What can you do with a college degree?

This post has been on my heart to express over the past several months. Many of you may not agree with what I'm going to say, and others are on the same page!

So, what can you do with a college degree?

Let's go back in time for a minute...

Growing up all you hear is that you need a college degree in order to attain a stable and providing job/career for your future! From your parents, church members, teachers, friends, employers at part time jobs, or even the news going to college to get a degree is what is being thrown at you practically your E N T I R E  L I F E. Let's be honest, you were always asked when you were little "what do you want to be when you grow up". I know for me it changed from being a teacher, to a model, to a teacher again, to a doctor, to my latest desire - a physical therapist. We all know you can't be any of those just by graduating high school (ok, well maybe the model).

So, along with many other peers my age, I honestly believed if I went to college and graduated with a Bachelor's degree that I would be able to use that degree to get a decent job. Much to my surprise that isn't the case in today's world. Before, if you had a college degree you were pretty much set. I mean you would get hired simply based on the fact that you had furthered your education, and you stood out from those who didn't. Also, if you went to a graduate level, then you could get an even better job/career for yourself. However, that isn't the case today. I've figured out what earning a college degree really means.

1. Ticket to graduate school
A college degree is a great tool to use when looking into graduate programs, most of them out there require a four year degree from a college/university. When you graduate from a masters or doctorate program in the field you want, then you're pretty much at the top of the work force for you field of interest. You'll have an easy time looking for jobs & getting hired. Oh, but just a heads up a lot of programs want a certain GPA from you, along with a certain amount of volunteer/experience hours in that field, a high GRE score (which if you don't test well with standardize tests then sucks for you), oh and you are only competing with thousands of other applicants for about 30 spots (some programs have more, but Physical Therapy averages 30).

2. Debt
Ahhh yes, this lovely four letter word, debt. Unless you were blessed enough to have parents who  either saved up a college fund for you, or just have extra money laying around so they can pay off your tuition, you're in the boat I'm in. This is the boat where it's been more than six months since graduation and you get a lovely loan payment reminder each month. See all colleges have different tuition rates, scholarships, grants, etc. I chose to go to an out of state, private-Baptist college, so unless I was a genius in high school it was hard to get aid (to be honest, I really had no idea about the effects of tuition, and how vital scholarships were. If I would have been better informed, I may have stayed in state, but God had me at CSU for a reason, so I can't complain). So, if my husband and I pay the minimum amount of my loans each month, then in about 8 or so years, we will have them all paid off. Oh, and I'm not talking about a small $50 payment, you see, my loans in college pretty much covered the ridiculous $8,000 room & board at CSU. So I lived in the dorms for 3 years, plus had extra tuition outside of room & board that needed to be covered so you do the math.

3. A pretty display
Just about any office you go into you see documents hanging in nice frames on the wall. Most of the time it's just what graduate school they graduated from, or it could be degrees from a Master's program and an undergraduate program as well. That's just what you do in todays world, you put your degree(s) in a nice frame, and hang them on a wall either at your work or at your home. So yeah, your college degree can fit nicely next to your chick-fil-a calendar, and your wedding/family portrait...awesome!

4. Hard work
During your four (maybe more) years at college you learn what hard work is all about. I think our parents have a swayed perception of what we actually do at college. Some either think their children are partying their time away, or studying in the library every chance they get, or changing the world. But honestly, students are learning how to incorporate all aspects of college into one. You learn that you aren't in high school anymore, so you kind of actually have to do more work, you have to start papers ahead of time, start studying for tests days/weeks in advance, learn to become organized and know what assignments from 1 of your 6 classes have to be turned in on what days. You're also fitting in time at the cafeteria, learning what the best coffees are (because most of us don't have the ability/determination to do assignments days in advance), trying to get involved in intramural sports, find a church or worship group to attend, and make time for your friends. Which in the end, somehow you manage to survive, you turn in every assignment, project, paper, and take every exam and final, you're able to work a part time job (or two), and realize how you're still alive after only sleeping less than 5 hours a night.

