Night Out

Tonight Adam and I are seeing Next to Normal at the Ahmanson. Starring Alice Ripley, too - so happy she is in the LA production, one huge reason I grabbed tickets as soon as they went on sale. And I'm also way excited for a date with Adam... might be our last one 'til after Christmas (thanks to caroling), so we'll have make it a good one.

Favorite Leftovers

Turkey Pot Pie. This has become a tradition for Tait Thanksgiving leftovers. We make two pies and they feed us for quite a few days. Filled with turkey, gravy, carrots, peas, onions, and potatoes (or any leftovers you think might taste good in a pie crust). Must be served with cranberry sauce. Especially delicious when made by my own excellent chef, Adam.

Snow

It snowed in LA tonight. Okay, just at the mall - but still exciting nonetheless.

Thanksgiving Day

We had such a nice Thanksgiving Day at Adam's parents' house. Troy, Ryan, Mikey, and Adam's grandpa were all there, too. We ate just enough, with plenty of leftovers to make a turkey pot pie or two. Yum. Here are a few photos from our day:

Meet Buddy. Buddy is Adam's grandpa's dog and he and Audrey instantly recognized they were kindred spirits and played together all day. If Audrey were a dog, she would be Buddy. You would've thought Audrey was raised around puppies the way she wrestled with this dog.

Tyler helping in the kitchen - licking the whipped cream spatula. Mmmmm.

Adam carving the turkey.

Playing in the backyard, post-Thanksgiving Dinner. Tyler loves to do yard work.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Oh, and here is my End-of-the-Week Thankful. I'm thankful for a good deal, because that's what we got when we decided to brave Black Friday. I'm not a big Black Friday shopper, but Adam had his heart set on going out today. (Yeah, that's right - Adam did. He was like an athlete with strategy and all). We hit Macy's and Old Navy (in the afternoon, no 4am for us), and picked up some great stuff (that we even needed), saving about $200. Fantastic! Who wouldn't be thankful for a deal like that.

Thanksgiving Day Thankful

Every Thanksgiving Day morning I love watching the Macy's parade. I remember it being on in the house when I was little. Then I lived in New York City, and while I never went to the parade (kinda regret that now - maybe one day when we go with the kids), I did wait tables at a restaurant by Central Park that would get slammed Wednesday night before the parade. That's when (and where) all the balloons get filled, so afterward the on-lookers are hungry. We have the parade on in our house all morning, even if we only watch moments here and there. Friends we know that are in Broadway shows performing, Adam's Victoria singing on a float, The Dora the Explorer balloon, and the Sesame Street float. We all look forward to something.

Thursday's thankful is family. I am thankful for my family. Adam, Tyler, Audrey, Mom, Vernon, Dad & Liz, Stephanie, Lauren & Tim, Eric, Clara, Kathy, Bob, all the Tait brothers and sisters and cousins. Aunts and Uncles. Family I've made along the way, like Jen, Adriana, Jason, Miles, Maureen & Jesse. Family. No matter where. Memories and love that seem to hold us together until we see each other again, only to make even more memories. I am grateful for every. single. day. I have with my family. I know it's a blessing. And for that I am so thankful.

A Week of Thankful - Wednesday

Today is kind of a two-fold thankful. First, I'm thankful for music class. Second, I'm thankful for a Heavenly Father who truly guided me to this opportunity. I believe that. Sometimes you have to work really hard for certain things to finally come your way (like auditioning in New York City and finally landing the part). Other times they're sort of shoved in your face, like "Here. This is it. You need to do this. Now." Music class was that for me. It is absolutely meant to be, and I believe I've only begun to see why and how. I wasn't looking for a job, wasn't even considering working. If you asked me this time last year if I thought I'd go back to work, or audition again, I would've probably said, "Maybe when my kids are in school full time". But the knowledge that I am meant to be at Ladybug Music right now is what guides me through the busy days, juggling of schedules, babysitters and school drop-offs. It's not easy, but it's right. I know that. And I'm grateful to be able to see God's hand in it.

