I did something last night that even I thought was a little strange (and that's saying something) ... and the couple who were walking past our house were probably even more confused.

It's amazing what parents will do to bring a smile to their child's face ...

Yesterday was our beagle's fifth birthday and my husband, my 2-year-old daughter and I put on quite a party. There were birthday treats, presents, candles, and Sammy (the beagle) was serenaded with her very own, very heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday" by Emma (the 2-year-old).

Emma was smiles from ear-to-ear when I told her she could sing to the dog ... she was even happier when I lit the birthday candles in Sammy's food bowl, complete with Alpo turkey chunks.

As for presents ... there were Pupperoni snacks, Beggin' Strips and a nice new bone, that is now buried somewhere in her kennel.

It may have been the strangest birthday celebration I've ever participated in, but after seeing the smile on Emma's face, it was worth the confused stares from those who passed by.