Memorial Day

We had an eventful Memorial Day, visiting the Acadia Cemetery in Eagan where Tom’s grandmother, grandfather and uncle are buried. They have a special service on Memorial Day, and my father-in-law was the keynote speaker. We were very proud! Here is is decked out in his full naval attire (it still fits!).

Here is the whole family.

Katie's Bridal Shower

My sister-in-law (I despise that “in law” nonsense) Katie will be married June 18 and I threw her a bridal shower, with the help of her mother and the bridesmaids. It was so fun to bless her!

Here are my two invaluable helpers:

Here is the spread of food at the shower. Erin made those beautiful cupcakes, which were the most-requested recipe! (The vanilla cupcakes stuffed with strawberry mascarpone cream were beyond words).

My partner in crime.

Katie opening her gifts.

Mother's Day Success

With six full years of marriage under my belt, I have learned a lesson or two. One of them being this: Men can’t read minds. I realize my profundity is astounding at this moment, but please stay with me. I knew that if I didn’t tell my husband my simple desires and expectations for Mother’s Day, I was probably setting myself up for disappointment and a truckload of pity. That doesn’t do anyone an ounce of good! So I told him that there is indeed a magic formula for making his wife blissfully happy on Mother’s Day ANY year. It is this: a homemade breakfast, a Tom-crafted latte, and some thoughtful piece of art from the kids = happy Liz. And flowers are not a necessity, but icing on the cake. And my darling husband pulled through and made me (allow me to brag) sourdough pancakes with real maple syrup and a poached egg, alongside a delectable latte.

Whilst dining on my fabulous breakfast, my two angelic children approached bearing colored Happy Mother’s Day pictures.

I’m not a fancy lady, with no crazy expectations.... as you can see. I got all I asked for on Mother’s Day.

....and THIS!!

CSA

So one of the highlights of my spring is that Tom gave me permission for our family to join a local CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture. We support a local farm financially with a monthly deposit, and they deliver fresh produce to a local drop site, where we pick it up weekly. I have been having fun trying new vegetables! Some recent interesting varieties: sorrel, sunchokes (also called Jerusalem artichokes), parsnips, nettles, and green garlic. I made rhubarb crisp, roasted parsnips, and mini parmesan asparagus quiches the first night! What an adventure.

Nina's 2nd Birthday

Well... princess for a day. Doesn’t every little girl deserve it? My parenting philosophy is most definitely not towards spoiling, but on a birthday??? Open the floodgates! Unleash the tickles and bear hugs! I love to give a little extra love!!!!!

We had some great burgers (courtesy the Grillmaster, my handsome husband) and all of its accompaniments. I attempted a princess cake, which turned out pretty well! And it was great to have all of our family there to celebrate with us!

10 reasons why I love Nina so much:

1. 1. She’s quite the charmer (one of her first words was “Cheese!” for the camera).
   

2. 2. She’s got the best giggle in the universe.
   

3. 3. She is quite the talker! My favorite sentence of hers? “Love you.”
   

4. 4. She was born amidst blooming tulip and lilac season.
   

5. 5. She hugs with more enthusiasm than ANYONE!
   

6. 6. She’s a Daddy’s girl.
   

7. 7. She loves to snuggle... it’s one of her top 10 most recurring words.
   

8. 8. Her name means “grace of God.” What could be lovelier?
   

9. 9. She and her bro Ian are best buds.
   

10. 10. Can’t imagine life without her!
    

LOVE YOU, NINA RUTH POCH!!!!

Easter Morning

Sunday morning commenced with the traditional Easter basket search. Ian and Nina’s were hidden in rather easy-to-find locations... although the Easter bunny was not so merciful to Tom. Here he is tearing apart Ian’s room, looking for his basket. Erin and I were also recipients of the Easter bunny’s generosity (and I’m glad he remembered how much I love Starbuck’s giftcards!).

Nina was visibly shaken to see a 3 foot tall bunny in the cupboard!

Nina eating her first marshmallow Peep!

Easter Best

Here are photos from our trip to church for Easter. We actually went on Saturday evening this year, to make room for all the visitors on Sunday morning. Our services have been close to capacity and Easter was the highest attended service in the history of our church! Katie’s fiancee Jason joined us, but Carol had recently had eye surgery and wasn’t able to come. We are especially thankful for family on this holiday!!