Cooking for New Years

It is almost time to welcome the New Year! Like every year, our youth is having a youth New Years Party so this week starting the day after Christmas we began cooking and baking.

Tanya washing the dishes and Diana counting the crusts-so hardworking. My sister begged to help and she has really been a help. She catches on quick with what needs to be done and is so capable. It's only getting busier by the day but I love working in the kitchen, especially if a lot is accomplished. 

Blessings,

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has had a blessed Christmas.

Leah and her gifts insisted I take a picture of her before they headed to the family party. Leah has been loving me so much lately! I don't know why but I sure do appreciate it as she has never acted "lovely" towards me.

I did not go to the family party. I totally did not follow my "family first" rule. I sorta regret it, but caroling was such a blessing! We went to the Open Door Mission to sing to the people there which made it all worth it. Of course, I have wonderful friends who always make everything fun :)

My sister took this photo-as you can see it is very blurry. This Christmas I am thankful for the patience these siblings teach me especially in the past few days. The house has been loud and they are always making messes and pretty much enjoying their Winter break. Today I prayed God would give me strength to react calmly with them because they have been "off the walls!" But of course, I love them and am thankful to be in such a large family-although sometimes I wonder why God thought I could handle being the eldest girl amongst many boys and little sisters because I don't know if I'm as capable as other girls who are in big families (if that makes any sense).

Blessings,

Socializing

In the past few weeks I feel like I've gone out to eat with friends 6 out of the 7 days in the week. Yes, I'm exaggerating but I've been eating out so much. 

I told Tanya Monday night that I was not impressed with Chipotle. She told me I got the wrong thing. We decided to have lunch the following day and she would show me what is good. Yulia and Diana joined also. 

What Diana was saying sure seems important judging my body language.

I on the other hand must of been saying something silly as Tanya took these "action" shots.

Later that night, although I was so exhausted I went to my brother and sister-in-laws house. We ate, chatted-caught up as we haven't talked in a while! 

Blessings,

Kindergarteners and Friends

Last Friday I subbed in a Kindergarten classroom. The kids were so great and I had so much fun. Again, it made me happy to think that I will be going to work everyday, when I am done with school, excited for the day. Working with kids is truly a beautiful environment to work in. (Unless you don't pray for the Lord to give you patience and love for each child)!

             The teacher's assistant snapped this photo of me. We were learning literacy through the arts :)

Afterwards I had an appointment to get my hair done. Then Angela and I had plans to grab dinner at Chipotle-my first time eating here. We had a great time and those are fake earrings Angela likes to put on. She is so funny. We are so different but so alike. A few weeks ago my mom told me that she does not think I'll ever find the kind of friend Angela was back when we were younger. My mom said she feels like she is ours when she comes over. Clearly, the sister my age I never had! Now we have to make time to hang out since our schedules are so different. 
 

Blessings,

Preschool Lunch

(Blogger is being really silly tonight, so disregard the strange format)

Just like last year, last Thursday we had a Christmas brunch. One of the preschool teacher's hosts it because she is just such a great cook! 

As expected, the food was just so good. I will be adding some new recipes to my collection.

The host and I. Her family reminds me of a "perfect Christian family." I know no family is perfect, but their kids are great, they are in ministry-her husband serves as a youth pastor, they make family time a priority and Jesus is truly in the center of their family. They have it all together in other words.

            We also do what we call "grab bags." We bring in something homemade and pick a bag.  

This was what was in my grab bag. A "homemade" no-sew scarf and peppermint chocolate bark in cookie cutters. It was soo good.

Later that night, we went out to celebrate my cousin Yulia's 21st birthday. We had a good time at a little Italian cafe. In between these celebrations I was able to do some shopping for New Years and then for Mexico. Life seems to always be so busy-even if it's school break. 

New York City Hurricane Relief Trip

I'm a week behind on blogging. I have so much I want to be sure I write down, but since I have been spending the nights at my aunt's house and just been really busy, I was always too exhausted to blog at the end of the day. I'll get caught up this week now that I'm back at my house.

