To Louisiana For Morgan

This past weekend I set out to Louisiana with sister time on the mind. We moved her in the very first weekend of August. Then, my dad needed someone to drive with him at the end of August to her first game so I went. The brothers and I had plans to drive to one of her away games that was closer, but we never made it. I asked her if she wanted me to just come up one weekend and I could stay with her, she said yes, so we made plans for this past weekend since I hadn’t seen her in about 2 months

I took a half day at work so by noon on Friday I was southbound on I-45 to Louisiana…coffee in hand. You just have to on a 6 hour drive.

I arrived at 5:30, which is of course when she had to be at the field for her game that night. I met her in front of the field house for a hello hug and then took her dorm keys to go put my stuff in there and hang out for a little while until I had to be at the game.

At 6:50 they started announcing the starters and Morgan’s name was called. #proudsistermoment

She told me to get there a little before start time because she had a ball to throw to me. I just said okay, but mainly because I knew what that meant. We used to do this in high school.

I don’t know how it started but somehow the siblings started calling me Giss pronounced like it rhymes with siss. Anyways she told me that her teammates saw it and thought she called me “Jizz” so they wrote it on there. So funny. I brought this to work to put in my office as a little way to make me smile when I look at it.

Within 15 minutes MORGAN SCORED HER FIRST COLLEGE GOAL!!!!! And I was hooping and hollering. She told me she was going to turn around and point to me, but she chickened out. Ugh. But I was so so so so proud of her. They ended up winning the game with her 1 goal. YAY! And at halftime we were introduced to some costume contest kiddos.

And after the game we went back to Morgan’s dorm for her to shower and then headed to a local Mexican restaurant for some fajitas, chips-n-salsa (I could live off this), and a margarita!!! I had some marg leftover but didn’t want to leave it because I paid 12 darn dollars for that thing. And since you can’t take open alcohol we asked for a togo cup for water, threw my margarita in there, and bolted out of the restaurant hahah.

Then we went back to her room to watch some Grey’s Anatomy and call it nights. Her schools fall break was this weekend so there weren’t any students there for us to go out, but we enjoyed hanging out and watching movies. Now, doesn’t this make you wish you were still in a dorm 😉 Morgan’s obsession with Spiderman wore off on her pumpkin that she carved the other weekend.

Saturday morning we hit IHop pre-practice. This was the worst iHop experience ever. We ended up not even paying for our food and tipping out waitress. The manager was rude to us as well and we called our mom as we left to tell her she’d need to bail us out of jail later 😉

While Morg was at practice I wasted time in her dorm watching friends…then doing crunches…then looking through her food…and brewing coffee that I didn’t even want. Longest hour and a half ever!!

After her practice we came back so she could change…into another freaking t-shirt because that’s all homegirl wears. But to be honest so do I. I can’t blame her that much. We went up to the mall to do a little shopping.

And afterwards went to a restaurant she is OBSESSED with and has taken everyone that has come to visit her. Her dish is basically a Hawaiian pizza on salmon. Mine was salmon with shrimp, artichokes, mushrooms, and tomatoes on top. Both were so delicious and I totally see why she takes everyone there!

After dinner we went to Old Navy, did some grocery shopping for her, then went back to her dorm for another successful movie night consisting of a chick-flick and The Wild Thornberrys movie because we Middleton girls are crazy.

Sunday morning she woke up late so we opted for a breakfast at her cafe, to which I always sample everything. Because when it’s unlimited, you have to. It’s so funny that everywhere you go in Lousiana there is red beans and rice plus grits offered. (The lighting is really weird it’s not that my food is discolored FYI)

She left me at the cafe in all my gluttonous glory while she went to the field for her game. I didn’t have a key so I had to walk over there to get a key so that I could shower and pack up. And wow this is a flattering picture.

They unfortunately lost this game in overtime because the ref called a handball in the goalie’s box. STUPID. Refs that call that type of stuff are ridiculous. But it didn’t stop me from being a proud sis this weekend. Morgan has done so well with soccer and school and making friends and all things college. I miss her a ton but I love seeing her do what she does out of the field.

