Tis Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve has never really been a big deal for my family. 

We get Christmas PJs at night and that is the extent of our Christmas Eve traditions.

Just as I am telling my besties yesterday.

 One of whom I haven't seen since February because she lives in DC. 

I feel so lucky that I got her for a whole day (huge deal for both of us!) before I leave for NYC.

I have missed her so much and a phone call can only be sufficient for a little.
After i get through telling them my family doesn't really have a Christmas Eve tradition.

We stop in to my house to grab my gift for her and so she can see the family and I get the Nancinator telling me we are having a christmas eve dinner with EVERYONE... 

Here is a little of our conversation-

E: What? Um Ok I give mom, who is everyone?

N: Well us and Jess & Dave.... 

E: So just the fam?

N: lise this is a big deal!

So this is the new tradition I guess.. And I have to say I'm very excited because the Nancinator never cooks, but when she does it is So GOOD!

So Happy Christmas Eve, I hope its magical for every one

xoxo- E

Christmas Time

Ahhh my fellow bloggers! 

HELLLOOO! The answer is

YES

I am still alive!

I have just been so busy with finals, and stalking my school councilor... 

We have been getting my life on some sort of a new track...

and this may shock everyone I know to the very core, but in some of my free time I have been using it to shop, and.....

EXERCISE!

Yes you did read this correctly. I have recently been on team exercise- 

Julie and I have been going to Bikram Yoga-

The yoga where the temperature in the room is 108 degrees while you do yoga for 90 minutes!

The first time I thought I was going to die or throw-up... maybe both.

But we have been a few more times and it seems to be getting better/ or maybe we are just making each other think it is getting easier haha! Who really knows, but all I can say is:

We are on our way to becoming an VS angel!

I also have been in the interviewing process to work for the New Lululemon!

(P.S. It's opening up in Trolley Square this Feb. or March!) 

Which has been about a 3 week process, 

and I just heard today that I did not get the job.... 

Im super sad about it, but as all my good friends and family say: 

"Everything happens for a reason." 

Oh my sweet family and friends are so wise! 

And I have to believe that they are right!

Anywho CHRISTMAS is only 3 days away! HOORAY

And all my friends that have moved are coming home from the holidays!! 

And I can't wait to sees them all. 

And the 26th the family and I are on our way to the very fashionable, always fun, and freezing NYC!

 A much needed vacation! 

Billy and I may even do New Years Eve again, because I hear that 

Justin Bieber will be there. 

It will defiantly have to be a game time decisions.

 And here is a quote that I can't get enough of right now

"I believe in PINK. I believe that LAUGHING is the best calorie burner. I believe in KISSING, kissing a lot. I believe in being STRONG when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that HAPPY girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles"

- Audrey Hepburn

Hope everyone has a great Christmas!

Love you all

-E

VS Fashion Show 2011

Listen- 

let me start out by saying I have never seen this fashion show until this year. 

I had no idea what it even was or that it even happened until I was asked to record it.... 

That being said.....

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS FASHION SHOW!

Come on now!
Show me a person that says they don't like it, and I will in fact show you a liar.

 This was my favorite outfit of the night! 

How amazing is this?

 NOT only do I love this, but um hello she just had a baby 2 MONTHS ago.... 

Jealous party of one.

 Adam levine is super sexy, and I love Maroon 5... 

And unfortunately his too beautiful girlfriend.. 

who he sunk a kiss on during the show... 

Stop it! So adorable!

 These Umbrellas spun as she walked... 

Yeah amazing!

 Ballet...

Love... 

Enough said

 This was Gorgeous!!

Oh my gosh..Yes please. 

And last BUTT not least this amazing disco ball.... 

I want it!

Is that wrong... 

I think not!

During the show I also learned that they add a new angel every year.

This got me to thinking...

Um HELLO! I could be that angel.

So watch out 2012, your new angel is getting ready! 

Fabulous + Fun =25

24

 I feel like it went by in a flash! 

