Props to the Husband

I just read his latest publication. Chapter 13 in the book: Terror in Ireland. And it was gooood (five 'o's' in good, good.). I'm a girl that appreciates history and admires the heck out of my husband for making it his life's work, but I wouldn't pick up a history book to read for fun. Unless it's historical fiction - but Justin says that doesn't count - ha! Here's the cover:

(if you want to buy it)

J's portion of the book covers prison violence during the Irish Revolution, and the nasty stuff that the political prisoners initiated. The men who were imprisoned wanted, needed the title of political prisoner. What's better than being a martyr for your cause? 

The research JDS did for this chapter was actually inspired by my dad, who started out as a prison officer and over 25 years, worked his way up to lieutenant and master weapons trainer. I know my dad would have been the first (behind his mom) to read, and congratulate him on a job well done. 

I'll take a pair in every color, please!

Guest Blog: Golf on Liam's Birthday

With Mom at work Liam and I headed across the road for nine holes at Rolling Hills Golf Course. It was a windy morning, but Liam managed to instruct me on the proper clubs and approach to my shots. He was also interested in the different colored starting blocks, and the flagstick.

As you can see he helped driving the cart and was not shy about putting. I would like to say that Liam's putting contributed to our terrible score, but I must take full responsibility for that.

 A great morning, and excellent start to a second birthday. Now off to our special birthday dinner. Love you Liam!

-Justin/Daddy

Rainy Day Drawing

Complete with cotton rounds for storm clouds. There's 15 minutes of a rainy day covered! Now for the rest of the 12.5 waking hours...

Bunny & Liam: 2 Years On

Left to right: 1 month old, 5 months old

10 months old, 2 years old.

Where did my baby go?!

Liam's Top 5 Favorite Books

Liam loves to be read to, which I love, too! I thought I'd share a list of his current favorites. These are the books he requests all the time, and knows most of the words to.

This book is so funny and has us both laughing out loud. I was a birthday present and we've read it about a million times already!

He LOVES the Little Critter series. This is one of the books he has pretty much memorized. 

Such a funny book! Simple and funny. Great for all ages. We actually don't own it yet but checked it out from the library - I hated to return it!

Liam loves the big red dog!! I get pretty tired of reading these books but Liam sure doesn't.

About a llama that doesn't want to go to bed and keeps calling for his mama. Reminds me of someone I know....

The Birthday Party!

Yesterday was such a whirlwind! From the time we got up until 3:30 when the party started we were running around getting the house in order. And then when the party started it seemed to be over in two seconds! I guess that's just the way these things work lots and lots of prep for such  short amount of time. But it was totally worth it, and everything turned out well. I could not have pulled it off without the help of my mom & sister, though! I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking...

My rainbow cake with Pennant banner topper. I was pretty proud of it!

The pennant banner I made... this will be coming out every year!

The birthday boy, himself!

Opening presents!

"Happy Birthday to you!!"

The inside of the cake

Digging in to his very big piece of cake!

So, it was a success!! I know every mom says this, but I'll join the chorus... can't believe he'll be two in a little over a week (April 23). A huge thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us - it meant the world that you were there. 

Easter Weekend

We had a wonderful Easter weekend at the Burrow (my in-law's home). We so enjoy our time there, and no one enjoys it more than Liam! He and his Pop Pop are BFFs. And it's no wonder why... Pop Pop entertains Liam's every whim. They spend the day driving Pop Pop's truck and beeping the horn, riding the mower, and trekking to the red and blue play houses in the Hundred Acre Woods. They just exhaust each other! They are quite a pair and it's downright adorable. This adorable picture was snapped by Kate and is a perfect representation of their bond...

Justin's sibs were there for the weekend, too, and it was so fun catching up. On Sunday we all woke up early to attend Easter breakfast at the church and participate in the egg-hunt before the service. I think Liam was so exhausted from all the fun he had that he tuckered right out in the beginning of the service! That said, we all were able to sit through the whole thing - yay!

Liam found his Easter basket when we returned and was very excited about the "yummies" that the bunny brought (bunny shaped marshmallows and coconut nests with jelly beans). He also got jammies and a couple of books, an Elmo "nope-pad" and crayons.

Allergy free bird nests (recipe here)

We had such a wonderful weekend! Since then I've been working on all things birthday for the party on Saturday! Everything is coming together... so far I have made the banner, the layers for the rainbow cake, the cake topper, his 2nd year video (see his 1st year video here) and most of the shopping done. Still lots to do, but I definitely feel like I have a good handle on things. Can't wait!!