Christmas Fun

Hi Friends!

Hopefully everyone is having a merry merry Christmas!

We started our Christmas celebrations at my aunt's house. Before we left I told Leah to "model" for me. This was the best I could get. She was so silly at the party, letting the boys throw her,  flip her (playfully) but definitely not a girly girl.

Turtle cake! It is so so good. I always forget to take a picture beforehand. This cake is always gone by the night with any family celebration. We had soo much food. It was all very good too. My mom and her sisters are always so good at hosting and preparing the food. The aunt that hosted-every time you come to her house she HAS to feed you. She is soo so caring in all aspects. Not everyone is like that and I tell her you have a "rare" gift. She always makes sure to send you home with a candy bar, or piece of cake or we were at the mall and she got me the Express lip gloss. As I say: its the little things. You'd know what I mean if you knew her :) 

I hope one day I am as close with my sisters as my mom is with hers. This year my aunt basically did not let my mom host it because she did not want it to be hard for us with all the kids and such. So sweet.  

After my aunt's house we came home for present opening. This is just a glimpse of the chaos. This year I refused to wrap gifts. I am becoming bold in saying no ;) Lena took over though. I keep telling my parents to get everyone less gifts. Leah definitely got some fun girly stuff. A princess castle to sit in. A doll set. A dress.  A dress up "princess" dress. A LOT of stuff for her toy kitchen and a cash register. 

This week is fun-filling New Years preparations! 

Blessings, 

Lesya

Christmas Eve

Hi all!

"Have a Merry Merry Christmas, its the best time of the year..."

Sooo has anyone else been preparing for Christmas family parties? Our family sure has! This year we were going to do it at our house but my aunt said she wanted to host it so we're going there tonight! But, back to Thursday...

Thursday night my mother told me to cook something for dinner. I made this "cream cheese chicken with vegetables and pasta dish." Except, it didn't have cream cheese. I had to use up the cooking creme we had. Nevertheless, everyone loved it! I also wish we'd had red peppers. Gives it a nice color. My cell phone camera has this "strong" flash so that explains this picture. We ended up having 4 families of cousins come over randomly (each for a different reason) so it was a fun night.

Friday I went to the mall to finish a few errands off.  There wasn't any parking and boy was it crowded but that's no surprise.

Don't let this image scare you! I was doing crepes and with just a little bit of the batter left, this is what it turned into. Kind of looks like a face to me! Today we have a cake to finish and another family party to go to. 

Hope everyone has a blessed Christmas and always remembers the REASON for the SEASON.

Blessings,

Lesya

December Activites

Hi Friends!

I hope everybody's last weeks of this year are going well!

Along with some very sad days this month their have been good days as well. Well it is the time of year we celebrate Christ's birth and that alone is something to get excited about!

After my last exam (Thurs 15th) I went to have lunch with my preschool teacher friends. One of the assistants hosts a Christmas "party" every year. This year they did it on a day that fit my schedule :) Everything looked so festive and the food was so very good! I always enjoy spending time with them.

We also exchanged homemade gifts. We randomly choose a gift after our name is pulled from a "hat." I got homemade fudge which was real good; the fudge was in baggies and wrapped inside this kitchen cloth. The girls told me that I should put it in my "hope chest." I was like what is that? Well apparently people collect things that one day they'd like to have for when they buy their own homes. Cute idea but if I start buying items I just might run out of space to store them!    

Finally, this Monday and Tuesday I subbed in a 2nd grade classroom. Oh how I loved it! I can not even explain how much I love teaching. Some memorable moments throughout those two days: 

"Miss. L it's just that she was my best friend since kindergarten and I get jealous when she plays with other people. She is ruining my whole life." (A 2nd grader saying this!)

"You're 19?! I thought you were 35!"

"Miss. L, you're not married?" "No" "Oh" (looking at me as though I'm not normal)

"The kids are behaving way better for you than they do for Mrs. Webster" (I think the teacher is very nice...and not strict enough) I have to say I was strict but still nice :) I didn't want what is happening with the boys I tutor to happen here. The boys (7th grade) are so funny and make me laugh. I have no classroom management over them. They also made up a name for me "Miss. Wilkins"

"Can I use my eat-lunch-with-the-teacher pass to eat with you?"

"I always get in trouble for no reason."

This is a google image but the Principal gave me these types of flowers Monday morning when I came in. I thought that was so sweet of him. Clearly I don't get flowers often. Lol.

Blessings,

Lesya

Thoughts...

Hi Friends! 

Well the semester is over. I thought I would have this overwhelming thrill and sense of satisfaction once I submitted my paper...but I didn't. Well I am relieved.  With Jesus taking a mom from our church home, to be with Him, has just impacted me so much. Before I begin my ranting on and on let me say that I know my crying, thinking, and sleepless nights don't help in any way or change the situation but that's just how it is for me (my grieving process). Supposedly I am not sensitive because no I do not cry if I watch a sad movie or see something sad that has not happened in real life, but oh how sensitive I am when real life sadness hits our church. Then I realize I am so sensitive.

