Update

In just a little over a week we have raised $905 for Parkinson's Disease. (To see total donations click on "Beth Tait's Team"). Simply amazing. Sooooo close to $1000! If you've been wanting to donate, do it today so we can get even more pumped that we've raised 1K for a cause close to our hearts. To think originally we had hoped to raise $500. Like I said, amazing. Thank you. Here are the people we're walking for:

My amazing step-dad, Vernon. This is one of my favorite photos of the four of us. Mom, Vernon, Adam and I eating at one of the most delicious restaurants in New York City, Le Madri (it's no longer there - so sad). This was the summer before we left New York.

Adam's grandpa, Wes. Here he is holding baby Tyler, rockin' the suspenders. He will always have a special place in my heart for sitting with my mom in the lobby of the temple when Adam and I went in to be sealed. That was a hard moment for me and my mom. He knew it, and he was there. I love him for that.

My grandma, Adele. Here I am on college graduation day with my grandpa and grandma. Both have since passed away. My grandma was one of those perfect grandmas. She played with us, made cookies and lots of bad-for-you, but oh-so-delicious foods. Casseroles. Lemon bars. I love to make her apple crisp. She never yelled or scolded us. If she did I don't remember it because she was just the sweetest, most loving grandma. My middle name is Adele after her.

All lived, or are living with Parkinson's Disease. We walk for them. Three weeks 'til the Beach Brigade! Donate today or walk with us, on behalf of those you know and love, all of us, and future generations who will be affected by Parkinson's. Many, many thanks!

Easter

It's one week until Easter Sunday and I find myself a little behind. Doesn't that seem to happen with Easter? There's all this build-up for Halloween or Christmas, but Easter seems to sneak up. The past two years I've made a family Easter basket, filled with our favorite candies (mostly Jelly Bellies and Cadbury Creme Eggs). Last year Adam did an Easter Egg Hunt in the living room, and what I liked about it was some eggs were candy-filled, while in others he had typed out scriptures or little things he loved about the kids and our family. It was a really cute idea, and I'd like to do something similar again. The kids and I stopped at Barnes and Noble last week looking for a couple Easter books, but nothing really popped out (especially any books about the real meaning of Easter). I did pick up this one, and really like it. Who doesn't love Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter? So, I'm throwing this out to you... What are your family's Easter traditions? Favorite books, foods, candy... anything. Do you spend Saturday night egg dying? Please share, as long as you don't mind me stealing an idea or two.

If You're a Tween...

... you might already have your DVR set. But I'm assuming most who read my blog are not tweens, or teenagers for that matter. Adam's show, Victorious, premieres this weekend! Saturday, March 27th following the Kids' Choice Awards on Nickelodeon.

He's the dialogue coach, so you won't see him in this episode - but he's done a few here and there, as well as webisodes, so I'll let you know when they're on. (Overall this show has been a really great experience for him, with opportunities to grow, which is always good in this crazy business.) The set-up is kids at a performing arts high school, so there will be singing and dancing. Maybe Nickelodeon's answer to High School Musical, but a TV show? We're not quite the targeted age group, but we'll be watching.

Tuesday

Here are some goings-on of late:

I'm thrilled to INCREASE my fundraising goal for Parkinson's Disease to $750.00 (possibly even higher). Right now we've collected a total of $640.00 in THREE DAYS for this near and dear cause, thanks to YOU. (To see total donations click on "Beth Tait's Team"). If you haven't yet, please consider donating here, on behalf of those you know and love.

I rented an apt. in 24 hours - application approved to handing the keys. Tenants in. This is a record.

Tyler is all signed up for soccer this Spring. Now off to buy some cleats. I'm not one to over-schedule my kids, but Adam also put them on a wait-list for parent/child karate. Daddy/Tyler karate night sounds pretty fun.

Let's talk TV. Why can't I look away from the train wreck that is The Real Housewives of New York City. So sad. Have you seen Jessica Simpson's The Price of Beauty"? I actually found it really interesting. Kinda Oprah-ish. And I learned that women in Thailand eat bugs because they're said to speed up metabolism. Anybody wanna try? Also, are you watching Life on Discovery? We are hooked, kids included. It's absolutely fascinating, and gorgeous.

Once we recover from Adam's birthday cake, I can't wait to make Kerry's toffee cookies. I'll share the recipe with her permission. They sound delish.

I am getting better at the guitar! Feeling a little stressed about working, and the change it brings - but I'm just gonna go with it and move forward with faith that it will all work out. This is happening for a reason, I just feel it.

Audrey handed me some poop straight outta her diaper yesterday. Yep. This is my child. I'm thinking potty training might start early with this one.

I'm still on a Bon Jovi high, almost four weeks later. Sigh.