Last weekend we went to NYC.

Some of us girls in the city after a long day of work-only 5 hours but I was so sore! I should probably do more manual work, or just start going to the gym again.

One thing that really stood out to me from anything else was just how thankful these people were to us and not knowing how to respond to their thanksgivings. They would say "I'll never forget you" or "It's nice to see someone practice what others preach" or simply "Thank you so much." I don't know I could not find the words to respond. I could not say your welcome because it was not like I was doing this as this "extra deed." This is something we are called to do. I hope someone would do the same for me if I were ever in that situation. It's our duty, not an act of kindness. We should feel priviledged that we are able to help these people. (I don't know if I'm making any sense to you)!  

Anyway, afterwards we went to see the huge lit up tree....after admiring it, as seen below, the lights went out. How often does someone witness something like that?! 

My Last Week of School

For this semester's last week of school, I did not have any major assignments due-those were assigned earlier in the semester which I am so thankful for! However, the week was very exhausting because there was still so much to do.

 One day I came into work at the Student Retention Center and they had this on my desk. The staff was so sweet to put together holiday gift baggies with homemade biscotte, juice, candy, and a twirl stray. It's the little things that matter. Definitely put a smile on my face. I am so blessed to work there. 

 Tuesday was my last official day at my field experience placement with the 1st graders. They gave me this little cup to put my pencils (or plant) in for when I am a teacher. They gave me a memory book of what they remember me helping them with. The teacher gave me a card and a Tim Horton's gift card. So sweet. God really blessed me with such a wonderful classroom where I learned so much. Every time I would go in there it was reaffirmation to me of why I am in this career. 

This was Friday after Olga and I had our official last class of the semester. We were D.O.N.E. One of the offices/programs held a party so we had food and took dessert down to my work. I had to stay in the office until it closed at 2, so Olga kept me company and we had a nice three hour talk. All semester long she would come into my work and we would hang out. She is such a blessing to me, especially with the school journey. She was so encouraging and we created so many wonderful college memories. I know we'll look back and miss the so many hours we were together since next semester is Student Teaching and we will go our own separate ways. 

On Friday, at 2:00 I closed the office and headed to help with transfer student orientation. My job has so much variety to it. At orientation, I helped people sign in and directed them to where they needed to go. One thing I love about my job is that I choose my own hours. God has always blessed me with the most amazing jobs-jobs have always fallen into my hands. I pray that it will be the same way with my career! 

Blessings,

Salsa Chicken

I think I've mentioned that I've been spending the night at my aunt's house for the past week because her husband is out of town. Last night we decided that we would try a new chicken recipe so I decided we would make salsa chicken since Nina was being picky when we started looking at recipes! 
Tonight we made it when I came home from school. I loved it so I thought I'd share it with you all. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

Ingredients:
4 boneless chicken breasts cut in half (I'll probably use chicken tenders next time-just my preference)
1 packet of Taco Seasoning Mix
1 1/2 cup salsa (I used our favorite homemade one)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or sharp cheddar)
Sour cream

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. 
Coat chicken in the taco seasoning mix.
Spread salsa over each chicken piece. 
Bake for 30 minutes, or until juices run clear. (Don't overcook-the chicken won't be as moist)
Sprinkle cheese on top and continue baking for 3 minutes or until it cheese melts. 
Serve with sour cream if desired. 
Enjoy!

This recipe is so quick and easy and so good. By the way, if you don't like the smell of taco seasoning it might bother you. The recipe is a great way for me to use up our homemade salsa that we have so much of!

Blessings,

Natalya's Birthday

On November 30th my friend Natalya turned 20 years old. We went out for dinner. Tanya and I were the only ones who could make it but we had a great time regardless.

We went to Bad Apples. I think I could dine their weekly. The food is soo good. I had fish this time around and the sauce was simply amazing.

Although Diana could not come (she was busy helping with Sandy Relief) she sent her gift over-an apron. Natalya has really been into cooking and baking lately so this gift suited her just right. Natalya has been a good friend of mine for a few years now and we always have so much fun together. I don't know if it is because we are both very honest, and blunt (her a little more than I) but we see so much eye to eye.  She came over my house after the dinner and we chatted away-we always make the best memories when just the two of us hang out.

