Time Pieces

A New Beginning

2008-07-23T21:17:00.002-04:00

So...what have I been doing since February???
1. Finishing the school year.
2. Saying good-bye to my best first grade class and saying hello to fifth grade curriculum.
3. Starting my masters - ah yes, papers again.
4. Traveling to Texas for my brother's wedding.
5. Setting up my fifth grade classroom
6. Reading some fifth grade books so I know what I am talking about when I have them read them.
7. Getting ready to spoil a new niece or nephew.
8. Staying up way too late to get in all my Jane Austen movies.
9. Preparing for our camping trip in August - yes, I said camping.:)
10. Sleeping in far too many days this summer.

I know this will probably be my only post until next summer, but at least you know what is going on here.

2008-02-15T23:06:00.001-05:00

"Miss E, I don't want to go to 2nd grade. I want to stay in your class forever."

Super Bowl Insanity

2008-02-02T22:33:00.000-05:00

I could not believe all of the people out at Wal-mart getting everything for their Sunday night party. Can we say crawling? I am planning to skip watching the Super Bowl and watch the newest Jane Austen on PBS. Hoorah!

Instead of filling up with chippies and sodas, my mom and I will indulge in spinach dip, pumpernickel bread and some mint tea. Yummy!

A lovely snow day!

2008-02-01T12:35:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I do love a good snow day! This was just what I needed after an interesting week of craziness. We have had a total of 2 days of school this week and actually I could get used to this.:)
Anyway, I am so glad that I took the time last week to prepare for 3 weeks instead of one. Yippee. Now I have all of February planned and I truthfully feel like I can take a bit of a break.
So today, in the midst of watching Barefoot Contessa reruns as well as The Waltons, I am going to attempt some knitting.
My sister made some awesome cable fingerless gloves and so I am inspired.
Have a great day!

A funny quote for today...
Student: Miss E, I don't feel well.
Teacher: Where does it hurt?
Student: My tummy.
Teacher: Oh, yeah?
Student: Yep, it feels like axes and knives are in my tummy.
Teacher: Wow, that is quite descriptive, I guess you better go home.

Her creativity won the nurse and me over. She went home to get the axes and knives out of her tummy.

Excuse Me, Please...

2008-01-26T18:16:00.000-05:00

This week has been interesting to say the least. The students have gotten right back into the routines of what needs to be done at school. This past Friday though we had to have a chat about manners - the waiting your turn to talk speech. I talked to them about the important of saying, "Excuse me, please" when someone is speaking to another person and you want to say something. I also shared that even though you might say, "Excuse me, please", you might have to wait a few minutes until you get to talk.
I guess the little manners talk worked because all afternoon I heard... "Excuse me, please" one child would say wanting to talk to a friend. And the other child would respond, "One moment please, I am talking with someone. I'll talk to you in a few minutes."
Hopefully, this new idea will stick for the rest of the school year.

Other funny 1st grade quotes...

"Ms. E, it isn't a math paper anymore, it is an arithmetic paper."

After a while of looking at a student going across the floor with her ear to the carpet, I asked what she was writing for her math journal.
"Ms. E, the question in math asked how we could measure the classroom with our body or a part of our body. I decided to measure with ears. It is 114 ears across."

"The room is 72 knees across. Ms. E, Knees is spelled n with the vowel pair, ee and then a s."

"I hear a lot of noise Ms. E, don't you think it would be wise if we turned the light to red since some people can't handle yellow - work and whisper?"

While the students were trying to decide how the puppet show should be planned and then performed, one student from "the audience" tells the puppeteers..."You figure out what you want to do, until then we will talk amongst ourselves."

Back Again - but only once in a while

2008-01-19T10:55:00.000-05:00

After a long intermission, I am still here, but have been busy with teaching first grade. I have decided that I should document at least once a week all the funny stuff that happens in my classroom. The students are very comical and provide laugh relief at least once every hour. Each one had qualities that make them special. So here's to hoping that I will be a more regular blogger. We shall see...
Happy Saturday and hooray for long weekends.

News Flash...Teacher turns into Barbie

2007-04-21T23:00:00.000-04:00

On the way home from school, while I was carpooling with a friend and her 2 year old daughter, I was asked some very interesting questions.

The little girl with her great big eyes and an inquisitive look on her face asks... "Are you done being a teacher today?"

I replied, "yes, until Monday."

Then she asked, "So, now you are going home to be Barbie?"

I wasn't quite sure what she meant. After a quick discussion with her mom, I was informed that I look like her Barbie princess on her dress up clothes, because of my yellow hair.

Too funny! I have never fancied myself to look like Barbie...but hey, I guess after work, I could go home and be Barbie with one exception - I will not have feet with built in heels!

My first sweater...

