Your Test

Take a minute to stop and think about what challenges you face on a daily basis. Or, maybe it's not a daily basis but it happens often enough to drive you crazy. How do you make it through each situation? What goes through your mind? Are you gracious, kind and polite? Or, do you let the situation control you and you do things that you regret afterward. My goodness, I don't think there is a person alive who is exempt from character trying circumstances. These situations either strip off the facade you have created or they reveal the fruits of the Spirit you put into practice. Isn't it amazing how God knows just what to lay in our path to make sure we are tested to the perfect degree. Ahh yes, thanks God, setting that plate of of bitter items before me to see if I will eat them with grace, knowing they are good for me but taste awful going down. And who knows when we have passed the test. Maybe we know we have overcome when those trying situations aren't so trying any more. But, once those have passed there is always something else, always something to make sure we are exercising our scrumptious fruits of the Spirit. Mmmm, everything is so much sweeter when we use those tasty little fruits to help us get through those pesky little tests.

Things you never thought you'd think

This isn't going to be a long blog. I just had to write what's been on my mind. Since Roma's birth, I've been in constant prayer over my kids!! It's like I was hit with a tremendous burden for my children. Now, it doesn't mean I never prayed for my Cylas, on the contrary, every evening before bed either I or David kneel at his bed side and pray with him. But, now that I've been blessed with two children I feel the urgency to make sure my babies are raised surrounded by the things of God. My heart is so full of this desire. Every time I look in Roma's eyes or Cylas' eyes my heart becomes overwhelmed. Each day I wake, I pray for my children that they would love the Lord with all their heart. I never imagined that one of my prayers would be to have my children respect me and that they would grow up to be respectable. I never imagined having such a deep feeling of responsibility to raise Godly children. I never imagined that it would mean so much to me. I never imagined to want Godly wisdom so much...
But, here I am. All of this is happening and what am I going to do about it? I'm going to raise my children right -- no matter what. I'm going to keep them surrounded in a Godly atmosphere. I will lead an exemplary life so my children would know that it's deep in my heart too.

The beauty of...

LOVE: So, my mom and brother flew in on the 19th of November in anticipation of Roma's arrival, but she decided to make everyone break a sweat and show up a week late! I was fretting that I would have to induce just so my mom could be here to see the newest addition to the family. Well, after my fall, I gave up thinking that she would appear before my mom would have to fly back. But, of course, she had her own schedule and showed up early Thanksgiving morning -- without any coaxing. From the moment of her arrival my mother kicked into high gear, mother-mode and took charge of the house. She cleaned, cooked and kept the house in working order. My brother was the official entertainer for Cylas and they kept the noise level almost unbearable at all times. My mom was such a tremendous help and I'm very sad that she's gone. Today is my first day without training wheels and I'm so nervous! Thankfully, Roma is not a fussy baby and I am able to set her down to make sure certain chores are finished. This morning I almost lost my marbles trying to juggle feeding her and making sure Cylas didn't try to make his own breakfast! It was much easier when my mom was here; she is an early riser and would have things cooking in the kitchen without so much as a thought. I'm so, so grateful that my mom was here to help me. I will miss her a lot. Thank you mom!!

Is this what it's really like?

When I sit here and think that it has only been three days since I gave birth to our beautiful little girl, it really amazes me! So much has managed to take place over the past couple of days. Only two hours after our little sweet made her entrance I had guests in my hospital room. I stayed in there, under supervision, only one day and then returned home. Unfortunately, while I was out Skyler managed to catch the flu, so before I came home my mom made sure to bleach, wash and clean every possible surface he could have touched. It smelled so good when I walked in the door. But, being home didn't mean I would get to rest. That night Roma kept me up until 3:30 in the morning. Talk about having flashbacks! I remembered the intense exhaustion from when we first brought Cylas home from the hospital. But last night she kept me up until 5:30 in the morning. Yes, my day started at 7:30 in the morning and ended at 5:30 this morning. Tired doesn't really describe how I was feeling. Maybe a better word would be -- crazy. I caught about an hour's sleep total the whole night and just when I thought I might possibly get sleep Cylas came into our room and puked up on the bed. I completely gave up on sleeping at that point and resigned myself to puke-duty while David tried to console a screaming Roma. The sun filtered through our windows around 7:30 and found Cylas and David camped out in the front room on a makeshift bed, the carpet tossed to one side and a huge bucket next to their heads. My eyes could barely open and I felt a bit loopy. I think that was because Roma was laying next to me screaming again. I sighed, and just had to convince myself that I could get up even if my eyes weren't working and my legs felt like jelly. After a hot bowl of oatmeal with honey, I started to get the warm, fuzzies about having two children and it made me smile.

Snow, Cy and Slipping!

Yesterday it started snowing. And well, it really snowed! We woke up to about three or four inches and it was super quiet. Have you ever noticed how the snow absorbs everything? The colors, sounds and even your thoughts it seems. Today I was sitting at our table looking out the window, eating soup and watching the snow twirl down. It was mesmerizing. And I started at each of those frozen parachuting water flakes and thought: scary! I know it sounds crazy but I'm so used to the comforting sounds of rain and how it lulls you to sleep or makes you want to read a good book. Snow, it's so silent. And it makes you feel like you're in one of those globes, trapped like Santa and his reindeer. Hmmm, not good.
So, snow reminds me of danger. And speaking of which, yesterday I slipped and fell! I landed splat flat on my back, skinning my elbow and hurting my pride. I never fall. It was very disconcerting, considering I am 9 months pregnant. Needless to say, I went to the hospital and they hooked me up to monitor the baby for about four hours. Everything is fine; thank the Lord. But, in spite of my fall Cylas is an eager beaver to go out and play! This morning he saw the snow and starting screaming with delight and told me, "goodbye, momma". He put on his snow boots and yelled for his jacket, my red knit hat and his mittens. David obliged and Cy tromped outside kicking the snow as he went. A full ten minutes went by before we made him come back in. He was having such a great time. His little nose was bright red and his cheeks chapped.
The photos of our house I took right before I posted this blog...and the video of Cylas is right before the snow that evening. (this is Cylas in his NEW snowsuit!!)

