2016 has already been a wonderful year! Let’s take a look how we celebrated, shall we?

New Year’s Eve day was a leeetle hectic. Randy and I both went into work (I only worked for a while) and then I went home. Later that night, Randy called me when he got off work like he always does. The first thing out of his mouth was “Guess who has a flat tire.”

So my wonderful Randy changed the tire by himself, drove 50 MPH on the freeway to get home, and then took the tire in to get fixed as soon as we could. He’s a champ.

[Insert 2016 resolutions and sappiness here]

Randy and I had the best 2015. It was hard, but also wonderful. I am so excited, and looking forward to 2016 and another year of just having the best time with him. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us this year! This year my (general) goals are to read my scriptures more often, work out more often, excel at my job, read at least one book per month, and always always ALWAYS put Randy first.

[End of sappiness]

So after the whole tire SAGA, Randy and I ran off to our New Year’s Eve party! It was so fun to hang out with our friends, play games and catch up, and then ring in the New Year. It was so wonderful to have my New Year’s Kiss with my best friend and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Randy and I partied with the gang for a bit, then went home because we were EXHAUSTED.

The rest of the break was full of family time, which was SO much fun. We had to say goodbye to my brother on Saturday which was really sad. I was getting used to not having him thousands of miles away. And the thought of not having my sister-in-law and sweet little niece around is making me so sad! But I still have a few more days with them, so I will be strong.

Randy and I got back for church on Sunday where we had an awesome lesson with our Sunday School kiddos, and then later that night had a hot chocolate night with some of the other couples in our complex! It was crazy fun to get to know some of the newer people, and we had a blast.

And now it’s back to the real world. Which is no fun. But we are happy to kind of get back into a routine.

Good luck to all you students who started your semester today!

Good luck to Randy and the other Utah State folks who start next week.

And, Happy Monday everyone!

It’s the last day of 2015, and I can’t help but feeling a bit nostalgic. This has truly been the most amazing year of my life, and probably always will be. So many things happened in 2015, and they all happened so fast.

I remember vividly sitting on my couch one year ago, eating McDonalds and watching Spider Man with Randy. Then it was 11:59 and we started the countdown. I remember thinking “This is it. This is OUR year” and it has been.

So let’s quickly reminisce like every single other person in the world, over the past year.

-I became an anchor for BYU Eleven News. I reported. produced, and then spent a semester anchoring on live TV. It was pretty sweet.
-I spent the weekends writing for even more TV news at KSL. Except this one was broadcast to more than my mom and grandma. So that was also cool.
-I got engaged to the love of my life on February 2nd. It was perfect and magical and ya’ll don’t want to hear the story again.
-I planned a wedding. Which was fun and also stressful and wonderful.
-I graduated Magna Cum Laude, from BYU.
-I landed a job at Ken Garff, THEEE greatest place ever to work. There I met my work besties Becky and Jordyn, and continually have an amazing time with them.
-I got married to my best friend on May 30th. I had been waiting SO long for this day, and to say it was the highlight of my 2015 is a complete understatement. It’s something that I can’t possibly explain. To sit in the temple with the love of my life, and know that I never have to be apart from him, was the most amazing moment of my whole life. And I think it always will be.
-We traveled to Vegas, California, and Idaho. Plus ran around Utah, hiking and discovering like crazy people.
-We watched other friends get engaged, married, and start their lives together along side us. We watched other friends take on school, go on missions, come home from missions, have babies, and all of us are growing up. It’s crazy, but so fun!
-We moved to a brand new apartment which we are obsessed with. We love our apartment, our neighbors, our ward, the city, everything.
-I spent a wholeeee bunch of time with my best friends. We have game nights, I trek down to Provo to spend time, and a few of them finally returned to me from being gone for far too long. 2015 felt like a settling period, where I adjusted and got settled into these amazing friendships.
-I got a new niece. The first niece. And she is perfection. I will spoil her absolutely rotten and I don’t care if she turns out like a crazy.
-I spent SO much time with my wonderful family, and Randy’s wonderful family. My family has come to mean more to me this year than ever before. They took Randy in as a son, and brother. And I am SO thankful for that. They supported, helped, and loved me through every moment of this year. I can’t thank them or share my love for them adequately. Joining Randy’s family was a wonderful adventure, and I am loving spending time with his brothers, chatting with his parents, getting close to my sister-in-law, and spending lots of time with extended family. We are so blessed to be in such wonderful families.
-Randy got called to be the Elders Quorum Secretary, and I’m teaching all the youths in Sunday School. It’s been a roller coaster, but I wouldn’t change a single thing about it.
-I blogged, worked, did freelance work, while Randy tackled full time school and a full time job. We were busy bees, but it was so wonderful to get to be busy together.
-We were happy. This year has been full of major changes, serious decisions, and huge adjustments. But there isn’t one single thing that I would redo, take back, or change.

