tradition! tradition!

just a small sample.

I was raised to love Christmas from my dad. Sure, my mom definitely had a hand in it as well, but as long as I can remember, Christmas has been my dad's thing. He is renowned in this area for being a master of Christmas decorating. His lights rival that of anybody's around the neighborhood. But it's the inside of the house that's where the magic happens. Over 250 Santa's reside inside our house at Christmas. They're on shelves, tables, trees, stockings... you name it, there's a Santa. This collection has been growing larger every year since I was a little child. But I'm not going to talk to you about Santa today, no, that deserves a far more important post later this week. What I have to say about Christmas this day, is about tradition.

What a wonderful time of year! It seems that the main goal of this month is to find happiness. To be filled with joy. And the best ways we know how to do this remain the same, which I think is why traditions are formed. If it isn't broken, why fix it, right?

Some of my favorite Christmas traditions involve the suspense of the whole day. My family is notorious for dragging it out. Never in my life have I woken up early in the morning, run to the tree, and thrown myself to the task of opening presents. No. That is not how we do things. We all wake up around seven or eight-ish in the morning. At that time, my dad starts our big Christmas breakfast, and us kids have to make sure that our rooms are nice and clean. No way are we getting anywhere near breakfast or the desired Christmas tree if our rooms are not clean. When that is completed, my brother and sisters and I often find ourselves waiting on the stairs, begging our parents, "please please please can we come up? Can we eat breakfast? when can we see the tree!?"

My parents finally allow us to come up the stairs, blocking our view of the tree until we sit down. Yes, we are not even allowed to see the tree or presents until we have eaten. When I was little this was almost too much for me. The excitement of the day still almost takes my appetite away, and I remember impatiently waiting at the table for Mom and Dad to take their last bite, just so we could please move on with the day.

Oh, but don't worry, we still have to do the dishes before we can get to presents. No messes allowed on Christmas!

After all this is done, we line up, youngest to oldest, and when Dad says go, we get to run into the living room to see what Santa has brought.

And it is always, always, just as magical as I hoped the night before, struggling to fall asleep.

What are some of your Christmas traditions?

p.s. Ozzy totally should have won survivor.

tonight, we are young

It feels absolutely wonderful to be home again, with family, sleeping in my HUGE queen-sized bed. Oh, how I've missed this place. As soon as I walked in the door, I was greeted with a winter wonderland.

A tribute to my childhood, to simple days of love and magic. 

To days of cuddling with my dolls and gazing out the window, trying desperately to see a sleigh pulled by reindeer flying through the sky, but always falling asleep before it appeared.

Days of dancing in front of the screen in the theater after Aladdin, making my dad stay with me until the music finally stopped.

And maybe that's why, after watching a movie with my lil sis tonight, I convinced her to stay for the credits, when everyone else had left, and dance with me in front of the screen.

I refuse to be too old for things.

I refuse to forget how to feel excited.

I refuse to give up the little stuff.

Tonight, and for the rest of my life, I am young.

I will believe in Santa.

I will stay awake staring out that window.

And I will dance.

p.s. i'm posting this on sunday because i wanted to say it. and also because this next week is devoted to my thoughts, feelings, and memories about christmas. be prepared. i am one of the crazy christmas people.

the world better prepare

weekend preview. a lot of exciting things going on... that is for sure.

man, oh man. do I have a lot to say to you people!

my whole thought process is in blog posts these past few days.

i must remind myself that i have plenty of time to blog about it all.

self, you have plenty of time to blog about it all.

for now i will say,

i love being home. love it. love it. LOVE IT. 

can you believe this is only the second time i've really been home this whole semester?

that is unheard of for me.

one year, i went home EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND. except for two or three at the end of the year.

but that's a whole other story...

all i can tell you is that here, around our house, it's beginning to look a lot like christmas (now picture michael buble singing that song. you know you love it.)

don't judge us.

we go to Island Park, Idaho for Thanksgiving, so when we come home we like to be all decorated and ready to go.

anyway, i'm in love i'm in love and i don't care who knows it.

life is good.

p.s. yeah, i just saw breaking dawn part 1. let me just say, i have always been team edward for bella, and team jacob for me. i mean seriously? who would pick a rock hard frozen man over a really warm soft one? i'm just saying. bella is an idiot. i rest my case.

turning tables

Tomorrow I start work at my OTHER job. The one where I'm usually bored, and have more than enough time to write to you all. I need to have a good attitude about it, ok? This week will be terrible if I am in a bad mood the whole time. I need to forget about the happiness of EFY... where it's ok to dance whenever you want, and sing, and act like a complete dork... and be happy with my normal everyday office job. That won't be hard, right? ha.

