Little Guy

I had to stop by my cousin's house today and got to spend time with this little guy. He is usually shy and does not want to go to people that he does not see often, but he went to me and kept wanting to play, eat with me, and hug me. I love toddlers.

Like I have been saying these days, "Kids are soo hard. But sooo worth it." 

Blessings,

Victor's 10th Birthday

On March 11th my brother Victor turned 10 years old. We celebrated on Saturday since the kids HAVE TO have a party. It's easy for me to believe he's 10 because he acts his age, and is soo smart.

Victor is such an independent boy. He was #7 and was the baby of the family for over 4 years, but he has always been so independent and smart! I remember when we were sending him off to kindergarten, he came in for testing. The teacher did not have a red crayon she she pointed to a orange-red crayon and said this is red. His reply was, "no that is not red, it is orange." My mom said it was so funny and he made all of them laugh.

 This is from the party we had Saturday. Another thing about Victor is when we tell him it is bedtime he knows the routine and does it. It took his older sister Lena such a long time to be able to understand what that meant. Same thing in the morning. My mom struggles to get Lena out of bed, and get her things for the day, while on the other hand Victor wakes up and does the morning routine-no problems. He is basically what you would call-an easy child. 

 For everyone's birthday my mom and I like to make a cake that they want. For instance, Leah wanted a butterfly cake for her birthday so we did that. Over the years we've made pool cakes, cookie cakes, turtle cakes, etc. This year Victor had a cookie cake, but I also made this Strawberry Jello cake from Natashaskitchen.com. Everyone (my aunts) loved it. I thought it was alright. That's another thing, it's not only Victor's friends that come, but their mothers as well. It becomes a social event.

Blessings,

What Princesses Do

"This is what Princesses do" said Leah, when I asked why she was taking care of her babies in a Princess dress. She had a few days last week where she wore her Princess outfit all day. 

Leah always wants to sleep with me now. When my mom wants to take her away she never wants to go.

Everyday when I come home she runs to the door hugs me and says how much she's missed me. This past month she has started loving me so much-complete opposite of the last 3 years of her life! (PS-I think Andrew colored her doll's "hair").

 Nick decided to join the fun. I don't know what happened to the rule of "no playing in Lesya's room" but it is happening again.
Leah also says she wants to go to school now. She always used to say that she is going to stay home with mommy, but not anymore. She is such a character.

Blessings,

Dog Victory

I am afraid of dogs. Very afraid. As I've gotten older I've come to tolerate some dogs, like little dogs, unless of course they are running at me or next to me and I think they might jump up at me at any moment-then I run. (And they chase you- I know I shouldn't run). Anyway I've never held a dog or  cat because I get so scared of them. I know it sounds silly. Anyway, Roman and Alena got a dog and the first thing Roman did when I came over was put the dog in my hands. 

I actually held him for most of the evening while talking with Alena. I surprised my own self!! He even took a nap on my lap. Little by little I am starting to become more comfortable with dogs. They brought him over our house and the kids loved him! He is such a smart and obedient puppy.  

The brothers- they were watching football.

Blessings,

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

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

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

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

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

First Day of School (for everyone)!

Hi all. 

My first day of school was last Tuesday. I had Mark take a picture of me. I kind of wanted it for the memory of "this is the last first day of school as an undergraduate student." Basically, if I wanted to, this could have been my last day of college (ever) if I knew I wouldn't be teaching in NY, but I have to go to grad school.

More importantly though, Andrew, Victor, and Lena started school Wednesday. 

I was able to get a picture with them before I left for school. This is Lena's last year in Elementary school-she's in 6th grade, Victor in 4th, and Andrew in Kindergarten.

My mom sending her youngest boy to school. She was so so sad. She loves her babies! Andrew did so well at school. The teacher called to tell us how surprised she was with his abilities even with a broken arm. My mom went in to school that morning as well to have piece of mind. What about Leah? She does not care that she is by herself during the day. She has always been so independent. 

Then there are these two high school boys. It is Nick's last year, and Mark's sophomore year. Nick seems like he is scared to go to school ;) (or maybe he is protecting Mark?) He has so many decisions to make this year, concerning the future. 

 I love the variety in the family:high schoolers in the family, college students, full time workers, married kids, toddler at home, and elementary school students. What a fun and blessed family experience I have! Sometimes I need to slow down and remember to enjoy the "controlled chaos" that comes with such a range of ages.

Blessings,

Lesya

The Smiles, The Bruises

Hi all. 

Happy back to school for everyone!

Leah has recently been wanting to sleep with me. She is growing up so quickly and is becoming such a sweet little girl. Also, look at that smile! She was hiding from the flash. I asked her today, "Leah, what are you going to do tomorrow when everybody is going to go to school? You are going to be all alone and it will be so quiet!" She responded with, "I will be with mommy." You can never stump this little one. She has an answer to everything!

