My Mother

As is appropriate, today's post is dedicated to my own mother, Cheryl Handley Burwell. 
My mother is astonishing. I believe it is impossible for me to help you understand exactly how astonishing she is.
My Mother is one of the most close to perfect persons I have ever met. No, she does not drive a fancy car, wear trendy clothes, eat brunch with a soiree of girlfriends, go on much needed vacations, or even catch up on classical books. My mother has dedicated her life to her children, family, religion, and the service of others. 

She is the most talented person I know. She can make the most delicious meal out of almost nothing, can an entire orchard of apples in less than two weeks, sew Halloween costumes, play Beethoven and Mozart, teach you everything you need to know about home storage and family preparedness, parallel park like a pro, get her visiting teaching done the first of the month, visit the sick and otherwise afflicted members of her church and community any hour of the day or night, and countless others. 

She is also one of the most down-to-earth persons I have ever known. She's mature. She doesn't sit with her friends in a circle and talk about people. In fact, she actually redirects the topic when it ever happens.  She is realistic. She made me realize that if I didn't have the nicest things in the world that I would not only be OK, but better off in the end. I think I've been corrupted by the "Mormon trend" to compete for nice things. She brings me back to earth and every visit with her makes me realize what's most important in life. 
She dedicates her life to us. I remember one time I was at school, single, and completely broke. I had $20 in my bank account for food that month. Is was the end of the semester and the school informed me I had a tuition fee of $20 I still had to pay or else I couldn't take my finals. I panicked. How would I have money for food that month? I didn't want to ask my mom for money because she would send me money here-and-there throughout the semester and I knew she had a mountain of other things to pay for with a modest (to say the least) income. Mom caught wind and sent me the money I needed. 
A small gesture, but I came to the realization that I could ask my mom for anything and she would sacrifice almost anything to provide for it.

I love my Mom. One day I was sitting in a school common area studying. I looked up and a woman's back was to me. Her hair was the exact shade and style of my Mom's and she even had the same body shape. I just sat there staring at her back, imploring in my head for her to not turn around. "Don't you dare turn around, because right now you look just like my Mom, and I miss my Mom." That day a sore ache grew in my heart to be taught and held by my Mom. Sometimes I lean so much on my husband (which I should), that I forget what other support systems I have. 
Without Mom, I would not be as successful as I am. She taught me how to pray, read my scriptures, serve and love unconditionally, and not to judge people. She is so grounded and puts the philosophy's of the world to shame by her simple, yet extraordinary life. I am forever grateful for the Mother I was given to shape me into the woman I am today. She was there to tell me I was stupid for dating a boy, but that it was my decision, she taught me that brand new furniture was just as good as used, she taught me a love for the Savior and how every righteous blessing I desire can be mine through obedience and faith to ask.

My Mom is always there for me. When I was in the third grade I suffered from severe panic attacks. These attacks then caused me to become agoraphobic, where I was terrified to go out in public places, more specifically, Elementary school. This was not because I was afraid of crowds, but because I was afraid the panic attacks would come at school and I would have no one there to be with me. My Mom was everything to me that year. She was my comfort and peace during a time that I didn't understand. If I had the choice I would have been home schooled because I knew that as a long as Mom was with me that nothing bad could happen. But, as she knew I needed to go to school and learn through experiences with others, she sent me off that next year with a pennant on my backpack that simply said, "Do Not Fear", the title of my then favorite picture of Christ helping little children as they climbed out from danger.  

My Mom supported me. She went to all of my home sports games, all my chorus and band concerts, all of my church affairs, and countless other places. She was always there. She through the BEST parties EVER and to this day people still rave about how much fun and great the food was at those parties. So of course, she through one of the most beautiful wedding receptions our church ward has ever had. 
I cannot begin to express my gratitude for my Mom. Although I was a boy crazy, materialistic, ridiculous social-butterfly in my adolescent years, she was patient, loving, understanding, and non-judgmental. I knew I could never do anything against the standards I had been raised to follow because not only would I hurt myself, but I would most definitely hurt Mom. Her example of virtuous, self-less, and truthful living is what gave me the desire to live that way, and I can now emulate that same example to my children. 
Happy Mother's Day, Mom.
And p.s. I'm selling my clothes so I can come visit you this Summer. 

Summer Photos

Adam and I (mostly I) love to have seasonal pictures taken of us. I think it's important to keep updated on our pictures because at this stage in our lives we change a lot style and personality-wise. Consequently, I find it vital to take pictures frequently and to have them done by someone with proper equipment and talent. 
What I'm wondering is if anyone would like to take our pictures for this summer? We haven't yet had summer pictures done and I have a bunch of creative ideas that might help diversify your portfolio. 
I know there are a bunch of students and aspiring photographers in the area that are looking for people to do "practice" shoots on, and in my experience, I have never been disappointed with their work as "amateurs." 
So anyway, comment or email me and we can talk logistics. For your viewing pleasure, here's a couple pictures we're quite fond of. Our wedding and engagements pictures were taken by a very talented professional, Jennifer Johnson, others were done by friends who are aspiring photographers. 