2007-04-14T22:32:00.000-04:00

I know it has been a long while, but I did have to post my first sweater that I knitted all by myself. Picking from a simple pattern, I was able to whip this baby up in about 2 months. Not bad, right? Okay, so those knitting diva's could have probably whipped up this little baby in about 2 days or if they are really advanced within a day. But for now, I am perfectly pleased that I could finish it without help and in my mind a short amount of time. haha!

My niece, Little E was thrilled to have a new sweater. Her comments..."For me. Okay!"

What is the rear view mirror really for anyway? part 2

2007-03-20T06:11:00.000-04:00

Last week, my two year old niece asked me what the mirror (rear view) was used for. I told her it was to help you see things when you drive and of course to put on make-up. The next day, as we were driving to church, I asked her what the mirror was for.

Her response..."It's to put on your lickstick, Jecca."

That's my girl!

Grrr....Blogger isn't Working again!

2007-03-11T21:50:00.001-04:00

"What is a rear view mirror really for anyway?"

2007-03-11T21:43:00.001-04:00

Finally found...Owl's friend, Red Bird

2007-02-17T17:32:00.000-05:00

I think this piece of art is remarkable!

2007-02-17T17:27:00.000-05:00

Another happy picture.:) I love the nose.

"I am happy in this picture!"

2007-02-17T17:15:00.000-05:00

One of my students on Friday made me this picture. It is a self-portrait. I love everything about it. He did a great job and I am so glad that he is happy in this picture.:)

2007-02-12T17:15:00.000-05:00

Anyone craving pizza?

2007-02-07T21:18:00.000-05:00

Something is in the works here...Hmmm....can you guess?

Some more yummy cookies!

2007-02-07T21:14:00.000-05:00

2007-02-07T21:11:00.000-05:00

Yummy Valentine Cookies.

yep...They are so yummy. I don't think they will last 'til Valentine's Day.

Coming this afternoon....

2007-02-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

Valentine Sugar Cookies!

Scones Anyone?

2007-02-05T09:47:00.000-05:00

This was my first attempt at making scones and I was delighted that they actually turned out. I used an orange recipe, but altered it a bit with cranberries. Here is the recipe below...

Double Orange Scones with Cranberries

2 cups flour

3 tablespoons sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons grated orange peel

3/4 cup cranberries

1/3 cup margarine or butter

1/2 cup chopped canned mandarine orange segments, drained

1/4 to 1/3 cup milk

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 tablespoon sugar

Heat oven to 400F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. In a large bowl, combine flour, 3 tablesoons sugar, baking powder, cranberries, and orange peel. Using pastry blender or fork, cut margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add orange segments, milk and egg. With fork, stir until mixture leaves sides of bowl and soft dough forms.

On a floured surface, gently knead dough 10 times. Place on greased cookie sheet; roll or pat into a 6 inch circle. Sprinkle dough with 1 tablespoon sugar. Cut dough into 8 wedges; separate slightly.

Bake at 400 F for 15 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

High Altitude:

Above 3500 Feet; Increase four to 2 1/4 cups and bake at directed.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories 220; Protien 4g; Carbs 32g; Fat 9g; Sodium 200mg

Recipe taken from Pillsbury: The Complete Book of Baking

2007-02-01T06:49:00.000-05:00

I really don't get it...when I want to blog, I can't because blogger doesn't want to seem to load on our computer, but when I don't really want to blog, it works. I guess that's the way it goes.

2007-01-30T14:42:00.000-05:00

Tulips and Baguettes

Carlos Spaventa

I love this picture.

It is such a great reminder of the simpler things in life.

2007-01-30T14:32:00.000-05:00

Little Inspirations Cards from DaySpring

I always loved this card from my friend, Tanya.

Even since then, the criteria is still the same.:)

2007-01-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

I finally got my blog looking the way I want for a little while.

Artist of the Week

2007-01-11T11:07:00.000-05:00

This picture was drawn for me by one of my first grade special needs students last week.

He also drew a red bird for me.

A New Year...

2007-01-02T07:14:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that 2007 is already here. I remember thinking that the 2000's were so far away. I also remember a bulletin board made by my English teacher. It read, "Where will you be and what will you be doing 20 years from now?" At the time, I couldn't even imagine where I would be or what I would be doing.
I am pretty much where I left off...still living at home and working (a different kind of work than everyday work from school, but still at school). But one thing has definitely changed since that first look at the bulletin board. I am thankful that I know the Lord so much better than I did then. His Word has taught me so much as with the different experiences. Just this morning when I was reading Proverbs...the words are so much more meaningful...because I finally have grasped the true importance of them and what they stand for.
Another thing I have learned this year is from my trip to Europe this year. The people from the countries I have visited have taught me so much about contentment and waaiting on the Lord without worry. Despite the different trials, they sought out strength from the Lord and it was evident in every moment of their lives.

