Spring Break

It's called spring break but it is so cold. I haven't had a Spring break in April since high school, so it's a nice change. 

I've been going to work everyday this week because it's a good time to get most of my student teaching requirements done. The more I do now, the less I will have to worry about in the coming weeks. (At "work" I get paid to do my homework). Then I met up with Yulia for some Tim Horton's chili. It was so good and we had a good time chatting since we haven't seen each other in a while. 

 One of my student teaching requirements is to create and teach a unit. The unit happens to be poetry. I found a bookmark poem on Shel Silverstein's site, (you should all know him if your took poetry somewhat seriously in elementary school) and made these card stock bookmarks for the kids. I enjoy planning and I relearn so much about the topic myself. Now I just have to decide what the best way to teach it is -that's the hardest and most exciting part. There are so many fun activities you can do with teaching poetry. 

By the way, April is National Poetry month!

Blessings,

Spring!

How does this season make you feel?

Although I love fall, I don't have time to enjoy it because it is such a busy time of year (in this season of life). I get back to school, and from there on out, the days fly. Then there's winter. The days are short, and nights are long and dark. Most nights you can't sit by the fire like you see in picture books. Instead, you are out and about, or doing school work.

But when Spring comes around, the days become longer, the snow melts, and the weather becomes warmer. With school you come to think: there's a light at the end of this tunnel! You slowly count down the weeks until the last day of school. I like school, I really do, but I get exhausted. Maybe that's why I got so excited to see the first signs of Spring.

For this Spring I have 3 goals:

1. Finish student teaching successfully

2. Graduate.

3. Figure out what I am going to do this summer, because what I do this summer will affect what I do in the fall.

Hope your goals are more exciting than mine!

Blessings,

Storm Nemo

Hi all.

A few weeks ago in the morning I was driving to school and thought it was beautiful out, but pretty bad for driving.

Friday I was driving home in this. Storm Nemo was underway. Here it wasn't so bad but there were areas I drove through that were so much worse. I take a 15 minute long road home from student teaching. Of course, some schools did not find it necessary to dismiss early so I got lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful scenery for a long 40 minutes on what is usually a 20 minute drive. It was funny because the songs that kept coming on, on the radio related to how I felt about driving that day. The song lyrics that came on when I began to drive were "It's just a long way home" and then "I know the journey seems so long You feel you're walking on your own..." It just made me chuckle because it was a long way home and sure was all alone. Thank God for his protection.  

Blessings,

Fall 2012 Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

(P.S. -blog is back up for all:) ) 

Blessings,

Roller Coaster

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings, 

Thanksgiving Break

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

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

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

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

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

I love this salad. My aunt brought it in.

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

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

Blessings,
Lesya

Philly Trip

Hi all.

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

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

Blessings,
Lesya

Oh the Lord's Mecry

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,
Lesya

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

Birthday Weekend

Hi all. 

This past weekend was so much fun. I turned the big "two O." 

Saturday I had to work-babysit which I always enjoy, but because of that I stayed home Saturday night to finish the cakes for the bake sale. 

I am nowhere near a great cake decorator, etc. but I love doing it anyway-wish I had more time. 

Sunday was the bake sale. It was a success and as always you learn from these kind of experiences, but overall Diana did a great job organizing and making it happen! I'm glad I have this picture because it portrays how I look at "20." I do feel God has changed me sooo much (for the better!) this past year. Another way to say that is that I've grown more in the faith and developed more "Christian like" qualities in the person I am-my character. Does that make a little sense? I've been praying for God to give me patience, to love regardless of what someone does to you, etc. and God has really been changing me. Praise be to Him! 

After the bake sale we went to Tanya and Diana's house-so that is how I spent my Birthday lunch. Afterwards, we went to Rock the Lakes. It was a blessing. I especially loved hearing Michael W. Smith. 

Blessings,

Lesya

Events from Past Days

Hi all. 

My past few days...

I've been so busy, that I don't even have a chance to blog. This is so weird because I should have more time during the summer, but I am choosing to spend quality time with friends, being in church, reading the Word, etc., and so by the time I realize I should blog, I also realize that I need to get some sleep instead.

Us girls and my cousins Igor and Alex went to the Syracuse choir practice. Car rides are always fun, especially with fun family and Natashka. We later called ourselves "the misfits" and that is why we all get along and have so much fun together.  

I've also continued to tutor. Their mom always has to feed me, or bring me dessert, or a milkshake-anyway, I am doing the Special K challenge, and she brought this up. I felt bad and awkward explaining that I'm on Special K, but since you are allowed to have one regular meal per day, I decided that these could be part of that regular meal. I had one-moral of the story is-I was easily able to withstand taking another one. Basically, you can achieve what you set your mind too. Notice the eraser-yes I actually teach, not just eat.

