It's been a hard week

{click to enlarge}

I'm so sad. I'm overwhelmed. I'm stressed. I'm just heartbroken. I just want to fast forward a couple weeks. I want Christmas to be over. I don't feel like wrapping gifts or finishing addressing my cards. This week has been hard. Just one of those weeks where it's been one thing after another and has hit me from all directions. I didn't expect it to be so bad. From sick kids, to a flat tire, to a messy house, to a no-show model for a shoot, to Peyton leaving Tuesday and Spencer leaving today, to my parents and sisters not being here - I am just. Sad. I know it'll be ok. I know there have been good things too. I have plenty to look forward to in the coming days and weeks. I have a great husband and wonderful support system. I have my photography and my artwork. I have a lovely home. I'm relatively healthy. I have lots of really cute shoes. I get it. Life is good. My head knows that. I just need a couple days for my heart to catch up.

Spencer,

You were the best dog we could ever have. You were perfect for our family. Insanely laid back- content sleeping next to me or Alex all day as long as a part of you was touching a part of us. You are the world's biggest lap dog and weren't completely happy until you at least attempted to get on top of me. No other dog I know gives hugs, especially like you. You nuzzle your head in my neck and sling one arm (leg?) around me. We once fell asleep like this and boy did I wake up with a crick in the neck. There is no better hiking partner than you.. I'm not really sure what I'm going to do without you. You were so in tune with me. You could tell when I was upset and would do your best to console me. You are the most caring dog I've ever known. Thank you for an amazing 2+ years. We will miss you, always. All my love. PS - These are quite possibly my favorite photos of you, ever.

Comments

[Laura Duet]

I am feeling your pain right inside my heart. You are going through a lot right now. With your family moving and this great tragic heartbreak of finding new homes for your dogs and then not having them in your day to day life. Well, it is no wonder you are sad. I am feeling sad just knowing you are going through this. I know you will hang in there and flourish; but I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you.

[geek+nerd]

Aww Joleen, I'm so sorry to hear that you have to give up your puppies! Pets really are like family members, aren't they? You and Alex have such a big heart to realize that they will be better off with families that have more time for them than you do right now. Honestly, I'm not sure I could be that selfless! Sending you big hugs!

[Heather]

Oh honey, I know. I'm so sorry you are feeling low and sad. Try to see the bright things and get through the week. I will be there in a week!! I will bring lots of hugs with me and we will laugh. I know I can't replace that hole in your heart but I am sure gonna try!! love you

[robyn]

ugh, letting go of pets is the hardest. my heart goes out to you and your sadness.

[Vivian]

I feel your heartache! I'm sorry that your babies had to be placed in another home, but you did it for the right reasons. Your selfless act of giving them up has allowed them to bring happiness to new homes, and they will be loved in return.

[Kim]

((HUGS))