I can't forget that I went to a Sunday School teacher's seminar/lecture Friday and Saturday before Natalya's birthday dinner. It was the best professional development lecture I've had regarding Sunday School Teaching. I am so glad I went this past weekend.

Blessings,

Fall 2012 Schedule

I haven't realized that I've never posted this fall's schedule. One thing I love about college is that it is so structured, but at the same time, so versatile.
It changes every semester.  I want to remember my schedules from each semester. This semester has been pretty laid back-I did not feel as though I was constantly on the go-or maybe I got used to it.
So this fall my schedule went like this:

Monday
Diverse Learner Math Class 8-10:45
Retention Office (work) 10:45-4ish
Babysitting 5:30-9:30

Tuesday
Get homework done, etc. 8-9:00
Field Experience 10-3:00
Historical Fiction Capstone Class 3:30-4:45
Tutoring 5:10-7:10
I always come home feelings so exhausted but almost always have homework to do

Wednesday
Language Learner Class 8-10:45
Retention Office (work) 10:45-3:30
Piano 4-4:30
Cell Group 5:30-7:00
Choir 7-9:00

Thursday
Pre-school 9:30-11:30
Retention Office (work) 12-3:15
Historical Fiction Capstone Class 3:30-4:45
Assessments of Special Education Class 5:00-7:45
Youth Prayer 8:00-9:30

Friday
Diverse Learner Science Class 8-10:45
Retention Office (work) 10:45-4ish
Evening prayer service 7-9:00

Weekends: Homework, trips, parties, church conferences, teaching conferences. etc.
This is the first semester since I started the program that I actually had weekends where I did not touch my school work at all. It wasn't that I did not have as much work-I just became very good at time management I guess.

Blessings,

Everything Changed

Hi all.

I stumbled upon this song on another blog and thought it was beautiful.
A song reminding us of the reason to celebrate this season-Christ's birth!

Blessings,

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Just when I thought maybe this roller coaster called life would slow down, become less bumpy (read last post), life decided to take a turn into an unwanted direction.

This morning I found out that another guy from my church who I went to school with, Stan was in a serious car accident. He was hit head on by another driver who was heading north on a south-bound road. So sad.

In my last post I said that no matter the twists and turns in life we must pass through, I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and trust in Him alone. Little did I know that those words would encourage me and serve as a reminder in this situation, two days later.

Keep Stan in your prayers. We are the body of Christ so if one part is suffering, the others do too. It's so hard to imagine what the family is going through and so difficult to be patient as so much is unknown right now.

I pray the Lord gives them strength, peace, and patience in the days ahead. I pray the Lord gives the doctors wisdom to do what is best, and most of all I pray for God's mercy on leading and healing Stan through this situation. I believe His life is already a miracle, considering the condition of his car. I pray and believe the Lord will use Him to serve as a testimony to others of his mighty hand of mercy and grace. Finally, I pray for the other driver-may the Lord have mercy on him and heal him and lead him to the Cross.  

(P.S. -blog is back up for all:) ) 

Blessings,

Roller Coaster

I feel like I am neglecting this blog, and I don't want that-I want to keep on writing what's happening daily-which is clearly not happening. One day life will slow down...

Life has been so busy and exhausting lately, but I am not complaining :) 

Now I can't seem to upload any photos. (Oh well. I want to get to sleep as soon as possible because I have a long day tomorrow, so I'll skip the pictures).

Tonight my aunt called and asked that I would go to the emergency room with her. I did not know what to think, but got home from choir in record time. My little cousin was running a high fever so my aunt wanted to have piece of mind, or find out if anything was wrong. We were there for a good 2.5 hours, but praise God everything looked fine. Due to this situation I wasn't able to do homework like I'd planned (doesn't that always happen?), and I am too tired now so it'll just do it early tomorrow, before I leave to school.

