My People

 Annie, George, Me, Jon, Grace, Ella, and my Mom and Dad. (My brother Michael is serving a two year mission in Virginia) 

            Feeling especially grateful today for the things that matter most. 

Sometimes it's easy to overlook each person in your life, 

but when you really think about it, everyone you meet shapes you in one way or another. 

They are each apart of your story, and each can teach you something that will make you a better person if you choose. 

I've been blessed to be born into a great family, and especially as the oldest of six kids. 

Growing up, I always felt a sort of guardian instinct over my 5 younger siblings. 

It was difficult for me to go to college, and feel like I couldn't be as involved in their life as I really wanted to be. 

But I've loved watching them grow and mature, and I love walking through the door of my house and seeing my little sisters eyes light up when they see that it's me. 

I will always cherish the hours I spent playing house with them, helping them pick out their outfits for school, taking pictures together, having sleep overs in each others rooms, and day dreaming about what our life would be like years from now. 

It's sad to watch them get older, and to know that that part of the story is coming to a close. 

It's still weird for me to scroll through my instagram and see selfies from my 9 year old sister, Grace, on there. 

I still remember feeding her a bottle and rocking her to sleep when she was a baby, and now she searches the web for cute ipod cases, and shops at H&M and Forever 21. 

I seriously have the best siblings in the whole entire world, 

and no matter how much time passes and how far away we live, I will always feel blessed to be a big sister. 

I treasure the memories of the past, and look forward to what the future has in store. 

And the best part is that as I've gotten older and as I made Jon a permanent part of my life, 

I've gotten more family that I get to call my own. 

I can't help but smile when I think of Jon's family (my other family). 

They are some of the nicest and funniest people in the whole entire world, 

and I don't know what I did to get so lucky to get to have two amazing families. 

Each have taught me lessons I'll always cherish, 

and when it's all said and done, it is the time we spent together that I will appreciate most. 

Liebster award

Hello!

So I was helping Jon study for his anatomy quiz, and I was wondering what I should post about.. 

 Maybe our weekend (it was surprisingly eventful..), the song by One Direction that I caught Jon singing one morning (I didn't even know he knew that song), or how excited I am for Valentines Day already (I got Jon the best gift!) 

But then I got this email from a super cute girl named Tessa from Life and Loveliness, who nominated me for the Liebster award. 

I'm sure most of you know what it is, but basically it's given to bloggers who are up and coming in the blogosphere, and it's a win-win because now I have something to post about:)

So go visit Tessa's blog! She is a beautiful writer and person. That's the point of this award, to help you meet new bloggers that you love:) 

Now I'll answer the 10 questions given to me, and then I'll give 10 questions to a few other blogs I love. 

Oh and one thing, I'm gonna see how short I can make each answer.. 

Ready?? 

1. Why did you start your blog? 

Honestly, I think my husband is hilarious. If you read my first few posts, they are all funny stories about Jon. 

My blog has transformed since then, but I still like to talk about all the weird stuff he says and does. 

2. What is your favorite song and why? 

 Is it bad I have no idea? Here is what has been on blast in my car lately though: 


3. Describe yourself in three words: 

Katniss. Beyonce. Maddie. 

4. Who is the person that can always make you smile? 

I have a coworker whose nickname is Prim, that is honestly the best in every way. 

Tessa Olsen, don't let that get to your head. 

5. Describe your idea of a perfect day. 

There would be unlimited ice cream and starbursts, but I wouldn't gain any weight, and I'd get to spend the whole day on the beach with Jon and all my best friends. 

6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why? 

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The scuba diving there is supposed to be amazing, how could that not be at the top of the list?

^^^see??

7. Where do you find inspiration in life? 

Um.. when I'm praying. Or jogging. Or both. 

8. If you could spend a day with one person, who would it be and why? 

My son as an adult, hands down.

9. What would you like to be remembered for? 

I want people to know I cared about them. Like they could tell me things and I would be genuinely interested in what they were saying. 