I am so thankful for my wonderful boss Patricia, and co-worker, Saskia. They are incredible musicians, and I can't imagine a more positive work experience. I learned the basics of the guitar this year, and that instrument continues to challenge me. I've really grown teaching this class, and I feel like a tiny part of me is back. A part of the "old me", when I was a musician full-time in high school, college and afterward. And what's also exciting is there are some huge things happening at Ladybug. Patricia has been meeting regularly with a big record label that is really interested her music. (As soon as something is set in stone I will report. In the meantime cross your fingers and toes for her). I look at this experience and think, I've always wondered how music would come back into my life post-babies. I never imagined it would be like this. And yet it feels right. Don't you love it when something in your life feels so right that it eliminates the doubt? And for that, and for God giving me a shove in this direction, I am so thankful.

What We're Making Today

I love days like today. I woke up at 6:30am for pilates (didn't love the waking up part, but happy once I got to class). Besides that I've only left the house once to grocery shop with the fam for all the stuff we're bring to Grandma Tait's for Thanksgiving. We are lazy, cooking homebodies - also doing laundry, putting up the Christmas Tree, and watching a good movie later. Here's what we're making:

Pumpkin Pie. Probably this tried and true recipe. But this one looks intriguing, too, and I have all the ingredients.

A double batch of our favorite cranberry sauce.

My absolute favorite Thanksgiving dish: Sweet potato casserole that I remember having every Thanksgiving at my Grandma Currie's, or my mom's. Very similar to this recipe. Sooooo good. It's not the holiday season until I have at least one serving of these. (And then some for breakfast the next day, too).

And - only in California - Tyler, Audrey, and I made homemade lemonade for the first time, because our neighbors gave us about a dozen or more lemons from their tree and they've been sitting on my countertop for over a week. We made a version of this recipe:

Old Fashioned-Style Sugar-Free Lemonade

2/3 cup water
1/2 cup Splenda granular
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
4 to 6 cups cold water to taste

In a large glass measuring cup, combine 2/3 cup water and the Splenda. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes on high. Using caution, remove from microwave and stir the mixture to see if Splenda is completely dissolved. If not, return to microwave and heat an additional 45-60 seconds. Fill a pretty, large pitcher with ice. Pour lemon juice over the ice. Add the Splenda mixture and stir well. Add 4 cups (1-qt) of cold water. Stir well to blend. Taste and add additional water to suit your taste.

What are you cooking today?

It's That Time of Year Again

Adam had his kick-off Christmas Caroling event tonight at our local mall. He's been singing with this caroling group for the past three years, and from now until Christmas Day he'll be booked (which also means I'm pretty much a single mom until then, but it's all good - it's a really fun gig for him). Tonight a bunch of our friends came out to listen and shop. Nice start-up to the season.

Staycation So Far

Here's a bit of what we've been up to. Two dentist appointments, delivered cupcakes to my boss and friend, Patricia, on her birthday. (Ate a few ourselves. I am obsessed with their doughnut muffins. Go try one.). Had lunch at one of our favorite train stops. Audrey and I have come down with colds so we are taking things a bit slow. Adam's dad has to have surgery today, so last night Grandma and Grandpa Tait stayed in a hotel down here with an indoor pool and we got to swim:
Tomorrow we are grocery shopping and cooking to prep for Thanksgiving Day with the Taits. Hopefully putting up our Christmas Tree, too. Then it's shopping all weekend (maybe see snow at The Grove), or mini golf or bowling (depending on the weather - it is cold here). Sadly all our babysitters seem to be out of town, because I'd love to go to the movies. Again I ask, why don't we live near family?

Here's is Tuesday's Thankful:

Tuesday I'm thankful for a husband who cooks. And cleans, takes Tyler to the dentist on his day off, wakes up with Audrey when she's congested, changes diapers, grocery shops, vacuums, scrubs toilets, and all those sorts of things. Taking care of our house and needs of the family is shared around here, and that's what works for us. Sure, when Adam's working I do the majority of the grocery shopping and taking care of kids and such. But when he's off, Adam is 100% plugged in here. I know not every husband is like that. And for that I am so blessed, and so thankful.

A Week of Thankful

Hopefully more like a life of thankful - but this week I'm gonna post on those things that make me feel so grateful.

Monday

Monday I am grateful for a strong body that hasn't failed me yet. I am grateful for pilates and the strength, power, and clarity of mind it gives me. The women who run my pilates studio are inspiring, uplifting, and challenge the heck out of me. I'm so glad I found them. I'm thankful for the testimony I have of treating my body well, (and hopefully instilling that in my kids). Eating well. Shaping my body through treating it the best I can. I've been having a very small health issue lately that I still haven't figured out. (Worked with a doctor, now my awesome dentist. Really - he is awesome. Saw him today. Grateful for him, too). Even though it's a small problem, it brings to light how few health problems I've had. And how few I want to have.

