Bathing Beauty

Meatballs

GRACE: Mama, do you remember when you made meatballs for dinner the other night?

MAMA: Yes

GRACE: And do you remember how I cried? And how I asked you why you hated me? And how I said I would never eat dinner again?

MAMA: Yes

GRACE: That was pretty silly, wasn't it?

MAMA: Yes, it was very silly. 

GRACE: So, will you make them again tonight?

French Braids

Mama & the Boy

Michael and I were playing with the Photo Booth on the computer. He seemed to rather enjoy looking at himself. Can't say I blame him, he certainly is a cutie. 

For Daddy

Windows Mobile

Do you remember when cell phones first came out? They were huge, boxy and you had to be the coolest of the cool (hello? Zach Morris) to have one? I can't imagine the connection was all that great, but since I was NOT the coolest of the cool, I cannot speak to that from personal experience. 

Things have certainly changed. Technology has made phones sleeker, smaller and most definitely smarter. You can now text, email, download music, take pictures, record videos and use GPS. All on something the size of the palm of your hand. 

Windows has found ways to make your phone even smarter. Now your phone can sync with your PC in new ways. Through Windows Mobile, programs like Microsoft Office and Outlook  and Internet Explorer can be had in the palm of your hand. You can use programs you are already used to on your PC on your phone as well. And with Bluetooth capabilities, you can easily transfer data as needed. 

Windows Mobile makes it easier not to be chained to your desk or your home computer. Get up, get mobile and still get it done. Check out Windows Mobile for more information. 

Things Overheard in the Car

We were driving home from school today and I had the radio off, so I could hear the girls chatting in the backseat.

GRACE: Bellie, I have a booger. 

BELLIE: (laughing a little) Oh.

GRACE: Want to see it? It is right here in my nose.

BELLIE: (getting upset) I can't see it.

GRACE: You could get it out for me.

BELLIE: EWWWWW Grace, that is gross. 

GRACE: It is not gross. You are my sister. It is only gross if you eat it.

At this point I turned the radio back on. 

George has Laryngitis

Now, before I even get any farther, I know that there are going to be some of you who will read the title and think that a dog with laryngitis is a good thing.  

Dog + Laryngitis = No Barking. 

I will even go so far as to say that some would feel a dog who cannot bark would be the perfect dog (you know who you are).  For these people, I am going to have to disappoint you here: George can still bark. 

The problem is that is it not a normal bark. It is a sometimes raspy, sometimes high pitched squealing sort of bark. It is not pleasant. And it also means that after pretty much non-stop barking for an extended period of time (that would be the time he spent being boarded while the kids and I were in Michigan for the Holidays) he has damaged his vocal cords. 

Not permanent damage. It is nothing that can't be cured by not trying to bark for about two weeks. But try explaining to him that he needs to rest and not "speak" for a couple weeks. I would probably have better luck getting Grace to do that (although it would be close). 

So now I am left feeling awful for leaving him for so long. But he is paying us back by sounding like a pack a day smoker who swallowed a squeaky toy or two.  I think I will make him some tea and honey. 

New Year's Eve

Here are a few pics from New Year's Eve. I went to the Vintage Tavern in Port Huron with my brother Matt and my aunt and uncle, Bob and Sue. It was very nice. I realize it is now the 6th, but Happy New Year everyone!!!

Quote of the Day

Grace and Annabelle are sitting in the kitchen, doing a puzzle. Grace begins speaking really loudly.

ANNABELLE: Grace! Lower your voice. This is not a playground situation. 

Holiday Wrap-Up

Making a gingerbread house

Christmas Eve - 

If only this had been taken earlier...I think it is a perfect Christmas card photo. It pretty much sums up the kids: Grace is dancing, Annabelle tried to hug Michael and he tackled her to the ground. 

Celebrate with Chocolate

We know M&Ms don't melt in your hands, but just maybe this Valentine's Day they can melt somebody's heart.  I know, Christmas was about 5 minutes ago, but it is not to early to start thinking about Valentine's Day - especially if you want to do something really special and personalized. 

Now, this will be for those of you who actually celebrate Valentine's Day. There are those who believe that it is a holiday invented by Hallmark in order to sell candy and cards (yes, Husband, I am talking about you). If this applies to you, then please explore all the other holidays and occasions that mymms.com can help you celebrate. 

You can create your own color combinations, personalized messages, even put pictures on them. All the grandparents who would like to get a bag with your grandkids beautiful little faces, please raise your hands. 

As for Valentine's Day, if you are tired of looking at the selection of store bought cards for your kids to pass out that are plastered with Disney Princesses, Hanna Montana, Spiderman, or some other grossly over-exposed licensed character, consider personalized M&Ms. 

You can choose the colors and the message. Your child can hand out their own creations that will sure stand out in the sea of boring cards. They can be like conversation hearts, but soooo much better because they are chocolate. 

If you need some inspiration to create your M&Ms and how to package them, Martha Stewart (who featured these on her show) has created a few examples of how to package and presents your personalized treats. Check out the website for all the great ideas and products available.