Utah Trip part II

{ 1/2/3/4. Exploring an outdoor farm right near the mountains. I fell in love with Betsie the cow, and almost snagged a few of those logs. However, I don't think the officer at the farm would have liked that too well. 5/6/7/8. More exploring, but this time with our nieces and nephews. 9. Checking out the new City Creek Center in down town Salt Lake with some of the Kidd cousins. 10/11. Mr Serious. 12. Two of my favorite Kidd cousins. Why did it take so long for us to finally meet? 13/14/15/16. Hubs and I visited one of the Olympic Training Centers on our way to Park City. Is it just me, or does Brad look like Ben Stiller in Zoolander in that picture of him skiing. 17/18/19/20. Spending some time at a coffee shop in Park City. I can't believe how peaceful it was in there. We sat right next to a huge window, read, drank the most delicious mexican hot chocolate, ate a gigantic gluten-free cookie, and watched the snow. I would love to go back to that spot right now. 21/22/23/24. On our last day in Utah, we went into Salt Lake with Brads brother, Kyle, and his family. Aren't those trees beautiful??? They're my favorite. }

And those are the highlights from our Utah trip. 

Hope everyone had a great spring break!

Utah Trip part I

{ 1) Welcome to Utah! 2) Taking a break from driving. 3) My second coffee of the day... :) 4) Greatest road trip snack known to man. 5) Baking in the sun... Literally baking... I had no idea it was going to be 75 degrees. 6) Spending the afternoon with Pastor Scott, from Center Point Church in Orem. He has a great passion for Jesus, and a heart for the people in Utah. Check out Center Point Church if you're ever in Orem! 7) Finally diving in to Hunger Games. 8) Just us. 9) One of my favorite pictures from the trip. It captures Brad and Max perfectly. 10) Ava drawing with chalk at the park. 11) Uncle Brad is the coolest... :) 12) Cute little Wallace in his plaid. 13) Visiting Brad's Great Grandmother. She is the sweetest woman. And isn't she beautiful for being in her 90s?! 14/15) Brad was in heaven. He dominated 2 burgers, a large basket of fries, and a shake for lunch. 16) Wallace... Such a gentleman. Just chillin'. }

just checkin in

{ dress/bag: Old Navy; watch: Nordstrom; necklace: F21; belt/sandals: Target }

Brad and I are having a really great time so far in Utah. We've been able to spend a lot of time with family, explore around different cities, and spend a lot of time praying and discussing about the possibilities of moving out here after graduation. Yes, there's a possibility we might be moving to Utah... Are we crazy? Maybe, but we're excited about the possibilities of moving out here. Like we've always said... Wherever the Lord sends us, we're there. We weren't made to live comfortable lives, and moving to Utah, well, it'd be like moving to a foreign country for us.

Oh, and...

We're enjoying the sunny weather, and wearing sandals rather than boots. 

Oh, and the joys of iced coffee rather than warm coffee... For some reason, it just tastes better cold.

Anyways, just wanted to check in and say hi.

So, HIII.

my favorites for...

 {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 }

These are my picks for spring.

Even though it's 50 degrees and rainy in Oregon, a girl can dream it's 75 degrees and sunny. All of these items are out of my price range, but I'm so inspired by the colors, prints, and shapes to dig in my closet and see what I can come up with.

so long, oregon.

{ blouse: Old Navy; heels: Jessica Simpson; pants: Gap; clutch: Nordstrom; necklace: Gift; bracelets: F21 }

Hubs and I are headed off to Utah for the next week. I can't believe the trip is finally here! We're probably in the car, listening to various podcasts/or rocking out to country, drinking coffee, eating rice krispie treats, and enjoying every minute of being stuck in the car together for 12 hours. I'll try my best to keep you up to date while we're away, but no promises! Here's a quick look at our itinerary:

Wednesday: Drive for 12 hours from Oregon to Utah. Hang out with Brad's brother and his cute family (that's where we're staying every night).

Thursday: Lunch with Pastor Scott from Centerpoint church in Orem.

Friday: Hang out with family. I'm anxious to visit relatives and just hang out.

Saturday: Something outdoorsy with Kyle's family. I heard there's some pretty amazing stuff to do outdoors.

