All because we went to get a haircut...

Hi everyone.

After preschool my aunt and I headed for our hair appts. at Salon Hermitage ( I never remember what it's called when people ask, so this time I actually looked at the sign!). I guess with this haircut the girls said I'm back to looking like a 16 year old.

Of course, because Monroe Ave. has soo many stores there, we stopped by a few. One was Stein Mart. Now I am on a mission to not buy any more clothes! It was funny, because every time I saw something I like my aunt would be like come here, etc. I joked with her that it was like she was doing it on purpose so I don't buy anything.

Later she called me for what I would call a funny/sad moment.

My aunt found these vintage-like/1920s head bands and they were so cool, yet so funny. I took pictures of her (I'll be kind and not post the ones of her, don't know if she'd want that) and we were just dying laughing. I told her she was acting like a 19 yr old, with trying so many on for fun and getting me into it! We would laugh with each one. I bet we looked like wierdo's to other shoppers.

Does the hair look like a characteristic of a flapper from the 1920s with this black and white picture? I kinda wish I bought this one just for fun.

I asked my aunt how much she'd pay me to wear one of those to church. You know look like a Southerner little girl wearing a big "bow"! And both these headbands are bigger than they appear in these pictures.

We decided to continue the fun by eating at The Cheesecake Factory since we had time before I had to tutor. I love that my aunt could totally act my age and so easy going. Not only did she pay for my haircut but also for the food! She insisted and wouldn't have it any other way. I totally owe her and yes I hang out with my aunts. May be "weird" but hey I have cool aunts so when friends get annoying ;) I have other options. Just kidding.

And now since I have so many things to do tonight, not knowing where to begin, I decided to blog. Not good! But I guess this day deserved being blogged about-it only happens once every four years anyway =)

Blessings,
Lesya

Babysitter Valentines

Wouldn't receiving this make you smile too?

And did they have to include Lindt chocolate (my favorite!) and a variety of Dove when I am trying so hard to stay away from that?

I didn't babysit for the last two weeks so that's why I got to enjoy a belated Valentines from my little boys. So sweet :)

Blessings,

Lesya

A Princess

Happy Monday :)

It's a lot of work living with a growing Princess.

She got this Princess dress for Christmas and puts it on once in a while to remind us whose the real beauty here. Don't mind the hair-she doesn't let anyone cut it normally so we usually clip it to the side etc. but sometimes Princess's like to "be who they are."

Blessings,

Lesya

The Reason

....why it is so hard for me to get my homework done without interruptions.

They are always coming into my room and don't want to leave! Leah has been loving me so much more these days and Andrew and her fought today to hug me first. Today she wanted to "sit at your desk" and Andrew came in. I asked to take a picture of them and Leah automatically hugged Andrew. They are such a pair. I don't know what they would do without each other. Leah is like a little monkey walking ON my desk, climbing onto my mirror-dresser, and jumping on my bed all the while I am trying to get some reading homework done! She also totally controls Andrew and gets her way!

  I love that they are loving me (even when it gets annoying;) )  

Blessings,

Lesya

A Thursday Day

Hi all.

Today I spent some time catching up with Alesya at school during our break. We have it at the same time but usually I'm in another building finishing things up, but today I went to visit her. I always love spending time with her :) She can quickly put a smile on anybody's face.

In my Methods of Special Education class we had to use these shapes to design a Universal Classroom to fit the needs of all students. So, this is what Olga and I came up with :) We decided we had to take a picture since we are so "smart" now with how a classroom should be arranged. You may not get the symbols and what they represent (I do) but I think it will be cool to compare what my classroom in the future is going to really look like. I already know think it won't be so spacious.

Yesterday was my aunt's birthday. I could not make it over there yesterday so I came today. On the way there, (very close to their house) something slit my tire :( and my uncle was so helpful in temporary repairing it. Then my other uncle came over with my aunt and helped too. I have the most wonderful uncles-seriously. If nothing happened to my car I would have gone to prayer, but I had to miss it; it was nice spending it with family. My other aunt Nina came with her family, so it turned into a small birthday party. As I've mentioned before, I love this aunt who is not only an excellent singer, but such a good cook and one of the most caring people I know.