My favorite thing about the office job is that I get to work with my mom. Have I ever told you that? My uncle owns the business, and my mom manages the employees. It's really great working with her, because she's kinda my best friend... but it gets a little sketch when she tries to boss me around. I'm working on it... don't judge.

Anyway, here's to coming back to real life and loving it. More time with friends and family is always a plus. And... I have a couple fun excursions coming up this weekend and next week that I am ecstatic to tell you about. So cross your fingers this week goes fast!

oh, just laughing at a story about my friend haley. have a fun filled week!

p.s. if you could have any talent, what would it be? mine would be dancing... or playing an instrument.

i told you so

Yesterday, my family and I went to the loveliest place on the planet.

Cannon Beach, Oregon.

At least, it is MY loveliest place on the planet. 

All my life I have loved it. Dreamed about it. Wished I lived in it.

It's just downright beautiful.

The flowers, the ocean, the shops, the trees, the grass, the drinking fountain with the best water I have ever had...

For some reason, my fascination with the beach took over again.

And after shop shop shopping away (where I got some AWESOME toms) I begged my family to just please please can we walk over to the beach? We only have to stay 15 minutes max. 10 minutes. It's just such a perfect day! I just think we really should even just look at it. From a distance if we have to.

(my family was kind of tired from walking around all day, so they needed convincing.)

So finally, my dad said yes! fine! let's go to the beach.

So we walked up there, and down onto the sand, and instantly everyone's lives were brighter and more brilliant because of Cannon Beach.

And we stayed there for a lot longer than 15 minutes.

And my mom even had the nerve to say, "I think this was the best part of the day!"

You're welcome.

p.s. anyone want to go in on a beach house with me??

tell me something

Once again... check Abi's blog for more! Funny face... tan lines... what could be better?

All I wanted today. Yes, all I wanted. 

Was to go to the Beach.

I woke up this morning, and went with my family down to the docks.

This is one of my favorite places in the world, with the cute little shops and all of the boats and the never ending fishy smell.

So I bought a darling bag and shirt and belt.

And then wandered around some more.

But the family came over for lunch. 

So we spent a delightful afternoon playing guitar and singing funny songs and chatting about life and love.

And then more family came over for dinner.

 And the hustle and bustle became so much, and my cousin hanging on my arm became so stressful, and the little boy I had never met before poking my arm became so obnoxious, that I decided to peace out.

So I grabbed my little sister Abi's arm, and yanked her out the door.

And we walked up the sandy pathway passing the people with the big dog, up up up to the top of the ridge.

And looked down on the wide expanse of sand and ocean. 

And it was all I wanted.

p.s. if you read this blog, make yourself known! Comment, follow... whatever! I want to follow you too. I want to read your blog. I want to be your friend. Forever. ok? ok.

na na na na na na na na na na na na na

Today I was with my family in Washington.

 I only see them once a year, so it was kind of nice to sit and chat with them. 

Then my cute little 8 year old cousin climbed on top of me and demanded that she play Robot Unicorn Attack on my phone.

 She was pretty decent... And after that she got all of her my little pony unicorns for us to play with. They were called: 

Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Flutter Shy, Pinky Pie, and Twilight Sparkle. 

Good evening? Yes.

Want more where this came from? Check out Abi's blog.

p.s. alwayyysss i wanna beeee with you, and make belieeeeve with you!

if it means a lot to you

Right now, I am sitting in a beach condo on the coast of Washington eating some fruit snacks. 

I can see the ocean from my window. 

And cheerful beach goers on their way up and down the sandy path. 

There are a few clouds in the sky, but the sun is shining brightly - a rarity for Washington. 

My sister is reading a book next to me. 

My brother is playing the wii on the other couch. 

And my other sister is blog-stalking on another laptop. 