About halfway through my drive home she realized that I had her socks that we bought this weekend, so I took a picture to make her mad. Hehe.

And on my way home I also said goodbye to ol’ Sam Houston.

And I always hear people saying they stopped at Buccee’s or they’re wearing a shirt with the little beaver on it. If you’re not aware, it’s just a really big and popular gas station in Madisonville, Texas. I think it’s other places too though. I stopped in for a potty break and to get some water and look around to see what all the hustle and bustle was about.

I mean they had a variety of things. I think they are known for their beaver nuggets, which I almost got but I just wasn’t wanting anything sweet, so I got a fruit bowl. Which was still good! And so fresh!

Less than 30 minutes outside of Dallas I hit this awwwfffuulllllll traffic. It just so happened the day I was driving through and the day after from 6pm-6am they were doing construction on 2 lanes of the highway. COOL.

But eventually I hit D-Town and boogied all the way through to home.

And got up early Monday morning for work. It’s hard being an adult sometimes. But it was so worth it all just to spend some time with my sis and see her goal in person. I love weekends like this. Thanks for having me, sister!!!

Friday Favorites: Siblings, Organization, and Rain Boots Edition

I love Friday, love Friday, love Friday, love Friday, love Friday! I consider myself a full-time student and a full-time employee (but i’m technically not a full-time employee) because i’m taking 16 hours this semester and the other days when i’m not at school, I work so i’m not getting home until 5/6/7 most nights. I finally understand what all the hype is about Friday!

Link up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci. Lots of people are!!!

Friday night I was basically the best sister ever and went to support Morg at her soccer game in the freeeeeeeezing cold with my momma. One of my favorite things to do is watch my siblings play their sports. I know it’s not normal for people my age, but it’s just me and that’s how i’ve always been! Morgan will be 5 hours away next year so I won’t get to see that many games, so i’m definitely going to go to as many as I can!

Saturday’s are my favorite when it’s one of those hang-out-in-your-pjs-and-get-your-stuff-back-in-order-and-cleaned-up kind of days and that’s what this past weekend was. My momma had me run to the grocery store, but said Rick had to drive. Yikes he’ll be 16 this year, and yikes I should dress better when I go out in public!

Sunday afternoon I met up with Lana, a friend’s friend, and she captured some of my favorite picture to date from one of my favorite online boutiques. I’m posting them in three parts, but you should check out my God made girls post from Monday.

My parents came and met me for lunch at work on Monday because my dad was off for MLK holiday. My mom and I were getting everything set to where we wanted it hung and then the maintenance guy walked in. It was perfect timing and now my office is all decorated with my favorite things. You should check out that post!

Because you can’t sit through entrepreneurship without your favorite Erin Condren spiral notebook and your favorite iced drink from Starbucks. What a way to wake you up on a super tiring Tuesday morning. PS. I got complimented on my Erin Condren today, too! Have you used any EC?

Rain rain go away. Traffic was bad the other day. But at least I was looking good with my favorite rain boots and favorite hot coffee in hand 😉

School is fun.

Here’s an introduction to my family for ya 😉

Hey, have a good weekend! I’ll catch ya on Monday!

Friday Favorites: Busy Fall Week

Another Friday, another favorites post! Let’s get to it with Andrea, Erika, and Narci!

 

Volleyball and the Aristocats.

 

Friday night I had off work, which just makes me glad in the first place, but I also babysat my brothers that night as well. Rick wanted to go to the volleyball game, and I didn’t hesitate to take him one bit. I played volleyball all through middle school and high school. PEOPLE I MISS THIS SPORT. And just being there Friday really proved how much I miss it. I caught myself jumping to dig the ball a couple times in my seat in the sands. My alma mater won, and I saw many people I knew.

Later that night we had big storms roll in around 9pm. Real big…I was in the shower and the power went out kinda thing. Ryan is scared of the dark, and haunted houses, and all that haha so when I walked into my room I saw him cuddled up in my bed. He asked if he could sleep in my bed with me and we could watch the Aristocats. Childhood throwback! How can you say no to that??? I love my brother.

OU/Texas day!!!