Victor and Dennis were with us. They are cousins but are close like brothers. They constantly want to be together and come over each others houses. They always look out for one another. One time, since Dennis was not invited to a little boy's birthday party, my brother did not go, so they stayed home and played together. My aunt always calls us saying that Dennis has been begging all day to be with Victor, and Victor does the same. They also basically wear the same clothes since we order everything online nowadays, we do shopping for both of them. I hope they always stay this close-just like their moms :)

Blessings,
Lesya

Wordless Wednesday

Highlights in My Day

Hi all.

 I love highlighting my school class schedule away =) and seeing that this semester is flying by!

 

During my break in which I was going to get my readings done, I ended up calling Ira to touch base on a "situation" we were discussing earlier and that turned into an hour and 20 min conversation on the phone. I used to always talk on the phone with friends, but I haven't talked for this amount of time in who knows how long. Our conversation was totally worth not getting my work done. I'm sorry for those of you who don't have such a beautiful and wise cousin as I do ;) I really do pity you. I am also thankful to have someone like her who I can literally share everything that is on my mind too. She makes up for the sister I never had sister my age I never had. Family, what can I say ;)

A few weeks ago my Literacy professor brought in Scholarship book orders. Remember, the ones from elementary school? She said we should start thinking about building a library of books for our future classrooms. I took that literally and went ahead and ordered...some picture books....some short chapter books...some history question and answer books. I mean I don't know what age group I will be teaching, so I should be getting all kinds of books =)

I think this also shows my constantly thinking and planning ahead...which reminds me, when I was in 4th grade I used to think...where am I going to get all the worksheet to teach my class when I become a teacher? So, I started collecting and taking doubles of packets, worksheets, etc. so now I have a box in the basement with material from when I was in 4th, 5th and 6th grade, and packets that I haven't written in and I'm sure they could come in useful soon. I have my high school material too, which I saved just to have.

Also getting an A on my first Literacy paper of the semester made me feel happy relieved too.

Blessings,

Lesya

This (today) Sunday

Hi friend!

Happy Sunday to everyone. It was a typical Sunday with kids worship and then church, then home, then church again. A lot of the youth went to Buffalo but I really did not feel like going for some reason. I really had no desire and homework was a great excuse ;)

Evening church here was very much blessed. I keep thinking I need to get a notebook and take notes during services. 

Afterwards I went to my aunt and uncle's house. I haven't visited them in a while. It may be weird, but I have these awesome relationships with many of my aunts and uncles-especially my aunt Luda and Uncle Igor, whose house I was at. My uncle is full of wisdom (well so is my aunt:) ) but I just learn and get reminded of so many things. Sometimes you see things differently hearing them from your uncle rather than your father and so forth.  

My aunt put together a wonderful meal-which she didn't have to do although it tasted oh soo good. I also have to say all my aunts are such good cooks, and make the ordinary taste extraordinary! 

We were talking about serving God and I said sometimes I wonder if I am serving him from the heart or doing it because I have to-like it has become an obligation. I LOVE serving, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I just wonder what it would be like to sit back "and relax." Anyway he reminded me that well sometimes for a season we have to "make" ourselves serve because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak-which totally explains my situation sometimes.

I didn't get a picture of the girls but they were so sweet. Lina put stickers into my purse for me to take home and they kept wanting my phone. Lina also told me that I was big and needed to get married. I told her all she could do was pray ;)

Blessings,

Lesya

A February Week...

Happy Saturday everyone =)

I started my special education placement at Kendall Elementary in a 6:1:1 classroom and I LOVE it!!

It has been such a blessing so far.

I gave the kids a survey/questionnaire.

Responses that made me smile:

What is your favorite subject? Dismissal

Tell me something interesting about yourself:

 I have 4 brothers and 2 sisters. (He is actually an only child)

Another response to the same question was:

I half like school. (very cute)

I started this "Ideas for the Classroom" notebook-that is what is written in red that's on the inside.

I'm dividing into sections literacy; social studies/science; and websites/class themes and misc. ideas.

