nemo grille at alten house, avon ohio

Kevin was called off of his Pizza Hut delivery job last Monday so after a quick phone call to procure babysitting services for the boys, we enjoyed an impromptu date night.

When we were blessed with Macy, Kevin received a bonus gift certificate to restaurants.com when he bought me a bunch of stuff at Motherhood Maternity.  We redeemed it online for Nemo Grille in Avon shortly afterward but just now got the opportunity to use it.

I had the 16oz. rib eye with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus.  The steak was done to perfection.  I paired that with one glass on Pinot Noir and left the potatoes on the plate.  Between the second helping of asparagus I got from Kevin (non veg eater) and the 4 servings of beef on my plate, I didn't want the potatoes.  They did come with a paper thin waffle like fried potato sculpture protruding from them.  That was kind of neat.  Kevin opted for the New York strip and had no complaints about either the steak or the garlic mashed potatoes (though he did refuse mine.)

Nemo Grille is housed in a century old home.  We were in "our" room alone until a young couple and their child came in shortly before we left.  The service was terrific, the atmosphere is great and we would definitely go back.  It is a bit pricey so bring a coupon from restaurants.com if you decide to give it a try.  20% gratuity is added to your check when you use a coupon but if your service is anything like ours, leave a bit more.  Servers work hard for their money.

nathan's 14th

The bouncing baby boy I was blessed with so many years ago is now a gangly teenager.  He celebrated his 14th birthday on Tuesday with Chicken Paprikash, and Red Velvet Cake.  He ended up in bed shortly afterward with THE virus that has knocked out at least 50 kids in his school.

High fever, stomach ache, head ache.

He is now claiming that the only cure is homemade Shamrock Shakes chased with Reese Cups.   Hmmmmm, sounds like he may be on the mend?

the jesus storybook bible

I bought this Bible for George on the recommendation of Angie Smith.  I knew it would be good....but WOW! 

What I love most is the foreshadowing at the end of each and every Old Testament story.  Basically saying that God had fixed this situation for now but...one day he will fix it for good and forever. 

An example from the story of David and Goliath (George's favorite):  "David was a Hero!  Many years later, God would send his people another young Hero to fight for them.  And to save them.  But this Hero would fight the greatest battle the world has ever known."

All that building up of excitement as you read the well known stories of David, Jonah, Daniel and others will have you and your child just about bursting for joy when Jesus makes his debut on page 176 in "He's here!"   I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this for your favorite little pre-Christians.  :)

more george quotes

To Emma about her shimmery pink prom dress.  "That's a beautiful dress.  Is it for your wedding?"

On the labels stuck on the piano keys.  "We should put these letters in order."

"Macy is the quietest person in our family."

Explore: Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center

Children's Nature Space at Carlisle Reservation, Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange.


Climb and crawl while you learn about dinosaurs. Conduct a puppet show, crawl through the tunnels and color dino pictures. The Children's Nature Space is a great place to have fun while learning dinosaurs and more. Open 8 - 4:30 Daily.

give to ceasar

Tax time is a pain in my big behind.  I love having a family childcare but going through the zillions of receipts from 2010 and having to figure out what everything was and what percent of it is tax deductible is enough to DRIVE ME INSANE.

Would you remember what a TB NORTH 5M is 11 months later?  I sure don't but I bought 2 at Walmart for $12.50 a piece.  What about an EQUATE MPS??  You get the picture.

Taxes really shouldn't take 2 months to complete. 

I think George is starting to hate them too.  Too often lately the answer to "Mommy can you play me at this?" is "Not right now George I really need to get these taxes done."

I realize I should sit down every month and do it as I go but it just hasn't happened yet.  Pictures of George with his immortal rats are coming soon....

Happy Birthday George!

5 years ago our graceful merciful God blessed us with a baby boy.  George is a delight to our entire family and loved by all who know him.

He turned 5 today and celebrated with a group of his friends.  Damon, Diana, Auntie, Jadon, Aubree, Maddie, Lydia and Rayle were all invited.  Rayle was contagious with strep throat so he stayed home. (Thank you Denise!)

The kids all enjoyed a hot dog bar.  The toppings included: chili, cheese, ketchup, mustard, and onions.  Chips and dip were served on the side. (Thank you Amy!)

George got Lego Creator toys, a bubble gun, a over sized inflatable fabric covered soccer ball, Kung Zhu, Zhu Zhu pet with accessories, and a Mario backpack with wheels.  He had an awesome time and is very thankful for all of his friends and family.

Mom and Dad got him a Nintendo DS Lite and big sister Emma blessed him with a Kung Zhu game for it.

His birthday restaurant for his family lunch was CiCi's pizza.  I think he prefers winning High School Musical toys in the grab game to the pizza but it's his choice so even though it was the second time in a row, we went.

Happy Birthday George!

the stupid hamsters have won

George will be turning 5 on Thursday and his love affair with Kung Zhu continues.  All he wants for his birthday is Kung Zhu.  I'm throwing in the towel and letting the rats invade.  :)