Today's Happiest Place On Earth

Disneyland today = Perfect. In every possible way. Photos and stories to come. Until then, a picture.

Happy Birthday

We've had a great weekend celebrating Tyler's 5th birthday (photos to come). At our house, five = your first big kid bike. Here's Tyler at Grandma and Grandpa Tait's house, trying out the bike we got him. He was very excited, and loved riding up and down the street.Tomorrow... Disneyland!

Five

Do you really want to hear another mom tell you how fast time flies once you start having babies? Well, it does. Truly it seems like yesterday I brought this little baby home (who we pretty much named Brandon until the very last minute, and then it was Tyler - it just felt right, and it was). Just yesterday I was learning how to be a mom. I was spending all my time with this itty bitty man. Getting to know him. Today he is five. Five. Five! That's gonna take some time to soak in. This is Tyler at five:

So grateful to have witnessed the first five years of your life, Tyler. Excited to see where the next five will take you. You are one special little man, and each and every day I cannot believe I am lucky enough to call you mine. Happy five years. Now let's celebrate!

She's on the Mend!

Audrey is feeling much better today. I even canceled today's doctor appointment. She laid low from dance class and music class this week, but we snuck out today for a much needed haircut. (That's glitter in her hair, by the way - she loved it). Here is our subsequent photo shoot:I just adore this girl.

Sick Day Wish List

Since I've been staying home with my little sick girl a lot this week, I'm coveting a couple things that would make the mornings even more fun. Oh, how I wish I had a little room like this for her. Can you imagine how much fun we would have?And we would have to fill one of the corners with dress-up clothes, and store them in something like this:

We would also have a lot of fun playing with this adorable opera play set. I think my opera star bestie needs to use her employee discount and pick this up for me.One last thing for my wish list. Birchbox helped me find this line of skin care. Man, I wish I could try them all because my skin loves the night cream. You can shop for these products on line or at Ulta. Maybe get a sample there? They are lovely.

P.S. - Audrey seems a tiny bit better today. Trying to lay low and get her healthy so we can enjoy Tyler's birthday weekend, and the upcoming surprise trip to Disneyland.

Oh, and I did go to the show last night (which was so fun!), and even got to see these guys in the audience. Nice!I guess Ryan Seacrest was there, too (some sort of American Idol night out at the theatre?), but they had much better seats than I did, so didn't catch of glimpse of him.

Venting Post (And A Recipe)

Today I am trying not to get frustrated. Like really frustrated. After a night of being serenaded by a sleepless, coughing Audrey I decided to take her to the doctor this morning. Well doctor didn't have any appointments and sent me to urgent care. Sat at the urgent care for almost two hours with little Audrey and didn't get seen because I had to pick Tyler up from school. Ugh! Is there anything more annoying than an urgent care? Especially when they tell you the wait is one hour, but after that hour passes and you ask about the wait again, they tell you two more hours. And are completely unapologetic about it. Breathing through it. Also sometimes I hate taking my kids to the doctor when they have a cough because it seems like the diagnosis is always, "take it easy, plenty of fluids, sleep with a humidifier". So I wrestle back and forth, should I take her in, or not take her in? Does anyone else relate to this? The other awesome thing is that my doctor isn't in on Wednesdays, so I can't even get an appointment for tomorrow (unless I want to go back to the stinkin' urgent care). So we have an appointment for Thursday morning, and hopefully she is ok between now and then, and we all sleep a little. What would be even better is if she gets healthy by Thursday and I can cancel the appointment. That would be perfect.

And, I'm supposed to see Rock of Ages tonight at the Pantages, (was a date for me and Adam, now he's working late and I have a hot date with Anne instead - grateful she came to my rescue!). So my poor babysitter is gonna have to deal with a coughing Audrey. Good thing my sitter is the wonderful Sarah, and I know she can handle anything, and if I have to come home from the show, so be it. Even still I go back and forth, should I go to the show, or stay home? Dang expensive tickets. If I didn't already buy them, I'd probably stay in and take care of my little girl (who, by the way, is in great spirits despite coughing up a lung - which is another reason why I wonder if a doctor is necessary). Although maybe getting out tonight is exactly what I need.

So McDonald's drive-thru seemed to make the kids happy, which made me happy. And you know what else is making me happy - this awesome salsa I made yesterday that I'm now eating by the heaping chipful:

Pineapple and Black Bean Salsa

1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 1/2 c. chopped pineapple
1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and minced
3 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Season with coarse salt. Enjoy with tortilla chips, (or over brown rice, or on top of fish would be delicious, too). So yummy, fresh and healthy. This salsa is getting me through my afternoon. Mmmm.