10. Have you ever experienced a turning point in your life? If so, what caused it, and what have you learned from it? 

It was my freshman year of college, when I was stressing about everything, from boys to roommates, to my new classes and new classmates, and one day I realized: 

"No one thinks about you as much as you think." 

It might sound lame, but it was a turning point because it meant I could just chill and stop worrying. People care way more about themselves and what's going on in their own life, then about anything you say and do. 

They aren't thinking about you, they are thinking about them. 

This has taken a ton of stress off me ever since. 

Weird? Probably. 

Yay now to the good part!! I get to nominate peeps.. And if you don't wanna do it, I totally get it. But you should do it. For reals. I'll come up with good questions:) 

Top 7 Nominees: 

 1. The Salmons
2. The Ainscough Family  
3. The Mockingbird 
4. From Idaho to England 
5. Always and Forever 
6. Jennie & Husband

 **Answer the questions below, link to the person that nominated you, and nominate some of your favorite bloggers by giving them 10 questions. 

1.  What is your favorite hobby or activity – one that really makes you feel happy and peaceful? 
2. What is something about you that nobody knows? 

 3. What is your favorite childhood memory? 

4. Best book you've read recently? 

5. Three favorite online shopping websites. 

6.  Why did you start your blog? 

7. What is your favorite post that you have written? (Link, please!) 

8. What single quality do you appreciate most in people? 

9. What are the top 5 things on your bucket list? 

10. What is your favorite way to work out? Least favorite? 

Can't wait to read your answers!

 Happy tuesday:)

That back to school post


Am I right ^^^ ???

K maybe that's a little exaggerated.. Especially since I'm pretty sure I'd be the first to go.. 

But a new semester has begun, and Jon and I tried to keep our minds off it this weekend by watching some new movies we got for Christmas, 

drinking hot chocolate, sleeping in way too late, and deep cleaning our study, which it desperately needed.. 

Seriously, I should post some before and after pictures, it was bad. 

 But now that we've gotten rid of two whole black garbage bags of clothes, along with a lot of other misc items, it's perfect. 

 Anyone want to team up and have a garage sale? 

Jon also read the third book of the Hunger Games series in only 6 hours.. 

I haven't read it yet, so I reminded him over and over not to give me any details.. 

Well I asked one little question, and suddenly he went off on how Peeta dies and Gale runs away and Katniss marries Haymitch and they move to district 12 together, 

and I was angrily believing all of this until he added that Frodo Baggins shows up with the ring.. 

Now I don't know what's true and what isn't and it's killing me! 

I may pull an all nighter sometime this week and read the whole book too. 

Probably not a great way to begin the semester, but I just have to know the deets!

 So I'm actually semi excited for my classes this semester, but give me a couple of days and that should go away.

  I did see something kind of unheard of in one of my classes today. 

 We were in a big classroom, with probably 40 desks, which were all completely filled with students. 

 A girl walked in 20 mins late. One (gentleman) saw her, then proceeded to pack up his things, give her his seat, and then walk to the back of the class where he stood against the wall and took out his notebook to take notes.. 

 When was the last time you've seen that? 

  I was impressed. 
^^ 'Tis true. 

Anyway, good luck to all those in school, and for all of those who aren't, I hope you realize how lucky you are. 

Also, do you like the little changes on the blog? 

 It's a work in progress:)  

A New Year

As the New year got closer and closer, I couldn't help but think of last New Years Eve, 

 a year ago:

We were making egg rolls at my in-laws house, one of their fun holiday traditions. 

 Besides feelings sick to my stomach (because the smell of just about everything made me nauseous in my first trimester)

I remember as it got closer to midnight, I couldn't shake the question in my mind.. 

What will life be like exactly one year from now?

This wasn't going to be like any year before. 

I was newly married, which offered its own set of challenges, opportunities for growth and maturity, and exciting adventures. 

I knew we'd have a 6 month old baby come the end of 2013.

But that was about all I knew.