Tuesday night I went to the funeral and cried all church service...I was getting so sick of myself because I could not control my tears. I thought I'd be able to stay strong when I hugged the boys but I wasn't.  I'm still crying and can't eat, like I have this "burden." I can't imagine what its like for the family but they (we) have the Holy Spirit our comforter and for that thank you Lord! Of course, their Mom right now is in such a happy place that we can not even imagine what it is like!

Anyway, studying for exams was hard, and taking them was hard when all that was on my mind was this family.

I am thankful that its been so difficult for me to "move on" because I am in constant prayer for the boys and their father. I will never understand why God took away a mom from such great boys but His will is perfect! 

Like my brother Victor said "A mom is the best thing in the world." 

 But if in this world our time with our parents are short, how great is it knowing that one day all families will be reunited in Heaven.

Wayfaring Stranger

Hi Friends
We are indeed strangers on this Earth....as we wait to be taken to our Heavenly home!

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
While traveling through this world below
There is no sickness, toil, or danger
In that bright world to which I go

I know dark clouds will gather o’er me
i know the pathway’s rough and steep
But golden fields lie out before me
Where weary eyes no more shall weep

I’m going there to see my Father
I’m going there no more to roam
I am just going over Jordan
I am going over home.

I’ll soon be free from every trial
This form will rest beneath the sod
I’ll drop the cross of self-denial
And enter in my home with God

I’m going there to see my Savior
Who shed for me His precious blood
I am just going over Jordan
I am just going over home,
I am just going over home

 You can YouTube the song; the version by Selah

Blessings,
Lesya

It Is Well WIth My Soul

Hi all!

This week has been so difficult. Just knowing that another mom from our church went on to be with Jesus. She is the luckiest person in the world having gone to Jesus and I'm sure if she see's us crying she'd tell us not to cry because oh she loves it in Heaven. She is in such a better place now! We can not even imagine how great Heaven is. But here on Earth it's hard to be left behind without a mama, a wife, a friend, a sister; so we grieve.

Anyway, this song has been on my heart with all this going on:

It is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

The history of this song makes it even more profound. A man and his wife living in America lost their only son when he was 4. Later his wife and 4 daughters traveled to Europe while the father stayed behind to take care of some things before he headed to Europe as well. He received a telegram stating "Saved Alone." When he made his journey the captain of the ship called him over and said this was where your daughters died (the place the ship had sank) and at that moment this man wrote the song: It Is Well With My Soul. It is also based on 2 Kings 4:26. Also reminds me of Job in the Bible. Only God knows what He does and for what purpose!

To read the story more in depth here is the link: http://www.biblestudycharts.com/A_Daily_Hymn.html

Just scroll down.

Blessings,

Lesya

Birthday(s)!

A very happy Birthday goes out to Yulia today!!!

My cousin is 20 years old today!! This is a picture of us at our annual family camp...anyway

I grew up with her. When we were younger we'd sleepover each others houses and our parents would be calling each other by the end of the evening because we would have a fight. I remember those days...we could not have a sleepover without getting into an argument. Anyway, Yulia is one of the most kind heart-ed people I know (Natalya is the other one). She will do anything for you, even if she says no she'll still go and do it. 

She is so good with kids too! My siblings love her and I know teaching is right for her. Who knows maybe one day we'll be moving to find teaching jobs together! Like I say family is family; they'll always be there no matter what.

God bless you Yulia! I wish I had the time to write more but I have exams this week and therefore don't have time. 

Also my little cousin Karina turned 4 years old today!

She's my lovely little cousin whom our kids always hang out with. Andrew loves her and boy it's easy for her to be boss. She is also finally a big sister to a baby brother!

Blessings,
Lesya

Little Bear, little bear what do you see?

...I see snow for the first time this year!

(It really was her first time; after she woke up I brought her downstairs and told her there was a "surprise" outside)

Little Bear little bear...looks like you're ready for hibernation

(She really was yawning...she had just woken up that morning)

Funny saying from her: I always say you're my little dotsa (girl) and she always says no I'm mom's little dotsa...the other day when my mom was hugging her and telling her that she was her little dotsa Leah said, "Mom I will go with Lesya so she can get her own little dotsa...she can take your car and we will go to the store together." So cute! She even understands our car situation...my red car broke and Roman's car is broken...and the other car we have is giving out so we were laughing that my mom will have to drive my dad to work in the morning and drive everyone around to where they have to be everyday. From 5 cars to 1 car in a month. 

Blessings,

Lesya

Getting Organized

Hi Friends!

I just wanted to share what I say to be the most useful organizational tool in my room. I have so much "stuff" I buy thinking this would be great for this, etc and then I find out that it doesn't make such a big difference in organizing my room. This has, however, prevented me countless times from roaming around my room looking for hair ties! I don't know what about you guys, but hair ties are one of those things that you can never have enough of because they "disappear," or at least in my experiences! My aunt actually gifted this to my sister and I.

Currently I am looking for a way to organize my scarves....any ideas? (I have them on a hanger in my closet right now, but I don't have much room with all the clothes)

This might be a bad picture...its on a pink circular base. Instead of rings, hair ties it is! No, I don't where the sparkly ties; Lena does. 

Blessings,

Lesya

And Another Birthday :)

Hi everyone!