I hope that this year, I can live my life worthy of the One who created me.

For in Him, we live and move and have our being!

Charlie Brown Christmas...

2006-12-28T18:27:00.000-05:00

You have to love this calm CD. I was first introduced to it by my good friend, Kami at college. And this year....after several years of listening to other peoples' copies, I have my own to listen to and enjoy thanks to my parents. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Christ the Lord is Born Today

2006-12-24T08:53:00.000-05:00

A great song that says it all....
http://www.sovgracemin.org/media/mp3/savior/christ_the_lord_is_born_today.mp3

2006-12-22T17:14:00.000-05:00

'Twas the Teachers' Night Before Winter Break

'Twas the days before Christmas
And all through the school,
The teachers were trying

To just keep their cool

The hallways were hung
With Chrismtas Art
(Some made in November to get a head start).

The children were bouncing
Off ceilings and walls,
And seemed to forget
How to walk in the halls.

When out of the teachers' lounge
With "Holiday Shirts"
And jingle bell jewels
The teachers looked festive
Enforcing the rules.

Suddenly, from down the hallway
There came such a clatter
The principal went in
To see what was the matter.

The teachers were hiding
And trying to refuel
On coffee and cookies
And treats from the Yule.

When what to their wondering
Ears do they hear,
But the ringing of school bells:
It's the children they fear!

More rapid than reindeer
The little ones came
And the teachers all shouted
And called them by name:

Walk Vincent, Walk Tanner,
Walk Tyler and Sammy.
Sit Jamie, Sit Laura
Sit Tara and Tammy.

To your desks in the room,
To your spots in the line,
Now walk to them, walk to them,
No running this time!

So straight to their places
The children all went
With fear of detention
Where they could be sent.

With manuals of lessons
Cradled in arms
The teachers began
To use all their charms.

But the lessons presented
All fell on deaf ears
The children were thinking
of Santa's reindeer.

With a toss of their hands
They put manuals aside,
Went straight to the cupboards
Where videos hide.

And laying their finger
On the TV remote
They sat back to write
Their last Christmas note.

But you could hear them exclaim
At the end of the day
Have a wonderful, happy, and LOOOOOOOOONG holiday!!

The Cookie Exchange...

2006-12-16T11:42:00.000-05:00

I was able to leave school soon after the last bell rang and then I headed home to bake my cookies fr the cookie exchange that night. Well....something had happened...I didn't put enough flour in the batter. So rather than having nice peppermint patty cookies they were more like mint chocolate pancakes. But not to worrry, I was able to get into the Christmas cookie stores from my earlier baking day on Tuesday. So depite the problems, I still had something to contribute.:)
The cookie exchange itself was a huge success thanks to my friend Beth and her homemade hot chocolate making skills and everyone's fabulous cookies. For a little more fun, we also had a housewarming party for my friend Kelly. She was totally surprised, but knew something was up when she saw her sisters there... Anyway, It was a great time. Here are some of the pics from the party.

Psalm 63

2006-12-05T21:19:00.000-05:00

My friend, Jim took Psalm 63 and made it into a beautiful song.

Oh God, you are my God and I long for you.

Oh God, you are my God and I search for you.

In a dry and weary land, only You can satisfy.

For your love is more than life.

Only You will I glorify!

I will praise You, Lord for all of my days.

And in Your name I will lift up my praise.

I will praise You Lord.

For You alone are God and You made this one Your child.

And I will seek you in Your sanctuary.

For I have tasted of Your glory.

And it is good...and it is good.

I will praise You Lord for all of my days.

And in Your name, I will lift up my praise.

I will praise You, Lord.

For You alone are God and You made this one Your child.

2006-12-04T20:53:00.000-05:00

Major crashing.

The roof caved in.

My house needs Ty Pennington and an Extreme Makeover!

2006-12-04T20:47:00.000-05:00

OK...looking good...

but then...

2006-12-04T18:13:00.000-05:00

The beginnings of my gingerbread house...

2006-12-04T18:10:00.000-05:00

The package has been shipped!

Again...Congratulations, Heather!

Isn't that ring around the moon enchanting? - Anne of Avonlea

2006-11-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

Mr. Moon...Moon, bright and shiney moon,

Oh, won't you please shine down on me?

A beautiful night with a enchanting moon.

And the winner is....

2006-11-26T09:39:00.000-05:00

HEATHER

Congratulations Heather on winning the 100th Post Give-away!

I will be sending out the package this week.

Thanks to all of you that commented in the past 10 days.

Please stop by again.

Jessica

Heather, Could you please e-mail me at jessitay_99@yahoo.com so that I can get the necessary information needed to mail the package? Thanks.