Little Sickie

Stayed home with this little sick girl today. Audrey woke up last night with a fever and a pretty bad cough. She's in good spirits though, and when she needed some fresh air we went outside in the courtyard and practiced riding Tyler's tricycle (soon to be Audrey's since Tyler is getting a big kid bike for his birthday this week).

Really she is just too cute to be sick.

Calling All Disneyland Experts

In a little less than two weeks we are surprising the kids with a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. It will be their first time at Disneyland. I know a bunch of you visit there often, so I'm asking for your best Disney advice. (I haven't gone since before Tyler was born, and I didn't have a 5 and 2 1/2 year-old in tow). We will be there for one day, from the time the park opens 'til it closes - or until we are beyond pooped out. Disneyland only (no California Adventure). We saved a nice little chunk of change to spend on this day, so we aren't holding back. What is a must see? Must skip? Doesn't matter if you ride that one? Where do you love to eat? Parades and fireworks? Best places to spot a mouse or a princess? Any and all advice is welcome. Please pass along your Disney musts and favorites. We are pretty excited over here.

Cook in the Kitchen, Revisited

Almost one year ago exactly this was Audrey. These days it's more like this:

Two-and-a-half adds a pretty dress and high heels (wish I could also say less nose-picking, but oh well). What girl doesn't wanna look a little sassy in the kitchen?

Love

I kinda love Valentine's Day now that I celebrate it with my little family (and it's not about some stupid boyfriend forgetting to pick up flowers). Keeping it simple and making it a day to especially show love. Surely you can do that every day, but I don't see why it's such a big deal to officially celebrate it at least once a year. I also kinda love these shoes and wish I had the perfect outfit to go with them. They would be perfect for Valentine's Day (albeit impractical for this errand-running, and park-playing mommy), but still... perfect.

You know what else I love? Birchbox. This little package filled with lovely goodies landed on my doorstep this afternoon. Packed with makeup samples and even a little chocolate for Valentine's Day. This was a perfect surprise just for me. In my opinion, Valentine's Day = Chocolate. If you wanna do-it-yourself, these Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles a la Trainer Momma look delicious, and way easy! Audrey and I picked up these chocolates yesterday morning at the mall. We filled our own, and made sure to choose a bunch of Adam's favorites - toffee and caramels.

If it's a beautiful, warm day out (like today), I could make us some frozen hot chocolates, a la Serendipity.Dinner is still up in the air (maybe I will let Adam be in charge of that). But how cute is this heart-shaped pizza? Definitely fun to make with kids.Mostly there will be a lot of love and cuddling. Leaving little notes in mailboxes. Maybe snuggling in to watch a movie with these guys:

And Adam and I will also celebrate next week with tickets to this rockin' musical:Happy Valentine's Day. Feel free to pass along your favorite things to do with your loved ones. I'd love to know.

A Major Award

(Name that movie reference?)
Tyler got an award at school today! His teacher chose three kids from his Pre-K class to be recognized for "academic excellence". The ceremony this morning was adorable. The best part? Tyler was extremely proud of himself. Adam and I could just tell - he knew it was a big deal to get the award, and his certificate is now hanging in his bedroom. Tyler is great at doing his homework. He loves learning. How can I bottle that up so he always feels this way? He is also very precise, tracing his letters just right, is always careful to follow directions on his handouts, gets excited to color, match sounds, letters, and pictures, loves to do mazes. His brain is like a little sponge learning his sight words and beginning to read. So proud!

The school principal handing Tyler his award.

Tyler's teacher on the left, Mrs. K.

Mr. Smarty Pants.

Great job little man! Now just keep it up until you graduate from high school and we'll be all set.

Valentine's Breakfast Treat

Wouldn't these be cute for breakfast Valentine's Day morning? A homemade take on pop-tarts from Weelicious. Will you make a special treat for your kids Valentine's morning? I'm thinking maybe some Strawberry Cream Cheese Quesadillas, even though I might cheat since I have Trader Joe's Strawberry Cream Cheese on hand, served with a big bowl of red berries.

Cousins Visit

Last Saturday night Adam and the kids drove to his parents' house for a surprise visit from his sister Kim and her family. Is there anything better than hanging out with cousins?Whitney, Devin, Audrey, Tyler, Lexi, and Trevor. Too much cousin fun.