 I didn't know whether or not the baby would be healthy, I just assumed they would. 

I didn't know if I would be able to finish school or continue to work with a new born. 

I didn't know if we would be able to pay for labor and delivery and all the extra costs that come with a new baby. 

 I didn't know where we would be living, or what kind of health insurance we would find.

I wasn't sure how Jon's MCAT would go, or how the rest of his academic endeavors would pan out. 

 I didn't know what we'd name our baby, or even whether it was a boy or a girl. 

 I didn't know a lot of things, 

but I continued to let all of these unanswered questions occupy my mind.

 Not only in that night, but a majority of the time, my thoughts found their way back to worry. 

If I could go back to that night..

If I could just have one hour to talk to that girl I was one year ago, from the perspective I have now.. 

I would tell her this: 

"Stop. 

Stop wondering.

 Stop worrying.

 No amount of questioning,

 no amount of worry or stress will prepare you for what is about to come.

 You have to change what you think about, because you are not meant to be in control of what happens to you.

 There will be multiple occasions in 2013 when you will hit rock bottom, and you will be angry that you aren't in control. You will think that surely you know what is best.

 I can tell you that the things that are about to take place..

 even though you may not see it, 

 they are a tender mercy.

 You won't understand it, you will be pretty miserable, pretty heartbroken and hopeless..

 It will take time..

 But I promise, you'll start to see the light again.

 You'll start to see that through those moments when you were completely lost and alone,

 they were leading you closer to home.

 Without those moments that brought you to your knees,

 your life would be mediocre at best.

 Never too happy, never too sad.

 Never really knowing your limits, because you've never been close to them.

 And there's one thing you need to know, 

 the mediocre don't make it home.

 Yes, it will be incredibly hard. 

 Harder then anything you've experienced up to this point.

 You'll question yourself. You'll question God. You'll question life in general.

 But in the end, you'll be grateful you aren't in control.

 You'll be grateful He loved you enough, to lead you home."

 If I could go back to a year ago, that is what I would tell "me"..

 Not because it would change the outcome, but because it would have saved me a lot of time and energy that went toward worrying about things that I couldn't control anyway.

 It would have reminded myself to put that same amount of energy toward things I can control, like my own personal development, and my happiness in the moment.

 I've always wondered what people mean when they say "Live each day like it's your last".

 To me, that's stupid.

 You'd be like, crying.

 Just take every day for what it is: a new day.

 A new opportunity to work toward the person you want to become.

 I don't believe living life to the fullest means you have to embark on some incredible adventure everyday. 

 I think learning to control your thoughts, choosing to think about things that motivate you, drive you, and make you happy.. 

and working hard toward the goals you've set,

 that's what it means to live life to the fullest. And consistently doing this will lead to happiness. 

And you may end up realizing you were on an adventure all along. 

 I've learned this year that happiness take incredible amount of effort, both mentally and physically. 

And I've made a few resolutions that can take me one step closer to embracing each day in 2014.

 Taken the last day of 2013, after he almost killed us both with fireworks:) 

 I won't tell you all of them, because I know you probably don't care,

 But I have three that I'm pretty stoked about.

 1. Let it go.

 Forget about the what if's and maybes. All those do is create expectations that make it impossible to be happy in the moment. Instead I want to focus on things that I have control over, like how I can become better, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If I recognize that some things I just can't control, I won't stress myself out attempting to. 

I have this goal, and it's probably dumb. 

But the goal is that one day I want to be that mom that just found out there was a bill that forgot to get paid, and there was a huge late fee. Even worse, it will be when Jon is in residency and the majority of that small income will be toward paying off student loans. At that same time, I picture one of my kids coming up to me telling me he forgot to do his homework, while another knocks their plate off the counter leaving shattered glass and food everywhere. Jon won't be around much, and I will feel pretty lonely and worn out.

One day, my goal is to be able to take all that little stress, and remember this moment and think to myself,

"You knew this would happen." 

