Where's Molly?

She is FOUND! Yipee. I am back. But where have I been? Well...let me just show you.

Friday night I drove to my hometown and hung out in my mom's second grade classroom for the afternoon. I got a nice warm welcome by a little boy that came up to me and said, ,"Welcome to Garfield School, what is your favorite state? How old are you?" I asked how hold do you think I am? Answers included: 5, 60, 17, 27, 20, and 21. What a nice range, I prefer 5. Thanks kiddo. I got my hair did and then we ventured off to Wichita to stay the night  before Patrick's state music festival.

The night included a little bit of this.

A little bit of that.

And an insanely comfy bed.

We woke up to fresh start in the morning with a gym fix. I,of course, had temporary ADD and could not get a good workout in. Instead I switched machines like it was my job, and watched mom & dad get busy in the gym. I just need the face the facts I am not a morning person. That is a goal. I need an alarm clock that physical moves me out of bed. Ah, the invention is mine no challenge!

The concert was a-maz-innnng. I just cannot even fathom what it would be like to sound that good. Probably a good thing I can't imagine, because it won't happen in my lifetime. These were some very talented high school students.

Ya I have a 17 year old brother that is 10 ft. taller than me. Maybe that's why the students said I was 5?

After the concert we rushed to Applebees to watch our traditional KU game after the show. Then booked it home for Diane's 50th birthday surpise party. Surprised is an understatement.

What's a party without martini glass cookies? Not one. Exactly.

The weekend flew by and before I knew it it was Sunday. By then, we were all pooped. We had a relaxing Sunday with church, lunch with grandma and grandpa, and some re-lax-ation. Little did we know there was going to be a tornado warning that night. Which happened to occur after I had to turn around on my way home because I couldn't see because of the rain and wind. Craziness. The dogs were even ready to relax.

Okay, so Katie wanted an ice cream bar but it was cute nontheless. Look at those eyes.

I love spending time with family. I love going home. I love my small town. I just love the simple life. All that is missing is Jeff. 4 more days =)

That is the recap. I made a tortilla, chicken, black bean, and cheese pizza tonight but forgot to take pictures "/ tasty though, maybe I'll just have to make it again. Yes, I filled it with buffalo sauce. Thank you for asking.

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Day 12 - A picture of something you love

Yummy.

I'm Sorry

I've neglected for two whole days. This is unacceptable, I know. What if I made a ten page post to make up for it? Would you run away and hide? I would, that's long. I have written my friend in 4th (I think) grade a ten page note before though, and most of it consisted of what I was watching on T.V. that night. Exciting huh?

Anyway. A LOT has going on the past couple of days. I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off and just haven't got a chance to sit here and make time for something I really enjoy. Even though, enjoying my time with my family is at the top of my list. I will post the good ol' events later because I'm at work and well...they aren't on this computer. I am at two strikes I'm sure.

X X ?

I would get really creative and type something really awesome, but I am going to be honest with you....I can barely keep my eyes open at this moment. Waking up at 4:20 A.M. is not going to be a new tradition, I can guaranteeeeeeeeeeeeee you that. So, I will revive myself. Get pumped. Fist Pump. Dance. And be back for some fun. Until then...I think I missed a few days in my photo challenge. So herre ya go!

Oh, and I owe you for missing two days. Hmmm...what should it be?
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Day #7 (somehow got skipped...maybe because I really dislike the number seven) Picture of your most treasured item.

Picture drawn by my friend of my Grandma & I - Something that can never be replaced. The day she finished is the day my grandma passed away. Truly special. Irreplacable.

Day #10 A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with. (I'm counting this as "most fun")

College Roommate, Jess. No comment.

Day #11 A picture of something you hate.



Not a fun thing to hate. Maybe that's why I'm only 5'3? Hmm....

