Sunday, May 23, 2010

Introducing Our First CHAIR...!



So today was monumental! We purchased our FIRST piece of furniture for our new house (which I will write about when we finally sign the lease). A knit dark gray pillow will be just the thing to complete it. Seriously, I am so excited about a summer of collecting ahead...

Alex.






I must admit a teared up a little when I was looking at old pictures of my brother. He turned sixteen last week, and it is crazy to watch the transformations that have taken place in his life! It seems like yesterday he was calling me "Anea" and saying things like "You best my buddy!" or "you scawed me hafe to deaf!" He was always running around, with his tattered blankets fluttering around his neck, chasing after the "bad guiz," that always seemed to attack our household in invisible ways. I remember growing up with the continuous "cling clangs" and "bang bangs" that would come from his room, when a full fledged battle was ensuing between his valiant action figures. Being the inventive creative children that we were, we were always making pulley systems across our street, building forts, constructing cars (or "pod racers") out of old refrigerator boxes, and embarking on plenty of adventurous romps in the hills near our house. He was so stinkin' CUTE when we were in the midst of an adventure! His eyes would grow big, he would shake with incredible excitement, and...grind his teeth :). Imaginative, heroic, creative, brave...and a defier of gravity (attempting upon multiple occasions to fly away in his buzz light year suit), that was (and still is) my little brother.

But amidst his thirst for adventure, bravery, and combating the evils of the world single handedly, he was always the most tender, sensitive, gracious, and conscientious of boys. He loved being cuddled, one on one time, and was always aware when people were sad. I remember multiple times where he'd lay his soft little hand on my mom or dad, or even (on occasion) us, his hen-pecking sisters, when in distress. He was known as the "ok" or "sure" boy as he most (hee hee) always carried a happy disposition in the obedience of tasks and general requests and he LOVED to make people happy. I never fully realized how gracious he truly was (and is) until recently, when I looked back on his little life and saw that he was always quick to forgive, make amends, and free me, and others, from our offenses. "That's ok Anea!" and we'd bolt off to play again.

He has grown all the more mature in these childhood traits, becoming a strong man of God, a defender of others and the truth, responsible and hard working, compassionate and forgiving, taller and TALLER, more humorous by the day, and so smart (smarter than me sometimes). He's even ok giving me a hug, or at least letting me "lean" on him. He is enjoyed by many, and even extends his friendship to the parents of his friends, in a very mature and confident, yet entertaining manner. He is a leader...a friend...and my favorite brother. The lady who wins his heart someday (way WAY in the future-day) will be lucky indeed! He doesn't call me "Anea" anymore, but has replaced one endearing term with another: "Ange"...I hope he calls me that forever.

All that to say, I can not imagine our family without him! He brings so much humor, fun, adventure, sincerity, and love into our lives and I am so proud of him. Now that my eyes are sufficiently dewy, Happy Birthday dearest of brothers! I love you with all my heart and can't wait to see what adventure the Lord sweeps you up on.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Mrs. Baranov



Today was my last lesson of the year from my dear Mrs. Baranov. Due to her great illness, I drove to her today in Santa Monica for my lesson. Although it was an exceptionally long drive, it was so good to see her, give her a farewell hug, and get her last little tid-bits of input before juries. It was also enlightening to see her charming, artful, oceanside home. She is such a beautiful, energetic, spunky, endearing little Russian and I adore her. Till autumn, Mrs. Baranov!

p.s. thank you for the pleasant *cough* little assignment for me to work on next semester. Chopin's Scherzo #2 is going to be a real breeze.