Spring Cleaning Part 1

Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but this is the first time in my life I'm doing an official "Spring Cleaning," and it's only because of my wonderful sister-in-law, Deanne, who volunteered a kid-trade so we could both have a weekend to get it done. Thanks for the idea, Dee. And thanks for letting your kids get the stomach flu the day before said trade, so it didn't end up happening. (Never fear, we'll try again next weekend.)

Anyway, Bruce and I tried cleaning yesterday, even though the kids were all home. We cleaned the entire house...okay, just the windows. The rest of the house can wait, but boy did it feel good to scrub windows, frames, screens, everything. Only to have them all covered with fingerprints a few minutes later. But isn't that life? After the windows, Bruce weeded our bog/pond area and even drained the water (so we can convert it to a pondless waterfall in the next few weeks), but by this morning our hillside spring had filled the pond back up. And the weeds will grow back. But in the meantime, it's nice to have a few minutes of clean.

It was a pretty romantic day of scrubbing, too, because it was our anniversary. Happy seven years, Bruce! I feel blessed to be able to say I'd do it all over again. And despite what we see in Hollywood, happy marriages can happen without a prenup. (We're probably better off without one.) I am so grateful for my wonderful, kind, patient, loving, funny, and good husband, and for the three little (big!) blessings that have come into our lives. They are the greatest evidence that marriage works, given a little effort and a lot of love and forgiveness. Aren't children beautiful? Thank you Bruce! (By the way, the cleaning yesterday was my idea, and Bruce has planned a fun date for next weekend, so he's not a slacker.)


On a side note, Bruce wants everyone that I had hiccups, loudly, during stake conference today. But after one upside-down drink from Sammy's sippy cup, I was cured.

Finally, I'm spring cleaning online, too. Gone is the poll about Riley's hair. Thanks to all who voted. For the time being, the hair will stay short. Unless he cries again at the next haircut. And now we want to know how you feel about the music on our site. Really. Because I like it, but sometimes the music on other peoples' blogs bugs me--depending on what songs they choose. We do take requests into consideration as we post our playlists, so tell us your favorite and we might add it! (Don't worry, votes are anonymous.)

p.s.--Check out the new slideshow. Nifty, eh?