Merry early Christmas to me/us?

No, the baby isn't here yet.

But this big, beautiful bundle arrived on Monday!!!

The washing machine we had came brand new with the house. The cheapy builder, lowest end GE washer/dryer set you can get, I'm sure. In the three years that we owned it, we've had repair people out twice to diagnose a problem, the first time it being under warranty, thank goodness. This last time, it was determined the part plus labor would total more than what the actual washer cost. The agitator wasn't working plus the whole thing sounded like an airplane about to take off, even through the closed laundry room door. No bueno! We did some researching on front loading machines and were pleased to find this set on a good sale! Still expensive and not what I would've chosen to spend that kind of money on right now, but a working washer is a *minor* necessity when there are 7 people living in your household that wear clothing on a regular basis.

The kids are totally fascinated that they can see the clothes being tossed around, back and forth. I'm still trying to figure out the mystery of how such a large load of clothes can be washed in seemingly so little water!!! I do love them so far, especially the fact that they sing to me when the load is finished, a classical tune that the kids recognize from a Little Einsteins episode. :)