I LOVE HAVING A LITTLE BOY

GRAFFITI

I was a bit surprised to see this bit of graffiti in the restroom stall at St. Thomas.... I had to compliment the Religion teacher on her motivational gifts.....  Actually, I did - in jest - there is a boy in the school named Moses (who has an admirer, apparently.)

STRANGER AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS

It was fun to try to take a photo that would give the same impression that I got when, yesterday, I innocently headed up the stairs to the storage area at church to put some items away.  I didn't really capture it, though, because it was a lot darker, and only when I got quite near the top of the stairs did that "statue" or whatever dreadful thing it is, sort-of loom out at me.  I gasped, because initially I just saw a face in the darkness.  And, it is an ugly specimen - not quite a religious statue, it is almost reminiscent of some sort of quasi-"inspirational" set-up in a department store.  I expect it is up there because it was a donation unsuitable for use in church, but which couldn't be rejected for some reason.   At any rate, it got my blood flowing!   

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE - NOT

Just made shortcakes for breakfast. And while waiting for the oven to heat, decided to clean the berries. I bought two big containers of them last night.

Woops.  This is all that's left.  I guess the boys decided to have a few after I went to bed.   Darn it!

MICHIGAN ADVENTURE

Sergei (in back, with hand up) at Michigan Adventure yesterday with the Summit Secondary.  This is not all of the kids, obviously.  I felt sorry for them all day because it was so cold and rainy, but apparently it was not raining there and it wasn't as chilly - and no one, hardly, was at the park - so they had an enormously good time.  I'm so glad.

A REFRESHING DRINK

 I bought this beverage at the Vietnamese market, for an adventure.  What an "interesting" flavor.  I was overwhelmed, it smells and tastes just like a greenhouse - redolent of dirt and fertilizer.  Craig said, "It tastes Iike dirt, with a side of hospital."  Ilya took a drink and said, "It tastes and smells like Kroger."  (Our grocery store.)  The weird part is that we are all right. 

CHAPEL

Hm...if my students had a camera I'd take it away from them.  Was I distracting myself, or what?  Actually, I could tell you what he said.

MOTHERS DAY

I think this is the first non-school Mothers Day gift I ever got from a child  (Aidan and Lydia sometimes remember as adults).  My sweet Sergei made this for me and had it waiting on the table. What a dear boy!

CHAPEL

Zhen and his friend carried the flags at Chapel today.  All tge news that's fit to print.

GIFTS FROM AUNTIE MO

My dear friend, Maureen (Lydia's godmother) sent us a wonderful package of Russian goodies for Easter.  I absolutely adore these cookies - and they make tremendous ice cream sandwiches! (Plus, isn't the box the cutest thing ever?)

EASTER VIGIL

At 3 a.m., at the end of our Easter Vigil reception, all the centerpieces were lined up on the table.  They were pretty individually, but these were so lovely and the sight eased (somewhat) the throbbing pain in my legs and feet.  What a day!

MY WEEK

I ran across this little flag on e-bay a few years ago.  It is from the Soviet era, when such little flags were placed above the workstation of anyone who isn't quite up to speed, in terms of meeting the goals of their "plan".  It says, "Don't lag behind!"  This has been my motto for the week.  Yipes.  What a terrible time it's been; not a moment to reflect.....at least not one when I was rested enough to have all my marbles.

LAMBING SEASON

Part of my stress has been making these butter lambs.  They are a lot harder than they look, and they take considerable time.  However, I'm making money for a scholarship so an orphan can be hosted through New Horizons this summer  Well worth it!  It is just one of those things that I feel I can never do intensely enough.....  And, it is a mess, too!

ANASTASIA DAY

Among other things - a really bad experience at school the Friday before Spring Break, Spring Break, itself,  and the arrival of her adoption traumaversary on April 17, my little Nastia has not quite been "herself".  I did take her out to celebrate Anastasia Day.  The day fell on a Sunday, which was not good since I had to work for 12 hours that day, and then Monday I had to do the retreat, but I took her out on Tuesday for lunch and to buy a cell phone.  The girl who has posted some 400 photos of herself on facebook wouldn't allow me to take her picture....then she agreed, and stuck up these ugly black nails, knowing I hate them.  So, I just took a picture of them.   The food was good, anyway. 

SPRING RETREAT

Today was the long-awaited "retreat" for the STA School third graders.  A few months ago it seemed like a great idea to be the "retreat master" for this event.  As time came closer, and I got more details, I wasn't so pleased.  To say the least.  I am a perfectionist and a full-day retreat for 40 third graders in one room is a definite challenge.  The teachers used some grant money to rent a space at the Conservation Center.  And while this meant that I had to haul all the materials out there,  I saw a big upside -  on April 18 it is bound to be beautiful weather and they can have play time outside in the morning and afternoon, as well as at the lunch break....why rent a facility like that, otherwise?   But - here is how our lovely spring day turned out!

The kids went outside at lunch just long enough to get cold, wet and muddy.  The day turned out fine, though.  Perhaps I'll say more about it on the "main" blog.