So, Tuesday I was suppose to go to the field placement I went to during the spring semester (I asked to come in for the rest of the year to continue learning from the teacher) and I lost something important and stayed home looking for it-Praise God I found it. Anyway, I also organized a few drawers and Leah took these little plates. She was saying such cute things like: I am going to invite my little friends over and we are going to eat. I asked her who her friends were. She said Karina and Lena-basically her two girl cousins. I also wanted to wipe something with the napkin and she starting almost crying saying, "not my princessy napkin, no no no." She also cut her own bangs a few weeks ago AFTER my mom told her not to.

Another memory: we have this letter learning program on our computer, and one day someone was going on and she said, "you are going to mess up my letter program" or something like that-I don't totally remember-but I remember that it was funny how she referred to it as a program! She has also been loving me so much lately!! I just love her! It is sooo awesome to have a little sibling(s). 

I've also tried going into the preschool as much as I can. My little cousin is in the class and is so cute. She call's me "Miss. Lesya" even though at her house she is used to calling me "Lesa." The teachers did a "5 sense" festival that day and I was at the touch station where they touched hot, cold, smooth, etc. I love the kids and the preschool teachers so very much.

Blessings,

Lesya

New Summer. New Office Work.

Hi all.

Today I started yet another new job. 

It's in the retention office(s) at Brockport so basically I work with the first-year experience coordinator, and transfer student experience coordinator-who is also the lady/friend I babysit for.

I will be getting paperwork ready for freshman registration, making copies, sending letters out, help with planning for various events, etc. Basically, typical college office work. I love that I've had the opportunity to experience working in different offices such as education and human development-I helped a lot of other departments during this time, financial aid office-boy is it a lot of work, and now this office.

My desk. I love the people that I'm working with. They are so flexible and easy going-always telling me to take breaks, and that I should bring homework during my summer class and work on that because there will be down time, etc.

Today I was alphabetizing student transcripts-about 900 of them, but this is basically the only tedious things I'll have to do-I didn't mind it though. She told me to turn on my music, take breaks-go on the computer, etc.. A very comfortable relaxing summer environment to work in. They called me to sub for tomorrow and I told the lady that I babysit for that I won't take it because I'm coming in tomorrow-she insisted I did because it's such great experience and not to come in when ever I could. It's such a blessing. It is hard for me to take breaks when I know I have something to accomplish, that's the only thing.

Blessings,

Lesya

Study Breaks

Hi all.

A few posts ago I talked about busyness simply being a way of life. 

So, I said I'd create a list of things I call relaxing for me; like I said, I can't simply do nothing to relax.

This is basically what I do to relax from school work, or whatever else makes up my long days. During the summer I think it's different, didn't really think about it. It's more like work, family/friends, church, church activities. No slowing down. 

• Visit one of my cousins'/aunts house
• Listen to an audio book or sermon and fold my clothes/laundry/iron. (I can't not be doing anything when I am listening because I always think to myself-I'm wasting my time...which sometimes I wish I didn't think this way)
• Read the Bible-sometimes between classes, or at home during study breaks
• Organize my iphoto picture
• Going to church-I can chose to stay home (especially after a long day) and "relax" but I'd rather chose church.
•  Read blogs, answer e-mails, shop online-oh people, do not get into this one.
• Clean the kitchen table-lol. I love to do this when I'm in the middle of studying and just can't go on because I don't feel like doing hmwk any more, I go downstairs clean the table, there's always something the kids are eating, and then walk upstairs to accomplish the dreadful task!
• Talk on the phone-I don't choose this. They call. If mother isn't home, I have to talk, so that becomes my few minutes to a half hour of getting away from the daily busyness of school.
• Cook/bake! 
• Watch cooking shows-but I can't just sit there and watch, unless I'm watching late at night and am in bed. I have to be doing something and watching. It's weird. I feel guilty if I'm not doing anything. 
• Play with the kids.

And so, I always make myself busy. Today it was so weird. I came home and thought, wow, I have an afternoon where I don't have an obligations. I helped my mom a bit. Then I chose to vacuum my car and just now was listening to an audio book called Trusting God, and organizing my church clothes. I feel accomplished for the day  :)

This is such a weird post. Don't judge as my cousin Irina would say ;).

Blessings,

Lesya

A Beautiful Day

Hi all. 

Don't you just love perfect days?? 

Well what is a perfect day. It can be defined in many different ways. I just had a great day, besides getting 2 more papers assigned on the last week of class. No big deal, I really don't have anything else to do.

Well for me, today was officially my last Tuesday day of school meaning no more 8-9:15 all day in school Tuesday! We even got out of class at 9 which is huge, because that night class always goes right up until the end. 

