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)!