feels so good to be home

 

 

It feels good to wake up after the sun. It feels good to get woken up by my little Gabbie dog. It feels good to be surrounded by my family. It feels good to work out again. Which, by the way, I rocked out Zumba with my momma & I'm sure I looked like a total fool but I can't tell you how good it felt to work out again. It's the cure I needed. It feels good to know my way around. It feels good to be comfortable. And it feels good to be happy. It just feels goooooooooood.

my heart is so full

Well hello there. I know I've been in hiding this whole week, but for good reason.

This, as you know, was my very last week in my college town. My last day of my internship/student teaching. And my last day in the place I've called home for the past five years. It's been emotional for me, but this week has went by so fast I barely had time to really, truly think about what I was leaving behind.

All I could think about was what was to come. On Wednesday morning, I did my usual applying for jobs while the kids were in specials routine. This one was a little different because I got a call around 11:45 asking me if I could come interview for that position....that night, two hours away.

So I left school early and darted to my "future" town. I had to pick up a shirt as most all of clothes had been moved home so I had nothing to wear. So I hit up the tarjay and called it a day. Sadly it wasn't that easy. I decided to try to enter the address of the school in my GPS at a stop light and when they "moved up" I thought they were going. So long story short I ran into a AAA truck, who was a complete _____. You get it. Luckily the police officer was balls to the wall awesome and made life easier for me. And thank goodness Jeff was with me or there may have been a knuckle sandwich going on.

Only bad part was....it was 6:45 and my interview started at 6:45. F.A.I.L. So after I wiped away my frustrated tears, I drove to get changed and made it to the interview by 7:00. She was happily waiting on me, but all I felt was defeated and unprepared. The interview went well, but we shall see what comes of it. I am leaving that in God's hands and in his alone. It's time for me to stop trying to know what's best for myself.

Anyyyyyyyyyyyway. 

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So then came Thursday. My very last day with my kiddos and staff. Bittersweet it was. Of course I cried about three times that day when the faculty and students shared sweet conversations with me and gave me some very meaningful gifts that I will treasure.

A teacher's dream!

Coolest card I've eve received. All signed by my students.

It was been a whirlwind of a year but I honestly wouldn't have had it any other way. Even on the days I wanted to strangle people, those days are what made the good ones so much sweeter. My heart was so full yesterday.

My teacher & resource teacher got me this beast of a laminating machine. Oh.my.gosh.

Not only was I supported by my kiddos and staff, I also felt so loved from my family {per usual}. Jeff sent me some "last day of school" flowers, my parents welcomed me with open arms as I arrived home and gave encouraging words, and I received a call from my aunty. They have all been amazing during my ups and downs this year and have encouraged me even when it seemed (I'm sure) almost impossible at times to do.

Flowers from my main squeeze.

The love and support that are on my side are just unbelievable to me. Each word, I hold very deep in my heart. It sounds stupid, but I mean that. My heart was so full and I have so many people to thank for that. Even when it should have be sinking, it was the happiest it had been in quite some time.

This one got to me. Because I 100% know she meant everything she said.

A sign the para painted for me that has the faculty's notes of encouragement on the back. Such a meaningful gift to me.

And now it's time for wedding planning, bikini bathing, and working it ooooooooout.

Thanks for all of you who have also supported me on this journey, it means more than you know. And I look forward to being back in action!

Much love,

movin' & cakin'

Well, it's official...I am 92.55% moved out of where I currently am and into my house at home.

I don't think it's really hit me yet that I'm leaving my "home away from home". This town has given me more than I ever even dreamed of and it's crazy that it all comes to an end in just three short days.

I'm Excited. Sad. Anxious.

Just yesterday I remember bawling like a baby when my parents pulled out of my dorm driveway, leaving me behind to start a new chapter in my little book. And now I am going to be bawling like a baby as I close that chapter behind me.

However, I'm excited to move on and ready for the things to come in the next few months. Very excited. I mean, I'm getting married! Holy Mama! And little brother is graduating. My cousin is getting married. We are going camping to my favorite place on earth for a week. And much more that I have to look forward to.