5. Memories
Anytime you think or look at your college degree, you're flooded with memories over the past 4 (or more) years you spent at your college. I know for me, I look back at how Keven and I were able to hang out every day (since dating long distance in high school, this was something new to us). I remember moving all my stuff into my dorm, learning to share a room and bathroom, going down the hall to hang out at someone's room, eating disgusting cafeteria food, going to the beach any chance it was warm out, playing outdoor volleyball with friends, going to the movies, going to half off apps at applebees, meeting new friends, attending new classes, figuring out the good and the bad professors, going to java city late at night when I knew I still had a long way to go with studying, having suitemates come into our room and watch law & order, go to an awesome friends house and bake a bazillion items for a club soccer fundraiser, fire drills at 3 AM, battling the parking lot until you got the upperclassmen decal, going to Wendy's for a date because their food was 10 x better then at the cafeteria, having all of your girl and guy friends within walking distance of each other, and many more. College is one of the best places to make memories, some may be bad, but all the good ones out weigh the others.


So, did I happen to mention in that list a stable career anywhere? Nope. Honestly, what is stated above is what a college degree can give you. It can't give you a full time job with benefits in your major, which is what you're told you can get when you graduate college. I have a handful of friends from my graduating class that actually have full time jobs using only their college degree. Want to know what their majors were? Business, Religion, Education, and Nursing. The first two I may be know one or two who were able to use their degree to get the jobs they want, others in their field are still searching while working 1-2 part time jobs. The other two all were able to find jobs with their degree.

My advice to those of you who are yet in college or haven't graduated from it. I would take a serious look into education or nursing. From what I've gathered through my facebook newsfeed, even other people from different colleges with these two degrees have been able to find full time jobs as a teacher or a nurse. Or, start looking at graduate programs because honestly you will not be able to get the job you want with out that next degree.

My friend works as an enrollment counselor at CSU. A mother brought her son in to tour the campus and find out more about the school. They both had concerns about the job market post graduation, and what the best majors were to go into. My friend simply stated "Honestly, in todays economy, a college degree is now equivalent to a high school diploma. So he's more than likely going to have to go to a graduate school in order to have a job when he gets out". This mom did not like what my friend had to say, and accused her of being a liar. But, honestly, it's true. I've been looking for jobs to use my fancy college degree in since graduation (May 2013), and all the jobs that I would be qualified for want either more years of experience, or more certifications/degrees on top of your bachelors degree. I never thought that once I graduated college, I would be applying to jobs that require only a high school diploma, because apparently that's all I'm qualified for. I mean, I can't even get hired as a secretary for an office because I don't have 5 years experience. A lot of people have to apply to a broad array of jobs outside of their major, or have to find two part time jobs just to make ends meet. For example, I was at the movie theater with my family watching FROZEN, as we were leaving they wanted me to get a refill of the popcorn and drink. The concessionsist and I started talking, and he had told me that he had graduated from college a year or two ago, and hadn't been able to find a full time position using his degree. So he had to take a part time job at a movie theater, in order to have some income while he still looks for a job.

I'm very thankful I had the opportunity and ability to go to college and earn a degree. However, I'm just very frustrated at how awful the economy is. I had this idea that once I graduated, I'd have a successful job, be able to pay bills, and save up to buy a house. Instead, my husband has a full time job (somewhere way outside his field of study), we have just enough to pay bills and provide for ourselves, and there's not saving up for a house.

God has done wonders to always provide for us, and for that I am truly thankful.

Haven't seen you at church in a while.

Today's post is something I've been torn to write about, but just too nervous to actually go through and do it. If you know my husband and I, you know we are followers of Christ and that we attend church regularly. A few months ago we ended up in a rut with our church routine, and struggled getting out of it.

I don't have the church going background story as many of my friends do. When I was really little I remember my mom taking me to a Catholic church, I never understood anything going on, but I remember enjoying Sunday's because after service they would have a table of donuts outside, so if we were well behaved we were treated to a donut. Once we moved from CA to NC we didn't go to church. It wasn't until my best friend (since 5th grade), invited me to her church in middle school (7th ish grade?). I loved it, and loved being involved with a youth group (which was new to me). The church's youth program had Sunday School, Wednesday night services, lock ins, and other great stuff that I can't remember. I made a lot of relationships there and always asked to tag along with my best friend. But, things within the church happened, and the youth group was affected. My best friends mom wanted to not only attend a church that spoke the truth, but had a strong youth group for her kids to be involved in. So sometime in late middle school or early high school they switched churches. I refused every invitation to go with my best friend to her new church because I was so hung up with the last one, and didn't want to go through all of that again. However, one day I caved and went to her new church. It was great because a lot of people from my high school attended there so I made more personal connections with people I saw every day. I loved the Sunday school, youth group, and Sunday night services. I just couldn't get enough. They kept talking about this Powertime Camp and a lot of people from the youth group were going so I, naturally, wanted to go and see what this was all about. (I mean I think there is a place in each of our hearts that long for some sort of summer camp experience...or was it just me growing up?) After that week of activities, worship, and learning more about God, I knew this was the church I wanted to come to regularly. So I did. I attended (just about) every Sunday School, Sunday Service, Sunday evening service for youth, and youth group on Wednesday nights. I got involved with Bible Quizzing, the Leadership group, summer camps, nursery, children's church, VBS, tithing, mission trips, concerts, church league basketball, and any activity they planned. If they had something going on, I was there. I made so many more relationships on a deeper level and I just felt such at home at church. I was probably there at least 3-4 days/nights of the 7 day week.

