Summer Lovin'

wow. can you believe it is already august? i can't. well, a lot has changed in our lives since the last blog (sorry for the delay). luke and i are now living in lompoc, ca. it was about may, when i really felt like God was telling me that he was going to open a door into ministry. luke has been called to ministry since he was 18, and he has been waiting patiently, growing, learning, living, and loving. well, God opened a door. within the next month, we would interview for two different ministry positions on the central coast. one in nipomo, and one in buellton. after having met with both pastors and talking with them about our vision, it was evident that God wanted us in buellton. so we picked up and moved.

we are now living in a neighboring city, lompoc, enjoying the cool coastal weather. i will start my student teaching this monday at the local high school, and luke is still currently looking for a job to help support us. he has put in a lot of applications, resumes, cover letters, etc... but we are still waiting. we know God will provide. i have a feeling luke will have something in the next week or so--we shall see!

prayer requests:

• if you could be praying for a job (i will update our blog as soon as luke gets one)
• provision and protection; as many of you know, walking into the ministry is not as easy as it sounds... satan likes to attack any areas he can find to make the transition difficult--but GOD IS GOOD.
• reconciliation and peace
  

Valentine's Day

Because Luke had to work tonight, he planned a little surprise morning for me so that we could enjoy our first Valentine's Day as a married couple. For our first stop, he took me to Edible Arrangements where he had pre-ordered a beautiful chocolate strawberry bouquet.

After picking up the bouquet, we headed to our second stop, Sunrise Bistro--a cute little restaurant nestled in Walnut Creek's adorable downtown.
Overall, we had a wonderful morning. As Luke said, everyday together is a treat. Happy Valentine's Day!

My hair is REALLY short.

So, I got my hair cut on Saturday, with a specific picture in mind. Unfortunately, my hair ended up a little bit shorter than I had pictured, and at this length, there is not much room for error. it is a cute cut, don't get me wrong, but I am super self-concious. I have gotten many compliments, but I am still a little weary. Today I wore a beanie to work because I am not ready for the ridicule of mean middle-schoolers. They can tell it is short, and that I got it cut, but they can't really see HOW short. Although they have all complained and whined about me cutting it already. I pray for confidence in the next 12 hours so that I can face my students tomorrow! Pray for me!

Love, Pixie

6 months in Santa Cruz

well, i promised to keep you all updated (if any of you choose to keep up with us), so i thought i would fill you in on what we did for our 6 month anniversary. as a surprise to luke for a little rest and relaxation, i booked a night at a bed and breakfast in santa cruz called the west cliff inn. built in 1877, the beautiful white victorian home not only served as a beautiful home overlooking the ocean, but at one time was also a hospital, and after 2 million dollars of renovation, is now rated the number 1 bed and breakfast in santa cruz. needless to say, we had a beautiful stay there and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast. here are some pictures of our mini-trip. :)

Tiger Lily

So... Luke and I are considering finding our kitty Lily a new home. She is very energetic, fun, loving, cuddling, bratty and bitey. She is a Torti, which I guess can be known for their "tortitude." She has been a joy to get to know and love. She really has become part of the family. We are currently thinking about finding her a new home because we know she would make a great outdoor cat. Unfortunately, our apartment is next to two busy roads, and we have a brush area behind us that contains about 8 wild cats as well as possums, racoons, and whatever else hides in there. Apparently there are a ton of ticks and fleas as well. This is not an environment we want Lily to play in. Our apartment is small, and she has a big personality.

I have been really struggling with the idea. I know she would be happier outside, but at the same time, I have hopes that she will adjust. I love her so much and she has become my little pal when Luke works late at night.

If you know of anyone that you think might be a loving owner for our adorable kitty, please let me know! And be praying that I can cope and don't miss her too much...

An Introduction to Drugs

Preparing YOU to make good decisions.

Adolescents try drugs for many different reasons. Peer pressure, curiosity, boredom, depression and a desire to "fit in" can all effect why a young adult would try drugs.


The use of some "less harmful" drugs can lead to the use of more addictive and dangerous drugs. Marijuana is commonly known as a "gateway" drug to other drugs.


Use the following websites to help you answer questions in your scavenger hunt:

• Free Vibe - http://www.freevibe.com
• Above the Influence - http://www.abovetheinfluence.com
• Check Yourself - http://www.checkyourself.org
• NIDA for Teens: Mind Over Matter - http://teens.drugabuse.gov

Essential Question:

Identify the major drugs and symptoms of possible substance abuse in adolescents.

Questions:

1. Among kids who use drugs, approximately ___ percent use marijuana only.
2. Research shows that marijuana is ______________more likely to lead to dependence among adolescents than among adults.
3. Talking to your friend about drugs may be a ­­­­______________process–not a one-time event—so you may want to check in with him/her from time to time.
4. One of the dangers of MDMA (Ecstasy) abuse is _______________—extreme overheating—because of dehydration or loss of fluids through excessive sweating.
5. Alcohol is a_________________, and can actually make you tired.
6. Steroids can stop _____________prematurely and permanently in teens.
7. Users of heroin build up a ______________ very quickly and need more and more of the drug to feel the same high they did the first time they used it.
8. When smoking tobacco, you inhale tar, ______________, carbon monoxide and 200 known poisons into your lungs.
9. ______________is the most common cause of lung cancer.
   
10. Drinking too much (__________drinking) can cause alcohol poisoning, which can lead to coma and even death.
11. What are some reasons that adolescents try drugs?
12. If drug addiction is a disease, is there a cure?
13. List the major drug groups.
    

Meets 5.1 Seventh Grade Content Standard for Physical Education.

Rock the Reception!

So I was going to come on here and talk about our fun weekend trip to Apple Hill... BUT I just received an exciting email stating that Rock the Reception is back on the air! It debuts on December 1st at 8:30AM, and our show airs on December 5th at 8:30AM. So keep an eye out! We are SO excited.

check http://tlc.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=2.15712.55945.35758.x for your local listings!