So anyway...yesterday Jeff and I got to meet with our cake lady. As we were greeted at the door with cake, I can't say it was too bad! We got to sit down and try out the chocolate and vanilla cake, with whatever frosting was on it. I have no idea what the name was. All I know was Jeff was loving it because he ate his and most of mine.

I knew what I wanted our cake to look like so it was a done deal in just 30 minutes. Jeff's grooms cake was also a quickie. A Jayhawk. Obviously. Oh and of course he wanted some chocolate s'more filling! Too bad I can't bake with a darn because that would save an arm, a leg, and maybe even a kidney!

something very similar to this  beaut. seriously love it.

It's so fun to see everything coming together piece by piece and getting ready for the biggest game day of 2012. And in 3 short days, the real planning will begin!

P to the S....How handsome does little brother look on his very LAST prom day ever?! He can stop growing now. No but really.

Much love,

friday never gets old

One weak from today I will be done. done. done. done.

Done with my internship. Done with all these papers. Done with all this stress.

I will be moved. And hanging out in the place I have called home since I was born.

I can't believe it's all moving so fast. Last I knew I was in grade school, and now I'm moving home to prepare to marry my best friend and start a life with a new last name.


It's absolutely bonkers to me how time truly does fly.

One thing I want to do this summer is to treasure the moments, each and every one of them with my family. My last summer at home. I can't wait for the memories I will share with them before I get married, and I'm honestly blessed to be able to share this time with them.

Cheers to being 7 days away from the headaches and craziness.

I can't wait to be back on the ol' blog. I really do miss you guys.


Love you long time.

and I will be reunited with my "dawgs"

erin condren love

So of course you know that I am super obsessed with all things that have anything to do with organizing, bright colors, and keeping track of things. You didn't? Well you do now.

Obsessed.

That is why my ErinCondren life planner is practically heaven on earth to me. Well, that is a bit of an exaggeration but close enough. I love it. A lot. 

So when I saw Becky post about this awesome Erin Condren deal going on at plum district, I about peed myself. I was actually debating for an entire day about purchasing the "deal". I knew I didn't really need anything and I also knew I was trying to save money because well, it's running out....fast.

THEN I remembered (thank you Lord!) that I had just worked a random few hours last week and got that exact amount of money that night. Which to me totally justified me spending the money on something I love so dearly. Right or wrong...I had to do it.

So I just wanted to let all you lovely Midwestern Touch followers know about this crazy awesome fabulous legit deal going on. And go hug Becky because she rocks and started the word!

So how do you get it?

Well you can sign up here, fo free...of course.

You get $5.oo off of your purchase in the blink of an eye just for signing up. Too good to be true right?

Wrong.

When you check out on plum district put in the code visa10 to get yourself another 10% off. This discount was also on www.retailmenot.com (check that baby out if you like to save money!).

Then you can happily visit the erincondren website and smile at all the beautiful things it has. However, the craziness doesn't end there. The erincondren life planners are 40% off right now! Check out Becky's blog for more details!

The deal ends in 6 days so don't cha miss out!

xoxo to you all.

break time

This is how not happy I am to be gone from this little space (and especially for a no fun reason!)

friday's letters

Dear Friday, You come at the perfect time, every time. Thank you for that. Dear Kiddos, I loved seeing your sweet faces this evening and when you, little miss Jillian, told me, "I'm so glad you are here" you couldn't have said anything more perfect. Dear Fiance, I'm so proud of you. You've been kicking booty and taking names all over the place! Love you "Ironman". Dear Planner, You save my life. I'm not even joking. Dear Wedding Plans, I'm sorry I have abandoned you. I really am. I just can't think of 500 bazillion things at once right now. Hope you understand. We will be united in a few short weeks! Dear Job/Non-Existent Job, Even though you are hiding, you better believe I rock at hide and seek. Watch yourself! Dear God, You have blessed me with more things that I have ever deserved. I'm so thankful.

