Dressed Up

My wonderful friend Michelle surprised me and made this adorable dress for Audrey. That's right, she made it. She is so talented. I especially love the little bows on the shoulders.

She also made this matching bow tie for Tyler.

Seriously, how cute are these two. All ready for church this morning. (PS - This is the best I could do. Tyler won't tuck in his shirt, and Audrey won't keep a barrette in her hair. I pick my battles. The adorable clothes make up for it). Thank you Michelle!

What I did this morning

We're nearing the end of Staycation, and I have to say it has been pretty successful - even despite Audrey's fever, and me fighting off a nasty bug again. We skipped out on Black Friday shopping this morning. The kids played, Adam watched football and ate leftovers, and I finished my tree. It looks pretty nice for being a very kid friendly tree. Audrey can yank on anything and it'll survive. (I am however waiting for the day she pulls the tree over. I can pretty much guarantee that will happen). The highlight of my tree this year are these cool initial ornaments I picked up from Restoration Hardware. I love them.

I'm still looking for the perfect tree topper... preferably an angel, but I'm not close-minded to the star. For now the bow will do. Maybe I'll check all the east coast Christmas shops post-holidays.

A couple other highlights. This nativity set. We have a beautiful nativity that I love, and am very protective of. It sits on top of our fireplace mantel. This one is for the kids. When I was growing up we had a nativity just like this one - it's kinda ugly, but I have a ton of holiday memories of me and my sisters playing with the figurines all season. They would hang out with our guys, take a ride on my dad's Christmas tree train. I think my dad still has our old play nativity, even though the paint is chipping off. Lots of memories there. Last year when I found it on clearance, I grabbed it and am so glad I did. My kids are playing with it just the same way. And of course it helps to tell the Christmas story with all the characters that the kids can touch.

Oh, and lastly, if you have a fake tree like ours, go grab this candle (on sale now, too). Oh my, it smells your house up just like a real tree. Mmmmmmm.

Dinner

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Just the four of us. Making dinner all day. Watching the parade, football games, Wall-E, and State of Play after the kids went to bed. Putting up Christmas decorations (even though there was a little tree drama. Why is there always tree drama?). Here is our Thanksgiving Dinner for four:
We were so proud. Everything was delicious. Adam was in charge of the turkey, stuffing, and gravy (his mom's recipe on all - soooo good!). I did the sweet potatoes (mashed with fresh orange juice and zest, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice), homemade cranberry sauce, and collard greens with pine nuts and craisins. Then apple pie a la Trader Joe's. One of the highlights was the cranberry sauce. Here was my recipe:

4 cups of cranberries
1/2 cup of brown rice syrup or 100% pure maple syrup
1/4 cup of water
Juice of 1 orange

Rinse and clean berries well. In a large pan, combine syrup, water, orange juice and berries. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir often. Reduce to a gentle boil and cook until berries pop (about 10 minutes uncovered). Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. So tart, easy, and yummy. I will never buy canned again.

Hope your cooking ventures were as successful as ours! Plenty of leftovers if you wanna stop by after some Black Friday shopping.

Thankful

This has been one of the hardest falls I've had in a loooong time. Things have been hard. Like, a-little-too-personal-for-this public-blog kind of hard. But also the kind of hard where you know on the other side, you are going to be kick-butt stronger for everything you faced. (Or at least you hope so. You better be. Seriously.) So when I get to a day that is all about giving thanks, it feels good. Because one of the things that happens when life gets a little messy, is the good things shine all the more. Like friendships that are stronger than ever. A mom and sisters who are amazing and don't mind when I mistakenly call them at 2am - dang time zones. Having the courage to really face things head on, because I know not everyone does that. Healthy kids, healthy kids, healthy kids. Adam's job opportunities. Getting to a place where I really love living in California. My wonderful new car. My strong body. Finding time to focus on things that interest me outside of motherhood. The cup of hot chocolate I'm drinking while writing this. And pretty much still everything on this list. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to learn about myself, and who I am right now. Not the twenty year old me, or the single me, or the New York City me. But me. Now. Trying my hardest to live in the present. There is certainly a lot to be thankful for, and I am grateful for all of these blessings in my life and then some. Hope you too, are having a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Staycation

I'm declaring it an official Tait family tradition that the entire week of Thanksgiving is Staycation Week. Meaning if you're gonna stay home instead of travel for the holidays, you have to fill the week with super fun things like watching movies, playground outings, date nights, playing around the house in PJs. Most importantly not worrying about "to-dos". Everything you would do on a vacation - but at home. Today was day one of staycation. We started out with Whole Foods chocolate croissants, then spent the morning playing mini-golf and arcade games, followed by naps. This evening it's off to Costco for shopping and dinner, then a stop at Yogurtland since Tyler has earned ice-cream for doing a bunch of good deeds and chores around the house. That's a fun day.

This kid loved golfing.

This one... not so much.

