the.concert.

READ THE PREVIOUS POST BEFORE THIS ONE!

The first note strikes and we go nuts.  We're yelling and cheering as all of the members of Celtic Thunder saunter onto the stage.  They open their mouths and the most beautiful sounds come out.

George, Ryan, Daniel, Neil, Emmett, and Keith! Sigh.

They sing together, such favorites from their Heritage album that came out last March.  Keith serenades us with his lovely 'The Dutchman' that he helped write.  Ryan comes out and sings 'Desperado' and Billy Joel's 'She's Got a Way' and my mom's favorite, 'Black is the Color'.  Neil melts our hearts with his stunning original 'Noreen', and I have to put Ashley back together, she just melted. George wows the audience with his 'Red Rose Cafe' and other songs that I've not heard before. 

Since the lights on stage are so bright, the light filters out a bit and you can see the first couple rows in the orchestra pit.  Did I mention that we're seated THERE? Second row middle.  We caught the eyes of the guys singing on stage.  George smiles and winks a couple times, Ryan smirks at us, we catch Keith's eye several times.  We would make them smile as we are being the most obnoxious guests imaginable, we sang along with all the songs we knew and screamed so loudly the woman in front of us had to keep turning down her hearing aid!

Keith and Neil come out with their red guitars and do the most awesome rendition of 'Whiskey in the Jar' I have ever heard.  They run back and forth on stage and the crowd goes CRAZY.  Mind you, I am usually the FIRST one to cheer and scream. 

 At the very end of the song, Keith looks AT ME and throws his pick to ME.  I caught it and jumped up and down as the rest of the audience cheered for me!

They sang more songs like 'A Place in the Choir' and 'I Got Friends in Low Places' and 'You've Got a Friend in Me'.  George came out and played '500 Miles' and got the whole house involved with singing the chorus.  Emmett is more classically trained and can sing like an angel, complete with the vibrato of an angel! Little Daniel just joined the group earlier this year and is only 13 years old.  He has a high voice, so beautiful and pure.  He brought tears with his version of 'Over the Rainbow'. Gorgeous.

They are fantastic entertainers! Wholesome, uplifting music and we had a total ball.  I think we were very obnoxious though.  But it's good to be obnoxious when you are having fun! We'd giggle for their very cheesy choreography, laugh when they'd spit, cheer when they would belt out high notes and even cheer when Keith LOSES it and can't sing his song because he's LAUGHING too hard. 

The ended with 'Ireland's Call' and came out in their kilts. I forgot to breathe during a few parts, I was holding my breath.  I was waiting for the cheesy choreography and for the parts of the song they 'twirl' round in their kilts.  It was better than I ever dreamed.  Their voices blended and gave me goosebumps from my toes to my eyebrows.  Absolutely perfect.

The roar of the crowd obviously pleased them, they laughed and smiled as we jumped and screamed.  They bowed and Keith did his heel clicking bit, he does at the end of every show now.  It was simply fantastic.

But that was absolutely NOTHING compared to what we encountered after the show! Stay tuned...

shamrocks in my eyes

I Bought the tickets 238 days ago.  Lost sleep over the excitement and filed through loads of outfits at discount stores to find the perfect outfit.  My heart skips a beat with every thought of meeting my idols.
Yes, I worship false idols...and you would too if you knew how deeply this music touches my very soul.  The fact that Keith Harkin makes my toes curl is just a perk.
I drive up to Boise on Halloween, my Dad's birthday.  We go out to celebrate and I made cookies for him, etc. etc. etc.  But that is another post for another day. 

It's November FIRST.  I've been looking forward to this day for most of 2011.  Got my hair done.  I wanted something different.  Put purple and blond highlights.  It looks so awesome!

Ash and I got ready.  Hair is perfect.  Makeup is gorgeous.  We grab the tickets and double check the time when our Meet & Greet starts.  I misread the time. 

It started at 5:45 and the time on the clock was 5:51.  My heart SANK.  I felt nauseated and we RAN out of the house.  Needless to say, we got from my parent's house to the Morrison Center in 12 minutes.  New record.  Normally it's a 20 minute commute. 

We took our shoes off once we parked the car.  We looked a little silly running and shouting to each other, but Ash reminded me, "KEITH IS HERE. IN THIS BUILDING.  RUN! RUN!" My feet froze on the grass, we didn't even bother with sidewalks. 

We got to the Morrison Center, have our wrist bracelets on, and went into a special room where our boys await.  I felt dizzy with excitement, as they don't disclose WHO is doing the Meet & Greets.  Our knees are knocking together.  My breath stops in my throat. 

It's KEITH and NEIL!  My favorite.  Ash's favorite.  They have NEVER done a Meet & Greet together before.  Believe us, we tried to figure out a pattern with all the shows.  I swallowed hard and got in line to have my CD signed. 

(The smaller picture was taken by a photographer they bring on tour.  I uploaded it from celticthunder.ie and don't know why it's so SMALL! I'll fix it. )

Keith signed the CD.  I asked him to sign it to Ryanna and me.  It all happened so fast and he was all business.  Neil, on the other hand, was very personable.  He looked me in the eye, shook my hand, and we chatted for 5 seconds before the picture.  I wanted to have them on each arm, just to be different, but it all happened so fast that I threw Keith off and Neil put his arm around me.  Now it looks way awkward.  But it was MY moment, not theirs!

Then it was Ash's turn. 

She got her autographs and there were a few people behind her, and then they LEFT!

WE NEARLY MISSED THEM.  Another red light and we would have. 

We erupt with giggles of delight and have to go sit down because we are lightheaded! Talk about seeing stars!

The show didn't even start for another hour.  We had time to kill, so we figured we better buy some merchandise. 

We bought a couple of these:

One of these for my collection:

A poster for Ryanna:

And a poster for ME!

We are finally able to go to our seats nearly 45 minutes later.  The anticipation is absolutely killing us.  We go to our seats.  There is ONE CHAIR between us and the stage.  We're in the middle of the second row. 

There are 3,900 seats in the house...and we are ONE CHAIR away from the stage!!!!

I can't believe we're actually here.  The lights dim and we soon hear the first note of the show, not realizing this night will be totally and completely unforgettable...

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??