Thanksgiving Prep - Wednesday

2006-11-22T16:46:00.000-05:00

The bread crumbs are ready for our favourite stuffing!

Thanksgiving Prep - Tuesday

2006-11-22T16:43:00.000-05:00

Pumpkins of course for the Pumpkin Pie!

Don't worry Jeff, there will be whipped cream.

Thanksgiving Prep...Tuesday

2006-11-22T16:37:00.000-05:00

The Cranberry Orange Nut Bread is baked and ready to go

on small plates along with the fruit cake.

The 100th Post Give-Away!

2006-11-15T17:48:00.000-05:00

This is my 100th post and with that comes celebration. So in honor of this post, I will be giving away a small package of goodies. In order to qualify for the Give-Away, you must leave a comment during the next 10 days (11/15-11/25). (I am giving it 10 days because I know many of you will be busy with Thanksgiving preparations.)
Your name will be placed in a basket and I will draw 1 name. If I pick your name, I will post it on my blog 11/26/2006. Shortly after, you will recieve by mail the small package.

What will be in the package?
An altered CD (either Thanksgiving or Christmas in style).
A couple of photos from my trip to Europe.
A package of note cards.
Some edible treats of course.

Ahhh yes...Happy Birthday!

2006-11-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

I hope you are having a great birthday mom!

Love, Jessica

2006-11-11T18:17:00.000-05:00

A November Day at the Beach

The sky was so interesting Friday. It reminded me of a three tiered candle.

2006-11-05T14:44:00.000-05:00

I am always intrigued by what I see in the cemetery.

This was on one of the grave stones.

It makes me wonder why the family decided to have it carved on it. It obviously means something...something perhaps we will never know, but at least we can wonder.

B-B-B- Bats

2006-10-28T18:33:00.000-04:00

So the last 2 days of this week, I was subbing in third grade. I found out on Thursday that every 3rd grade class is studying bats. OK...very cool. We did this unit in Kindergarten and had a great time. We read Stellaluna and did a Venn Diagram comparing bats to birds.

When I got to school on Thursday, I found out that we would be doing the same thing, so I was ready to go. I had no idea what an impression it would actually make until Friday and today. At the beginning of the lesson, we sing a song called B-B-B Bats. I think this a great ways for kids to remember the facts that they are learning, so of course we sang it twice through... Little did I know that I would be singing the chorus to the song for the last 3 days. The last time this happened (when I got a song stuck in my mind), it was with last year's kindergarten class...with the song, Dazzling Dancing D.

Charlotte's Web

2006-10-26T23:42:00.000-04:00

For reading Charlotte's Web, the third graders and I will celebrate

by watching the movie and having a yummy piece of the cake!

Good Job, Third Graders!

2006-10-23T06:20:00.000-04:00

Lily

2006-10-14T16:17:00.000-04:00

Has it been a while since you wrote to a friend?

Perhaps today would be a good day to send a note of encouragement.

An Autumn Walk...

2006-10-13T17:23:00.000-04:00

He makes all things beautiful in his time!

A new month already and finally a chance to post...

2006-10-08T15:58:00.000-04:00

I suppose I have hed several opportunities to post a new blog entry, but I have not felt like it at all or I have been just too busy with everything.

I finally finished all the hats and cards for the art show and am excited to see if they will sell. I certainly hope they will. I would like to have a little Christmas/travel money that I can use any way that I would like. Aside from the busyness of everything, I have been working everyday almost which is an excellent thing! God has provided in amazing ways for everything that I need. So now it is Sunday...a break from everything and I think I will finish reading my Gladys Taber book, Stillmeadow Sampler while drinking a a mug of vanilla nut biscotti coffee.

Enjoy this beautiful day!

Alphabet Meme

2006-09-24T22:12:00.000-04:00

I saw this on Plastic Tupperware Queen's blog site and I thought that it looked fun...
A - Accent: Western New York (I guess I have an accent according to my friends.)
B - Breakfast Item: yogurt
C - Countries you would love to visit: Italy, Hungary, Ireland
D - Dad's Name: David
E - Essential everyday item: contact lenses
F - Flavor ice cream: Moosetraks
G - Gold or Silver?: gold
H - Happy Place: Kitchen
I - Insomnia: none here. I am always ready for some sleep. I try for 8 hours a night.
J - Job - teacher
K - Kids: I teach them and get the privalege of sending them home after a "long day". But I do love my nieces and nephews!
L - Living arrangements: A little house with my parents
M - Mom's birthplace: Eustus (I don't even know if I spelled it right.)
N - Name your pets: NO pets, but if I did have a pet, it would have to be something from literature
O - Overnight hospital stays: No hospital stays - thankfully!
P - Phobia: I am not sure...I guess mice.
Q - Question: Do I really have to iron this?
R - Religion: Christian
S - Siblings: 4 siblings...R, L, T, Z
T - Time you wake up: 5:45am
U - Unnatural hair colors you've had:
V - Vegetable you refuse to eat: LIMA BEANS - yuck!
W - Worst habit: biting my nails
X - X-rays you've had: teeth x-rays
Y - Yummy: applesauce/squash - okay Thanksgiving dinner
Z - Zoo animal: exotic birds

2006-09-24T22:07:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite pictures taken by my dear friend, Tanya at Saharna in Moldova.