I am so thankful for 2015. It’s been the best year of my life. Now, bring on 2016!

Christmas 2015 was WONDERFUL. I honestly don’t think it could have been any better!

Let’s talk about how it all went. (disclaimer* I didn’t take very many pictures. Shame on me. That’s one of my goals for this year, to find the balance between living in the moment and capturing it!)

Christmas Eve, Randy had to work:( BUT he didn’t have to go in for very long and I got to help my mom prep everything, I got to spend time with my sisters, run around and go shopping, and we had a very unfortunate mix-up in the Smith’s parking lot (like getting into the wrong car mix-up)

We then headed over to my family Christmas Eve get together which was too fun! Cousins running around, my new niece meeting everyone, and lots of yummy food. Then it was over to Randy’s parents house for their Christmas Eve dinner (lamb, turkey, potatoes, gravy, rolls, the works!) We had a blast hanging out with both our families that day.

Christmas Eve night at my parents house meant opening a new book, surprising our parents with matching “thug” PJs, and staying up reading the Christmas story. We finally got to bed, anticipating Santa’s arrival!

Christmas morning was with my parents and my siblings, and was amazing. We sang a hymn, read a story, dove into some awesome presents, and Randy and my family nailed my Christmas gifts. It’s so fun to watch everyone open their gifts, get excited and happy, know that you made someone else happy. It was wonderful to see my niece laugh, and then sleep through most of Christmas. Quiche, candy, and lots of laughs.

Randy and I then raced over to the Low’s house for Christmas morning there, where they were WAY too sweet to us. We really have the best families ever! Pancakes, Japanese omelettes, and video games with all the boys were some highlights. Then it was BACK to my parent’s house for Christmas Day Lunch (prime rib, rice, potatoes, green beans, THE WORKS)

We were really well fed this year.

Then, back to the Low family Christmas Day gathering. White Elephant, MORE FOOD (I swear to you I gained six pounds this year) laughs and some wonderful gifts surrounded us.

Randy and I have felt so blessed to have two wonderful families who made our first Christmas together wonderful. I can’t even explain how perfect it was to hear my first “Merry Christmas” of the day from my cute husband, still half asleep.

The day after Christmas was more running around between families, hanging out with cousins and playing games, singing songs, and watching movies.

And then Sunday, my beautiful niece was blessed! Lots of people at our house, a delicious soup bar, and a beautiful little girl to celebrate. Hanging out with my cousins was a blast, and we love spending time with my big family.

Randy was worn out LOLZ

This season it’s always easy to get caught up in the details. My family has a tradition where we read a scripture each night to count down to Christmas. My mom decides a theme for our family, and then the scriptures all relate to that theme. This year, the theme was courage. On Christmas Eve, we talked about all the courageous things that our family has done this year. Moving far away, college, jobs, marriage, babies. It was really wonderful to reflect on those things, and how the Savior helped us to have the courage to make all these big and important decisions. I couldn’t help but think how much courage it to Mary and Joseph to welcome the Son of God into their home. It took Christ courage to take this important first step that would ultimately lead to being away from his Father, and eventually lead to the Atonement and his death. It takes all of us courage to have faith, and to rely on him. Christmas is a wonderful time to think about the gift He gave to us that day. I got to spend some time thinking about Him this year, and I hope you did too.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and I wish you all a Happy New Year!