Upcoming Blog Sale

I'm starting something I never thought I ever would--I'm starting a blog sale. 
No, I am not selling crappy scratched furniture or old movies, I'm selling my clothes. 
I am not selling crappy old tank tops or dirty used shoes, I am selling clothes, accessories, and handbags that I LOVE but don't have room for. 
Normally, I would just take these items to the DI or give them to a sister or friend, but if I get rid of various items I love that either don't fit or I am not wearing very often, then I need to be able to replace them. 
So anyway, this is a heads up. I am not posting the items until next week, either Friday or Saturday. Everything for sale will be posted on this blog site. 


Send me loves of encouragement or else I might lose the strength and back out, keeping everything for myself!

The Price of Life

After coming across a significant error in our year's budget, and realizing that this summer, once again, will be one of our poorest times, ever, I've been contemplating a lot about money.
Essentially, money buys us freedom and we, in a consumer-driven-world, have put a price on life. Without money, one is bound from visiting a distant family member, taking piano lessons, eating healthy foods, or enjoying air conditioning. It's funny how these things are all governed by the possession of a certain quantity of a certain currency. The one most baffling to me is the concept of money being in the way of seeing my family. 
As most of you know, I'm from a little town in PA just outside of NYC (imagine that). I haven't seen my family since last August, and if a miracle of $600 doesn't present itself anytime soon, I will have to wait until this Christmas before I can see them again. This is a major burden for me. 
But ask me this question? Where was the money when I went to Ikea last month to get a $50 area rug for our carpet that is perpetually becoming darker? Where was the money when I had such a rough week, no energy to cook a weekend dinner, and went out with my sweetheart for some pricey grub? And also, where was the money when I decided that instead of saving the $60 I received from selling school books I would buy my husband a new pair of jeans and Spring jacket?
Where is the line between total frugality and absolute irresponsibility?
I'll tell you what I've decided: When money poses a threat to separate you from something you care about, such as family, the prospect of a baby (when you're married), or putting yourself in a position to serve others, that's when you don't have money to spend and that's when one is irresponsible with the money they've earned. 
I have learned a valuable lesson: I am NOT an irresponsible person. But, along the road, when I see things that would be nice, things that bring temporary pleasure, or would make life a little more enjoyable, which are sometimes necessary to have at times, I stop and think: If I spend the money on this, I am consequently not spending it on something I care more about.
I understand that for most of you who are college students that a depravity of money and a plethora of debt is something you will live with for a least a couple more years, but I know we have more money than we think. 
I would rather give up a new pair of jeans+shoes+new wall decor+eating out a couple times a month than to sacrifice not seeing the people I love, not putting a savings away for little ones, and not being able to help my neighbor when they're in need.
We put too little value on the dollar, when in reality, the dollar is what buys us freedom, in many instances, to pursue happiness.
If we're all in need, who will help us? 
We can't all be beggars. 

Hopscotch Springtime Giveaway!

So the online magazine I'm contributing to is giving away 4 Springtime nail colors. Sorry ladies, but blacks and other darks colors are fading, so check out these new fresh looks that were featured during this year's NY Fashion Week. If you email the editor you can win ALL of the colors for FREE. Good luck! To enter and read my article, go HERE. 
Also, for those who are unfamiliar to Hopscotch For Women, it is an online magazine where women, like you, contribute, much like a Reader's Digest. Without your contributions the magazine wouldn't be what it is. The first time I wrote for it I wrote about a difficult experience I had trying to get into nursing school, HERE, but you can write about anything you want. If you have a humorous, touching, or even miraculous experience, or just have something you want to share, go to Hopscotchforwomen.com and click on the "email the editor" icon. The editor is a very talented and kind person and accepts all pieces. Lastly, don't let a lack of writing experience stop you. The editor, as an editor, edits your work while preserving your style and story. 
I've been enriched by the opportunity and know you will too! 

Phew!