In who's steps do you follow, Christ's or the world's?

2006-09-21T07:35:00.000-04:00

Photo taken by Tanya in Rezina, Moldova.

The Hats...

2006-09-15T17:24:00.000-04:00

So far, I have 4 hats done. If I could just knit and crochet a little faster...that would be great!

New Cards

2006-09-15T17:19:00.000-04:00

Hats off to knitting...

2006-09-15T17:11:00.000-04:00

After figuring out how to make this hat...I am hooked on knitting. Even though it takes me forever...the process is definitely worth the product!

Thanks Debbie Bliss for making the art of knitting not so impossible.

New Cards for the Art Show!!!

2006-09-13T09:31:00.000-04:00

The Tooth Fairy Card - for those children that have lost their first tooth. Coins can be slipped under the pillow (There is a small envelope.) in the card.

A pleasant friendship card with quotes from Dickenson and Emerson written on the inside...

Five down...many more to go.

I would like to have 30 handmade cards for the show.

I would also like to have 10-15 photo cards too. The photos used on the cards will be from my trip to Romania and Moldova this summer. Most of the proceeds from the photo cards will be sent to my friend who is a missionary in Moldova.

I am also making hats - child and doll size.

If I get ambitious...that is a big if...I will post a picture of them.

The contest...

2006-09-09T11:37:00.000-04:00

The top left is the entered pie for today's pie baking contest...

I hope they like it!

UPDATE: Apparently they did...I won the 2nd Place Ribbon and $10.

Grasshopper Cookies

2006-09-09T11:28:00.000-04:00

Hey, Rach...

Remember when dad first bought and brought home Grasshopper cookies. I was not going to eat them because I thought they were actually cookies made with grasshoppers.:)

Pie Time

2006-09-09T08:56:00.000-04:00

Today is the big History Fair and I have entered the apple pie contest. I will have to put the picture on later.:)

The picture above isn't apple, but elderberry...but oh well.

Old Orhei, Moldova

2006-09-04T23:36:00.000-04:00

After many hours in the "office", the 1st master's course is...

2006-09-04T23:02:00.000-04:00

DONE!

One of our last days in Moldova...

2006-09-04T22:59:00.000-04:00

After a lovely breakfast with her friends Jeff, Robin, Paulina, and her teacher Svetlana, we had pictures taken in the garden.

What I Could Really Go for...

2006-08-30T22:17:00.000-04:00

Right now, I could really go for a hot cup of cappacino (Sp?) from the little pastry shop in Chisinau, Moldova. They have the best food and drink. My reason for this is because I need to finish my last paper for my master's class. Tonight is the night, unless I fall asleep with the computer propped on my knees. Tomorrow is the last day - my own personal deadline. After that, I am going to be creating some stuff for the little bizarre that my sister will be participating in with her friend in November. That is so much more fun than writing a thesis paper!

Small Town

2006-08-29T21:31:00.000-04:00

Today was a true testament of what is to come - Autumn. Today is was very chilly, so much so I had to shut the upstairs windows and get out a sweatshirt. I love the fall - harvest time and everything that comes with it...even school - yes even that!

I am looking forward to next week. I am also looking forward to the picking of apples and getting ready for the winter, especially here in our small town. I guess it is something about this place that turns on the nostalgia. I was talking to another person who lives here and we both agree that something about this place makes us want to keep staying here.

The flags in each yard. The cute little gardens. The hardware and the everything grocery up town. The small library with all of it's books from the 70's and "country crochet" magazines. The I know everyone here and don't feel bad about asking to pick the berries in your yard. The town square and it's little band that gets even the oddest person to dance and not care what others think. The history fair that still holds the cutest baby and pie baking contest. I guess you could compare it to Jan Karon's Mitford in someone's mind's eye.

Canning Beans

2006-08-26T18:42:00.000-04:00

I think I finally got the last of the beans from the garden... Sixteen quarts and I think we're ready for winter. Now for the tomatoes and onions. The canning has just begun.

2006-08-25T20:20:00.000-04:00

Do like the little hat from the Art Park in Moldova? My niece certainly did, but she liked the nesting dolls better. She calls them babies in bowls.