And then, I want to be able to take a deep breath, maybe laugh to myself because it will be the last thing I want to do, and let it go.  I want to put that energy toward taking it one step at a time, rather then focusing on the stress and worry. I know my reaction will have a far bigger impact in the long run, then a missed assignment, a late fee, or spilled food. 

This may not seem like a worthy goal, but I see it benefiting far greater things. 

2. Be honest.

 No, this isn't because I'm a cheater or a liar. This is because I want to be more honest in my blog posts. 

The truth is, losing my son was devastating. But it's not the only part of my life that is hard. There's actually a lot more to it. Those things you read above about the "moments that brought me to my knees" those moments didn't just involve losing my baby. 

But you probably didn't know that huh? 

I want to be more honest, because reading blogs that share perfect pictures with perfect stories do nothing for me. Those moments, that I can guarantee almost everyone feels at some point, yet you think to yourself, "Am I the only one who feels this way?" I want to articulate those moments, so people leave feeling a little better, knowing they aren't alone. 

No, I'm not going to give you all the details about arguments Jon and I have. But I'll tell you there are plenty. I won't tell you about the family issues, but I'll let you know their there. 

Because I want to be honest. I'm human, and you are too. Now that we've acknowledged that, lets make each others journey a little bit easier. And we can start by not making one another feel worse with unrealistic portrayals of our lives. 

 3. Put Jon first.

 Does that sound sexist? I don't really care. That boy is so good to me. I care about him more than anything and I want to be better at showing it. I know that putting my marriage first is the best way to help me become better. Whether it's a better student, a better employee, a better mother, putting Jon first will help me get there. 

 There you have it. My 3 main goals.

 2013 was hard in every sense of the word, and I wouldn't trade it for anything..

But I am definitely grateful for a new start! 

And so far, 2014 has already started off great:) 

We've set off fireworks, saw the second movie of The Hobbit, and talked ourselves into taking the week off.. 

 I know the challenges of 2013 aren't over yet, but I've chosen to approach them in a new way. 

 What have you learned in 2013? And how do you want to make  2014 better?

 Happy New Year!:)

❄ Christmas Eve ❄














Food+ 

Games+ 

Pajama Party +

  Gift exchange + 

The cutest nativity ..

Christmas Eve was a blast:) 

Are those kiddies not the cutest? 

They are one of the best parts about the holidays!

I'm trying not to think about this break coming to an end.. 

 We have had so much fun partying with both of our families. 

Also, do you like how this post is turning into a Christmas Tree? 

How cute is that? 

 Wasn't even on purpose.

 Happy almost 2014:) 

Oh Christmas Tree







A couple of Saturdays ago, I was home alone writing a paper while Jon was studying in his lab.. 

I was feeling a little lonely and a tad bit stressed out.

Finally, I said to myself.. "Screw this. I'm gonna decorate the Christmas tree!"

And I did. And it was so worth it. 

I'm a little bit obsessed. 

Also, do you like the "star"? 

Jon hates it. I don't:) 

I found it one day in our storage and I thought.. This could go on a tree. 

It works for now:) 

Now to get some gifts under there! 

Back to normal

Just a heads up, I'm not running on a full can of worms.. (is that an expression?? I think it is..sorry, I can't think of a less gross one) 

At approximately 9:02 PM, I finished my eighth, and last final. 


Yes.. Eighth. 

EIGHTH.  

Is that even legal? 

I had six classes this semester, 2 of which had two finals (one was for a lab, and one was another final where we had to write strength training programs) 

You'd think if a class had 2 finals, one of them would have to be fairly easy right?? 

Nope.. 

In fact, one of the "second" finals took me 4 hours. 

And last week was filled with finishing papers and projects.

For the past 2 weeks I haven't felt like myself.  

My brain has constantly hurt, and as this week got longer it became harder and harder to concentrate. 

I first recognized that I wasn't myself a couple of days ago at work.. 

I was with my friend Tessa, fixing a door handle for a girls apt (I work for the campus locksmiths.. it's the best) 

and Tessa ran out to the truck to get more tools. 