Why am I telling you this? Or why am I writing this for myself? Well, life throws twists and turns, and worries and happiness-especially this week for me, but what's most important is that I keep my eyes on Jesus and trust in Him alone.  I went to a funeral Monday, where my grandparents' neighbor died, and it was just another sad scene. No matter the age, death is always hard-especially when you know the family. Life is no smooth ride-definitely a roller coaster. 

Blessings, 

Thanksgiving Break

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. No matter the circumstances we may be in, we should always be thankful for the death of Christ on the Cross and for the eternal life we have through Jesus Christ!

This was what my Thanksgiving break looked like. I apologize for the awful quality of the photos. I'm still getting a hang on the iPhone and need to focus the pictures better. Also, when I send the pictures from my phone I think I need to send them in actual size, if you all know what I'm talking about.

Celebrated Diana's birthday by going out for sushi, then a little Italian cafe.

We hosted Thanksgiving this year at our house. We always have so much fun preparing in the kitchen-especially if the little kids aren't there to bother or begging to help us.

I love this salad. My aunt brought it in.

A classic. My other aunt brought this one in. (Yes, my mom and I actually did make some a lot of other salads, appetizers, and sides).

We had a bunch of desserts. My well-rounded cousin (who is the go-to person for mini cupcakes) made these and they were so GOOD. My other cousin made a German Chocolate Cake. I have a picture, but just didn't upload it. I loved it! I made pecan pies and apple strudel squares.

Blessings,
Lesya

A Day of Wonderful People's Birthdays!

Today it is the birthday of 3 of my very favorite people! 

The youngest. 

Leah, my baby sister is 4 years old!! She got her first gift from her cousin Karina on Monday-girl legos. She LOVES legos, and has been playing with them every since. She is such a joy, and I will never stop talking about her here on the blog as long as she keeps up her feisty attitude and smart comments.

Diana! 

 

How sad that I don't have a recent picture of us-and I was just over her house last night. I like this picture though, from a few years back! This picture totally characterizes how we are, when we're together. Anyway, Diana and I have so much in common and have similar desires, and expectations for ourselves. She is a God-sent friend and I cannot begin to describe our friendship. It is very simple, real, blessed, with a purpose, and fun! Last night I found out we even "think alike" but don't voice those things sometimes because they aren't relevant etc., so when we do, we are surprise to find out "oh you thought the same thing too?!"

Finally, 

My aunt Galina. I don't think she would appreciate if I put her picture up. This is an aunt with four boys who serves her family like few people I know. She is so HARD WORKING, and won't sleep to make sure things like food are done, if she has work the next day. You would never think she works outside the home, because she works so hard to get everything done for her family. She is so caring and it has basically become a rule that if you come to her house, you have to eat. She's one of my favorite aunt's that's for sure. My mom and her are VERY close, and sometimes people think they are twins. Maybe that's why I love her so much-because she is so much like her sister, my mom.

Blessings,

New Additions!

Hi all. 

We are hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year for my mom's side of the family. 

I'm "extra" exciting for two special reasons:

Baby Girl Vanessa Rose.

Baby Boy Johnathan David.

Last Thanksgiving we didn't have any idea that we would have 2 more bundles of joy. This Thanksgiving we have these two bundles from my mom's side of the family-the cousins. From my dad's side of the family, there are also two additions! A baby girl, Evelyna and baby boy due in January-it's my aunt's having the babies on my Dad's side of the family.
I miss having a baby in the family sooo much that I find myself thinking about being able to hold a little baby and ask my aunt and cousins to send me pictures of their babies all the time. If I had more time, I would be over and holding these babies daily!

Blessings

Philly Trip

Hi all.

Our youth choir was invited to sing in Philadelphia at a Prayer Conference. We had a blessed time. I was not going to blog this, but I was looking through my previous entries and was reminded of the trips I took with friends, or the youth-that I had totally forgotten about. So, this one is also going up, so that I can remember it for as long as I have this blog :)

 Saturday evening, after church and dinner we went to the city of Philadelphia. It was sooo nice! We prayed on these "grand" steps and sang. The youth stayed at a hotel for the night. The bus ride was fun as well-there are few things that are not enjoyable when you are with friends or the people you love. This trip was also such a nice break from the mundane of the everyday college life. 

