IDK ISO

I know getting a nice camera was only the tip of the iceberg to getting great pictures. I'm learning, slowly, but learning. I learned last night a little about my P, Av and ISO! Today I tried out my new skills I didn't edit or use a flash on ALL these shots.
Guess what!?
Flash I don't think I'll be needing you all that much!

To Do (before kids)

The girls are sleeping and I should be doing a million other things right now, but I just want to sit here, play online and share with you an article I read today. It was from The Nest Newsletter (spin off of the The Knot magazine), it had 15 things to do before you have children. I have to share!

Go on a wine-tasting tour at a vineyard.

Go skydiving/bungee jumping/swimming with sharks...or whatever other crazy, life-risking thing you’ve got on your bucket list

Make a list of all the restaurants and bars you've been meaning to check out -- and go

Appreciate the bathroom -- alone

Stop being so self-righteous.

Take a road trip.

Be spontaneous.

Spend an entire day in bed together watching movies.

Have boozy lunches with friends.

Feed your minimalist side.

Have morning sex.

Be the last ones to leave the party.

Fly first class.

Wear as much silk, cashmere, dry-clean-only clothing as you possibly can, while you still can.

Take a career risk.

I just love their take on the "before baby bucket list" Moms out there I know you can relate to some of these. I'm fond of the Appreciate the Bathroom-Alone and the Self-Righteous I admit that was me. I would see things and I would say "O that would never be me" or "I would never let my two year old have a Happy Meal" or "No TV for my kids" my best "I won't let me house be overrun with baby stuff"

Then we have kids and get it!

A few weeks ago my sister in law noticed that a certain picture looked familiar.
Here it is....
6 month checkups

Adjust

We have all come along way since Brandon has started traveling.

Today as Brandon was giving us girls hugs and kisses Cora ran into the other room and came back rolling Brandon's suitcase. It was so sweet. She brought him his suitcase, gave hugs/kisses and said "Bye Dada Bye".
She is adjusting so well.

Nya is too young to really know how much Dad travels (he started traveling when she was just a week old). She loves to cackle at him and give big smiles as long as she is in my arms.
She hardly notices her helmet anymore and it has only been a few short weeks.
She is adjusting so well.

I used to feel overburdened and that the child rearing was solely placed on me. I was even resentful for what Brandon had for dinner (wine and salmon), while I was eating like a 2 year old. I have went from the needy wife, crying as we dropped him off at the airport to a strong wife who knows she will get through the week. Although at times we have rough days, I know I'm the lucky one and I'm so thankful for my job.
I am adjusting so well.

I know it is hard for Brandon to leave, but today he had his first bag packed of "things" for his office. I think he was excited.
He is adjusting so well.

I am proud of our little family! I am ready to adjust to some new adjustments!

Mondeal

If you haven't heard of Whippy Cake, your missing out!

They have gorgeous headband for you and your little ones.

Their philosophy: when you look good then you feel good then you will do good. At least I hope so! I think that it is hard to help others when you don't feel good about yourself. So, if adding a cute Glamour Band to your daily ensemble can give you the confidence to help those around you, then that's good enough for me!

And..........
today they are all on sale

visit
www.whippycake.com

to get 20% off just enter promo code
HOTCAKE20
when you get to the checkout page
sale ends at midnight today.
YUM

I started journals for the girls a few months back. I'm really making an effort to write as much as I can. My Mother in law always tells me that you can't remember it all and she's right. Brandon and I already share stories of Cora that the other has forgot.
Today I will write to Cora about our day

We pooped in the potty again (we as in Cora)
After potting she said "baby turn"
We torn up a Pampers box for our canvas to color
She brought me the butter and wanted a spoon (not to worry, she has never had butter)
She said "Awesome" to Brandon on the phone
We painted her fingernails and after they were dry she had me kiss each one and said "better" I think she thought the pink color was a boo boo!

How much cute can you fit into one day!

I made the journals through Tiny Prints

This is Some BS!

This is some BS (baby stuff) that I adore!

1. Baby Burp Cloths, Set of 3, Michael Miller by SirBubbadoo Etsy

2. Mini Pennants Heirloom Decor by Bopeepbaby Etsy

3. Nya's First Halloween costume by BPDesign Etsy

4. Circles Mobile by Tiptoe Studio Etsy

5. Nya's bedding by BabyDarling Etsy

6. Custom 1-2-3 Grow With Me by Inkloe Etsy

7. Present for Cora by SimplySweetShop Etsy

8. First gift I ever gave to my husband The Giving Tree

9 & 10 anthro kids

The Last Few Days

Fab Find

I have been known to seek out some great gifts now and then. I love shopping for and giving gifts. I feel so proud of some of my findings.
This one is was hiding in the corner of a bookstore waiting for me.
I'm so glad I found you.

Casa Blanka

I hope you get my humor.

We have been house hunting for a few weeks now and we are completely overwhelmed!
Can we have modern, chic and children in Kansas City?
We have viewed 100's and have 4 possibilities for our agent.


If I could just have this kitchen

and he could just have this office

Throw in a few bedrooms, bathrooms and a yard and we are good.

kitchen is by Jeff Lewis (our favorite) House Beautiful 2010 Kitchen of the Year
office image unknown

http://www.housebeautiful.com/kitchens/jeff-lewis-kitchen-of-the-year-0710

Loss

Today I am thinking of all the little soles that we have never met. They have been the moments of such happiness and such sorrow. Some of you are girls and some of you are boys and we will never know. Your short life in the womb was enough to be loved forever.

In the last 2 years I have know 8 women to experience this loss.
You are all such beautiful and strong women.
Your loss closed a door so another could open.

Forget me not
My little one
You have left us too soon
Though my body can no longer hold you
I hold you forever in my heart
As precious and beautiful as this flower caught in time
A mother's love does not forget.
~Unknown

This Girl

I don't know her
I don't know her name
I don't know her age

I don't need to know to help

https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?5052.donation=form1&df_id=5052&idb=0
http://ladygaga.shop.bravadousa.com/Product.aspx?cp=14781_42444&pc=BGAMLG88
https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6617251/k.7E71/Donate_to_the_Japan_Earthquake_Tsunami_Children_in_Emergency_Fund/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?msource=wexgpjef0311&gclid=CJWQ-tL726cCFYjsKgodW1L9-w
http://www.finleyandoliver.com/product/love-for-japan-all-proceeds-will-go-to-the-american-red-cross

Friends

Her name is Ish
She is family
She is never far from her side
She helps her sleep
She calms her fears
She is her friend
May Ish always be loved

Or be

I could complain about 4 doctor visits in 4 days
or be thankful for medical care

I could complain that my husband has to travel so much
or be thankful for his hard work

I could complain that my daughter has to wear a helmet
or be thankful that we can give her one

I could complain I can't keep the house clean
or be thankful that I played instead

Today I choose to BE THANKFUL

Crazy Life

I see my husbands on weekends
House Hunting
My two year old had a full blown meltdown until My little Ponies hairbrush was found
My seven month old is now wearing her helmet 23 hours out of the day
Potty training (2nd poop in the potty)
Moving in 10 weeks
Attempted to return a few calls
Cleaning
Starting a blog
This was some of today
I loved today!

Sleeping Beauty

Does her hand gesture remind you of "just a little"
Do you even notice the helmet, Nya?
"Just a little"

First Post

I have joined the blogging world! I would love to try to end my nights sharing our days, thoughts and photographs. Why Cherry Grove Road? I grew up on Cherry Grove Road in Jamestown, OH and I have always loved my childhood memories from that place. Thanks for stopping by and sharing our days with us.