Where is your favorite place?

There are only a couple of places I can say that truly bring a sense of calm to my mind. First, and the most obvious, would be the presence of the Lord; second, my husband's embrace; and third would be the library. And that is where I was today with my little munchkin! We browsed for about an hour. It was so relaxing. The library is one place where I can sit down and just enjoy sitting! I can't even tell you what goes through my mind or why I find it so comforting. Most likely it was cultivated from the many years, as a young child, my mom would take my sisters and I to the local library and we would get piles and piles of books! You would never guess that we already had shelves crammed full of books at home. I remember how excited we would get when mom would tell us that it was library day! I think we would get the maximum amount allowed almost every time. Some books I would check out again and again...
As I got older and was able to go on my own, I would bring home all the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boy books I could and stuff myself into a chair at home and just read. Unfortunately, books at the table were strictly forbidden, so I had to tear myself away for a couple hours for dinner time. But, if the parents weren't there us girls would sit at the table slurping soup, eating pizza or munching on cereal with books shoved to our noses enjoying our secret sin. My mom always had books. As a matter of fact, one of her dreams was to have a small library of her own. At one point, a whole room in our house was full of bookshelves and packed from top to bottom with everything from history to art. And now, my little boy has his own mini-library in his room and soaks up every photo of bugs, plants, animals and underwater adventure he can. How many times he has scolded me for turning off the light too soon because he wasn't finished reading, I can't remember. And, going to sleep, whether a nap or for the night, without first reading a book is a crime to him. Is the love for books an inheritable trait!? Gracious, it sure seems like it.

There's life as you know it....and then, there is reality

BAM! Can I use the cliche, "it hit me like a ton of bricks"...I think this best describes the feeling I had today while sitting with my family, as I now know it, at Panera Bread. -- side note: LOVE Panera Bread...it's a 45 min drive away but sooo worth it!! -- I looked over at David and said, "Honey, you know that this will be the last time we'll ever go out to eat together like this. Next time, it's going to be completely different". We stared at each other and then started to chuckle. We looked at Cylas and marveled at the wonder we created and are raising. And now, we have another little wonder-ess that will be needing our tender love and care. It's hard for me to imagine splitting my love in two...or maybe I'm not going to be splitting my love but only multiplying it. The nights we spend, just the three of us, strumming on the guitar, making paper hats, reading books, singing and snuggling are going to include a new member of the family. A little girl that will make everything sweet and sugary. This is going to be such a contrast to Cy's high strung, energy driven desire to wrestle, build, catapult his toys across the room or just spin in circles screaming as loud as he can. Up until this point, Roma has just been "my stomach" and next week she'll be here!! Now, my brain has to shift from boy to girl. How easy will this transition be? I suppose I'll grow into it like I grew into Cy. Although, I must admit it was so easy to be a "boy mommy". I wonder if Roma's creativity will rival her brother's. There isn't a day that goes by where he finds something interesting to do with ordinary items. Notice the pieces of cheese on his head and hand in the photo? I took that one last night. Hmmm...move over snakes, bugs, elephants and tigers...because the dolls, Barbie's and plastic high heels are going to be sharing your shelves soon.

Ode to Romalise

So, on my way home from the library I was listening to the classical station and they played a piece that was composed especially for the birth of the composers son...it was short and sweet and sung by a woman in an operatic voice and it inspired me to write a little something for our daughter. Now, I'm no classical composer or a fancy music artist, but I enjoy creating pictures with my words...and so:

As your little body first forms, my thoughts too follow a birthing course
In the womb, your heart beats a quick, fast pattern pulsing out the unmistakable sign of life
and my heart too pulsates feeding you as you grow, we grow together
At first the time is labeled as weeks, then it is months and then the days until your arrival
My stomach rounds as it makes room for your little body
you reassure me daily that you're still there, you kick, hiccup and push at your ever shrinking cocoon
The day you arrive will be always be yours and you will always be mine
Come to us soon my little butterfly

Changes

So, last night was the first snow. And I can't even say it was the first snow of winter! Can you believe it was 29 degrees here last night? We had the stove in the basement pumping out heat so we didn't have to use the heater the whole night through. And during the day I keep the fire going as well. Winter's cold fingers are tickling the backs of our necks letting us know she's almost here. Oh, farm life...
Not only is the weather changing, but our little one growing my stomach is changing and getting ready to make her debut in about three weeks. Unbelievable! And I'm all nerves. Cylas is such a curious and energetic little guy that it scares me to think I'll have to control two babies at the same time. Yes, for those mother's who have more than two...or more than four I stand in complete awe. And, I'm so glad that you can do it because I think I'm going to retire from being pregnant...hah. Having two children just seems so symmetrical and affordable and much more manageable!
And on a sad note, I had to quit my guitar lessons. My stomach was getting too big and I would have contractions while I was playing...hahah. So, I have to wait to resume my lessons until AFTER the baby is born. Going to my lessons would bring me such joy. Honestly, it was like I took a happy pill or something. I looked forward to every Thursday. I'll keep playing here at home so I don't lose what I've learned, but it is quite the task trying to prop that guitar in a comfortable position so I can see my fingers...hehah. Oh well, in a few months I'll be strumming again!

