Pretty

These birthday flowers sent by my sister are making me happy this afternoon.

33

Today I'm 33. This year I celebrated my birthday for one straight week. Started last Monday at Happy Feet with Adriana. A mani/pedi, a little shopping at Sephora, Pinkberry with my kids. Used some birthday money to hire my cleaning goddess, Silvia. Girls night out to see The Switch. Dinner at Pace with Adam. I've been spoiled by my family, my friends, and myself. What every birthday should be! Tonight I plan on doing a little bit of this, too:

Things I'm thinking about at 33:

Will there be a Baby Tait #3?
Save, save, save.
Being the healthiest me possible.
How to best serve those around me: Adam, my kids, friends and family.
Bedroom projects and makeovers.
How much longer will we live in this apartment? Moving on will be bittersweet.
Is there really any way to slooow down the aging process? Do I need a better eye cream? Maybe a monthly facial?
Teaching music and loving it (past career questions that have been answered - for now. Now if I can just get myself to Europe).
Most of all I am grateful. 32 handed me some big challenges. I'm grateful for the strength to trudge through it all. Grateful for my little family and how healthy and strong we are - in more ways than one. Grateful to finally feel that it's true - being in your thirties is great! I can feel that at 33. And hope to feel it even more so, from here on in.

PS - This might be my favorite birthday present: Adriana got me the easy button after the one she had helped her through some super tough rehearsals. The best part is I've been carrying it around in my purse. The other day at the grocery store my kids were fighting and acting generally disgraceful. I scolded them with my strongest mom voice, separated them, secured Audrey tightly and swiftly in the cart (she was not happy). Got the situation under control, reached in my bag and grabbed my button. "That was easy". Right in the middle of the grocery store. It really works! I felt much better. Here's to an easy 33.

Oakland Trip: Family, and the Finale

Here is my last Oakland post. Sorry so many, but when the Taits only all get together once every other year, the post about it has to be a good (read: loooong) one.

When I was little I wanted a huge family. Huge. With tons of kids. I think God must've known there was no way I was gonna be pregnant that many times so he gave me Adam's family instead. Funny how ideas you had when you were younger actually come about in adulthood. (I also wanted to marry a guy named Adam who was from California - What?! Crazy.). I also always wanted a brother. Hanging with the Tait brothers and brother-in-laws I often think, "this must be what its like to have brothers". I love that. Lots of laughing, joking, pranking, wrestling around (one of them even broke their nose because of it on this trip), and giving each other a hard time. Most of all, a lot of love. The downside to a huge family is that it's hard to get everyone together at one time, but when it happens - it is the best.

Oakland Trip: The Girls

The Tait family was once dominated by boys, but the girls are growing in numbers. Jodi, Weslie, Molly, Heather, Kim. I think it's safe to say I have the best sisters-in-law imaginable. (Not to mention Adam's wonderful mom and all the cousins). The Tait girls have a great time when we get together. Still working on getting them all to move back to California.

Mommy's Girl

First mani/pedi:She chewed the fingernail polish off about an hour later. Toes still look great.

Family Firsts

The trip to Oakland was our first family road trip (minus the hour and a half it takes to get to Adam's parents' house). The kids were fantastic. We didn't even have to bust out the laptop for movie time. They kept themselves busy with books, snacks, and staring out the window. We drove through California farm country so there were a lot of produce trucks, tractors, and farm animals. Tyler loved counting cows. (Side note: When I was little I remember driving to my grandma's house in Pennsylvania. I have this memory of my mom saying she would give us a penny for every cow we counted, then we could buy something at our next stop - like candy or a small toy, it had to be small since we're talking pennies here. Anyway, I remember counting those cows with my sister Stephanie. This same game kept Tyler pretty busy in the car).Another first was the four of us staying in a hotel together. Oh man, Tyler was excited. He got his own big ol' bed (Audrey was in the pack 'n play). There was a pool. Breakfast downstairs every morning. We let the kids order movies. We all slept well and got along great. When we weren't playing with cousins, we snuggled in beds watching The Chipmunks and Curious George. Now if I can just have someone make us breakfast every morning, stop by while we're out and make our beds, clean the dishes, and leave us fresh towels - I think motherhood might get a lot easier.

