Table for Eight

See . . . HALF full. For those of you playing the At-Home Version of the game called " Ways My Life Sucks, " I mean, "The Glass Is Always Half-Full". . . I thought you'd be happy to know-- I accidentally scheduled my washing machine repair for MAY 6-- not April 29! And the best part? I didn't realize it UNTIL I'd sequestered myself at home for the standard 4 hour window when the dang person was supposed to come out. So. Help. Me! Where's the silver lining in this little life-lesson? I may be stretching it, but here's what I've come up with: THINGS I LIKE ABOUT NOT HAVING A WASHING MACHINE 1. No washer = less housework. (You'd be surprised how much time is spend laundering clothes. I know--because suddenly I have a lot of freetime.) 2. I am learning that not everything in the laundry hamper really meets the definition of DIRTY. ( "Sure, you can wear that again. Sprinkle some water on it and shake it. Good. A

I think my new favorite word is going to be LOVELY . -- Did you see THE Royal Wedding? Yes, it was lovely. -- Do you hear those birds chirping in the 38 degree weather? Yes, their songs are lovely . -- How do you like the apple and orange salad? It's just lovely. -- And, isn't today a beautiful day to be living on Planet E? Yes, it's simply LOVELY! I hope you enjoy this LOVELY weekend--wherever you may be, whatever you may do. (PS: I hope to post more frequently next week. It's not like me to miss a few days . . . but, I'm trying to redesign the blog with the new "Deseret Housewife" theme--and it's taken a lot of time. PS: The new site is going to be LOVELY!)

 Jay decided to re-enact his own version of the movie, "127 Hours," but dubbed his: "127 Seconds." That. Cracks. Me. Up. This past week Jay and Jr were able to go on an AMAZING hike with our friends and their kiddos. I'm going to post more photos tomorrow, but in the meantime I want to get these up--because I'm just so so thankful the boys were able to go on this hike. Isn't Utah beautiful?  (I mean, isn't Utah beautiful in the sun? Tee hee. Sorry winter, you are no longer a friend of mine. Maybe next year.)

If your a local friend reading this in Utah--and the weather has you down (we're on Day 1,678 of "grey skies") . . . I can make you smile: At least it isn't Day 1, 678 of Utah grey skies AND you find yourself in a Coin-Op Laundromat. (The Sears Repair Person can't come out to fix our machine until Friday. Awesome!) PS: I'm convinced God has a pretty good sense of humor. PPS: Can I just say how much I really do love Ricky Martin! Menudo was ALL the rage when I was in high school . . . or middle school (whichever one makes me younger now).

I hope this Easter Sunday   fills you with renewed hope , joy , and enthusiasm for life! Because this day that lies before you is a miracle . Enjoy every minute of it! ***************** PS: For my own record-keeping . . . here's my first loaf of bread baked at Gnomey .

First things first: Happy Easter Weekend! (I heart Easter, don't you? Bring on the spring. Bring on the NEW life!) ***** Well, we are just about finished moving! Woo hoo! It's funny. I woke up this morning wondering how I would feel about this major move in our lives. Would I be sad? Would I be nostalgic? Would I be overwhelmed/stressed? Maybe a little of each. But really, overall, I'm just grateful! We have loved loved loved living in The Pumpkin Home! And yet, I have to tell you . . . as we make this transition, it's hard to feel sad. Everything that we have loved about our home-- truly --is going with us to our new place (Sweetly dubbed Gnomey . PS: I name all of our homes for some reason.). And while I'm sure we will miss two hot water heaters, about 2,400 square feet, and the amazing "rustic Brazlian cherry" hardwood floors (LOL--I'm dramatic, yes), We have everything we need at Gnomey . . . --Our 6 "bootiful" kiddos --