The Ark

Growing up under the leadership of Bishop Wilson and later Brother Young I have found myself leaning heavily on the principles taught to me throughout the years, since our move to Pennsylvania. After the first couple of months living here, I realized how they had sacrificed so much to make sure I did not become infected with the negativity church politics bring. Talk about a reality check when I realized that there was so much going on out there that I cared to know nothing about and was extremely disappointed once I did find out. I have to thank both my Bishop and Pastor for their selfless giving to make sure we weren't blind but only protected. And so, now, here I am married almost 3000 miles away from anything that is familiar or comforting and I have to do it alone. I don't have the comfort of stepping inside the doors of my church and knowing that I can count on a smile from Sis. Sargent, a hug from Nona or an encouraging word from Sis. Bertram. I am standing in the middle of a battle field with the daunting task of protecting my family and making sure we stay in "for the long haul". Recently, my sister sent me a message preached by Brother Young entitled "Noah's Ark". Now, before you smile and say that you've heard a message similar I have to say that you may need to pause a moment and read what I am about to write.
In Brother Young's message, he opened up a new point of view on the ark and the significance of how long it took to build it and why it was built with certain elements and the particular process of gathering the animals God called "clean". After 120 years, God finally gave Noah and his family the nod to step aboard but not before giving him the enormous task of building this ark by hand. Noah himself built the ark...it wasn't some miracle that made the planks stack atop each other and fit neatly. It was the hand of a man who was guided by the instruction of God. From the structure of the ark to the pitch it was covered with, the ark created a miniature world that would sail the deep holding the future in its bowels. Imagine how many crops Noah had to farm throughout the 120 years to prepare the proper amount of food, imagine how he had to raise his children to love their God with all their hearts so that, in the end, when God called, each of his children would understand the importance of obeying His voice and imagine how laborious the process of gathering animals was to the specifications God gave Noah. But, in the end, each of his three sons married a woman who understood and wanted to be a part of the sacrifices that needed to be made in order to step aboard that ark.
Oh, that the ark we build for our family would be secure and built just how God has specified so my family can be saved. And on an even grander scale, don't let me scoff at the ark that the man of God has built by his hand, but let me step aboard with my family ready to sail.

Family Time

So nice to just spend time together! At times, it's easy to forget the serenity felt in just sitting on the bed together reading a book, laying on the floor with your two year old playing cars while your husband sits near by, holding hands and going for a walk and watching your little one run from bush to bush to find all of the hidden treasures, watching your husband and little boy through the kitchen window while they munch the fresh raspberries in your garden , listening to your husband and baby talk to each other about utter nonsense, eating ice cream when it's cold outside and so many other activities. Each one has such a special place and creates the best memories. Last night, I was feeling a little emotional because we hadn't "spent time together". We eat dinner together almost every night but that isn't enough. I really wanted to go for a walk and just enjoy the closeness of happy family-ness. We used to do that a lot in Sac, but since we've moved here it's not the same. So, every once in a while I make David walk me around the corn and cow fields with Cylas so we can get some fresh air as a family. It's such a small thing but it means so much to me.
I took a couple of snap shots of us last night...

It's Fall-ing

As of four nights ago, we have started to use our heater! Gracious, it's cold. And last night, for the first time, we could see our breath as we stood outside talking. We invited a couple from the church over last night and I cooked chicken artichoke casserole. It was suuuper delish! Anyway, it feels like winter to me, but this is only the beginning of Fall! It's going to be a cold one this year, so they say. And I'm thinking, "Give a Cali-girl a break". hahahah
Last night, David made butter from the milk we get at the neighboring farm. it took him almost 45 minutes to get the stuff to harden! But, he got a whole stick of fresh churned butter and used it this morning on his biscuits. He informed me that butter making should become a part of our weekly chores...hahah. He's excited about it. It's just more fun to keep us occupied in the winter months!
I've started my search for warm winter coats and snowsuits for Cylas. He's definitely going to want to frolic in the snow. Uhm, I'll leave the frolicing to him and David. I'm very content to sit inside and sit hot cocoa and read a REEeeaaLLy good book! There isn't too much to write about at this point, only that I'm seven weeks away from having our little girl, we FINALLY bought a couch and we have a desk and shelf setup that fits so nicely into our sitting area. I'll take photos soon...

It takes time

So, when we first moved here to PA I created a list of the things that I would like to start doing that were new to me. I have done almost half! It's been great fun trying each new activity. First, I started a garden, then I learned how to make jam, I learned how to can and I started guitar! I'll have to wait to take up archery until after the baby is born...hahah. Anyways, I'd like to address my garden. At first it was exciting. When I planted those sweet little suckling plants into the ground, I had big plans for them. I would water them and weed them hoping they would grow into strong, healthy plants and boy did they ever. After a while, I started to lose interest because the weeds were so hard to keep up with! Not to mention, it was getting harder for me to move around as my stomach was growing with our child. Finally, I gave up on maintaining the gardening all together and let David do all of the picking and weeding. There were a few occasions I would go out to help, but the truth was I didn't care anymore. It was fun until the responsibility became too great. However, with what was harvested I did great things! I made tomato soup and pickled tomatoes. It was a long and arduous task, but really rewarding. I said all this to say that I've been thinking about something.
Starting a project can be fun! I had goals set and I was very eager to achieve them. But, as soon as it became too hard I got discouraged. It seemed like as soon as I pulled one weed another would pop up in its place. The plants started to grow like swamp monsters and became unruly. Soon, we had to tie them up. Other of our plants were uprooted by the wood animals and killed. And then there were plants that need more care than we were aware of and they didn't produce as well. All in all it was a great learning experience. However, I think that this lesson can be directly applied to our lives and how we live it. And it can also be applied to people in our lives that we invest our time into hoping that they will become something, but instead they let themselves go and lose interest in applying themselves to the task or tasks at hand. Eventually, they become over grown and too unruly to deal with and in the end they have to be uprooted and the ground tilled to start over again. And you think to yourself...how many times does this have to happen before they will learn. Starting from the beginning is so much harder than sticking with what you have and keeping it healthy and maintained.

Call for Help; 911!