The weeks have been FLYING by. I blink and I haven’t blogged in almost 10 days! So much has happened so let’s catch up!

Sister Rada is home!!! It was so wonderful to see her after a long 18 months. I have missed my best friend more than I can say, and having her home and texting her and snapchatting her all day has been SO amazing.

We celebrated Randy finishing his finals with some Japanese food! It was good food, but Randy wasn’t super impressed with the waitress not really knowing anything about the food she was serving! I had a GIANT squid and it was wonderful

Our office Christmas party was a fancy lunch at the Grand America, so of course the entire marketing department wore ugly sweaters. High class, let me tell ya. I just love my job, my coworkers, and that I work at such a wonderful place!

The fam-bam hit up Soldier Hollow for a great day of tubing and snow ball throwing and fun. It’s be so awesome to have Ben and Kim and little Candece here with us for Christmas! My family is wonderful!

We also had family pictures with the amazing Dan Page. He did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to share more!!! Also, Randy is kinda amazing:)

Getting all glammed up for pics!

Last night Randy and I dragged Courtney around Salt Lake with us and it was wonderful. We may have decided to go through with an adult adoption so Court can officially be part of our family.

It was pretty much a stellar night.

And to finish off Christmas Adam, this little chick and I took some selfies and discussed the importance of penguin vs. raccoon PJs.

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve my friends!

Hola my friends!

Let’s recap:

Friday, Randy and I went to Kaysville and hung out with my fam/did homework/worked. It was wonderful though!

Saturday was more studying, shopping, and time with the Lows.

And then Saturday night, was killer. We had White Elefriend (a play on white elephant if you couldn’t tell) and an ugly sweater party with our friend group. And it was fantastic. There were some crazy gifts (including a squash and two bags of potatoes, a baby doll and a picture of Hough) and some awesome gifts (nerf guns, an ABBA CD…)

And mostly just time hanging out with my BFFs.

Then we had to go back to real life and go teach our classes and prepare for finals week and that was less fun.

But still, life is wonderful and we are very happy, and very lucky.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Also. T-minus ONE DAY UNTIL MY BOO COURTNEY COMES HOME.

AHHHHH

GUYS.

I met my niece!!!

Just three months after she was born, but whatever!

AUNT VICKI FOR THE WIN. She is adorable and amazing and I love her SO much. Randy is SUCH a good uncle already, I think we’ve pretty much nailed the position of favorite aunt and uncle. Also I’m trying to get my family on board for only calling me Aunt Vicki instead of Maddy, so I’ll keep you updated on that. (If you aren’t getting the Aunt Vicki reference, click here.)

Also in between hours of studying, I made Randy get all Christmas-y with me and decorate gingerbread men and women! YES I baked them and cut them out, and we decorated them and I happen to love them.

Randy’s Sumo one was his favorite of the night.

And lastly, today at work was a small tragedy. We moved around desks, and that means I no longer sit by my BFF and work wife. It was a hard day, so if you could all feel really bad for me I’d appreciate it.

But we will find a way to cope.

Happy Friday everyone, happy weekend, and happy getting ready for finals! (BLECK)

I am always behind on blogging. And this post is INCREDIBLY sappy about Randy. So if that’s not your thing, just skip this one.

So sorry my friends.

SO.

We hit a semi decent sized landmark the other day. 6 months of marriage!! (HOLY COW)

Time has been FLYING.

Here’s a little look at what the last six months have held for us:

https://player.vimeo.com/video/115237909

Welp. I’m at it again.

Like I said last time – this post isn’t about me ranting my anger or frustration. It stems from dozens of conversations with people who are in the same boat as me, who are not choosing to be offended, but instead are choosing to move forward despite things being said to them that could hurt. It stems from conversations with those who have no idea that they’re saying things that are hurtful, and want to recognize and be better.

I got lots of response from my last posts about missions – and I feel like they did some good. But I’m still hearing people who are getting hurt over some things – and I want to stand up for those people, including myself.

