Rearranged

Our loft got magically rearranged tonight and when I find the camera you'll all be able to see the most amazing transformation an eleven, ten, six and five year old can make very quietly in about 30 minutes. Seriously, they moved the heavy book cases together just like I had dreamed for months of doing but I was too wimpy to move and the bench is by the south wall so that little ones can no longer hang over the scary ledge of the loft to scare me to death, and the "classroom" has a complete new look, topped off with the lovely Christmas floral arrangement on top of the bookcase. I really love the whole lay out. My granddaughters are going to be interior designers for sure. They've already got a happy client!

We could use a little more

I don't get to see this too often and personally I think we could use a little more. Is there rain anywhere in the forcast?

Happy Birthday, I ate too much

Once again, it was Arlene's birthday and we went out to eat. I always eat too much when I go with Arlene. She has had quite a year, but got word for her birthday that her 6 month infection is gone. Hip (literally) Hip Hooray! We forgot to take the camera this year so here's a picture from her party two year's ago. She's smaller this year, and I'm bigger. What can I say? Happy Birthday, I ate too much!

made my day

"Gratsmylations!" Oakley exclaimed. Doesn't that just make your day? Here are just a few of the things that have made my day, lately. First of all, having a clean truck makes me happy and the Liahona girls had a camp fundraiser car wash. Parker was so happy to visit this weekend. I love that he treats me like a favorite. Isn't he big?
Liz picked fake glasses for her school accessory of choice. Can't wait to see her with them.
Then our stake did an amazing service project and the young women had the opportunity to go buy shoes for a school for homeless children. It was Marina's birthday and she was there selecting shoes for someone else. I came home and found that Kevin had snuck in my house and done the dishes. Now there's a way to get on my good side! Yesterday while Oakley was saying a blessing on the food, Reese folded his arms, so I praised him, then looked at Nate who gave the "I'm cute" look and immediately folded his arms for a second or two. Totally made my day. You'd think they were in their white shirts and ties, they were so reverent!



And then this morning, we had a Mary sighting. We hadn't seen her for a couple of months and I was worried that the summer had been too hot for her, but no, she's still eating the garden. Yay! My day has been made, yet again. Such simple joys. I think I need to start looking for and recording all the tender mercies and simple joys of my days. Little philosophizing moment: This life is a journey of happiness as we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, not to happiness, but a path of happiness on the journey of life. Have a happy day!

Toilet Talk

This morning as I did the Monday toilet clean, I thought how great it would be to have a composting toilet. Mariann showed me these marvels on our trip recently. She has always seemed very organized and a super cleaner, and if this is her dream, it's mine too. The great thing is that when we walked into this bathroom, it smelled fresh, with no hint of compost or any other odor. Where do we go to get one of these? To me, this is right up there with the stainless steel kitchen, with power hose and drain in the middle. Now that's talking.