Healthy Snacks

Do you ever eat a snack because your stomache is nagging, grumbling, and begging for you to feed it? Then you go crab a candy bar to make it stop but it just leaves you feeling just as hungry 30 minutes later? Well I've been researching all about this food stuff. Maybe it's because I try every possible way to put off my homework. It's really interesting though. I use to be (okay like last week) that one that would just crab a snack like a poptart, m&m's, or chips and did not feel satisfied AT ALL. So then I got pop, to make me more full. Stupid Stupid Stupid. Ruhtard. Now I know better. I am trying to be responsible, just like Junie B. Jones...remember her?

It didn't exactly help I was always grabbing snacks when I was rushing out of the door. I would always grab whatever was fastest. Not usually the best decision. To make this easy, prepare prepare prepare. When I found myself preparing these snacks the night before I was always picking the nutricious and healthy ones.. I had time to think what I needed in my snack that wasn't going to fulfill me and make my insides smile and not yell at me. So make sure to take a few minutes out of your night and get ready for the next day, or sometimes Sundays are a good day to make snacks.

These did not have the nutrients I needed. I wish I could say peanut m&m's would make me healthy and make to like to 800 but I have a feeling that just won't happen. Since I have to be a "follower" to become a "leader" I went and looked at what I needed in a snack. There are three things you need for a healthy snack that will hold you over in  between meals. This is truly saving my pocket and my hungry belly.

YOU NEED. SHOULD HAVE. IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR STOMACH TO BE PISSED:

1.) Fruits & Veggies
2.) Whole Grains
3.) Protein

(The terrrrrrrific trio!) Grr, couldn't think of another t word.

I'm sure these types of foods aren't a shocker to most. However, I like to know the exact way to do things before I do them. I don't like to just "assume" I am correct. I research. I now know exactly what I need.

@ Source

Here are some healthy snack ideas (directly from webmd):

Combine honey and peanut butter or almond butter for a protein-rich dip for raw apples, carrots, celery, and pretzel sticks. This spread also tastes great on bagels, rice cakes, and whole-grain crackers.

Mix fresh or frozen berries with low-fat yogurt. Top with sliced almonds or granola to make a fruit parfait.

Top whole-grain crackers with low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese and sliced tomatoes or red pepper strips.

Make your own healthy trail mix with high fiber cereal, dried fruit (such as cranberries, blueberries, and dates), and nuts such as almonds. This mix also makes a great topping for yogurt.

Spread low-fat cream cheese on a whole-grain bagel. Sprinkle sunflower seeds and raisins on top of the cream cheese for extra flavor.

Dip colorful sliced vegetables in low-fat salad dressing or hummus. Try red, yellow, and orange bell peppers; broccoli; cauliflower; and cherry tomatoes.

Other Snacks: Yogurt, String cheese, Low-fat microwave popcorn, Canned fruit or applesauce in single-serving containers, Raisins and other dried fruit, Whole wheat crackers , Pretzels (watch the salt), Flavored rice cakes, Unsalted nuts, Baby carrots, Cherry tomatoes.

Until I become an "expert" in this subject I will continue to provide research I have found from other websites, nutritionist, and people who REALLY know their stuff. Like I said, I don't want to assume. I just want to help you, like I am helping myself. I want your body to appreciate what you are putting in it. I promise, you treat it well, it will treat you well back. Plus, they are some GOOD snacks. I use to think healthy meants nasty, green, and that you have to force it down your throat. Once again, stupid...stupid...stupid. I am learning. I am Junie B. That's what's up!

Oh P.S If for some reason you are calorie counting I just discovered on webmd.com that you can put in each meal and it will tell you how many calories you have taken in during the day. I started using it just to see and get a grasp on how many calories were in things so I could learn more about them. It's perdy cool.
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Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

This one was easy.

Maid of Honor status. Hints the #1 finger. (She's number one...she's number one!)

Goals & Dreams

Short and Sweet. These past few months of blogging have really opened my eyes to interests, passions, and goals I never even thought I wanted. Viewing other peoples lives, day to day struggles, and health tips have made me feel like we are all here just to help each other. We are here to enjoy our lives, learn, and always make goals to achieve.