Sunday: Church at Centerpoint. Then, headed to hang out with family.

Monday: Hanging out in Salt Lake City and grabbing dinner with Brad's small group leader from college , Nick.

Tuesday: Spending the day in Park City. 

Wednesday: Heading back to Oregon.

Happy Spring Break!

my favorite breakfast lately...

I'm pretty sure I've had this every morning for breakfast this week. The combination of yogurt, melted peanut butter, bananas, strawberries, and oats... Ohmygoodnessgracious. It's dangerous, but in a I-don't-feel-guilty-because-it's-healthy kinda way. Ya know? Not to mention it keeps me full until lunch. I'm obsessed. Now go make yourself a bowl of this goodness.

today you can find me at...

Oregon Bridal!

I've been a huge fan of the Oregon Bridal magazine for years. When I was asked to submit a post on their blog, I was ecstatic! 

I'm gushing about my favorite colors for Spring weddings this season! 

Go, now! Click here to check it out under Monday's inspiration!

Eeee, I'm so excited!

the weekend my best friend got engaged at the beach

My apologies for the overflow of pictures from this weekend. I couldn't contain my finger from snapping photos every 30 seconds.

The weekend went a little something like this...

Manicures with the bride-to-be, surprise engagement party at the beach, sleepover with two of my favorite people (my hubs and my best friend), another engagement party at the beach, lots of eating, and admiring Kelsey's gorgeous oval cut diamond ring (way to go, Patrick). Needless to say, it was one of the greatest proposals in history. My best friend is getting married to her high school sweetheart, and I couldn't be happier for them. 

Kels, I love you! Congratulations. Let the planning begin!

unfortunate and fortunate

{ shirt/bag: Old Navy; trousers: Gap; wedges: Target; necklaces: gift/F21; glasses/watch: Nordstrom; lipstick: MAC }

Unfortunate

1. Yesterday at the high school I was walking into the staff bathroom and a security guard goes, "Hey, miss, what do you think you're doing?" Me: "Um, going to the bathroom? I know I look like a high schooler, but see, I have a badge." Security guard: "My mistake..." I quickly shut the bathroom door behind me. I now wear my badge visible for everyone to see, and heels a little higher.

2. Overhearing a student talk behind your back. I can hear you, you know. Your impression of my voice is a little too high pitched, but it is entertaining. And yes, I will continue to move you away from your friends if you can't get your work done. And no, sucking up to me doesn't work, unless it involves bringing me coffee.

3. Opening the fridge and realizing all that's left is a few carrots and cheese. And no, I still haven't made my way to the grocery store.

4. Having no motivation to work on my other classwork. Once I finished my work sample, my mind went straight into Spring Break mode. I still have 4 papers to write before Monday... I know you're in there somewhere motivation.

5. This stinky weather. I left my house in a white shirt, came home with a see-through shirt from the down pour that took place fifteen minutes after these photos were taken. Classy, very classy Molly.

6. Apparently Costco decided to stop selling grapefruit. Are you kidding? Don't they know it's the most delicious thing they sell? Don't they know I go through a bag per week?

7. Ben proposed to Courtney. Really, Ben? Really?

Fortunate

1. Kony 2012. I went to buy a kit and they're all sold out. Way to go world, way to take action.

2. Going to Red Robin and being pleasantly surprised that they now offer gluten-free buns. I think my waiter thought I was nuts, because I may have screamed a little. I no longer have to look like I'm on the Atkins diet, eating my burger with lettuce.

3. Planning our trip to Utah!!! EEEEEE! Last sunday after church, hubs and I were sitting in Starbucks, looking up Starbucks in Utah. Ashamed? Not at all... I'd say loyal gold members.

4. Wednesday morning, I went on a walk with my best friend, Alex. We decided that we're gonna train for a half marathon. I know I said I'd never run one again, but I kinda have the urge to run another one. Plus, it's an excuse to hang out with Alex 4 times a week.

5. Overhearing husband encouraging a friend on the phone. Gosh he's cute when he's passionate and loving.

6. My sweet mom bought me The Hunger Games for our road trip. I can hardly wait to crack the thing open. I'm assuming I won't be able to put it down... At least that's what everyone keeps telling me.

