McGraths

We're all connected

2009-04-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Easter 09

2009-04-12T07:54:00.001-07:00

My girls are the best...

2009-04-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

Matt and Madeline

2009-03-24T18:18:00.001-07:00

I've been following Matt Logelin for over a year. His wife died tragically, soon after she gave birth to this adorable little Madeline. He is an amazing father and I've learned a great deal from following his journey over the last year. I just had to post this...

Hello Big World

2009-03-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad bad blogger. Just that life thingy. Too much to do and not enough time. Things are busy but good. The girls are growing so fast...but just as dreamy as ever!

2009-03-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Mia tends to get creative in the wee hours of the night. A few nights ago, we thought she was sleeping--not so much.

The girlies

2009-03-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

Mia does some street dancing

2009-03-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Such a fun evening with friends

2009-02-24T06:26:00.000-08:00

We had dinner at Candy and Manolo's house. They have two littel girls from guatemala and Manolo is an architect as well...needless to say, we had a lot to talk about.

Pure Bliss...

2009-02-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Princess Mia

2009-01-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

We had a great day celebrating Mia's birthday. She is now a princess (officially) as designated by Belle...

Mia's New Bestfriend Princess Belle

2009-01-25T09:10:00.001-08:00

Such a big girl...

2009-01-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

2009-01-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

Have backpack---will travel

2009-01-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

She is becoming the new funniest person we know.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-18T15:37:00.000-08:00

We heart Lili Kelly's

2009-01-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time....

2009-01-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

Far far away, our mommies walked the streets of Guatemala insistent on getting our ears pierced in true Guatemala fashion (old school painful!)

They succeeded in finding the biggest gold balls to be found in Guatemala and a nice clinic. Even though it was painful, we are glad they did it, because now we are forever bonded~

The dreaming princess

2009-01-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

Poor Little Sickie

2008-12-28T07:13:00.000-08:00

I know I'm going to pay for this in a few years from now, but I couldn't resist. Mia has been sick for 6 days now and the whole family is a little slap happy (6 days inside will do that to you)
Dennis and I have listened to this strange man sleeping in Mia's body for the last couple of days and thought we needed to share!

Miley McGrath

2008-12-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, I did ask to see the biggest piece of electronic plastic they had in the store.

Mazlin is a trooper

2008-12-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

Mazlin knew something was up with her big sissy. She was so sweet and kept bringing Mia PJs to wear all day. We all had a very relaxing xmas this year. Happy Holidays!

Santa left part of his cookie

2008-12-25T15:18:00.000-08:00

The family gift exchange

2008-12-25T15:17:00.000-08:00

Mazlin

2008-12-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

Mazlin was so excited for christmas this year. She loved her fluffy little dress and was smiles all night. Mia, on the other hand, was a sickie. I never considered through all her excitement that she would be too sick to even want to come down stairs in the morning. Dennis and I are glad we have 2 weeks to hang out with the girls until they feel better.

Happy Birthday Dennis!

2008-12-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

A great time was had by all. Although, I'm never drinking again...again.

2008-12-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

A visit from the Howds

2008-12-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Our friends Kate and Matt came up for a visit and it was a great time. The girls loved to hang out with them in the morning and play games on their iPhone. They are much cooler than mommy and daddy. Matt has threatened to create a new blog called...thereallauriemcgrath.blogspot.com since he has many pictures and movies that show (well, lets just say) a different perspective than this fine controlled blog.

Parkview Carriage Rides

2008-12-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

Our neighborhood has carriage rides for the holidays! The weather was great and the girls loved it.

One truth to parenting

2008-12-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

People tell you lots of things when you're a parent but one thing is definitely true...the magic of the holidays come back to life when you have little ones. Today I was explaining to Mia how Santa comes down the chimney and it made me remember how magical that time of my life was. Not being able to fall asleep just waiting and waiting for the morning to come and then running downstairs and wondering how he knew what I wanted. I haven't thought about that for years. Just another added bonus.

(can you tell we like low lighting in our house)

Santa Visit

2008-12-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

Mia and Maz are ready for the big visit to the strange guy with the white beard and crazy red suit. We had the best intentions but came home empty handed. Mia forgot her list in the car and decided to have a melt-down and Maz just wasn't having any of it. Honestly, I can't say I blame them. So, don't hold your breath for any Santa pictures from the McGraths.

Look at Maz counting like her big sis...

