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.