Working Outside with Harper

One of the things that I have always been proud of when it comes to my parents is that they are both hard workers. I've never seen either of them shy away from a job, project, or commitment. They don't procrastinate. They don't take naps. They don't take illegitimate sick days (or, in my dad's case, any sick days) or say no when asked to work extra volunteer shifts at their church's temple. They are dedicated and always willing to work until a task is completed.

I am so thankful that my parents did their very best to pass a similar work ethic on to me. Between their example and spending hours a day at the piano, I learned the value and reward of hard work. Unlike my parents, I do have my lazy and unproductive moments but overall, I am happiest when I am working.

I hope to see Harper come to understand how satisfying a life of hard work and dedication can be. I try to set a good, consistent example for her and do my best to include her in things that I am doing, even when they aren't very fun. I also expect her to work hard at her homework, to practice her ballet, and to clean/organize her room and laundry. I want her to have a happy childhood and to enjoy life, of course, but I'd really like for her to find a good balance between work and play (which is why we usually mix room cleaning with a dance party of some sort). What would be even better is if she could learn how to combine the two and to live a truly joyful and elevated life.

I don't care what she does in life as long as she loves it. I never imagined myself opening a daycare and preschool, but here I am. I love my job and can say without hesitation that my work is fun. I think it's really just a matter of how you look at it. If you think good things about your work and appreciate your work, you'll love it. If you dread your work and constantly complain to yourself and others about it, you will probably not love it. With one exception, I have liked every job I've ever had. For me, it's all about Diligent Joy.

Anyway, enough of my rambles. Time to get on to the point, which is that Harper does, in fact, enjoy a little work. A few weeks ago, we tore out our front yard. The exterior of our house has been pretty shabby since we bought it and we have been so excited to give it a complete makeover this year. I really wish I had taken a before photo so that I could show you just how much of a makeover we gave our front yard but I didn't. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?

I'll just have to tell you about it, I guess. We had curbing installed, took out some dying trees and one pretty ugly hedge, planted new bushes and trees (under the direction of my very talented mother-in-law), and painted our front door, railing, shutters, and house numbers. I am so happy to say that the front of our house is looking better than ever- bright, clean, and beautiful.

Harper had so much fun helping us with everything. She shoveled dirt, sanded, manned the hose, and carried logs back to our wood pile (with her "super huge muscles," of course). When she wasn't working, she was playing, eating, coloring, and bike riding. It was really fun to have her with us as we worked through our list of spring projects and I know she really enjoyed the chance to have so much outside time with the people that she loves. I am proud of her for so willingly helping out and not being afraid to get her hands dirty.

I only wish I looked as good doing yard work as Harper did.

Harper's skirt matching her rake and shovel was completely coincidental and totally cute. My mother-in-law brought them by AFTER Harper had dressed for the day.

As you can see, she's serious about her yard work.

Here Harper was loading torn up sod into the trailer. She's a champ.

 
While I painted our front porch railing one evening, Harper did a little painting of her own (her painting was a lot more fun than my painting, I can tell you that). This $3 Hello Kitty coloring roll (from Target, of course) has been so much fun. If you know where I can get more of these things (preferably in something other than HK), let me know.

We can never forget about the sidewalk chalk. Harper goes to town with this stuff.

The only thing to do after several hours of yard work is to go inside, have a bath, relax, and enjoy some delicious summer goodies (our Bountiful Baskets have had the yummiest corn in them this year!).

P.S. The shirt Harper is wearing in that last photo is a size 7. Yes, that's right. A SEVEN. What in the world?!?