Do you remember where you were on that fated day?? I do. I was in bed and my dad called me. He was calm, but you could hear fear and uncertainty in his voice. I was baffled and I couldn't understand what he was trying to tell me. It didn't seem possible that planes were crashing into pieces of our history and tearing them down. It didn't seem possible that people were jumping out of windows to save their lives...it didn't seem possible. And it still doesn't. May those who gave their lives helping others always be remembered; may those whose lives were taken always be remembered and may those who are left behind without their loved ones always remember. 9-11 happened for a reason...unfortunately, and we can't forget to spend every living moment living! Be active and productive and make a positive impact where ever you go.

R.I.P

Momentum AND Child-rearing

It's been about six months since our move, and I am starting to feel like my life is taking shape. I have tasked myself to make sure that my mind stays occupied and I don't fall into a depression. It wouldn't be hard. As my blogs have shown, I've taken up a lot of new activities that were completely foreign to me before! And admittedly they have been a lot of fun. I'm already scheming ways to introduce some of the young people to these new skills when we move back. It was only just today that I felt a little smile come to my lips as I reflected on the many activities I've planned into my life to keep myself busy. It hasn't just been training myself in canning or taking up guitar; I've taken it upon myself to invite young couples in the church over so as to get to know them better. There should never be an excuse why a Rock Church girl shuns her responsibility to be hospitable. It's taken me some time to come out of my shell and I'm not even all the way out yet, but today I felt a little give from the casing wrapped tightly around me and my emotions. This whole adventure is for sure a learning process. It is forcing me to use and exercise long since lethargic parts of myself. Boy, they are rusty and screaming with the effort, but they should be in good working condition soon. Speaking of 'learning process' I am in the midst of reading a book given to me by my mother. It's called, "To Train Up A Child" by Michael and Debi Pearl. In it I have found priceless nuggets to help me raise Cylas and soon Romalise. David is next in line to read it and we have both found that we agree with many of the principles written about and surprisingly enough already practice quite a few! I could feel myself breathing a sigh of relief knowing that I'm on the right track with many of the disciplining techniques we practice. From the very moment I first found I was pregnant with Cylas, I began to fret about discipline. My main concern has always been that my child should grow to respect me and love me. While reading this book I found an example labeled "Paper Hearts" where they talk about a young boy who starting shutting out his father by wanting to do certain activities on his own instead of including his dad. The father was heart broken realizing that a 'string' had come loose between him and his progeny and quickly devised a plan to make that connection once again. In the end, the father took his son out to the wood shop where they, as a team, made wooden hearts and reestablished their connection as father and son. The underlying lesson here was that it is extremely important "that sons and daughters can trust their parents with personal and intimate knowledge". I have always felt this way. They go on further to point out that "the feelings of a child are just as important and sacred as those of an adult...always treat your children with respect. Never ridicule, mock or laugh at your child's ideas, creations or ambitions". With these words of advice, it only makes sense that "the trust you desire to have when they are older must be established and maintained when they are young". Gracious, reading these words almost brought tears to my eyes because this is exactly what my heart has been burdened with as a young mother. Training your children while they are young in all facets of life is so important and can bring such joy in the end.

A budget saves a thousand dollars

Well, just as true as the saying, " A picture says a thousand words" so is the budget for saving your money. We recently started to budget -- hardcore. And I've found that I've never been MORE excited about our finances. In the past, I've always let David handle our finances and I've found that it was hard for me to understand them when he was the only one checking our balance and then informing me what we had left. But, since this budget has been in place, and me recently named co-budget-queen, life has been floating along SO smoothly! I've instated a savings plan that puts away almost $400 a month for important bills and still leaves a small amount for my secret vices...like eBay!! The magic of seeing our earnings and spending on paper, or in this case in an Excel doc, has created a whole new financial world for us otherwise thought unobtainable. I couldn't advocate it more. Growing up I was always the horde-er. Any nickle, quarter, dime or penny found was immediately secreted away and saved until I could find something worthy enough to relinquish it for. True to horde-form, I started saving all of my spare change in a HUGE glass bottle. I still have it to this day and in it are only silver coins. Pennies have their place in the world, true, but not in THIS bottle! And just recently, David and I opened yet another savings account due to the fact we found a higher interest rate. I still have yet to dabble in the market with stocks, but I have a feeling that will be my next step. To be honest, this physical form of budgeting has empowered me to actually CARE about our money and where it's going. I find myself more hesitant to spend money because in my mind's eye that little Excel document rears its template head and screams at me numbers and figures that won't match up if I spend that extra $25 at Urban Outfitters...hmmm, sounds like a virtual conscience. Here is the budget:

Now, I know this is a bit microscopic, but I can send you the file if you're interested in starting one of your own! (also, double click on the image and it will enlarge the image)
P.S
This is not OUR financial status that I'm posting...this is just an example.

The round about belly...

So, I'm almost six months along...(this Thursday will mark the date!) and so much has taken place. First, we've been here in PA for four months: Second, David felt the baby kick his hand for the first time last Thursday!: Third, Cylas is doing SO well on potty training. I can't tell you how many puddles I've cleaned up and poopy diapers I've caught in mid-air as he flings them off in disgust yelling, "Poo-poo!": Fourth, I've started guitar lessons and last of all, our garden this year is DEFINITELY a practice garden....HAH. I won't show you pictures it's too embarrassing. next year, next year...
This is pregnancy for me is so different than my first. I was so sick the first two and a half months and terribly tired. I'm still tired but, I can function, barely, without a nap. And I don't remember paying attention to the times of day Cylas would decide to kick but, with this one I have. It's almost every three hours. I really enjoy feeling her move around and kick me. If I take a deep breath, she'll kick me in appreciation. Now, when I was pregnant with Cy I dreamed about a baby who had dark curly hair and these magnificant green eyes. Uhhhhm, ok, Cylas got the hair but, his eyes are darker than mine! Now, with this baby I constantly get the feeling that she's going to have light colored hair that curls widly around her head and her eyes are a lovely blueish-green. We'll see...someone PLEASE remind me that I wrote this post so I can look back at my stupidity.
At any rate, this pregnancy feels like it's REACING along. I mean, I only have three more months left!! Wow! Life is amazing in so many ways...