My Goals:

1. Graduate in May 2011 with a BSE in Education (Ordering cap & gown in the new few days =))
2. Live a healthy lifestyle, but an enjoyable one.
3. Be true to myself.
4. Tell the people I love them most often.
5. Exercise daily.
6. Learn daily about health, nutrition, and crafting.
7. Set smalls goals, that lead up to my big goals.
8. Become a school counselor.
9. Coach High School Volleyball & Basketball.
10. Become a certified personal trainer.
11.. Make someone's day...everyday.
12. Don't sweat the small stuff.
13. Keep it simple.
14. Be thankful for my blessings.
15. Be a good cook. Be a good crafter. Never let them become "chores". Love what I do.
17. Have a healthy and happy family. (No Jeff, not a whole "ball team" worth. ;))
18. Wow, I just realized I have a lot.

My one main dream is to change others lives. I want to run a non-profit organization and make others smile as my job. I want to be the change I wish to see in this world.

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Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh. Sorry I added several. My bad.

I think I want this photo day everday.

Proud Sista

Listen to this. I woke up at 8:35. I had to be at class at 9:30. I showered, got my school stuff together, and had TIME to make some eggs for breakfast. And the Gods are singing. It was weird to feel relaxed and could take my time getting ready. Actually, it was so weird I will try it again tomorrow. Booya.

Today is the week mark of Jeff leaving me for the cold and dreary weather up north. It has been a really odd week consisting of no one to cook for, no one to go out to dinner with, no one to watch Criminal Minds with, and no one to wake up to. I have been crazy busy so it's been fine, but his presence is definitely missed in my household. At least by me it's missed. :)

On another note of someone I care about, this post is dedicated to my little brother, Patrick. P-Tree. Patty. ( I have awesome brother too, but that's for another day) Patrick is hands down one of the most amazing, creative, and caring people I've ever came into contact with in my life. Okay, I must admit, I was not exactly always the nicest to Patrick when he was little. It hurts me to say but I would ask him to get me a drink and tell him I was going to run away if he didn't. Sometimes he did it. Sometimes he didn't. When he didn't do it I would walk out the door and walk around the block, making him think I ran away. This was so awful. Really, who is that awful? I guess I was thirsty and a lazy bum. Or mean. Or all of the above. Sorry, Patrick I wish I could take it back. However, I feel like I was close enough to you that you won't hold it against me for life :). Anyway, this kid is one of a kind. He has the biggest heart, the best voice, an exceptional friend, and he is an amazing brother. I look up to him. A lot. I know me being older, it should be opposite, but he teaches me all the time to stop trying to impress others and just be myself. Do what makes me happy. Shoot for my dreams. Enjoy every single day.Smile. He truly shines, inside and out. I wish I could be more like Patrick. I wish I could be myself at all times no matter what anyone else thinks. I wish I could talk to anyone and be able to carry on a conversation for hours. I wish I was as brave. I wish I was as adventerous. I wish he knew how much I truly care about him and how great it is to have him as my brother. I just can't explain enough how incredibly proud I am of him. I hope our relationship never changes, because I don't know what I'd do without him. He really is an inspiration. I love him very much. Except when he tried to argue with his older sister. Humph. How old does he think he is? 17? Psh.

That isn't the reason I wrote this though. I just wanted to congratulate him for going to State Festival Choir.  His voice is phenomenal. He can sing me under the table. Besides the fact that I'm an awful singer, he really is awesome. He is singing at my wedding, that's how awesome he is. This weekend I get to go to Wichita, KS to watch him sing his little heart out. His is picked out of hundreds and hundreds of other students in order to make it to State. He is the bomb.com.  I just wanted a shout out to my singing brother who is about to rock the stage in Wichita. Good luck brother, you will shine!

This weekend will be spend in Wichita and my home town. I can only imagine the fun things we will get in to. Oh, and for dinner I think I am going to have another wrap. I have been craving once since I ate my last one. This could be an issue. Watch out for my workout schedule! I am ready to pump.it.up.

