Did You Hear I'm Super?

My super cool friend Lyndsay asked me to be a part of her Supermom Series. I think being called a supermom is the best way to start 2011. I'm gonna try to hold onto that title all year, (or at least occasionally reread this post to remind myself that someone out there once called me Supermom). Gotta keep the ego healthy. Click on the button below to check out the series and my guest post.

Thank you Lyndsay for including me in your Supermom Series. I am quite flattered! Being called a Supermom is a great way to kick off 2011. And I'm especially thrilled to guest post for a mom (and friend) who I consider SUPER. Man it was hard to just pick one thing I'm working on in each of these categories. I certainly have quite a few. But here's a taste:

What is one thing you plan to do in 2011 to:

• Be a better mom: Listen. I have two kids. Tyler is almost 5. Audrey is 2 1/2. The older they get, the more I realize how important it is to listen to them. They have so much to say. Their personalities are bursting! It's not just wiping spit up off chins, or changing dirty diapers anymore. My little people are here. Life moves fast and we (like all families) are busy. But now that I'm more accustomed to the ebb and flow of motherhood, I want to be in tune with really listening to these two. Who are they? How do they want to spend their time? What do they love? What can I learn from them? Who they are (outside of me and their dad) is important. And I want them to know that I want to get to know them. How else can I do that but listen?

• Be a better wife: Romance. I'm not gonna lie, married seven years and two kids later, I have gotten a bit lazy in the romance department. 2011 is all about Adam and romance. Sure we're best friends. Fantastic co-parents. Financial partners. Co-heads of household. But romance? Once upon a time we were great at that, too. If there's one thing I've learned looking back over seven years of marriage (and throwing two young kids into the mix), romance is important and it's easy to let it slide. It slowly creeps to the back burner. So slowly you don't even realize it's happening. I let it slide. This year I won't. Do small things. Surprise things. Creative things. Kiss more often. Fan that flame in 2011.

• Be a better self: Believe I can. I have some pretty high expectations for myself this year, and (like most of us) there is a lot on my plate - as a wife, a mother, a music teacher, and maybe moving into a bigger place this year. Sometimes I hear myself saying, "Can I really do all this?". 2011 I am going to believe I can. I will face fear. I will take leaps of faith. I choose optimism! I will not listen to voices of doubt as they creep in. Or compare myself to others. I will be as in tune with myself as possible so I know when to push and pull, to create the balance I crave. I will simplify whenever necessary, but will not compromise the things that make me most happy. It might be hard, and a few expectations might change along the way. But until then, I will believe I can.

A Century

How do you celebrate when someone turns 100 years old? Is it even possible to appropriately capture the awe of that? Here is Adriana and her Baba:

(Can you stand the cuteness of this baby, one day to become one of my very best besties?). Baba, Adriana's grandmother, turns 100 years old today! I have never met Baba, but I love her daughter MoLo, and of course Adriana, like they are my family. So it only seems fit I give Baba a shout out on this very special day. I've heard stories of Baba, tasted her pierogis and pecan pie (when Adriana would bring them back to Queens post-holidays). I've heard Adriana and Baba speaking Ukrainian over the telephone. My life has been touched by Baba in small ways, and by simply knowing her wonderful family. Love pours out of this family like crazy, and clearly it must trickle down from the matriarch. Happy 100 years Baba - all the way from California to Dunkirk, New York. Celebrate big today!

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Last night the kids were first-time bowlers. Many thanks to our good friends The Bartys for inviting us. It was a huge hit.This morning we checked out the new elephant exhibit at the LA Zoo with a bunch of friends. The Lows came up to play (we miss them living just down the street), and the weather was perfect.

This weekend I will spend a much-anticipated, and (hopefully) uninterrupted 24 hours here:With this guy (who is super cute and stuff).

Little Dancer

Two weeks ago (when my camera was broken) Audrey had her first dance class. Priceless! She is adorable in class, and there is nothing like a bunch of 2 1/2 year olds in tap shoes. It's her first class by herself and she's doing great. She's not a huge fan of the warm-up, does great with the ballet, but when she busts out her tap shoes - look out! Her teacher (Mrs. Anne) said she's a "natural tapper". Nice! At this morning's class I played catch up and took some photos.

Ballet.

Tap.
Her class. Can you see Audrey way down on the end? Next to the little girl with the ginormous tutu.

Who Needs Nate Berkus?

Well, I probably do, and could get myself a little upset thinking about how I didn't get picked for a room makeover last year. (To read even more about my Nate Berkus debacle click here or here. Yes, I'm still kinda bitter). It did however give me and Adam the chance to makeover the kids' room ourselves, which has made me feel quite accomplished since I'm not necessarily talented in this department. Here are before photos of their room - the same shots I sent to Nate (which is why they are especially ugly and dark):

Up until a month ago, only Tyler slept in this room on that tiny toddler bed.And here is after:It's hard to see in these photos, but we painted two of the walls light blue. I wanted it to look like the sky.