I already have a ton one theme idea(s). I think it would be cool to every month focus on a different culture and we can connect all the subjects that way. We can read a book having something to do with that culture, watch movies, write about it, I can bring in food from that country if possible and decorate the classroom to illustrate that culture. It's all about inquiry these days because of not enough time in the day (that's a whole 'nother edu. topic) anyway I just get really excited about these things.

I made another batch of Cheesy Vegetables yesterday for dinner.

I also threw together a Lemon Syrup Cake.

I spent time with my little cousin Daniel this morning. My aunt asked me to babysit for a little while. He is such a good boy and I loved being with a baby again. Poor boy got kissed way too many times ;)

Blessings,
Lesya

Cheesy Vegetable Bake

Hi all!

A wonderful recipe to share with you all, that is, if you like vegetables.

You will need:

1 1/2 lbs. broccoli cut up (use the stems but cut them in thinner pieces)

1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced (or use what ever other veggies you have on hand)

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of mushroom soup  (or you can try cream of chicken, or celery, etc.)

1/3 cup half and half 

2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp. grated red onion

3 tbsp. bread crumbs 

1 tbsp. melted butter

(I omitted the salt, pepper, and paprika-tasted better the 2nd time when I didn't add it because the cream soup and cheddar cheese are salty enough)

Preheat the oven to 350°F

Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to boil.

Add the broccoli stems (I also had carrots so added them at the same time; you would do the same if you add celery b/c they need more time to "soften") and simmer for 2 min. 

Add the florets and pepper-cook for 4 min longer. 

Drain well!

Transfer to an oven proof dish.

Heat the soup, half-and-half in a medium saucepan, stirring until combined.

Stir in:

cheddar cheese

onion (I browned them on a skillet beforehand)

Cook until cheese is melted

 Pour the cheese mixture over the vegetables

To make it extra cheesier the recipe card says to sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese before adding the bread crumb mixture.

Update: I just made it again after posting it; was craving it and it is so worth to put the extra cheese!! Also added red peppers and celery and tasted even better (and looked prettier) then the first time.

Combine the bread crumbs and butter in a small dish

Sprinkle evenly over the vegetables and sauce

Bake until lightly bubbly-about 25 min

And Enjoy!

Eat it with whatever you'd like.

The original recipe is called Easy Cheesy Broccoli-I thought vegetables fit better ;)

I had this recipe in my collection for a while. I think it came in the mail! I finally tried it (over winter break) and hope to make it again this weekend.

Blessings,

Lesya

This is Embarrassing

Hi everyone!

I don't know if anyone is like me concerning e-mails, but I currently have 5792 emails in the e-mail account I use most frequently (Oh and yes, I have quite a bit in the other two email accounts I use).

I just do not bother to delete anything.

I use my search button to find whatever mail I need to retrieve.

I keep signing up for store e-mails, teaching sites, etc. 

I need to come up with a new system.

Maybe create different accounts for different purposes?

One e-mail account for store e-mails, another for education/teaching related emails, etc.

I do not know. All I know is I need to get more organized with this e-mail business because well, this is embarrassing.

Blessings,

Lesya

God's Protection. God's Mercy.

Hi everyone.

A few incidences where God demonstrated his protection and mercy towards me-again and again.

Yesterday, leaving church, l reversed my car instead of putting it into drive. There was a car behind me. Thank God I did not hit that car.

Today I was driving and a car just pulls out from a side road, when I am so close to it and driving at 60 mph on the road. Thank God I had enough time to break. Oh how I wanted to beep at that car.

Driving home from church again tonight, deer was on my road. I saw the deer when it was already crossing. Thank God, I was only going 40 (which rarely I do on my road) and had time to break. As soon as I drove by another deer ran right behind my car. Phew.

God is merciful and our protector, even though we least deserve it.

 Remember always pray for His protection and thank Him for it.

Blessings,

Lesya

Worthy "Fun"

Hi everyone! 

I just realized that is been over a week since I blogged and I really want to get somethings on here for remembrance purposes. 