Love always and foreva,

Moi

 

brain fart

Well lately I've been having a real brain fart. Yes, a  brain fart. I just cannot think of anything to write for the life of me. Nothing. Not a thing. Even though I did like Katie's suggestion of writing about Jeff's cute butt. Sadly, I couldn't find the pictures to back it up. Too bad.

So instead I thought I'd just share why I was having these brain issues and lack of time. You see, right now I kind of feel like I'm in the swimming pool treading water for more time than I'd like, and pretty much...exhausted.

the promise of the pinky...now he has to love me at my worst :)

That, in a sense, is kind of how I'm feeling. Just, exhausted. All the time. I praise you mommas and wives (and many other of you out there super duper busy all the time). But right now I'm just feeling like my plate is kind of extra full. I feel like I should be doing so many things that I'm half assing most of the things I do, and really not getting anything done. These all do not make me all sorts of happy inside.

I am trying to finish my internship, find a place to live, find a job, pack all my stuff up, plan a wedding, and finish my grad classes.

But do you know why it's okay?

Because I have a family who supports and does everything they can to help me, have a fiance who motivates and loves me, and have a God who gives me strength in this small storm I feel like I'm in.

These moments of exhaustion and hopelessness have really shown me the beauty of the people in my life. Even at my very worst, they love me still the same. It's hard to even fathom sometimes. Especially when my mood gets the best of me. Yikes.

I just feel extremely blessed. And extremely ready for May 2nd. 

it's so pinteresting

Okay it's Wednesday. Whew. I know once I get to Wednesday, I can for sure get through the rest of the week. It's the little boost of motivation I need. And after this week, I need some crazy motivation.

Since Jeff & I are in the process of finding a place for us to live come August, I figured I'd join up with Michelle today and show you my pinterest finds regarding all things homey. Not homie, to be confused. Even though you all are, of course, my homies.

Moving on...Here are my "homey" finds!

 iheartorganizing.blogspot.com via Molly on Pinterest

I am in love with the color of the door vs. flowers. 

Source: style-files.com via Molly on Pinterest

So I totally have to have this. And it must be filled, always.

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Molly on Pinterest

Are you smiling at this like I am?

Source: postcardfromparis.com via Molly on Pinterest

I'd make myself hungry all.the.time with this beaut. Oh wait, I already am.

Source: centsationalgirl.com via PerfectlyJenn on Pinterest

Funny I saw this bedding pinned and it's totally the beginning we got at our bridal shower! Holla!

Source: iheartorganizing.blogspot.com via Molly on Pinterest

I think I would just love this.

 

Source: backonfestiveroad.blogspot.com via Molly on Pinterest

This chair? I die. And I want. And I need. Oh yes.

That's all for now!

Now let's just all pray together that something works out for us!

happiest of hump days peeps!

easter at the lake

So this past weekend ended too soon. Or maybe I just always say that on Monday? Probably. Either way, it ended and I sure didn't want it to.

We spent the weekend at a lake near my home town camping Friday - Sunday. There is just nothing like camping to me. Maybe it's because I've grown up going every year since I was in the ol' diapers, but I just love it so darn much.

The weekend consisted of eating, fishing, lounging, church and more eating. We had a fish fry Saturday and the best ever Easter meal on Sunday {cooked by none other than the best Momma Easter bunny}. Just because we were camping she was not about to let Easter slip by without some home cookin', even if it was made inside the camper.

Summed up, it was a big ball of happiness that I want to do over and over and over again. I think we should keep this whole Easter camping thing. Nothing like spending time with the people you love doing something that makes you smile mile wide. Nope, nothing like it.

Friday- Grilled Shrimp + Asparagus + Baked Potato + Wine

Mr. Pro Fisherman on the right!

My brand spankin' new pink lover.

How was your Easter?

