10 on 10 | march

march 2012 - i am strong enough

I have been on an emotional roller coaster ride lately. Towards the end of last month, I realized for the first time that I was suffering from postpartum depression. It took me by surprise since I didn't really feel all that sad, at least at first, & I had never experienced it before. I just didn't have much motivation to make or keep goals, & I didn't care. I was floating through life after Ruby was born, but I felt fairly happy. Honestly, having a second child wasn't nearly as hard as everyone made it out to be, & I enjoyed it a lot. But then my lack of motivation started to flow into too many areas of my life - I had no desire to exercise, I cleaned my home sparingly, I stopped spending quality time with my children & husband, I wasn't taking care of myself spiritually . . . . I soon began to feel like a failure in every aspect of my life. When these feelings came, I began to feel down, more & more each day. Then one day, I had the sudden realization that I was dealing with something far more serious than I had realized. I was depressed, extremely depressed, & I could hardly function. I was at a breaking point. Scott was the amazing support that he has always been & took time off of work to help get me back on my feet again. We took a mini vacation, & when we returned home, my mom came up to stay with me for a couple days to get me on track & help out. Admitting that I had a problem became a huge help in motivating me to take the necessary steps to get my life in order again. I set mini goals for myself each day, dragging my feet to get the simplest tasks done. But soon the tasks & goals became much easier to accomplish. Within a matter of weeks, I felt transformed & much more like my normal self. Of course I still have difficult days, but now I know I can fight them & keep moving in the right direction to be the mother & wife I know I should be.

I am so grateful for this project & the opportunity it has given me to see the beauty in my everday life . . . to focus on finding special moments in the most mundane things. I struggled a lot yesterday morning & wasn't sure that I could pick myself back up again, but I took the time to complete some simple tasks, nurtured myself spiritually, & then completed this project by the end of the day, filled with happiness & peace. The end of February & the start of March have been a trial, but I am trying my best to continue on & see the joy that surrounds me. I will be happy. I choose to be happy, pushing myself, sometimes while crying & fighting, until I get past that cloudy abyss & feel the light in my life again.  I will continue to do so each & every day. 

"good morning Ruby."

playing the piano in skivvies & singing the ABCs.

learning the importance of hard work.

time out. 

struggling.

but pushing through:

feeding this perfect babe - & let me tell you, getting this picture was not an easy task, but I was determined, & when I'm determined, watch out :).

dinner at Jalisco - delicious.

trip to the mail.

asleep in the car - look at all that hair she's getting!

Continue the 10 on 10 circle by visiting Jen at Jennifer Kruk Photography.

march 2: play date

Today, Will, Ruby & I went on a play date/photog outing with our friends (Crystal, Hailey, McKay & Aaron). It felt great to get out of the house & explore the woods by our home. The older kids spent a big part of the time finding & then throwing sticks into the little creek while Crystal & I tried to keep them from slipping & falling down the slope into the water (seriously, I was paranoid). It was a busy photography shoot, especially chasing kids around who refused to hold still for the camera. Will even started hiding behind a tree from me, & any time I got close to taking a picture, he'd duck away, & start laughing. He thought it was hilarious. Me? Not so much. ;)

I tried taking a pic of Ruby & me, but with a prime lens that's zoomed in pretty close, I didn't have much to work with. I love this picture of Ruby's eyes - they're so sharp & blue. I, on the other hand, look terrifying. I guess that's how I always look though b/c I wasn't trying to look so creepy. Just another tidbit I've learned about myself: if I'm not smiling, I tend to look like something out of a horror movie (or maybe I've just been watching too much Vampire Diaries). Either that, or I just look overly tired . . . which I am, but hey! that's life, & I'll take it.

Will had to spend a little time on time out for throwing dirt clods when Hailey was standing in front of him. I'm pretty sure he got her square in the face. At least with him being forced to sit still, I was able to take advantage & get a picture. Of course he still refused to look at the camera. Haha - love that kid! :)

Hailey - such a sweet girl

On our way home: If Will can find anything to kick, he will. His choice today? a little rock that looked like it might have been something other than a rock . . . I hope it was just bark.

52 on Fridays | 9 - Out of Focus

WEEK 9 - OUT OF FOCUS

There's nothing like the joy & peace that come from seeing my child happy & enjoying life. Yesterday, I couldn't help laughing when I saw William coming down the stairs wearing his long sleeve shirt, skivvies & firefighter helmet & rain boots. He was perfect & so much the little boy who I love & adore.

I had many different ideas for what I wanted to try for this week's theme, but after getting this spur of the moment picture of Will in all his childhood glory, I was more than happy with the results. I love that it has a watercolor quality to it, adding to the child-like & innocent feel of the photograph. This is a new favorite for me.

"I have known much of happiness, oh, so very much.

The root of it all, I believe, was planted in my childhood

and nurtured in the home."

~ Gordon B. Hinckley

When you finish here, continue the 52 on Fridays circle by visiting Jodie. I always love her images!

Monterey Girls' Trip

About two weeks ago, Ruby & I went down to Monterey to gather with some amazing women - my mother, sisters, grandmother, aunts, & a handful of cousins. These women are beautiful, strong & spirited. They are full of life & love. Our purpose for gathering was to create a family cookbook, something that has been discussed for years, but never put into motion until now (& let me tell you, it is going to be good). While spending these few days with them, I realized what an incredible legacy I am a part of, that my own daughter is a part of. I am grateful for this righteous group of women & to have them as such wonderful examples. I am truly blessed.

Day 1: my favorite place for breakfast, First Awakenings.

Day 2: typing recipes into the cookbook

took a walk down to the beach

Day 3: went to church & then spent time at the pier looking at starfish & seaguls

ate dinner at El Torito - the food was delicious.

one last walk on the beach