Friday, September 08, 2006

Pucci, Prada, Kate Spade- couture!

I was thinking of not blogging this morning...feeling a bit tired, probably from waking up to an alarm everyday this week. But, then my coconut coffee started kicking in and I figured I'd find something to show you. Nothing like looking at my own stuff to remind myself that I love making and creating and designing and just enjoying colors and life around me every single day. I'm finding that's what I'm good at- everyday living.
After a rather typical week of life, full of the stuff I'm so good at- like doing laundry, baking, coloring pages with my kids, washing hair with fruity shampoo and getting all the tangles out after baths; stuff like calming fears of cricketts in my daughter's bedroom and getting extra hugs before bedtime because "You're the best mom, ever". I never realized that my most challenging role in life wouldn't be something that I studied and learned about in college, or even in the jobs I held after my graduation. Trying to be the best person I can be from morning til night to my husband and all the other little people in my life everyday, has become my passion as well as my reward.
This scrap layout that I did sort of holds that hidden meaning for me. I know that there are people who would argue that I could be doing so much more in life. Or I imagine a career I could be deep into, had I chosen other paths in life. Instead, I find myself in the middle of my ordinary, everyday life. Truly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
I scrapped a picture of Wyndham's AFOs (ankle-foot orthodics) that she wears to give her more stability, arch and proper foot alignment as part of her onging therapy. She started walking independently shortly after getting fitted for her first pair. They are bulky and annoying to put on her most days- although she doesn't seem to mind them once they're on. And sometimes I think I dislike them simply because they remind me that our family has ongoing issues as a result of something that happened five years ago.
But I also realize that my challenges have produced great insight and perspective in me, and have allowed me to become the mom and person I am today in many repsects. That to me, has been the greatest gift in all of my struggles. I've learned to value things that money can't buy. I wanted to share that with Wyndham through this scrap page. I hope you enjoy.
The journaling reads:
These shoes may not be Prada~
They will never grace the runways or suit the world of high fashion. But that's the beauty in this life lesson. True fashion sense isn't about clothes. Rather, it is making certain what you wear on the outside doesn't clash with what's on the inside.
Fashion advice for life: What you wear on your feet matters less than what's in your soul.

Now, aren't you glad I decided to post today? I am. =)

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

So very glad you posted today!

Now I'm off to be the best mamma I can be!

Many Hugs to You!

aimee said...

What a wonderful message. Love your layout!

Anonymous said...

So sweet, Jody! And such a precious picture of Wyndham. Thanks for posting today! :D

~Laura in Ohio

Kristine said...

The sentiment about what is in your soul is so authentically true.

And I loved how you mentioned the most important things you do every day aren't related to your schooling at all. Truly, your job today, is the most critical one you will ever do.

I very grateful you posted today.

Shawnna Samples said...

I AM SO SO SO glad you shared -- thank you - love the layout

Anonymous said...

I love that line "making certain what you wear on the outside doesn't clash with what's on the inside." I know I'll be quoting you soon as my daughter wants more & more to pick out her own clothing. I think I'll spend more time today with my little ones rather than with my chores. Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this layout...it was meant for me to read, I think! My 2 year old daughter has DAFO's and it's truly an ordeal trying to find shoes to fit on over them that are not three inches too long. She loves her older sister's "big-girl shoes" so much, and I think she wonders at times why she has to wear her special shoes. Or, maybe that's just my vanity reading too much into what she's thinking.

Anonymous said...

I think that's awesome! I am glad you posted today.

Laura Williams said...

dang girl, i love it. cute AND a life lesson. . .what could be better!?

Jolene said...

I'm glad you posted today. One thing that I've been wondering is if there are any blogs out there that you read on a regular basis, like most of us read yours?

Cris said...

I liked the journaling note you made for the page. It was really very sweet.

Audrey said...

Jody, I'm a big blog lurker (I guess that's what they call them) and I just really felt the need to come out and comment today. My son, who has spina bifida, just got his first pair of KAFO's today. He's only 18 months old so they take up most of his legs and are really cumbersome (at least to me). But to see the joy on his face as he could finally stand
independently... that makes it all worth it. Thank you for reminding to scrap all the not as pretty parts of our children. So glad that you are sharing your pages and thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Hey Sis!!! I'm definitely glad you blogged today! You always seem to write the perfect thing at the perfect time. Hugs and love from Las Vegas. Miss you and can't wait to see you soon!

Anonymous said...

beautiful journaling and photos! thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

beautiful layout. you are such a wonderful mommy and scrapbooker!

Jenny said...

BEAUTIFUL layout and I LOVE the picture of Wyndham!