Going back to end of January when the school semester started:

Olga and I got our free little tea from an office we go to where we do homework talk between classes. We come into our Methods of Special Edu. class and I'm drinking my tea away until I don't know how but it went in my nose instead of my throat. So, green tea is coming from my nose and mouth and I get this gagging sensation. It's quiet in the classroom and I am trying to silently deal with my situation. Olga ran and got me napkins, but it was so silly. We laughed about it afterwards. In the moment, it felt like when you're in a pool, and water goes in through your nose. This was worse because I couldn't cough or anything in the classroom. Everyone's experiences that right? A very unpleasant feeling.

Next:

I usually babysit Monday's so I can't make it to youth most Mondays. I also miss coffee house, but "hey" I can still be a part of it in some way: make something for coffee house. I don't know what it is, but when I am stressed or sad or not feeling like myself I love to cook/bake.

That weekend I had so much work to do but taking a break and making something for coffee house just relaxes me I'd say. I tried to be all "Valentines" theme which isn't usually like me. My brothers said they wouldn't take it if I did the heart but they did :)

I finally went to a Superbowl party at my cousins' house. It was nice because again, I had been so caught up in hmwk etc. and allowed myself to drop it all and hang out, which is usually hard for me to do, refreshed me. I always hang out with these girls :) Every other picture is of them and I.  

 I think I wrote here before about how much Andrew loves me. I mean, my parents are like what is up with this? He wants to sleep with me. He hugs me constantly. This morning he hugged me before my parents when he got up and so forth. Last week I took him to the store so that he can buy a few toys. He was just so happy :) I love to see him smile. We were leaving the store and he wanted candy from the machine. I said Andrew we already bought you candy but if you really want it I will get it for you. He said, it's okay Lesya, I don't want to very badly. You already got me enough things. When we got home he said, "I just love you too much!" Melts my heart!

My uncle was in the hospital this past week for his appendix. I tried helping my aunt out as much as possible. Thank God my Uncle is okay, but my aunt was sooo worried. It felt good to help knowing how much someone appreciates you. It also made me realize how much I miss having a baby in the house.

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Today I was a Music Teacher sub. Oh how much I love kiddos and teaching! We watched the movie Hermie (not the book) with some of the classes and it was such a sweet reminder for the kids and all of us that God made each one of us special!

Today the guys at church did a cute like fellowship evening for the girls. I have to say, that beside the paper in my sandwich they did a great job!

How to Be a Good Big Sister

Hi everyone :)

In the last post I didn't mention how Lena said that I lied to her about taking her to the mall during my school break. I said I thought I'd have my car during break...it was fixed right before school started...but I said how about we can go to the mall tomorrow for a little bit. I had things to return, plus my mom gave me a bunch, and at the same time I can take you. I decided to include Victor. 

When Lena heard that Victor was going she was not happy, but that lasted only a little while.

We went to Marketplace because Lena wanted Justice and I had returns for stores there.

I told Victor to move closer for the picture...he moved too close and I said no Victor sit farther. He responded with I want to look taller in the picture. He already is taller than Lena but that wouldn't have crossed my mind that he would want that for a picture.

I bought Lena this cute thing at Justice for her. It looks cuter in person.

Poor Victor just wandered around with us. Later I bought him candy-that's all he wanted!.

I bought Leah a light coat from Gap and shoes. I came and asked her if she loved me. She had no choice but to say yes. She was silent and then slowly nodded her head. My mom said to give me a hug because I bought her "pretty princess clothes" as Leah likes to call but she refused. Later when she was getting ready for church she ran in to show me her clothes. I got a hug out of her then. She said, "lets go show Daddy how much I love you" and she squeezed me tight.

At church though, when I went to pick her up she said screamed, "put me down, put me down" and now at home no love towards me whatsoever. Andrew on the other hand ran in my room today brought me a candy and before leaving asked me, "Lesya did I forget something?" I said no. He ran back and hugged me and smiled and said, "I did. I forgot to hug you." Sweetest boy ever. I totally forgot to get him something at the mall and he said it's okay, I still love Lesya. He did say I have to take him to buy a toy. 