Then I went off to college, attended a great church on campus called Summit Church and fell in love with the contemporary atmosphere. Summit church and my home church were so different with their style of worship and preaching (they both did preach the truth -- which is important). On one hand I had the church I "grew up in", that I knew everyone (or a lot of people, because it's a pretty big church) and enjoyed being apart of, to attending a church where I knew Kev or a couple of people, but just felt like I got so much more out of their service.

When we moved here over the summer of 2013, we started/continued going to my home church. This just made sense, we knew the congregation, services, activities, etc. However, something was missing. We soon realized that we were not only missing the style of our college church, but that in all honesty we were going to my home church just to attend. We went because it was comfortable, or easy. I was so excited to be back at my home church, to see everyone and become involved again. What I soon came to realize is I was holding on to my last thread of the youth group. While at college changes had occurred. A different youth pastor came in, youth sponsors were different, maybe half of the youth group I knew were no longer attending, the college group shifted from college aged to adding young married couples and then adding to couples with kids, then this group shifted from all of that to a young adults class and a new college group was formed. When we started attending again everything was just different -- but that's not the reason we haven't been going.

We realized that when we went we didn't take a lot out of the service, and it felt like we were ghosts just floating by. When you go off to college, new people move in and make those connections, so coming back there were times where honestly we were only greeted by the men giving out bulletins, and when we walked into Sunday School the teacher would greet us. I felt like I was always checking the clock for church to end so I could go home, if Kev worked I didn't find motivation to go without him, or if I was "too tired" I would turn my alarm off and not worry about waking up to go -- this convicted me and as much as I didn't want to I knew it was time for us to make a change.

It's not easy accepting the fact that it's time to look for a new church, especially when it meant leaving my home church. It also wasn't a decision that came lightly, I fought with what God was telling us and continued to go to my home church, even though we knew we weren't supposed to be there. I eventually just felt so dead inside, which as a believer I should be on fire and shouting His name with JOY!

We are now attending, participating, and loving being apart of Twin City Community Church. This Church literally fell into our laps. One of my good friends from my home church was a part of their planning team and told us about it about a year ago. Then, as we felt uneasy about my home church and wanted to look into a different church, two people who I went to high school with kept posting about the launch Sunday. Week after week, day after day, so I figured it couldn't hurt to check them out. We went to their launch date on January 19th, 2014 and we loved it. The atmosphere was great, everyone was excited and welcoming, the worship was amazing, and the pastor's preaching really hit home. We went back the next week and prayed to see if this is where the Lord wanted us. It is a brand new church, so we are involved on Sunday mornings (when we help set everything up for service at the YWCA in Winston-Salem), attend service, and then we are involved with their growth track. I'm so excited for Sunday's to come, and I don't complain about getting up at 5:30 AM to be at church by 7 AM to carry, lift, and set up stuff for when service starts at 10:30 AM. I'm enjoying all of it.

We look forward to how God is going to use this church not only in our lives, but in the lives of the city of Winston-Salem. I'm so excited to be passionate about a church again, and to feel "at home" when I walk through those doors.

**If you would like to check out this church head to their website, see what they're about, and you can find the address there if you want to visit. Twin City Community Church **

--> [[I didn't give the name of my home church, because I don't want people to think that just because we aren't going there that it's not a great church. It's an awesome church, with an awesome kids, youth ministries, and adult ministries. I will forever be grateful the Lord lead me to my home church, for all the connections and memories I made there.]] <--

Where have the Pfenning's been?

