Christmas Traditions

Well, dear reader, if you know me at all, you know that I love traditions! That’s why I was thrilled when Katie suggested adding the downtown Minneapolis Macy’s 8th floor Christmas display to the rotation each year. We went on a week night, which I’d highly suggest if you prefer to avoid those long lines! The display this year was charming as always, and we had fun going out for hot drinks at Starbuck’s afterwards. I especially like this photo of Nina enjoying one of the mirror-like ornaments on a Christmas tree!

Nina and Great Grandma Prarl

This is the kind of photo I can’t resist sharing! We were so delighted to have Grandma Pearl join us for Rachel’s wedding last weekend. Her presence was so appreciated! She has never been a strong, demonstrative personality but has a peaceful countenance that blesses all she knows. Love you Grandma!

Beaming Rachel

Today another chapter was written in our family’s books. And a charming chapter at that! My favorite part of the wedding was probably when Rachel was reciting her vows and she ended her prayer, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the HOLY SPIRIT!!” That girl does appreciate the third component of the Trinity quite a bit.

I think anybody who attended would be struck by the simplicity, authenticity, and overall happiness of the event. It was a jubilant celebration, and yet not over the top. It was a modest proclamation by these two remarkable individuals of their relationship with each other and especially, with God. Well done!!

Oktoberfest

We attended the annual Oktoberfest celebration at the Schlukebier’s in St. Paul, and it was entertaining as always. Despite my lack of German ancestry, I still enjoy a good party! So we feasted on brats and sauerkraut, swayed to the German accordian tunes, and giggled as our surrounding partygoers chugged another beer. These are memorable days!

Apple Orchard

This year we tried Minnetonka Orchard in Minnetrista, which I had been to a few years back. This orchard has a rugged rural quality to it that I adore! We all took a hayride, picked some Haralsons, watched the goats climb the roof, and ventured into the “corn crib.” Our apples’ fate will be a delectable apple crisp, complete with vanilla ice cream (it is easier than pie and just as good). Great times with my adorable family!!!

Earth's Bounty

Okay, so I admit that my life at times seems to revolves around fruit (hence summer). It’s just so darn tasty! Living in Minnesota (ahem...the land where Honeycrisp apples originated!) is quite a perk, considering the wealth of produce it boasts. My favorites are apples, raspberries and asparagus. It is fun to be a participant in that we can pick the food off of the bush, or tree, and consume it within moments of picking. I love baking my prizes the day I attained them!

Bonfire

Fall has to be the best time for a bonfire! The air is getting cooler, which makes the heat from the fire so inviting. We feasted on s’mores and Ian enjoyed his favorite pasttime, throwing rocks in the lake. What a perfect family event!!

Four Generations

Recent days in the U.P. produced this wonderful photo. The most blissful element, besides the fact that we are all unintentionally color-coordinated, is that we are all looking into the camera. No small feat with little ones being photographed!!

It is so rewarding for me to have my children experience one of the greatest joys of my own childhood... the U.P.! No amount of explaining can describe the crisp, cool mornings on Jasper Knob or the burst of sun kissed raspberries in your mouth when rummaging in the wild berry bushes. So now these aren’t just my mother’s memories, or mine... but Ian’s and Nina’s too!

Nina's Dedication

Wow, what a day! Nina is 2 1/2 months old and we didn’t want to waste any time in dedicating her... so here we all are in church this morning. Thank goodness Nina didn’t spit up on Pastor Rob’s shirt! Ian is quite rambunctious, however, and was a challenge to keep occupied for the entire 4 minutes we were up on stage. Four minutes to a toddler is an eternity! We are so thankful for our loving family and friends to share this special day with us.

There's No Place Like Home

Tom, Ian, Nina and I had the chance to take a trip to visit my parents in the Black Hills this past week. It was therapeutic to visit my roots and unwind! We were able to see some beautiful parts of the hills and also just separate ourselves from technology for a bit. Not that SD isn’t technologically savvy, but we did spent a few days at Jeff’s cabin up in the backwoods. This photo is taken at the Needles, quite close to Mount Rushmore.