Finally and most importantly today is my Mom's birthday!!!! She is 43 years old now! I'm soo blessed to have a mom I can call my best friend. No words can describe what my mom means to me.  When I don't see her all day, I come home and we sit talking and talking about our days, as if we haven't seen each other all week. Not a day goes by without me calling her if I'm not home all day. She too, calls if I happened not to call just to talk if I have a free minute. She admits that when I'm at one of my aunt's houses she gets a tad bit jealous. She also said that when I was younger she rested when I slept over someone's house because I talked so much! I think because I don't have a sister my age my mom and I are very close. Just a glimpse into how things are between us...anyway I got her perfume and flowers today :)

Hopefully tomorrow I will post a recipe I have been meaning to post for a looonng time now during one of my study breaks! And oh how I don't look forward to doing homework all day long tomorrow...

Blessings,

Lesya

Oh Lena...

Hi everyone.

Driving with Lena in a car for 20 minutes is one of the most exhausting things you can do...I got home an hour ago but wanted to get on here while the happenings are still clear in my mind

She wants...

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A Vera Bradley book bag-specifically this one. I like this color and this design the best too :)

So she's been begging I mean annoyingly begging my parents to get it for her. I told them she always gets what she wants so don't. She'll have to earn her way to getting it. My dad said with the way she was asking he said he won't get her one right now. She would come home after school saying all the dorks don't have them (and her). 

Today at piano lessons the teacher said, Lena you need a job. You want sooo much!

So she got started in the car...

Keep in mind, I told her I would give her $20 if for the next few weeks she did household tasks-a good number of them. She had already started collecting money, (well since this Sunday one of my Uncles randomly gave her $5 so she got an idea...) and kept walking around the house asking for donations. What surprises me is that Victor said he will give ALL of his $80 so that she can get one. I asked "why???" He said, "because she wants one." What a kind soul. I was kind at one point too. I decided I would just order it and surprise her, but again, I don't want her to get everything so "easily." 

Today the job idea REALLY got to her. She said to text my uncle and ask if she can clean his house for $10 because Lena wants to buy something she needs. I did text Uncle. He said she can come over and do it :)

Then she said "ask your friends if I can do something for this, but don't do it and embarrass me so they all look and smile at me. Ask Diana and Tanya. They are the nicest. I said, Diana doesn't have a job right now. "Well, ask Tanya then. Oh and Ira, she works."

I was silent.

She speaks up a few minutes later. "You have the most weirdest excuses in the whole wide world."  

"What are you talking about Lena?"

"You don't take me to babysitting with you Monday nights. You say oh the lady won't want you there. You never asked. I bet all you do is say oh you're so cute so cute and kiss them. When you ask the lady you'll see, I'm telling you she will be like "sure" (raises her voice a pitch higher) and it won't be a big deal at all. Lesya are you listening to me?" 

Oh boy oh boy, I tell my parents "this is definitely not another Lesya for you."

When we got home she brought out a piece of paper from her folder and said, "sign me up for fitness club. This is a great opportunity to lose weight." Again-oh boy.

Final words, if you actually read this DO NOT MENTION ANY OF THE ABOVE TO HER because she will be like "why did you tell all your friends? You always embarrass me."

Blessings,

Lesya

February Goals

Hi everyone.

I've decided I'm going to set monthly goals for myself. Writing them down I know will help me achieve them. I would love to have more goals but I'm trying to think realistically here with school and all...

Of course there are always my ongoing goals of trying new recipes, seeking God more, etc so I just wrote specific ones and not the obvious ones I'm sure many of us have in common.

• Track this month's spendings
• I've attempted this before (summer I think) but never really followed through

• Drink lots of water -its good for you! 
• I usually do this for a bit, then gradually stop, so I'd like to develop a habit

• Eat healthy
• I want to get back to being health conscious again; when I really decide to watch what I eat I really do

• Finish the Old Testament 
• I have a few more books to go...

• Memorize 4 Bible Verses
• That will equal out to 1 a week. I know that is so little but I like to really get them down and quite honestly I don't want to set a goal I can't achieve. Also there is a difference between memorizing and actually retaining it so repetition during the week will be nice. I used to do this with a friend (Diana) and I think it worked beautifully

•  Add 6 new songs to the Kids Worship Binder
• I'm writing specifics because I know that will help me, and trying to think realistically. We obviously won't sing all of them, but I'm focusing on compiling a "good" Kid's Worship Binder

• Listen to 1 online sermon
• Anyone have any suggestions? I've never really done this.