M & J Monday

You know a dream is like a river

Ever changin' as it flows

And a dreamer's just a vessel

That must follow where it goes

Trying to learn from what's behind you

And never knowing what's in store

Makes each day a constant battle

Just to stay between the shores... and

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Too many times we stand aside

And let the waters slip away

'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow

Has now become today

So don't you sit upon the shoreline

And say you're satisfied

Choose to chance the rapids

And dare to dance the tide... yes

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

There's bound to be rough waters

And I know I'll take some falls

But with the good Lord as my captain

I can make it through them all... yes

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Yes, I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

'Til the river runs dry

The River

Garth Brooks

Happy Monday!

Picture Perfect Project {10} - The Big Camera v. The Phone

One of my main focuses of the Picture Perfect Project was to become more familiar with my "big" camera, and all it has to offer. And that still holds true. I'm still playing around with the big camera.

But....

Am I'm the only one who's ever thought that the only way to capture a really pretty photo is by using the 'big' camera?

For the longest time I'd haul my big camera everywhere with me. Have I captured some good images? Absolutely. My camera has easily been one of the best investments ever made.

However, there are times (like, a lot of times) when I just do not want to lug that thing around. Currently, I feel like a pack mule. The diaper bag is full of stuff, and it's heavy. If I add in the big camera it feels like my shoulder could dislocate at any moment.

Numerous times as I'm scrolling through my Insta feed I think, "Was that taken with his/her phone?!" Often, the answer is yes. Some of my favorite 'gram feeds are photos that are almost always taken with phones (if you're looking for a gorgeous example, check this feed out)! I love that these beautiful images are captured with a phone and not a camera.

That means we all have the ability to create pretty pictures!!

So, as of late the big camera has been on a bit of a hiatus, and the camera phone has been capturing many of our moments and memories.

Below is a small collection of photos that are pretty similar. One set was with my phone, the other with my camera. Take the poll after each set and guess which set taken with which device, no peeking!

Set 1

Which Camera Was Used?

iPhone

Big Camera

Poll Maker

Set 2

Which Camera Was Used?

iPhone

Big Camera

My IQ Test

>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
Could you immediately tell the difference?? For me, the up close/zoom of Marcus was the giveaway, the rest, for me, were fairly difficult to pinpoint.

Set 1 was shot with my iPhone, Set 2 was shot with my big camera.

There are some differences in quality, and if I really learned how to master manual mode I know there could be a stark difference. But, when it comes down to it, more often than not the photos that are shared are on social media, and generally speaking, those photos are in a tiny little 2-inch by 2-inch square. After shooting these pics I quickly learned that sometimes it's ok to leave the big camera at home!

Now, I have to ask. When you snap and post, are you primarily using your phone or a "big" camera? I'd love to know in the comments below! And, don't forget to add your link as well.

This wraps up October's Picture Perfect Project, and sadly ends the Picture Perfect Project all together. All good things must come to an end, and this is true for the PPP. After some deliberate thought and consideration, the co-hosts of this link-up decided that with the busyness of the holiday season fast approaching, this would be a good time to hang up the proverbial hat. Thank you for joining us these past 10 months! We hope you found inspiration to pick up your camera and snag a few picture perfect moments!

An InLinkz Link-up

Julia || 14 Months

Fourteen months, here we are! This last month was a big one. Actual, legit steps were taken. The little lady is well on her way to being a walker. Crawling is quickly becoming a thing of the past. I wasn't sure we'd ever see the day, but alas! Walking is here!

Highlights:

** Real steps! The most taken at any given time has been 10-12.
** Blowing kisses. Oh my gosh, it's so freaking adorable. The "mmmmuah!" she makes when she does it kills me.

** More words ::"hi", "uh-oh", "up", "ball", "eye", "nigh, nigh" (night night), "more", "ah done" (all done); most words are vowel heavy, but if you pay close attention you get the idea of what she's trying to say.

** Dancing (something Marcus never did)! There's bouncing, hand waved in the air, and wiggling from side to side. Any music can get her going.
** Playing peek-a-boo.

** On occasion a spoon is used correctly.
** Identifying eye, nose, mouth and belly button.

Loves:

Marcus. All day, every day.
The stairs.

Poking her finger in other people's eye, and saying, "eye."
Pointing out airplanes and helicopters in the sky.

Going for a ride in the B.O.B. while I run.

Drinking from a cup.
Nursing (holy cow, we're still successfully doing this!).

Food: currently on a Goldfish and Graham cracker kick. 

The Baby Einstein Take Along Musical Toy. We don't go anywhere without this thing (Marcus loved it when he was this age, too).

Opening the kitchen cupboards and pulling everything possible out onto the floor. 

Dislikes:

Getting lotioned up and jammies on after bath time.

The garbage truck. Girl friend is seriously terrified.

Being blocked from going up/down the stairs.

Diaper changes. It's like wrestling a snake into a knapsack.

Carrots.

Sitting still.

With each passing month Julia's personality shines a little brighter. She is such a sweet little thing, unless something doesn't go her way. I can already sense our littlest is going to be strong-willed and strongly opinionated. 

Cheers to another month!

This brief photo session brought to you by a graham 

cracker (notice it's in her hand) and lots of running 

around trying to get Julia to say to one spot.