Sweet Andrew is starting school tomorrow. He has been practicing his letters, numbers, and writing his name. We bought this wonderful program for the computer. Leah will soon have the alphabet down with it. Also, Andrew broke his little left arm. So sad. I feel so bad for him because he is such a good boy and had to go through all the pain. He got a cast on today. Basically, he feel off the playground at Parma park-walking on a balance bean thing. My parents were so sad because nobody has ever broken a bone in our family until now.

We've also started our annual salsa making season. This is Mark's silliness.

And of course, for me it's been back to school. My last year as an undergrad. The Lord has been so so good to me regarding school. I never thought I would make it this far-but God truly blessed me. Now I am about to do my first educational readings for the semester. 

Blessings,

Lesya

Wedding, Babies, and Mexico

Hi all. 

For Roman's wedding we did soo much desserts. I would come home from work and we would bake all evening. Even if I didn't put it on the blog, I don't think I would forget how much time we put into baking. So a lot of my summer weeks were spent baking: 

Another little craft I did was create menus for the bridal party. It was a great idea, but went differently than we imagined. Thanks to cousins like Igor and brothers like Mark who were willing to run back and forth to the trailer with me in my heels, for some dishes. The poor bridal party had to wait, but at least the table looked more elegant.

You all know we have cousins coming over ever day during the summer...well one day as we were baking these two boys were over and we started talking about twins; well I took these two to see the chickens and back and boy they were a handful! But it didn't make me change my mind about still wanting twins ;)

Sunday afternoon I am leaving to Mexico on a Mission's trip. Keep us in your prayers please. The Lord has been blessing us so far, even with the little things. At work, they didn't know what to do with a bunch of Brockport t-shirts (75 of them), so I said I can bring them to Mexico. They were so glad to give them away, and these shirts will be a blessing to those who receive them in Mexico.

(Yesterday I began to feel indifferent about the trip, and even questioning where I am making the right choice with going. Of course, the same day God sent people to encourage me about it and I am looking forward serving God and the people of Mexico.) Speaking of Mexico, I need to go pack! 

Blessings,

Lesya 

Lena's 11th Birthday

Hi all. 

On July 4th my "little" sister turned 11 years old. She was the sister I prayed sooo many years for. I remember crying in the car one night driving home telling my mom she didn't care about me because she wouldn't get me a sister and that she only cared about the boys because she always got them brothers. I'm surrounded by 4 boys so I had the right to feel that way ;)

She NEEDS to always have a birthday party. So there was no question, she got just that, this year. 

Lena opening gifts.

Also because the 4th of July is such a good day to be all patriotic, I tried sticking with red, white, and blue for all of the desserts I whipped up Tuesday night. Sorry, I love writing about food and what I've been making as much everything else. 

Before serving I added whipped cream to have white on the cheesecakes. 

Andrew was so excited when I let him put the blueberries on the cupcakes. (I made them from scratch, more cake-like and not as sweet compared to the store cupcake mixes). I actually have a strong dislike for cupcakes made from a box. Also, I think this was the very first time ever I made cupcakes because I always thought they were for "lazy" bakers. LOL. Actually, there are some GREAT cupcake recipes out there. I made the other half with blue frosting. The frosting is almost like a cake frosting and not overly sweet, like with most cupcakes I've had. 

Watermelon sugar cookies. We decided to see how these turn out in because we might do them for the wedding. They were gone fast-I don't know if it was because they tasted good, or if they just looked good. (Exception to my patriotic theme).

Red Whit and Blue-Glass Marble Jello I believe it's called. 

A lot of our older cousins came too. As you can see they treat the chickens like pets sometimes. Our rooster crowed this morning. My mother was very excited. They all love the chickens.

It was after 6 when I went to Parma to see what they youth was doing. We hung out at the park and then went to see the fireworks in the city. It seems to me like every 4th of July feels the same with celebrating Lena's birthday and then hanging out, but I enjoy it of course.

Blessings,
Lesya

The End of June

Hi all.

I have been soo busy lately with work-it's orientation time for the freshman and this week the secretary is out so I am enjoying taking her role for the week :) Also, my laptop charger broke, so I had to wait for the new one to come in the mail. I also finished up my summer course and did very well-Praise God! (I thought I would fail, when I first started that class). God is good. 

Along with finishing my class, and working, I've had a bit of family fun.

 This man Mark, celebrated his 15th birthday on the 26th. His party was the 27th-the evening of my last  day of summer class so I missed it, nonetheless I did my part with cooking. 

My little cousin and I during my cousin's birthday party, which we hosted at our house because we have the pool.

The pool. This is what draws so many to our house in the summer. We always have people over, but the summer especially. These past few weeks, 2 or 3 or 4 families (my cousins) come over everyday. 

