Twinning

Twinning. 

v. a take on the popular term winning; refers to having identical thoughts or behavior

Popular to contrary belief, my roommate Sarah and I are not twins.

I know, you just fell out of your chair because you were so shocked. Take deep breaths; it will be okay. 

Then one time, Sarah got bangs. And we secretly hoped that people would stop getting us confused.

But it didn't work. 

So hate to break it to you, but we aren't twins. We aren't sisters. We aren't even related. 

We're just best friends. <3 

More to come from this weekend! :)

Hakuna matata!

Mallory

[Insert clever title here]

Howdy!

I cannot believe it is only Wednesday. This has been a chaotic week already and it's barely half over!

I absolutely love the fact that Utah has seasons. That's right y'all, fall does actually exist. It's not just in movies. I guess over the past three years I got too accustomed to Texas weather because this 50 degree calls for me busting out my boots and sweaters. But it's all good, because I adore fall clothes. The mountains are absolutely gorgeous with the trees changing colors. Yesterday, I even saw some snow up in the mountains. What can I say? I love Utah in the fall.

Well these past few days have been super busy but also super fun! I had a chance to race paper and tin foil boats (just so you know, the boat that Julius and I made dominated), attend the BYU choir concert which was so great, explore some of downtown Provo, and attend a broadcast of the Brigham City Temple Dedication, which was an incredible experience. There was a tangible spirit in that meeting and I know that the Brigham City Temple, as is every other temple on the earth, is the House of the Lord. If you want to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and our beautiful temples, check out the "What I Believe" page above. :) Here are pictures from the past few days:

Lightning McQueen... We're number 1!! 

Random late night Frosty runs are a MUST. 

Last night me and my friend Katelyn attended the NSSLHA (National Student Speech Language Hearing Association) Opening Social. It was great to meet some of the professors and students in the Communication Disorders program here at BYU. I am so excited to be in this great program and already love it!!

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to hear from Jeff Wilks at the Tuesday Devotional here at BYU. He gave a fantastic talk about being optimistic in the pessimistic world we seem to live in. I wanted to share some of his points... they were so inspiring and totally applicable to my life right now.

1. Righteousness Does Not Mean Perfection

“Perfection can sometimes be the enemy of righteousness...when we get so caught up worrying about being perfect, about being a perfect spouse, a perfect son or daughter, a perfect parent, a perfect teacher, or a perfect friend, it’s easy to become discouraged because none of us will ever be perfect in this life. Even though our Savior commanded us to be perfect like him and our Heavenly Father, he has no expectation that we’re going to accomplish that in this life. It’s impossible. Remember, he taught Moroni that he gives unto us weaknesses that we can be humble. And if we humble ourselves, his grace is sufficient to make these weaknesses become strengths, but not perfections.”

2. Keep Trying

"When you’re sitting there, wondering whether you can stand back up one more time, remember that sometimes the test isn't about overcoming, but about whether we will keep trying no matter how hard things seem to be. Never give up. Do all things cheerfully that lie in your power, and then stand still with the assurance that God will help you."

3. Keep Your Focus on Heavenly Father

"He is always nearby when we are going through tough times, but it’s up to us whether we will look into his eyes and listen to his voice. We look into his eyes and we hear his voice when we immerse ourselves in the scriptures and we converse with him in daily, meaningful prayer. I testify to you that by keeping our focus on him and listening to his voice, we will see the goodness and wonder that surrounds us even in the most difficult of circumstances.”

4. Heavenly Father’s Approval Matters Most

“Why do we aspire to the honors of men and forget that Heavenly Father’s approval is all that matters in the end? When we allow our decisions to be influenced by the approval of others, we put ourselves at the mercy of fickle mobs, ever changing fashions, and the devil’s whirlwinds. If instead we seek our Heavenly Father’s approval only, we build our foundation upon a rock that cannot be moved. . .  I testify to you that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are our greatest cheerleaders and fan section. And we will feel more joy and hope in this world when we do our best to seek and obtain their approval."

5. Look for (and Remember) the Joy in our Lives

I love that! I hope that you find that as meaningful and important as I do! 

Thanks for reading; have a fabulous Wednesday!

Hakuna matata,

Mallory 

Life as of late

Hey all! 

This is week 4 of the fall semester and I am beginning to feel like I've got most of my classes figured out, which makes my life much easier. Here's what's new:

Saturday Sarah and I spent a lot of time studying. We attempted to study by osmosis. Unfortunately, it didn't work. 

I seriously have the best roommate. 

Saturday evening was the BYU vs. Utah game. We watched it in the Cannon Center. It was the most INTENSE game in the world. We were so close to making the most epic comeback. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. :( Next time Cougars...next time. It's okay, because I hung out with some of the most fun people to watch football with. It was way fun, despite the loss. 

Devoted fans! 

Sunday was our regional conference. Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke to us from the Marriott Center as well as many other awesome speakers. It was an incredible conference and the Spirit there was so strong. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Last night was Family Home Evening. We played night games and it was SO much fun and a much needed study break. Then we went to the creamery to get ice cream (the graham canyon ice cream was back...we had to get some!). 

Today was like one of the busiest days of my life! AHHHHH. 
But, I survived relatively unscathed and now am ready to tackle some final homework, get some much needed sleep, and wake up bright and early for my 7 a.m. cadaver lab. 