Today I brought her a turtle from my sister that just recently visited Jamaica. When we asked her what the carved animal was, she replied..."a tur-tle".

pOOL dAYs of SuMMeR

2006-08-21T21:23:00.000-04:00

It is quickly leaving...the summer, that is. You have a couple of weeks left to drink in the sun and to drink up the sun iea from the back porch. For me, I have spent the last couple of weeks with my sister's kids at the pool. Everyday for 2 to 3 hours, we sit in the water and laugh and play.
Today, we played noodle baseball... For those of you who know me baseball is like watching paint dry, but in this case batting around splash balls with a noodle and chasing after it can be very fun and for some entertaining.
I am in no way a beach kinda girl. My tan from this summer is the best so far in my life and I am trying to convince my legs to do the same. Wouldn't it be nice to have kids not ask if I am wearing white stockings in the summer when in fact I am not...it is only the real color of my legs?
So the summer pool days are almost over here...it is sad really....this was the first summer in a long while that I actually had off...
Off to...
1. Go to Europe
2. My sister's to have fun with the kids
3. The pool
4. Garden and can some of the produce from it...
5. Drink and read on the deck
6. Spend time with friends
7. Enjoy life and the passing of each moment!

2006-08-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

You have to love this picture that my sister took. She is really a great photographer!

I hope she is getting some great photos while she is in Jamaica.

2006-08-07T19:39:00.000-04:00

Bubbles are so fun. Here I am in the South of Moldova teaching this little girl the art of blowing bubbles. You cannot tell by the picture, but she was so excited once she knew how to blow them and pop them.

2006-08-05T21:58:00.000-04:00

If there is one word that could describe the Orthodox churches in Moldova

...solitude...

The Center of Chisinau

2006-08-05T21:54:00.000-04:00

Yes, you are not seeing things...it is another Arc de Triumphe not in France, but in the center of Chisinau, Moldova.

Too Perfect to Drink...

2006-08-05T21:48:00.000-04:00

During my last days in Moldova, my friend and I stopped everything to enjoy a nice cup of coffee outside at the Pasterie Shop. It was so delicious!

Saharna

2006-08-04T15:29:00.000-04:00

These pictures were taken at the Saharna Monastery in Rezina, Moldova.

The flower above is only one of many kinds you can see there. They are so beautiful.

I love how the pattern of the arch repeats itself over and over as you walk on the bridge.

Another HOT one!

2006-08-02T21:29:00.000-04:00

Today seems unbearable. I am so glad that there is such a thing as water. I cannot imagine living in a place that does not have water or some source to help keep things cooler. One nice thing about the heat...it really helps clean out your pores.:)

So HOT!

2006-08-01T19:59:00.000-04:00

What a day for sweating and sweltering. The heat has made me tired and not really in the mood to do anything. I will be grateful for Thursday when it comes....in the meantime, Tomorrow, I will enjoy the pool at my aunt's house. Nothing beats a good swim for an entire day!

Monday Cooking Spree!

2006-07-31T14:42:00.000-04:00

Despite the heat and the humidity here at home, I have been baking for my brother before he leaves to go back to TX tomorrow. Chocolate chip cookies, zucchini bread and muffins, beets and beans have been baked, boiled, or snapped. And yes...four more things on my list for today have been crossed off and have somewhat brought me a sens of relief.

Now for the unwanted projects...like my final paper for my master's degree. Yucko. I know it is only 5 pages, but when it comes to writing about stuff that I really don't know about (due to the lack of research on my part) it really doesn't beckon me to finish the course. I want it done and done this week....so I think the desire of just wanting it done will outdo the completeness of thought needed to be put into it. I also need to fill out an application for a job which requires a 1 page paper on the importance of technology. Blah, blah, blah... It is important...but really, I don't care to write about it.

So the goods for today...Sent out a resume for another job. Was hired to do some evaluations and will get paid for it (I even got the paperwork done for that.). I found out my presentation for when I went to Romania and Moldova won't need to be done until September. My chocolate chip cookies turned out incredibly well.

Have a good day...get lots done and if you are cooking, turn on a fan!

Time Changes Everything

2006-07-28T23:52:00.000-04:00

Today was a good reminder that things can change so quickly that sometimes we can miss it. Here are a list of changing things just from today...

1. Night into day.

2. Rain into sun.

3. Long grass into close shaven lawn.

4. Food into energy.

5. Seeds into beautiful flowers.

6. Exercising for health into exercising your mind.

7. Ideas into gifts.

8. Music into a smile.

9. Aquantances into close friends.

10 Day into night.

Consider each day a gift and turn it into something memorable!

Mid-Summer Garden

2006-07-26T14:21:00.000-04:00

This morning I was asked by a friend overseas to send pictures of the garden.