Okay, so it's been about 8 months since I've last posted about what's been going on in our lives. Before, Keven and I were happily living in our tiny apartment at Charleston Southern University. We had just graduated in May, were working (Keven at Piggly Wiggly, myself as a Nanny), hanging out with friends, and enjoying the beach just minutes away. As the lease was coming to an end to our apartment we were seeking the Lord as to where our next step would be. Would we stay in Charleston, stick with our jobs, stay with our friends, and apply to graduate schools. Or would we move back towards one of our homes and be close to family, find full time "grown up" jobs, and apply to graduate schools there. Well after much prayer we felt the Lord calling us to leave our jobs, friends, and church and move back to Winston-Salem, NC (where I'm from).

Ideally, you have jobs lined up, a place to live, and you can move and start a new chapter in your life. However, both of us had applied to dozens of jobs in NC and hadn't heard anything. Leaving us uncertain if we should risk renting a place to live without jobs and blowing through what we had worked so hard to save up. So, another obstacle to overcome. After more prayer we decided to ask my dad and stepmom if they would help us out and let us move in until we could get off of our feet. I know what most of you are probably thinking: wait, you and your husband are married, you're not supposed to live with your family, you're supposed to be able to provide for yourselves and be on your own, you're grown ups now. And I would say you're right, I understand where you're coming from. However, now a days it's a lot harder to get a "grown up job" with a college degree -- I'll cover that in a later post. Thankfully, my parents didn't want to see us go bankrupt and have more debt than my loans, so they invited us to live with them until we got off on our feet.

This has been such a blessing to us. (You see, my parents divorced when I was just 5 years old, and we were living in California at the time. A few years later my mom moved my brother and I to NC once she married my stepdad. So, I only saw my dad during summers and Christmas breaks. Then when I was in middle school my dad accepted a fire chief position in Baghdad after the war broke out. This left my brother and I to only see him less than 4 weeks a year, and sometimes it was just a week or two. Finally, during my senior year of high school my dad quit his job in Baghdad and wanted to be closer to us here in NC. Well after that year I went to college for the next four years and could only spend time with family during breaks or some weekends). So, you can see how I've never had the opportunity to live with my dad and build a genuine relationship. Before our relationship felt like a genetic one, you know where we knew we were related but there was never enough time spent to make a genuine connection. This move has been so great because we have hung out so much, done projects together, and have built an actual relationship with each other.

Sometimes you never realize why the Lord leads you places until you have time to look back on everything. So we moved up here at the first of July, ideally we would both get jobs and move out within a month -- ha we're funny. After a week of being here I helped out my stepmom at her job and I  was a caretaker for an elderly lady part time. This lasted until October, when the family decided to move her into a home. So during that time I hadn't really been searching a whole lot for jobs, some every now and then, but not a lot. Keven had also been applying while I was working, the Lord blessed him with a part time job at Lowes Home Improvement in late August, then He opened a door for Keven to go full time -- HALLELUJAH

So it is now February, Keven is still working at Lowes, and I am still applying for jobs. You know, being unemployed does wonders for your ego and mood. I mean, when you apply to about 100 jobs and no one seems to select you, you have to think what is wrong with me? Thankfully, Keven has been super supportive and understanding and helped me get through this time. I know the Lord has a plan for me and is lining up the perfect job where He wants me to be, so for now I'll keep applying, applying, and applying and wait for that job to open up.

Visiting our friend Stephen in Atlanta!

Celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary at the
Braves vs. Reds game in Atlanta. (July 2013)

Supporting Zach and Stephen at their volleyball tournament in Charleston. (July 2013)

Richelle Joy, our beautiful niece is so photogenic! 

Apple Picking with the Pfenning Clan! (August 2013)

Our beautiful niece Anara enjoyng the apply she picked! 

Visitng Greenville for Pelham Road Alliance's annual hayride. (October 2013)

I love my niece!

Got to high five the ENTIRE Ohio State Buckeye football team, and URBAN MEYER!!

Ohio State vs. Indiana (November 2013)

Richelle learning how to ride her newly refurbished bike we did for her! (December 2013)

Keven and his parents. (December 2013)

Two of the most adorable guys I know!

Seriously, I could just eat him right up! Our precious nephew Ryan, aka HULK! 