Hakuna matata,

Mallory 

Give me 2 minutes

All I'm asking for is like 2 minutes for me to be excited about my life. I'm not one to make a big deal out of these kinds of things (actually, I never do for that matter), but for once I feel the need to express my sheer happiness about the following things:

1. I had the opportunity to help out with some BYUSA recruiting this week and had a total blast. I am absolutely in love with that organization and all the people in it. 

2. I survived my first of many cadaver labs without passing out, throwing up, or crying (which was a feat in and of itself) and aced my lab quiz.

3. I got to see my family on Thursday at my little cousin's 7th birthday party. I love them!

4. I GOT MY KEYBOARD YESTERDAY! It had been in storage at my grandparents house all summer and I finally got it in my dorm. I am SO happy. 

5. I got a 10/10 on my first American Heritage essay! And I got a 100% on my anatomy quiz! 

6. It is FRIDAY and life is beautiful!! 

Okay. 

I'm done. 

Thanks for reading and bearing with me. 

Hakuna matata,

Mallory 

Life is good

Well, this marks the end of my second week of the fall semester. I think I am beginning to work out a routine that works best to accomplish the 50 billion hours of daily work I am expected to accomplish in only 24. 

Wednesday evening Sarah and I went out for a surprise birthday party for one of our good friends from our summer ward. It was so great to celebrate and see all our summer girls again!  

Thursday was boring--classes and studying. But Sarah and I managed to make our day a little better by eating Twix ice cream bars. We are obsessed. 

Friday I finished all my classes and went to babysit my adorable little cousins in the evening. Then Sarah and I had facial-Frosty-and-fries Friday. Quite possibly a new tradition? That would be FABULOUSLY FANTASTICALLY FUN! (we had too much fun making alliterations). 

You can say it...... WE ARE SO CUTE! ;)

This morning I was privileged to wake up bright and early at 7:30 to go to an anatomy open lab. Woo. (NOT).

Then we went to the BYU vs. Weber State football game!!! WOOOOOOO! (unlike the previous woo, this one is not laced with sarcasm! That is a genuine woo!)

Love these girls! 

Kinsey, Sarah and I trying to cool off with some frozen lemonade! It was so hot outside! And yes, I got a sunburn on only half of my face because of the way our seats faced. It's super cute. 

And I forgot to mention.... WE FOUND WALDO!!! 

We won 45-13, in case you were wondering! Go Cougars!

Then we went to Cafe Rio! And we ate with Divine Comedy. Or stalked them. Your choice. They are just the coolest people ever! We are obsessed. 

Love her! <3 

Well that's all for tonight. 

Remember...don't count the days; make the days count. 

Hakuna matata,

Mallory 

I love to see the Temple

Hello one and all! Let me fill you in on this weekend!

Sunday was fast and testimony meeting at church. It was a great meeting and I truly felt the Spirit as each of the testimonies were born. 

Monday was Labor Day! Hooray! 

I played tennis in the morning with some friends and then went to my aunt's house for a delicious lunch! It was so much fun to visit with all my family and of course, eat some home-cooked food. :) That evening we had Family Home Evening. We played a really fun game (it's name is escaping me at the moment, I apologize...). I love my family already!! 

Tuesday snapped me back into reality. I was in and out of the anatomy lab all day studying for my first lab quiz (which I took today) and had class all day. It was a stressful, busy day. Finally, I arrived home from campus late that evening, feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. However, my floor started a new tradition--Temple Tuesday! Me and 15 other girls from my floor went to the Provo Temple and did confirmations and baptisms (if you are curious about what I'm talking about, check out the "What I Believe" tab above). I had an incredible experience in the temple and felt so close to my Savior, Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Father. I received much-needed answers my prayers and left late that night overcome with a calm, peaceful feeling that can only come from the love of Jesus Christ. I bear testimony to you that the temple is the House of the Lord and that God hears and answers each and every single prayer we utter. Don't ever doubt His endless love, mercy, and power and never give up on Him, because He will never give up on you. 

Sarah and I

Stover girls!! 

Hakuna matata,

Mallory

Rise and shout! The COUGARS are out!

Well it is a rainy and cool Saturday here in Provo. It is my kind of weather! I seriously cannot wait for fall! 

This was my first week of the fall semester! It was such a relief knowing that I'd never have to endure a FIRST day of college ever again, I already did that in the summer! I felt so much more comfortable making my way around the campus. 

I am taking History 201, American Heritage, Physical Science, PDBio 220 (Human Anatomy), and an Intro to Communication Disorders class! They are all a lot of work, but I really like all my professors and the subjects are all very interesting! 

Thursday night was the first BYU football game of the season!! It was so much fun finally watching as a student instead of just a fan. We played Washington State and won 30-6. It was so much fun. It was a great game and we had a great group watching together! 

 Paige, Sarah and I

Classic umbrella picture :)

Rise and shout! The COUGARS are out! 

Last night Sarah and I went out with some friends to Zupas  for dinner (so yummy) and Subzero for ice cream! Then we went to a beginning of the year campus party and did some dancing and played games! We came back to our lobby after that and played signs and the animal game. We seriously had too much fun! :) 

This morning I did some laundry and homework. This afternoon I ran some errands with Katie and Scott and we are going out to dinner tonight with a visiting aunt and uncle. Real food!! I am so excited! 

Hakuna matata,

Mallory