But I did some amazingly fun stuff during this year-

-I did New Years Eve in Time Square with Billy-
Needless to say we'll never forget that experience.

-Saw some movies
And looking back in some of these entries I gave some pretty epic movie reviews.

-Shopped A LOT-
Lulu lemon, Kate Spade, H&M, Zara- You own me, like literally! 

I went SKYDIVING!-
 NOT like me- but I loved it! 

-Had some very spur of the moment trips- 

                   One to St. George with V-ness and the Van Leeuwen's- something that will never be forgotten and started a very beautiful friendship with the Van Leeuwens's- which I am so grateful for!

                    One to Vegas with my mom and sister- to mend a broken heart- with what else, sunshine and retail therapy

California with the family-
Always delightful 

Florida-
In August, not the smartest idea- but it was so worth it for

 HARRY POTTER LAND!! Ahhh I need to go back!

-Had a boyfriend for about 6 months (3 months he was interning far away, so does that really count... I'm going to give that a solid no....)- 

So we dated for 3 months-
what a sweet gem.

But hey why look back

 25 

is going to be the year of fabulous and fun!

-And it all started out with a Birthday Bash!-

So I'm usually never in town for my birthday, which at first I hated, but then I loved it! Because you don't have to plan an party and worry about people coming, gifts ect... 

But this year I was home-And I was a nervous wreck! 

I planned a dinner that you can come whenever and leave when needed.
So I'm thinking pretty perfect-

The day was perfect I skipped school-
Ate lunch with my sweet dad-
Then I opened family gifts, some great and thoughtful stuff-
Then I showered and went to my dinner! 

The turn out was great and so many of my amazing friends came.
It was such a perfect day!

Even though some of my dear friends couldn't make it.. I forgave them, of course!

Here are some pics from the lovely night.....

I honestly have the best friends anyone could ask for!

p.s. I also wore the tallest heels ever- hence me looking like a giant....

 A pic of some of the ladies that made it out for the dinner

 B and E- forever

 Brit and Jules- 

Oh the love I have for them- 

Some would say

I love you like a love song baby!

 Chewbs and V- 

The wild cards of our group! Always light up an event!

 My favorite brother! 

We are basically the same person!

 OH We know these ladies to well- the grace my blog with there presence always, Love ya 

Kate and Megs!

 BOWS!!

The married couple I look up to immensely! (No Pressure) 

They are the cutest couple, ahh 

Thank you all so much!!!

 (even the sweet ladies that couldn't make it out, or didn't get a picture with me)

This year (as I said above) will be fabulous and dedicated to having fun

You are only young once-

 So why not live it up and roll with what life bring you!

Sorry it took me forever and a day to post this but I am dealing with finals and whatnot

So forgive me

I will blog more when my test are done!

-E

Two for my favorite things put together

As we all know Thanksgiving was yesterday. What you may not know is that I believe Thanksgiving is the most underrated holiday ever! After Halloween everyone just gets jumps over Thanksgiving and straight to Christmas. Which I understand Christmas is so amazing, but Thanksgiving is super great too!
How can you overlook this holiday filled with family, food and being grateful.... You just can't!
So in true Madsen style we headed to Irvine for Billy's soccer tournament which is also my moms sneaky way of getting out of cooking!
So to celebrate one of my favorite holidays we headed to one of my favorite places.... DISNEYLAND!!!!
This day was filled with so much fun family time, laughs, and most of all...Disney magic!
So I went a little picture crazy, but I'm not apologizing for it, we are all so photogenic and my family LOVES when I make them take pictures... So here they are... Hope you enjoy! And that you all had such a fantastic thanksgiving.

A little dad time, followed by a little mom time, while we waited in line for toy story! Always worth the wait!




Then we hit up the new ride, The Little Mermaid!! Ahhh! It was so cute and fun! Needless to say I loved it!

Family fun!





We think we are so funny! I tried on that fox hat, these are all the rage here, cause everyone was wearing these.... I was dying and almost bought it!

