For some crazy, unexplainable reason I've taken on a new, interesting, but difficult challenge in my life. I volunteered (yes, I said volunteered) to take over teaching the Jr. High and High School girls bible class on Wednesday nights at church. These girls have the potential to do great things but need a lot of direction and encouragement to get them to that point. They all struggle with the typical teenage problems but for some reason this group really struggles with modesty. I had a major issue with it just last week with one of the girls. I'm at a loss as to what to do at this point. Nic and I had dinner with some friends last night and some how ended up on this topic. We were all at a loss on how to fix the problem. Every solution we thought of had a negative consequence following it. One of the problems we keep running into is the parents and their lack of care or concern for their daughters choice of clothing. I don't know, I just think back to when I was their age (which wasn't too long ago) and remember how first off my parents wouldn't let me buy risky clothing but they certainly wouldn't of let me walk out of the house with it on. But not only that, I had no desire to wear clothes that would make me look easy or as though I had little or no respect for who I was as a young woman. I just wonder what happened to women's self esteem and self respect. It's really sad to think that these teen girls are the future teachers, mothers, and wives of preachers, deacons, and elders of the church. I guess I felt the need to volunteer so that maybe I could have some kind of positive influence on these girls. I know I am sure going to try. Pray for me!!!

In an earlier post I mentioned that I graduated in December of 2006. What I didn't mention was what I am doing now. I graduated with a degree in Physical Education. Up until my last semester actually I had planned on getting my teaching degree and being an elementary PE teacher. Well, after being in the public school system and experiencing first hand what my life would be like on a daily basis I decided that teaching was not for me. I had the chance to experience several different schools and grades in several different towns and communities. After a bomb threat by a 5th grader, a knife brought to school, sassy teenagers, and an unruly 6th grade class I realized that my passion for teaching kids physical education would be laughed at, thrown in my face, and trampled on a thousand times over. In most cases teachers have no support or backing from the parents or the administration. They are in a fight all their own. It is quite sad actually. So, after many prayers, tears, and talks with my husband I decided to go ahead and graduate with my physical education degree since I was so close but without the teaching emphasis. As of right now (May) I am not working. I am enjoying being home and being a housewife. I am keeping my eyes open for a physical therapy tech job if one comes available, but I am taking my time doing so. I'm so thankful God has blessed Nic and I the way He has so that I am able to take my time finding a career.

WOW! Where do I even begin. It has been almost an entire year since I've written anything and if I tried to fill you in on everything that has happened in a year you'd be completely bored to death with pages of information that would probably put you to sleep. So, I am going to spare you the WHOLE story and try to just hit the high points. Hmmm...let me see.....July of last year Nic and I added a new addition to the family. We brought home a 6-week old yellow (actually she's white) Labrador retriever. After several days of trying different names we decided to call her Xena. She is now a 75 pound beast at just a little over a year old. But, she is the most well tempered, kind-hearted beast you could ever imagine. In August Nic and I celebrated our third anniversary. The fall semester was spent in school and working for both of us. On December 8, 2006 I FINALLY (after almost 7 years) graduated college!!! In January Nic took me on our first cruise to celebrate my graduating and my 25th birthday! We had a fabulous time and are definitely hooked on cruises. We departed out of Galveston, TX and sailed to Cozumel and Costa Maya.

Well, I think I'll save the rest for a later post. I know I've said this before but I am going to try and make this a daily thing or close to it. I have more time on my hands now and can be more devoted to this.

So long for now!!