Happy Halloween

After a dinner of mummy dogs (sure - call me a dorky mom), sweet potato fries, and spinach salad, we are off to trick or treat in one of our favorite, go-all-out neighborhoods with Adam's parents. Coming home to hot apple cider, and to count all our candy of course. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Tonight

Here is tonight, after a day of crazy culminating in Audrey smearing poop on her crib. (Yeah - I'm not gonna go there, but let's just say I'M DONE!). At least the day ended on a good note with the pumpkins. Plus kids are in bed, and Adam and I can catch up on our DVR. Oh, and I'm gonna make some of these pumpkin seeds, too. Good night!

Voice Over

I don't know if any wife dreams of the day her husband becomes a talking blue bra (yes, bra)... from Mexico... named SomBRArio. But it's super cool when it's my husband landing a recurring voice over on iCarly webisodes. This might be the most random thing you'll ever watch. But just enjoy Adam's accent. This is Sombrario's first webisode of many - it premiered yesterday.

If it's not working on the blog, you can also watch it on the iCarly website here.*

Trunk or Treat

We went to our church chili cook-off and Trunk or Treat tonight. Sadly Adam couldn't come - he's still on set as I type this. Tyler and Audrey were so excited, and particularly happy with the amount of Halloween candy they collected. It has officially invaded our house. Here we are - one train engineer, a ladybug girl, and a ladybug mommy:

Thanks to Bekah and Saskia I didn't have to spend a dime on my costume, and Audrey was thrilled about our matching boots.

Patch #2... Again.

Remember when I said we go to three pumpkin patches? Well, that's still true - we have our three favorites (and I want to remember a possible fourth for next year). This year we sadly did not get to patch #3. Patch #3 is a biggie - about a 45 minute drive out to the country. It's a working farm with pick-your-own pumpkins and a hayride. The rain kept us away, and then Adam went back to work leaving me slightly unmotivated to head out there alone with the kiddies. Fortunately neither of them realize we missed the hayride, so it's all good. Next year!

Instead we hit patch #2 again this morning, bringing along a few friends. In true LA fashion it was hot, but a nice 'last pumpkin patch stop' nonetheless.

This weekend is:
Trunk or treating
Pumpkin carving
And a yummy Halloween dinner Sunday, followed by Trick-or Treating.

Happy Halloween Weekend!

First Costume Day of the Season

Here we go! Day #1 of Halloween costumes. Today it was Audrey. She got to wear her costume to music class. Here is Ladybug Girl (from one of our favorite book series):

And here is Audrey as Ladybug Girl:This is Saskia, Audrey's music teacher and the newest love of my life. She's my co-teacher at Ladybug Music. You know when you meet someone and become instant best friends? That's me and Saskia. Audrey was sooo excited to show Saskia her costume.

Ladybug's side view.

Play Date

There are some things that are nice about Adam being back at work. Like quiet Monday mornings with Audrey after we drop Tyler at school. Today we invited Penny and Simon over to play. A play date for Audrey... where she's not the tag along kid. Made me happy to watch these girls read books together this morning.Simon kept up with the girls just fine.

Seasonal Smoothie

Here is this morning's healthy, seasonal breakfast. I found it on a nutritionist's website I sometimes check. Drank by all four of us, approved by all.
Pumpkin Smoothie

2/3 cup organic butternut squash or pumpkin puree (I used Libby's from the can).
1 banana
1 cup coconut water (Adjust to get the consistency you like. You can also use almond or rice milk. I used almond milk - it helps the smoothie get a little creamier.)
A handful of ice
Pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
Stevia or agave nectar

Put all ingredients into a blender, pour into a glass, sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice and enjoy. Easy and healthy.