I was standing in this girls apt, and as soon as Tessa left, I thought in my brain.. 

I should probably start a conversation with this girl

I sat there and for the LIFE of me I could not think of what I should ask her.. 

She beat me to it.. 

Girl: "What's your name?" 

"Um, it's Maddie." 

What should I ask her??!? 

I still couldn't think straight. 

Awkward pause. 

Girl again: "How are your finals going??" 

Me: "... They're... They're good." 

Pause again. 

Me: "I'm so sorry, my brain is not fully functioning. But how are you???" 

Then we laughed and she totally understood and it was fine and I felt like an idiot and it still makes me laugh. 

 I'm the chattiest person, especially at work, and here I was hyperventilating because my brain wouldn't keep a conversation going. 

I guess that's how finals week goes after taking 17 credits. 

Lesson LEARNED. 

It still hasn't hit me yet.. It probably will tomorrow morning:)

And I actually get to go Christmas shopping tomorrow too! 

And we put up our tree a couple of weeks ago:) I'll post pics soon. 

Finally, things are back to normal!

Thanksgiving part II

Consisted of..

*Lots of eating/movies/Jon getting sick of the camera in his face*
*Is he not the cutest???*
*This movie alone made the whole break perfect.. *
*And Jon did this..*

*While I did this.. (Aka wrote a paper and worked on a project)*
I'm bummed I don't have more pics! 

Our break was a blast! 

How could it not be when you eat pie for every meal? 

My in-laws are seriously the coolest! We have so much fun together.. 

And the Hunger Games?

If you haven't seen it.. I just don't even know what to tell you. 

GO SEE IT. 

I'm debating whether I should just skip the other books and read the third book because i'm dying to know the deets! 

When we were walking out of the theatre Jon said, 

"I don't know if she's still gonna choose Gale because of (spoiler), or if she might choose Peeta because of (spoiler).. 

And I CARE!" 

If he cares, you know it's gotta be good. 

And obviously I wore my pin to the movie..

I told Jon I wasn't going to take it off until the next movie came out.. 

It was a nice thought while it lasted:)

We also did some black friday shoppin!

But Jon and Steve could barely walk because of the turkey bowl that morning.

Poor guys. It was hard not to laugh. 

It was nice to get some Christmas shopping done:)

And I ate wayyyy too much!

Now to hit the gym a little harder for the next week. 

Also it's the last week of classes. 

We got this!

Yay for holidays. 

Thanksgiving part I

So much to update! 

I've been so busy with the million things my teachers randomly assigned in the past couple days.. 

I love how they do that. 

I swear one of my classes we have nothing due all semester and then poof, 

"Write three papers and present one of them by tomorrow".. 

The past few days have been like 17 hour days for me.. 

That's right. From 6 AM to 11PM I'm going. 

Oh well, who needs sleep anyway?:) 

That's what I miss most about Thanksgiving break.. 

It was so nice to just relax and not be running from one place to another all day and then start it all again the next morning. 

Anyway, I know I already posted these pictures from the Turkey Bowl, but I thought I might as well post them on here..:)















photo tackle1_zps7523887c.gif





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As I was was watching them play, I suddenly thought..

How lame is it that I'm taking pictures right now? 

Probably 100%. 

But obviously that wasn't enough to stop me. 

I'm gonna be that mom at every sports game that always has her camera out..

The guys didn't seem to care because I quickly became the designated photographer, taking pics of each of their groups of friends on their phones and what not. 

They kept offering me food and powerades. 

So there were perks:) 

The night before Thanksgiving, we were falling asleep when Jon said, 

"I just can't wait Madds. It feels like Christmas Eve." 

I was a little surprised! there are few things Jon gets that excited about.. 

"... Umm.. because tomorrow's the turkey bowl?" 

(Still don't get how it's even comparable, but I had a pretty good guess that's what he was talking about..)

"Yes! I just want to tackle somebody. I miss that so much."

