Atypical Tuesday Night

Today after student teaching, then work, and tutoring I did something I have not been able to do in a long time. I went over to friend's house and we had a relaxing Tuesday evening.

Tuesdays are my long days-they always have been since I started college. I got out of tutoring an hour earl, just as my cousin texted me to see if I wanted to spend the evening at a friend's house. 90% of the time my answer would be no because I always seem to have things planned, or be busy, etc. Today I was actually able to go and we had such a good time.

 We enjoyed out cheesecakes and talked-I think I did most of the talking. No, I'm sure I did most of the talking. 

We watched a "Christian" movie called Unconditional. I dislike most movies, but this was worth watching. It was beautiful and based on a true story. I do recommend it.

 Finally, Monday evening I found out I passed my NYS teacher certification exams. Another reason to celebrate with a relaxing evening. Honestly, I never thought God would be so gracious to me. I had already taken two exams (there's 4 total). This time I took the two remaining exams. One I had hopes I'd pass. The other one, I honestly took, just to "see how it is." I had no intentions of passing. I prepared myself mentally for taking it 3 or 4 times, because so many I've talked to have had to do that. But, once again God had mercy on me. I am so thankful. If I look tired in this picture, it's because I am! I have been trying to get most of my reflections done this last week, before moving onto my next student teaching placement.

Blessings,

 

Purposeful Friendship

I have never been one to seek out friendships or make them happen. I do not look to have a lot of friends. There are few people that I call friends.  There are a lot of people that I love and could be friends with but life gets busy and even if we wanted to spend time together, our circumstances prevent it from happening. So, when we see each other we talk and have a good time, then go our separate ways. That's life, and that's ok! 

 Some friendships in my life lasted a season, some lasted years, some will be renewed later in life, and some I assume will last a lifetime. I know that this is part of the Lord's plan. He knows when to bring people into our lives, and for how long. I don't have a lot of friends but I am beyond content with the friendships I have. God has really blessed me.  These two girls in the picture have served as such a blessing to me. Maybe one day I will write more on them because it will be worth remembering how the Lord has brought them into my life.

Having great friends means you better be a great friend. So, I don't know how my friends are still my friends. I love honesty-friends that tell you how it is even if it's a little painful to hear. I love generosity. I love friends that care. Most of all, I love friends who love the Lord. I love that with many of my friends I can talk to them about the Lord, ask for prayer, or advice for making a Christ-like decision.  I have a few friendships that the Lord has put me in, for a different purpose-to pray for them, and be like Jesus, so that they one day walk with the Lord.

I pray that God blesses me with friends that I can be a blessing to, and friends that draw me closer to Jesus. To me, the quality of a friendship matters 100x's more than the length of time a friendship lasts.

Blessings 

New Year. New Ministry Goals.

Today we had such a wonderful time starting off cell group meetings this year. New year-new cell group goals. Tanya did a beautiful job facilitating the meeting and I pray that God works through us as our goal is to become more involved in the community. 

The girls at our meeting. Not everyone was able to come. We talked about growing weary and realizing that it is through Christ we achieve greatness and He is all powerful. We might not realize why this or that is happening in our lives, but it is Christ who leads us and controls our every moment. 

And more importantly-the food. Just kidding.

Then we headed to our youth group choir party and a time to set new goals and desires in this new year, regarding our choir. I really believe the Lord can use us mightily/work through us to reach souls if we seek and serve Him in this ministry with all of our hearts. I need to remind myself of that constantly. In the midst of life's busyness I pray that I do not grow weary as we talked about at our cell group meeting today, to serve God daily, and in the church ministries He placed me in. 

How cute is the coffee/tea setup. I've learned to appreciate soooo much when others (like some of the youth this time) takes time to make fun things happen, and even more when they make things extra special and cute :)

 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,

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,

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,

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

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

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

Lesya's Bridal Shower

Hi all. 

Saturday afternoon was my friend Lesya's bridal shower. It's interesting that every bridal shower I go to is unique, but they are all special to me because I am so happy to see my friends so happy!

A pinterest sort of set up.

 

These were so good-Angela the host made them.

 This is Angela-one of the hosts. She hosted in her soon to be home because she too is getting married this fall. Our group made her dress (out of toilet paper) and Lesya liked it the most. Anyway, we won prizes for Lesya having picked out our dress.

 The bride-to-be opening gifts! She is so beautiful and has such a sweet heart! Her fiance helps out in our Sunday school class-hopefully she will join him in serving with the kids after all the wedding bliss is over. 

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

Birthday Celebration with Preschool Friends

Hi all.

Laptop is back :)

Monday, June 11th was Preschool graduation so I went in and helped out with that. It was so sad to see the kids go. Afterwards, we went out for lunch to Kobe's hibachi, for my birthday celebration. 

I suggested we go to hibachi and they all enjoyed it. One of the girls could not make it because she had to bring her daughter to the dentist-it was a last minute thing, so that was sad. I love coming into preschool not only because I love the kids, but the teachers are sooo great. They are such great examples of true Christian women. 

Jen and I, while waiting for our food. All of us like to get together for Birthday celebrations, and to celebrate Christmas. We were even planning on having a movie night one night. I love having different groups of friends, and it's such a blessing that the Lord directed my paths to meet all of these girls. 

They were so sweet and got me gift cards to Starbucks, and Old Navy, and a Scarf from Charming Charlie (love that little boutique!).

Blessings,

Lesya

Happy Birthday Inna-a day late

Hi everyone :) 

It was Miss. Inna's birthday Saturday March 31st. 