It's really hard to get both of them smiling with eyes open.
Richelle and Anara during Christmas! 

Our nephew David opening our gift to him!
(Avenger pjs!)

Pirate Flag

For all you country music lovers out there, Kenny Chesney's latest release Pirate Flag has made me do some thinking recently. When I first heard the song I loved the tune and how catchy it was. However, after listening to it a few more times I really heard the lyrics and they spoke to me. His chorus says:

"I spent my whole life running around,

Still let the wind kinda blow me around,

Well I dropped a note in a bottle,

To a long-legged model,

And I traded it in for a whole 'nother world,

A pirate flag and an island girl"

 

 

After hearing this over and over it's like I was slapped in the face and realized this is something every human does. As a Christian, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He came down to Earth, died on a cross, to save me of my filthy sins. I personally accepted Him into my heart, after asking for forgiveness of all my sins, and I was wiped clean of my past life. I now strive to grow closer to God, to live my life for Him. I don't partake in certain things because I know it's not what my Heavenly Father wants me to do. I live my life (as best as I can) according to how the Bible says to. By no means am I perfect, I do mess up ALL the time, I still sin just as everyone else in the world. But, the great thing about it is I know my sins are forgiven, and that my Father still loves me no matter how many times I mess up!! How awesome is that?

 

We all "spend our whole life running around", looking for something that can fill an empty void within us. Because we are searching for something to fulfill our happiness, it's like we "let the wind kinda blow us around", right? Now I never dropped a note in bottle for a long-legged model, but I did ask God to come into my heart and forgive me of my sins, because I believe and admit that my faith is in Jesus Christ.

So many people are so comfortable in their lives, even though they are itching for something else. Many people say they are "Christian", but they live their lives in a worldly manner. Many believe that following Jesus means they have to give up the "fun things of the world", i.e.: partying (drinking, smoking, drugs, etc.), pre-marital sex, occupation, luxuries, fine clothes, etc. But, it's not a list of rules to be followed like at school, they are guidelines of how to live our lives so we can be closer with Him, where we can eventually proclaim his name to all the nations!!

 

I don't call myself a "Christian", because I don't want to go to hell, rather for what the word really means "little Christ". I want to be able to interact with people, and for them to know immediately that there's something different about me. That by the way I talk, and live my life, that they can see how different it is it could be something that they would want to partake in as well.

So let me ask you this: are you willing to trade your life in for "a whole 'nother world"? Not for a pirate flag, or an island girl, but for eternity with Jesus Christ.

{If anyone reading this has any questions about their faith, or wanting to gain more information, please feel free to message me and I will be more than willing to help explain anything that needs to be cleared up}

Peanut Butter Brownies

I L.O.V.E. baking and I'm so glad that I have more time to create yummy food. If you're looking for something to bring to a graduation party, church event, or family gathering then try this recipe out. Trust me... it will please everyone's sweet tooth!!!

Peanut Butter Brownies:

Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1/3 cup crunchy or creamy peanut butter
5 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour (do not use self-rising flour)
6 Reese cups

[[(The recipe tells how to melt the piece of melting chocolate, I find it easier to just use Cocoa Powder and vegetable oil) = for 1 oz. of baking chocolate a recipe calls for you use 3 tablespoons of Cocoa Powder + 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil. So this recipe would require 15 Tablespoons of Cocoa Powder + 5 Tablespoons of vegetable oil.]]



1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.  In a bowl [or your Kitchen aid stand mixer] beat the sugar, vanilla, and eggs together. Add the butter (softened or melted, doesn't matter), along with the softened-melted peanut butter, then mix. Add the chocolate mixture, and then beat in the flour until everything is well blended.

3. Unwrap all of the Reese cups and place them on a cutting board. Cut them into smaller pieces, about 1/4 of an inch.

3. Use whatever size pan you think would be best. I used a 11 X 7, but the recipe says a 9 X 9, just depends on how thick or thin you want them (mine turned out thick!!). Spray the pan with pam non-stick cooking spray (or whatever alternative you may use), and spread the mixture into the pan.

4. Sprinkle the Reese cup pieces onto the top of the batter in the pan, you can even press them down into the batter or add them in the bowl and pour all at once. (I just wanted to make sure every spot had some, so I placed mine on top).

5. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until the brownies start to pull from the sides of the pan (or until you can't resist the smell any more)! [[Ours were completely baked at 28 minutes, and if I wanted them a little gooey probably could've taken them out a few minutes prior]] Then cut however you see fit!

6. Pour a big glass of milk (caution: they are REALLY rich), and enjoy!!

Husband's Are Great

At our wedding ceremony. Washing our feet as a commitment to serve each other in our marriage.

When I was younger my idea of a husband was someone I could kiss whenever I wanted, pay for things I desired, build things all manly like, and provide for the family. Now that God has blessed me with my wonderful Husband Keven, He's opening my eyes to something far more greater than whatever thoughts I previously had. Most marriages may not have the goggles of appreciation that many should, but rather they look at their spouse as an object. Whether that object is another income, a way to reproduce, or a way to not feel lonely, it's saddening to me that spouse's do not look at the other with much care and appreciation for what they do. I've been doing a lot of thinking with all this free time since graduating, and I realize why my husband is so great. (These, are just a few!)

1. My Best Friend
We've known each other since 2006, and talked for seven months getting to know each other before we even considered dating. When I look back at some of our conversations I remember letting my judgment shield down, and acting as weird as I could get at times. I felt comfortable enough to act goofy over the phone because he never judged me (in fact, he's one of the main causes for my true weird side coming out). Over that past 7 years he has always been there for me, supporting and encouraging me in good times and bad. I can talk to him about anything (which is healthy in a relationship, especially one as important as a marriage) good or sad and know that he's listening and giving meaningful advice.

2. Chores
Somehow society has filled our minds with the logic that it is the man's chore to take out the trash. Maybe it's because it's the simplest chore around the house to do, nonetheless, it's one that I just loathe doing. (I have taken out many bags of trash over the past 10 months of living together, usually because Keven is at work and I don't want it to overflow, but when he's around I always use him as the go to guy to make sure it's taken out). He is also great at helping me clean our teeny tiny kitchen. Some days I'm exhausted and have no interest in tackling the pile of dishes that have accumulated for half a week (don't judge: we've all had those moments where something else sounds better than cleaning), and out of his love for me he doesn't even complain, he'll just get up and start tackling the pile so I can rest. It's also great having him as my hubs because when I see any bug around the apartment I know he'll step up and take care of them. Now these are all things that I'm perfectly capable of doing, but it's sooooo wonderful having someone else that is willing to help out and make life more enjoyable! (hmmm, it's like that's what we were created for, to be a helper to our spouse...)

3. On the Road Again
One of my earlier posts mentioned about how hectic our month has been since it's required many road trips. I have had my license for 5 years, but if I don't have to drive four hours somewhere that is fabulous! Before we were married, when we had breaks from school, I looked forward to going home, just not driving the four hours required to get there. But now I love the trips more, because Keven is beside me (9 times out of 10 driving) and I typically get to rest (aka sleep the entire time because if we aren't talking it's impossible for me to stay awake in a car). Before the trips consisted of conversations filled with the stressful amounts of school work still to be done, or how we didn't want the trip to end because we would have to face reality of school. Instead they are now filled with what we think the Lord has in store for us career wise, or how many kids we would want the Lord to bless us with, or how we would raise those kids, or what types of holiday traditions would be best. Since it's just the two of us for at least 3 hours, there are less distractions, which gives us quality time to converse!

4. Dinners and Misc.
Since my Nannying job goes until 6 or 8 pm, when Keven isn't working he is more than willing to make dinner. This is another huge blessing, because after watching 3 kids for a few hours, and driving an hour daily, I get tuckered out fast. It's so wonderful that he's available to provide a hot meal for me when I get home, instead of me walking through the door and stressing out about starting dinner and eating really late. Also, if we have people coming over and I know some things need to be straightened up, I'll send him a quick text like "Oh, ____ is coming over, please straighten up the table, organize my canvases and art supplies, fold the blankets, and make sure the bathroom is decent" to which is replies "Ok, no problem! I'll take care of it". He could get frustrated that he has to clean on his day off, or that he has to tidy up instead of napping or playing a video game or whatever he has planned. However, he does not let my list ruin his day, because he knows how much stress is lifted from me.