21 years ago today a very special person was born...

Tanya.

She is the kind of person that will laugh or cry with you. Usually she's full of positive energy...not as often as of lately...hmm don't let that change Miss. Tanya!

Anyway, there is a lot to say about this girl. She's just so sweet and so "laid back" (usually just goes with the flow).  I always tell her she's the kind of girl that if you're having a bad day, she'll make it a whole lot better. She knows exactly what to say. She's also, with me, very straight forward which I like because I know she feels comfortable telling me where she disagrees (or agrees).

I love being able to work alongside her with the cell groups and seeing her praise Jesus through her singing. I am her biggest fan! I tell her: if you want a list of songs I think you should sing, then I can have it written up for you in a few short minutes. Through facebook I used to always send her songs she should sing. I don't think I'll stop anytime soon. I love her solo singing :)

She is also a very encouraging person. We love you Tanya.

Be blessed.

Blessings,

Lesya

Monday Thoughts

Hi all!

Just some random "Monday Thoughts" I'm going to record here.

 I do not like driving on rainy roads at night...actually I find it easier when there are less cars and lights around. Can't wait for dark and snowy driving...

Speaking of cars and driving...I love our family car situation. It had forced our family to communicate often; not that we don't communicate enough but these car conversations are always taking place such as: oh well I was going to go then, but if you need the car I'll go later. No it's okay, you can drive me, No, I'll stay home. I'll ask someone to get me. Go, go it's okay if I'm late. When will you be home? I need the car and so forth. My car is basically fixed except that my father disapproves of the paint job so that will slow the process down. Again. Hopefully end of next week I'll have my car...right when exams end and I don't truly "need" it. Fine with me though!

I am loving the Christmas season. Love the songs being played on the radio; the upcoming Christmas church services and just the idea of a white Christmas free of school work,  and relaxing at home with the family during cold December nights. I am excited for New Years planning and cell group meetings. Basically, can you tell I am anxious for school to be over with? Unlike last year, I will actually have a winter break.

Yes everyone, God bless you on your finals! I am soo worn out from school. This semester I did not have a weekend where I did not do at least 8 hours of homework, however this is my last week of class and next week after finals I'm done! Lord give me strength! I'm in a position right now where I have to maintain my grades where they are at, so I don't want to get a B on anything or else I will be greatly disappointed. Also I am feeling sick. I don't know, maybe it is all this schooling, but I always feel tired ; like I need sleep during the day even when I had a good nights sleep. My head always feels, I don't know, heavy? I'm also back with my sleeping problems...can't fall asleep for at least an hour every night. Anyway I am just going to complain from here on so I'll stop there..next post I'll be positive ;)

Blessings,

Lesya

I Agree.

Hi friends!

I hope everybody had a productive Saturday.

We had your L.I.F.E. (cell group acronym) meeting this morning at my house. 10 AM...everybody early or on time! Loving it! That's beside the point; we are basically starting our New Years planning processes and it is so exciting...I would just like to leave this phrase with you to think about.  

I never looked at this subject from this perspective, but I agree; could be so true for some people.

Also, I am really into this Winter/Christmas season. Changed my blog around a little during my "homework break" at my Grandparents house today (I go to their house to do homework because its an environment conducive to learning) Hope you enjoy and may this spirit of Christmas put you into a good mood always! I'm struggling what that at the moment wondering how I am going to write 4 more lengthy papers and study for 3 exams, for which I haven't started studying for yet, in the next week in a half and read a novel (for one of my classes have to read a full novel for the last day of class, like seriously?) oh well...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me...I can do all things through Christ...I can do all things....I can...

Blessings,

Lesya

Thanksgiving

Hi friends!

I thought I should post a little about our family Thanksgiving as I've mentioned I would. 

Anyway, there is soo much to be thankful for and I'm sure y'all would agree. 

And when we don't?...remember everything that happens or does not happen is God's perfect will! Since it's perfect, be thankful for what ever circumstance you're in.

When I got into the car accident I thought, "God, why?? You could have intervened in a way so that it wouldn't happen...but he chose to let it happen. It was his will; maybe to teach me to be more cautious, maybe something even worse would have happened if I continued on driving...only He knows and we should be so thankful for that :) 

The "thing" I'm most thankful for is that I know Jesus. We should always be thankful for that but I'm just very particularly thankful for this, this time of year. When I'm worried, stressed, questioning what I'm doing for God, etc. I am so very thankful I can lay my burdens down at the cross, knowing He will take care of any "situation" I'm in.

Taras and I. It's quite a task to take a picture with him, but Thanksgiving he didn't mind...maybe because I complimented him. LOL.

They matched...it was at Miss. Irina's house that we had Thanksgiving. Don't they look so cute?

Our family parties are FULL of boys! And two more baby boys have been added to the mix. So, we get to do fun things like pyramids and everybody making random noises/yelling for fun (ok well us girls Irina, Lena, and I (Leah is too young; Natasha is married) join in on the fun sometimes ;) but we are greatly outnumbered!)...and these are definitely not all the boys in the pyramid.

Family. Something I am always thankful for.

Blessings,

Lesya