Logan life, tamales, and trains

Been working so hard with my little house, I can't wait to show you pictures. Kitchen is crammed full with stuff! Food, cans of food, food storage, etc. We are not lacking in the food department. Or any small appliances therin. I put up two shelving units in the bedroom to put our linens and other stuff on. I unpacked 5 boxes of random crud and put away or threw into the D.I. pile. It's hard getting rid of the U of I vandal shirts that the kids wore when they were little and other things, but I don't want to have baggage! I kept one for a keepsake, but then I'm going to let someone else have the opportunity to own it. It feels so good. Started putting away Ryanna's room, but it's SO HARD with all the boxes in the way. I honestly am so blessed.


I made a new friend! The only one I have in Logan and she hardly speaks english. She's hispanic and has only been in the US for 8 years. Her young kids are learning english so they speak with NO accents. They absolutely crowd me! They are so sweet. Two little girls, one 7 and one 2. The 7 year old invited us over to her house yesterday and since she goes to the same school as Ryanna and Dawson, M (can't remember her full name, it's very Mexican) caught up with us as we walked home. (she only lives 3 doors down across the street) She reminded me the ENTIRE way home how I promised to come over and to come to her birthday party with a pinata and lots of 'Spanish People, not white like you'. It is so darling. I said that we will come over after school and as we walked up to her house, she had her little nose pressed up against the glass waiting for us. Her younger sister (the 2yr old)'s name is Emily. Very beautiful. HUGE black eyes and dark hair. Very 'bonita' as Marina taught me today.

Marina is very patient and we do alot of communication with our hands. I am bubbly and happy around her, she is so sweet. She has a garden and gave me 2 squashes, 4 tomatoes, 4 cucumbers and cilantro and 4 ears of corn she grew and picked for me. She also tried giving me clothes and we're already planning play dates next week. She walks M to school and watches at the window for me. (My 'backdoor' is more like a sidedoor. It is mostly glass, you can see into the kitchen from the street) Next week she said she'll teach me how to make tamales. As she said, "I cook tamales. You just watch." You betcha I'll watch! I'm excited to learn.

I am starting to feel like I'm on a mission. To love the people around you. I am surrounded by Hispanics and am always waving to the neighbors. I am really regretting NOT taking spanish. Only knowing how to say, "Hello! How are you? Me, I'm so-so." Hasn't proved very helpful. By the way, it's "Ole! Come estas? Eh, tu asi-asi." Yes, that was enough to get me an A. Go figure. I also learned how to say The Pledge of Alligence. Why? I have NO clue.

The kids are adjusting and LOVE their new school. Ryanna's on the 2nd floor, so she feels really big and important. Dawson is on the first floor and is so head over heels for learning. It starts so early here, we are up and at 'em by 6:15 and I'm yelling at the kids to get dressed and get their backpacks on since I'm usually making eggs, toast and yogurt. It makes for a long day, but it's so nice. I walk with them, it's a mile round trip, and beautiful. It's such a gorgeous area! Every house is intriguing, different and has a different story to tell. We pass by a horse, goat several older homes with lawn ornaments that are hysterical. We have gotten to know the Crossing Guard, Miss Lori. She has been doing it for 10 years and are seeing the kids she had when she first started, have kids of THEIR own. She has learned who my kids are and I told her that if I'm not there to lead them in the right direction. I look forward to seeing her each afternoon. She was telling me about this gentleman, who I see regularly riding his bike past my house. In his suit. With a small suitcase on the handlebars. Since we live so close to the temple, I wondered if he attended and just rode his bike home. She told me today that he suffers from seizures and attends the temple regularly. His mother just passed and he lives all alone. AHA! I know who we'll be visiting with cookies in hand soon.

THIS IS SOOOOO EXCITING! I love the people here. They drive like maniacs, but are still a very warm people. I have been stunned. I get funny looks since my van windows are rolled up and I lock my doors. No one does that here. No wonder it's the number one safest town in Utah. I like it. With so many hispanics around, I was a little wary of the safety and even cleanliness of the neighborhood. I am so wrong! It's been a lovely place to be. I actually look forward to my days. I love being at home and spending the majority one-on-one with Carter. Still such a busy body, especially with grasshoppers around!