Pheewww!!! Talk about the week from hell. First off, I'm not used to waking up at 6AM for classes when the whole break I'd been sleeping in till' 10. Second, this semester is all OB and Peds, things I know nothing about. Consequently, we had two mandatory orientations, one from 7-1PM and the second from 6:30-3PM, not to mention work for all of my new classes. It was heinous. The morning of our last orientation day, our instructor began the class by informing us that one of our favorite lab instructors was killed while teaching in Tonga with the BSN students during the semester. What happened is that she, the students, and her husband were site seeing around some rivers and waterfalls when she slipped, fell into the water, and was swept away in a current. They still haven't found her body. This woman, Gayle Lee, was one of the smartest and most educated women I have ever had the opportunity of being taught by. She made me want to get my masters and gain as much education as possible. I had her for both scenario and skills day my freshmen semester and she made what should have been difficult testing experiences unforgettable opportunities for learning and career experience. I will be a more caring, educated, and qualified nurse because of her. 
Anyway, the college staff reacted just as one would expect: They're all nurses. And when someone comes in and we know they're going to die, we feel terrible, but know we have to continue and move forward in what we're doing. But we and they, of course, are all devastated. It's been very comforting to know that she has returned home and is being reunited with loved ones and is in a better place than the rest of us. 
On a different and insignificant note, I've been planning what I want to purchase during Natalie and my shopping trip in July. I haven't shopped at all for Spring and since my transition to the warm weather consists of boardwalk shorts I'm rolling up once and v-neck t's, I'm kind of excited. I've picked a couple things from Urban (duh), that I'm pretty 100% on getting. Of course, I should figure out how I'm paying for all of this, but you know, the money will magically appear (anyone have ideas on getting quick cash, besides the 
lottery?). 

Should I start a fund? 

It's That Time Again

As some of you know, I can be pretty home-decor A.D.D. I sit in our same little living room everyday to study and frequently feel the desperate urge to change it up every couple months. This month, I've decided on changing our wall decor. Right now I'm past the whole, "We just got married and need 200 pictures of us on the walls" mentality. Adam's design style has evolved and become so stinkin' cute and trendy, p.s. if you wanna see his website, go HERE. I'm thinking I'll take down a couple of the multi-picture frames and put up a picture of the Manhattan temple (where we got married) and another picture of us in the Waldorf Astoria and leave up one or two of our favorites. Otherwise, we're changing, or re-painting, the two big canvases we have behind the couch and Adam's going to design a picture of us with the same style he did for his poster of his friend Jake. 

So anyway, I thought I would get your opinions on my picture selections, and as I'm no where near an artsy person, I could use some tips and suggestions and maybe a point in a unique direction. 

Obviously, there's very little color coordination going on here, but it'll work somehow. 

Spring Sunset

Yesterday was Adam's last day of classes, so I just stayed home, got some cleaning done, and went to one of my friends' baby showers. Also, as always, I got to spend some quality time with my friend Natalie. I think one of the most difficult things about finding close friends when you're married is finding a couple where the husbands are friends just as much as the wives. Natalie and her husband and little girl have been in our ward for awhile and I can't believe it's taken us this long to finally hang out. I see her everyday and LOVE hanging out with her and can't wait until she delivers her baby girl so we can go on our weekend shopping trip...yes, we have to go on an actual TRIP to shop at good stores. 
After Adam turned in all his projects we decided to take a trip to the local park to snap some pics. It was A LOT colder than I thought it would be, but we had fun running around the field and playing on the jungle gym. We were so happy and free-feeling to be done with the semester that I'm sure to any spectator we looked like quite the dorky and cliche couple, but whatever. 

Dress: TJ Maxx. Leather Jacket: Freedom 2be. Grey leggings: Forever 21. Flats: Apt. 1. Scarf: H&M.
I am soooooo excited for this break! Tonight we're going out with some good friends to celebrate various different happenings and I'm probably going to get the biggest steak ever.  

Shoot Double Date

In celebration of my losing 4 lbs., we decided it was time for a freaking fashion post. Since I haven't done one in forever, I figured it's time anyway. Rexburg is starting to figure out it might be Spring, and even though we're for some reason standing next to the few amounts of snow left, we found some nice spots on campus to shoot. 
Adam looked KILLER today. I kept telling all the girls how he found a great deal on Lucky jeans and a J. Crew jacket at Downeast. It's definitely going to be the man hot spot for my hot man. 
But anyway, I wore the tightest fitting jeans I own now because the rest of my jeans are too baggy. I know what you're thinking: "Get over yourself. You only lost 4 lbs." Yes, true, but I'm not big to begin with so losing 4 lbs. was not only hard, but definitely showed. 

Shirt: Target. Cardigan: B. Smart. Jeans: Target. Necklace: Forever 21. Slingback flats: Payless. Plaid headband: Forever 21. Sunglasses: Rayban.

I told Adam I wouldn't post this picture because it makes him look like a flaming homosexual, but I changed my mind. 
Adam's outfit: Jacket: J. Crew. Jeans: Lucky Brand. White t-shirt: H&M. Slip-ons: Payless. 

We're Featured!

My absolute FAVORITE fashion blogger is Tieka from Selective Potential. For the past few months she's been posting a piece called, "The Guy Behind the Camera." A few months ago I submitted Adam for all of is wonderfulness and thought that will all the followers she had there'd be no way she'd get to us. But this month she did! I absolutely love Tieka. She's a very genuine person, wife, and blogger. One day I'd love to fly over to Michigan and meet her. But for now, I can only envy her fashion amazingness and learn from her creative outfit innovating. 
Sooooo..wanna see it? Go HERE.