Tyler sleeping like a king.

Oakland Trip: Cousin Love

If I couldn't find Audrey at the wedding this weekend, all I had to do was look for her cousin Devon. She was in love. Wouldn't leave his side. The funny thing about these two is they have very similar personalities - two peas in a pod, separated by several years.

Cousins are the best. He even let her abuse him a bit. It has me considering adopting a 9 year old boy.

Weekend

We are back from a fantastic family-filled weekend. Why does family have to be spread out across the country? We have so much fun when we're all together. It needs to happen more often. I have too many photos to organize, but here are just a few first glance favorites. (And the wedding was just perfect, by the way).

The cousins (only missing Carson).

Carson and RyanPerfect little girl in the perfect dress.

Tyler

The brothersMe and Weslie

The bride and groom. Jordan and Heather with Adam's parents.More to come.

Wedding

This morning we are heading to the Oakland California Temple for Jordan's wedding. Isn't it pretty?It's hard to get all the Taits in one place because there are a lot of them, but weddings seem to do it. Tyler and Audrey have seven cousins on that side and a bunch of aunts and uncles that they hardly ever see, so we're excited to hang with them all. It'll be a quick trip, but fun to snuggle up in a hotel together and pack the weekend full of family. We are traveling with our new camera, so I hope to come back with great photos.

Happy wedding weekend Jordan and Heather!

Hard Day's Work

Adam spent last week working with Jack Black. Not a bad way to spend the week. (There's a good story that goes along with it, too, but I'll let Adam tell you). I told Adam to ask Jack if he remembered me from that one time I saw him at Old Navy. We made eye contact... and smiled. And yes - Jack Black shops at Old Navy.

Quote of the Day

Tyler Tait on fast brains: "Hey Dad, if I smell my brain I have the fastest brain you never smelled before. Here, smell my fast brain."

This from the kid who's getting his orange belt in karate today.

In Praise of MoLo

Adriana's mom is MoLo. Somewhere along the line that became her nickname and that's what we call her. My kids even call her MoLo. I love MoLo. She has always had a huge heart, and all the years I lived with Adriana she treated me like I was part of her family. She is wonderful like that. Here's another reason why she's wonderful. Adriana told her we were shopping for a dress for Audrey to wear to Jordan's wedding this weekend, and voila - MoLo finds one, runs over to a friend's house who has a little girl Audrey's age, tries it on her to see if it fits (it does!), and sends it out. Along with a bunch of goodies and books for Tyler. Here's Audrey modeling her perfect wedding dress:Now when I say MoLo sent goodies - I mean a box full of toy trucks for Tyler (one of which she opened so she could write "Tyler's Towing" on the side with a sharpie, in perfect handwriting), and there must've been at least half a dozen books. Did I mention she's never even met my kids? She just loves big. And these two little kids truly do feel it over here. It fills my heart when someone loves my kids that much, and makes them feel so special. Thank you, MoLo - for being so generous, and loving us all the way from upstate New York.

Farmers Market Summer Pasta

Before we saw this guy last night...(Who was fantastic and quite possibly the most talented person I've ever seen live. He sang, played piano and the trumpet, danced, tap danced, drummed, did stand-up. He pretty much just rocked - with no fear.)

...I made this pasta. A long time ago I stole the recipe off my friend Carrie's blog. Perfect, healthy dinner for us and the kids. What I love most about it is you can throw any fresh vegetables or herbs in here. Just use what looks yummy at the grocery store or farmers market, or use up what you have in the fridge. And it's a beautiful dinner in one pot. Love that. I served it with a warm multigrain baguette. Mmmmmm.