My Birthday

At time it just hits me. Yeah, I don’t have a modeling contract or a six figure income (unbelievable, I know), a BMW or a cabin on Lake Tahoe. But I am RICH!! This year I got the best birthday present ever... a beautiful daughter. What a life!

Ian's All Grown Up

Okay, I’ll admit that Ian has always been a bit of a mama’s boy. It wasn’t intentional on anybody’s part, least of all mine... it was just natural, as mine was the face he beheld the most! So having Nina shook Ian’s world a bit. I was no longer at his disposal any time he pleased, and although he despised that initially (and maybe still does from time to time), he has wisely chosen to find other sources of solace and nurturing. Most notably is his father! He and Tom have had some quality moments together lately, as this photo displays. As reluctantly as I let Ian go a bit, it is the natural course of things and of course the most healthy for all involved. Now I’m just practicing the emotional release for when Ian heads to college someday!

Tom's 29th

We celebrated Tom’s 29th birthday with fanfare and lots of fun! Nina and I took him to partake of “the best fish & chips” (in his own words) at Brit’s Pub downtown. And we’d like to get back in the summer months to try their lawn bowling.

Some say that once you hit 30, life is over. The bloom fades and loses its vibrance... or so I’ve heard. It does seem, however, that time is more forgiving to the male gender. A man’s advancing years can “season” him.It’s like a bottle of wine that only gets better as it ages. And for my husband that is definitely the case!

Little Nina

Here is our beauty, three weeks old already. And what a blessing she is! As I enjoy my last week before going back to work, I admit I usually have a daily photo shoot with her. I remember torturing Ian through a similar string of events when he was a baby, but who can blame a doting mother such as I? These are days that are meant to be soaked up and savored (amidst the sleep deprivation of course)!!

Nina is sleeping well at night, dozing for three or four (sometimes five) hours at a time before waking up to eat. So... I am slowly but surely approaching the desired full night’s sleep. Despite the joys of parenting, what I miss most about my pre-parenting days is sleeping in. To those of you that are single, unattached, or just without children, please don’t take a full night’s sleep for granted, because someday it may be snatched from your innocent little life... never to be experienced again until your children are grown!

Out of the House

Having a baby really wears a lady out. That’s why I can count on one hand the places I’ve been in the two weeks since Nina entered our family. For instance, the brief jaunt to Target with Ian was much more exciting than it should have been. The grocery store with Carol... and of course Trader Joe’s. I hope you’ve had the pleasure of visiting this natural foods palace! Ian adores the free balloons, Tom loves their Arnie Palmer mix, and I could walk circles for hours and be happily occupied. And Nina? She just sleeps through it all.

Pastor Tom

From now on, you can refer to Tom as “pastor,” since he officially completed his licensing requirement for the Assemblies of God! Here is a pic of us on the big night. It was quite a sight to see Tom and myself kneeling in prayer up at the stage... me nine months pregnant and he with his bad snowboarding knee. We’re like an elderly couple with all our aches and pains. And what better way to celebrate Tax Day?! Congratulations to my talented and handsome hubby!

Attacking the Stack

Okay, so I have a lot of half-finished books. This is a personal vice I intend to overcome, and lately I HAVE been making a dent in my pile of books. I think my problem is that I mix pleasure reading (mostly non-fiction) with practical reading, most of which I need quick advice for (parenting, etc.). There are times, unfortunately, when potty training emergencies trump, say... developing Godly character. Or maybe the two are intricately entwined??? Anyway, please don’t recommend a book to me in the near future, as I have my hands full with my current stack of 20+ books. But do get back to me this summer!

Last Patch of Snow

This must be the first year I am sad to see the snow go. Most Minnesotans are overjoyed to say farewell! My husband, however, is reluctant to end his season of snowboarding, and for once I agree... but not for the same reason. This year my pregnancy has caused a strong craving for me - snow! I am quite selective with which snowbank I feast from, but no doubt have enjoyed these past few months of powdery bliss. And in my enthusiasm, I was unable to hide my habit from Ian. He, unfortunately, is hooked as well. So now that the snow has almost completely melted (this is the last patch in front of the house), I have reconciled myself to resorting to crushed ice. But Ian recalls that feeling of sweet, cold crystals melting on the tongue and so reminds me whenever snow is in sight. This is not convenient when the last few patches are dirtier than a sailor’s mouth! Tom tells me that we are expecting snow two more days this week. In my pregnant desperation, I may attempt to build a reservoir to keep some in the freezer for months to come!