Photos This Week

So much I want to blog about, though I'm in a time crunch this afternoon. Like trying to get a video of Audrey singing "Poker Face" (the Glee rendition) - it's amazing. Or Tyler and homework, and when he had the saddest, most heartbreaking look on his face yesterday when he found some of his artwork in the trash (bad, bad mom didn't push it down far enough in the trash can --- come on, there's soooo much art coming home from school). Or the hilarious things that happen when you teach a kids music class in LA. How to get a two year old to quit the pacifier? Adam painting the kids bedroom, and how long it took me to chose a color. The crazy lady who followed me around Trader Joe's yesterday telling me to cut Audrey's bangs. Audrey following me around the house with a white blanket over her head pretending to scare me, "I'm a ghoooooost. Ooooooooo", she says. There is some good stuff going on. When times are busy, keeping up this blog still remains a priority - even if it's only twice a week. Because someday I will have enough time to put all 500+ of these posts in a book. For now, here are a few random shots from the week:

This is how Audrey prefers to watch TV these days. Perfect fit.

Making mini blueberry muffins.

Tyler and Adam spending some good time together.

And okay, I think I'm ready to bust out a little Halloween preview. Here's part of Audrey's Ladybug Girl. (Full costume still under construction).

Beginning of the Week Stuff

It's a gloomy Monday in LA. Which is welcomed here, more so than anywhere I've lived. In LA when it's gloomy (and only 65) we bust out our sweaters, boots, scarves, and jackets... get all bundled and cozy, so happy to finally see a cloudy day. Then two days later it's sunny and 85, and you wonder why you just spent $100 on boots. But... since it's still gray and cool out, I will continue to shop at Zappos for something new to go with skinny jeans, but is still conducive to mommy life. I want a fun pair of rain boots, and a pair of gray, mid-calf boots. Let the shopping commence.

Since it's gloomy, this weekend I made a batch of these cookies. I'm not a big baker, but these are easy with just three ingredients. And very seasonal. It made me feel quite domestic to make cookies for my kids. Tyler said, "I need a cup of milk for dunking". I wanna grab some Trader Joe's Spiced Apple Cider, too. And a box of their pumpkin pancake mix while I'm at it. Yum.

We finished our Halloween costume shopping the other day. I hate the last minute scramble, so I'm glad we're done. The kids look awesome, and I might be raiding Saskia's closet for a costume of my own (something in line with Audrey's). I'm the only one going to the church Halloween party with the kids. It's on a Friday night and Adam is working. No costume for him.

Speaking of Halloween, is it wrong that I love this? Kinda crazy and morbid, but there is something satisfying about destroying a Barbie Doll. If my kids had old Barbies to get rid of, I'd definitely set this up.

Today Adam finally took me to SweetSalt Food Shop for lunch. Owned by a Top Chef, (we are big fans of the show). I wish I brought my camera to take a photo of my beautiful salad. I mean, beautiful. Fresh greens, roasted baby carrots and artichoke hearts, green beans, beets, candied walnuts and this huge slice of goat cheese (but better-than-your-average-goat cheese). So pretty. We had Pellegrinos and shared two soups: Butternut Squash Salted Caramel, and Tomato Chipotle. Yep. This place for sure lived up to its reputation.

Tyler is asleep on the couch right now. Our building painters painted the kids' bedroom for us this morning. Just one wall, a very light blue. Like the sky. I think it'll be really pretty. Now on to bunk beds and bedding. Still rug shopping. And wall art. I'll post pictures as it comes along. It's slowly turning into a big kid room.

We bought this 2011 calendar, which I love for obvious reasons.

This candle is making me happy today. Adam picked this one, too, and I love it. It lives in our bedroom. Can't wait to pick up their holiday scents. Holly Wreath and Fresh Balsam are big favorites. Mmmmmmmm.

This is Adam's last week of hiatus. So sad, but I'm happy for his paycheck again. We're trying to pack all the "to dos" we can into this week. I'm a little nervous for him to go back to work since he's been such a huge help around here, (for example he's at the grocery store right now while I blog, and am supposedly exercising). I'll be juggling Tyler's school (which includes volunteering in the classroom and a ten week, 2 hour mandatory parenting class - which Adam has been generously going to), apartment building duties, Ladybug Music, Audrey and a babysitter a couple days a week, not to mention just regular old grocery shopping, exercise, laundry, dinner on the table, and Tyler to karate. Now I'm not complaining because most this stuff is extremely fulfilling, and this is what I want to do. Weeks have been flying by. But... I'm nervous about the juggling. Although I believe I'm becoming a pretty darn good juggler if I do say so myself. And I'm managing stress better than ever. (This is me patting myself on the back). Go me. And I choose optimism. That's my new mantra. It applies to every single aspect of my life. Choose it today because why be here and not be optimistic. That just seems sad.