What are your unfortunate and fortunates this week?

discipleship

{ sweater/maxi/bag: Old Navy; belt/boots/bracelet: Target; glasses: Nordstrom }

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” {Matthew 28:18-20}

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” {John 13:34-45}

"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." {Luke 6:40}

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." {Proverbs27:17}

Discipleship and being in fellowship is something I'm so grateful for.  I have a really hard time with shallow relationships, if I know you, I want to really know you... Ya know what I mean??? Looking back on my relationships, the strongest ones have been those rooted in Christ, those that were focused on discipleship.  Those of you that have been reading my blog for a while know that I am extremely passionate about relationships, especially relationships with other women. Working in ministry, and walking along side other women, is something that brings me so much joy. How can you not find joy in living life with others and growing deeper in community???

Recently I heard a really great sermon at Salem Alliance Church that talked about discipleship, and the three main discipleship relationships. Looking back, the times where any of these relationships have been missing are the times where I haven't been challenged, haven't been encouraged, and haven't been growing. It's easy to not get involved, and sit back and watch others, but I strongly encourage you not to sit back! We can't grow when we aren't investing in others and putting ourselves out there {Matthew 5:14-16; John 13:34-35; Titus 2:1-8}. It's not easy being vulnerable. As women we're scared of rejection, judgement, and betrayal. But when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest, we're letting God work in our relationships.

1) Let someone disciple you/mentor you. Be in a relationship where someone older is pouring into you, challenging you, and giving you wisdom. It should be focused on growing you, encouraging you, and challenging you. I love having someone older and wiser to go out to coffee with, word vomit all of my feelings and questions onto, and be challenged/encouraged/motivated/inspired to grow in my faith. Right now, my mentor is in her sixties, and she is one of the wisest, sassiest, God-fearing women I've ever met. She challenges me to live a life for Christ, day in and day out. She reminds me every time we meet that God has great plans for my life, and that I don't need to be the one in charge, HE's in charge. She also always buys me coffee... she never lets me pay... and can I just say that that is one of the sweetest gifts? I appreciate her care and wisdom in my life so much! Everyone needs a mentor.  If you don't have one, ask someone! Who do you look up to?

2) Have others walk along side you/Be in fellowship. For me, that means being invested in a small group, having a few friends that I can go to for the good, the bad, and the ugly things that life throws my way. We all need friends who are walking along side of us, sharing life together.  I have a few friends that I try to meet with every week. We hold each other accountable, we ask each other the hard questions, and we're vulnerable with one another. It's so important to have friends who are along side of you in your walk with Christ.  Look at Jesus and his disciples {Mark 3:13-15}. They lived life together. They loved each other, they were honest with one another, and they were quick to forgive when another would stumble. That's true fellowship.

3) Disciple someone/pour into someone/mentor someone. Why are we so afraid to do this? If you've committed your life to Christ, you are called to disciple someone younger in their faith. Don't be scared of that! By pouring into someone else, you are not only blessing that person, but you are strengthening your own faith. I have a few girls that I disciple, and there's honestly nothing that brings me more joy than walking along side of them, encouraging them to grow in their walk with Christ! It challenges me to study more, pray more, and lean on the Lord and not my own abilities. It humbles me, and makes me realize that God is the one at work, not me. There is nothing that I could say to these girls that is wise or worth knowing... Trust me. The Lord is the one who does the speaking and gives the wisdom... Not me. Your main purpose is to bless the person you're discipling: Listen to them, encourage them, and challenge them.

We are Christ's disciples, and He's called us to make disciples of men {Matthew 28:19}. And I'm so glad He's blessed us with the gift of fellowship along the way.

If you're still reading, I love you.

Thoughts?

look who serves gluten-free buns...

Red Robin, that's who! Red Robin now serves gluten-free buns! It's a miracle! AND, they are the most delicious buns I've ever had {minus husbands}. Red Robin is officially my new favorite place to grab a burger and fries. 

Thanks, Red Robin. You have no idea how much I appreciate you.

whoop! whoop!