Blessings,
Lesya

November 15th

Hi all. 

November 15th-a day I've been wanted to be over with since the beginning of the semester. 
You see back when I started the English major I was told there is these huge 15-18 page research paper you have to do for your last English course. At that point, it was scary. I was used to writing 4-5 pages max! In taking at least 10 English classes, I grew comfortable with writing lengthier papers. 
This semester I am taking my last English class ever. It's definitely bittersweet. I came in knowing there was going to be this paper I had to write. Well, guess what? Today I submitted it and I am D.O.N.E.. I am so relieved. 
It was such a long process because I had to write a proposal, make an argument, find sources (so difficult!) to use in the research paper, and have a topic that I can easily fill 15-18 pages with. This past month all that was on the back of my mind as I gathered everything I needed to write it. It was only God who gave me wisdom to create an argument and write this paper. 

My well-rounded cousin edited my paper when I just had no strength left to keep reading it over and over again. It seemed like I could make changes every single time I read it. That's how it always is with papers though. Thank you again Ira for spending an hour of your life reading a paper that won't affect me in life-although it does mark this major milestone of completing the English major.

Today I also got an iPhone. My patience was really tested since I had to wait 40 minutes to be served.

Blessings,
Lesya
 

Oh the Lord's Mecry

About a year ago, (Nov 3rd I believe)  I got into a car accident. It's hard for me to think back and reflect on those days because I felt soooo bad for myself, but especially for my dad who would actually have to deal with the damage, etc. 

Today, (Nov 13th, year later) I got into another car accident. This time I was not at fault, but the poor girl, she was crying and all over the place. I felt so bad. Praise the Lord, she got only the back corner of my car, so I can continue to drive it, but the damage is done, and it will have to be repaired.Again. The girl basically, started driving although I haven't moved yet at one of those "circle" systems. 

Although this was a "minor" accident, it still shook me up. I remember being the one to have caused an accident, so I know how it felt for her. But I also could not believe it had happened to me. Again. My hands are still shaking. However, I am so humbled by the Lord's mercy and protection. Every time.  To make things even more "exciting" I left my wallet at home. Thankfully I had my Teacher Candidate ID with my name on it, so he was able to look up the information that way.

This morning I spent more time than usual with God, praying and reading the Word. I told God I felt like He was silent, and to show me His hand-to reveal Himself to me today clearly. He did just that. He showed me that yet again His hand is upon me, and He is protecting and guiding me. It could have been sooo much worse, she could have been coming at me with great speed, and who knows what would have happened then. 

This is yet another ordinary testimony that sooo many others could relate with, but no matter how great or how small the testimony, it is never small enough not to thank Jesus for his mercy and grace.

Blessings,
Lesya

SuperMom

Hi all. 

I don't think I can ever speak too highly of my mom. 
She is so hardworking, sacrificial, funny, caring, patient, and I can go on and on...
So last Sunday when my aunt asked her to go to North Carolina to visit my aunt, my mom's sister-in-law, we all told her to go! 
We wanted her to have a little getaway, and a fun filled weekend.

She wouldn't have to and kept saying, I can't leave the kids...the household chores...the packing...making food, etc. Tons of excuses. I reassured her that I was 20 years old and more than capable of handling the "household" duties. So, we basically made her go, against her will.

She did enjoy it and had a good time. 

Us at home? We did perfectly fine. Nick and Mark actually emptied and put the dishes in the dishwasher-I don't think they've ever done it before. The house was strangely always clean on a weekend. (It must be my mom and Lena and Victor who make the mess (they went too) lol).  
Leah and Andrew did great too. Monday morning I was helping Andrew get ready for school and asked him what else I could do. He said, you can't give me what I want I want mom. It was so cute. 