Home...At Last

2006-07-23T21:14:00.000-04:00

I have finally made it back to the States and in one piece. What a wonderful trip. Hopefully this week I will be able to write different excerpts of what happened. Thank you for your prayers while I was over there and for the trip home.

Finish up Tuesday

2006-07-11T00:56:00.000-04:00

Today, Tanya and I must finish the projects at the office. We purchased the carpet, but there is still some cleaning to do. We have been going non-stop since I have gotten here in June! After today, we will visit friends and go to Old Orhei to the Monastary. I am hoping to get some great pictures.

Restful Get-a-away...at Home

2006-07-10T04:13:00.000-04:00

Last night, Tanya, our friend Tina, and I stayed home to get manicures and make-overs. It was so nice to be with close friends and to just relax. It was like the Princess Party Beth and I had for the preschoolers from church.

After several movies...ice cream...a round of Phase 10...we decided it was time to retire for the evening.

2006-07-08T00:31:00.000-04:00

Waiting at the village church with a new friend who really likes sunglasses.

2006-07-07T06:14:00.000-04:00

Tina and I looking at the pictures from last week's camp day.

2006-07-07T06:09:00.000-04:00

After tracing her hand to make a bird, we had to do it 5 more times.

Week 3 - Traveling North and South of Chisinau

2006-07-07T05:57:00.000-04:00

Tanya's Co-workers' daughter

2006-07-07T05:52:00.000-04:00

Tanya and I a little tired from the busy week decided to try on the winter hats and gloves donated by many in the US.

2006-07-07T05:45:00.001-04:00

Tina and I cutting leather for Wordless Bracelets.

Week 2 - Weymouth Baptist Church Comes

2006-07-07T05:45:00.000-04:00

We are being given the projects for the day to be completed.

2006-07-07T05:41:00.000-04:00

The center square in Sibui, Romania

2006-07-07T05:36:00.000-04:00

An Outdoor Restaurant

We had some of the best food here!

Pictures throughout the month....

2006-07-07T05:21:00.000-04:00

Romania - Week 1

The Passing of Time

2006-07-05T04:10:00.000-04:00

Since coming to Moldova, all things seem to come and go too quickly. It seems just like yesterday when I was boarding the plane to come to this beautiful country. The time drifts as the days press on - moment into moment. On Monday, we said goodbye to our MA team of 13. They were such a great help in getting the office ready for the next 6 months. Our interpreters have become our great friends who have decided to not work...but to help us in any way possible. Each day our friendship grows stronger and it appears that as we leave for the States at the end of July....it will be a very tearful goodbye. Time does not pause or wait, but presses on.
Yesterday, we went to Cahul and another small village to deliver some materials. Although the people in this region have very little...their hearts show great contentment and joy as they seek to serve the Lord and those around them. If there has been anything I have learned in the last couple of weeks, it is the fact that those that have the joy of the Lord in their hearts and lives truly possess all they need.

The Journey Continues...

2006-06-21T16:44:00.000-04:00

Since my last post, I happy to announce the safe arrival of bag 2094832 from London to Romania. Fortunately yesterday, I was able to claim it from a newly met friend in Sibui.

But before I get ahead of myself...let's go back a few days.
Friday, June 16
The morning starts with a lovely breakfast. That having been done, we head into town on a mashutka - a taxi bus. It allows for people to get closer than they would actually like....but it is cheaper than a taxi. With 2 lei, we head into the city and start our walk to and from building, gathering what we need for the next week when we head to Sibui.
We have lunch at the patisserie. The building is very nice and has paper lanterns and a tree that is upstairs housing a carved elf and a dragon. We order lunch - a piece for salmon and broccoli quiche with a hot cappacino and a mousse tart to share) for dessert. We head back to the apartment and get some rest.
Saturday, June 17
I should be tired....but I am not, I am the only one up...up with the sun that peaks through the curtains of my room. I hear very little in the early outdoor moments. This time has been essential in preparing for my day. Going before the Lord, I pray that God will bless our day and that we will please Him in all that we do and say.
We spent the day resting at home. Lots of chtting and catching up on our schedule for the next two weeks....very long and probably in time...exhausting, but we know that God will give abundant strength.
Sunday, June 18
This morning we will be visiting a church that is full of young, excited believers. God's Design is the name of the church that meets in an old school building. Due to my lack of the Russian Language, Tatianna was able to interpret the message. Amazingly it fit into my devotions of that morning and from the last weeks of my pastor's sermons - the Book of James.
Since we had an afternoon meeting in a remote village of Moldova, we went to Jeff and Robyn's for lunch and then took off for the meeting. After picking up our Romanian interpeters for the teacher training, we made our way over the bumpy roads to a small church of fellow believers. They were excited to hear from Tanya and from the other teachers that came with us.
During our visit, I was able to meet a small boy. He was totally into the camera and seeing his picture on the back of the camera. He said...me, me in Romanian to his dad. Even though I do not speak his language...I was able to understand perfectly his excitement.