My parents are in the other room sleeping. They drove us the whole way, so they are tired.

And that is a snapshot of my life right now. Wish you were here to join me!

p.s. remember my sister abigail? and how she is trying to be a photographer type of person? well, head over to her blog to check out yet another set of pictures of yours truly. sweeeeet.

timing is everything

Today I packed all of my stuff back into my suitcase (not very nicely, I might add), stuffed it in my car, and drove to my grandparent's church. I listened to them speak on their testimonies, and how they love missionary work while sitting next to a little boy I had never met. This is because I got there late. Then I rushed to their house and prepared a bunch of food that I had 15 minutes to eat.

And now I'm in Logan. Working at EFY again. This week I have the honor of being a Building Counselor. This means that I have a group of counselors to work with instead of a group of children. The transition is a hard one for me... If you read my last post, you know how much I love the children. But it's just for this week, and I'm excited to experience something new. Wish me luck!

Oh, and I am sleeping in a teeny tiny dorm room. It's like Harry Potter... but worse because the lights don't really work, and the walls are cement.

p.s. I forgot my pajamas this week. What next?

all my life i've been good

Alrighty, 21st birthday is a success so far! But the celebration isn't over yet.

Here's a teaser of what's happened to keep you happy.

Stay tuned.

spoiled? yes.

Some amazing food was eaten, and some major shopping was done... Love it.

p.s. who told the driver's license division it was ok to hold people in line for an hour?

i'm not in it to win it

Random Thoughts Recently 

(because I know you're DYING to hear them)

1. So, I was thinking. Most people say that they have the best. The best mom, the best dad, the best overall family. (as if it was a contest... what? because I would win.) We usually get overly defensive (see previous sentence in parentheses...ha) and start verbal wars about what our particular family does that makes them better than every other. And I thought to myself as I was thinking this, isn't that a GREAT, AMAZING thing?? How lucky are so many of us to think that we have the best? There's a whole ton of us crazy people walking around, defending our families honorary bestness, and that is awesome. That means that there are tons of great people out there showing love to their family. That gives me a little hope for humanity.

2. I had a thought that I don't spend a lot of time studying. I get all of my homework done, and review a little before tests... but studying? What is that supposed to mean, anyway? I'm pretty sure I missed the lesson on how to study successfully. I take a quick glance at my notes before tests and snag decent grades. Usually above average. So I just wondered... what if I DID know how to study? I would probably be a genius.

3. I pondered the fact that I should give seminars on writing papers. Cocky? Yes. There is one talent I will for sure brag about. And that is writing papers. Sure... it's a boring one. But I'll bet all you college students who have papers due are wishing they were me right now. Case in Point: I wrote ten papers in a week last semester, each one in 30-45 minutes. And I still had time to hang out and go on dates. And I got a pretty decent grade. Need tips? Give me a call.

4. I think I would hate to rule the world. There would be so many people complaining to me all day. And it's a well known fact that well known people are not always well liked. And it's not like I'm all for being the most popular girl in school (elementary school dream? yes. but you can't help it if you're at the bottom of the food chain... if you know what I mean. *elbow nudge*) but I definitely would appreciate it if people didn't hate me for ruling the world, ya know? It would be stressful.

5. Ok, maybe this isn't a thought, but I'll share it anyway. I had two tests on Monday (see Monday's post) and they were both in the same classroom. One was at 2:30, and the other at 4:30. So, in true Madeline fashion, I finish the first test in 20 minutes. Hmm... Not even 3:00 yet. I find a comfy seat in the lobby of the building and ponder my cell phone. (WHY is no one texting me? Don't they KNOW I'm bored right now? Ugh. Friends these days.) After about an hour of trying not to look like a loser (the other people are in study groups for the next test... uh... did I not get the memo?? Not like I want to study with you people anyway.) I decide to go get a drink. From the vending machine. Which I NEVER do. EVER. I meander on in and peruse the drinks. ($1.25? That's preposterous. At least I have cash for once... might as well spend it!! Yeah!! Money!!! WOOO!!!! ok.) I decide on Sprite. Because I'm boring like that. I jam the money in, and press D7, The anticipation making my hands sweat a little. (exaggeration!!) The little machine's arm reaches up and then stops, suddenly grabbing... a... SQUIRT??! That isn't what I asked for! A million scenarios fly through my head, including trying to sell the Squirt for more money to buy a Sprite, and trying to hand the drink back to the machine... it will take it, right?? So there I am, with a chilly Squirt in my sweaty palm (jk. no sweat.) Do people even drink Squirt? What is this stuff? Is it caffeinated? I squint at the machine, trying to laser it into dust with my eyes. And that's when I realize... Sprite is B7.

