You know, the Church is an amazing thing. I mean, aside from being guided by a latter-day prophet and having the Book of Mormon to guide us as well as the Bible (which is pretty huge huh?). But right now I'm thinking of the networking, the helping hands - it's just amazing.

I called my Relief Society President to see if she knew of anyone in the ward that repaired dryers or of anyone who wanted to get rid of a dryer.
RS Pres: "Why don't you call so-and-so. I think she was given a washer and/or dryer. You could just see if they were able to hook them up and if they're able to use them. You can let her know I told you to call. I'm not sure if it'll help, but it's worth a phone call."
Me: "Okay. Thanks."

Me on the phone with So-and-so: "RS President said you recently got a washer and dryer and that I should call to see if you were able to get them hooked up and use them."
So-and-So: "Yes, they're working fine. Why?"
Me: This is where I explained my dryer dilemma and then,
So-and-so says, "Oh! Well you can have the DRYER. My dryer wasn't broken so we didn't need the dryer."
Me: "Well I was planning to buy one used. Can I pay you?"
So-and-so: "Oh, no! They were given to me by someone in the Church and I'd feel bad charging for them."

And so it turns out that this dryer has changed hands from someone in a different ward (congregation), to one family in our ward, on to So-and-so, and now to me!

As I think about this, I keep thinking about a commercial for Liberty Mutual. Remember this? I love the message.

I wish I could say it was really complicated, that I had to take all these pieces apart and I now know all there is to know about dryers...but it wouldn't be true.

I was expecting to make a run to Home Depot or Lowe's for a fuse and didn't even have to do that. I opened up the back, where it looked like this:

Then I cleaned tons of lint off the wires and metal, called my brother-in-law a couple of times to make sure I was checking everything that I could, and when I plugged it back in - VOILA - it worked! Go figure....

In any case, I am VERY glad to have my dryer back (especially since I was already behind on laundry...another day and we wouldn't have clothes to wear!!).

EDIT: "Wait a minute. Strike that, reverse it." (Name that movie!) Once I finally got a load into the dryer, it ran for a few minutes and then stopped. I'll have to keep waiting to see if it just needs some time, but I'm doubtful.

This morning a repairman told me he was sure it was a fuse (based on the symptoms at the time). He was willing to come out and fix it for $75 (that's not going to happen -- this dryer is over 10 years old and NOT worth it. Might as well find another used dryer). So I called him again and explained the new problem. He said it was a disc that needs to be replaced. I asked how much that was if I came in to pick it up and fix it myself. Answer? $75. Seems odd. But I don't know very much about dryers, so maybe it's not that strange?

Anyway, I'm basically back to square one. To fix -- and how? Or to buy -- and where?

Alright. I need help! Last night when I turned on the dryer it ran for a few minutes and then turned off. I turned it back on successfully and then fell asleep. This morning I discovered that the clothes had definitely not dried so I'm assuming it did the same thing. I started them again and had a repeat of last night's "running for a few minutes and then shutting off". I turned it on again and it finally finished the cycle.

But fast forward to tonight and I'm doing another load. I haven't done laundry since this morning and now the dryer won't even turn ON.

Any ideas? Am I done for? It's an old dryer but I did check the hose in the back and I know it's in place. I clean the lint trap regularly. And other than that, I don't know what to do.

On Friday I was all geared up and cooking chicken for my grandma's Broccoli Chicken Casserole when I had this overwhelming desire to just eat the chicken right out of the pan it was cooking in. :) I didn't. But I felt really sad thinking about cutting it up and mixing it into a casserole with mayonnaise and broccoli and stuffing. SO...I improvised. I put some slices of provolone on top of the chicken and let them melt, added some pepper and a tiny bit of basil, whipped up some instant potatoes and nuked some green beans and VOILA, all done! I was hopeful based on how good it looked but I don't usually improvise so I was also skeptical. It was SO good!!! We'll definitely be having it again.

Today was not as exciting but still a fun dinner surprise. I was cooking chicken (again...) when I realized the dish I was making was going to take longer than I had time for. SO...I improvised. Again. It wasn't quite the same though. I just realized that I had all the ingredients for Hawaiian Haystacks instead of Teriyaki Chicken.

What can I say? I'm easily pleased.

Remember this? Well, Esther is finally coming out of her shell. She says No and Uh-huh ALL the time, although No means yes just as often as Uh-huh. She runs to Eric saying, Duh-da-da all the time, which I think is adorable!

Of all the things she says and does, this is one of my favorites right now. She's developed quite an aversion to naptime and bedtime recently (not unusual...) and when I pick her up to carry her to bed, she says in the most desperate, pleading, cutest voice ever, "No, mama, No."

The girls and their friends love to dress her up. Fortunately for them, she doesn't mind.

And just because it's been so long since I've posted a picture of all three of them...

Oh wow! I forgot how much stubbed toes hurt. I can't even remember the last time I stubbed my toe. You?

I've always wanted to do one of those personality/color tests and Nicki did one the other day that looked more legit than many I've seen so I had to try it out. If you take it, let me know what color you are and if you think it's accurate. I think it was right on for me.

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Blue

You're blue — the most soothing shade of the spectrum. The color of a clear summer sky or a deep, reflective ocean, blue has traditionally symbolized trust, solitude, and loyalty. Most likely a thoughtful person who values spending some time on your own, you'd rather connect deeply with a few people than have a bunch of slight acquaintances. Luckily, making close friends isn't that hard, since people are naturally attracted to you — they're soothed by your calming presence. Cool and collected, you rarely overreact. Instead, you think things through before coming to a decision. That level-headed, thoughtful approach to life is patently blue — and patently you!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/rd/50651/color/index.jsp?testname=colorogt&resultid=E

Wow, so I am seriously lacking in the blogging world lately. I don't know what's come over me. Lots has been happening and I even have lots of pictures....

So recent news:

Autumn's hamster, Mary, had babies. TEN to be exact. The pet store will be taking them back (which they had already agreed to when we bought, if she should turn out to be pregnant) if we can't find homes for them through her school. Some of the teachers may want classroom pets and some of her classmates may want a pet. So we'll see. While it sounds very big and annoying to deal with, it's actually been and going to be very fun. They're very cute and Autumn made a calendar with me marking the changes that will be happening to them over the next three weeks (pigment, fur, eyes opening, eating solids, all that jazz). Some of her friends are equally excited and will be visiting to track the hamster pups' progress. I'll try to post pictures soon.

I have officially decided to homeschool Autumn next year -- and lest you think I'm crazy, for now I'll just refer you to this wonderful article that explains my thoughts so well (and just to warn you, it's not short. It's not really long either, but just so you know...). I'm sure I'll post more about it as time goes on too. I'm working on setting up a homeschooling blog too so that those who aren't as interested in hearing about that all the time can just come here for the typical stuff you've come to know and love (right?) and there for anything homeschool-related that we'll be doing.

I am now the Ward Organist instead of Assistant Ward Organist. Good times. Did you know I actually love to play the organ? Now I'm not saying I play the organ. I play piano, but I do have an organ book and I love trying different stops and learning to use the pedals. It's just fun and so different from piano.

I bought a double jogging stroller and it ships tomorrow (after being backordered for two weeks since I actually purchased it...). I will be anxiously awaiting its arrival. Our walks will be SO much easier. Woo-hoo!!

And that's all I can think of for now. Not too much, but it's been exciting!