Heart

I think it's worth a drive to Magnolia Bakery to pick these up for a Valentine's Day surprise. Adorable! (Find more Magnolia Valentine's treats here).

Superbowl Sunday Homemade Salsa Dip

One of my all-time favorites. Healthy, easy, and delish. Kids love it, too. We made a big batch for today's game. Recipe courtesy my friend, Bailey - from our old days together in Young Women's.

Homemade Salsa Dip

2-3 large tomatoes, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 can black beans
1 can black-eyed peas
3/4 bag frozen corn
1 8 oz. bottle of Italian Dressing (I always use lite)
1 avocado, diced

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Add avocados last. Eat with tortilla chips (we love Trader Joe's Veggie and Flaxseed Tortilla Chips). Enjoy!

This Morning's Play Date

Jude, Capri, and Audrey playing dress up. Who wouldn't want to spend a Saturday morning with these three?

A Couple Updates

A bunch of people have asked me about last weekend's getaway. We had a fantastic time. The hotel was charming (only complaint - the bed could've been comfier). We talked and stuff, ate a delicious meal at the rooftop restaurant, had probably the most delicious dessert of my life (a chocolate and salted caramel tart - it was perfectly melt-in-your-mouth). Watched Life As We Know It from the comfort of our bed, with no little kids interrupting the movie. The next morning we had a late breakfast at Joan's on Third, and brought home a half dozen of my all-time favorite cupcakes. Yep. It was great. One more complaint... 24 hrs. is not a long enough getaway.

Audrey is sleeping in her big girl bed! Hurrah! Sure it takes her about two hours every night to fall asleep because she's either getting toys out or giggling with Tyler, but once she falls asleep she's out 'til morning. She also wore underwear tonight for an hour or so, with a potty trip and no accidents! Little girl is growing up.

Yesterday Tyler came up to me and said, "Mommy, will you take me to a play?". Ummmm... Yes! This theatre-loving mom just about did a back flip. Since becoming a mama I've dreamed of taking my kids to shows. His wish is my command.

Idina Menzel mentioned Ladybug Music in an tiny interview (very brief... but still so cool!). I wonder if we'll ever open a New York City Ladybug?

I love the new American Idol! Do you? The judges are great.

Spent a bunch of money today at the Old Navy kids sale.

Lastly, what are you eating Superbowl Sunday? That's the most important part of the game, right? (Just kidding to the Steelers fans). I'm figuring out our grocery list. Snacks? Pizza? Definitely root beer floats like last year. Care to pass on any inspiration?

My Favorite Valentines (for the Not-Too-Crafty)

I went back and forth as to whether or not we would make homemade Valentines this year. Then I asked myself, "Would I be making the Valentines, or the kids?". When the answer was most likely me, I let the kids pick out some Valentines at Target, (Cars for Tyler, and Olivia for Audrey). I actually loved store bought Valentines when I was little. Picking them out was very exciting, and then deciding which one went to this friend or that. But, if I were gonna craft some Valentines these would be right up my alley:

Melted crayon Valentines. We have soooo many crayons, this would be perfect. Find them here or here.

Love these. And they're so easy if you just think ahead.

My friend Sarah told me about these. I think they're adorable. And easy. Perfect combination.

Maybe next year Tyler will want to go for homemade, but this year he is happy to write his name (over and over and over) on his Cars Valentines for his classmates. And I'm happy to let him do all the work. How about you? Are you making Valentines this year, or heading to Target like we did?

Dip

I had been wanting to try this recipe for a while, so I decided to bring it to a baby shower this upcoming weekend. I had to test it out beforehand because I wasn't about to bring a tofu dip to a baby shower without knowing it was a crowd pleaser, so we made it tonight. Delicious! The only problem I see with this dip is that I basically licked the bowl. Trust me, try it - even if the tofu sounds scary. Only four ingredients. Kids loved it. We served it with apples. Pretzels would be good, too. Licking the entire bowl = bad. Recipe courtesy Trainer Momma.

Peanutty Tofu Dip

1 c. silken (or soft) tofu
1/3 c. all natural peanut butter, creamy
4 tsp. honey
2 tsp. lime juice

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. Store in the fridge. Mmmmm. Next time I'm trying her Spicy Dip, (and I can eat the whole bowl with this one, no worries). Maybe for Superbowl Sunday? If you don't check Trainer Momma occasionally, you should. She's great.