Thoughts, Friends and New Endeavors!

(thanks Aunt Sarah for the mittens!) Before I start on the REAL subjects at hand, I have to give a standing ovation to my son. He is only two and few weeks old and is ALREADY potty training!! He has gone almost 5 hours without an accident! I love my little stinker.

Now, for the meat and potatoes...

Moving here to PA has given me time to think...a LOT. Seeing as we live in a relatively rural town and there isn't much to do here I've found myself soul-searching a lot and talking to myself...out LOUD, no less. hahha. There is a lot I need to do while I'm here and I'm afraid of failing. I have set a few goals for myself and have only started a couple. Yes, I do have five years to get them done but, I don't want to sit on my tail until the very last minute!! The purpose for David and I moving here was so that he could go to school and get an education. We've been here four months (!!!) already and there haven't been any steps taken toward this goal. Being the worry wart I am, I hopped on the interent and started communicating with some of the universities around here to gather information for David. And still nothing has happened...so, yesterday I surfed the net again and found the most interesting site that gave me all the info I needed about salaries, job description and the hiring rates of each engineering field. So cool! David sat down and read about each and we discussed what he'd like to do and after that, I felt so much better. Next up: FAFSA!
(those were my thoughts)

Among the other thoughts occupying my mind, I figured it was time to pay tribute to some of my closest friends and share with you all a few things that I've learned from each.

Von de Leigh: This relationship is SO complicated I think people would laugh if they knew. There is such a deep connection between her and I that has managed to stand the test of time and thousands of miles! It started when I was about fifteen years old. The funny thing is the relationship just HAPPENED. I can't even give it a starting date it just...became. More than once my dear friend has taught me priceless lessons and given me SUCH words of encouragement that spoke to my heart so deeply. As I write this, my eyes are tearing up because of all the great memories I created with her and the experiences we've had learning about life together.
She's one friend who has taught me:
Perseverence
Faithfulness
Listening and waiting to hear BOTH sides of a story
Life is so full of fun, wild things to do
Discretion
Modesty
Sweetness
And she has ALWAYS given me my medicine straight! What a great friend to tell me how it is even if it hurts a little. I love you so much....Thank you


Sarah:
I can honestly say that this is one person who most people misjudge and are missing out on one of the sweetest people around. She and I became friends when I was around nine years old and boy, we sure did tough it out! We have fought like cats and dogs and gone on SOoo many adventures together between pony rides at my place, swimming at hers, playing Polly Pockets and Barbie's, sharing secrets, getting her mom to sew us identical bathing suits and then making us mermaid tales so we could drown in her pool trying to swim with them!! Sarah is one of those people who gives you more of herself each time but, only if you have proven that you can be trusted with her sensitive side (which she hides SO well!)
She has taught me:
Be smart
Out do Ryan at ALL costs
Spend your money doing crazy fun things
Travel the world without regrets
Listen a little more and see what you discover
Being quiet isn't always bad...the silence speaks too
Loyalty is NEVER un-rewarded
Be patient because what you're waiting for will come your way
My dearest Sarah, your sweet little smile and your infrequent hugs are such a joy to me. I know that each time they happen they come from the deepest part of you. You're an undiscovered wonder!

Tabby:
Oh my, this friendship started the moment we both knew we were pregnant. We grew together and popped together!(well almost). Countless times I would call her with all my worries about being pregnant and she would answer me in her sweet, perky voice, "Oh, Misha...". And that was all I needed to just smile and feel better. And since our little boys have grown our relationship grew with them! Being at her house for play dates, seeing them all on Thanksgiving, celebrating Fake "Halloween" and stuffing poor Jack and Cy into painfully cute costumes!
She has taught me:
Smiling changes your mood!
Be Positive
Organize yourself
Creativity is so much fun
Learn from the hard lessons sent your way...but, do it with a smile
Encourage others
Be sensitive
It's NEVER too late to learn something new!!
I truly believe that you are an unsung hero, sweet Tabby. There should be more people like you around to make the world smile and brighten up a bit. Thank you for being sweet to me! You have such a beautiful countenance and I know that there is so much about you that I still need to learn. You're an amazing woman who is so well rounded and I admire you tons...

There are a couple more friends that I wanted to write about but, I will save that for later...
(those were my friends)

Now for my latest endeavor!!! I recently signed up for guitar lessons!! I'm so excited about this. I haven't been musically active in about eleven years. The hankering hit me two weeks ago and I just confirmed with a teacher here in Lewisburg and will be starting up next Thursday. I will be sure to post my progress! (YES! another goal down...several more to go)
And now, you can all breath deeply...because I'm done.

Back from my HOME back to the cows and chickens!