So pretty at night!! And after we ate such an amazing dinner. Then we all could really get excited about Christmas!

We all loved Disneyland decorated for Christmas! Needless to say we had such a great day the only thing that was an issue was that it was FREEZING! But it was totally worth it! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Love you all
-E

P.S- Sorry you couldn't see these pics for a bit, thats what you get when uploading with your phone....

Rough Times At The U of U Counseling Center

Ok so since I have declared my major I have gone into the counseling center every semester! 

This is just a precaution to make sure I am staying on track with all my classes, in order to walk this spring and really finish up the last two classes in my major in the summer to get my degree.

So I made my semester appointment per usual and was notified that my counselor had changed, but she had talked with my older counselor and knew my story and exactly what I needed. 

So I was feeling pretty excited about this appointment because I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm almost done!

As I sit down and she pulls up my dars report and my excel class schedule worksheet.

As I am looking at my last two semesters I cant help but notice it has me taking 20+ credits these last two semesters.

This cant be right or even real…. 

It must be someone else’s file.

As I start talking to her she begins to tell me that my last counselor forgot a few classes that I had to take to graduate….

Um yeah I would say just a few!!!

 Are you kidding me?!

In addition to those few classes she forgot. She also failed to mention that I have to take a huge test to get into the Teacher Licensing program by December 5…

I was not aware of this… People study for this test for months- you have to get a 173 out of 200.

And on top of all that I would need to write a paper about “Why I would be a great teacher” and 5 letters of recommendation.

AND I also would have to take the master test and get a 4.5 or higher out of 6 in the writing section.

OH OK…. Sure, Yeah I got this…..

So the fact that I am not Wonder Woman... 

my original plan won’t be able to happen.

I won’t be walking this Spring or really be graduating this Summer…..

S
o now I am going to have to either kick my butt to finish this December, or just graduate Spring 13.

To say that I am depressed about it…. yeah that would be an understatement.

I have to say I did not see this coming, but it's going to be ok….

Getting Older

So while my little brother was taking his drivers test he almost did not pass because he was super close to failing the eye exam. 

So my parents decided to make him an eye appointment...naturally. 

So at Sunday dinner before his appointment we got to talking...

And while I was making fun of him my parents decided that I need to get an exam too, because we couldn't remember the last time I had one.... 

So I went in on Monday and found out that my right eye is super awesome 20/20! 

But my left eye- not so much.... I mean it's not super bad...It's just a few corrections in the left eye.

And one little correction in the right.

This means I had (or got to) to get glasses. 

I don't have to wear them all the time, just when needed.

And since I have never had contacts or glasses before, picking out glasses was a nightmare! 

At first nothing looks good, because your not used to seeing yourself in glasses...

But I ended up getting two pairs. 

I got a pair of solid red... Super fun and cute ones!

Then I am getting a normal-ish pair too. 

The red ones where ready today, and the others will take a bit longer.... 

but here is a pic of me in the cute red ones!

-E

If you know me at all.... 

you would know my love for Disney! 

Here is just a little somethin' somethin' I started during class.....

Lets all thank the U of U for this work of art!

                                           

From the day we arrive on the planet, and blinking step into the sun, there’s more to see than can ever be seen…

And at last I see the light, and its like the sky is new, and its warm and real and bright…. 

A whole new world! A new fantastic point of view, no one to tell us no or where to go, or say were only dreaming…

In dreams you’ll lose your heartaches, whatever you wish for you’ll keep…

All you gotta do is rub that lamp…hold it tight… 

And I’ll be your candle on the water, my love for you will always burn…

I will protect you from all around you, I will be here don’t you cry…

You’re the saddest bunch I ever met, but you can bet before we’re through, Mr. I’ll make a man out of you…

I wanna be a man, mancub, and stroll right into town, and be just like the other men, I’m tired of monkeying around…

But still I cannot see, if the savage one is me, how can there be so much that you don’t know…

I wanna know, can you show me, I wanna know about these strangers like me…

I would go most anywhere to feel like I belong…

Look at me, I will never pass for a perfect bride, or a perfect daughter…

Look at this trove, treasures untold, how many wonders can one cavern hold, looking around here you’d think, sure she’s got everything…

With a dreamy, far-off look and her nose stuck in a book…

I feel her I see her, the sun caught in her raven hair…

We know how your feeling, who you’re thinking of… 

Everyone wants to know their true love is true…

So this is love, the key to our heaven is love…

Now tell me princess…. 