Ryan is working hard and doing well. Since the little Mazda is gone, (when it died, the dealership in Brigham City was trying to fix it) would spend more to fix it than the car was worth. Now we're in the market for a new PREOWNED car. Since going through the dealerships have warranties and we've gotten to know the staff, they've been great trying to help us find a car. I think we found one. Pictures to come, if the financing works out.

Oh, and since the traintracks are maybe 100 feet away, we got to see another one this morning! The conductor waved to Carter this morning, and Carter was absolutely TICKLED!!!! I knew he was waving to him, because we were the only ones standing outside in the freezing cold in our jammies waving to him. Talk about something to make your day! As simple as that.

sláinte. 'nuff said.

Cleaning.  Packing. Cleaning and packing.  And when I'm tired of cleaning and packing, I clean and pack more just for fun.

This morning as I was cleaning and packing, the doorbell rang.  I irritatingly answered the door as it was our postman.  He said I needed to sign for this package and I obliged.

I held the smallish envelope in my hand and read the return address.  My heart starts pounding, I immediately start to shake.  I tear it open as the breath catches in my chest.

There lying in the palm of my sweaty hands I see them.  And they're so pretty.  My Celtic Thunder tickets are in my possession.  MY possession! And I see the wristband that gets me into the Meet and Greet cocktail hour before the show. 

And then I see where I am to be seated...2nd ROW CENTER. 

You have GOT to be kidding. 

I start screaming as the kids are looking at me with puzzlement.  I am jumping up and down.  What a sight it must have been! I am shaking uncontrollable and giggling like a crazy person.  I yell at the kids to get their shoes on, we have to run an errand.  I fly over to my sister's house and flew up the stairs yelling all the way.  (while the kids were still getting out of the van, leaving all doors open, of course)

I gave her HER ticket and we sat there, at the top of the stairs screaming and yelling and shaking.  I am COVERED with goosebumps.  I can HARDLY wait. 

I will meet two of the guys in person.  Get one things autographed.  The letter enclosed requested that the fans NOT kiss nor grab the guys.  Their words not mine. 

I hope I get to meet Keith...he's my favorite.

Ashley's favorite is Neil.  He's kinda cute too.

During the meet and greet, I'm totally going to floor them with my gaelic.  I know like 3 words.  I will raise my glass and say, "SLAINTE!" (pronounced "slon-cha")

That outta get me some attention, don't you think?

offically outta here!

We've been playing with the idea of moving to Utah for the last several months.  However, for you to move and reside in another state, you need the most important of essentials: a HOME.

After searching for days, endless phone calls, frustrating dead-ends, etc.  We finally found a little home to rent.  It'll be tight and without a dishwasher, but what an adventure to look forward to! Down-sizing is a good thing, got rid of extra stuff and clutter and hopefully life with slow down a bit. 

I haven't seen it yet, but when I do, I'm sure it'll be home.  Never lived in another state before, and I didn't think of myself as a true Idahoan...until I have to leave the comfort of the Idaho Bubble!

Been packing and cleaning.  Loving the idea of a fresh start.  Loving the idea of not having to pay for air conditioning.  (there isn't any!) And getting ready to wash every single item, utensil or otherwise, by hand.  I didn't have a dishwasher until this house, so for the last 2 years I've been spoiled...and I admit it. I've loved it!

Bring on the new adventure.  I welcome it.  Watch out Utah...here we come! As of the 26th we're officially OUTTA HERE!

P.S. Where in Utah you may ask? Home of the Aggies. I guess I'll have to get over my obsession of the University of Idaho VANDALS...they are not liked down there! (or so I hear)

Farewell Boise, Hello LOGAN!!

oh daughter...such big words you have

Definition of ENCROACH: (verb)
1. Intrude on (a person's territory or a thing considered to be a right).

2. Advance gradually and in a way that causes damage.

 

Sentence uttered from my daughter's mouth in frustration:

"Dawson, you're ENCROACHING upon my life!"

 

Did I know the meaning of this word? Not really. I had to google the definition, just to make sure that it wasn't worse than it sounded.  (Ensuring her punishment to fit the severity of the crime, not letting me overreact more than I should).

 

After I picked up my jaw off the floor, I asked her to use kind words.  (possibly smaller words, for her dumb mother??)

 

I'd like to say that this is the first time.  It's not. This is just one word that I remember.  She's got hundreds of 'Word Central' words that she's learned.  One new daily.  And it's actually crept into her vocab. 