 

If you follow me on Instagram @mollymiddleton01 you saw me post this picture. Saturday was the OU/Texas game and i’m so glad WE BEAT TEXAS!!! After the game I went outside on my patio to study, ’cause hello fall weather. It was 60 degrees and I was in my element. I had my scarf , fuzzy socks, hot chocolate, and my #1 up!

Study day.

After daddy/daughter golfing Sunday morning, we stopped by Starbucks and I tried an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte with Soy. The first sip I had I was like what in the world? but then I took another sip, and another, and it was delicious!! I’m not one for hot coffee so i’m totally in love with this drink for the fall season. When we came home I sat and studied with my IPSL and a candle lit on the counter.
I took a break to do some closet organizing (oh yeah!) and then walked around my entire neighborhood with my notebook and did some more studying. It was so perfect, because I was studying and exercising and the weather was to die for.

#nannylife

I went to nanny on Monday in a scarf, jacket, AND leggings because it was cold. Eeeek!! For the third time in just this post…i’m so glad my kind of weather is back. The kiddos had school off Monday, so I went over earlier than usual. Collin and I played soccer in the little yard next to their house for a bit. Then, I took him to soccer practice. Little one loves his soccer!

I love getting mail.

Look what came in the mail for me on Tuesday!!!! My Stella and Dot Elephant Wishing Bracelet is the perfect new addition to my fall arm party. Click HERE to shop all the other New Arrivals including the elephant, horseshoe, and arrow wishing bracelets. See something else in there that i’ve talked about before?? Yep, the arrow bracelet was given to me by one of my girls and makes the perfect gift that the recipient will be so glad to receive.

Cram sesh.

Oh, wednesday, how you tease me. It’s just the middle of the week and you’re usually either happy the weekend is almost here or you’re like ah only halfway through the work week! But after a nice little kickball game with my nanny kiddos, I was sweaty (um, what happened fall weather?) and when I got home needed to bathe, obviously. I decided instead of showering I just wanted to soak in a bubble bath with my aromatherapy because I knew I had a long night ahead of me. And I did, I had my government final Thursday morning and I stuuudddieeeddd forever!!!!! Need. Sleep.

High school homecoming.

Can we just talk about how cute my siblings are???? I love my brother and sister even though some days we all just want to pull each other’s hair out. It’s Morgan’s senior homecoming *sniffle* i’ll miss her next year. For those of you who don’t know, Texas peeps are HUGE football fans. Homecoming is a big thing. We make mums, which is actually kind of ridiculous but also a fun tradition. Girls make garter’s for the boys and boys make mums for the girls. Rick doesn’t have one because he’s the cool freshman who doesn’t need a date. *Rolling eyes right now* but Morgan is wearing a mum that mom made her because she wants to fly solo for her senior hoco. Here’s a close-up for those of you curious as to what mums are.

And as an added bonus while i’m getting all sentimental over here. LOOK AT US! Baby freshman Morgan, and baby senior Molly after we got our mums.

 

Have a fun-filled, wonderful weekend y’all.

ps. in honor of the Maze Runner being in theaters, I found The Maze Runner Seriesbooks
and just for my mama check out this book by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Heroes Are My Weakness

Weekend Recap

This weekend started off with me driving the cart for mom at Costco, because that is her second home. I swear she’s there at least once a week, if not more. I always tell her how much of a groc-a-holic she is. But it’s fine, our pantry is stocked all the time. And I don’t have to pay for it. So yes mom, I shall drive the grocery cart around for you!

And then Friday night I worked. This is not me, but my friend Maddie had to scrape something off a shelf at work because our manager made her….the things we do to stay employed and this just cracked me up. #shortpeopleproblems

Friday night after work I stayed at my friend Emily’s apartment for the Susan G. Komen race for the cure early Saturday morning. So yes, here we are having been awake at 6:15am for the race. Tired. Don’t want to exercise. Food. Hungry.