What an unbelievably fun and invigorating trip! I managed to be with and stay with some of the most important people to me. I had such a great time going from home to home from experience to experience. And now that I'm back here it feels almost like a dream that I was there. During my stay, my tummy grew and Cy learned more English! It seemed like overnight he was saying new words and speaking more than ever! It was great. On the last weekend of our stay, I went to Monterrey and Carmel with Sarah, Kissa, Ryan and Clayton. It was great! It felt so awesome to be at the beach. The sand in Carmel was like silk and the air was so refreshing. We spent the day toodling around and then later that evening grabbed something to eat and headed over to the Forrest Theatre to see a play!While we were walking around Carmel we stopped into a gallery that had sculptures and I just fell in love!! They were so beautiful and I wished that I had to money to drop $6000 on those pieces of art. The artists name is Richard MacDonald http://www.richardmacdonald.com/ . Take a look at his site. The first sculpture you will see if of a very famous Russian Ballerina named Rudolph Nureyev. It was said that this man was the perfect model of the human body and this after hundreds of men with all types of athletic backgrounds were examined. As you'll most likely read on the site, Richard only uses live models after which to make his sculptures. One of his sculptures included three wild cheetahs that came with their trainer into his studio for 2 weeks!! I sat with the art consultant for about 20 minutes just talking about the different pieces. It was so nice!Spending time with my friends felt incredibly awesome and a little selfish!! I kept looking around for Cylas and feeling like I was being a bad mommy for not taking him with us. A part of me just couldn't let go and COMPLETELY enjoy myself. But, the part that did let go had a blast!! When we finally made our way to the Forrest Theatre and sat down in anticipation for the play to start we were intensely disappointed to discover that NONE (all but one) of the actors could sing, dance or act!! It was sooo horrible...like cherry Robitesson! We couldn't keep from laughing and eventually had to leave. What a great memory though...
Here is a picture of us making sad faces because we didn't get to see a good play.

Euphoria in family

Enough can not be said about having the people you love surrounding you and the feeling it brings. These past few days I've been visiting here in California and been hopping from house to house enjoying the time with each different family who has made an impact on our lives. Cylas has been hugged and kissed and loved by each person and is loving every minute of it! I'm basking in the warmth of familiarity. I've been to almost every one of my favorite restaurants since we arrived. I didn't take any photos of myself stuffing my face with Dolmathes or Chipotle but, I was VeerrrY tempted! So far, I've spent the evening with Nona and G-pa Tony, stayed three nights with my mom and right now we're visiting Jack and his mommy and daddy! But, we're not done house hopping yet! Tomorrow we're going to the Felt's house....I can't really express how happy I am to be here surrounded by my church family. I'm taking this warm feeling back with me to spread around.

5 years and counting....

So, today marks the fifth year that David and I have been married. It's almost unreal to me. I honestly feel like it's been only a couple of years, if that! The joy that I have in my heart knowing that I married the most wonderful man in the world is inexplicable. Not only are we mates for life but, we share such a unique 'best friend' relationship. I admire my husband a lot. He is wise, kind, giving, loyal, silly, adventurous and most of all a great papa! He constantly amazes me with his talent as an artist. It manifests itself in many different ways from: painting, drawing, carving to building a kitchen table! And this is one talent among many! We have a very well balanced and open relationship that I couldn't imagine living without. I want to make sure that I do everything in my power to maintain a superior level in every aspect of our marriage. He deserves it! My dear sweet, I thank you so much for your unconditional love...because God knows I NEED to be loved UNconditionally....
Yours forever

I'm a Meezer now!

Check this out! I tried to get this little character to look a little bit like me...and...well, what do you think?? Everyone should try and find a Meez that looks like them!


She's a little more attractive than I am but, hey! She's cute

Here's my pic for comparison.

Our Baby Pumpkin! Or Cran-Baby

No, no that's not what we're going to name our new baby. Seeing as it will be born in November, pumpkin or cranberry babysounds appropriate for now. This has been one interesting ride for me. First off, I've been totally sick until about two weeks ago. And now my tummy is starting to pop out giving me that "you look pregnant but I'm afraid to ask because you might just be gaining weight" look. I'm only four and a half months along! My tummy stayed pretty hidden until about six months while I was pregnant with Cy. Speaking of the future big brother...he has been a REAL cling-on lately. He likes to run to me with every ache and pain or uncertainty. But, if I'm scolding him he immediately runs to his Papa for salvation...hah. Oh, but, the good thing since he's turned two is that he's eating! It started about four days ago. He will actually ask me for "num-nums". You can't imagine how this makes me feel. Because for the last six months he's lived off air and next to nothing! I have fretted myself silly over his lack of interest in food. But, the doctor said that it was normal.
Sooo, back to the tummy. We will be finding out what we're having on the 1st of July. I can't wait! David is excited that we're having another one. Here are some pictures of the best papa in the world...
And last but not least, here is Cylas in action...David caught him on the porch reading a book and sitting cross-legged in his little sun chair. Actually, he snuck out. He is learning how to unlock the doors now!! In the video, when he comes up to the door, he tried to push me back inside. As a side note, he has mastered climbing out of his crib...

Curly Hair! = Frizzy in the humidity BLAH

So, I've been scouting out different ways to take care of my hair and it's been a real bear. Here are some tips that I've found to help the curly haired girl survive!

Ok curly haired divas, this one is for you!
Tip#1: Curly hair shouldn't be shampooed it should only be conditioned. But, if you do happen to have sweaty moment or you've just gone swimming they suggest to use a half of a lemon mixed in with your portion of conditioner and then scrub in!

Tip#2: Never brush your hair in the shower. It snaps your hair off and it ruins the natural pattern of your curls. Instead, you should run your fingers through your hair separating the tangles. Do not touch the scalp but start about a half inch from the scalp working through your hair, making sure each piece is covered in conditioner.

Tip#3: Once you've finished, dry your hair with a paper towel. Yes! As odd as it sounds, a paper towel will not wipe off the product in your hair. You can re-use the paper towel or if you have long hair, like I do, use an old t-shirt to squeeze out the access water. You can also use a kerchief tied tightly around your head and use the blow dryer to dry through the kerchief. And on the rare occasion that you must use the deadly blow dryer, remember to always blow dry downwards, on low, keeping a fair distance from your hair so as not to completely dry it out.

Tip#4: To keep away those inevitable frizzies you can take a paper towel and spread gel onto it and lay it on top of your head, allowing it to soak into the top where the frizzies live! And, instead of letting the outside, humid air dry your hair wear a kerchief until it is dry(if you do have to go out). Also, you can invest in satin pillow cases. They tend to be easier on curly hair than cotton ones which rub and frizz up your hair in the middle of the night.