Getting offended is a choice – I’ve heard it time and time again. But if you were the one causing offense, wouldn’t you want to know? I really don’t think people knowingly want to hurt me, or anybody else. But sometimes things that people say can hurt.

So please don’t take this as a hate of all things missionary, as a rant of angry feelings, as a post springing from my own insecurity. Take it as I mean it – a kind look into what many of us are feeling, and how you can help.

 1. “You’re so spiritual, I totally thought you were an RM.” We know you mean this as a compliment. But unfortunately, it’s not. Returned missionaries don’t have the monopoly on spirituality, hospitality, charity, etc. Those of us who didn’t serve a mission can still have a strong testimony, teach well, and be missionaries wherever we live. The fact that you’re so surprised that we didn’t serve and still manage to be a strong member of the church, can be hurtful.

2. “Wait, why didn’t you serve?” This question again has kind intentions, but it’s a fairly personal one. Maybe we didn’t want to, prayed and felt we shouldn’t, weren’t able to, or a million other things. No matter why we didn’t serve, it’s a personal decision between us and the Lord. If we’re open about it, ask away. If not, maybe it’s not the best question to ask.

3. “You would’ve been such a good missionary.” Again, this has the kindest of intentions. But again, it can be so hurtful. We were good missionaries while you were on your mission, and we are still good missionaries every day through our example, by sharing the gospel with others, and more.

4. “I feel insecure about teaching this lesson, because there are so many RM’s in this room.” This is for my gals and guys who didn’t serve!  Don’t sell yourself short! I heard these words from a wonderful Bishopric member’s wife, who had so much to teach us. Don’t think for one second that your Gospel experiences aren’t enough, or make you less than anyone else. This goes for all kinds of situations, not just in regards to missionary service.

5. “He didn’t really serve, he came home early.” I have several really good friends who came home early from missions for one reason or another. This does not, in any way invalidate the time they spent serving, or the time they will continue to spend serving from wherever they are. Early returned missionaries are not a disappointment. They are a strong example. Whether they come home to work on things, because they are sick, or any other reason, they deserve our love and support, as well as our recognition of a job well done.

6. “Girls, if you’re thinking about going on a mission, stop thinking and just go.” I was thinking about going on a mission. The more I prayed about it, the more I got confirmation that it wasn’t the right thing for me. So it’s a good thing that I didn’t just drop everything and go because I wanted to. Maybe a better thing would be to say, “if you’re thinking about going on a mission, spend lots of time studying, praying, and working to find your answer.”

7. “A mission is the best option for you at this time in your life.” For a lot of people, this is true. On my last post there was lots of discussion about boys serving missions. Some boys don’t serve, and that’s just fine. Prophets have said that worthy, healthy, spiritually ready boys should serve. I stand by the position of our prophets, and I also know that each person has a story. There are reasons it didn’t/couldn’t/wouldn’t work out for so many young men. I understand that some of my close friends were in situations that prevented them from serving, serving a full two years, etc. I applaud them for working with Bishops, priesthood leaders, and their Heavenly Father to make that decision. The whole purpose of my posting is to help us realize how we could be judging others (myself included! I am NOT perfect either my friends). Please be careful about how you view others who didn’t serve; everyone has a story and their story deserves your consideration and kindness. The boys and girls who do serve, and the boys and girls who don’t serve both need our love and support. NOW, for my girls. For some of you, a mission WILL be the best option. For others of you, it will not. Again, let’s not judge. My story didn’t include serving a mission at this time in my life. I respect and am so grateful for both those who had a mission in their story, and those who didn’t.

8. “I will only date/marry an RM.” We discussed this in my last post, and I want to touch on this again. Girls and boys BOTH say this too often. What matters is the testimony, conversion, and lifestyle of the person today. Say instead, “I want to marry someone who will go with me to the temple,” or “I want to marry a worthy priesthood holder,” or “I want to marry someone who will help me teach the gospel to our children.”

Again, not a rant, not anger, none of the above. Just a girl who isn’t perfect, and who is trying to help the culture of this beautiful religion be a little less judgmental, a little kinder, and a little more open for every person and their story.