Also, a more important thing is that this morning I prayed that I can share/talk about God with someone. Well, God heard me loud and clear. Two classmates and I had to perform/act out Shakespeare so we came together to practice. One of the girl's (well she's a woman-has children my age, etc.) started saying something about getting a drink because she was nervous (in a joking manner). Then she quickly looked at me and said "I know, I know, you are the perfect church girl, and wouldn't go." So it went from there. I am very comfortable with her because I had a class with her last semester but we never really talked about our faith. She believes in Jesus, etc. but it's hard for her to think that He is our Savior, and we need to be saved to go to heaven. I know God is working in her life because she prays everyday and He is the only one who helped her get through her terrible divorce, etc. Anyway, she also has this idea that Jesus was just a good man, etc. She even has a picture of him hanging over her bed. 

I ask that you all pray for her. I know God want's  her to know Him personally, and I think he has already started His work. I pray the words I said will touch her and she will one day come to know the Lord for who He is and start going to church. 

Please say a prayer for her. Please. 

Also, our presentation went very well, and I told them I would pray and it would all be good. Now I have to e-mail them and let them know that prayer works-we got a 100 on the performance :)

Anyway, I just wanted to remember this little moment. It was also a good reminder of how God always hear's around prayers and answers them in His perfect timing. 

Blessings,

Lesya

Life.

Hi all!

Life has been soo busy lately. I haven't had a chance to sit down and blog lately-partly being I am basically living at my aunt's house this week, and partly last week. I basically leave here early and get here late because of school and subbing and placement but it still causes less organization in my days.

The Nurse. The Teacher, The Medical Technologist.

Anyway, this past Friday we had the North Carolina Youth over. Irina, Tanya, and I matched so we took this picture.

Saturday was my brother's engagement party! I told my parents good thing they have boys, because all we have to do is bring a cake with us (we also made poppy-seed rolls) but anyway, this was a poppy-seed cake as well and my wonderful aunt Nina came up with the idea of sugared rose petals to decorate. So we all worked on that part Saturday morning. Then we went with Roman to buy flowers and things like that. I didn't get any pictures from the engagement on my phone so they won't be uploaded. They made sooo much food and obviously it takes days to prepare-that's why I told my parents about being "lucky" to have more guys than girls. Plus, all 3 of us sisters are so separated in age that hopefully my parents won't feel overwhelmed with "daughter" weddings-although all weddings are a blessing!

Andrew and Leah before the engagement. They are growing up so fast. Leah always said she didn't want to go to school, but lately she's been saying that she wants to. One more year for her. Andrew is starting kindergarten in the fall.

This week I subbed in the 5th grade classroom. The kids were so great. I am learning that I am loving every grade level. God, please bless me with a teaching job I love! Tomorrow I sub for the 2nd graders. They are great, but are a handful. I am looking forward to it tomorrow as with any teaching experiences.

Blessings,

Lesya

Looking back at my March Goals

Hi friends.
Thoughts on my March goals are in red.

My goals for this month are:

Read half of the book called The Holy Spirit From Genesis To Revelation by J. Swaggart
 It's a study guide book and very much a great resource. -I only read a few pages into it :( sadly did not have much time

Type up 10 Kid's Worship Songs into our song binder.
Last month I found many, now I have to put them in the correct format. I almost reached this one. I didn't get ten, but came close to it-in the next few days I will surely finish with this.

Don't do any more shopping. 

This may sound silly, but it is what it is. Last time I bought something was February 3rd, so I almost made it the whole month. I tried!

Listen to a Times Square Sermon. The sermon kept freezing on me but I did listen to a youtube video sermon on being a "Godly Woman" that Luba recommended to me.

Memorize 4 Bible verses.  

Last month I failed, and memorized 3. This month I failed even more-memorizing only 1. I had the second one but never began to memorize it. I'm not giving up though. It's just that during the week it gets so hectic and busy and if it isn't a "priority" in a sense then it won't get done.

Compile "a bunch" of worship/songs appropriate for youth prayer. Thanks to the help of cousin Ira-family what can I say-(she had a little booklet of worship songs) I have found many good ones to use. Still have to go back for the Ukrainian ones in there. 

Exercise my back every night before bed (for 5 minutes?)
I'm not flexiblel at all! I always thought about exercising it but didn't really "get to it." Honestly I kept on forgetting!! When I was almost falling asleep, I'd remember so this will continue on in April.

Some goals from last month will be on going such as eating healthy, drinking water, etc.

I have spring break in March so hopefully I will be accomplishing more than is on this list. I have a few other things on the back of my mind.- Spring Break was busier than I imagined but I did not waste time during it :)

Blessings,
Lesya

Phases

Hello Friends.