Adam has had two lame birthdays in a row. Last year was this. This year wasn't too bad, but we tried to see Avatar Monday night. The 3-D was all messed up, then 30 minutes in the movie died. We scored four free tickets out of it, but it was still a bummer. We headed home to cake and a little 24. I need to make this up to him soon.

This stuff works! Cross my heart. I've blogged about it before. I only invest in a bottle about once a year (or twice if we get a surprise residual check) because it's expensive. Maybe I'm crazy, but I swear it works. I'm interested to try their new Midnight Recovery Concentrate, too. I got a sample in the mail.

Speaking of skincare, Clinique's "free gift with purchase" at Macy's, is going on now. That's always when I stock up.

Miles is coming this Saturday for a fun night out!

And if you've read this far, head on over to this page to support those affected by Parkinson's Disease, like my adorable step-dad Vernon. If you know him, I know you love him. Because all who know him do. And living with Parkinson's is no walk in the park. These are some strong people. And the people who love, care for, and support them are strong, too. Donate today!

Another Year Older

Happy Birthday to our wonderful Adam. This weekend we celebrated with his parents and a backyard BBQ. I made the toffee cake and it was deeeeeeelish! Best served after chilled over night in the fridge, in my opinion. (I also didn't realize that this is another name for the cake, by the way. Scandalous!). Tonight we're going to the movies to finally see Avatar. I'm grateful to spend another year with this guy. Through thick and thin, I can't imagine life without him. Happy 37th year Adam. We love you round here.

A Good Walk

Adam, Tyler, Audrey and I are excited to participate in our first Walk for Parkinson's Disease. Our families have been touched by Parkinson's and we've seen the effects first hand. Specifically my wonderful step-dad Vernon, and Adam's grandpa both live with Parkinson's. My grandma, who passed away several years ago, also had the disease. Sunday, April 18th we'll be walking in honor of those we love, and enjoying the morning at the beach, raising money for this cause. If you're at all interested in helping us reach our fundraising goal, please visit our donation page here. (I will try to fancy up the page once I learn how to navigate it better). Or you can walk with us! Register here, or leave a comment and I'll get in touch with you. Thanks for your support in advance. And if you or someone you know has been affected by Parkinson's, let us know and we will add them to the list of those we're walking for.

Apartment Managers In Training

Playing the Guitar Is Hard, or Things I'm Not Good At

The guitar is not easy people. My fingers are all cramped up and starting to get calloused. Tyler was listening to me practice the other night and said, "That sounds pretty rough, Mom". Nice. The practicing continues...

I've never been that great at learning an instrument. For all the years in college I had to play the piano, I still plunk out notes. Not to harp on things I'm not good at, but here are a few. (Not meant to make me feel bad about myself, more of an observation.)

Making grilled cheese, scrambled eggs, pancakes, or french toast.
Wrapping presents
Flossing
Baking chocolate chip cookies - I can make them, but they're never amazing like a good chocolate chip cookie should be.
Stain removing
Reading directions
Being crafty
Art, like when Tyler asks me to draw a helicopter or a family. Not good.
Getting somewhere on time
Running
Painting my own nails
Whistling (can't do it)
Dicing an onion or mincing garlic
Sewing (I can sew a button, or do minimal repairs - but it ain't pretty).
Finishing books that I start (this is only something I've gotten bad at since having kids).
Cleaning my house - like really cleaning it. Not just being orderly because I am extremely organized and neat. But I'm no good at dusting, mopping, scrubbing. Getting better at vacuuming though.

I am practicing my guitar everyday. Trying to toughen up these fingers. I will feel quite accomplished when I learn these little songs because it does not come easy for me. Don't even ask me about my current nemesis the C chord. Grrrr. Although I do play a mean G chord. If I could just find a song that requires only a G chord. Hmmmm... maybe songwriting is in my future as well. For now I'm strumming away, a little frustrated... trying hard to believe that practice makes perfect.

Lunchtime

Today we got home from Tyler's 4 year-old check up, and playing at the park, and I did not want the kids to run into their room and dump out all the toys while I made lunch. That would only mean a big mess that I would end up cleaning, (sure they help, but let's face it - I do most of the clean up around here). So I had them make their own lunch. They were totally into it. I swear just give kids a "grown-up job" to do, and they're happy.

Tyler checking out his choices.

Spreading on the good stuff.

Audrey pretty much enjoyed licking the knife. I mean, can you blame her? Nothing like peanut butter & jelly with a glass of milk. Mmmm.

Random Stuff and Some Questions

It's Soup Week (not on purpose, it's just ending up that way). Tonight we are having lentil, and Friday this chili will be in the crock pot. I'll let you know how they turn out. What are you making?