We also now have chickens. I'm not a fan, but the kids are and my mom really likes them. My dad and brothers built this little home for them. Leah and Andrew love giving the chickens grass.

Leah has about 6 bathing suits and changes them up every day, a few times a day. She looks so cute in them! She is also such a little climber. We have a sitting swing on our deck and she loves to act like a little monkey on it and has no fear. She has been saying such funny things but if I don't write them down right away I forget. Oh but with the pool, she always says "Andrew is a big boy. He won't drown, but I am little. I can drown so you have to watch me." We watch all of them no matter what! Also, if someone takes her "life jacket" or circle blow up thing, she screams even if she isn't using it. I keep telling her that she needs to share! Then again, when my little cousin Len came over she did offer it to her herself so she isn't always selfish. 

Blessings,

Lesya

Notes

This is just one of the many notes I receive from Lena through the school year. She is very "serious"in them because there are times I wake her up and she falls back asleep, then blames me for not waking her up! When she is really tired, she uses the excuse of "Lesya didn't wake me up when I asked her, so I'm not going to school."

Blessings,
Lesya

Lena's Class Play

Hi all :) 

Last Friday I took off work to help my mom all day-with shopping. I also have an interesting little sister that makes her family attend every. single. school function she has. This time it was a play so we had to attend that or else I don't know what Lena would have done.

The class did a cute play on the States and their Capitals. They were all "aliens" exploring the United States. I'll say it again, I can't wait to be a teacher-Lord willing. I love when students can engage in interactive learning and make learning fun! 

We also picked up Victor from school that day. It is so funny how these two basically played together since they were little and now they are forming into two totally different personalities. Victor is such an easy going child compared to Lena. Example, you tell him to go to sleep, he goes. Lena, you have to tell her 10 times to go upstairs-she does have a hard time falling asleep though, just like her sister. Also today, she came home from school saw me and my mom looked at us and said, "actually, I'm just not gonna say anything because I know what the answer will be."

Tomorrow (well today actually) they are celebrating summer birthdays. She knew I'd say you don't need to bring anything in, and that's exactly what I said. Her response was something about that not being an option and we better go to the store today. Victor on the other hand, even if he wanted to bring something in, and we said no he wouldn't fuss about it. They always bring things in for their birthdays but it is so funny saying no to Lena because the word no doesn't exist for her. It's funny because she's a good girl, just soo spoiled I guess?

Blessings,

Lesya

Silly Little Leah

Hi all. 

It feels as though it's been soo long since I last blogged. I just didn't have the time :(

Anyway, I wasn't sure where to start, but decided I should probably get back to blogging about the cuter things in life such as little sisters.

I asked to take a picture of her before church one night. When I said that, she immediately got into this pose! I was so surprised that she would think to sit like this for a picture-foot over foot and picture perfect-don't mind the knee scab-even pretty princesses fall when they play outside.

Again, in my room she posed like this for the picture. This one just totally reminds me of me-the way she was trying to explain. I have many picture of me "talking" just like that-eye brows raised and mouth wide open. As a side note-I just love dressing little girls! They are so fun!

 I woke up Memorial day, was still in bed reading, and Leah ran in and hugged me so tight. She missed me! I told Nick to take a picture-usually when I am gone for a while she does not want to even come in my arms and occasionally says she missed me. Side note: sometimes I love love my hair. I sat up in bed  and just put some hair behind my ears and let me tell you it looks good if I do say so myself for not having brushed it or anything. The night hours have little effect on my hair. Worked in my favor last week when I woke up at 8:16, had to be at work at 8:30. Didn't have to waste a minute on the hair, but every other morning I do tease and/or hairspray my hair. I hope this doesn't sound like I'm a careless hair girl, but that it works to my advantage most days!

Yet another pose-when I didn't ask her. Notice, she realizes she doesn't have to look directly at the camera. I told her the picture turned out blurry and that she needs to sit down again. She said, "we were just taking it the wrong way."

Yesterday, she was in the dining room looking through my cookbooks, while I was doing my summer class homework. She started talking to herself and I thought, I better write down everything she says, so I typed it on my phone and now here it is exactly how she said it. Notice the jumping and changing of subject.

"Hey get out of here brothers. You are not going in my room ever again (probably heard it from Lena!). I have to do my homework. I'm looking for recipes. Oh what can a baby do, oh what can a baby do, you can't do this or that (She was watching veggie tales that morning). Mom it's just homework. Fine he can go in my room to sleep with me (probably heard that from me about Andrew or Victor-they sometimes want to sleep with me). Mom but he's too little. (Then takes out clean diapers my aunt left at our house) Smelly diaper. These are diapers to change babies."

As you can tell, I just love this little girl! She has a character and personality so different from Lena and I. All of us sisters are so different. Oh and Lena, the latest she asked for was a water bottle, and still asking to go to Victoria Secret to buy a shirt.

Blessings,

Lesya