I forgot how hard this age is to photograph!

M & J Monday

We woke up in the usual way,

but it was not a usual day.

Out on the lawn,

plain as could be,

stood an orange wishing tree.

"I wish!" said I.

"I wish!" said you.

And so, our double wishes grew.

I kept my wish a secret one,

but you were not so shy.

You clapped your hands,

jumped off the bed, and said,

"I WISH TO FLY!!!"

In just a whistle's worth of time

and not a second more,

our feet were not attached to ground

the way they'd been before.

Up we went, just you and me,

high above the wishing tree.

We flew in silence,

like the birds.

It was too beautiful for words.

But your wishing wasn't done.

Why should you just stop with one?

In the valley, far below,

down where all the wishes grow,

your wishes grew, both big and small,

till I could hardly count them all.

In fact, I barely got to ten

because you wished for breakfast then.

"I wish," you said,

and just like that,

the friends you wished for

came and sat.

"I wish! I wish! I wish!"

you shouted.

Wishes bowed...

and played...

and sprouted.

Every wish was wishable...

even you, invisible.

But as the day began to end,

your wishes became quieter then.

I saw your silly sleepy head

was wishing it was back in bed.

And so, I did what parents do.

I picked you up and carried you.

As you drifted off to sleep, you whispered,

"Did your wish come true?"

I whispered back, "My little one,

my wish was just to be with you."

You and Me and the Wishing Tree

~Nancy Tillman

The Long Distance Edition

Phew. This week was something, let me tell you. Marcus is dealing with a major growth spurt where he eats like a 15-year old and sleeps like an infant. And, Julia nailed down a cold and has slightly regressed in the sleep department. Survival has come in the form of coffee by day and hard apple cider by night.

That's not to say the last couple of weeks haven't lacked in awesome. Because, there's been a lot of good to celebrate. Let's get to it.

Best Friends For Life

(as 7th grade Desirée would have written it: BFF4L)

My life long best friend came for a brief visit. We haven't seen each other in about two years, and the reunion was much needed for us.

We snuck away for a little girls evening of good food, stellar views, and even better conversation.

We were able to pick up like time and distance don't separate you. I hope it isn't two more years before we have another get together.

The Disney Pixie Dust Challenge

In keeping with things that are long distance... I finally did it. I pulled the trigger and signed up for a half marathon! Actually, the challenge is a 10k on Saturday followed up with the half marathon on Sunday. I mean, why not?! I've wanted to run a Disney race for some time now and I decided it was now or never. 

These were last year's medals. Just looking at them has me all sorts of pumped!

And, I'm going to need to hunt this down once the races are complete. I'm totally the running nerd who has this kind of magnet on her right bumper. 

The race isn't until May, but this is just the push and motivation I need to run farther than three miles at a time. Plus, I think I might just have to sneak in another half before the Pixie Dust. 

Mug Love

I know this is supposed to be linked up on Monday, but I got the ok to sneak in my reveal a little early (thanks, Stephanie!). 

I was partnered with Stefanie over at Lexie Lou, Lily, Liam and Dylan Too, who lives on the other side of the country (how's that for long distance!?). Just how perfect are these mugs?? Guys, I cannot tell you how excited I am for the return of Gilmore Girls on November 25. Seriously, I'm positively giddy. I fully intend to get cozy on the couch with these sweet mugs and get lost in the goodness that only happens in Stars Hallow. Who's going to join me so I can share my mug love?!

That's a wrap for this week!

Have a great weekend!

Apples and Orchards

Over the weekend we decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the foothills to check out the apple orchards. In merely 90 minutes we were in wide open spaces, fresh air, and mountain views. It was just the kind of retreat we needed to recharge. The added bonus was we also stocked up on apples during our outing.

Marcus had been begging for weeks (months?) to go apple picking. I have no idea where he got the notion, as I'm sure he didn't remember our first orchard trip, which we made two years ago. Last year we had full intentions of getting to the orchards, but a crazy heat wave and a very new infant just didn't make things possible.

Upon arrival Marcus was bursting at the seems with excitement. He was so ready to pick every apple he could reach. Unfortunately, we visited so late in the season that many of the trees had been picked clean, or some tree's apples were just not ripe enough to bring home. Regardless, we searched until we had a few bags heartily filled. Marcus was on a quest, and slim pickings were not going to stand in his way of filling his bag.

A quick stop at the mill gave us a go at pressing our own cider. Marcus wanted in on every step of the process.

For a majority of the time Julia was content to hang out in the Kelty. But no apple picking experience would be complete if she didn't get to romp around a bit herself. I don't want to rush time, but I can't wait to see how different her experience is next year.

After several pounds of apples and one filled-to-the-brim gallon of cider, we retreated from the foothills.

Currently, I am in the process of making all the apple things, and I can't say anyone is the least bit mad about the goodies that are coming out of the kitchen.

If you have any great apple recipes I'd love to hear them in the comments!

M & J Monday

A bushel of apples I picked

In search of the perfect one. 

I looked from morning's bright rays

Till the evening's setting sun.

But it didn't take long for me to see

That the apples of my eye

Are right in front of me.

Happy Monday!