Teenage Dream

It is Pearson's ultimate dream to be a teenager like Aunt Chani.

I am scared by this picture.
Chandler, she has one more year to brag about you BECAUSE you're her teenage dream; Happy Birthday sister dear!

Story Hour

Fishing for Pennies

Part 3:

Loe’s breathing was slow. Level. Even. She aligned herself directly behind the tree. It was as if it was just wide enough to shield her small form; like it was fit only for her protection. Peering out, she thought the coarse light was casting shadows. Even then, she knew they were not shadows. From this vantage point she could see each subtle detail in slow motion; a tattered quilt, the half-eaten peach, two sets of bare feet. Each new revelation exploded before her blowing to bits the well-worn picture in her thoughts. Her eyes burned, but she dared not close them. If she blinked, she might wipe away a part of this scene and it had to stay firmly planted at the forefront of her mind forever.
Those eyes, seeing every single movement, had not yet caught up with her heart, which was now racing toward panic and nothingness. She heard a piece of overripe fruit click off its vine and fall purposefully toward the damp ground and when it hit vibrated like a pulled grenade. Startled, she drew in a sharp breath disrupting her calculated pattern. Frozen, Loe concentrated only on the bruising peach. Stay hidden, out of consciousness; only then would she buy herself time to think. A glance flung toward her and she had no doubt they had seen her. Then just as quickly the girl turned back around and into his arms.
It was at this exact moment that Loe felt it. The precise moment her world shifted downward toward something dimly fatalistic. It sucked in her breath and stole her undivided attention; the flutter of a butterfly wing.

The Last Goodbye

This is the last time I saw my Grandma Bev. It was November of 2009 and I brought my firstborn to meet her. She lived in Michigan; a far cry from Seattle.
It was only lunch, but now it means more to me.
While we were in Maui, she passed away on June 24th. She'd been sick for a couple months and in hospice for a couple days prior, but still. It never feels like the right time.
If we're being honest I've been putting this off, because I couldn't really find the words. But then I thought: that's what my little short story has been and maybe why I've had writer's block. Now everytime I add to it, it's another way to pass on, another way to remember.
I wish I would have known it was the very last goodbye. I'm thankful for the memory of her well, whole, and sassy. We love you Grandma Bev and happy you're finally home...

Piggies & Pictures

I tried these today.

I can't express in words how cute it is in person...pig tails are new booster chair here; the new thing.
In other news, Pea got a camera of her own for her birthday; she absolutely loves it. I am pretty sure it's the best gift since the princess barbies of Christmas 09. She's been doing a lot of this...

oh girls.

Happy Independence (birth)day!

Pearson, today you are officially four years old! Hooray!
I love that your birthday is so close to the 4th of July because well first of all you are FOUR today and you are our little independent diva. You are hilarious when asked to take a picture because a super pose is not far behind. These pictures show you in all your glory!
Your spirit is joyful and strong; you sort of are like a firework. Show the world your colors because they are beautiful; We HEART you little lady...Happy Birthday!

The Fourth.

Another fun fourth in Normandy Park at the Bell place! Lots of friends, family, swimming, and food; oh the food. yum. My brother was here and the girls got to spend time with him since they got quality time with everyone else in Hawaii. Pearson really got into the fireworks this year and we stayed late to watch some. She kept signing that Katy Perry song to herself which was so cute ("...baby, you're a firework. boom, boom, boom...")
I'm so happy to be living here and raising a family in a country that's free. We heart America and Harper officially hates swimming...

Reunited...

...and it feels so good.
This weekend I took a road trip down to my home town of Salem, OR. My trip was a threefold experience: to see special friends (shout out Em and Bek), to show up at my 10 year high school reunion, and to attend the cocktail bridal shower of one Ms. Sara Manzo; soon to be Mrs. Benz. Fans of my blog have been introduced to the infamous Ms. M and her wacky yet complete awesomeness. It was a memorable night to be with my (literal) homies and celebrate the upcoming nuptials of a truly good friend. I happen to be a bridesmaid and feel very honored in that capacity; her wedding will be rustic chic and my girlfriends Kt, Brie, and Kenna did one heck of a job on this shower. Let me just tell you: It was seriously anthropology meets down home elegance. Below are some of my favorite pictures of this special night. My favorite moments including Kt actually chopping wood to build us a fire around which we could drink (and sometimes spill) wine and reminisce, the head lamp Manz wore to read her "toasts", the chandelier hanging from the tree outside, and how happy my friend is...







Then I popped in and out of one of my oldest friend Em's boutique which she is the proud and capable owner of...
It's called Felicity. It's amazing. Period. End of story.



I figured, "Hey, while I'm here this weekend, let's hit up MAGOOS (a dive bar) and attend my 10 year high school reunion. Pfau (who many of you also know) and our friend Brad planned it here...this should tell you one thing: We're nothing if not a class act.
Moving on...there was a BBQ at Kt and Zane's pad (which is ADORABLE) btw beforehand (shout out to Zane's incredible meat stylings) where a LOT of this was going on:

Then on to Magoos where I did not take enough pictures of the truly awkward moments, but here are a couple I love:



If you want to see more of each...go here. Kt and Zane have their own website...click on the camera icon to see them all.
So wonderful to be close to those who have known you through all the good and bad times and how being with them can make me feel at home even though my life isn't there anymore. I love love love you...
Lastly it was on to meet the little lady I have prayed for and seen God's complete faithfulness through. Many of you follow Bek's blog and have seen her adoption journey unfold. What we've all REALLY seen is God's provision, love and (meet) Mercy...aren't you just a little bit in love?


What a pitch-perfect note to end on...