2008-11-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

Maz wishes you a happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

A Sight for Sore Eyes...After a hard day of black Friday shopping

2008-11-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

McGrath Tree 08

2008-11-28T14:49:00.000-08:00

A few glasses of wine and a photo booth...

2008-11-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

We went to our friend's wedding and they had this little photo boothy thingy. It was the hit of the reception. Especially after a glass of wine or two. Although, I did find out later that we missed the arrival of Elvis.

Our little milliner in the making

2008-11-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

Mia and Maz at the art museum

2008-11-16T16:52:00.000-08:00

Maz is thinking....I'm done with this sister thingy for today.

She takes her dancing very seriously.

2008-11-16T12:34:00.001-08:00

Why did I get the cleaning gene instead of the waist measurment gene?

2008-11-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

A few things I've inherited from my mother...obsessive cleaning, love of alcohol and a sometimes misunderstood sense of humor that clearly makes me think I'm the funniest person around (even if others don't seem to get it) but really, look at my Mom's waistline? Seriously?

New Camera

2008-11-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lag in posts. We lost our camera a few weeks back. It has been replaced and more posts to come.

The worlds best neighbors

2008-11-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

You should consider yourself lucky to live right next door to someone you can tolerate, but we consider ourselves uber luck to have Mark and Marie as neighbors and most importantly friends.

(Although, they do grill meat on the back porch right below our window--other than that, we can't complain.)

A Tent? Really

2008-11-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to wine tasting and during the event Amy (pictured) and I decided we would pitch a tent and camp out the night before and then have all our neighbors bring us coffee and we would allow them to go to the front of the line. Not to mention the huge number of interviews we would have as the coolest voting moms in the city.

Hmmm, today I woke up sans wine and..well...not so much!

(the scary thing is I really believed this was a great idea)

So sweet

2008-11-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

2008-11-02T17:28:00.001-08:00

You never know what you will find on your walk to get coffee

2008-11-02T17:28:00.000-08:00

The stars are aligned

2008-11-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Not sure what it can be attributed to or how long it will last, but Mia and Maz are having a blast with each other lately. They laugh and play and fight, but the bond they have is really sweet and Dennis and I are enjoying just watching it unfold.

A monkey in disguise

2008-11-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

2008-11-02T17:22:00.001-08:00

Art

2008-11-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

by...Mia, Maz and daddy

Halloween House

2008-11-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Our neighbor has been renamed..Mrs. Halloween!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Here is our little witch. We are missing a monkey-Maz had a major melt down when we put the monkey costume on her. So, we opted to stay home listen to music, drink a bottle (Maz) and a glass of wine (mommy) and hand out candy.

Friday Nights

2008-10-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Dennis and I were both laughing this morning when we realized we were as excited about having a Friday night Pajama, pizza and popcorn party with the girls as we were about trying a new restaurant. Not to mention the epic viewing of Snow White.

It was a slow process, but we're here.

Seasons are a funny thing

2008-10-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

I wonder if everyone is affected by the change of seasons. Fall is my MOST favorite season and it brings back so many memories. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving St. Louis the more I am here but there is something very special about the fall season in Minneapolis. Can't quite put my finger on exactly why-you'll just have to trust me on this one. Fall is in the air today and it makes me think of our house, friends, neighbors and Lucia's in Minneapolis. I would give anything to be drinking a big glass of wine looking out the window of Lucia's with friends.

You're a special little place, Ms. Twin Cities.

The 2 year old birthday party

2008-10-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

The party started at 3:00pm on a beautiful day with family and friends. The party ended dancing to reggae music on Delmar Avenue with family. What could be better?

Happy Birthday lil bug---big kisses!

2008-10-06T16:59:00.001-07:00

Mazlin's super fancy birthday shoes

2008-10-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

Mazlin LOVES Diego

2008-10-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

2008-10-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

Mia spent the day at her daddy's office

2008-10-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

She wants to be an 'tect' just like her daddy

2008-10-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

2008-10-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

The "ZeZe" Man

2008-09-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Many many many years ago, I found this sweet little soul on an Amish farm in Ohio. He threw up the entire ride home and has hated cars ever since. We think he really is Amish. He died today and it has been really hard on the entire family. Especially, with Dennis. They became great buds over the years.

He was so sweet and loving. Although, he was a bit smelly-it didn't matter to us. He had a funny little bark, hated any treat other than "snausages" and had the patience of a saint with the girls.

