Last night after class I finished translating a document for some friends.  The cold hard reality of the document made me so grateful to live in the US where I can freely practice my religion.  The document was an official police statement from a country known for persecuting Christians listing everything that was seized during a raid of a local church and the outrageous fines imposed on key members of the church for propagating Christianity.  It is so easy to forget about the persecuted church when you are so far removed from it. 

So 1 1/2 months into the semester I "think" I'm doing okay.  I've had an exam in both of my classes but have not received a grade yet.  I am hoping for an A in both classes because I am overly driven but, am willing to live with a B if I have to ;).  I have found it fun to try and study with Dasha around.  My only study time is when she is sleeping but that is also my only time to do certain things around the house.  It is fun balancing the two!  All in all I am loving school.  I love learning new things and the challenge! 

Dasha got her cast off today, yay!  I am glad she will finally be able to function by herself.  She fractured her right arm and she is of course right handed which means feeding, dressing, and well pretty much everything was being done by me.  I will give her credit she always tried but normally failed miserably to do any of this.  She is very hesistant to use it so far (of course it has only been a couple of hours) but hopefully in a couple days she will be back to her same old right handed self sufficient self.




Our biggest news is we purchased our tickets for Russia and can't wait to get there!  Dasha & I will be gone June 20 - August 12 and Vova July 3 - July 23.  Vova's parents are beyond ecstatic, especially Vova's mom.  She is already planning what she is going to buy for/do with Dasha.  Dasha is the first grandchild so they can not wait to meet her.  Not looking forward to the long flight by myself with a 2 year old and the 2 connections we have to make.  It will all work out though :).

Months have gone by since I last posted on here.  I always come on to check to see if anyone has posted but never find the energy to post something myself.  Seems like a lot of people I know (not just me) are stopping xanga'ing and tend to just facebook. 

September was vacation month for us.  We had a blast at South Padre Island and all 3 of us were glad to relax enjoy the sun and each other's company.  It was a much needed rest and best of all Dasha saw the ocean for the first time and loved it.  She was a bit scared of the waves but as long as she was on the edge of the water she was fine.  Her favorite past time of course was playing in the sand that is oh so fun for mom to get out of her hair :).

This month we celebrated Dasha's 2nd birthday.  I can't believe how fast she has grown.  Everyone tells you they grow up fast but you never realize it is true until you have your own child! Just recently she has started putting more words together and loves to tell Vova stories about her day when he gets home (though only 50% of the words are comprehensible).  Her favorite words/phrases right now are "oh my gosh and yah (not yes not da but yah), it is like she is a teenager already!  She is finally starting to take an interest in learning things like colors, letters, and numbers.  She loves making faces, throwing tantrums, and attempting to constantly get her way.  Recently she has lost her voice as her favorite past time is screaming when we put her to bed (not so excited about that one but this too shall pass).

I recently decided to go back to school part time.  I plan on getting an associates in accounting.  The first time I went to college I would have never even THOUGHT of getting an accounting degree but now that almost all my jobs have been in that field I realize I enjoy it. Hopefully everything works out and I will start in January!  Vova is very excited and supportive which really helps :).


On the morning of Daria's birthday we went to the park with her cousin Cadence




The Big 2!


One of her many faces.




Riding the train together at Zube Park.