Testing...testing...123?

Well, I've been mildly chastised again for not updating my blog often enough. (What is it with you people? Is my life really so fascinating?...Just kidding!) So I thought I would appease the masses (meaning all four of you who read this) with another thrilling adventure....Okay, so when I say thrilling, I mean something more along the lines of "hectic," but that's just nitpicking, isn't it?


It's been a crazy couple of weeks for us in the Madsen/States home. As many of you know, we've had birthdays galore this month; Chrissy, Brian, Dad...and that's kept us running around for a bit. :) But it's also been an eventful month for me at school. I'm in the process of studying to take an exam for my state limited license--which would allow me to start earning money in this fabulous field. (So exciting!)


I've been going a little crazy stressing out over whether or not I'm over-preparing for this thing. And in the midst of all my angst I've also had several other tests in my regular coursework. (Can you say frazzled?) However, to toot my own horn here, I have gotten some awesome scores even through the stress. I earned straight 100s on both my sectional anatomy and radiographic positioning exams. And I even got a 92 on my physics exam!! (It must be that extra sleep I'm trying work in...I've been trying really hard to do the whole "healthy living" thing.) In fact, I'm so jazzed about this last test, that I thought I would take a picture to show you just how awesome I did:




Cue shocked screams and crazy faces:

SURPRISE! (It sure was one for us!!) Patrick has been very sweet about trying to keep me calm between bouts of panic...I didn't really plan for this on my timeline, what with school and all. But he's so excited to be a daddy, that it's just contagious! After I spend time around him I find I have a strong urge to start making baby booties and such! I'm not very far along, about 4 weeks we think; but I'm already under lots of monitoring at my school and clinical site since I work around radiation. (Don't worry, I'm...well, I suppose I should say "we" are being kept VERY safe!)

I'm still trying to wrap my head around becoming a mother, and I find myself thinking of my mom a lot. I really would have liked to have her here; but she was always saying "find joy in the journey!" And I've made a promise to myself to enjoy these next months and years as much as I possibly can. Besides, what could be better than carrying a little "bundle of joy" around with you all the time to remind you, right?!

Love you all!

Ahh, Valentines....

This is my first time experimenting with music on my blog, so everybody wish me luck...(P.S. I have tried and tried to fix the sideways pics in the slideshow, but it's not working. Guess you're just gonna have to turn your head...or leave me advice on how to fix it!)

Something rare and wonderful happened today in my marriage. You know how you develop a routine as a couple? (i.e.: Coming home from work you know the first thing your guy does is drop his stinky shoes and socks in front of the couch before he stretches out. And he knows that you'll always be five minutes late for church or a date because your still putting on your mascara and brushing your teeth. Stuff like that...)And, accordingly you begin to adjust your plans around that routine. Well, one of Patch and my routines when grocery shopping is to stop by the Redbox machine. It usually goes something like this:

Me: "Oh crap. I forgot to grab the deodorant. Will you run and grab it while I get in line?"

Patrick: "Why?"

Me: "Because you have longer legs and can walk faster."

Patrick: [Smiles and rolls his eyes.] "Fine. I'm going to look at Redbox on the way out."

Me: "That's fine. Thanks, love."

After we finish checking out, I stand behind him as he browses through the selection and picks something with suitable testosterone levels like Gran Torino or Zombieland. I don't mind. I'm usually studying somewhere else while he and dad watch it.

But today I had finished most of my homework at the theatre--it was the slowest day ever. I only had one sale--and I wanted to hang out and relax when I got home. So I asked if he would mind if I picked a movie this time (and yes, it would definitely be girly). Now, get this folks, he smiled, stepped aside and "sure."

Okay, okay, so I know that's probably not a moment you'd associate with trumpets and an angelic chorus, but for me, it kind of was. It's those little moments of unselfish giving and flexibility that remind me why I fell in love. He didn't have to say that; after all, he'd had a really long day too. But he did. He even watched the movie with me, and he didn't mock it once!

And that's why my hubby is the winner of the "Best Ever Valentine" award. Love you, sweets.