"Yeah I bet.. (as if I could relate..) Just promise to be careful. I'd rather not spend our break in the ER." 

I couldn't help but feel relieved when I found out they were playing flag:)

It was a great start to our break! 

More to come:) 

K no.

Jon and I were at my house until late last night partying and planning Christmas Eve. 

This break has been nothing but 50% eating, 2% studying, and 48% sleeping. 

 K maybe that's not entirely accurate.. I'll write more about the break later:) 

But you can imagine the horror when I woke up to my alarm at the crack of dawn this morning.. 


5:15 AM. 

I had to be at Curves for my internship in a half hour. 

I pulled the covers off and it was freezing. 

All I could think was: 

"K no."

So I hit snooze and spent the extra 5 minutes dreading getting out of bed. 

But I did it. And it was worth it. 

But can we all agree that the Monday after a break is the worst thing ever? 

At least there is only NINE days of classes left. 

And Friday's I only have my Philosophy class which I usually skip anyway, 

so it's more like EIGHT days!

Hang in there everybody. 

We're so close. 

YOU GUYS.

Jon got me an early birthday gift. 
He even knows how to use it. 
How did I get so lucky?



Photo cred: my awesome sister-in-law Camille:) 

SO excited!

Now the number of bad photos can decrease significantly. 

Hopefully:) 

Happy birthday Mom ♥

Her and baby me


This is a random pic of her with my cousin Lucy at our reception, she's one of the prettiest ladies I know. 



She and I when I was 29 weeks pregnant.

Because today is a day to remember all of our blessings, 

this post is dedicated to my Mom! 

She has blessed my life in so many ways. 

I love hanging out with her!

She is one of the most fun and creative people in the world. 

I wish I got just an ounce of her talent!

She has inspired me in so many ways.

If I ever have a question about something I want to do or make, she always has ideas on how to do it. 

I'm so grateful for all she has taught me. 

Happy Birthday to the cutest Mom ever! 

It's the little things


From the moment we moved in, I've loved our little apt. 

Recently, I've recognized one of the things I love the most! 

This picture doesn't do it justice, but we have a huge tree outside our big apt window. 

When we moved in it was so green and full of leaves, signifying the summer months.

As fall approached, the leaves became a rich orange and red, and slowly began to fall off. 

I dream of waking up on Christmas morning and looking out our big window to see snow silently hitting the white branches. 

As the seasons change and as time goes on, this tree changes.

And in a way, we change too. 

I love the idea of having a big tree in the front yard of our future home..

A place for kids to climb and play, to lay a picnic blanket under or jump in the leaves..

The first thing they'll see when they look out the window to see the first snowfall. 

Always there to remind us of the time that has passed, 

and of all the memories we've shared.

This Thanksgiving there are many things I have to be grateful for, 

and this tree outside our first apartment together, is one of them. 

The greatest cookie recipe.



A few months ago, I was on the search for a yummy dessert to make for a party we were having at our apartment. 

I wasn't in the mood for regular chocolate chip cookies, 

so I went to my cookbooks in search for a new kind of cookie.. 

When I saw this recipe, I instantly fell in love! 

Every time i'm on the search for a new recipe, it has to pass a mental test before I try it: 

1. Does the picture look delicious? (It did!) 

2. Is there any weird ingredients? (Weird meaning I've never heard of/used them before) 
(Nope.) 

3. Are there any extra steps that require more time? (ex. cool in fridge for __ hours) 
(Nope again.) 

The cookies were perfect. 

SO yummy, and so easy to make!

Jon loved them, and we haven't gone back to regular chocolate chip cookies since. 

Also, if your a cookie dough type of person.. You may be tempted to eat all the dough instead:) 

But try to refrain! The mix of warm white and reese's peanut butter chocolate chips in a soft and melted chocolate dough.. 

So worth it. 

