Shawnna Lazo

My fun roomie from my college days. She entered a competition with a LDS singer / composer here in Utah. This is the song she sang. She did a fab job and I love the words of this song.

Cooling off

So it's been pretty hot here in Utah the past week, hitting double digits on a few days. Sprinklers are totally foreign to me, but they seem to be a lot of fun for kids to play in........who needs a pool? Samantha has loved running through the spray but Sophie isn't quite so convinced that this is fun yet.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

Here are the current residents of "Hotel Frame." We decided it would be lovely to attend the Open House for this Temple together. The kids were exceptionally reverent the entire time. I really liked the extensive use of stone tile on the floors of the Temple and the "see through" rooms, as I called them - lots of indoor glass windows so you can see into the rooms from the corridors. I just loved that my children where able to walk through a House built for the Lord.

Hotel Frames

This is Jean-Marie with Sophie. She is starting BYU in the Fall and arrived about a week ago with her mom called Anna. They are staying with Mick and Donna until Anna can find work and get an apartment in the area. They want to move their whole family to Utah from Connecticut soon. The girls and Bryce have a great time with them, and I've enjoyed the 3rd person on the cooking rota. There has been TONS of visitors staying with us in this house over the summer. It has been a little crazy a times, but mostly fun with playmates for the girls and adult conversation for me during the day :)

We had a fun 4th of July, but of course I forgot my camera. We spent it with Deldon's brother's family and their neighbours at a BBQ with fireworks in Eagle Mountain. The kids had a fun time getting pony cart rides, playing with goats, and learning not to be afraid of dogs (that bit - not so fun!)

Snack time

I love these wee contraptions. I'd never seen these in Northern Ireland. You can put fruit and veggies in there and they can suck and bite away at them without the worry of choking :)

Our new home (hopefully)

A little dry bar in the theatre room - but I think we'll use this room as a fifth bedroom to put bunk beds in to when family comes to visit. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs that we'll use and then a fourth downstairs.

Basement family room

Front of the house, it look really small, but it's on a hill so most of the house it at the back, with about 3600 sq ft, so plenty of room for family and friends to come and visit hint hint.

The view is fab from the garden and even better from the deck off the family room. It was the view that sold it to me.

Another view of the theatre room

The kitchen area

VIew of kitchen dining from the family room area

We hope to have the keys on Wednesday. These are a few photos we've taken whilst in there. It's a foreclosure, so although the photos do not show it, the house is filthy with animal feces and urine and has been sooooooo beat up. Will some TLC we hope it be living in it within the month and will continue the diy whilst in there. I said we were not getting involved in any "project" houses this time with Deldon going back to school and working fulltime, but here we are again. We can't seem to get away from them, it must be in our blood. Oh and for anyone wondering it, we are moving to Traverse Mountain in Lehi, Utah.

First swing

Bryce's first time on a swing a few weeks ago down in Price, Utah. I was visiting a friend from home who lives there whilst Deldon worked on an investment property in the area. My camera battery died so I only have cell phone pictures and I need to work out how to get them off my phone. It got a little chilly all of a sudden (hence Sophie's jacket on his head) so we had to make a run for the cars shortly after this photo. But, he just LOVED swinging.

Metro Builders Lagoon day

Here goes the underlining again and I am clueless as to how this happens or how to remove it. I am convinced it's a MAC thing becuase I used a PC before moving to the USA and this never ever happened? Anyways, this is just some of the family that spent the day in Lagoon. The construction firm Deldon works for is a family based business. The girls had a blast on all the rides and so did we.

Can I just say it's small world. The girl on the left of the picture with her wee daughter is Claire. She was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland and is married to Deldon's cousin. I guess when they got married she asked where I was from and his Aunt and Uncle assumed it was Dublin so she thought no more about it. But when Deldon stopped by their house a while ago she discovered I was from the North meaning and would indeed know her Aunt, Uncle and cousins the Bleakleys. Who would have thought I'd be connected to them via a marriage half way across the world? We had a great time chatting about Northern Ireland, her family, and some of the other people she and I know from there whilst leaving the kids with their dads and taking off to go on some crazy rides.

What's for dessert Mummy?

