A Clean House is a Happy House, Right?

In an attempt to further happyify (I just made that word up, if you didn't notice) our home, I have decided to work on a cleaning schedule. Now, this isn't an entirely new idea. I have been planning to work on my home management binder (which would include a cleaning schedule) for quite some time but still haven't gotten around to it. As easy as a cleaning schedule sounds, it really takes lots of work. I mean, how often do you clean your oven or shampoo your carpets? Do you do these things on a schedule or when you notice that they are disgusting? Well, right now, I do them completely randomly. I actually can't tell you the last time I cleaned my oven (which means that I'll probably clean it tonight to make myself feel better). There are so many things to think about. For one, I don't think there is enough time in the day for me to clean my entire house while taking care of a 15 month old and three dogs so there are some things that will not get done on a daily basis (maybe mopping the floors, unless Liam gets better at mopping).

 Gggrrr....I need help. Do any of you guys have a cleaning schedule that you stick to?

Setting Goals

If you read my posts about depression, you may have read that I went to see a counselor. I have never been in counseling/therapy before and have only had one session so far so I can't really say too much about it. I did enjoy speaking with my counselor and it didn't even seem like we were talking for an entire hour (which is weird for me since I tend to be reserved around people I don't know). During our session, we set four goals for me to accomplish before our next session:

1) Find a hobby that doesn't involve Will or Liam
I definitely want to get into running and would love to find a running group that would be willing to run in the evening. I just really suck at running and wouldn't want to slow anyone down (although I have seen that it is good to run with experienced runners since they will motivate you). I also wouldn't mind finding a crafting group. I have sooo many Pinterest projects that I need to work on and my home management binder isn't going to make itself.

2) Look into part-time employment
Part-time employment will give me a chance to get out of the house (as well as give Liam a chance to play with other kids at daycare) and have some adult interaction and conversations. I have been looking for something that will fit our schedule and my strengths for a little while now. I want to enjoy what I do so I am being picky. Even if I don't find anything soon, I still have my National Guard base  (I'll actually be there for most of the month of August).

3) Look into the nursing field
During my time at Kansas State University, I majored in Public Relations and Women's Studies, however, I'm not sure if those fields are right for my life now. After having Liam, I have started to consider getting into the medical field. I would love to work as a RN in a maternity ward or even as a Lactation Consultant. Although there are many medical related options, the area I live in is very limited when it comes to programs and schools.

4) Visit local churches
Church has always been a weird area for me. I grew up in a very strict Pentecostal church that was extremely restrictive. Since then, I have strayed from churches. I would like for this to change. I would definitely want Liam to grow up with a great church community that is accepting and loving.

I think these goals are going to be very helpful in creating a happy and healthy home life for our family.

What about you guys? Do you have a hobby that doesn't include your family? Do you have any goals that will make your home life happier/easier?

15 Month Update

15 months old...wow. I know I should be used to it by now but I'm still amazed at how old/big Liam is getting.

This month has been the month of the "wild child". Liam is all over the place and extremely vocal. When he doesn't want to do something, he will let you know by shrieking at the top of his lungs and since Liam is a very independent toddler, you can only imagine the sound level in our house right now. He pretty much wants to do what he wants to do and doesn't care what anyone thinks about it. We're crossing our fingers that this is just a stage.

Teething is another shriek inducing milestone in Liam's life. He is currently getting all four of his first year molars (yes, all four decided to come in at the same time, lucky us). He is so much pain and discomfort. It kills me since there is very little I can do to help him. So far our teething remedies are pain reducer, nursing and lots of hugs and kisses. A few friends recommended amber teething necklaces as a teething remedy so I think we'll be giving that a try as well.


And now on to the pictures!

Sunshine through the Rain

Although my last post was a bit depressing (maybe because it talked about depression), things in our home have been looking up. I've decided to take the necessary steps to my our life a happy and healthy one.

Since becoming a wife and a mother, I have put myself to the side and made my life about Will and Liam. Now don't get me wrong, I love these guys with all of my heart and wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. I just haven't been taking care of myself. I became Will's wife and Liam's mom and somewhere in there I got lost.

Well, no more! I'm taking the steps to become the best wife and mom I can be by taking care of myself. I looked into my diet and exercise routines and realized that I wasn't doing either (no wonder I have been feeling depressed). We've decided to start eating clean and cutting out processed foods. It hasn't been easy but I definitely have noticed a difference in my energy level. I can't tell you how awesome it felt to cook dinner last night (chicken fajitas and guacamole) and know every single ingredient in the food. Wow, I just got really excited about food.

Along with diet, I also decided to include more exercise into our daily activities. Liam and I have added stroller walks to our weekly schedule. It gives us a chance to get out of the house and explore a bit. I also went to a Zumba class with my friend, Krystal. It was a blast and I would love to add it to our weekly schedule as well.

One of the most important steps I've taken is seeing a counselor. I have only attended one session so far but I can already see who it will be helpful. We were able to set some goals for the next two weeks and I must say, I am getting excited to regain my happiness and be the best mother and wife I can be.

Depression is No Fun

Over the last few weeks, I have been feeling a bit depressed. I guess "a bit" is an understatement actually. It's so hard to put into words how I'm feeling and what exactly is the "problem". I think it's just a lot of things building up, causing me to feel useless and lost. I feel as though I have no direction, no purpose, no future but when I type it out, it feels so over dramatic and exaggerated.
Please don't get me wrong. I love my family but there are days were it seems I do absolutely nothing except take care of others. I'm hoping this is just some weird funk I'm going through but just in case, I think it warrants a trip to the therapist. Has anyone else dealt with depression or postpartum depression before?