{ shirt/jacket/trousers: Gap; bag: Old Navy; watch: Nordstrom; bracelets/necklace: F21; flats: Target }

I can't stop smiling. I finally finished my work sample! Boooyah! Hubs and I spent a total of 10 hours at Broadway Coffee House this weekend. We basically lived there. In fact, we were tweeting back and forth with @Broadwaycoffee while we were there... They were asking us how our work samples were coming along, I'm not even joking. It's actually kind of embarrassing if I think too much about it. Anyways, I managed to stay focused, and just knock this thing out. I don't think I've had that much caffeine in a long time, and my brain feels like it's going to explode from being in front of a screen for so many hours. But, I'm done! I'M DONE! I seriously can't believe it! The only thing standing in my way between me and graduating is one more work sample during my full time student teaching in the Spring. But, I'm not going to stress myself out thinking about it. Instead I'm going to pretend that I'm done and plan our Spring Break trip to Utah! Whoop! Whoop! Oh yeah, and I'm going to pretend that I don't have three finals this week either. Who even cares? I finished my 161 page work sample! 

this work sample is the death of me

Two coffees down.

Six hours later.

132 pages long.

Multiple finger cramps.

I'm starting to go cray cray {aka CRAZY}.

I WILL finish this work sample THIS weekend.

I probably shouldn't be blogging right now... Husbands gonna get mad when he sees this. SORRY. I promise I've been working hard, NOT searching the web or wasting time on pinterest :]

Time to get back to the grind.

Pray for my sanity.

unfortunate and fortunate

{ dress: H&M; shirt/bracelets: F21; vest: TJ Maxx; necklace/watch: Nordstrom; bag: Old Navy; tights/shoes: Target }

It's been a long week, let me tell ya. But, it's friday... FRIDAY. You know what that means... lots of homework, sweatpants, coffee, and husband {3 out of the 4 are my favorite things}, but I'm not complaining, I'll take it. So, enough about my boring weekend. Here are my unfortunate and fortunates of the week.

Unfortunate

- The sir picking his nose in the car next to me. Really, sir. I'd hardly consider you a sir if you're still picking your nose.
-Two words: Work Sample. It's the death of me.
-My scanner is broken. It's kind of hard to scan things for my ridiculously tedious work sample that makes me already want to pull my hair out. I think it might just start falling out.
-Falling head first in the mud in front of my students. Here's what happened: We were on our field trip to OSU, and I was lagging behind because I had ran into some friends.  I ran across the street, trying to catch up to them, and just as I was getting on the curb, I tripped and fell face down. The rest is history. Let's just say, I quickly got up, laughed it off, and tried to pretend that my entire right side of my body wasn't covered in mud. Whatever "coolness" I once had, I no longer have it. I knew I couldn't fool them for too long, it was bound to come out that I'm the biggest klutz.
-Walking around River Front Park and realizing I'm the only 20-something around. Everyone else was 15, making out with their boyfriends/girlfriends OR over 50, power walking. Can someone tell me where all the 20-somethings hang out in the afternoons.
-Why is ice cream so bad for you? How can 1/2 cup be over 200 calories? Are you kidding me? No one only has 1/2 cup of ice cream per serving... That's just ridiculous.

Fortunate

-Today Cody is 22! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CODY! Love, love, LOVE you!
-This weather... It's been amazing. I could get used to all of this sunshine.
-My sweet husband. He filled my iPod with sermons and music with all the extra time he doesn't have. Gosh, I love that kidd.
-Going out to dinner with my mama. Aren't mom's the best? I love being with my mom.
-My ability to nap this week. I've never been a napper, but this week I've napped everyday. I'm not gonna lie, it's been a-mazing.
-Watching Tommy Boy on VHS with Brad in bed. I honestly haven't laughed that hard in so long time. Why is that movie so funny? Why are we so immature?
-The Hunger Games. How come I haven't read them before??? I'm starting them as soon as my work sample is finished {cross your fingers I'll be done on Tuesday}!



What are your unfortunates and fortunates this week?

handmade cards

I have been wanting to make cards for a while now. I finally set some time aside this week to make some for friends. I don't know if you've heard, but my friends are infamous for sending me the sweetest notes of encouragement {IN THE MAIL}... I know, shocking! There's something about receiving something in the mail, rather than seeing a message in your email inbox or hearing a message on your answering machine. Seeing something other than bills in the mail makes you feel appreciated... and who doesn't want to feel/make someone feel appreciated?