The bunk beds! (By the way, nothing is more annoying than changing sheets on bunk beds). Also, I love the little clips on the wall from Land of Nod. It's where we display the kids' artwork. So nice to change it out week to week. I picked up a ton of storage bins and closet organizers from Land of Nod as well. Love that store - especially their sales and free shipping deals.

Tyler's top bunk.

Audrey's bottom bunk. I am so happy with their bedding. I had my heart set on quilts and that's what I found (affordably at Overstock). Picked up the bean bag at Overstock, too.

I love their little back pack nook. Hooks from Anthropologie. Back packs from Aunt Lauren.

Overall I'm really happy with the results. We still have a few more things to work on. Maybe some curtains? A little rug under the kitchen table? Frame and hang a poster Vernon and G-Mom picked up for us at Christmastime. But the foundation is there, and trust me - it's not easy to put together a boy and girl bedroom. Hurrah! P.S. - Little sister slept 5 hours in her big girl bed the other night, so we have progress people!

Happy Seven

Seven years ago today we were doing this:Check out those freezing cold bridesmaids. (Yes, it was snowing).We were so happy to be married. Maybe even happier to spend ten days in Hawaii. Oh, how I wish I could spend ten days in Hawaii right about now. Today we are celebrating with our kids - going out to dinner, maybe a stop at Yogurtland. But don't worry, this weekend (thanks to Adam's parents) we are spending a much anticipated 24 hours here:It's not 10 days, but these days I'll take 24 hours. Happy seven years to us. Here's to a working toward eight, with love.

Two Questions

First, this guy:

What do you get your husband/boyfriend for your anniversary? I'm asking because it seems guys get off easy with being able to pick up flowers, chocolates, lotion or perfume, jewelry. What's the guy equivalent to those things? First things that come to mind are lingerie (for me, not him - but really for him. Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale is still going on this week.). Baking his favorite cookies. Of course I could get him flowers. Our anniversary is Monday and next weekend we are going away for the night. Just wanting to pick him up something nice on Monday.

Second, this girl:

Expert mamas, how do you keep your little one in her/his big kid bed? Audrey is not having it. We aren't pressuring her - yet. But the bunk beds are all set up with cute bedding and all. She hasn't slept in the big bed one full night, and when we put her in the bed she says, "It's too hard to sleep in the big girl bed". Granted she's going from crib to big bed (skipping the toddler bed), and changing rooms, so it's a big adjustment. I know eventually she'll do it, but I'd like my bedroom to myself now. Hmmm... our own bedroom seems like the perfect anniversary gift. If only little sister would cooperate.

It's Back

The new season of American Idol premieres tonight. Are you gonna watch? We are fans over here so I'm trying to be open minded about the new judges. Time will tell if they're any good, and hours of my life will soon be wasted in front of the television. But as silly as this show is, watching it with Adam is one of my favorite pastimes.

Beginning of the Week List

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Since Tyler has the day off school, we are heading to The Huntington Library to enjoy the gardens and the beautiful weather. We talked about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this morning over cinnamon toast, so that was covered, too.

My camera broke! Somewhere between Virginia and California. Thankfully it's still under warranty, and currently being fixed by Sony. Sadly I couldn't take photos of Audrey's first dance class, or the kids' bunk beds (happily assembled by Adam, Audrey's having a hard time adjusting). All of these moments will be recreated in a week or so. In the meantime, here are some thoughts for this week:

Some of my favorite Christmas gifts:
A beautiful necklace with my initial from this etsy shop given me by my sister Lauren.
This Fresh gift set (love, love the Brown Sugar Eau de Parfum), and the best lip balm.
My new Panini Press. We've made at least three or four delicious sandwiches so far. In my opinion paninis are just an excuse to eat cheese. Mmmmm.
A pretty sweater.
MAC dazzleglass in bare necessity (but all the shades look fantastic). So glimmery. And their tinted lip conditioner.

And a few more things....
Surprisingly I don't hate Brad Womack as the new (again?) bachelor. Mostly I feel sorry for this guy who beat himself up, dealt with depression after media attacks, and went to years of therapy all because he didn't pick a wife in 8 weeks on national television the first time he was on the show (a few seasons ago). Really??? It was probably the sanest thing he ever did. Poor guy. And now he's back.
We were gifted new plates! Kind of a belated wedding (or anniversary) present. Whatever you call it, we love them! They are happy plates.
I've been training for the new session of Ladybug Music, and my boss (the singer/songwriter behind Ladybug) never ceases to amaze me. I love the new CD. Winter session starts this week!
I want to make rice pudding.
I really like this food lover's cleanse. And this list of vegan recipes.
I had a cuh-razy apartment building inspection last week. Makes me think moving might be in our near(ish) future. Plus Adam was cute and picked up this book the other day. Hmmm... how far off is our first home? Only time will tell.
Lastly, any tips for keeping a 2 1/2 year old in her big girl bed? All advice is greatly appreciated. In happier Audrey news, she peed on the potty today. This is the life of two.

