Just like an Elephant!

My washing machine has leaked for years but it has been getting worse and worse as time has gone on. Our local appliance repairman has fixed various problems but he seems reluctant to return to examine it to determine what is wrong is this time.

I kept saying that it was "my good machine" and in my mind I was thinking it was still "new." Then it finally hit me, that we had purchased the Whirlpool before my son was born -- and he just celebrated his tenth birthday.

New hubby said he wasn't an appliance repairman and maybe it was just "worn out" and we should replace the machine. Although I was worried about the cost, I agreed to go look at new washers on Thursday evening.

So the four of us all trucked over to Home Depot and picked out an Amana front loader. Unfortunately the store doesn't keep appliances in stock and so you have to place your order and wait for a couple of weeks for delivery.

After we left, I took the kids to McDonalds for a late supper. As she was eating her fries Isobel looked up at me and innocently asked "Is the washing machine in the trunk, Mummy..."

I guess she remembered waiting in line at the check out and she remembered us saying that we were buying a new machine, but she didn't remember seeing it packed up! So I quickly explained to her how the order process worked.

Now Isobel and I are eagerly awaiting the telephone call that will signal the arrival of the new appliance... and we'll all soon be wearing clean clothes! I can't wait!

Age ... From a Child's Perspective...

Yesterday we were in the city and went to McDonalds so Isobel could get a Happy Meal and "Build-a-Bear" toy... Of course John, her stepdad, refuses to eat at that particular restaurant. So Isobel and I went in and I got two "take out" meals. Then John drove to the nearest A & W and went in to order what he wanted to eat.

Meanwhile, Isobel and I sat in the gold station wagon waiting for him to return. She happily ate one of her chicken nuggets and then urgently exclaimed "I can feel some pee!"

Since she is newly potty trained, I instinctively knew there was no time to waste. I grabbed the keys from the ignition and got her seatbelt unbuckled and got her swept into the restaurant -- almost in one motion. I thrust the keys into John's hand and we were off to the ladies room.

When we emerged I told Isobel to go and look and see if she could find John because I wasn't sure if he would be in the lobby or waiting for us in the car. She went for a quick glance at the booths and was back by my side almost immediately.

I didn't have to ask if she had found John because she excitedly exclaimed in a loud voice "I don't see GRAY HAIR anywhere!"

So we went to the car and, sure enough, her patient grey haired stepdad was waiting there for our return!

I just had to laugh....

A moment to remember, for sure!