Here's to you brotha, I've loved watching you grow.

XOXO

MJ

"I Love You"

Can I say something  really quick? Well, I guess you can't answer me so I will anyway. Last night, I had my night with the kiddos. My little lovies. The happiness of my Tuesdays. I cannot let go of something that happened last night. It made me warm, full of love, and so so happy. My baby girl Jillian was sitting on the couch eating her favorite combo of cinnamon goldfish and milk, turned and looked at me and said, "I love you, Mawy". Out of nowhere. Not only did she say it, she stared into my eyes as she said it. Then smiled. Lord help my heart because it melted into five hundred million  pieces. Pray for me when I have children. I don't know if I will be able to hold myself together.

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I don't know what to do. I really don't. I woke up EARLY today. Not at the last minute, but EARLY and what do you know? I was still late. This does not make me happy. I even told my alarm I would get up because I was going to be just as tired in five minutes. Grr.

Since I did wake up early (like five minutes early) I made myself a little breakfast.

My bananas were proud of my effort.

The rest of the day consisted of a very long day with the 4th graders. I got to see the life in the day of a 4th grader, which consisted of lots of laughs, recess, lunch, math, social, science, and reading. I got it all. It's a blast getting to know them. I'm  hoping I won't die over of a heart attacke teaching a lesson by myself if I keep getting close to the kiddos. Please pray this does not happen. My anxiety is rocket high when it comes to being the center of attention. I crawl in a hole. A large one.

I do have good news though. I got to eat buffalo sauce tonight. This translates to this was a great day and now I can live happy. Wanna know something else? I had it with spinach. Weird.

See. Spinach. Greenness. I am started to really become fond of green. I have become so fond I wanted a green zip up adidas jacket and green sports bra. Maybe it's lust.

Let me tell you....wow it's kind of indescribable. It was terrifical (yes, it is a word...don't worry). Really, I love buffalo sauce by itself, but with chicken, spinach, cheese, hummus, holy mama. I fell in love. Not lust. Don't get them confused. It was LOVE. I wanted another. I sat on the couch and pouted because it was over. I ate veggies instead. Boring. I am trying to be a good girl though.

Dang, I need a good camera. Maybe someday I will be responsible enough not to break mine. Who am I kidding.

American Idol time!

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Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Who wouldn't?

Healthiest Cheap Foods in America

According to Men's Health these are the healthiest cheap foods in America:

Breakfast food: Eggs $1.84/dozen

Grain: Dried Lentils $1.18/lb

Cooking Oil: Canola Oil $0.31/lb

Brown Bagged Fruit: Banana $.63/lb

 Berry: Frozen Blueberries $1.75/lb

Vegetable: Cauliflower $0.33 lb

Pork: Pork Loins $3.28/lb

Beef: Top Sirloin $1.52/lb

Poultry: Chicken Leg $1.48/lb (can also buy brozen chicken breasts)

Fish: Farmed Catfish $2.52/lb

Obviously, these aren't the "healthiest" but they are the healthiest cheap foods. Well, like I guess I already said. I think it was pretty neat to see, as as college student not having much money, how I can go cheap but don't have to eat crapola. Maybe this will help my large healthy store shopping days where I buy 55 bucks worth of food for one person. Whatever. I saved like 9 buckeroos.

Speaking of saving. Look out for those coupons. There are a TON of websites online that allow for cheaper purchases. Then you can get the GOOD good stuff. Freeze things before the get all nasty moldy. Plan ahead. You can do ittttt. So can I. I am trying. I prepared my lunch last night, you proud? Well it was only a turkey sandwhich, carrot stick, and apple but who is counting?

Okay. It took like two seconds. But STILL. I made it the night before. I also made my breakfast last night. It was a long grueling process of putting pb on one slice of bread covered in bananas. I mean, it took a lot of work but I pushed through until the end.

