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.