Samantha has become way too accustomed to treats. I keep trying to tell her that if she has a treat everyday, then it's just not a treat anymore. They have been having a great time staying with their Great Aunt Donna and Uncle Mick. They adore them both. Donna is so good at baking cakes and cookies with them. She has a patience of a saint and I love and appreciate the little Gospel based conversations that she initiates with them.

Our wee golfer

I am just so in love our wee boy, he is just the cutest ever and has given out family so much to smile about. At the family reunion they had a family golf tournament. We left the girls with the babysitters and just took Bryce. That's one of our nephews, Jaden in the cart with me. Deldon was getting a little inpatient out at our beginner golfing skills. But I am proud to report that by the end of the 4 hours it took us to get around 9 holes (I know we're SLOW.) Jaden and I could at least hit the ball lol and Deldon was feeling a lot less stressed out!

10 year reunion

This is Melissa aka Sister Myers - my MTC Companion. It was this month 10 years ago that we finished out 18 month missions for our Church and parted ways at the Duesseldorf Airport to fly back to our respective homelands. We kept touch for a while, but lost contact shortly after Melissa married. She found me on facebook a few months ago, so when I found out we'd be in the Boise area for Deldon's family reunion, we arranged to call by so we could meet each other's spouses and kids. So fun!!!!!!!!! I just hope it's not another 10 years before we hang out again.

Elder Crump is home!

I can't believe we actually made it to this missionaries' home coming. We kinda half joked when he and his companion Elder Meyerhoffer were in our ward, that we'd be back in the States for their homecomings and how they could come and work on our "house projects" there. Guess it was no joke! It was lovely to meet his family and to see  other missionaries that have served us and blessed our lives in Lisburn. Elder Meyerhoffer gets home in just under a month, we are excited to watch him return home too. I already miss having the Elder's over for dinner every week. Nothing can replace the great feeling they leave in your home.

Back to where this whole adventure began

We've visited Campus a couple of times now and also showed the kids where we used to live and where we met. It was fun to return to Provo. I can remember vividly the morning Deldon and I drove away from Provo, looking at the Mountains wondering when I'd see them again. I didn't know it would be as long as 7 years later. I have often day dreamed about setting foot back on BYU Campus.  I have many wonderful memories of my college life there and  can honestly say I absolutely LOVED my college experience and have nothing but wonderful memories of the experiences and people I met there.

Sophie's latest place to chill (and eat) - the pantry!

Ants

There are ants everywhere around here. It seems everyday they pop up in a different spot and they just pile on top of each other, so gross!!!!

Good times

Sunday evening Rock band with Brian (Deldon's older brother) and our Sister-in-law Trish. They have cows they milk and eat and their neighbours have baby goats. The girls have gotten a real kick out of seeing the animals around. We just need to work on getting them used to their dogs. The girls freak out any time a dog comes within 10 feet of them.

Our first trip to see a Temple here

I have no idea why there is a underline in this post and I cannot fix it for the life of me. One of the great things about living in Utah is the close proximity to Temples. This is the Mount Timpanogos Temple and we will be living in this Temple district. We've been playing spot the Temple on our drives on the freeway to visit friends. I love that we can easily pass 3 or 4 on our trips. Problem is, now Sophie thinks every Church is a Temple and with a Church on nearly every block, her shouting "Mummy! Temple!" every few minutes is beginning to take it's toll on my nerves :)

My first weekend in Utah

I was so glad that these ladies planned a girly night the Friday after I arrived in Utah. It was a rough day and I was nearly on a plane home. They kindly listened to my crazy state of mind and helped me laugh through my tears. They are all from my Church Stake back home. It was, and is good to know that I have friends here who understand what I am experiencing. It was a night of great craic (Irish term for fun banter) at a time when I needed it the most.

California Pedicure

The cutest little ladies run a beauty salon in the wee town of Loomis. Barbara, my mother-in-law very kindly treats the girls in the family to pedicures when you live there or are visiting. I hadn't been there in nearly 4 years with Deldon's parents being on a mission so it was fun to see them all again and catch up. These pedicures are the best, the paint never chips. This was done 5 weeks ago and my toes still look fab!