We miss him. He was a big part of our family. He gave us all lots of love...

The Sister Celebration

2008-09-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

We could go on with countless words...but, we simply love these two little sisters. Mazlin was only home for a short time when we celebrated her birthday last year. This year Mia has taken on the big sister party planner role and it is too cute for words. This is one of many they will share together and nothing makes us happier.

8:00am Birthday Sugar Rush

2008-09-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mazlin! We had a special little private breakfast sugar birthday party with just the four of us this morning. Mazlin isn't much for big groups and next weekend I'm sure she will spend most of her extended family birthday party hiding from people and crying. But for today she is the Queen!

We love you Mazlin.

Big kisses and hugs

Mommy-Daddy-Mia-ZeZe

Ms. Mia's cupcakes

2008-09-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Was: Old yucky bathroom...Will Be: Fabulous New Unyucky Bathroom

2008-09-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

We are in the midst of gutting our old master bathroom. It needed it! Finished picture to follow--hopefully, soon.

My husband-the set director

2008-09-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

This is Mia and Dennis' rendition of Charlotte's Web. They both love the movie and found a spider on the window...so creative Mr. Daddy added the piggy.

princess for a moment...

2008-09-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

I love this picture, Mazy went to a birthday party for a neighbor girl on sunday... Mia helped her make a crown and the moment it was placed on her head the sun came out from behind a cloud and blasted her with light... all you can see is her beautiful brown eyes.

mia's caterpillar

2008-09-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mia found a catapilar:she loves this little creature... Etymology: Middle English catyrpel, from Anglo-French *catepelose, literally, hairy cat

Maz got in on her big sister's action

2008-09-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Mia's new friend Emma is from Guatemala too!

2008-09-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

BTW, Emma's sweet little grandfather put her dress on backwards and she was sporting the Jennifer Lopez low-cut look. She was a doll and her grandfather was a sweet heart (I just know there was a mother out there who would have been mortified! Hopefully, he didn't take too many pictures :)

2008-09-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Mimi's 1st day of school family photo

2008-09-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

You can't say I don't post pictures of myself anymore...

2008-09-02T17:25:00.000-07:00

It has been mentioned to me quite a few times that I never post pictures of myself. Here's one for the record book.

Such a good big sister

2008-09-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Our shoe girl

2008-09-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Mazlin is our shoe girl. She has loved shoes from the moment she understood what they were. She doesn't discriminate among Mommy,Daddy or Mia's shoes. If Zeker wore shoes, Maz would be there. I thought she deserved a super sparkly pair of shoes. She screamed when she saw them and loves to have them on her little feet.

BTW, she is also a collector of clothes. She will put on anything she can fit into. I can't wait to sit back and watch her style grow. I have a feeling she is going to be an eclectic little one. Which is okay, as long as she incorporates some pearls somewhere in the mix.

Mia + Daddy's 1st Camping Adventure

2008-08-31T20:28:00.001-07:00

Okay, enough of this...I need A/C

2008-08-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

Making sure Clifford has a place to sleep

2008-08-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

Who needs YellowStone?

2008-08-31T20:26:00.001-07:00

Mia and Daddy taking in the wilderness

2008-08-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

in our urban oasis...

Mia and her Dora camping couture

2008-08-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

2008-08-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

Such a funny little sister

2008-08-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

I must say I have the funniest sisters around. Particularly, my little sister, Stephanie. I accidentally sent an invitation to join Facebook to my entire contact list. How embarrassing to be approaching 29 years of age and sending an invite to FaceBook to everyone I've ever emailed. The only bright side was seeing my sister's post on her Facebook page. This is the comment she has next to her profile picture.

Stephanie Brownavic is looking at my fine piece of real estate that is otherwise known of as my husband.. grr.

Miss Mia

2008-08-23T18:14:00.001-07:00

Miss Mia

This time three years ago we were leaving your beautiful country and flying to your new home to start our life as a family. You are the brightest light to enter our lives. Your daddy and I feel like we have always known your sweet little soul. You have taught us more about love and life and family than we ever knew was possible. You helped us heal and continue to bring us so much joy.

You are growing so fast but continue to keep that extra thoughtful part of you that worries about where bugs will sleep at night and if Maz's boo-boos will be okay. You're hilarious, fiercely independent and beautiful all wrapped up into the greatest gift anyway could receive.