Another cool thing I found on Men's Health (I wasn't looking at Men's Health, I was actually looking at Eat This not That...which is from Men's Health. So stop judgin :) ) Anyway, I found a list of grocery items that were graded A-D, information about them, and how many calories were in them. Kinda nifty. I always wonder if things are good or bad, who's lying, and who's not, so I figured I'd trust the men this time.

Speaking of men. Will someone kidnap my fiance so I can have him back now? That'd be really cool. Thanks.

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Day 5-  A picture of your favorite memory

The first time I got to hold my neice. That is a priceless memory I will cherish forever.

Busy Bee

I know, I know. My post is really late. Mom, I have a feeling you are the only one that looked for it, so sorry :)

Today  has been quite the busy day!  I did my usually wake up too late, sprint out the door morning. I guess it's not getting better. I worked for a couple hours before I headed off for Eudora Elementary School. This school is BALLER. There are 700 students K-5 that attend. That is HUGE. I was giddy like a school girl (literally) when I walked in. It was only built two years ago, so you can only how spectacular it was. I fell in love with teaching once again when I hung out with those 4th graders. They were lively, fun, personable, excited, and WANTED us to be there. I then remembered why I wanted to be in education again. I remembered why I am going to put myself through the government trying to limit the most important thing this country needs. It was kids like them, teachers like that, and a school so supportive.  Thank you Eudora, you brought my fire back.

Somewhere in my busy day I was bored at work. Bored? Me? No way. So I searched the net for some cookbooks. Three for 8 bucks. Holla for a dolla! Okay, so shipping and handling cost me an arm and a leg I didn't know I'd have to give away, but hey, I have three cook books on the way! Then for some reason, I didn't think I bought enough. So I went to borders, who is going out of business here, and scored about 6 dolla cookbook for low fat meals. (It's on the bottom). Score. I am on a ROLL. Jeff got me the Pioneer Woman Cooks, I loved him even more after this gift.

Then all that food was making me huuuuuuuuuuungry. Rule #1: NEVER I repeat NEVER go to the store hungry. You will spend $55.00 included 10 dollars in savings (Ya, I like to save). Here are the goods. Don't laugh mom, I know you are.

Now I am laughing. I have never tried half the things I bought. I guess the healthy spree went a tad too far. Whoops. My wallet probably didn't appreciate it either. Ex: Crab, Greek Yogurt, Almond Milk, Chicken Breast in a can (weird), hummus, and brussel sprouts. I'll let you know how the unknowns turn out. You see that fresh bottle of buffalo sauce? I do. It had me from hello.

Dinner. I had to use my buffalo sauce so I baked some chicken and drizzled a little on top before I put it in the oven. I added some spices and let that baby bake. You know I'm on this healthy kick so I put it on some greens. Much needed greens in fact.

Now for some KANSAS BASKETBALL....

Hope you all had a great Monday.

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Photo Day 04 - A picture of your night

You.Homework.Bachelor.Basketball.

Do It For You, No one Else

Sometimes we get wrapped around doing things for others. Doing things to please others, make others happy, try to fit someone elses "requirements".  It's crap. =) Dont get me wrong I LOVE absolutely LOVE making others smile, doing things to make people happy, but sometimes you just have to do things for yourself. Because in all hoenstly, if  you aren't happy, you usually aren't making others happy around you either. Well, at least I don't.

Sometimes we get too caught up in making others happy, we forget about ourselves. When really we have t take care of ourselves first. If we don't, who will? We have needs too. Sometimes it is about YOU. I have no idea where this came from but I hate seeing how so many people focus on bettering themselves for other people, not themselves. So many people cannot see how amazing, truly amazing they are and feel they need to please someone else to make themselves feel good. No one is perfect, we never will be. Ever. But as long as we do the right thing, do what makes us happy,  have faith, and give to others the it will all fit into place.