And one last tip for swimming: Before you jump in, rinse your hair with fresh water it reduces the amount of damage done to your hair with the chlorine(this is a good top for everyone!)

New Convert Dilemma

As most of you know, I'm not too shy but, as most of you don't know...I AM shy. Let me qualify -- when in the presence of people considerably older than I, I tend to freeze up a bit. Sounds weird, but it's true. So, with that said we have couple who started visiting the church out here. She used to attend a Pentecostal church when she was little and saw this church as she was driving by. I made a point to introduce myself and try to make her feel at home as possible. They starting missing services and I didn't know how to get in contact with them. I finally found someone who had their number, on Monday, and was planning to call them. Well, as God would have it I saw them today while I was out grocery shopping. I told them I had been thinking about them and missed seeing them at church. There is going to be a church picnic this Saturday and I informed them of it telling them it would be great to see them there. Well, when I mentioned that I had been wanting to call them the lady immediately piped up that she would really like another woman to talk to...my gut kind of seized up a bit. She said these words with a bit of anguish and I'm afraid that I might become her garbage can!! I'm so afraid that she'll start calling me at all hours telling me her problems and then I'll get annoyed or frustrated or something. What should I do??? I've never really dealt with new converts before. I've always managed to stay involved with the groups in our church, The Rock Church, that concerned young people and such. This is a whole new world for me and I'm seriously nervous. But, I keep telling myself I'm going to "help her to become". But I'm all alone...

Maybe this is too random to share

But -- I'll do it anyway!! I was out getting a few groceries today and I started thinking about all the little things that bring a smile to my face, relax me, or that I look forward to. Here is a list of the things that came to mind:
1.) When David comes home from work
2.) Cylas saying "maaah" in the morning (so I can get him from his crib)
3.) Noah's Bagels
4.) Sophie's Cuban Food
5.) Yoga in the morning
6.) reading GOOD books!
7.) Hot Cocoa
8.) Bacon and eggs (any time of the day!! Jana knows)
9.) Naked Juice: Protein
10.) Hash browns and eggs with Ketchup!
11.) Song service at The Rock Church
12.) Bishop Wilson's preaching
13.) Camping on the beach with people who are special to me
14.) Playing with Cylas
15.) Talking with David
16.) Spending time with my good friends...I can't begin to name you all
17.) Making dinner for my family and sitting down together to eat (a nightly event)
18.) Drinking smoothies that David makes for me (in the morning)
19.) Going to the theater (Broadways etc..)
20.) Taking inspired photos
21.) Writing
22.) EBAY!!

I'm sure there is more but these are the things that came to me. If you stop and think about how many things make you smile and what they are, you will be surprised!! Even if they seem trivial...

The City

Ooooh, how wonderful it felt to leave my little homestead and head for the big city yesterday. As we whipped through the rolling hills of Pennsylvania and slid into the mainstream of New York City life, my heart lifted. The weather is so pleasant. Lately in PA it's been really chilly in the evening so we're still in sweaters! But last night as we lounged at my dad's, the night was warm with a light breeze to refresh the air around you. We sat an munched on chinese food that we bought from up the street (Sarah I had soup from there!!). And today we're going out to enjoy the weather and take a walk in Battery Park with Cylas and his new trike! I'll make sure to have photos. Cylas and David just woke up and I'm going to make breakfast and then we''ll be headed out to enjoy the gorgeous weather! But, the reason we're here is because my little bro Sky is flying in early Sunday morning. We're all really excited. He'll be with us for a whole month!! The boys back in PA can't wait to meet him...
I'll put photos up of our day soon...

Address

For those of you who have our old cell phone number it is now dead. I know, I know. It almost seems like a betrayal to give up my old number. I tried to hold on to it for as long as possible but, it's just too expensive to keep three cell numbers and a home line. So, I have a new number.
Our home is: 570.524.1278
My cell is: 570.428.5648
David's cell is: 570.428.5909

Our new address is:
692 Warren rd
Lewisburg, PA
17837

I just figured it would be easier to post this than to hand it out individually.

Yikes...

I am a Canna What Flower Are You?

"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting people know that."

This sounds so haughty to me!!! Am I truly this way...? I sound really judgmental and hard to get along with...I guess it's hard to see the truth sometimes...hahahah. Oh well, those who love me for who I am in spite of this THANK GOD for you alllllll!!!! You all must be AMAZING people to put up with me. And I say this sincerly...

Among other things...

Well, it's official. I'm going to be a mommy again. I'm three and a half months pregnant and totally under the weather!! James, as a side note, this is the "condition" Von de Leigh was referring to all that time ago.....hahahah. Some condition, huh? I'm once again treading down that nine month road to giving birth to another Kelbatyrov!! I'm really hoping for another boy (so MUCH fun they are) and as usual David is indifferent. Anyways, this pregnancy has been soooo different from my last one! Who ever imagined that onions could insight such a violent fit of throwing up and gagging, and even oatmeal at times... More often than not, I would have David fix the dinners while I stood from afar with a bandanna tied tightly around my face directing him. But Cylas gets a real kick out of my ailing. Some mornings he'd be right along side me trying to "throw up" but only producing gobs of slobber. David would then rescue me leaving me to my misery. Please, future mothers don't think that morning sickness lasts only for the morning. What a complete misnomer! Hahahha, mine would last all day. Now, it doesn't happen to everyone. When I was pregnant with Cylas I wasn't sick one day! THAT was good...but, then again, I talked to God about the whole "morning sickness" thing and told him that I didn't have time for it. Mind you, I had just been accepted to UCDavis as a full time student and didn't think that running out of my classes at any giving moment would be productive. Why didn't I talk to God this time around?? Maybe he knew I'd need something to do out here so, he gave me this gift. At any rate, my sickness has subsided but, hasn't completely left. Pretty soon, I'll be fat instead of pukey...Did I mention, it's been fun!?