HAPPY MONDAY!

friday's letter

Dear Weekend, You come in the speed of lightning and I'm so thankful for that.  Dear Fishing Pole, I cannot wait to meet your pretty pink self. And if you don't let me catch a fish in a matter of minutes, I will probably not be your friend for too long. Just sayin'. Dear School Work, It would be nice if you could do yourself. I keep putting you off like you are just going to go away. Do me a favor, just this once? Dear Life, You are quite the right ride but, ba da ba ba ba.....I'm loving it. {too much?} Dear God, Thank you for testing me, it keeps me on my toes.  Dear Blog, Sh*t, I love you. And have an amazing weekend!

See you on the flip side, 

 Molly

 

i'm changing

Sometimes I feel that my biggest enemy at times is myself.

There are many things I believe so strongly and so fiercely, but somehow I lead myself to feel otherwise.

I was just thinking the other day about my faith.  I don't really talk a lot about it on here. Sometimes I wonder why. Because I will be judged? Because I don't feel worthy enough? Because people might think different of me? Because I'm not good at words? That needs to change. Because I am changing.

Over the past few months I've taking a big leap in changing something very small, yet so huge. I started this book called  A Purpose Driven Life.

Before Jeff & I went on vacation to Boston I wanted a book to read on the plane and all that I had to choose from were the ones on his bookshelf. It was either The Purpose Driven Life, books about sports, or books about being successful in business. The choice was a no-brainer.

So I took the book, boarded that plane, and from that day forward....my mind has began to change. Slowly, but steadily.

I realized this today. I was in class working with a student that truly frustrates me to no end. I cannot reach this child, no matter what I have tried. It just doesn't work and I always feel helpless and disappointed. I will not give up, but I just have not won that never ending battle.

Source: healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com via Molly on Pinterest

So today I was helping him with Math. He got so frustrated and extremely angry when he came across a problem he didn't know how to do. So angry that a pencil was sacrificed in the process. I tried to help. He tuned me out, and spoke the exact opposite of sweet nothings to me. I kept trying. And trying. I tried everything I've ever learned in school to do in those situations. Nope. No budging.

My insides were heating up, and I could feel myself just getting pissed off and disappointed. All I honestly wanted to do was cry. I kept feeling like I failed. Like I completely sucked at what I was doing, and even for a split second I asked God if this was truly for me. I was so extremely mad at the situation, I just had to walk away. I knew if I was in the seat for a second longer I would give him the worst thing he needed, and that was an enemy..someone who was not patient, nor understanding.

Even in the midst of my complete anger and frustration, I stepped back and just thought. While I was working with him I just prayed for strength. Even though the situation did not in fact get better, my thought process and mind was in fact, changing.

I don't know what {if any} religion you are, but all I have to say if you are in the same position as I was you really should read that book. My position in regards to a Catholic/Christian who knew my faith, but never knew what to do about it or with it. I had a title, without a purpose.  I can't explain what it has done, and I have a lifetime to go...but it is slowly...very slowly, changing me. And my heart is continuing to be inspired.

& these are usually the posts I write all up and never post....here goes nothin'

a ball of wedding awesomeness

My goodness I have found some pretty fantastical things the past day that I love for the wedding on pinterest and figured I'd share on the one and only Pinteresting day of the week.


Here are a few things I've been after!

Source: etsy.com via Molly on Pinterest

I'm kind of in love with this invitation and also the RSVP and whole package it comes with. Not sure if I love the amazing colors or the adorable fonts. I'm a font and color junky for sho!

Source: greenweddingshoes.com via Molly on Pinterest

I'm trying to decide if throwing glitter would be a totally FAIL or not. Has anyone seen it done before? I need a clever/cheap idea!

Source: greenmunch.ca via Jessica on Pinterest

I ordered some navy blue straws for my mason jars! Can't wait to get them!

Source: rusticweddingchic.com via Molly on Pinterest

Love this sign! So true. Two become one.

Source: weddingchicks.com via Molly on Pinterest

I just adore homemade photo booths. Not sure if it'll happen but I love the pictures!





 
I'm ready to settle down with this business lately and come visit y'alls blogs again! I miss you!
And don't forget to go visit Neely today while I'm hanging out on her blog for 5 DO's and a DON'T!
Happiest of Hump Days to you!