This was back in Inna's college days. We had so much fun hanging out in our small college town. 

It was during school that I got to know her personally and she is just such a wonderful person. I don't know how to describe her. She definitely has it all together ;)  

She is girly and very much a "high class" girl, yet she is so simple. It was in Florida when I realized that she did not take hours getting ready, she went with the flow and had such a kind heart. We had so many fun talks and laughs late into the night. She is just an easy person to be with.

Being goofy...

Inna is also so generous-and I learned that even before she became a full time nurse.

I wish I had pictures from her surprise birthday last night-she looked gorgeous as always.  

There is so much more to say, but I'm on a time crunch, and I don't know how to put into words everything about this girl. Her personality is just beautiful, to sum it up.

God bless You, Inna!

Blessings,

Lesya

Prachi's birthday

Hi everyone.

Today we celebrated Prachi's birthday. I left early to stop by the mall and bought nothing, just returned a few things. (I am failing in my no spending on clothes March goal-I ordered clothes online) Anyway, we went to Applebee's for lunch.

Prachi with her food. She is such a fun person and so easy going. She is also so kind and always puts others first. I was complementing her today on how she always does that. I am also very thankful that this semester her schedule mine and Shanai's work so that we can get together in between classes Tuesday nights. Shanai came too but I didn't get a picture of her on my phone. Prachi is going to e-mail the pictures and I'll update this post later.

My food. I got the Cowboy Burger and it was just soo good. 

Afterwards we went to Mendon Park, talked and took some pictures. Prachi should be getting me those pictures and I'll put them here.

I had to drop something off at my aunt's house so I stayed a bit. My mom later dropped Leah off before she went shopping. It was so cute watching the girls play. My aunt told me that her daughter Lena (she isn't pictures here) prays so that "Lesya lives near them and even if she will live far for God to show her the road to our house and for Leah to get married." I think she's reversed our names in her prayer ;) 

I also did not go to choir. I decided to take a serious break during my spring break; it's good to do that sometimes, but I am in no way "relaxing"- I think many things are a waste of time and feel like I always check myself on how I am spending my time (not always good). Anyway-that's another post.

Blessings,

Lesya

Celery, Gathering, Siblings

Hi everyone.

Just a bit about the last couple days, which as always, include little family stories.

Looking at this picture just makes me want no not vegetables but a new camera. I always use my phone camera and it takes pretty good quality pictures for a phone but as you can see this picture is blurry (more likely my fault) but either way I want to get a quality camera. This is Miss. Irina getting ready for her cell group meeting. She was making lots to eat with me in the midst of it all trying to make myself useful, because I slept over Friday night. She kept exclaiming that she cut her celery all the same size(so I thought she must be hinting at a blog post)...so next time do comment on her celery cutting skills ;). 

The reason I slept over was because we had a gathering Friday night at Irina's house. That is all I will say about that ;)

Now onto Lena. I'm sure y'all are always looking forward to more Lena stories. Well here are a few that I would like to remember: She kept begging to sign up for fitness club because "whatever she asks, her parents won't let her do." So she signed up; fitness club is before school so she wakes up at 6:30, struggles out of bed but goes because as she said, "this is the perfect opportunity for me to lose weight" when I asked her why she was doing it. She said she and another girl were the only girls there. She also wants a North face jacket. Finally, all she needs is a book and Mark's ipod. This was her at piano lessons waiting while it was Mark's turn.  

This is "hot stuff" Mark. Funny story that some of you have heard already. He waits to do homework at 9 pm because he needs time to "rest" and ends up staying up till 1 or 2 or 3 some nights doing homework and usually doesn't nap after school. So one day he decided to nap and woke up at 6 PM. He got dressed did his hair, and went down stairs. He saw Victor and said, "why aren't you sleeping? Go back to bed." Victor said, "what are you talking about? It's only 6.""Exactly" Mark said. Mark thought it was 6 AM. Then he saw his other siblings and got more confused so he asked Yuriy whether it was AM or PM. The very next day he woke up again-from his nap. Got dressed for school, did his hair (which is very important to him), grabbed his trumpet and went down stairs. So, it took his a good 15 min to do all that. The house was quiet so he kept going along with it. I don't think many of us were home that night. He came downstairs ready to have breakfast and saw that it was 7:40. This confused him because he thought he missed the bus. Anyway, he then realized that it's night time.

I ask that you please don't repeat that you read this about him to him because he doesn't know this blog exists and I don't know if he would appreciate me writing about him ;) Later he'll thank me for having "remembered" this-right?

Tomorrow I hope to catch up on some Andrew and Leah stories :)

Blessings,

Lesya

Saturday Cell Group

Hi all!

Saturday we had a cell group meeting. We combined with one of the guys' groups. It was going well until I looked over and saw this:



Nick and I were acting as paparazzi from the dining room. While Roman is discussing the word you can see the girls chatting away and Yuriy clearly in "another world."



But then there was the other side:

Again, bad quality. I also didn't want to turn on the flash. Look at this group being so attentive at that same time.

Okay, okay it was not always like that...

They weren't talking the whole time :) The camera just got them when they were!

I thought the meeting went well. Of course there are things to change and work on. We talked last night with the girls (Tanya and Diana) when I came over their place how we want to incorporate more prayer (pray for each others' needs) and make it more interactive during our Bible study or whatever we're doing. At least during the fellowship/eating time we seem to never struggle!

Blessings,

Lesya