brady Bear turning 4 on February 2nd. Look at our big boy with the bright cupcakes he wanted for his birthday. Okay so we were obviously very busy with birthdays....but really there is lots going on besides that.

Besides that last month I had my amazing bridal shower, thrown for me by my matron of honor Amanda, and my mom. Man it was a great party, we had amazing food(thanks mom), great games and everything seemed to go very smoothly. Besides the fact that by the time it was over I was looking around feeling bad because it had been so busy from eating, games, to presents and cake that by the time all of that was accomplished my guests left and I felt like I didn't get to talk to anyone. This made me feel bad since people gave up a Saturday for me, and some traveled pretty far to be there....Oh the stresses of being a bride. I am just thankful to have such great friends and family who came out and celebrated with me. My grandparents bought me this awesome cake for the shower and I adored it, it was perfect.

Not only did I have this very pretty cake but my mom got creative on me ( I know, no surprise at all, since she always is) and bought towels

that were on Corey and my registry and then made them into a wedding cake, while decorating the wedding cake with a picture of Corey and I on top and our cherry blossom themed flowers like our invites.....Isn't the picture so cool. The picture doesn't do it justice, but it was definitely a creative way to give someone a set of the towels they wanted.

All of that aside our wedding is quickly approaching with only a month and 16 days left, I am starting to feel anxious, stressed and a little bit overwhelmed. There is still a lot to be done and it seems like time is closing in on us. We finally ordered on wedding bands on Monday thanks to my mom and dad's prompting us to get them ordered. So that was one sigh of relief....although we still need to save for the honeymoon, finish getting the liquor (that is Corey and my job), the guys are going to get fitted for their tuxes this next Saturday, and there are endless other meetings and loose ends that need to be tied up. I am totally excited about the wedding and it is going to be amazing thanks to my parents, but at the same time I can totally see why bride's get stressed as weddings approach and part of me says we should have just eloped...but with that said I have always dreamed of a fairy tale wedding so I am getting that and I just need to keep reminding myself of that. I am sure when it is said and done it will be nice to just have the normal everyday worries and things to do with Corey, the kids and work and then everyone including my parents will be able to take a deep breath of relief.

So besides all of this wedding mumbo jumbo and birthday's galore, this SNOW is draining me away. While I used to be the first child to wear their pajama's inside out and do all kinds of snow dances and never understand why my dad didn't want it to snow. I can HONESTLY SAY as an adult, I GET IT NOW. Lucky for us the kids have been great and haven't minded being cooped up in any of the storms we have had from December until now....however I on the other hand am going stir crazy.....

I hate not being able to go to work. I miss the little children I work with and like Corey, when I don't go to work there is no paycheck....so needless to say I am beyond ready to get back at. Doing ABA therapy has filled a gap in my life and really there hasn't been one day since I started that I woke up and said, "Man I don't want to work today." I love my job, the families I work with, seeing the kids faces and seeing them hit amazing milestones, and my boss and coworkers couldn't be better. Either way you cut it the snow is killing the extra money we need for wedding/honeymoon expenses and making it that tiny bit more stressful. Especially since even Corey has missed some days due to snow and he too doesn't get paid on snow days. But some how in the mix of all this awful large amounts of snow, I can't help but love this picture of the boys to the left from the first huge snowstorm....They had a ball playing outside in the snow with it and had never made snow angels which was so cute to watch their faces light up as I watched them experience that for the first time. Oh the joys of having children in your life and watching them experience the little things in life...

With all that said and done, I am hoping life gets a little less chaotic the next month or so, but I am sure this is just the rumble before the storm as the wedding gets that much closer. We also dealt with Corey's car dying this past month. It needed more repairs then it was worth so he had to buy a new one....needless to say that wasn't in our wedding/honeymoon saving budget either. Then there of course are other little storms that are underlying with custody of the kids possibly changing soon and all that great stuff. I just pray everyday that everything in our life settles down. I keep telling myself everything happens for a reason, but with the tough last month we had, I can't say I didn't question that quote that I have forever loved. Just trying to keep our heads up, fingers crossed, that everything in our life will work out for the best, whether it involves the endless wedding things we need to get done, the children, finances, weather or just life itself. Either way I am blessed to have a great soon to be husband, two amazing soon to be stepsons who melt my heart when they say, "Marcey I love you," which happens very regularly and two fun dogs that I are great company on these stranded snow days. Not to mention my very supportive family and great friends.....so on that note.

Enjoy the snow, take it for what its worth and most of all....take an extra minute in your SNOWED in DOWNTIME to really appreciate those important people in your life.

Marcey

Time is Flying By

So I can't believe tomorrow will be January 10th already. It is absolutely crazy how fast time is going by. In two months and some change, well 76 days to be exact Corey and I will be married. I can' t believe how fast it is approaching and its starting to finally hit me as my bridal shower approaches. This Saturday my matron of honor and best friend Amanda Fernandez and my mom are throwing my bridal shower. I think having the bridal shower will start to throw me into reality that I am really getting married soon, since up until now it has really just been planning. I am excited, overwhelmed, nervous and happy all wrapped into one emotion. Not only is my bridal shower this Saturday January 16th at 200, but in the morning at 10 my bridesmaids have their dress fitting because their dresses are in. I am beyond excited to see my colors come to life on their dresses and see how pretty they all look in them. While we are there I of course will try on my wedding gown again, because last time we went I didn't want to take it off. Really this week is going to be exciting, but first I have a busy week of work ahead of me. I am sure I will be counting down the time until Saturday as the day gets closer especially since my other close friend Amanda Perry will be in town this weekend for the bridesmaid dress fitting and shower. I am excited to see lots of family and close friends on Saturday and appreciate everyone taking the time out of their busy lives to come party for awhile. Life has been crazy lately for Corey and I with lots going on, but its good to know the shower will be a good distraction and tons of fun. Then after that I have to focus on the second round of appointments with the vendors. My mom and I need to meet with the venue manager again, florist, caterer, baker, DJ, and photographer. As I continue to work all week and squeeze in these appointments, I am sure time will really start going even faster. I am just trying to cherish every busy moment since you only get to experience all these wedding festivities once. Its crazy at times, but I love every minute of it and can't wait to be Mrs. Taylor. Everyone enjoy the rest of your weekend.