Excitingly, wonderful changes!

So, Sunday night was the first of many new adventures as the Lewisburg UPC's newly appointed sign language interpreter. Yes, make no mistake. I'm moving on up in the world...hahah. And boy is it nerve wracking. My sign language is really rusty but, God is helping me to remember a lot. And the man I'm signing for is really understanding. Last night, me, David and brother from our church went to this man's house and gave him a bible study! It was really neat to see how hungry this man is for God. I never imagined that I would be signing but, I'm so thankful that I'm able to use my talent for the Lord. I just need to get better at it!! Joe, the deaf man, said that as soon as my sign starts to progress he'll invite more deaf people to church. So, pray that I get better quick!! He has a girlfriend who is also deaf that is willing to help me learn. So, I'll probably find myself taking lessons from her in the near future. After focusing on Russian so long, it's a little hard to change gears. I'm up for the challenge though and can't wait to be more useful in the deaf community. What fun!!

MatreDey

Yes, yesterday was a day for Mother's. And wow, wouldn't you know I'm a mother! Hahah, much to my surprise it wasn't only a day for every other mom but for me as well. I don't really think of this day as something that I should consider for myself but for my mom and all those other wonderful people who have invested half their lives mothering. I've spent only a mere two years...heh. Doesn't really feel like much or that it should be recognized but, I was recognized and I liked it! We spent the weekend at David's cousin's house and woke up to the smell of bacon, eggs, waffles, Russian crepes and hash browns prepared especially for us by the guys. Then we visited their church and returned home to have grilled burgers and chicken tostadas. It was nice to get out of the house and the area for those couple of days. Cylas had a great time with his cousins...fighting, screaming and playing together. I was blessed with two cards this year. One from my little boy...soooo cute! and one from my love. It was very sweet and made me feel so special. It takes some getting used to...this mommy thing. But, I love it. It's helping me to grow. And thank you to those sweet people who either called to recognize me or left blog messages. I really appreciate everything...
And a side note for those who have helped me to become...without those people I don't think Cy would have half the mommy he has today.

Tagged

I got tagged...I've been noticing that a lot of people having been "tagging" lately. I don't know exactly what that is or how to tag someone else! I guess I'm supposed to write a 6 word memoir and then tag some people.
Let's see...

Read Books. Be Sweet. Stay Consistent.

I suppose this sums me up and my mantras quite well. I love to read and one of the most respectable people I know told me to always be sweet and my fear of inconsistency helps me to remember that I always MUST be.

Now, how do I tag??

Auction

Today, we visited an auction. As a side note, we still don't have any furniture so, we figured this would be a great opportunity to find some great deals on what we need! This particular auction was called a "Benefit Auction" and the proceeds were to help a nearby Bible Institute. I wasn't prepared...What I mean is before we walked in the door I saw skirts, skirts, and more skirts. And when we actually stepped through the door it was like going back into time. The women sat with hair piled high and swirled into little nests atop their heads. Their faces were pure and their skirts slitless. Did I just walk into Pentecost past??? The lady at the desk smiled and took our names and gave us a number so we could participate in the bidding. Everywhere I turned there were Pentecostals -- so I thought. Come to find out they were Methodists, Independents, God's Missionary and many more uber-conservative Christian types. What a weird feeling, looking at these people holding the same standards we do and preaching something totally different. I didn't know such people existed. The only obvious religious sects that I would expect to see these standards in would be the Mennonite and Amish. I'm still amazed. Oh, yeah, and we bought the neatest looking box/trunk for our front room for $25! Yyeeesss! Officially our first piece of furniture in this house.

Descriptions of sounds where I live...

Actually, this is just to inform those who only have this link that I posted a more journal(y) piece on my family blog...

mishadavidcy.blogspot.com Enjoy!!

One of THOSE days...

So last night I had a great time with some Russian youth that attend a church down the street. They invited me over to play volleyball and sit around the campfire. I brought Cylas by myself because David had an emergency call to fix a leaky pipe in one of his dad's rentals. So, while we waited for David to arrive Cylas and I enjoyed the volleyball games and played with the other little children there. As the night wore on, David still hadn't arrived and wasn't answering my phone calls. Come to find out, he was wrist deep in sewage and it wasn't looking too good. It was dusk by the time they started the fire and we were all a little cold. Spring here is completely different than Sacramento. It's an art form. You have a couple of nice sunny days in the 70's and the rest are in the low 60's with rain showers and lightening storms. You find yourself waiting for the sun a lot and when it comes you appreciate the results of all the rain. It's a slow process. The nature here is cultivated into spring -- not flung into spring like back home. At any rate, we sat around the fire, warmed up and sang hymns. Cylas started to get a little antsy and even a bit cranky, so, I went to change his diaper and decided it was about time we headed home. It was 9:30 when we pulled in and David still wasn't home. He had been gone since 4 in the afternoon. David came home around 10 and Cylas and I were sacked out. (I had Cy sleep with me because I didn't want to be by myself). However, around 3 in the morning Cy woke up crying. And that was the beginning of a very long night and day for me. At 5:30 he still hadn't gone to sleep and was crying intermittently. He finally drifted off around 6 and managed to sleep until 8. But, as soon as he woke up he was crying again. He isn't normally a fussy baby so, my mommy instinct kicked in and I began to pay closer attention to him. Sure enough, I noticed him bat at his ear. Within seconds, I knew what the problem was -- an ear infection. So, amid all of his screaming I found a home remedy online. Onion juice. He screamed harder...I found some Tylenol and in ten minutes he was jumping on the bed like a little monkey. Then, he begged for some Pringles and scattered them on the kitchen floor and then insisted on eating up the crumbly mess he'd just made. On top of all this, I'm feeling a bit under the weather myself...whew! Now, he is snoring in the other room and I'm waiting for his Dr. appointment at 2:15......
Did I mention I was tired???