So I drink the Squirt.

p.s. yeah... i'm procrastinating homework right now.

a horse is not a home

just found some gems on my computer. yeeeaaaahhh family.

p.s. my fingers are really cold.

life is surprising

watch this. you will be happy you did.

p.s. i stay up way later at home than i do at school.

i wouldn't want to know

Just a funny picture for your perusal.

A good memory from one of my favorite places.

"Who pressed their face up against the glass?"

"I'll give you three guesses."

p.s. i decided i don't like it when people take fake engagements seriously.

if you want me, come and claim me

Three things:

1. I love my friends.

2. My huge bruise on my leg from angry-rude man hurts.

3. I am so so so excited to go home tomorrow.

p.s. I had a crazy dream last night. It was like a movie. Me + Creepy Stalker + In a mall = ???

love me, love me, say that you love me

Huh, is it that time of year already? The day of love, chocolate, and roses? Well I know one thing for sure... I didn't spend half my week putting together an awesome scrapbook for someone special this year. No siree. That phase of my life has passed. Thank goodness. This year (much to Haley's dismay) I am choosing not to have a boy for a Valentine. So don't bother asking me on a date... I'll say no! (However, nice treats and flowers are still acceptable.) This year, these people are my Valentine's:

Rachel... we have good awkward times together.

Haley - sorry i would choose you over boys :)

Carli and Robyn - Crli ur mi bst frnd 4evr, and Robyn I really admire you more than you know!

Jenna - I am so glad we're friends. I used to think you didn't like me. But then your winks proved me wrong.

Kamille - Always my best roommate! So glad I met you.

Abi and Olivia - Words cannot describe how grateful I am for our sisterly love.

Christopher - The only real man in my life :) Favorite children forever!

p.s. i don't think i can survive another week of school...

something cool that has a title

If you like reading funny, heartwarming, tear jerking, and mind blowing stories... you should check out these two blogs. My sisters are geniuses.

Epiphanies

Livi Land

p.s. do i have anything left to do?

i'll definitely consider it...

ask me if i love these people. the answer is yes.

p.s. i think at one point today i was frozen solid.

fine isn't good enough

I felt like ignoring my blog for the next week, and then I realized I have something I need to write. A little while ago I wrote this post for my lovely sister Abi. It's time to come clean. I have another sister. And a brother for that matter, but he will get his post in due time. 

This is for Olivia. 

Olivia, Olivia, Olivia. Where to start? I think you might be mad at me right now. It's just that it is a desperately important scarf. I need it for my great aunt who is in the hospital. Anyway, the point is, you are really great. It's crazy how different we are. I kind of like it. You have a lot going for you, you know. You're really beautiful, you're tall, you can sing and act, you are a great designer and seamstress, and I really like your obsession with books that teach you how to be a lady. Life is hard for you right now. You're in the beginning of your high school years, your best friend moved to California, and I can tell you are unsure of where you fit in. And this is what I have to say to you. Don't worry about fitting in. I promise that if you just be yourself, your crazy funny happy self, people are going to like you. You don't need a specific group. You are Olivia. You can survive without a dramatic clique of girls. I'm so proud of you for getting a lead role in Thoroughly Modern Millie. I really want to come to every single performance and see you rock Miss Dorothy like never before! I also really like that you are doing lacrosse. I can't wait to see your games. The bottom line is, you are a lot better than you give yourself credit for. You aren't fine. You aren't darling. You are beautiful, and you are great. Live up to it.

p.s. i forgot how much i love guitar hero

predictably

Tonight I watched Thoroughly Modern Millie with my family. It was very funny and lighthearted. Then I decided that I probably shouldn't drive to Logan tonight. I'll just go in the morning.

This may seem weird to most people. 

It is very normal for me.

p.s. i want a pedicure