June 14,15, and 16 - A Journey Back in Time

2006-06-16T15:47:00.000-04:00

The events of the last 3 days consist of a lot of the same mixed in with much diversity.

When I boarded the plane in Buffalo, I had no idea what would lie in front of me as I traveled to Moldova. Lots and lots of sitting. I boarded the plane in Buffalo and sat next to some vegetarian Jewish businessmen who were not impressed with the flight service. Since the TV in front of the one gentleman did not work... the steward gave the guy extra snacks...a pillow....and extra sodas. The man wasn't too appreciative...but oh well, I was glad for the window seat with an empty in between.

I got to JFK with a 4 hour layover in between flights....I got in line for British Airways and waited 2.5 hours to get a boarding pass. I was ever so glad to find a seat with 2 people willing to sleep during the entire flight. Our flight lifted off an hour and half behind schedule and I was a little weary about getting to London on time.

The flight landed at precisely 9am, 1 hour later than expected.

I boarded the air transit and headed to terminal 1 from terminal 4. The time said 9:20am and my flight was to leave at 9:45am, gate closing at 9:20am. When I got to terminal 1, I ran to gate 17 to catch my flight to Bucharest, Romania.

To be continued tomorrow...

Happy Dad's Day!...early!

2006-06-13T23:42:00.000-04:00

I saw this card in Target and had such a good laugh.

I know all my siblings will agree...THAT IS SO DAD!

One More Day...

2006-06-12T19:32:00.000-04:00

With packages recieved...clothing packed....recipes copied...and books read...I believe I am ready to go to Europe. Tomorow is the catch-all day. I need to get my hair cut, work on finishing some last minute projects, and get some sleep before I board the plane. I cannot wait to get there and have a couple days of rest before taking off into all the projects that my friend, Tanya has for me to do.
Some things to pray for...
1. Safety travelling.
2. That my luggage will arrive with me. :)
3. As I look for my flights in all the different terminals.
4. Safety as my friend and I go through all the borders to our final destination.
5. Several opportunities to share my reason for going and how the Lord enabled me to go.

The Smells of Summer

2006-06-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

It was not too long ago when the "smells of summer" started here in NY. It starts with the grill in April...yes there was still snow on the ground...but the grill was calling here in NY. The smell of chicken and steak...what a minute, steak - yeah right...let's try tube steak - (for those of you who are not sure what tube steaks are...I will break it to you gently...HOT DOGS!)

My sister and I can remember the many Wednesday nights at Awana when all the kids would come smelling of hotdogs. I guess all the moms were trying to think of a quick and simple meal. Unfortunately, the moms did not account for the awful breath that would accompany each child. Times it by 3 or 4 and you have a hotdog nightmare...

okay a little off the subjuct...but had to put that in...

Other smells... banana tropics sun lotion (not a bad smell)

OR, for those who really burn - the NO-AD lotion SPF 45 (horrid smell)

Now the new smell for the week...OFF bug spray - the smell that lingers even after your shower. At least I know that I will not eaten in my bed.

The other smell - grass - For some reason, when I substitute at different schools, I always hit the mowing days. The smell of the grass plus the noise makes for a very distracted group of kiddos and a very frustrated teacher.:(

I suppose there are worse things like...Lancaster farm smells, always occuring at the end of the semester in summer when you really need to have the windows open...or...those white, flowering trees at LBC - my friends that graduated with me there already know the smell that goes with those babies! Go PA! GO!

Conversations with family and friends...

2006-06-05T20:24:00.000-04:00

"You better write everything down while you are there. Don't leave out any details."

"Pictures - 10 rolls - you better be taking lots of pictures. Who cares if half of them don't turn out. 24 pictures times 10 rolls of film...you should get at least 120 memories."

Yes, the day is quickly approaching when I will board the plane and fly to Bucharest to meet my friend for 6 weeks of excitement. In the first week alone...our schedule is so packed - which is a good thing - that she says that we will have to have breakfast and relax at the local inn after we take the Boston group back to the airport. I entirely agree.

"Do you speak any Russian?"

"Well, I know the words, Thank you, okay, yes and no! That's not too bad, is it? I am trying to learn some from the tapes from the library - but those rolling r's."

"I am more worried about transferring plane in England."

"Oh, just ask...at least they speak English."

"True."

In 8 days I leave for Moldova...I am hoping to journal daily my happenings while I am there.

Tea at 4 o'clock, anyone?

2006-06-04T22:51:00.000-04:00

It is obvious that these little purple flowers are ready and colorfully dressed for the 4 o'clock tea party.