I know I've fall through the crack plenty of times. I tried to do things because it would make people like me, make people thing I'm "cool", make people want to be friends with me. I am realizing what's most important. If I am changing who I am, changing my happiness to make someone else happy, then I don't need them in my life. I am realizing that the people I have in my life are the people I don't have to do things for them to like me, they will like me no matter what I look like, how I talk, how many name brand clothes I have, what I weigh, etc. I am realizing that I need the people in my life that make ME happy. I am so blessed and thankful for the  few people who have continued to love and support me no matter what. I would rather have a few, than a lot of people who I am trying to make happy for all the wrong reasons.

I want to be a better friend. I want to be more open to change. I want to be a better person. I want to show my parents how they have truly changed my life and make me happy each and every day. I want to thank  Jeff for always helping me see that faith, love, and giving conquers all. I want my friend Jenae to know that she has always been the one person I have always been able to count on that I never showed it or told her. I am ashamed of things I have done. Of the person I've been at times. But I am finally realizing what it takes to stop living to please others, but to please myself. It allows for me to welcome the good and get rid of the bad. It allows me to stop trying to make people be my friend when they never were in the first place. It makes me forgive, but not forget. Happiness comes from ourselves, and it allows others into our lives that also bring us love and happiness.

Really, this came out of nowhere. But I know its out there. I know what it's like to live to please others. I know what it's like to realize I am good enough. I know other people have been there too. Sometimes we just need to be reminded that we are our own best friend. We are all unique, special, and amazing people. And that....is what should make us happy. We are all very blessed. More blessed that we will ever realize.

So thank you....for all you who have brought me happiness. I love you more than words can say.

I will rap for you later or something. This was deep. On the fun note :)

I am weird and I know it =) And show it.



Ya I look gross but she makes me SMILE

Thanks for listening. If you did. Maybe you skipped down to see Jillian's adorable face instaed. But if you did, thanks for listening. It may make no sense. But hey...it kept coming.  I was feelin' it.

Have a good Monday, you deserve it.

XOXO

MJ

Livin' for the Weekends

Weekends are my friend. I just can't get enough of them. Especially this one. Pure Bliss.

On Friday, Mom & Dad drove up to Kansas City to pick me up to go to the Lake of the Ozarks where my Aunt Pam lives. I was very thankful I did not have to drive the long drive alone. My voice probably thanks me too. Thanks Mom and Dad :)

Friday night we just hung out and enjoyed the company of each other. Okay, I passed out and they drank and had fun. I don't know what hit me. I think I hit a relaxation bubble and got sucked in. I didn't mind.

View from the porch. Hello Lake!

We did a lot of this.

And a lot of this. Just Dance for the Wii. AWESOME

I woke up hearing a lot of laughing and the smell of food. Pam and Bill always have the breakfast a stirrin' in the morning. We relaxed. Danced on the Wii. Watched the stinking rain. Relaxed. Ate. Danced on the Wii. Relaxed. Listened to Mike snore. Relaxed.When we finally got tired of relaxing, if that's possible, we headed to a well known in the middle of no where restaurant, Charley's. All you can eat homemade buffet. Holla!

Nothin' like some good ol' fashion fried chicken.Yummy in my tummy.

Dad's desert.There was an entire table (very large table) of deserts ranging from pies, to cookies, to ice cream. I didn't have any but they sure looked tasty!

After we stuffed ourselves to the very brim, we went over to one of Pam & Bills friends house to play some cards and drink a little somethin' somethin. Or..a lot of somethin' somethin.

Ya..a little too much. I wa feelin' extra happy. I kept losing so I kept drinking. I just couldn't stop laughing. It was a really good time, even if I did have four loser glasses of wine. (Which was sooo good, thanks Janice)

Blame it on the a a a a a alcohol.

It was such a great weekend with family and I would really enjoy to do it every weekend.  Minus at least two glasses of wine. There really isn't anything like family. They are just truly special. I am thankful I have such an amazing one. I wouldn't be the same without those crazy cats. They are the bomb.com

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Day 3 Photo Challenge:  A picture of the cast from your favorite show

I just started laughing thining about it. 30 minutes of working your abs.

Happy Sunday!

XOXO