MEDIEVAL ART AND HEALING

Finally!  The long-awaited field trip with my Summit 7/8th graders!  I arranged for them to visit the MSU Art Museum to see their small collection of Medieval art.  Here, the students are looking at the Undergrad Exhibit - some of which was not precisel what I wish they'd seen.... But, they were clearly having fun. 

After the art museum, we went to a nearby tea shop run by a parishioner - they are experts on tea - including its history, and we were given a wonderful presentation (with a tasting!) of many teas which would have been used for medicinal purposes in Medieval times. It was fascinating!

CHRISTMAS IN APRIL

My students are opening the "Christmas Package" from our Korean pen pals.  Unfortunately, it didn't quite arrive in time for the holiday, but it was just as fun (maybe more) coming in April.

THE WYETHS




I know this is a terrible photo, but I didn't want to get in trouble for taking a photo in a museum; I just slipped the camera out of my bag and pretended to be a spy for a moment.

 

My mom and I went to Kalamazoo to see the Wyeth exhibit....paintngs of primarily the three famous Wyeths N.C., Andrew and Jamie.   Interesting how Andrew's paintings, while wonderful, are similarly wonderful to what we see in reproductions, whereas the big surprise was how gorgeous, engaging and powerful N.C. Wyeth's paintings are.  I just loved The Scottish Chiefs, which was actually an illustration for a book.  I've seen it in reproduction, but in person it was mesmerzing.  I didn't want to leave it.

I grew up with "Christina's World" on the wall of our living room.  You can look at A. Wyeth's paintings forever and not get enough.  And Jamie's are equally wonderful.  In particular, there was one portrait of a Laotian refugee boy that just rooted me to the spot.  I saw in that face so much of what I see in my own boys.

ZHEN AND ROSIE

OK - maybe the bed is a little narrow for both of them.

It is, however, the most comfortable bed in the house.

COLOR

Working on color.  I LOVE teaching art.

APOLOGETIX

The Christian rock group the Apologetix performed at Summit.  They were a lot of fun.  What a very talented bunch of guys to be able to replicate so many different styles of rock so effectively.  All with Christian lyrics replacing the originals....

I also loved the school's Praise Band,which is honestly very good.

I was in charge of concessions, which meant I had to stand in the back, which was a blessing - I honestly can't fathom liking music THAT loud.  (Old fogey here.)

PRETTIES IN THE POST

Wonderful, kind Rachael, knowing how much I love linens, brought me these beautiful ones from Ukraine on her recent visit with New Horizons for Children.   They are really special - each differerent colored towel has its own pattern woven in each area - all complimenting one another -  a little cottage in one section, and a sunflower garden in another, the sun shining down on the plot of sunflowers in a third.  Each towel has its own story.  They will never be TOWELS, of course!  Anastasia is in charge of the dining room, and she asked if she could use one for the center of the table.  Of course!

Zhenday

He was deep in his TV show and not happy to be interrupted, but I couldn't resist this cozy picture of my sweet Zhen on Zhenday.  Seven years; I can't believe it.  We celebrated with a banana cream pie.

A TEENAGER OR WHAT?

Nastia appeared so much the "quintessential" teenager that I had to take this photo - doing her nails while talking on the phone.

Pretty typical Nastia.

TWIN DAY

Zhen and his friend Jeffrey were very excited about the opportunity to be twin for the day - and I think they were adorable - thanks to Jeffrey's mom, who put it all together for them.

SOAKING UP THE SON

This was the Lenten "family retreat" day that our Formation team organized.  In the photo Zhen is being wrapped up (like Lazarus) by one of the Iraqui ladies, and Sergei's godfather.  Only Anastasia and Zhen went, and I had to [just about] forcably remove Anastasia beccause she was getting that snide, brittle attitude she gets when threatened by "family" things.  The leader was having everyone write "special things about your family" on a flowerpot.  When I heard that I headed over to see how things were going, and (as expected) the direction was south, so I lured her into my office to "play computer" before she started telling everyone at the table that we don't feed her, or something.

WHEN THEY GET ALONG

He put on this pathetic look just so I wouldn't take his picture, but I did it anyway.  He and his sister are getting along famously lately, and he allowed her to play hairdresser. 

IMAGINATION CAN BE BETTER THAN REALITY

Sergei picked up the plastic cover of the cake and sniffed it appreciativly, then recalled, "We used to always pick these up and smell them when we'd find them."  Just as my heart began to weep for the little orphan who had to smell the box, rather than ever get the cake, he commented, "They don't really taste as good as we thought they did," 

I supposed that since he smelled the containers of Russian cakes - perhaps they did.  ?

SLEDDING

Four of my beloved students sledding during break-time.  I took this by leaning out of the classroom window.  Not too conveniently, the sledding hill ends precipitously at the wall of the school.  Only a few injuries so far.  But, this school could be in Russia for all the worries about lawsuits.  I love it.