I felt like superwoman too sometimes ;) I did all the cooking all weekend-except Saturday morning when Nick made eggs, and for that I felt so bad because I thought I should have been the one cooking. Am I becoming like my mom? I came home Monday at 4:45, made dinner and left a half hour later for babysitting. I felt so accomplished because I got dinner on the table in such a short time, and again, felt like a superwoman full of responsibilities inside and outside the home because of school.

Of course we were all glad when mom returned-can't live without her, but I hope she realizes that she should and could go on little getaways once in a while without the house getting out of control.

Blessings,
Lesya

Hurricane Sandy

Hi all. 

Quite frankly, the hurricane information coming in was so exciting to me. I checked the news Monday all day. It seemed so "adventurous." However, the deaths, the many people left without homes, the power outages, and the millions and millions of dollars in damage show just how minimal our capabilities as humans are, how minimal we are, and how powerful God's nature is.

Today I read a passage in the scripture that I wanted to share. 
Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the Lord and the fire died down. So that place was called Taberah, because fire from the Lord had burned among them.
                                                                                                                           Numbers 11:1-3

I thought, wow. How often do I complain? How often do I anger God? It is a scary thing to think about the Lord's wrath coming down on us-people who have sooo much, but complain, don't follow the Word, etc. To me the question is, how long will the Lord withhold his wrath? As a nation, we are becoming ungodly, and full of selfish ambition.

But the Lord has been merciful! Disasters like Hurricane Sandy, droughts, etc. makes me wonder if people realize that maybe this is the Lord knocking, trying to tell a nation which was built on Goldy principle's to repent, and turn from our wicked ways.

Just like the people who were warned to evacuate their homes because of the hurricane, through such disasters I think the Lord is sending a warning to His children, His world. The content of the warning is a different one for every person.

Blessings,
Lesya

Leah Sayings

Hi all. 

I just wanted to write down a few Leah sayings that I have written in my phone.

I was making pumpkin pie and Leah asked what I was making etc. 

She said, "I told you, I don't like pumpkin pie. I tried it yesterday and I didn't like it. I tried it with salt." 
"Leah, we didn't have pumpkin pie yesterday. How did you try it?"
Her response: "God gives us different kinds of salt. Do you need help making it?" (LOL!)

Then she started saying,  "Mom made the wrong ingredients. God tried it and he said like this (shows a thumbs down sign) He didn't like it. 

Are those the right ingredients you are using? (Yes Leah, these are the right ingredients. I didn't know she know the word ingredients!) 

Also, she talks about her friend "Selily" or something-how they did this or that together. I ask, so how do you know her? I am friends with her Lesya. I go to her house. No Leah, you don't. I don't think this friend even exists!

Lesya, I wear my glasses all the time. My mom told me to do that.
Leah, I didn't know you wore glasses? 
Yes I do she said. And showed me her sunglasses!

Today, I was trying to take a nap between services because when you have so much homework to do-but don't know where to start-you just don't work on any of it, and Leah kept saying, you need to read me this book. It was a chapter book she couldn't understand!  I got Leah really into loving books so now she bothers me to read her a book. all. the. time. Sometimes if they are books she doesn't understand, I ask her, what was that about and she saying I don't know and tells me to keep reading!

Blessings,
Lesya

Olga's Birthday

Hi all.

Wednesday Olga, Ashley and I went out to Bad Apples to celebrate Olga's birthday. 

 Their food was so great. We went on talking for longer than expected-all of us trying to put off doing homework. 

For dessert we ordered baklava with fig and bacon (and honey). It was so good and executed beautifully!

Also, I have to write down that today Diana and I met about doing New Years. It was so funny because everything she said she was thinking about, I was too. She said she was kept awake at night by thinking about what the menu should be. After she asked me to be her chef #2, I too stayed awake at night because I was thinking and thinking about what we should have on the menu. Dishes that she said, I had the same ones in mind. Other silly things she said she was thinking about, I too was thinking about them. It seems to me that we very well may be the perfect pair in the kitchen.

Blessings, 

Lesya

I Just Laugh

Hi all. 

When I get nervous I laugh. Seriously. 