Fun with the California Cousins

Tuckered out Samantha and Tanner after a long day of fun. 

They are only about 2 weeks apart in age.

 Then below is the cousins playing school. We hardly saw Samantha the whole time we were there, she had so much fun being around everyone.

Six Flags Marine World

I am going to start updating this blog finally! A lot of these photos and posts are really for family back home, so sorry if they get a little boring for the rest of you that view this. I have no idea what is up with the underlining????

The blinding sun - we were so not used to

Spot the difference between the carefree niece and nephews and the freaked out Aunt?

So yes we are still alive and kicking

I feel so overwhelmed at the thought of updating this blog, as there has been so much to blog about and now it's just so much that I don't know where to start! Suffice to say we are here and have been spending our days in American Fork. We are hoping to have a place to call our own soon, but are enjoying the company and kindness of Deldon's aunt and uncle - Donna and Mick. The best part of the past month has been catching up in person with old college friends and friends from back home. It's been great to meet their kids, especially because so many of them have kids of similar ages to ours. It has given me and the kids something to keep us busy. Deldon LOVES working with his Uncle Ken, and is enjoying what he's doing. The kids seem to be adjusting well, it was  rough going for a wee while with a lot of crying, but they appear more settled now. I am doing better than I expected, I haven't had to many meltdowns, although there have definitely been a few moments when I have worked out the cost of getting me and the kids back home on a flight; but my friends who have made this big move assure me this is normal and  it will pass lol. I'll post some photos soon.

We should be pulling up here in about 24 hours

Can't wait to see Deldon's family home in sight after a LONG LONG plane journey. I found these aerial shots of the home whilst packing up. I understand it started as a tiny house (the part with the air conditioning unit on top) and has grown periodically from there. I love the wide open space around it. Deldon literally grew up worlds apart from me! Valley Quail Drive here we come for a much need few days rest and fun before real life kicks in again.

Crazy Days

cannot began to describe the past few days - maybe this photo might gave you an idea! Deldon forgot his coat and you don't want to go outside in Ireland in the morning without your coat - come to think about it, anytime really. So here he is with this tv shawl I found in the bedroom at my mum's house. It belonged to my late Auntie Kitty. Desperate times call for desperate measures!!! I'm typing this at 12:45 at night and we are due to leave for the airport in about 4 1/2 hours. Our entire life is packed into 7 (heavy) suitcases. I have no idea what kind of emotions I will experience in the coming days and weeks, even months. Just hope there is more happy times than sad and lonely ones, and I do know that time will heal the pain of leaving those nearest and dearest to us and the kids. Just hope that time passes quick.

Bye Bye Saturday Morning Football

Deldon loves his Saturday morning football even though is has been the only regular married guy with kids there. Maybe hanging out with all the YSA fellas makes him feel youthful :) He hasn't been there for a month now with all the car boot sales, but they were playing today as everyone is off work and school for Easter Monday. I took the kids down to feed the ducks and have a chinwag with the girlies. We will really miss our friendships with the youth and YSA, they are a breath of fresh air to be around.

Our feasting weekend

This is what arrives when Feds cooks for 4 (I LOVE IT)!!! I have to stuff my face really really fast, so I can eat a few plate loads before my body's "I'm full" feeling kicks in. (The photo doesn't even include the multiple desserts on offer too). We are going to miss our feasting with Feds and Alistair.

It's been a good weekend - Friday was an Abbathon for our ward activity. We sang Waterloo with my extended family. OUr ward sang a cute goodbye song to us at the end to the tune of "Thank you for the Music." I was really proud of myself keeping my emotions very much in check and totally under control, even though inside I wanted to fall apart. I need to see if anyone took any pics. I had someone take a video, but it didn't actually record - bummer! Here's a photo of the "Lowry Clan" in our ward for any of you reading this blog that knows them. I thought they looked fab in all their gear. (Excuse the uncropped photo with the back of my daughter's nogging in it.)