Also - speaking of bodies - I'm grateful for news of new babies. A very close friend told me today she is expecting her first baby. My sister-in-law also announced their first baby, due this summer. So exciting! Hmmmm... will we be next? Jury is still out, but I know I'm grateful for this body who has already brought me two. Truly, our bodies are amazing. And for that I am so thankful.

Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Flowers waiting on the kitchen table when I got home from music class.
This week's music classes. Teaching music in LA is such a unique experience with all these actor/performer moms and dads. They make it so fun because they really commit to class. I don't think I'd have this experience teaching anywhere else (except maybe NYC).
Pumpkin waffles with agave maple syrup for dinner.
Bon Jovi Greatest Hits, released last week.
Residual checks!
The Kitchn.
Christmas shopping - I need some ideas for Audrey, though. Any favorite gifts for 2-3 year old girls?
Cuties!
A Vegetarian Thanksgiving.
Trader Joe's and all their seasonal goodness. Can't get enough of that store right now.
Tyler's amazing brain and all he is learning at Pre-K, with his wonderful teacher Mrs. K. And I thought this program might move too fast for him? He's on cloud nine.
A night of stake conference talks with Adam.
Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub. (Use code: MERRY and you might able to get $20 off a purchase of $50 or more).
These Christmas cards. If I were going to do cards this year (and had a big ol' budget), I'd go with these for sure. LOVE them.
Bunk bed shopping and Disneyland trip planning.
Ninjabread Men - for a certain little karate lover I know.
Snowflakes on my Diet Coke cans.
And the thing that makes me happiest this week: Staycation! Adam and I are both officially off work this entire week. Tyler is out of school. We are ready to play, relax, cook, eat, go on dates, put up a Christmas tree, spend time with Grandma & Grandpa Tait, and more. Kicking it off tonight with Saskia for a girls only dinner and movie, while Adam recovers from a loooooong shoot week. Bring on Staycation.

Hair Today

Today after I taught music class and before we picked up Tyler, Audrey got a haircut. Can you stand the cuteness?

Well the ladies at The Yellow Balloon couldn't stand the cuteness either. Supposedly they just bought this car today for the purpose of kids sitting in it for their post-haircut picture. They wanted Audrey to sit in it so bad, and then took a ton of photos of her for their website and facebook page. The first little lady to drive the pink car.

Once we hit the big time, Suri Cruise will have some fierce competition.

Reality Roundup

Do you watch How I Met Your Mother? It's one of our Monday shows. (Our only Monday show right now, actually). I love this clip from this week's episode. Neil Patrick Harris is just awesome. Background is Barney (NPH) is trying to convince Ted to "break up" with a friend and he launches into this reality show "good bye" rant. Love it.

Quotes

Heard around my house today:

"Stop putting peas in your kazoo" - me.

"If you get that train stuck in your hair one more time..." - again, me.

And on a more serious note. A quote I love from last night's episode of Parenthood:

"Life will knock you down more times than you can possibly imagine. Don’t knock yourself down." - Adam Braverman, played by the awesome Peter Krause. (Did I mention I love this show?)

Cake!

My awesome baker friend Michelle made this cake last night and was nice enough to share. Orange Olive Oil Cake. It was so good. I had never heard of an olive oil cake - very unique and interesting (and delicious) to have the oil in there with the citrus. I had my slice for breakfast. Perfect for a holiday party or brunch. Get the recipe here.

Oh, Two.