Spotted! (And Consumed)

Adam found a Cadbury Creme Egg at 7-11 today and brought it home for me! (Yes, it is January and Easter is in April. What?? Truly a surprise find). I am a healthy eater and I will tell you this is probably the grossest thing that I eat. And I really, really enjoy them. Mmmmm. This piece of chocolate made my day. Sometimes it's the little things.

Christmas End

Here's the end of our 2010 Christmas photos. Just a few more I wanted to post. Did I already mention we had a great Christmas. Like, the best? We did. Now that we're starting to get back into the groove of "real life", I'm wishing we were still in Virginia.

Lauren and Audrey

Whenever we go back East, Tyler has to help Vernon with chores around the house and in the yard. This kid seriously loves to work. Let's hope he's still this helpful when he's a teenager.

National Museum of American History. Train exhibit.

Sitting in an old Chicago "L" train car was a big highlight at the museum. Kids with my mom.

Stephanie, Clara, and Audrey

Opening presents

Christmas Dinner at my dad and Liz's house.

Man, I miss all these guys. Already feelin' ready for Christmas 2011.

Breakfast

Sunday morning I made the family a truly yummy breakfast. You all know I love oatmeal, well this is a good alternative. I had a big ol' bag of polenta in my cupboard and made us some breakfast polenta. Sweet, rather than savory. I basically married these two recipes:

101 Cookbooks and,
Weelicious.

Essentially I cooked the polenta according to the package, then sweetened it like the Weelicious recipe. Added blueberries and walnuts on top, (also extra butter on top for the kids and Adam). Served hot with skim milk. It was delish! You could store leftovers like she does in the Weelicious recipe and pan fry them the next morning, but I didn't this time. If you like breakfast cereal, give this one a try. Way yummy.

8

Eight years ago this week I joined the church. It was a big decision, although not necessarily hard at the time. Maybe harder as time has gone on (some days). One thing I've learned about religion over my short years is that there are lots of aspects to it. Some are perfect. Some are not. But it is a relationship. Like any other there are ups and downs. You have to work at it. Put time into it. There are times I am lazy about it, and other times I've ridden a spiritual high. This time of year I'm always a bit contemplative because I do remember my baptism day so clearly. I was baptized in Astoria, Queens. I remember it snowed. I remember thinking it was a great way to start 2003. Adam had to baptize me twice because he used the wrong hand. I remember how much support I had - from friends, family, new friends who were members of the church. I remember having a pizza party at my apartment afterward. I remember how sure I was (I am). There are times when I've struggled with faith, that that strong, unquestionable feeling of surety - when I decided to join the church - has been my rock. That one moment when I knew this was the path I was supposed to take. And here I am still on this road... still learning, growing, stretching, questioning, thinking. Grateful for the journey and all it has brought me. Number one being perspective! Man how my perspective has grown these past eight years. In so many ways. That's not just a church thing, also a life thing (but church is a big part of it for me). And now, enjoy some super embarrassing photos from my baptism. My hair is crazy! (At the time it was cool, I swear. Remember when Kelly Clarkson won American Idol and had her striped hair phase? That's what I was going for I guess. Yikes).

A bunch of my NYC family came out to support me that day.

My dad, me, and Adam.

These are my sweetest, most wonderful missionaries. Truly I will never, ever forget these girls. The best part is we still keep up with each other's blogs.

This is how super-cool they were... they wanted a Charlie's Angels photo after the baptism.

My loves Miles and Adriana back in our Queens apartment for the post-baptism pizza party.

Happy eight years to me!

First Skate

This is my sister Stephanie:

She's an ice skater. All through high school she would wake up at ungodly hours before school started to practice at the rink. Then she ended up making it a career and coaches in Virginia. Every Christmas we talk about going ice skating, and this year we finally did. Tyler and Audrey did fantastic! Pays off to have an ice skating instructor in the family, Steph knew just how to coach these first timers.

My two little skaters ready to hit the ice. Look at those cute feet.

Fearless Audrey walked on her skates right away. Skinny legs in skinny jeans.

Cousins.

Stephanie, Audrey, and Clara. Audrey just went for it on the ice, her little legs moving fast. Having ice skaters as parents pretty much makes Clara a professional already. Made me wish we lived closer - I'd put my kids in lessons in a heartbeat.

Tyler was a little more wobbly, but by the end he even skated by himself a few feet. They were both obsessed with Stephanie at the rink. Whenever Adam or I would take them on the ice they'd say, "I want Aunt Stephanie to skate with me".

Skating worked up an appetite. Part of our crew at Chick-fil-A. Vernon, Adam, and the kids.

Okay, a word on Chick-fil-A. Have you been there? This was my first time and I'm now obsessed with them, (and anyone who knows me knows I do not like fast food). They are real fast food. I could identify Tyler's chicken nuggets as actual chicken! Deeelish! Seriously need to get one in the Valley. I might start a petition. Like I said, I'm a little obsessed. Mmmmmm. Perfect way to end a fantastic morning at the ice skating rink.