It's no secret that my skin has been crap since Audrey was born. I just ordered this Kiehl's mask after trying a sample that really did seem to soothe my poor skin. Kiehl's is a dangerous place for me, because like Fresh I totally believe in their products and could easily purchase a lot. After my recent order I'm stepping away.

I really like this dress I got from DownEast Basics. It's the perfect kind of mommy-wear I'm looking to have in my closet. Super comfy, but looks nicer than yoga pants. I also just saw this one, and think I may have to order it, too. If you wanna do some shopping on their site, use code "Thanks" for free shipping.

My newest favorite Trader Joe's find is their Almond Butter with Roasted Flax Seed. What's yours?

Have you heard of Groupon.com? Maybe I'm the last to know. You just register and enter your city, and you get one really great discount sent to your email everyday. From deals on a dozen bagels or cupcakes, to dinner at a really nice restaurant, game tickets, massage deals, etc.

St. Patrick's Day is around the corner. Should I do something fun with the kids - like dye all their food green? Maybe just green jell-o. Or a trip to find McD's Shamrock Shake? Mmmmm.

This week Bath & Body Works White Citrus is my favorite.

Adam's birthday is coming up. What should we get him? Design Mom got her husband a panini press for his birthday which I think is totally cool. But maybe that's something I would rather have than Adam. I would also like to make him some sort of toffee inspired birthday dessert (his favorite). I'm wondering about this cake. Ideas? Please share.

I just scored a FREE, brand-new guitar. My first lesson is Friday (and yes, I have daydreams of being the next Richie Sambora - for obvious reasons). I might start teaching a couple sessions of Tyler and Audrey's music class this summer. Might. Right now I'm learning and training, trying to see if it's a good fit for my busy schedule. Could be crazy. Might be perfect.

I want to try the SweetSalt Food Shop. The owner is a guy from Top Chef season 5. Very cool. Wanna come?

Adam and I are finally going to see Avatar this week, so we can see it on the big screen.

It's almost Daylight Saving Time. My favorite time of year. More sunshine!

Lastly, Adam has Friday off and we've declared the morning a kick-off to Tyler's Spring Break, which is next week. We're thinking of heading to the Santa Monica Pier for a little merry-go-riding, and I've been dying to see the water lately. I also wanna come up with some fun, out-of-the-ordinary things to do with the kids next week. What are your favorite Spring Break outings?

Good Morning

As much as I'd love Bon Jovi at the top of my blog all week, I guess it's time to move on. Sigh. Thanks to our good friends Arianne and Rich we had leftover Big Sugar Bakeshop cupcakes for breakfast. Mmmmmmm. Audrey especially loved her red velvet.

See there's banana on there, too, so at least I tried to mix in some healthy.

Tyler and Audrey have spent the morning fighting over playing with the race track we got Tyler for his birthday. Kept them busy for quite a while. Unfortunately it ended with me intervening and the race track is now on a very high shelf, far from little hands - and the house is a lot more peaceful.

How is your morning going?

Friday I'm In Love

I have a Bon Jovi hangover. And I'm pretty sure I'll spend the next couple weeks obsessed with this guy. The concert was unbelievable. Seriously exceeded my expectations because these guys are just plain amazing at what they do, and sometimes you see someone live and are like, "Oh okay, this is why you're so famous". (And I had a really great date, so that helped). If you are a fan you must. see. them. now. And it's an added bonus to have their songs stuck in my head all day - old and new. A very good Friday indeed.

This Week So Far

Kinda quiet around here post-birthday. Enjoying really nice weather, and trying to get out in it more. Had a fun girls night (with a few good-spirited husbands in attendance) to watch the finale of The Bachelor - hours of my life I will never get back by the way. At least the company was great, (and who am I kidding I will for sure be watching The Bachelorette). We enjoyed a nice, laid-back playdate today with a bunch of mommies and kids at Michelle's house. Adam finished our taxes - hurrah! And it's a Trader Joe's Week, meaning I can't seem to get motivated at all to menu plan, so most of our meals are pre-made by them. Have you had their stuffed peppers? They are delicious. Oh how I love that store.

Audrey has recently discovered that she likes to color. And she's now only eating the occasional crayon.

Tyler is enjoying all of the awesome birthday presents he received, like this model airplane from my dad. Adam and Tyler spent last night putting it together.

And I have realized I do not have appropriate rockin' concert attire. Adam and I are going to see Bon Jovi tomorrow night (so excited to see them live). Thankfully I have great girlfriends who let me raid their closets. And Forever 21 helps, too.

Tonight is laundry, baths, lots of playing, and catching up on American Idol, 24, and Lost. Hope you're enjoying your week, so far.