I've been thinking a lot lately about my life and my contributions. Sometimes it's hard to see any accomplishments when just maintaining status quo is exhausting! I figure if my home looks pretty much like it did at the beginning of the day at the end of it, then I'm doing pretty good.
I was also noticing all the "invisible chores" around the house. These are the chores that remain invisible unless they are NOT done. You know, that laundry basket full of unfolded clean clothes sitting right in front of the door to the garage that your husband will walk through at the end of the day. If the clothes get folded and neatly put away, no one notices. But, should I leave it there in his pathway, it is a reminder of what I didn't do today. Of course I'm not saying that Paul would be irritated or have a problem with it, I'm just saying that it's VISIBLE!
This rule could of course apply to most chores like, cooking, cleaning, dishes, vacuuming, bill paying, organizing, etc. I've let all of these invisible chores get me down a lot. I mean A LOT! I'm not so good at all of them, but they are CONSTANT and NEED to be done. I was pondering this in the shower, (I've mentioned before that I get my best ideas in the bath, shower, and running) and I realized that I can relate this feeling to all the invisible jobs out there.
I mean, my shower was a result of a lot of hard work. Let me explain. There was someone (or a bunch of people rather) that had to figure out how to treat water so that it could safely be used for all of our needs. Then there are those who figured out the infrastructure to get that water to peoples homes. Then there is the plumbing that allows me to have that water at my fingertips and at whatever temperature I desire...most of the time. IT IS AMAZING!!
So many jobs are invisible until something goes wrong. It makes me want to write a letter to all those people out there working in utilities, services, and other occupations that go unnoticed. They make my life better and I don't even have to think about it.
This brings me back to my original thoughts on invisible chores. I have spent a little too much time lately feeling down about all of those chores and the lack of appreciation I feel for doing them all. My pondering in the shower made me see it in a little bit different light. This is my job at the moment. It blesses my family and they don't even have to think about it. I'm not saying that is ideal, but I'm glad that I'm improving their life. Of course, my kids will learn more and more of those chores as they get older and have more and more responsibility. This will in turn make them more aware of all of those around them that do those things that we take for granted.
I know this is a weird post, but I just wanted to document this for my own sanity. One other funny thing is that when I was searching for the right image to post with these thoughts, (everyone knows blog posts are more fun with pictures) I came across so many beautiful pictures. I was so inspired by these strong and capable women doing the daily work all women have done for centuries. (OK, a lot of men too) So, I had to put them all here throughout the post. They really make me more proud of the work I do everyday. I'm grateful for the conveniences I have, and the physical ability I have to do these things. Again, I am blessed.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Invisible Chores
Puerto Penasco, Mexico - Rocky Point, that is.
We are lucky enough to have a great friend who owns a condo in Rocky Point, Mexico. He has been so generous to let us use it. It is only a 4 1/2 hour drive from Phoenix, has a great pool with water slide, and is right on the beach. This is our third time going down there since we have lived here. The kids have a blast every time!
I never upload the photos in a great order, so this will be a bit random.
If you enlarge this photo you can see the octopus in the middle there. We had such a great time searching for shells, hermit crabs, fish, and all other sea life. It wasn't hard to find any of them. I think I was enjoying it more than the kids.
One morning Max and Nora woke up at 5:30am! Of course! I decided to take them down to the beach so the others could sleep in a bit. The lighting was great and so was the temperature. I could have stayed there all morning.
I love this kid so much. Max seems to have really grown up in just the last couple of weeks. I've always said there is something about the age of 4. As you can see, he still sports much of his wardrobe backwards though! I love it...it keeps him little in my eyes!
Nora liked walking on the beach and feeling the wind in her hair.
When I saw her cute sandy toes I had to get a picture. My friend has a similar picture of her daughters toes in her home and I LOVE it!!
When it was time to go back up to the condo Nora was not having any of it! She loves to sit and pout these days. It cracks me up, and ALWAYS makes me smile...really!
Here we all are in a painful family picture. It was so bright, and the kids just wanted to get down to the beach!!
Nora's outfit is classic in this picture. She hat to wear the ugly hat that we paid through the nose for in San Diego when we were there a few weeks ago. (you do anything when your desperate to avoid a sunburn) And for some reason she was determined to wear those goggles...even though she wanted nothing to do with the ocean.
Just had to throw in this picture of my handsome Jack.
...and my wet and wild beauty Ella.
Ella was the best sister EVER on this trip. She probably took Nora down the water slide 50 times.
She was always so sweet and aware of her.
I'm not sure if you can tell, but Ella is under the water and holding up Nora to keep her safe! HOW SWEET!
Max liked trying all sorts of moves.
This was Jack's favorite position.
I just smiled every time I saw them coming out of that tube! (which was about 200 times)
This picture cracks me up because Nora looks so tough. It's like she's saying, "oh yea, I'm goin' on the big slide...can you handle it?"
Paul took the older kids on a banana boat. I wasn't too sure about this. I mean, they aren't that concerned with safety over the boarder. Just look at the size of the life jackets on my kids. Luckily they all survived and had a great time.