I am coming off a hard mommy week. Things felt a little nutso - like I was always one step behind. I am juggling a little more this year and eventually something will have to give, that something being one of my two jobs and I'll let you guess which one. (And by two jobs I'm not including my number one job as mama). I have actually been impressed with myself and the juggling, because I'm not one that likes a lot of stuff going on - I get easily flustered and stressed. I am handling the goings-on pretty well. But --- this past week was trying for me, mostly because of a little girl I love who happens to be two. Oh, two. When a kid is two I think they are stuck between two worlds. Audrey either has a day where she is more like a one year old, or more like a preschooler. When she's like a preschooler all is well in the world. When she's pulled toward being more toddler, oh help us. The fighting, the biting, the screaming, wiggling, "mine", "I wanna do it my by self" (love how she says that by the way), whining, hitting. Have you ever listened to Justin Roberts "Meltdown"? That's what starts happening. Some days I am a pro at handling all of this (patient, understanding, I say just the right thing and she responds). Others - well, one by one we all go down with her. Not the goal. Usually this happens when Adam has been working a lot and I haven't gotten a break. I've learned over time that it is well worth the $20 for a babysitter to give myself that break. I think my kids want me to spend that money, too, if I have to. Take a time out and breathe, come home and plug in - laugh, read books, play games. Because here's the thing. I am grateful. I have a grateful, full heart. I might need to say an extra prayer or two for patience and strength to get through a particularly hard day, but I am blessed. It only takes watching or reading a bit of news, (or Oprah and crying my eyes out over someone's sad story), and hearing of another family's struggle or what is going on in other parts of the world to know how immensely blessed I am. I will take my busy days any day. With my little two year old love. I will breathe through the challenges of two and remember to say a prayer, and throw a dance party at the end of the night (that helps me, Audrey, and Tyler manage better). And as for my number two, who couldn't love this face:

It's a little blurry, but she is just perfect.

PS - Audrey call these her "guys". They all sleep in her bed. If one of them is not there, she notices. Pink Bear is the favorite (the raggedy one in the middle), and Bunny is his right hand man. She lines them up this way when she's playing. It always reminds me of Toy Story - I think those stuffed animals must be pretty tired of holding on for their lives like that, but also happy to be sooo loved by such a precious little girl.

And beware the quiet two year old. In our house it means Audrey snuck into my bathroom and found my makeup. Here's tonight's attempt at a unibrow. Who knew a unibrow could look so cute? Sigh.

Today We...

Now that I'm making extra money, I put a lot of it toward all of us, and save a little just for me. Two things I've done consistently for myself since starting at Ladybug Music are getting regular pedicures, and hiring a wonderful woman to help me clean (just once a month, but still it's the best!). This morning she came over and kicked us out while she worked her magic on my apartment. I spent the morning at Travel Town with Tyler and Audrey and bunch of friends. Coming home to a super clean and shiny apartment - priceless.

Green Belt

Tonight was Tyler's last karate class until after the New Year, and he was awarded his green belt. He's been taking karate this entire year. He started as a white belt, and tested for his yellow, orange, and now green belt - passing all, (and not to brag - well, maybe a little - but passing the test is no easy feat). He seems to enjoy karate, and is pretty disciplined in his practicing. Tyler worked very hard for his green belt. The higher the belt, the more specific the tests and expectations become. Very proud of him tonight. And because he worked so hard, I could tell he was especially proud of himself.

Tyler and his teacher, Mrs. Webb - handing him his green belt.

Every class the kids run 10 laps around the gym and do this really cool obstacle course. The class is amazing exercise.

Trying on the new belt

Our karate kid

Last Light

How did you spend the last night of evening sunlight 'til the spring? We stayed at the park until dark. Kinda sad that it will be dark by 5:30pm tomorrow. But I'll take an extra hour of sleep - here's hoping my kids will, too.

Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Muffins

Do yourself a favor - make these mini muffins. Seriously. This week. I'm baking some right now and can't wait to dig into them. Adam loooooves them. My friend Sarah made them for a Pre-K parent meeting and Adam came home raving about the "amazing muffins Sarah made". The best part is there are only four ingredients! And truly you don't even notice the pumpkin. It's all very Jessica Seinfeld, hiding the pumpkin in there. You can leave out the chocolate chips to make them healthier, but really - who wants to do that. The recipe makes a ton. Perfect to take to a party, baby shower, book club - any sort of gathering. Mmmmm...enjoy.

End of the Week Stuff

Last night I took the kids to the park with a promise to stay until it got dark (in honor of the daylight we are about to lose this weekend). I love our neighborhood park - sure, there are celebrities watching their kids play soccer, but we call this park "our park", and I've been taking Tyler there since he was 9 months old. Tonight was so fun - the weather was gorgeous, Tyler and Audrey played so well together. If I end up having only these two kids, I am beyond blessed. I just sat and enjoyed the weather while they giggled and ran after each other all over the playground, inventing funny games that only they understood (or even found amusing). On the walk home Tyler told us spooky adventure stories a-la Little Einsteins, I think because he was nervous to walk home in the dark.