Summer Pasta

1/2 lb. snap peas
1-2 zucchini
4 medium carrots (I cheat and get mine already shredded)
3 plum tomatoes
1 bunch broccoli (I used asparagus instead)
1 large onion
1 bunch fresh basil
1 pound cooked rigatoni (I like penne)
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
I also threw in some yellow squash and fresh garlic I had on hand.

Dressing:
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1 T. dijon mustard
1 t. sugar
1 t. salt
1/3 cup olive oil

Slice carrots. Chop zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Cut tomatoes into small cubes. Cut broccoli or asparagus into small pieces. Cut onion into bite sized chunks. Slice basil to measure 1/2 cup.

In a medium pot, over medium high heat, put 1 T olive oil and cook onion for 2 minutes (I threw in a couple garlic cloves here, too). Add peas, zucchini, carrots, and asparagus. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until veggies are tender but still crisp. Remove to a large bowl.

Add cooked pasta to vegetables along with tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese and dressing. Stir. Can be served either hot or cold or room temp. 10 servings (as a side dish – but Saturday we served it as the main dish). Enjoy!

Swim Kids

We spent the afternoon swimming at Adriana's hotel. After a long week, nothing's better than spending the whole day with my two loves. This is poolside.

Friday Favorites

Favorite Book. Audrey can't stop reading about this pig - Tyler, too, for that matter. Don't go to the Burbank library looking for Olivia books, we have them all.

Favorite One-Man Band

Favorite Trick: Audrey falling out of the crib and landing on her head this morning. It was her first attempt to climb out. Bunk beds are just around the corner.

Favorite Easy Summer Key Lime. Get the recipe here.
Favorite Way To End the Day - Swimming and tacos with Adriana.

Ramblings and A Few Questions

My camera is on the fritz. Took it to the beach and got sand somewhere, and now it's real mad at me. Looks like a new camera might be my birthday present. (In the meantime, photos will be scarce). I'm thinking something sleek that easily fits in my bag. Any recommendations?

I have no motivation to cook - What are you eating these days? (Tell me only if it's easy).

Taking Tyler to karate tonight. I am clueless in this class, and I'm pretty sure I look ridiculous trying to "fake it" as Tyler's coach (usually it's Adam but he's been working late - and rehearsing with this guy). The teacher is always looking at me in this funny way, too - pretty much confirming my ridiculousness. Oh well, somehow Tyler and I make it through the class. Tonight he's testing for his next belt.

Speaking of celebs (again), Adam was literally feet away from Nate Berkus yesterday and didn't get to talk to him. He tried. He really did. But it was too crazy on set. Ugh! The saga continues...

I've been shopping for Jordan's upcoming wedding extravaganza next weekend (this is Adam's brother who will be engaged for a total of three weeks!). It's a nice excuse to shop for cute clothes for the kids - and myself, of course. Yesterday we hit the sales at Janie and Jack and picked up a few things, including this race car t-shirt for Tyler's first day of school, (sure school isn't until September, but I've never seen him more excited about a t-shirt). I also bought Tyler a tie from this etsy shop. So cute. Where do you like to shop for dressy kids clothes?

There are a ton of movies I want to see. Why can't I have an unlimited babysitting fund?

I've been subbing for another music teacher this week, which has been great because I feel really comfortable and confident in class now. The downside is I'm exhausted. Can't wait for a Friday spent playing with my kids all day. Saturday morning in the pool with Audrey for swim class. Saturday night at the Hollywood Bowl with Adriana, Adam, and Harry Connick Jr. What are you looking forward to this weekend?

Just Another Monday Morning

A girl's gotta look her best.

Celeb Stuff and Revelations

First off, Nate Berkus. I almost gave up on him. I almost took his photo down from my wall. But I just couldn't do it. Not yet. Then Adam came home from work Friday night and told me something going on on set (not allowed to give out specifics here), but let's just say Nate and I will be two degrees of separation this fall. This is either some sort of bad joke, or Nate Berkus just might be following me. Either way, I'll take it.

