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

Friday Fun

Hi all.

Friday mornings are most difficult for me to get up for school. I very much feel like I should have the day off ;) I take a class about teaching science to elementary school students (not content, but teaching strategies) and everyone has to demonstrate a science experiment to the class. Today we put m&ms in water and this is what we got. Yes, the letter m comes off the candy. This works with skittles too.

While I was in school, my mom went on a field trip to the farm with Andrew's kindergarten class. Leah went too. They had so much fun! They brought home three pumpkins which I'll be using for pumpkin pie of course. 

I didn't go to church today because I was just so tired. I had to go to the mall today, and felt so burned out afterwards. So, I stayed with the kids. Leah took out her guitar and said, "we are going to sing songs about Jesus Christ" Andrew said, "yes let's sing about Jesus" "No Andrew, we are going to sing a song about Jesus crying on the cross." Then they start singing the song "On the Cross" which is family favorite. Leah sings so well for a 3 year old-on key and has the melody down. She's starting to sing more and more!

Blessings,

Lesya

Playing School

Hi all.

Sometimes I think about how sad it is that here I am studying to be a teacher, but neglect my siblings' education. When I was in elemetary school myself, I made Nick and Mark "play school" with me. I literally taught them, and they did both school homework and separate homework that I assigned to them every week. I still wonder how that worked-they were so cooperative!

So, one of my goals that school year is to spend more time with helping the kids with homework-especially Andrew, because it's the most fun with him. 

After I started helping Andrew with his letters I asked Leah if she wanted to "play school." She did. I told her to trace her name, after I wrote it. She started writing it at the bottom of the paper-completely ignoring what I was saying! Later I read a book I bought her at Marshalls. They got to decorate the little people from the story.

Andrew is such a quick learner, and so eager to learn! He had a book he wanted me to read after we practiced letters, but when Leah started acting like she was about to cry, he said, "it's okay Leah, we can read your book first." He ALWAYS has such a sweet heart. His kindergarten teacher said, he has no problem making friends and everybody loves him.  The other day he was trying to find words that rhyme-for at least half an hour he kept talking and talking, making up words if he had to, to get things to rhyme. 

 

Blessings,

Lesya

Mid-Semester

Hi all. 

It's almost mid-semester break around here, and time is flying quicker than ever with school. I'm at a point right now, where I really do not know where I will end up next fall at this time, or what I will be doing. Only the Lord knows. My grandmother did a good job of reminded me the other day saying that no matter what I plan, it will be the Lord's plan that prevails (the beauty of being a Christian). 

This past Monday I had no desire to get up and start the day. I prayed that God would give me the strength and wisdom to do all that I had to do-and He dad! He is so faithful and good. Many times in school I feel like I'm in the middle of a storm, unsure of how to get out or when it will pass, but in the end, without realizing, the rains pass and the sun comes! I find myself in awe of how everything came together. I could feel like I did not do well, but the results show the opposite. It's like I have to go through a few days of storm-my worries, anxieties, etc. in order to reach the sunny days when all I could think is to say, "thank you Lord." 

I'd like to share this Bible verse that sums up all I've been talking about. 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

May all the glory be given to Jesus for all he has done for me and for you, in our weaknesses.

Blessings,

Lesya

Fall Apple Crisp

Hi all. 



If you haven't had apple crsip, now is the time to try it-especially since apples are in season right now.

google image

You will need:

3-3.5 lbs of apples

1 cup melted butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup sugar (I usually put a little less)

1 cup oats

1 cup flour

2 tsp. cinnamon

dash of salt

Ice Cream (optional)

Arrange the apples in a 9x13 glass dish. 

Combine the rest of the ingredients together and crumble over the apples.

Bake at 375 for 40 min.

You can eat it with ice cream and/or caramel if you wish :)

Blessings,

Lesya





Especially for My Nursing Friends

Today I was thinking about y'all. 

My grandpa had surgery-it was pretty minor, but I went in this morning to be with him and take him home. I ended up sitting with him for a few hours in the morning and watched the nurses interact with their patients.  

Some were soooo kind, so sweet, and so hard working. (Some just looked like they didn't want to be there, but there will always be those people in any workforce). I thought-wow what a beautiful thing it is to see wonderful nurses with such good hearts, going out of their way to help their patients as much as possible.

I helped my grandpa with minor things, like opening up his juice, bringing him water, etc., but it felt so good to help even with the littlest things. I thought, wow I could do this all day! (Well, you know what I mean-teaching is still very much my thing) but I loved serving him, I love serving people. Anyway, nurses, you get to serve various people everyday on the job! Love the people you treat, and learn to love your job even when you don't want to. It makes such a difference for the patients you treat.

So, no matter where you work, what you do, how the patients act-nurses do your best, and serve them as if you were serving Christ!

 "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men..." Ephesians 6:7

Blessings,

Lesya

Recent Outings

Hi all. 

My recent outings with friends have been limited, but I like to plan ahead to be with friends once a week at least-just to hang out. 

Angela and I decided to meet up at a diner in Brockport on September 21st. How do I remember that day? Well, the 22nd I took another of my state license exams and I was quiet nervous on the 21st. I haven't been to the diner-called Golden Eagle, but my fish fry was just so good! I will be back for more. I enjoy grabbing lunch or dinner, one on one with friends, because I grow closer with them this way. 

Last Thursday, after prayer, since Tanya and I were the only girls there, I suggested just the two of us go out somewhere. We went to Denny's. I don't think I've been there since last year around New Years. I couldn't go in there for a long time-grew sick of it, but we had a great time and talked and talked and talked. Tanya is such an awesome person; her life is so Christ centered. I don't talk to her for awhile since she is always traveling so it was nice to catch up. She is so funny and had me laughing with all her stories!

Blessings,

Lesya

Time for an Update

Hi everyone. 

I hate that I do not blog much these days. It's not that there is nothing to blog about, it's just that by the time I come to my room at night, I'm so tired that it's either read the Bible or blog. I get too tired for both.

A few weeks ago for our education classes we went to a park and had class there. Basically, the teachers wanted to demonstrate what you could do with a class at a park. Olga and I are in every class together, but one, and we have so much fun! She had been such a blessing in my life, and such an encouragement to go on with the whole college thing when I had doubts. In the back of my mind I always think maybe, just maybe there is a chance we teach together one day. We would make a great team-I think.

Saturday, September 29th we went to The Hunter Conference on young children. I loved it! We presented a poster there, about a math game that we created. Ashley, who is pictured, we met through the education program, and now the three of us hang out all the time. Totally random-but look at those cheeks of mine. Oh boy. I really need to start some kind of fitness program. 

I feel like I am literally always on the run. One morning I was running behind, and I casually asked Nick to get me some food/snacks since I was going to come home after 9 that night. I didn't expect him to, but he gathered all these snacks and things for me. I thought that was so sweet. Nick is the brother who is most "aware" in the kitchen, from all the brothers.  He is not confused when you tell him to lower the heat on the stove, or go get me some garlic. The rest, they would of told me, "I don't know what you want...I don't know where everything is..."(The other bros make up for it in other areas though :)) I had to blog this sweet brotherly kindness.

 

I have more pictures and things to share, but I'll do that another day.

Blessings,

Lesya