SORRY

I shouldn't post this, but I thought it was so funny.  Nastia became acquainted with a boy on-line, and eventually - because he lives nearby - it became appropriate to "get together".  So, it was agreed that an outing to the roller rink would be  suitable.  So, I packed up my lesson-planning books, picked up a friend for Zhenya (who was going as a second chaperon) and we went to the rink.  For a half an hour, at least, the young man's progress toward the rink was monitored via text.  Then - he arrives - shrowded from view by a monastic hood.  Nastia disappears into the ladies' room.  Boy sits and waits.  Nastia hides in corner; boy waits.  Eventually she comes over to me and waits.  He waits.  So - here you see in the foreground Nastia, and in the background, with the cowl, the gentleman friend.  They are texting each other. 

I got fed up and went to the snack bar (had to finish reading II Samuel, and they turned the lights down - as an aside I really do not care for King David).  When I came back - lo!  They were skating, not exactly together, but within two or three yards of one another.  Later, I asked if they talked, and it seems like perhaps they barely spoke.  But no sooner were we in the car than the phone was in action for a texting-fest.

I think it is much easier for Anastasia when her "boyfriends" are in Iowa or Ontario.  Definitely easier for me.  But Zhen had fun.

MASLENITSA

Yum.

MARCH

I leaned out of the car and took this photo of "March" as I think of it - cold, miserable slush.  The other option would be mud.  But, six years ago March brought the most wonderful gift in the form of our Zhenya, so quite honestly, slush and mud and damp cold have risen in my estimation. 

CHURCY DAY

During each of the RE sessions I'm taking the fifth graders into the sacristy to show them the "things" we use at Mass.  Then, this afternoon there was a "Mass of Explanation". 

DINNER DANCE

The parish that we merged with has always had a big dinner/dance fundraiser, and I attendedme.  It is a university parish, hence all the "young folk"; I wish Craig had come.  I danced once with my secretary, but that wasn't enough!  I never get enough dancing.

RELAXATION

Craig and I drove through a snowstorm to a coffee shop, and sat and played "Banana" (according to Nora's rules) for a couple of hours.  Such a rare get-a-way, and all thanks to our noble presidents.

AMUSEMENT WHERE WE FIND IT

Craig and I both got a chuckle out of the suggestion on this box that America's #1 source of Whole Grain (even at Breakfast) is Reece's Puffs! 

VALENTINE PARTY

There was a Valentines Dance at school last night.  I was amused at the end when they turned on the lights and kids in their good clothes mingled on the gym floor.  (That's Sergei back there with a basketball in his hand.)  The gorgeous girl in the center is an exchange student from South Korea.  She is one of the prettiest girls I think I've ever seen in my life. 

CHEER LEADERS

I have the feeling that the last time I saw cheer leaders, when Aidan was in public high school, I was moderately shocked by the "briefness" of their uniforms.  Downright naked, they were (speaking in my churchlady voice).

Anyway, I was equally shocked by the determined modesty of the cheer team that came from a rival Christian school today.  This team did not attempt any of the extreme cheer gymnastic moves that many cheerleaders are doing now.  In fact, I don't think they did anything that nuns in full habit couldn't do....but, for all that they appeared to be having fun.

'TIS A POOR THING, BUT MINE OWN

Years ago, when things were happier at work, and I had the joy of working with two assistants who were also friends, we got a box in the mail.  And, in the box was the statue on the left.  Well, I am sure you can imagine, this "surprise gift" had us rolling on the floor, tears in our eyes, laughing.  It was some poor excuse for a religious statue!  But because she was so darned pathetic, she became a fixture around the place, and for probably fifteen years the office keys have been "on the nun".

Of course she got to move to the new location.  Joseph is waiting next to her for the custodian to glue his head back on.  I was so excited to see these new statues, not made of china, but of some sort of resin - but I can asure you that "resin" whatever it is, is even more apt to break!  Wouldn't you know?

BASKETBALL PARTY

There was a wonderful, absolutely wonderful party at the conclusion of the boys' basketball season.  Families were invited and the coaches were great with the boys (who as you can see enjoy one another).  Someone made a wonderful "highlights" video from the games, and photos.  Everything was perfect.

ABUNDANCE

One thing I like a lot a lot about the kids' school is that they allow them to eat and drink in class.  Maybe in a larger school this would get out of hand, but these are really good kids who police themselves quite well.  Having read what Dr. Purvis has to say about early trauma and brain chemistry, I am even more pleased that eating every couple of hours is a possibility for Anastasia.  And, I've found that some of my children just are not hungry so soon after waking up that they can eat a decent breakfast at home.

Here is the array of items Mrs. Knagg has out for the kids to purchase - at cost - during breaks.  She might try apples, as they last longer.  She did try bananas, but the kids didn't seem to choose them over the possibly-less-healthy alternatives. 

SUNDAYS

I do not quite know why it is so hard to get up on Sunday....  It is comparitively so much later than the 3:30 time I have to get up on the weekdays....  But, on the weekdays I don't have to leave the house right away.  I don't have to get dressed in nice, professional clothes, while the rest of the family sleeps.

The one solace is coffee, so the well-stocked carousel of k-cups for my Keurig is a welcome sight.