I'm laughing these past few days because in the history of my college career, I've never had so many assignments due for one class in the last 6 weeks of classes,  than I do this semester in my literacy class. We have 2, 3, and sometimes 4 things due every week from now on. It is all time consuming work. Unrealistic of this professor, but I laugh. Olga and I have no words for this professors due date planning.

I'm laughing because I have a 15-18 page research paper due November 15th and I haven't started it yet. It seems still so far away-but it's not. I've done short research papers in the past and it is sooo time consuming. Trying not to think about it. I just like to think that in 6-7 weeks I will be done!

I'm also laughing because I got involved in yet another little situation. A literacy club on campus. I came to the first meeting because I really do LOVE literacy. It's my favorite thing to teach and to learn about. It's a newly forming club so when they asked who would like to be on the "board" of this club, I thought why not? Three others raised their hands after me. Now though, when we have to plan what we will do at every meeting, it seems to fall into my hands to do. What did I get myself into? I think to myself. We'll see how it goes. I feel like I am basically running the club right now :/ It's not a good thing when you want to do a good job, but don't have the time to do it.

I'm also laughing because Diana and I might be cooking for New Years. I have no words for this. It simply makes me nervous laugh. I do have to add that I love "the kitchen" so I am more excited and privileged than nervous. I really think this could actually work.

Finally, I'm laughing because I can't sleep. I've gone to sleep so easily these past few months. Now though it's the exact opposite. I lay away until late, and wake up before the alarm-tired, but can't fall back asleep. I don't feel "stressed" even though it sounds like it, but I'm thinking that maybe 5 hours of sleep is what my body needs. These past 2 nights I did not sleep well, but during the day I do not feel very tired, so time will tell. I don't have much time to sleep these next 6-7 weeks anyway.  

Blessings,
Lesya

Frazzled

Hi all. 

(At this point my blog is private for a few days, weeks, months. I don't know for how long at this point.)

So the sentence "hi all" doesn't seem fitting for now, but that is what it's been, and I'll keep it that way. I will be putting the blog back for all readers in a bit anyway. 

I am feeling so worn out right now-I don't even know if that is the word I'm looking for. 

The other day my cousin told me that she didn't know how I did it. Perfect human being, she said. 

 But I don't do it. My life becomes so overwhelming sometimes, and it's not because of school. 

For example, today I planned on coming home, practicing the piano, doing some homework, and checking out plane tickets for Ukraine. I came home to a house full of people. My mom's cousin came over to visit and it was so nice to see her, but I can get nothing done. They are probably staying for a few days. It's too loud to practice the piano, kids are all over the house playing with their new friend-their little son is 5. The kitchen is full of dishes, and the living room is covered with toys. I can't relax or get anything done in this atmosphere. Also, Lena needed help with her homework and gets frustrated while I try to help. I too, became impatient because I did not plan on spending a good half hour with her.

 I don't want to complain, and I am coming off as complaining. I want to be content but it is so hard. I even told my mom tonight about how I was feeling when she wasn't around everyone else-she totally understands. She said she thought it would get a little more activity free around here this fall, but it hasn't. 

So, when you come home, thinking you will be able to do this and that, and can't, because there are constant parties/people over, it gets overwhelming, especially after my usual long days. I love having people over. I say when I have my own house, I would love to host parties and such all the time. But here at home, it is getting out of hand it seems like. I feel like our house is a train station with people always in and out.

I know that this is only for a season, and one day I'm going to miss it. I would not change our big family for anything-but sometimes I want to change the amount of "fun" that comes with that, aka: people always coming over. 

Days like tonight, I feel like I can't handle it anymore. Maybe I'm just impatient, or I'm beginning losing my patience.  I don't know. 

Blessings,

Lesya

This Leah Girl

Hi all.

Andrew and Leah are always so silly, but I have not written up lately, what they say.  When my phone is near me I record what they say so that I have it when I go to post it. 

One day I come into my room and Leah is sitting on the floor, so I said hi what are you doing in here? Her response: Lesya, you have to be nice to your sister Lena if you want a sister. I say, "but I am nice." She responds with, "you have to be nice to your sister I told you." I do not know what she was thinking, and what made to say that but it made my mom and I laugh. It's also so interesting to see her facial expressions-she is so serious.