The best chocolate cookie recipe:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 butter-flavored shortening 

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup sugar 

1+1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2 eggs 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt 

6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 

1 cup peanut butter chips

1 cup white chocolate chips 

Note on ingredients:  

*There have been multiple times when I have not had butter flavored shortening, so I have substituted it with another 1/2 a cup of butter (so 1 cup of butter total) in the recipe and the cookie texture turned out just fine! In fact the pictures above were one of those times.

*You can buy any type of peanut butter chips you want, but I always get the reese's peanut butter chips. They are in the chocolate chip section at Walmart for under two dollars, and they are SO good! You can also find the unsweetened cocoa powder on the same aisle:) 

Instructions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together the butter, shortening, brown sugar and gratulated sugar. Add the vanilla and eggs one at a time. 

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Add flour mixture to the butter mixture to combine and then mix in the chips. 

Spoon cookies onto a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 7-9 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack. 

And you have it. 

The yummiest cookie recipe ever! 

That body though.


Friday I came home from work feeling pretty miserable. 

I was grateful it happened when it did, because my week was SO busy.. 

And being sick would have put me super behind!

So there's blessing #1. 

That night was horrible. I had no idea what it could be, so based off the evidence of 
constant nausea/throwing up (sorry, gross I know)/swelling/high fever etc. we were pretty sure it was food poisoning. 

Now we aren't so sure. 

Because it still hasn't gone away.. 

I'm a little worried that it's appendicitis. I've read multiple accounts of people having problems with their appendix after having their gallbladder removed (which I had a few months ago). 

But we'll find out this week. 

Either way, the next morning, after the night of horror.. 

I asked Jon to explain what was happening in my body. 

My health major requires anatomy and physiology classes, 

so I do have a basic understanding of this stuff.. 

but Jon just has this way of explaining things that make it so much more meaningful. 

It's like being told a story about my insides.. 

He explained how certain systems are designed to fight things off and what triggers it to do so etc. 

And as he was talking I just imagined little warriors inside of me in constant battle trying to defend their kingdom (my insides) from the enemies (in this case some pretty nasty bacteria)..

And I couldn't help but think: 

"My body's a champion."

Nothing could be more true. 

And for that, I'm incredibly grateful. 

A new day.

I'm stressed out of my mind. 

But I have felt extremely blessed the past couple of days.  

Nothing miraculous happened.. Just small things. 

A talk with a professor, help on a test, an opportunity to serve..

Sometimes, the small things are the best things. 

Some days I'm sure part of proving myself includes just learning to struggle on my own..

But when I make a physical effort to find the good, and remember the truth I've been given

I start to realize He is there all along. 

I thought it would take years before my heart healed all the way. 

It turns out that when I truly seek for it, 

I can be healed each day. 

It's a process..

But it gives me hope. 




10 things you didn't know about me. (maybe)

Those posts have been all over my instagram and facebook recently, and I find them really entertaining. 

While I consider myself to be the most uninteresting person on the planet, I do have 10 things you probably didn't know about me (unless we're really close, in that case, congrats for knowing them already). 


**1. I have been asked at least five times in my life if I have asian ancestors.**

I consider this to be a major compliment. Also, unfortunately, I am not oriental. But I am flattered you asked. 

**2. I have the worst handwriting ever. This is not a joke.**

Ok so that's not entirely true. When I try to write legibly, I have pretty decent handwriting. The problem is, I write so fast when I'm deep in thought/in a hurry, it's hardly readable. 

Every year, my notebook is literally a crumpled mess of notes, including my name written everywhere and doodles from when I'm bored or just thinking.. 

I've been teased about it by nearly every teacher/professor I've had. 

The comments have included: 

"Did you know you've forgotten to put your name on the past 8 assignments, but because of your handwriting and the tears in your paper I always know that it's yours?" 

"Maddie Beeton (still haven't changed my name at BYU yet.. embarrassing I know), I've always tried to read your name on your quiz when I walk by. It took me 2/3 into the semester, but I finally got it!" 

"Can I borrow this for a second?" Takes my notebook and holds it up in front of the class.. 