Our God is a great God! He knew exactly what He was doing when He created Adam, and then created Eve to be his helper. I'm so glad God created us for the purpose of helping each other, and I'm so thankful that I have a wonderful helper. It saddens me to think of how most marriages don't view their spouse in this way, probably because said spouse is not willing to be self less to help out the other. If I can give any advice it would be this: look at your spouse as the helper God intended for them to be. If you are overwhelmed with all the household chores you juggling, along with running your kids to misc. event, all while trying to make sure you feed everyone and the fish, bring it to your spouse's attention. By your spouse helping you out with what you need to get done, you can in return help them out with a project they may be tackling for work. You were intended to be a team, not to be two random players occupying the court.

It's the Little Things

During the school year Keven and myself were both extremely busy. We spent most of our time going to classes, going to our four jobs, soccer practices/games, doing a ton of homework, studying for exams that all fell on the same week, trying to find time to be with our friends, or trying to stay human by eating or sleeping.

However, now that we've graduated, we have had a lot more free time. Don't get me wrong, looking for jobs online for countless hours is loads of fun, but sometimes it's nice to sit back and enjoy the little things in life. Now, these little things were exactly that, little. They were so small during our hectic schedules that I never had the chance to appreciate them.

So, here you go, here are some of the little things that I've been able to appreciate lately:

1. 2 Square
Last Tuesday Keven and I went to the beach for a few hours. After covering ourselves with sunscreen we figured we would play 2 square to let it all soak in and dry. Typically we like to play 4 square, but since it was only the two of us we just drew two boxes in the sand and began to play. It was great just being able to play with Keven. Sometimes when we play games or sports with our friends I get embarrassed if I miss a shot or if I lost the point for our team or what not. But, when I play games with Keven, I know he doesn't judge me, which is great because if I mess up he's always there to encourage me to bring my spirits back up.

2. Snuggling
During the school year we would always get up early for classes, and stay up late doing homework. Then the weekends would consist of Keven working most of the time, so we would have to do more homework or studying around his work schedule. So we never really got to enjoy much snuggling time, because we thought we should spend it doing school work. (However, there were several times where we were so tired we would go cuddle and nap in bed...I mean you need energy to focus on assignments right?). But lately, we've been cuddling on the couch when we watch movies, or as we're waking up in the morning (and boy, it sure is nice)!

3. Creamer
We ran out of coffee creamer about two or more weeks ago. And somehow it has been forgotten on the shopping list. So last night while buying groceries, I saw it while looking at yogurts and remembered to pick so up. (ironically it was not on the list again). There's just something about creamer in coffee that tastes wayyyy better than using milk!

4. Painting
With all this free time, I've been spending my time trying to be creative and paint on canvases. Since graduating I have completed 8 paintings!! Whooo Hooo!!

5. Reading Together
This past semester we took our final English class, and the only time we read together was when we read stories for class. Yet, lately we've been finishing this book we started last summer. Keven's sister gave it to us before we got married. It's a great book that talks about the intimate side of marriage and how important it is to keep the romance alive. I highly recommend it (just message me and I'll give you the title ... due to having younger people follow me on Facebook I want to keep this rated G). It's been nice to get all ready for bed, snuggle up, and read a new chapter. Then discuss what we found important or answer the questions the book tells us to ask each other. I have definitely enjoyed reading in bed...here's to hoping we can continue this! :)

6. Precious Nieces
This past weekend we drove up to Greenville, SC for a graduation party Keven's church family was throwing for all the graduates in the church. So, to make the most of the 36 hours we began our trip at 5:30 AM Saturday morning. This gave us plenty of time to hang out with Keven's family. It's always fun staying with his parents, because his older brother and his family are living with his parents while they transition back to the mission field in a few months. That means that my precious 5 year old niece Richelle and my other adorable 3 year old niece Anara are always begging us to play with them. I do my best to put any exhaustion aside, and bring out my inner kid to make their day enjoyable! On Sunday evening we played monster with them for a bit after dinner, so they had some more playing time before going to bed. Once their mom, Charity, told them that they needed to say good night and good bye (we were leaving at 8 pm), they both became really sad and when Richelle came to hug me she started crying and whispered in my ear "I don't want you to go, I love you Aunt Jordyn". Absolutely  broke  my  heart!! I had to convince her that we would be back soon to play some more! Ahh, she is such a sweetie. Earlier that weekend she just paused in the middle of playing kitties and looked at me and said "Aunt Jordyn, I love you so much, you are so fun to play with", followed with the best hug a 5 year old could give. This just overwhelms my heart with joy!