I've been working from home most mornings lately because I feel bad leaving Mr. Doodle alone for an entire work day. Sometimes Matt or Skylar work from home and whenever they do, they gather all of the puppies in Salt Lake Valley and keep them for the day. But when this doesn't happen, the onus is on me because I'm a single parent now and I know exactly how Brianne feels in every way possible even if she won't admit it.

So this morning I was working from home. Mr. Doodle and I were doing our daily routine: I work at the kitchen table while he lies on a blanket by my feet, completely dead to the world, as though he didn't just sleep in a bed for ten straight hours. Then we get up and go for a walk and throw some sticks and do tickle bums which where I tickle his little bum and yell "tickle bums!" as he tries to run away from me trustmeitsnormal. And then we come back inside and I give him a treat.

Well this morning, after I gave him the treat, I heard him start hacking. I ran to him and instinctively put my hand under his mouth and caught all of his vomit. It didn't even gross me out at all. It was just what I needed to do. SO I GUESS I'M A MOM NOW.

And now, your Pictures & Distractions:



Sunset from my house.


Mr. Pants!


I sleepy.




Jared and I went snowshoeing up in the canyon. This is him standing on top of a picnic table. 


Just bein' silly with Uncle Skylar.


Hello. It's me. I've been wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet. 



Walking in a winter wonderland.




Crap to distract you from whatever you're supposed to be doing:

If you haven't read your fellow Strangers' angsty dating stories yet, do yourself a favor and read them now.

This video about a poodle rescue gave me legit tears. Thanks, Brian.

A husband documents his existential crisis when his wife drags him through IKEA. Thanks, Amy.

An important book for teaching your pet about important things. Thanks, Brittany.

Pawternity leave. Thanks, many many of you.

16 great Dr. Seuss quotes. Thanks, Steven.

It's dusty in Canada, ok!!? Thanks, Sammy.

These causeways remind me of one I had to drive across to get to work every day in Palau. Thanks, Sarah.

Please join us on the Facebooks and follow me and Mr. Duncan Doodle on the Instas at eliwmccann and mr_duncan_doodle.

If you would like to have something included on Pictures & Distractions, please email me at itjustgetsstranger@gmail.com.

~It Just Gets Stranger