This week I started Christmas shopping. Christmas shopping in November is the way to go - I learned that last year. Then I can truly enjoy December - not spend it rushing and shopping in last-minute crowds.

But first, Thanksgiving. We'll be spending it in town with Adam's parents. Making the yummiest cranberry sauce and, just for Tyler - a pumpkin pie. I have no idea why this kid is so excited to make pumpkin pie. Maybe they read a story about it in school? But he can't wait.

Since I'm slowly reinventing the kids' bedroom, I can't stop checking out Ohdeedoh. How did I not know about this site? Thanks for the tip, Emily.

Do you and your kids eat the same things for breakfast all the time? These recipes are interesting. I am definitely going to try making steal cut oats the night before (since I am a hard core oatmeal lover).

Here's another breakfast recipe from a friend that sounds kind of intriguing: Soak 1 cup raw cashews in 2 c. water overnight (8-12 hours), drain. In the blender, combine cashews with 1/4-1/2 cup of water and 1 banana until creamy. Top with granola and sliced strawberries or other favorite fruit for a couple of very filling, nutrient dense servings. You can also use raw almonds. I'm gonna try this.

Have you been eating too much Halloween candy? Thankfully I haven't dipped into ours besides a couple pieces here and there. For the past three years on Halloween night we fill a jar full of our favorites, and put the rest in a care package for someone we think might appreciate a little something sweet. A friend of mine donates her candy to Operation Gratitude which is a great idea. What do you do with all of your candy? Do you have a candy rule? A piece after a healthy meal? My kids have been cleaning their plates for a post-dinner chocolate.

Because of two rather gross incidents that occurred this past week (you're welcome for not going into details), I bought Audrey her first pack of underwear. She picked it out - Disney. There was Nemo and Jessie... she was sold. I'm gonna start letting her wear underwear in the evenings if we are home. Still considering it pre-potty training because I'm not ready to go cold turkey. But yesterday she went #2 on the potty and it was a big deal. Truly I didn't want to think about potty training her until after the holidays... but... the "incidents" speak for themselves and it might just be time.

My babysitter got sick at my place yesterday morning. Poor thing. I felt so bad for her, but I also Lysol'd my house like crazy. I hate this time of year... being paranoid about colds and flus. Pre-kids the occasional sickness is manageable. But in a family of four, when one goes down, slowly we all do. And being a sick mom is the worst. Wellness Formula has been my friend this fall. And OJ. And Lysol.

My favorite show this fall:And the show I'm ashamed to admit I'm watching (more like recording to watch during my work outs on the elliptical, so it doesn't really count, right?): The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Shameful.

This weekend I'm off at Ladybug Music! Gonna spend a lot of time with my kids, and hopefully have a date night with Adam. Have a great first weekend of November... and don't forget to set your clocks back on Sunday.

PS - Wow this is a long one (and slightly random). Guess that's what happens when I don't post for a week.

Tyler and a Parade, or My Last Halloween Post

Tyler's school Halloween parade was last Thursday. The one morning a week I don't drive him to school because I'm working. Our babysitter Rachel got him dressed in his costume. My friend Sarah drove him to school with promises of taking pictures for me and waving at him a lot from the sideline. I was a little sad to miss the parade, even though I knew he'd be fine. As music class ended I texted Sarah for a parade update, and she said they hadn't started yet. Rachel said "no problem" to staying with Audrey a little longer, and I drove like a 'mom on a mission' to Tyler's Pre-K, parked, signed in at the office, and ran to the playground just in time. Man it felt good. I made it. I know Tyler was great without me, but it sure felt awesome to wave at him as he paraded around for the parents and kindergartners. And a big thank you to Sarah for these photos of my little train engineer on parade day:

Tyler and Sarah's kids, Josie and Tallulah. How sweet does Josie look in this picture holding that flower?

Tyler and Josie's class, lining up for the parade

The perfect wave

Isn't it awesome when your kid wants to be the same costume two years in a row? All Tyler wanted to be this year was a train engineer "just like last year", he said. Who's to argue? He was excited and happy (Halloween might end up being his favorite holiday), and I saved money. Perfect.I love this little man.