I don't "go green"...

...except on St. Patty's Day! Cole and I have been studying Ireland and "the denigration caused by sterotyping a country through hurtful images like Leprachauns and green beer." Well, so we didn't study that but I laughed when I stumbled upon an Irish lesson plan that talked about America's oppression of Ireland through St. Patrick's Day... who don't we oppress nowadays (that was meant sarastically!). Back on track, we had a great day St. P-day! We made and set a leprachaun trap...



We had Irish stew and mini cheddar scones...

We watched Cole in his preschool St. Patty's Day show, he was the main leprachaun...



And we made Bakerella's Shamrock truffles. Cole said, "apparently these are my new favorite dessert." He's really into "apparently" before any sentence...

(Picture from Bakerella's site, I didn't take pics of mine but they turned out well)

Finnegan McCool...

...is two years old. He turned two on the 5th and I am a terrible mother and I didn't immortalize it with a blogpost. I probably love him less cause he's my middle child... just kidding Nate! Better late than never!

Finnegan Douglas Saunders, born March 5, 2007. Came in an ounce shy of 8 lbs. He came two weeks early after I spent three months on bed rest, pre-eclamptic. I only had to push twice with Finn, I told my nurse "I really feel like pushing" so he said "Let's give it a try." I pushed, he yelled "stop pushing, stop pushing." The next push was with the doctor and out Finn came. Full head of dark hair, Hammond nose and stunning blue eyes with en eerie white ring around the pupil (which he still has, check it out next time you see him).



Today, Finn still has the same blue eyes and Hammond nose but now he has bright blonde hair that stands up in every direction. He loves "bow" (blocks), "da-da", "nandy" (candy), "meet-mee" (movie), and above all else... "ole" (Cole). Finn is speech delayed which may be attributed to the chronic ear infections he has, and will hopefully be remedied by an adnoidectomy and myringotomy scheduled for Wednesday.



The only other person Finn loves as much as "ole" is Momo (who doesn't love Momo?). When Finn gets in trouble and I put him in time out he cries "MOOOOOOOMOOOOOOO!" Like she will magically appear and save him from mean mommy. Anyway, Momo was gracious enough to throw Finn's birthday party. It wouldn't be a Denise Hammond event if it didn't have a theme, decor and delicious food. I give you Finn's "Block" Party.


Momo's centerpiece a Finn masterpiece


Finn and Momo playing playdough


Finn was terrified of his adorable block cake,
so he had Cole help him blow out the candle.

It was a wonderful day, he received an embarassing amount of gifts which Cole has loved as much as Finn. Finn brings much insanity to my life but I wouldn't trade him for anything...who wants well-mannered children right? He has laughing eyes that fill me with joy and I feel blessed to be steward of this choice and strong-willed spirit. One last item, Uncle Bryson sent a wonderful gift to Finn from a cool dessert boutique out in CA. I assumed it was a family gift since I ate most of them. Here is a picture, I just loved beautiful AND delicious food. Happy Birthday Finn!

"I am quite certain there's a jertain in the curtain"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!

FREEDOM

"Easy is the path to wisdom for those not blinded by themselves"

That little golden nugget comes from the opening title of tv's Star Wars: The Clone Wars. I must say I am enthralled with Star Wars. I am just as excited as the boys come Saturday morning because that means a new episode. Here's why... it is teaching amazing lessons on bravery, valor, integrity and above all else democracy! For those who don't watch I will summarize some key points, the Star Wars Republic is in the midst of a war. The Seperatists are wreaking havoc throughout the galaxy instilling fear in the Republic which is defended by the Clone troopers and the Jedi. The episodes illustrate some brilliant ideas about war and peace. My favorite idea being how fear drives people to forfeit their freedom for false security. How quickly a people can become enslaved by their perceived saviors when they are willing to give up freedom in exchange for safety. Unfortunately, in the realm of Star Wars, we know the Clone Wars do in fact end with the Republic voting for one leader Chancellor Palpatine, thereby surrendering their freedom to a very wicked and cunning man.

BEAUTY

Here is a beautiful shot that Stephanie Kiester got of Cash. He's wearing my favorite outfit too!



TRUTH/LOVE

D&C 88:118

"seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom"

Tonight for Family Home Evening we celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday. I believe Dr. Seuss was an inspired author and I love to read his books to the boys because they truly do offer wisdom. (Though I have yet to ascertain the lesson to be learned from "There's a Wocket in my Pocket!")


Cole with his "Cat in the Hat" hat and my centerpiece display on the dinner table.

Tonight we enjoyed our favorite Dr. Seuss books, a rousing game of pin the green eggs on the ham and then a brief lesson on choosing good books. The finale of the evening was the best part... Elizabeth's chocolate cupcakes, thanks for the recipe and thank you Trent for reading it to my answering machine while I was driving. I LOVE THOSE CUPCAKES!