Other staycation activities will hopefully include:
Plenty of park-going.
Finishing Christmas shopping for the kids.
Attending the preschool Thanksgiving Feast.
Going to one of Adam's Christmas Caroling gigs at the mall nearby.
Catching a movie with Adam (he actually wants to see New Moon).
Cooking a Thanksgiving Feast fit for a family of four. Adam is in charge of the turkey, and I'm going to try to health dinner up a tiny bit with a couple recipes from my new cookbook.
Picking up some Chocolate Pecan Pie from Aroma Cafe.
Putting up our Christmas tree and decorations on Thanksgiving Day.
Black Friday shopping, and hopefully hitting The Grove where we can see some snow.
Doing a little shopping for myself (I desperately need new jeans), and maybe even fitting in a pedicure.

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

My Kids Today

I love them.

Finally

Movies, girlfriends, Edward... need I say more? (Alright - Jacob, too). I hope you bought your ticket already. If not, give me a call and come see it with us on Saturday. Happy New Moon Weekend!

Play the Part

Why is it that some days with your kids go so much better than others? Even if the exact same thing happens on both days. There are days where I just have it together and am dealing better. I need to take notes on those days so I know exactly what it is I'm doing right. Today is a great day. Even though it was crazy getting out of the house this morning (as usual), we just all handled it well. Even with runny noses and goopy leftover pink eye (yuck). I love it when even in the midst of craziness I feel in control of motherhood. Not yelling when Audrey is playing in the toilet again. Packing snacks and sippy cups and not stressing when they spill everywhere because that's life. Tyler throwing a fit when I ask him to go potty, and handling it - being patient, teaching the lesson. Some days the song doesn't quite go like that. But when it does, I am happy with how I'm doing my job.

Tyler is doing this funny thing right now. He is obsessed with Little Einsteins, which I love because I've never seen him use his imagination this much. He is Leo. I call him Leo. He calls himself Leo and talks about himself in the third person. Like, "Leo needs to go to the bathroom", or "Leo has a mission today to go to preschool". He does this all day long. Audrey is Annie (clearly, since that is Leo's little sister on the show). The funny part is that I am Quincy, the little black or middle eastern boy, and Adam is June, the asian or latina girl. (They're kind of ambiguous ethnically, which I am sure is on purpose - a character for every kind of kid, right?). Anyway - yes, I'm Quincy. Adam is June. Adam isn't happy about this, but he plays along. He tried to take my part, but I sort of think it's funny that Adam is June, so too bad. Our new car is Rocket, too. Every time we get into "Rocket" we have to "pat, pat, pat" and "Blast Off!". Wherever we are, I am Quincy. At the mall today it was "Quincy, I really need to go potty". Maybe it looks like I'm his nanny, Quincy. But oh well, it's the first time I'm seeing Tyler play like this and I love it. Imagination at work. Creativity. Role-play. Poor Audrey is a little confused as to why we are always calling her Annie, so I try to call her Audrey (even though every single time Tyler corrects me). And by the way, it even works when Tyler throws a fit if I say, "Leo doesn't throw fits". Man, he straightens right up. I'm sure it won't work forever, but I'll take it for now.

Here we are in all our glory:

Leo, June, Rocket, Annie, and Quincy. A rather good looking bunch wouldn't you say? These are the games that fill our days right now, and I'm loving it. Even if I have to be Quincy. Hey, sometimes an actress will take any part she can get.

This Is Me

My very talented friend Carrie (who I met back when we both lived in Queens) created this awesome journal. The This Is Me journal. With the holidays right around the corner I think it is a perfect gift. It inspires creativity, and is a fantastic keepsake. Can you imagine being able to flip through this with your kids years down the line? Priceless. I will absolutely be purchasing one for both of my children. And PS - Carrie is having a giveaway this week, so go sign up for her newsletter.

18 months

My little girl on her first day of nursery class at church today. All grown up.

Defeated.

Why is it that after fighting the sick for 5 loooong days, the day I wake up and say, "I have to see a doctor today", is Saturday? Saturday, when I can't get in touch with my insurance company or primary care doctor to find an urgent care nearby that takes my insurance, so I have to pay out of pocket and try to get reimbursed (which I'm sure will take a good six months), even though I pay nearly $400 a month to be covered. Seriously? Who says that health insurance doesn't have problems? Strep throat and pink eye. Doesn't that sound like a Kindergartner's diagnosis? Right now I'm cuddled on the couch, doing a little on line Christmas shopping and watching Food Network while my family is out running errands. Adam is finally home, so I have exactly 24 hours to recover until he goes to caroling rehearsal tomorrow evening. Drugs in system, PJs, tea constantly brewing, DVR to catch up on - I think that's a recipe for recovery. I promise some cute kid pictures are on their way, too. For now, I'm off to veg.

