2013 - A Year in Facebook Status Updates

January 5
Text at 7:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning from a friend asking about a 9:00 a.m. playdate. No problem. We were already awake and in the middle of breakfast. It's moments like these when I'm reminded how much my life has changed.

January 7
If anyone is interested in joining my St. Paul ECFE class, there's an opening for second semester starting January 28. We meet Mondays from 5:45 - 7:45 p.m. at the Monroe School. Wonderful teachers and super involved parents! Message me if you want more details.

January 17
The kids and I just skyped with Chris in Buenos Aires. I love technology that lets a family chat with each other from separate continents. 

January 21
My husband chose a good time to travel to the other "St. Paul". Today's high is -3 with a windchill of -21 and in Sao Paulo, Brazil, it's 75 degrees, with mid-80s by the end of the week. To add insult to injury, he'll come back tan. 

January 23
Mediating Play-Doh disputes at 7:00 a.m.

February 8
The best part of a stressful week was my not-so-little-baby-anymore snuggling with me in bed this morning so I could get a few extra minutes of rest.  

February 18 
Could be a new Body Pump tricep track. — with Christopher Chesla.

February 24

Never so happy to be doing laundry and cleaning. Chris took the kids to the Science Museum and the house is quiet. Love the sound of silence.

March 19

A rare morning where the kids slept in and I got to eat breakfast in peace.

March 20
I've been telling Oliver since he was born that I'd score a goal for him. I finally scored one at tonight's game. It's about time. 

March 31
Oliver has already figured out that his parents are chocoholics, so after the excitement of surveying the chocolate and other candy the Easter Bunny brought him subsided, he very matter-of-factly announced that he was going to hide his Easter basket so we wouldn't eat his candy. I got the last laugh when he needed my help to open the door with the child-proof lock in order to retrieve his "hidden" basket.  

April 10 
An assist on each of Michelle Weinberg's goals, winning the game and netting $100 in pull-tabs at the bar after the game. Not a bad way to end the season. Thanks to everyone for a great season!  

April 19

April 23

This about sums up how I feel about waking up to a couple inches of snow in late April.

Weather report for the week looks...promising.

June 7 

Oliver is packed up and ready to go on his first camping trip with Dad to Afton State Park. — with Christopher Chesla.

June 9

Ran into a friend at Target who commented that I was without the kids. I probably looked too happy to be at Target so early in the morning, because another shopper smiled and said I must feel like I'm on vacation. $196 later - cheapest vacation ever. 

June 26

 "I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry... I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight, seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about." 

                                                       - Mildred Loving, June 2007, on the 40th anniversary of the issuance of the Supreme Court's decision in Loving v. Virginia

June 29

I'll be working at the Pride Festival all day today, so stop by the Minnesota Housing booth (table 052 in the orange zone) to say hi if you have a chance!

July 2

Made it almost halfway through my taco at dinner when I realized I'd taken Chris's plate of beef tacos and had consumed my first meat in 15 years. For those who are curious, yes, it tasted good, but, yes, I'm back to being vegetarian.

July 12

The kids visited me at work this morning and Oliver announced to my co-workers that he's a vegetarian. I'm not sure what prompted that, but works for me!

August 19

Flying out to Philadelphia tomorrow, then on to Haddonfield and finally the Jersey Shore. Can't wait to dip my toes in the Atlantic!

August 25

I missed the salt water smell of ocean breezes. — in Ocean City, NJ.

August 30

A very bold seagull stole Soren's snack right out of his hand as he sat on our beach blanket! Soren was traumatized and I thought seagulls were going to be added to the long list of animals he's afraid of. But later on he took off chasing one. In his two-year-old mind, he probably thought he could get his snack back. — at Ocean City, New Jersey.

September 3

After ten years in Minnesota, I finally traveled south of the border. My co-workers took me on a detour on our way to southwestern Minnesota so that I could add Iowa to the states I've visited. — at Sherburn, Iowa.

 

September 14
What better way to test the strength of a marriage than to go climbing to celebrate a wedding anniversary. As Chris knotted my climbing ropes in preparation to belay me, I said, "It'd be pretty embarrassing to drop your wife. Does this make you nervous?" "No," was his matter-of-fact answer. Yes, his confidence is one of the many attributes I find attractive about him. Happy 5th anniversary to Christopher Chesla!

September 29

Loads of crafting fun thanks to the grandparents — in Saint Paul, MN.

September 29

Happy 4th birthday to our still-little boys! — with Maria Surma Manka and Kenny Lopez.

October 5

Race day for a couple of moms! Good luck Dawn and Kirsten Partenheimer. — with Kirsten Partenheimer.

October 15

St. Paul area folks...if you like to cook and want to bring some variety to what you serve your family, join our meal exchange! We meet monthly to exchange six freezable main courses. Vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes are all represented, so there's something for everyone. It's a great way to meet other families. Message me if you want more details. The next exchange is November 9.

October 25

Took the kids to Ran Ham tonight for their first game of bowling. Dad's score, 135. Oliver's, 101, Soren's 98 and Mom's...84. And that was with bumpers!

November 2

We celebrated Baby Marah last night with delectable desserts, champagne and good company. Congrats Emily Strong and Phil! — with Emily Strong and Devon Pohlman.

November 6

Oliver fell on the floor in a puddle of tears this morning, upset because he had wanted to make a snowman with Daddy. Well, that's one person who's disappointed the 3-6" of snow didn't materialize. We live in Minnesota and it's only November, so there's still hope for him. — with Christopher Chesla.

November 10

Our beloved nanny is leaving! If anyone has leads for a nanny in the St. Paul area who's available full-time and has the stamina for the chaos that comes with taking care of a four-year-old and two-year-old, please message me. Thanks!

November 15

Look who joined us for dinner. Soren sometimes insist we set a place at the table for Snoopy.

November 16

Wishing my brother a great race tomorrow in the Philadelphia Marathon, where he's attempting to qualify for Boston a second time, but this time under the new minimum qualifying time of 3:05. Go Scott!

December 9

The kids started their new daycare this morning. They were doing great and then I just had to sneak one last peak before I left and Soren saw me through the window and burst out crying. Now I wonder how long I have to wait before I can call to get an update without being "that parent". 

December 21

How does Oliver have so much energy? He went skiing for the first time today, sledded for an hour right after skiing and is now planning a puppet show with no signs of slowing down. 

December 22

The professional-sounding singers caroling in Crocus Hill.  How do I get them to come to my house?

December 28

It's a small world. Melissa Vandergriff, a native Texan, who I met in Germany and last hung out with in Warsaw, and who now lives in Cleveland, ran into me on St. Paul's Grand Avenue. Imagine our surprise.