This is my favorite part of the beach...where the water crashes on the sand. That's about as far as I like to get in these days.
The kids loved having Paul all to themselves again. He really is their idol.
Not much to say about this picture except that I love it. Nora was sporting the 1980's Michael Jackson hair the whole trip...forehead curl and all.
This was Max's reaction when it was time to leave. Is he just the cutest thing ever?
This was Nora's reaction to leaving. Followed by...
of course.
This is what I like to see behind me on the way home. We had a great time!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tiny Tot Dress Shop
I've had a lot of people wanting to know where I got Ella's dress. I've actually been meaning to post about this for sometime. You see, getting Ella's dress was quite the journey.
Of course I wanted a beautiful white dress for Ella's baptism day. Call me uptight, but I really wanted it to have sleeves. I have a strong belief about modesty...especially living in a hot place like AZ. I have no problem with kids wearing tank tops and short shorts, but I figure if it's always the rule in our house then it's nothing to fight later. So, for all of you who don't have the rule...I absolutely DON'T judge you. I think little tank dresses are so cute and sweet. I just have decided that once my girls are school age they will adhere to the standards found in the Strength of Youth pamphlet put out by my church.
I found some so so dresses at a few places but was shocked by how hard it was to find all white dresses with sleeves. So, after purchasing a few, and returning them, I was pointed to a website called the Tiny Tot Dress Shop by a fellow blogger Mique! I just happened to be looking at her blog when one of her posts appeared with a picture of the PERFECT white dress. I was thrilled because it was also very affordable. I had to call them to ask about sizes and a REAL PERSON answered the phone and could not have been nicer. So, there you have it. I found a new great online store and got the dress I was imagining.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Two items of business...
First of all for all of those who asked and/or who are wondering...NO, I didn't design/decorate the rooms by myself. Actually, I deserve NONE of the credit. I know what I like and don't like, but that's where my decorating sense ends. I hired a decorator/friend who is AMAZING!! She was SO awesome to work with and really inspired me.
Second, I wanted to document the gift I gave Ella for her baptism. I thought about making her a white/crystal necklace to represent the event, but realized I wanted to do something a little different. Ella, like most little girls, LOVES rainbows. She has always loved them, and continues to love them. I think they represent her well because she has so many fun facets to her colorful personality. Therefore, I decided to make her a rainbow necklace. As I was making it, I was pondering how white contains all the colors of the rainbow. I was trying to decide how to explain to Ella that all the different things (colors) about us can come together to make us beautiful clean (white) spirits on earth.
Then I did something crazy...I wrote a poem. My mother is an incredible poet and I decided to channel what shred of genetic ability I may have inherited from her and put words to paper. This is what I came up with.
On this your baptism day all clean and dressed in white.
I think of all your future holds and wonder at your light.
White is what your eyes can see when all colors become one.
Each color is a value that brings us closer to His Son.
Red symbolizes Individual Worth; He knows each person well.
We each have special gifts to share; with His help we cannot fail.
Orange represents Choice & Accountability, for agency is the plan.
Sometimes we slip & make mistakes, but there’s repentance for all man.
Yellow stands for Good Works done; all faithful hands are needed.
When we serve with charity, we show God’s word was heeded.
Green is for the Knowledge we’ve come on Earth to gain.
We learn through spirit & experience; life lessons we’ll obtain.
Blue reminds us of our Divine Nature, God has a plan you see.
Choice daughters of God who stand for truth is what we need to be.
Purple symbolizes Integrity, to do what we know is right.
Although it’s not identified, Pink stands for womanhood.
The Lord has blessed you as His child, to teach, nurture and do good.
With all the colors of the rainbow we see God’s blessings true.
Remember the power of each one and try His works to do.
So, on this your baptism day, all clean & dressed in white,
Think how white contains each value and let them help your dreams take flight.
Kara Jayne Kelly
June 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Ella's Baptism
She was Baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, on Saturday June 14th 2008.
And thanks to my friend Denise for letting me use her beautiful backyard.
Ella was so excited to have several of her Aunts, Uncles, and cousins from Utah and Texas travel here for the big day. She loves them all so much. She was thrilled that Romey was able to come with Grandma and Grandpa. These two are great buddies.
They are different in so many ways, but so much the same.
The above photo was taken at 1:30am. Paul and I were up late and decided to check on the girls before heading to bed. This is what we found. NO JOKE. They were dead asleep like this. Is that the most precious thing ever? I was so sad they had less than 24 hours together. They sure made the most of it though.
I took this photo of Ella and Paul just as we were walking into the church for the baptism. This really is indicative of their relationship. They have always been so close. I am so grateful for this because I know the influence a good relationship with a father can have.
Of course I made Paul take one of me with the special girl.
Ella and her Dad just before the baptism.
The after party went really well. I decided to make it easy on myself and purchase most of the food instead of prepare it. I did make some cookies in the shape of the number 8. Ella LOVES snickerdooles, so that's what I did.
Here are a few candid pictures of the event.
We feel so blessed that so many family members were there to help us celebrate.
We are so proud of you Ella. We couldn't ask for a better daughter.