This morning Deldon and I got up at 6:30 a.m. and headed off to our 3rd car boot sale (OK my 1st, his 3rd). By lunchtime we'd pretty much sold all we could. It's a strange, but kinda cool feeling to think that this time next week, we'll own nothing but the clothes on our back, photos, a few ornaments, and toys. Samantha was in tears again yesterday as we started taking the toy box and her wooden toy organiser out of her room to sell. I was explaining to her that they are only "things" and what is most important is that we stay together as a family, we can always replace "things," but never our wee family. She agreed, and the tears gave way to smiles.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. It's been great to be able to explain to Samantha a little bit more this year about the meaning of Easter beyond her chocolate eggs. Her little mind continues to expand and absorb so much everyday, I love it. Grateful to have the blessing of accessing the Atonement in my own life as I struggle to make good choices, and live as I know I should. Tomorrow will be another feasting day as a turkey dinner is on the menu, but more importantly I hope it will be a spiritual feast as we worship at Church and attend a Stake Easter Musical Evening. My Sister and I have been asked to sing. I've been thinking that it will most likely the last time we'll ever sing together in any formal setting again :). But once again - Happy Easter

Easter chocolate has made an appearance already

Well at least I held off until Good Friday. I needed a chocolate fix after our really healthy lunch of batter sausages and chips, smothered in a southern fried chicken gravy sauce. So I decided the girls could eat "Molly the Cow" and "Lucy Lamb" ( I swear there will be no chocolate eggs until Sunday.) Deldon and I have been "helping" them to eat their chocolate. Since taking this picture about 10 mins ago, Sophie's entire face is smeared in chocolate from top to bottom, with Daddy sitting obliviously beside her.

All cropped off

Don't know what processed me, but I decided the hair was going before we moved. I think it's going to take a little getting used to. Deldon is "missing" my hair and Samantha told me I look funny and like a lion - not such positive responses. I'm not so keen on it myself, but it was a good exercise in bravery, and it will grow back eventually.

Comfort food

I (We) have a terrible bad habit of eating "2 dinners". If I don't enjoy what I cook for dinner on any given night, I feel like I have the right to get a "takeout" after the kids go to bed. It's so weird, it's like I've been cheated if I don't enjoy my dinner. Tonight was one of those nights, and with the stress of moving I just feel like I have the additional right to eat as much Chinese (my favourite takeout here) and as much chocolate as I can stomach. There is nothing like a 1/2 and 1/2 fried rice and chips smothered in curry sauce followed by Cadbury's chocolate to soothe my soul. (Okay folks, I know of way better things I could do - especially on a spiritual level to TRUELY soothe my soul) but right now all I have the energy to do is eat, eat, and eat some more. Deldon doesn't cry about joining in on the action haha. His latest craving is Singapore noodles - they would burn the mouth off ya, but I have to say they are delicious to the taste, just not "comforting" like my curry.

Manna to my soul

My empty chocolate wrappings (Deldon had a snickers bar and a new peanut butter kitkat) I know, it's awful, one chocolate bar isn't enough now we have to have 2 each!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wonder what my comfort foods will be when we live in America? I know before almost every test I took at the BYU testing center I would order Nacho's Bel Grande (can't remember the exact name) from Taco bell at the Cougareat, maybe I'll be resorting to those again, time will tell.

Love is in the air

What a bitter sweet day today. Trish has lived around the corner from us for the past 2 1/2 years and I have enjoyed having her kids over to entertain my wee rascals many times. I say bitter because I said my first real "goodbye" - next time I set eyes on Trish again she will hopefully have the pitter patter of tiny feet inside her, on running around her, who knows! Sweet, because this beautiful girl found a great man, worthy enough to take her to the Temple to be sealed for Time and all Eternity. Her and the kids deserve nothing less! Her dad told us how she had told him she'd offered a million prayers that she would find a man like Dave. I'm so happy Heavenly Father answered those prayers. I have been so impressed with how Trish lives her life, and how well she has taught her kids. It can not have been easy doing it on her own. Her deepest, darkest hours of divorce and sadness are a thing of the past and now a bright and beautiful eternity awaits. So glad I was able to see her married before we left.

Trying to get any photos at any wedding is near impossible with 3 kids, this is no not the best photo of Dave, but it's the only one I was able to scramble this morning.

Beautiful Bride

It might have been a beautiful sunny day, but the wind still knows how to keep us cool here