I Wanna GO HOME!

Dorothy had it right...there's no place like home and I'm missing the good old US of A like crazy. The little quirks and eccentricities that make other places charming quickly lose their charm when you stay longer than the typical tourist.

I can't even make a grilled cheese sandwich for my kids because everything is so different. The kids don't like the taste of the cheese, the bread has a weird, almost burnt crust, I can't figure out the freakin' stove, the margarine won't spread without ripping said bread to shreds and all my mother-in-laws pans are so worn the Teflon is gone and everything sticks. Aine said her sandwich tasted like soggy bread with no cheese.

I wanted to throw myself down on the ground and cry like an overtired child in full tantrum mode. I seriously considered doing it too, but I thought my mother-in-law wouldn't appreciate finding me flailing about wildly on her kitchen floor!

I think I really took for granted all the advantages we have in the United States. Ireland is by no means a third-world country, but you would be surprised to discover all the things you can't get over here. Maybe I'm a spoiled, indulged American. Maybe I should learn to live more simply. Maybe things will be better when I'm in my own house surrounded by my own things.

The honeymoon is over and I'm sure my in-laws are ready to see us off at the airport as well! Don't get me wrong, they are so generous. However, you get to a point where you just need to be in your own space. It doesn't help that it's been raining for the past week, the kids all have colds and are bored with their limited toy and movie supply.

We did have a few nice days and were able to go to Galway where Ciaran and I first met. I tried to post pictures here, but I am thwarted yet again by something that doesn't work like it does in the states. My internet connection here is not the best. I managed to get some on Facebook, so if you are interested they are on my page.

Irish Eyes

Greetings from the Emerald Isle! This is the first opportunity I have had to sit down and update my blog. It has been crazy busy since the plan touched down two weeks ago!

The journey to Ireland was long, long and long again...(did I mention it was LONG?) Anyone considering an international trip with three kids ages five and under might want to wait until they're a bit older. Whew!

The kids are having a blast playing with their cousins and being spoiled by their Granny and Grandad. I don't think my kids have eaten so much chocolate in their whole lives! Grandad sneaks them treats when he thinks I'm not looking.

We will fly over to England on Aug. 8. Our belongings will be delivered on Aug. 3 and Ciaran will get the essentials set up for us so it won't be such a big job. I'm very anxious to get unpacked and settled into our new home. I feel like I've been on a permanent vacation and I'm sick of living out of suitcases! I've compiled a list of the things I miss so far:

1. My BIG washer and dryer! It takes forever to dry clothes over here because they all go out on the line and most of the time they just get rained on.

2. Fred Meyers and Target.
3. Ice makers
4.Garbage disposals
5. Kid-friendly restaurants like Red Robin
6. Big bottles of ketchup at said restaurant
7. And free refills on your drinks
8. Colby Jack Cheese and Dr. Pepper
9. American toilets! I hate the way the European ones flush. Nothing ever really goes down!
10. My car! I hate being dependent on people to get around. Not that I would be doing much driving at the moment. Plus, I can actually fit all three car seats in the van. My in-laws have to drive around their camper in order to fit us all in!
11. Having hot water available 24-7.
12. And of course I miss all my wonderful friends in Newberg!

We have an Offer!

At long last, after many offers and counter-offers, we have come to a decision and sold (almost) our house! I just pray that there are no problems with the inspection and appraisal. That's one big weight off my shoulders.

Ciaran will be arriving in Boise this Wednesday! This has been the longest we have been separated since we were married. The kids are so ready to play with their Daddy! On Friday we will all be making the 14 hour flight to Dublin to spend the next three weeks with my in-laws in Ireland. I'm very worried about Liam being trapped in a plane for that long. Pray we have patient, understanding fellow travelers. Liam's angelic smile and dimples only go so far to dispel his naughty behavior! I'm sure my folks will be glad to have some peace and quiet after a month of grand kids getting into every type of mischief possible.

Aine lost her first baby tooth this week! With much drama, tears and coaxing from her Papa, Aine managed to yank out her hanging-by-a-thread incisor. The tooth fairy paid her a visit and left four shiny quarters and a nice note under her pillow. Grandma took her out for a special lunch and a trip to the dollar store to spend her "treasure". I can't believe my baby is old enough to be losing teeth!

As grateful as I am to my parents for putting up with us these last few weeks, I am relieved to be moving on to the next phase of our journey. I know it will bring a whole new set of challenges and stresses, but it means we are one step closer to settling down in our new home in England.

The Wilds of Idaho

Well, after three intense days of frantic cleaning and organizing I am finally moved out of our house. It's a little disconcerting that all our worldly possessions are in a tin can somewhere on the ocean, not to be seen again for another six weeks.

I am now at my folks house in Idaho. It was so nice to see the kids again after a week of separation. I can't believe I missed them so much. Of course, Liam burst into tears when he saw me (his standard response when I have been away from him for any length of time) and made me feel horribly guilty for being gone so long.

The kids are in heaven out here on grandma's "farm". The are covered in dirt and mud most of the day and love every minute of it. I can't say I enjoy all the laundry, but they just love to be out on the "dirt pile."

It's good to be with family, but I'm feeling a bit displaced and homeless. We have a house picked out and secured in England, but I have only seen pictures on the Internet and don't feel any connection or excitement toward our new home for the next two years.

Our stay here in Idaho will be busy with family coming to visit throughout the next several weeks. I hope my mom can handle the stress of being hostess without losing it! I've been trying to keep a low profile and stay off her radar. Thankfully, she is distracted with the baby shower she is hosting for my brother and sister-in-law. I will have to post some pictures once I figure out how!

First Post

OK, so wow! Starting a blog was a lot easier than I expected. Now comes the hard part, actually keeping it up to date.

I've been meaning to do this for a long time, but have been intimidated by all the brilliant blogs I've seen out there. Since having children, my brain has sort of turned into a large chunk of moldy Swiss cheese! But I will do my best to convey my thoughts in a semi-intelligent manner.

The kids are currently in Idaho with my parents. I know they're having a ball playing in the dirt, tormenting the cats and exploring grandma's farm. I thought I would enjoy having a week to myself to unwind, relax and tie up all the last loose ends for the move. Boy was I ever wrong! I am BORED, lonely and weepy. I have a new appreciation for Ciaran and how he is handling this time away from all of us. Yesterday I checked out three books from the library. I've already finished two and I started the last one at about 9 pm last night. I can't sleep in the house when it's so quiet and lonely so I immerse myself in a book until I can't keep my eyes open anymore. I never thought I'd miss Emma bursting into our room at 3:00 am screaming, "I have to PEEEEE!"

I suppose I should relish this time to myself. Soon enough I'll be back in the thick of it daydreaming about my long lost peace and quiet.