And here we are acting exhausted and worn out…after walking the whole 3 miles 😉

And then iHop happened. Because when you burn calories, it’s necessary to go eat your calories again you know. #welovefood

If you look closely across the table is Chicken Fried Steak…um Maddie (scraping things off shelf Maddie) ordered cfs and eggs at 10:00am….debating whether i’m still claiming her as a friend or not. After ihop we went back to Emily’s apartment to hang out, gossip, play would you rather, and do some other girly things. And then I went home and napped in my wonderful dark room, with my king bed. Yes, Tired. Hi, beautiful :-* (kissing face)

I had off work Saturday for the race…whoop, whoop! So I went with my mom and we met up with my dad at Morgan’s soccer game.

Sunday afternoon we all went to Oktoberfest for the first time.

We heard German music.

Sweat outside for a bit.

Saw some weenie dog races.

Taste tested some salsa.

And tried out some German food.

Sunday when we got home, it was back to work for me. Relaxing after being randomly sick saturday night. Working on the blog and working on school work.

A fun weekend in the books. Family, friends, food, and fun! My kinda day/s.

To Houston

I was told Thursday night that I was going to Houston this weekend to drive my dad for my sister’s soccer tournament. I worked Friday night, but we were going Saturday morning and then came home last night. One of my September goals is to work out 3-4 times/week, so I woke up extra early Saturday morning to run (about 7) which is sooooo unlike me. I’m not a morning worker-outer. So this is my “i’m-yawning-it’s-too-early-to-work-out face”. Clever, huh??

My goofy father has to clean the car before he goes on a road trip. Goofy.

Of course, we have to stop at Starbucks for dad. He was able to drive because this was during the day, which is why I had to go along because he is blind in one eye. So I had to drive most of the time.

And on the way down, we saw cotton fields. And the state penitentiary.

And we were ready for a snack by 1:00. 2 hours on the road is just so exhausting, you know. That’s what boredom does to you.

Once we got there we got some BBQ for lunch. We like to go to local places that we would normally can’t go to. We got some chopped brisket and sausage on the side.

 

Morgan’s game wasn’t until 5:00, so after lunch we went back to the hotel to read. Dad caught up on the paper and I got farther into Sweet Salt Air. Y’all. SO GOOD!!! I couldn’t put it down.

The game got rained out. You can kind of tell from this picture, but I thought this was a beautiful picture from our creator.

For dinner Saturday we ordered some King Crab legs and other seafood. My dad is the king of seafood, i’m telling you, I even said it in our orange beach vacation. It was sooooooooo delicious!!!!

Then afterwards I wanted to go look around at stores, because we had nothing else to do. So TJ Maxx and Bed Bath and Beyond it was. Our thing is to do last minute BBB shopping for my mom…and she knows it to. Dad even said “it’s just not the same unless we’re here last minute with everyone else” so we didn’t get anything for her…yet. Don’t worry, we will!

She haaaaaaates candles, because dad ALWAYS gets her candles every year. It’s just a joke now.

I’m telling you…

At TJ Maxx we found dad some good ol’ bargains. He was digging this whole shopping thing.

Then we went back to the hotel and read until we fell asleep. Yesterday morning Morgan’s game was at 11. So we got breakfast at the hotel and had to drop her off an hour early. On the way to her fields she scouted Trader Joe’s. So YES WE WENT! I got my yummy iced coffee because my mom said she couldn’t find it here.

And of course, a stop at Starbucks. Y’all. Starbucks has mini!!!!! So I got one this time. Java Chip Frap with soy. Ahhhh haven’t had one of those in forever. And dad got his two drinks. Goofy.

And we watched some soccer in Houston humidity….oh my gosh i’m so glad I don’t live there.

After her game we went back to the hotel room for showers and Applebee’s then got on the road. And on the way back I attempted a picture of the Sam Houston statue. Kind of hard from the driver’s seat but this is the best I could do.

Needless to say it was a fun, spontaneous vacation. Plenty of daddy-daughters time, food, starbucks, and humidity. It beats working for sure.

P.S. I recently signed up for the Susan G. Komen race for the cure, if you feel inclined to donate my fundraising goal is $100. Follow this link http://northtexas.info-komen.org/site/TR?px=19280923&fr_id=4135&pg=personal and make your donation 🙂