Can you feel the love tonight?

-E

OOHHhh Halloween!

We started of this Halloween with a great FHE carving pumpkins- 

Which I can't even remember the last time I did that- 

Then the next night I had the pleasure of carving again with Julie and Britney and some boys- which we ended the night with a great game of catch phrase -(Inside joke: WHORE)

 such a fun fun night!!

PS- I now know why I don't really remember carving pumpkins- 

It's because it is hard and kills my hand! 

But it was worth it when the designs come out right!

Since Halloween fell on a Monday this year.....

 in Utah that means we get to party for four days!

Woe that can be a little bit of an overload!

 And since I had no idea of what I was going to be until Friday morning it was a tab bit stressful!

And as Mean girls States:

 "In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress up like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it."

Well my dear friends, Julie and I decided to get away from the slutty girl costumes...

We headed straight for innocent and oh so cute!

Julie and I decided to be insects- Julie is the sweetest honeybee ever, and I am the most adorable Lady Bug you ever did see! 

As we went to some fun parties we ran into some friends! 

And we danced all the nights away! And had a BLAST!

And after all the parties we were starving and had to make a pit-stop.

best decision we ever made!

And of course My parents had the day of Halloween had some people start putting up our Christmas lights.... Jumping the gun parents... maybe, but I have to say this year instead of being angry about hearing Christmas music, decorating, ect... until the day after thanksgiving.

 Not this year! I am cheerful and already listening to Justin Bieber new Christmas album.... AMAZING!

-E

Some SUPER Fun Times At The Utah Fair

Lately I have been such a Blogaholic!

But what can I say... my life is just that exciting! 

So a month or so ago the crew (Beth, Landon, Katelyn, Meg, and I) went to the fair... 

And lucky for us Landon and Beth are super indie, and they brought a video camera and made this super awesome video!! 

Watch and enjoy! 

The Fair Video- Done by Fielding Films LLC

Also while you are on their page, look at all their amazing videos they have done. 

You will be more then impressed! 

These two are so talented-----

it makes me sick... 

hahah LOVE!

-E

Spiritual Bear

Ok allow me to explain

So this is a very different kind of post for me, but its been on my mind and I feel why not share a good thing... So here it goes....

I am so lucky to have the family and the friends that I do

I feel like I am surrounded by Spiritual Bears

Which is a term I love to use- It just means I feel like whenever I have a question, or just feel the need to talk about something related to the gospel I can ask any of my family and friends and get some really great answers and advice. Because they are all Spiritual Bears.

They teach me so much on a regular basis!

I would call myself more of a spiritual cub.

That is in no way saying I'm not spiritual, but it is saying I am growing everyday!

And right now I have made it a goal of mine to read a chapter a day in the Book Of Mormon, and while doing so writing about what I read.

Now I have been doing this for only about ten days.
But I can tell you I wouldn't be learning half of what I am with out this book...

This book is so amazing! 

If you have the chance to pick one up, do it, with out a doubt. 

This book goes through each chapter and verse with you and writes in todays type of language

and it also adds snippets of talks from General Conference that go along with what you are reading.

It also gives you more in-depth explanations about symbolisms ect. 

And in these last ten days I honestly can say I feel a difference in my everyday life.

As of recent I have been addicted to Pinterest and well here are some quotes I feel go along with this post and need to be shared

Ok now that I feel like I have bombarded my three readers with my newly found spiritual process a give you a silly photo of me   

enjoy

  -E