I was recently thinking about how I went/go through periods of time where I get "stuck" in a phase (doing) something by choice. Let me explain and share some of those things that I've gotten stuck on-at least the ones I remember.

A couple summers ago I LOVED doing laundry. It was probably when I was 14. Yes yes, there were times where I turned the entire load of clothing blue or put in way too much clothes but after a few loads I was an expert. It was also at a time where we had little babies and we had a lot of laundry. I always got excited when everything was washed -I felt so accomplished. via

Talking on the phone-need I say more. Meaningless talk every night with a few friends at least. via

Reading books! At one point that's all I love and wanted to do. Right now I read spiritually building boos which are more teaching oriented-trying to prioritize my time. I hope to read a few books "for fun" this summer. via

Then came a time when I fell in love with "scrapbooking." (Says the not so creative wanna be teacher who should be creative) Angela introduce it to me and I started a scrapbook for Andrew and Lena-and yes they are still. not. finished. I also did a scrapbook for part of my senior project-a "teaching" scrapbook which is finished. Right now I have a bunch of scrapbook supplies that I need to put into use. via

Ok who can relate?! Maybe nobody...I think it was when my aunt Larissa came from visiting Ukraine she brought these tetris games for all of us. The screen looked very much like that image. Anyway, that summer I would play and play and play. This was probably early high school-not so sure. I would put the game under one of the couch pillows and play it any chance I got. I remember my mom would be like "you're playing it again? I'm going to throw it out!" I did get over that game.  via

Cooking! In high school 9th or 10th grade I used to make something new once a week at least. I had the time and loved doing things in the kitchen. I remember my first recipes were Whipped Cream Bundt Cake, Raspberry Brownies (which tasted so "untasty"-Angela and I did them together..I wonder if we left something out...) Cheesecakes, and Strawberry Pretzel Squares. I don't think this has changed much though. I just don't have the time, but any chance I get-I love to cook and bake and of course I am my own worst critic. This semester though I cook and bake sometimes even when I truly don't have time. I guess I am "stuck" on it now as in I'll always love doing it but something I just constantly want to be in the kitchen. I also love cooking shows. LOVE LOVE LOVE them. via

 Again...need I say more. I go through periods of time where all I want to do (besides cook) is shop. Especially this fall-online shopping. I had a package come in the mail literally every other week-sometimes every week. I would say I'm not going to shop anymore but fail. My mother was not discouraging either-if you like it buy it she'd say. Of course, it was all sale items but everything adds up and you really become "addicted" to it. You go online, add things to your cart, waste time browsing, etc. I've been pretty good lately with not buying anything these past few months weeks. via

Blessings,

Lesya 

March Goals

Hi everyone.

My goals for this month are:

Read half of the book called The Holy Spirit From Genesis To Revelation by J. Swaggart
 It's a study guide book and very much a great resource. 

Type up 10 Kid's Worship Songs into our song binder.
Last month I found many, now I have to put them in the correct format.

Don't do any more shopping. 

This may sound silly, but it is what it is. Last time I bought something was February 3rd, so I almost made it the whole month.

Listen to a Times Square Sermon.

Memorize 4 Bible verses.  

Last month I failed, and memorized 3.

Compile "a bunch" of worship/songs appropriate for youth prayer. 

Exercise my back every night before bed (for 5 minutes?)
I'm not flexiblel at all! I always thought about exercising it but didn't really "get to it."

Some goals from last month will be on going such as eating healthy, drinking water, etc.

I have spring break in March so hopefully I will be accomplishing more than is on this list. I have a few other things on the back of my mind.

Blessings,
Lesya

Looking back at February's goals

Hi everyone.

Tomorrow I will be posting my goals for March. 
Today, I want to take a look back at the goals I've had this past month so this is the same post I posted in the beginning of February. What's in parenthesis is my reflection on how much of the goal I've completed :)

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  (For most of the month I did, but failed by the end. I guess my bank account info will just have to do)
• I've attempted this before (summer I think) but never really followed through

• Drink lots of water -its good for you!  (I did well with this. Drank 2 bottles at least a day using my water bottle-I'd say that's progress considering I drank very little water before)
• I usually do this for a bit, then gradually stop, so I'd like to develop a habit

• Eat healthy(Been doing well with this too-in fact lost a pound or 2-been very conscious of what I eat) 
• 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 (Well I memorized 3-I may share those along with my March ones at the end I this new month)
• 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've been good with finding songs-but failed to type them into my format that I want all the songs to be in for the binder. Definitely a March goal!)
• 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 (Listened to one of The Father's House sermons)
• Anyone have any suggestions? I've never really done this.