Next, Idina Menzel. (Now if you don't know who she is click here). Meeting her yesterday I had a sort of "full circle" moment. I loved Idina since she mooooed in Rent. In college I listened to the Rent Original Cast Recording a lot. My very first Broadway "audition" was for Rent (I put that in quotes because in college, a group of friends and I drove all the way from Ithaca to Harlem to audition for the show, only to find out the audition was canceled. We dropped off our headshots with some casting interns and were typed out, without ever auditioning. Ah, the good ol' days). Anyway, Adam and I saw Idina in Wicked on Broadway, loved her on Glee. Back in the day, I would've flipped for a chance to sing for/with her. Yesterday I got to. And we sang and danced and jammed with a bunch of kids who were loving music. Kids with huge smiles on their faces who make me feel like I'm a superstar because in their world, I just might be. And in this little room it doesn't matter who's who, just that everyone is having a blast. That's what I love about this job. It's music in it's purist form - enjoyed and loved, with all sorts of families. And to have that morning with her, pretty much made my day. It made me think a lot about where I once thought (or hoped) I was going to be, and where I am today. And how happy I am, where I am. It's nice to feel, even if I'm not "in the business", that I'm still in the business (a big benefit of teaching music class in LA). But this time there is a lot less stress, and a lot more fun and games.

Friday Loves

This morning's cool, overcast weather.
My breakfast - Coach's Oats with cinnamon, honey, fresh blueberries, a little flax seed oil and wheat germ.
The stash of Coke Zero I have in the fridge, and Luna protein bars in the cabinet.
Early morning pilates (although I do not love the early part).
The ladybug tutu I found for Audrey.
My mom booking a plane ticket to visit us in September.
The groupon I just grabbed. Can't wait to hit the Huntington Library all year round. We love it there.
A surprise lunch for my kids at Carney's.
That my kids are still both asleep at 8:20am.
Finding and downloading some new music for music class (suggestions always welcome). Oh, and a couple free downloads from Ladybug Music here.
My new necklace.
The Coach Outlet.
Adam folded all our laundry last night.
Time with wonderful old friends, like Anne and Adriana, and hopefully looking forward to a night out with them this weekend (although I'm having a bit of babysitter drama, so we'll see...).
Making a new friend - my co-worker, Saskia. I think we're in love.
The Trader Joe's shopping spree I am about to go on (besides the protein bars my cupboards are bare).
Spending a nice, full day with my kids.
Friday movie night.

What do you love today?

Beach and Stuff

Woah! Things have been a little busy over here. I am the ultimate juggler of things: kids, music class, apartment managing, friends in town, babysitters, time with Adam, cleaning up, grocery shopping. All great in their own right, but it's been a little nutso (and hard to keep up with the blog). I knew the apartment building would get crazy once I started working, because that's just the way things go. It'll settle down. Music class has been fantastic so far (even though there are rumors that a certain Broadway star will be in my Saturday morning class with her baby, and that is just slightly intimidating. Awesome, but intimidating). To top it off Adam's brother, Jordan, got engaged the other day and is getting married in three weeks! What?? We might be heading to Oakland for a wedding in a few weeks. This summer has been jam-packed with the best of everything. Here are some photos from our latest beach outing. We hit Zuma over the weekend with Adriana and Adam's brother, Ryan.

Audrey and Adriana are the best of friends. Actually Audrey is pretty obsessed with her. You know when you were little and you had that older aunt or cousin that was so beautiful (mine was my Aunt Wendy). I think that's what Adriana is for Audrey. There is a connection there for sure.

This is always Tyler's first stop when we get to the beach. Beach chair with watermelon in hand. I think he'd be heartbroken if I forgot the watermelon.The weather was perfect for kite flying. So exciting!

Audrey at 15.

Toward the end of the day Tyler was running up to the water all by himself. He's usually pretty intimidated to get in, so this was huge.

This is the fun of raising California kids.