Happy Gotcha Day...my love

I think this work thingy is going to work

2008-08-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

I was very hesitant about working out of the house again and taking a job that would require travel and some long hours but I have to say I didn't realize how much I missed being in the thick of things until I went back. I was made to work. Period. I thrive in entrepreneurial crazy environments. I'm lucky enough to work with very thoughtful and bright people. Dennis has been telling me over the last year, you need to go back work full-time in an office! I've tried the stay at home route and the work remote route. They both had benefits and disadvantages. I'm so glad I was able to spend the time that I have with the girls and the fact they have been able to spend over a year together everyday. I know people struggle with both sides of the debate. But, for me, I'm happy. It forces me to really focus on the girls with the time that I do have and it seems to be working.

She does have a point

2008-08-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

We've regressed a bit on the current sleeping arrangements with Ms. Mia. Somehow she has wiggled her way back into our bed. We really held our ground at first but over time we just chose not to fight that battle.

She loves books so I found a great book that tells the story of how important it is for everyone to sleep in their own bed like mr. bunny, mommy, daddy, sister, ms. doggie, etc. I could hear noises in the other room but I just assumed it was Dennis and when I walked into our room, little miss smarty pants moved her bed into our room. I asked what she was doing and she said she was sleeping in her own bed...it just happened to be moved in our room.

Mazzy

2008-08-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend Mia went to stay overnight at her aunt's house. The same aunt that had her two weeks ago when Mia refused to come home. Let's just say...lots of ice cream, candy and fun times. The good news for Mazlin is she has us all to herself. She took her first Burley ride with Daddy and the three of us just hung out. She would yell "NO!" whenever we mentioned Mia's name. It was hilarious. We are all back together and they have picked up on fighting right where they left off.

Mia loves Trader Joes

2008-08-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

We try and fit everything we can into her cart and when they tell her how much at the checkout she ignores them and requests a balloon. I'm going to try that next time.

Hello Gladys! How are the kids?

2008-08-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T18:45:00.001-07:00

2008-08-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Bono Purse Ritual

2008-08-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else have a ritual with their family members? I blame my Mom for this one. Since I can remember, we've been fascinated by each others purse. You can't walk in the door without getting the complete purse review. Where did you get that? Can I have it? Sure enough, we return to my house after a few drinks out on our sister/niece evening and we immediately trade purses. We dump everything on the table and do the big switcharoo. We've been doing this for years. If my Mom was alive right now, she would kill for Bev's purse that is now Debbie's. Are you following?

It is a funny thing moving back to where you came from. Years have gone by ( a few marriages, new kids, new jobs, new homes, loss of parents, etc...) but we will always be four girls from the Italian section of St. Louis raised by an OCD mom that was really really funny when she drank (how's that for a complex explanation?) Since I've been back our differences seem to lessen (even though there's a few Republicans sprinkled in that mix who I won't name in fear of retribution) Their stories help me understand myself better and make my memories a little clearer, if that makes sense. I'm happy to be back home. Nothing makes me feel better than Mia and Maz leaving to visit their aunts or cousins. Plus, who else is going to tell you a few pound less in your mid-section wouldn't hurt while they're smiling at you.

Maz the luv bug

2008-08-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

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Sunday Morning Sunshine!

2008-08-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

What else can you do on a steamy/stormy Sunday morning but sand crafts?

The Buddha

2008-08-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I don't think the Buddha got the respect it deserved.

Mia's prediction

2008-08-05T07:24:00.001-07:00

Back to the rat race and explaining my crazy self.

2008-07-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

I officially accepted a position outside of my little home office. Yep, that means no more early morning coffee walks, watching Flip This House on Bravo or an impromptu mid-afternoon tea party with the girls. I've been working remote for almost two years now and I have to say I AM READY TO GET OUT OF HERE FOR A FEW HOURS!

Honestly, I'm very excited. It will change the home dynamics, but I'm thrilled with the prospect of working in a fast paced crazy environment. Mia will start school in September and Maz has adjusted quite well to her new digs. So, it is time for mama bird to fly the coup.

The only downside:

I went in for a sales training session yesterday and lunch arrived which was full on roast beef, ham and turkey. Here it goes again, for the 100th time of my life..."Laurie, did you get anything to eat?" says the new boss. "Actually, I'm vegetarian (not to mention a little OCD and obsessed with watching TV evangelist-the crazier the better) but don't worry I wear leather, so I'm not a hater on the meat people." He doesn't quite know how to take that from someone who appears professional and is wearing pearls, but in time he will.