The Infinite Power of Hope

"Hope, is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for us."
“In the depth of winter, [we find] within [us] an invincible summer.”

^{~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf}

HAPPY FRIDAY!

New York Trip

 I have no idea why this took so long, but better late than never...

So about a month ago my mom and I went to New York for a few days of FUN

Here are some of the pictures of our great adventure...

Mommy made me take a picture in front of all of our favorite candies, and I made her take a picture with Ralph in the Fashion District... 

I forget what we were doing here? Probably just resting our feet for a minute.

Getting some goodies at Dylan's

Serendipity frozen hot chocolate 

Our one and only trip on the Subway down to SOHO... It was quite an experience!

I was very proud of us... we made it there and back without getting lost!

It was seriously so much fun and I can't wait to go back with her! Hopefully in the Summer when it is a little warmer. 

Boo Bee Boo

Happy Birthday to My Bai Bai

You are 17 today... a little older, a little wiser, and more and more beautiful everyday!

The most wonderful and fabulous reasons I LOVE Bailers so much

 Her kook laugh

Her beautiful brown hair

Her sense of style

Watching her cheer

Her example

Her weird obsession with Avatar

Her ability to find the good in everything

Her many wolf T-shirts

The way she talks to Rugby

All of her picture taking

Her hazel eyes

Her quesadillas

Eating chocolate shakes with her

Taking naps with her and Andi

Her taste in music

Her dancing

Her unconditional love

I love you so much Bailee Boo, enjoy your special day!!

I would rather be WEIRD than normal

There is something about being able to recognize your flaws that truly intrigues me.

Perfection is something that I am constantly striving for,

and yet I have come to realize I will probably never be like Mary Poppins,

"Practically perfect in every way"

I like to believe that a few (not all) of my flaws could be some of my best qualities.

I tend to run into anything and everything (walls, furniture, you name it)

There doesn't have to be ice on the ground for me to slip or trip over something
My arms are a bit long in proportion to my body, so my sleeves are always short

I am a people-pleaser
I sometimes snort when I laugh
I am a bit neurotic about certain things

When I am really tired I sleep with one eye slightly open (it's weird)

I have a hard time when I don't get my way
I'm kind of a space cadet

I worry too much
I can't pass by a mirror without looking at myself
I constantly have a million thoughts in my head, it's exhausting
I am really hard on myself

Admitting my imperfections is the first step to embracing others amiable qualities.
I love that people's flaws can be some of my favorite things about them!

Perfection is something we will never achieve on this earth, we aren't supposed to! This being said, I am perfectly content in my knowledge that if we try our hardest in all we do, Heavenly Father will make up for the rest of our short comings.

Which brings me to our disposition...
I praise individuality.

Something that separates me from everyone else in this world makes me special.
Makes all of us special.

I have come to realize that being myself is way better than pretending to be something I'm not.
What's the point of fitting in when we were born to stand out?

I am OBSESSED!

SO I have been obsessing over a fashion blogger that caught my eye while exploring the "look book" website Andi and I love so much.

She has such a great point of view and the way she mixes her Louis Vuitton and her Old Navy is seriously genius. Her looks are inspiring and I could see myself in every single one. Check her out and let me know what you think. Here is her latest look that Brookie and I were DYING over!!

atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com

Oh and here is the look book website lookbook.nu

You are Cordially invited...

As per usual...

I am obsessing over a cluster of thoughts that have been occupying the space in
my head. I have been working on my positivity towards winter and the cold weather, but

It's time for SPRING!

It's time for tulips, green grass, floral tea dresses, and T-strap sandals.

Blaire, Andi, and I have been planning a bridal shower for Amanda; which is going quite smooth I might add... but with all my creative "party planning" energy, I have managed to plan an imaginary garden party right down to the color scheme and the floral arrangements.

I blame this on my inability to be patient with the changing season.

I love the idea of multiple vintage inspired glass vases as the foundation for a center piece. The color of these Hydrangea are just too perfect for words... I would pair them with plush pink tulips and beautiful pink peonies.

The handkerchief I was thinking of before I even found these pictures is green and pink with butterflies all over it. I wish I had a picture of it, but Mommy made it into a fabulous throw pillow and it is currently sitting on Andi's bed.

Paper lanterns and glass votive candles are a must.

There is something about cupcakes that puts a smile on my face. I love that they are decorated with fresh flowers! Cake pedestals make everything look beautiful... 

I LOVE these meringue cookies! They are the perfect little treat and SO adorable! 

I would probably wear something like this with three strands of pearls, maybe a few sparkly pins in my hair, and most likely a 4 inch heel of some sort...

What are you  going to wear?!

"Hearing your voice warmed our hearts and brightened our day."

Anytime I think or talk about my Grandpa I get tears in my eyes.

Slowly but surly, sad tears have gradually turned into happy tears.

I love thinking about him & his amazing influence on the many people in my life. 

The journey my family & I have taken these past three years has been life changing.

I hold tight to the many memories of him & the lessons I have learned since we lost him. I keep him with me in everything I do & I know he watches over me as I continue growing & progressing.

There are no words to express how lucky I am for the knowledge that we will one day be reunited. How grateful I am for the gospel & for my continually growing testimony that families are forever.

As I recognize his death, I praise his life 

Andi & I wrote a poem for Pa's funeral and this part of it always makes me smile...

"It’s the little things about you we remember best,

How you danced with Gramma and the way you dressed,

How loud you could whistle in a single blow,

And the way you answered the phone and said “HELLO”

Five children you and Gramma Have,

They are all so proud of their dear old dad.

Working your hardest and constantly giving,

A life in your presence was one worth living.

Your twenty grandkids were lucky to have such a guy.

Really loved their time with you and the twinkle in your eye.

We will all cherish the Powell name,

A legacy lives on, with you to blame."

It is hard to fathom loving him more than I do right now...

I feel him all around me, guiding me, inspiring me, comforting me

How I love you Grandpa

How I love my family