 

What are the kids learning in school these days?! Even when they fight, it's like in olde english, latin or using words I have to look up. 

 

Well, in that case... Omnia bona!

class of 2023

Are you SERIOUS? Class of...what?

Yes, 2023. I will have been out of high school for TWENTY FOUR YEARS by the time this dude graduates. 

Dawson graduated from Kindergarten and his school was so awesome, they put together a rocking ceremony.  Grammie Tami, Aunt Ash, Carter and Grandma H all came to see him get his little diploma. 

 

 

There were about 100 kids graduating.  This is his class and they are sure a bunch of awesome kids! I went in to volunteer a couple hours a week and got to know every one of them.   I sure will miss them! (Do you spy Dawson? He's under the clock on the top row.)

 

 

His teacher, Mrs. Savoie, is seriously one of my favorite people! It was so fun getting to know her in the last few months.  Dawson absolutely adored her as well, he misses her already.  Thank you for being so wonderful, Mrs. S!

 The Graduate! He's so handsome!

movieline monday

First person to guess the line correctly is the winner. May be from a movie, tv show, etc. Anything on the tube. 

Today's line is...

"Don't worry, Jules. I'll crack your case like an egg. Then we'll make omelets with shallots... and JUSTICE!"

movieline monday

First person to guess the line correctly is the winner.  May be from a movie, tv show, etc.  Anything from the tube.

Today's line is...

"Actually, I've always had a rather extensive vocabulary, not to mention a phenomenal grasp of grammar and a superlative command of syntax. I simply chose not to employ them."

a good quote

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

-Leo F. Buscaglia



I won! I won! I won!

I entered my name in an online contest...and I won a pair of FREE concert tickets!!!  Ryan wanted to stay home with the kids (whaaaa?) so I took my Dad to the concert and we ROCKED out to Sir Elton.  It was a night to remember! Sorry the pictures are so dark, I forgot my camera {{FOREVER will I regret}}and I only had my phone.

Our seats were so awesome! Even though we were situated BEHIND THE STAGE...I had the PERFECT VIEW of his magical fingers and piano keyboard the entire three hours he performed.  It was so surreal.  I had goosebumps during my most favorite song of his...ROCKETMAN.  Oh man.  What a show!! I could see the piano keys the entire time. 

We honestly weren't THAT far away from him.  My respect for him as a musician grew, he truly is so passionate about his work and he loves what he does.  It was so remarkable!!


The drummer, Nigel Olsson, is 62 years old and has been with EJ since 1969...when EJ first started his career.  Absolutely AMAZING.  They both know how to rock and aren't slowing down anytime soon! Nigel is in the green shirt on the drums.  While EJ is on the piano, it's kinda hard to see him in the pictures...but he's THERE!!!!

He, of course, performed all of his classics.  Then he sang some of his new stuff from his album that came out last year.  Truly, absolutely amazing! It was so loud that my ears are still tender and my left one is still ringing a little! So worth going deaf to see a legend. I want to go again! 

Brenda was right.

 

something's missing

He's got a lisp! He can't bite anything! He's missing two front teeth!

They were so loose and painful, so I wrapped floss around those puppies and YANKED. He was a brave dude and got compensated from the T.F. She sure had to save her pennies. I didn't realize how much it costs per tooth now a days! SHEESH!

Inflation, man. It's a killer.

she's HOW old?

She's NINE!? Am I really that old?

Happy Birthday to my April Fool's Day Girl! Born on April First, she is a wonderful gal is growing up beautifully. She got a few presents from her family party and awaits in great anticipation being able to go on her "Daddy-Daughter Date" with Ryan to go to Sleeping Beauty ballet in a couple weeks. So grown up! Had ice cream for breakfast, a birthday tradition started when she was little...it was a super fun day! Happy Birthday April Fool's Girl!

wanna play?

My kids role-play when they're playing make-believe.
And it seems like it's much more sophistocated than it was in my day.

Why is that?

stresses of being a groupie

Now they've changed the date of their concert to November 1st. Well, I can't go to both! I asked Ryan and he said, "NO!" so I have to pick one.

Grump. Make up your mind! Will you be in Boise 11-1 or 11-11? I wish I could go both concerts, but I can't. I really really really want to make it to the one at the Morrison Center, that would be awesome and smaller. But that also makes the tickets harder to get. Ahhhhhh!