She loves listening to "5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" on youtube. Then she walks around repeating it over and over-to the point where I get annoyed of the repetition-but it is so cute!

She also loves learning her letters on the computer-and she is a quick learner. She will definitely be ready for Kindergarten next year, even though she will still be 4 years old-that is, if my mom does not change her mind about letting her go next year. She wants to keep her little for as long as possible it seems-but Leah does not act like the baby of the family at all. 

 

Roman and Alena took the kids to their house Monday night and the next day Leah wakes up and casually says-Lesya, can you drop me off at Roman's house, referring to it like she own's the place. Usually she would be like, Lesya can I come over Karina's (her cousin's) house, can you drive me? When she was getting ready to go she took stickers to give to Alena because she said she didn't need them anymore. Lena told her to give something else, I forgot what, but Leah said, no I still need that-I don't need these stickers so I am giving them to her. So funny! 

 One thing about Leah is that if she want to speak to you-she will. If not, she will ignore you no matter how much you ask her to answer you-she pretends she does not hear you. Also, she is so honest. She can easily tell my grandpa not to look at her because she does not want him too, or to stop singing because she does not want to listen.

  

When someone makes her sad by saying that she cannot watch Arthur anymore on the computer, she puts on this "fake sad" face and wants someone to ask her whats wrong. I always do, and she starts talking in this pretend sad voice, like she is about to cry and wants you to hug her. 

 Princesses? Yes, she is still into being a pretty princess and always asks if her clothes match! 

And finally, I know I've shared that a lot of times sometimes, she does not like me. I mean I come home and want to hug her, and she runs and screams-scares the family! Still happens several times a week, but getting better! Funny though, how when she wants something I am the first person she goes to from all the siblings. 

Currently, she is sleeping with me-every night she tells me that tomorrow she will. Finally, today she actually wanted to. I am so blessed to have a little sister. Those of you who don't-well, too bad for you. Little sisters bring so much love and joy! 

Blessings,

Lesya

Fall Decor

Hi all. 

I've always envied people who are so great at decorating, and being so crafty. I desire to have that quality as it will come in handy during my teaching career. You learn with time, but it seems like some people have a natural ability to decorate their houses, classrooms, etc. and do a very good job. Others, on the other hand, have to put in much effort to accomplish half of what those 'naturally abled' people can do.

So this fall, I've seen so many cute things on pinterest and other blogs and have been really inspired to decorate for the season(s). For our dining room, as pictured, I went to the store and got a few things, used some of what I had, and borrowed whatever else I needed-like the vase in the picture. I am the last person to go around borrowing things, but when Diana brought this vase over I quickly accepted it. I really need to run to the store and get the same one, but this borrowing situation works too ;) I've done a few other things around the house. My mother is not fond of this new hobby of mine, but lets me "pursue" it nonetheless.

Blessings,

Lesya

Wedding Weekend

Hi all. 

This weekend was so much fun. I feel like I'm on vacation because I did not touch my books all weekend and we have today and Tuesday off for mid-term break. I have no desire to pick up the books. I hope I won't regret it later when I have sleepless nights because of school work.

I don't have a picture of the bride-how sad, but here we are. This sure was a big wedding but it was really nice. It makes it even more special when you personally know the bride and groom. The bride and I have been friends since high school, and the groom teaches Sunday school with Olga and I. I pray that God blesses them and their marriage. 

Tanya, Natalya, and I went downtown and enjoying catching up and laughing a a coffee shop-Java's. We had a little photo shoot too.

Prachi, Shanai and I decided to meet at Applebee's Sunday night to also catch up and talk.

I think I wrote about how we all met our freshman year of college, and have stayed friends ever since. Shanai and I call each other (and these are our contact names on our phones) our twin. We have so many similarities between us. One thing that changed was that she is no longer pursuing a degree in education-but rather business and health administration.

  Blessings,

Lesya