Wow, that's a long post. What are your thoughts for the beginning of the week?

Patch #2

This afternoon we hit pumpkin patch #2, Tapia Brothers. I think this one might be my favorite. Especially since it's in our old neighborhood (near our very first LA area apartment), and we've been taking Tyler there since he was this small:
The weather was perfect. The kids ran around while Adam and I followed after them, getting a chance to chat and hang out ourselves. We ended the day with hot dogs, veggie burgers, sweet potato fries and diet cokes at The Stand.

New Reads and ABCs

Thanks to facebook suggestions we have two new additions to our Halloween reading supply. They are Popcorn (one night we'll make a big batch of kettle corn while we read it), and Room on the Broom. What are your favorite Halloween books? Find any new ones?

And speaking of reading, now that Tyler is knows all his letters, and is beginning to sound out small words, I would love to throw him an ABC party like this one. Just marking it for memory's sake. Maybe Tyler and I will go ABC grocery shopping sometime. He would love that, pick a food for every letter. I like that idea.

Eat Like Royalty

Lately when Audrey sits in her chair for a meal, she says "I need my princess tiara". This girl knows how to eat breakfast in style. Shouldn't we all start our day like a princess?

Monday's Giveaway

My friend Lyndsay is giving away one of her prints on her blog today. Her stuff is wonderful. For my birthday she gave me lovely note cards she made, and you might remember she also designed my blog. (Plus she is just a cool chick, and every week I'm lucky enough to play with her adorable kids in music class). Anyway, head over to her blog for a Monday pick-me-up, and enter to win a print. Check out her etsy site here. I might just have to commission her for help with the kids' bedroom (which is shaping up quite nicely).

Patch #1

Now that we've lived in our neighborhood for almost four years, we have our Halloween pumpkin patch stops down. There are three. The first one is really just a pumpkin stand. Very small and down the street. This year and last, when we drove by the stand and finally saw they had their pumpkins out, the kids were so excited. We stopped by on Friday night and we picked out some tiny pumpkins for the kitchen table (mostly they live on our new one). I love this age for holiday magic. Audrey and Tyler played with their pumpkins like they were new toys. Tyler slept with his all weekend. So sweet.

Every time we drive past these big pumpkin faces the kids yell, "Pumpkin Paaaaatch!".

Climbing through the pumpkins. (Yes, there's a hearse in the background.)

Audrey's pick.

One patch down, two to go.

PS - Tonight we're making this chili for dinner. With cornbread. Very pumpkiny! I'll let you know how it turns out. I've decided Sunday dinners will be seasonal. Next week we'll be having this stuffed squash again. So good. Any favorite seasonal recipes? Please pass along.

Mom's Visit

Finally! Some photos of our day in Santa Monica with G-Mom. We spent the day shopping, eating, and hangin' out at the pier.

My little wave watchers.There was a lot of chatting with mom on the pier. I love talking to her. She knows just how to help me stay grounded.

Of course we always have to hit the carousel.G-Mom deep in thought. It's nice to stare out at the pacific coast when you don't get to see it that often.

A beautiful day spent all together. Perfect. Now if we can just convince G-Mom and all the rest of our east coast family to come join us out here.

Tea For Two

When my mom was here we did a lot of playing around with the kids' room. Moving furniture, browsing online for design ideas. We went to Ikea and my mom got them this little table to go with their kitchen set. Since it came home with us, they want to eat every meal and snack at this tiny table. As Tyler says, "It's just our size".

Great Weekend

We had the best weekend with G-Mom. We spent a day in Santa Monica, ate yummy food, talked, shopped, gave the kids' room a little makeover to make room for bunk beds. So fun. Photos to come. Today we are trying to catch up with the to-do list we (very willingly) avoided while she was here. We miss you G-Mom! Counting the days until we see you again.

Dine Out

It's Restaurant Week in Los Angeles! We are heading to Craft - Tom Colicchio here I come. Ends next Friday, so eat up and let me know if you go somewhere worth trying. Bon appetit.