Day at the Zoo

Tom, Ian and I decided to add the Minnesota Zoo to our list of currently visited hotspots, and bought a season pass! This pass is great because we can bring a non-member guest with us whenever we go (sorry, no free IMAX passes!). Ian has had a recent fascination with animals, mostly stemming from the fact that he can finally enunciate their names, which makes them more appealing. He was all energy as we poked around the animal habitats. I especially liked the dolphin tank and the Minnesota outdoor exhibit (animals native to our state, such as coyote, wolf, badger, porcupine and bald eagle). Tom’s favorite part was probably watching the bald eagle rip a rat to shreds, but I was conveniently (and intentionally) onto the next exhibit and didn’t have a chance to witness the scene!

Easter Best

Easter was memorable, even though we weren’t able to keep up the tradition of kite flying since there was snow on the ground. We went to Saturday night church, which was very exciting since we’re breaking in our brand new facility!! I couldn’t resist including a photo of my handsome boys in their Easter best. For those who claim that daughters are the most fun to “dress up,” I beg to differ! On Easter morning, Ian found his basket and we had a delicious brunch. It is so precious to be with family on days like these (I miss you mom, dad and sisters!).

Kazolly's

Erin stayed with us at the Poch’s this past week for her Spring Break, and she, Ian and I took some time to visit one of Lakeville’s newest downtown businesses. It is a charming candy store called Kazolly’s, and Erin and I were especially eager to visit it since one of our favorite childhood past times was stopping by the candy store after school and spending our hard-earned money on sweets! This candy shop goes to great lengths to stock the nostalgic brands and candies that we remember from way back (you old timers included!). Ian was enjoying the Easter selection, as this picture displays. He also tried his first gummy bear. So next time you are in our neck of the woods, please stop by this place. You’ll love it!

Minnesota Swarm Game

Since Tom and I aren't especially known for our loyalty to and fondness of live sporting events, I thought it would be fun to throw him for a loop and plan a surprise date to a Minnesota Swarm game at the Xcel Energy Center. For those of you who aren't aware, the Minnesota Swarm are the area’s professional lacrosse team. I admit my ignorance of the sport (I wasn’t even sure if it took place on turf), which was mostly remedied by our visit. The game proved to be exciting, with a live fist fight or two and the Swarm taking the game 14-9. Both Tom and I would highly recommend lacrosse to any spectator (as well as the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich with a Coke)!

Yes, dear reader, St. Patrick’s Day has not yet occurred... but at times celebratory modifications must be made to include all possible loved ones, as was the case for our family. We sought the Irish pub experience at O’Donovan’s in Minneapolis and ordered the likes of stout pie, fish and chips, and corned beef and cabbage. I love being able to experience another culture... especially when the pub itself was created in Ireland and shipped over to the States piece by piece for our own dining pleasure!! Hey, until I can go there myself, this will have to do! (and lucky Stephanie, who gets to bike around Ireland with the Venture team this June) The Irish garb was amusing, since the glittered hats left a ring of green glitter on our foreheads. Ian was the most adorable sight to behold with his oversized hat! We recently discovered that Carol, Tom and Katie have some Scotch-Irish blood in them as well, so the holiday was heartily enjoyed by all. But you know the saying, “On St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s Irish!”

Valentine’s Day

We decided to avoid the crowds this year and go out to celebrate the day before Valentine’s Day. Our dinner at Maggiano’s was nothing short of decadent, as we tried some new dishes and finished it all off with a chocolate mousse cake. Scrumptious! I am such a fan of Italian food. Tom was leaning toward going to a steak joint but somehow my preference won out (thanks, hubby!). To anybody who hasn’t been to Maggiano’s, mention it to us and we will attempt to fit it into your worldview.

Ian the helper

Ian loves using brooms. So it was only fitting that we show him how to use it properly (here, Grandma Carol does the duties). And Santa was loving enough to bring Ian his own broom and dustpan set for Christmas this year. Something tells me that Santa may have more than one motive!!