Fighting

Every mama knows her house will not run well, if it at all, when she is sick. When moms are sick it is bad news. Why? Nothing stops. Life doesn't stop. Your kids don't stop and say, "Mom can I bring you some tea?". "Mom, lay here on the couch and watch your favorite shows while I go in the other room and play nicely with my sister". Oh no. Everything still happens around you as usual - preschool drop off, diaper changes, breaking up fights. Sometimes your kids get even fussier, and more annoyed at you for being sick in the first place. In my case this is payback because I remember totally being bugged when my mom got sick. Um, how could she throw off my day like that? (Man was I selfish. Or maybe just a teenager). Anyway, if you can't already guess I've spent the last two days fending off some bug that is trying to overtake my body. So far I'd say were are pretty even in strength. It tried to kick my butt last night with a 100+ fever, but I kicked right back with my overdosing of airborne, echinacea, OJ, vitamins, salt water gargles, honey lemon tea, ADVIL. You name it. I cannot get sick. It cannot win. Adam is about to work three 15 hour days in a row, followed by a full Saturday of acting class. Can. Not. Get. Sick. So mostly I'm posting this for you to send positive, anti-sick energy my way, as well as to explain the slow blogging. Now I'm off to cuddle under my big blankie while Adam brews my tea - since this is the last night I can take advantage of him being around. Here's to a good fight. Pretty sure I'm gonna win.

Season Opener

Can you feel it? Christmas right around the corner? Well, it's here if you go to the mall and see the stores all decked out. I've already seen holiday commercials on TV. My diet coke cans have snowflakes on them. I love it! Over here I have already started Christmas shopping. I started a while back because I've known since the summer what I wanted to get Tyler. Audrey, I'm still not sure. Any favorite gift ideas for an 18 month old little girl? They are each getting one big present and a packed stocking. Adam... I have a few ideas. We're trying to keep things simple over here (even though I like to shop and the "one big present" for my kids can easily turn into more than one, but I'm stickin' to it this year). Then there's preschool teachers, bosses, business partners, voice students... all the people we need to say thank-you to. Toffee again? Something different? I loved Charlotte's Christmas Granola, and the pumpkin butter was delicious. And then I think, who needs more food this time of year? I'm open to ideas.

One of my favorite places to Christmas shop is Philosophy. Don't you just want to try every single one of their holiday products? The Holiday Cookbook, Holiday Hostess. I definitely have to pick up the Candy Cane Shower Gel for myself (of course I love the mint). And these would make an adorable gift. I'm tempted to pick up a couple. Just head over to their website and start shopping. I could spend all afternoon linking one item and then another. I love it all. The packaging is fantastic.
The other thing on my mind for Christmas 2009 is my tree. This year I've decided to do a kid-friendly Christmas tree, primarily inspired by my devious little Audrey. We have some beautiful ornaments that won't come out this year, but instead I'm gonna adorn the tree with things that are okay for my kids to touch and grab. Dollar store stuff. Bows. Candy Canes up high. Maybe we'll make some ornaments with pine cones and glitter. I haven't ironed out all the details, but this is something I'm starting to work on. It might not be the prettiest tree, but it will have a lot of heart. Please feel free to pass along a favorite gift you've given (or received), kid friendly Christmas ornament or decor idea. We're ready to kick off the season over here.

The Turtle

Sorry to back track a bit, but I was told I didn't post enough photos of Audrey in her Halloween costume. Here's our little turtle. She was a big hit at all the Halloween events. The waddling is the best part.

Lollipop lover

A turtle and her loot

Turtle in action.

Man she is cute. I am going to miss toddler Audrey someday.

Product Monday

Have you seen that my friend Beauty Gal is back. Hurrah! I love her blog. I love that she features both high end and drugstore finds. She is a must-read. In honor of Beauty Gal's return, here are a few of my own finds I've been meaning to mention because they make me happy:

I am a huge fan of tinted lip balm. I kinda have an obsession with it. My must have is Kiehl's. But lately I've been eyeing a few more. MAC tinted lip conditioner, and Fresh Sugar Rose tinted lip treatment. Mmmmm. These are my new must tries. I'm also curious about this one from Opa's Soaps, and this mint flavored tinted lip balm is probably my next pick up at Sephora. Love the mint. And the price. See, I told you I'm a little obsessed.

Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleansing Pads. It's no secret my skin has been crap since Audrey was born. I picked these up at Trader Joe's and I really love them. Cleanses and exfoliates in one.

I love to deep condition my hair. I guess from all those years of damage from being a blond. This is my favorite deeep conditioner. But if money is tight, I love this stuff. It works great and you can just pick some up at Target, even better.

My last hair find is spray wax. Paul Mitchell has a good one. Perfect for subtle texture on straight or wavy hair. Drugstore.com has a good deal on that right now. I might have to order a couple bottles.

Please pass along any of your own happy finds. Oh, and I'm looking for a go-to drugstore mascara (I already have a higher-end one I love). But when money is tight, I need a budget find. Great Lash is pretty good, but any suggestions? Add your favorites to my list.