Scavenger

Inspired by the now famous Holla for Scavenger Hunt Sundays (scroll down to the post below this one and take a peek at that water shot; to die right?); I did a couple of my own. Actually besides the one of myself, which I tried forever to get right; I just took the rest in passing. Thanks for the brief pocket of photo inspiration...

cold.

paranoia.

bright.

cry.

patriotic.

Nothing surer in life than...

Death and Taxes! And tax dates. We enjoy this every year, because we both get to do something fun, something we don't normally get to do: Go out and eat a good meal with adult conversation. This year we went to Bastille in Ballard, which was really very good. Next year we're thinking about doing an over-nighter (eeek, excited at the possibility). Thank you Andrea for doing our taxes and affording us the opportunity for fun! You asked for art house photog...it's not 6 frames per second, but you got it sister!

11 things.

I was called out for answers to these questions so here it goes. Pfau, this one's for you <3 1. Name one thing that drives you absolutely MAD! Potty Training. It's the single most frustrating, horrible undertaking in the known world. On a serious tip, I'd have to say ill-timed and ill-intentioned sarcasm. 2. Do you believe in regrets or do you think everything happens for a reason? I believe we have free will to make our own choices, whether they please God or not is a different story so I would have to say I think regrets happen, but you absolutely do not have to live under them. 3. Name a physical feature that you love about yourself. It's hard to top Pfau's answer of: liver. So I'll keep it simple, my eyes. 4. What “group” were you part of in high school? Do you still see yourself like that now? hmm, this is a hard one for me. Do I consider myself still a part of the friends I made in high school? OF COURSE. Burned into who I am are those people. As far as "group" I would have to say that I was a floater; I had one main girl group and guys but I also had lots of different friends in different groups and ages. P.s. that's the secret to becoming prom queen;) I would say yes, I'm still a floater with a core group of loved ones. 5. What’s your take on politics? Another hard one. I'd say I want to be in the world, not of it. Should I participate, absolutely. Stand up for what's right? Of course. Endorse one person to fix it all? Nope. I'm worried the way it is now leaves no room for those who are moderates, which is what I'd consider myself. I totally agree with Pfau on the welfare system; regulation that fosters motivation! 6. Are you a see it: black & white or grey person? On faith issues like belief in Christ I'd say I'm totally black and white. As far as politics, interpersonal relationships, etc. I would say I'm mostly a grey thinker. I normally see both sides. I'm a grey thinker who makes fast decisions and sometimes that can be viewed from the outside as black and white through and through. p.s. I also agree with Pfau on this one, we absolutely should have the chance to change our outlook; wonderfully put. How else do people get second chances, which I firmly advocate. 7. Favorite place to eat – what do you get? Pizzeria Pulcinella, the Giovanni pizza. It's in a random house on Rainer Ave so kind of sketch; so cheap, so perfect! 8. Pro-Life / Pro-Choice? Pro-Life. Except in the cases of incest or rape. I know a lot of people say that. I know there are many cases that warrant help far BEFORE an abortion comes into play. I'm sensitive to that. There are horrors and abuse that happens as much as we'd love to turn away from it. However, in MOST cases a thousand tiny decisions are thoughtlessness made that directly lead to an unplanned pregnancy and we should all be more aware and responsible. Ultimately I think it goes back to the fact that we have free will and our choices are meaningful; they have consequences. 9. What’s your morning routine look like? Right now: being attacked in my bed by a 10 pound monster, getting breakfast for my girls, packing lunches if we're going out, getting them ready, getting myself ready, mapping out the day, letting the monster out and on and on. The life of a cruise director mom. 10. Dogs / Cats? Even in the certainty of poop in my carpets: dogs. 11. Favorite ice cream flavor? I'm a fro-yo gal too!! I like it all, but the fruit flavors too:) However, if it's my MOST favorite; spumoni.

Et tu, Brute?

Meet Brutus.

The newest and smallest member of this Bell clan. He is quite the charmer; warming hearts and moving mountains with his wrinkly little face. He's a Stafford Shire Bull Terrier. He is deliciously cute. He is also my own personal Ides of March. This week he arrived from a different state with his brother Jet. Bru is Pea's early 5th birthday present and she's over the moon with him. However, I'm having a harder time. We all know I love a good metaphor. In this one I am Julius Caesar assuming all of Rome bends to my every wish. Power is the great destroyer, is it not? On March 15th 44 BC, Caesar was attacked in his place of leadership by all his senators. Even his BFF Brutus. Whom, it is foretold, cracked Caesar's cool exterior and he broke in to pieces accepting his fate. Don't think any of that is lost on me. It's not. My Brutus is peeing and pooping on my carpets, chewing on strung out barbies, and currently whining right now downstairs. Men. Really, it's not all that bad, in truth we're starting to have success with peeing outside and he seems to have taken to me, which I find ironic in the highest order since I'm the MOST annoyed with his potty mishaps. In my last metaphor I was Jafar. Why am I always the fascist male dictator? I might need a therapist. That being said, I am learning that, at times, control needs to be ripped away from you to realize what a strong grip it actually has ON you. And so. Brutus, as you sleep on my lap (I couldn't stand the whining a minute longer) I accept you and change, and your immense cuteness into my life (and carpets). Welcome home, little guy.

This is happening...

Mildly freaked out by it, but happy for her new adventure!

Wide World of Sports

I attempted to come up with a retro feeling video circa the black and white 50's idea using all the pictures you'll see below, but I learned one important thing: I was not made to make movies. That being said, I came up with a vintage poster mock up:

We've been active these days. Pea is in swim lessons, Harper discovered a true and immediate love affair with gymnastics, and Ty and I have been doing the crossfit games. Whether or not we're good enough to actually compete (when I say that the, "not" is referring to me...) it's been fun to try. Here are scenes from our recent adventures into the wide wide world of sports...