P.S. Happy CELTIC THUNDER DAY! I mean, Happy St. Patty's Day and Happy Birthday to Katie!

11-11-11 is magical

I check the website with anticipation.

Every single week, if not more often.



And then I see it...'Boise, ID'...



Yes, Celtic Thunder is coming to the Morrison Centre on November 11, 2011. IN BOISE FREAKING IDAHO!! I'm on mailing lists, I'm going to be checking daily to see when tickets go on sale. Or should I start camping out now at the box office?



Oh yeah. Harkin. 'Nuff said.

Tá grá agam duit

"Buachaill ón Éirne me 's bhréagfainn cailín deas óg
Ní iarrfainn bó spré léI tá mé fhéin saibhir go leor
'S liom Corcaigh da mhéid é, dhá thaobh a' ghleanna 's Tír Eoghain
'S mura n-athraí mé béasaí 's me n' t-oidhr' ar Chontae Mhaigh Eo..."

The notes are arranged perfectly. Their voices blend magically. I am touched in my heart in places that words cannot express. The musicians are disgustingly multi-talented. Plus, have I mentioned how adorable the guys look in their KILTS?!

Hubba Hubba, Harkin! Sing to me, Keith!

From Left to Right: Paul, Ryan, Keith, Damien, George

They are so cute with their hair, accents, dimples and smiles!
Since last December, Paul has left. They've added Emmet, which I'll get to see in person this year...


Oh yeah, did I mention that I'm going to their concert in SLC in NOVEMBER?!!!! HECK YES!!!! November 2nd! They're going to the Maverik Centre in West Valley and I'm so there. I am waiting with bated breath. See you then, my Irish loves!
They ARE coming to Boise on November 1st for a couple hours to the Morrison Center! However, tickets were $250 and they only had 50 of them...so I didn't get to go. Although I would have PAID it. Definitely.

Last night, my sister Ashley came over and we watched their new show "Heritage" that was PBS. We tattooed all over (with green glittery ones) and ate gummy bears and sang and danced and SWOONED. It was so much fun! We are so their number one fans. She wore her CT shirt and we drank diet coke from our celtic mugs and just had so much fun. My voice hurts today, but I'm thinking we need an ENCORE performance. What do you think, Ash??

oh no obama

Thanks to my Uncle Craig for sending this to me via email this morning:

I was eating lunch with my daughter and 12 year old grandson when his mom asked him, "What is tomorrow?

He said, "It's President's Day"
She asked, "What does that mean?"

I was waiting for something profound...

He said, "President's Day is when Obama steps out of the White House and if he sees his shadow, we have two more years of unemployment."



Note from the Authoress:
Now I don't care your political affilitation. My blog, my thoughts. I dislike our president and so does Matt Damon. I figure if Jason Bourne can dislike him, so can I. I don't want to hear how it's not Obama's fault for messing up our country, blah blah blah. Yes it is. He's ruining our beautiful country. So please, spare me the comments sticking up for him?
I have to have a certain respect for the president of our country. But OH my. I don't have to like him.

P.S. Yes, I do feel better now.

oh my carterness

I was sick and stayed home from church several weeks ago. I was in the mood to watch a movie, something light, something that if I fell asleep in the middle of; I wouldn't miss much. I found it.

2012.

Carter and I laid in bed lazily while watching the movie while I sneezed and sniffed. And then I heard the line emit from the television set...

"Come on, you stupid [donkeys]!!"

Carter gasped.

He covered his mouth. I paused the movie and was absolutely MORTIFIED. I immediately fell into my pleading apology:

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm SO sorry you heard that word!"

He shook his said and retorted calmly,

"Yeah, we don't say STUPID."

family pictures...finally!

A couple months ago, my friend from high school came and did a photo shoot with a family. She is just incredible! She captured the interest of my kids the whole entire time (no easy feat...) and the pictures turned out just beautifully. You rock, Kristina! It was so fun to chat about the fun old band days. She lives in Rexburg, but travels over to Boise and I was lucky to catch her. She is awesome!! Check out her blog here. Thank you Kristina!

Isn't this cool? This is the SAME TREE that we used to play in as kids...we had pictures taken in it when I was a kid too. Talk about deja vu!

By the end...however the kids were DONE! They were good sports.