in case of emergency, or whatever.

I was working at the computer when Lauren asked me to go upstairs and untie a ribbon she'd tied around the neck of her stuffed poodle. I said I would, as soon as soon as I finished. A few minutes later I heard my cell phone ring. I picked it up and saw our home number on the caller ID. Curious.

"Hello?" I heard giggling upstairs.

"Hi, Mom," a voice said, nonchalantly.

"Who is this?" More giggling.

"This is Lauren. I need you . . . to . . . untie my poodle?"

I taught the girls my cell phone number in case they get lost so that someone can help them contact me. Obviously, Ella used it to help Lauren get my attention. Good practice!