"THIS is what your stats book should look like by the end of the year.. Great job. I feel like I need to display this somewhere." 

Unfortunately, I'm convinced that part of me will never change.. 

 Luckily though, I still got A's in those classes. 

**3. I used to have pet rats.**

Lucy and Frodo. I loved those little cuties. 

**4. I never dressed up as a princess growing up.** 

 I wish I could say I loved dressing up and playing tea party when I was little, like most girls do. I do hope my little girls love that. I still remember the recess's in 1st grade at Westmore Elementary when I just hid behind a tree and cried because the boys wouldn't let me play soccer with them. 

 (My kindergarten self) 


**5. I can't think of anything I find more interesting than other people.** 

  Their stories, what they think, why they feel that way etc. I love to listen to it. 

I got it from my mom. And I'm really glad I did. I've learned so much from the most spontaneous conversations. 

**6. I have lots of close friends. But I can honestly say my sister Annie is my best friend.**

 One day when I was little, I remember telling my mom that Annie always wanted to play with me and my friends and she always bugged us..  

"You say that now, but you two will be best friends one day." 

 She was right. 


**7. I love scary movies.** 

 Too much. I remember when I was 6, I watched Chucky with my moms Ashworth cousins in their basement. Even though I didn't sleep for nearly a month, I remember I really wanted to watch it again. I still don't sleep well after scary movies, so Jon refuses to watch them with me most of the time. But he does take advantage of the opportunity to scare me every chance he gets.. 

8. **I used to spend hours out on our patio shooting hoops when I was in second grade. I liked to pretend I was John Stockton..  (Weird, I know.) ** 

My younger self just cracks me up when I think about it. John Stockton? Really? Second grade girl? I should've been pretending I was Belle or something.. Either way. I loved hearing my dad talk about Stockton and Malone. He gave me a big poster of them that I hung in my room. I didn't take it down until I moved to college. 

**9. Tarzan was my favorite disney movie for a long time growing up. When I found out gorillas were "endangered", and I found out what that word actually meant, I knew it was my life mission to save them.** 

 I remember one day in the car my dad told me, "You may find out years from now when you get to college that you want to study and do other things with your life." 

 "No dad!!! Promise you won't let me, promise you'll make me remember my dream to save the gorillas!" 

 I can't remember if he promised. But I do remember writing a contract that I signed saying I would never study anything else. 

 Sometimes, I still wonder what my life would be like if I followed my dream. 

 If I had money one day, Africa would still be the first place I'd like to go. 

10. **I have a candy obsession.**

 Not just any candy. I rarely eat anything chocolatey, and if you were to give me the option between the most delicious doughnuts in the world or some swedish fish, I would pick the swedish fish any day of the week. Twizzlers, peachos, starbursts, sour patch: all my biggest weakness. At least Jon knows how to make my day:)

I make him dinners with lots of meat, and he brings me home skittles..

We make a good team!

So there you have it. 

 10 things you (maybe) didn't know about me!

 What about you?:)


I'll miss this



While it seems crazy right now, 

I think I might actually miss study nights with Jon. 

When we both have big tests or projects coming up, 

we will go find a random room in the Jesse Knight building, and spend the whole night studying. 

Just us, groove shark , our textbooks and laptops, and our Little Caesers pizza and Powerade Zeroes. 

Even though I would give almost anything right now to be done with school, 

I know one day when we somehow manage to be even busier than we are right now with kids and real jobs.. 

I'll look back and remember those evenings on campus. 

When it was just Jon and I 

studying for our upcoming exams and talking about the fun things we would do that weekend. 

We will never be able to return to this point in our lives. 

The youtube breaks after long study sessions, Jon making fun of my choice of music while he picks the same 10 songs every time, the midnight ice cream runs, or the freedom to go to the gym together whenever we want..

One day it will be just a memory we look back on. 

So for now, I choose to enjoy it while I can. 

And I look forward to the day when I can tell our kids stories of all the adventures we had, studying together:)