MA results from Galway

Hi Family,

It's 7:30 am in Illinois so I can't call anyone to share my initial excitement about my exam results from Galway. I got this email from the director of Irish Studies just this morning:

I’m happy to let you know unofficially that you received a first class honours result for both your dissertation and your overall degree, and that you came first in the class as well. So a hearty congratulations!!

Even though I don't thoroughly understand the Irish grading system, I do understand that it doesn't get better than first class honours. I'm giddy with excitement, even though my results don't make any difference to my current program (although I'd be lying if I didn't initially think "Take that, Notre Dame!"). So there is an extra jaunt in my step today.

Just wanted to share with my favorite people!

We are well and busy with school.
Erica is doing 2 classes on pre pointe ballet and a jazz dance class. She is also taking piano again, and seems to have a talent for music. She has decided to participate in a Natural Beauty Pageant. It will be held Oct 25 at about 6 pm in Idaho Falls. 7th grade is great especially since she has her only locker.

Michael is in 4th grade, he is a cub scout Bear until he turns 10 then into the next step. He is also taking piano this year. He hates to practice but I enjoy when he sits down and plays the cats come sit by him on the bench.

Ashley is in 2nd grade and seems to be enjoying it so far. She is eagerly reading but not what she HAS to.

Curtis is still working for Hy-Line. He is starting to feel the pains of the rigors of day in and day out of driving. We are trying to figure out how to keep him safe and happy and making money. He takes good care of our home, yard and animals. He is currently out with Sadie the dog ... hunting. We rescued her from the Humane Society in Blackfoot. She was born on Jan 20, 2012. Curtis calls it fate that he found her. I walked past her because she was cowering in a cage when I first saw her. He loved her at first site. He still loves her even though she makes holes in the grass, pee stains and chews on everything she can. She is very Loyal to me.

I am happily working at my doctor's office still. I wish they would let me work part time so I could be home for the kids and homework. I have done terrible at staying active in my CMA group. I go home exhausted everyday, recharging on my way home. I call Grandma Marvetta on Mondays and my friend Jennifer from Illinois on Tues or Thurs. I call mom on Fridays and just chat about whatever. I need the solace of talking to people that I love. This way kids can't interrupt me on the phone.

Wardell Photos

"The Boxer"

Thanks, Mum, for raising us right. If that's too general, I'll narrow it down.

Thanks for raising us on the delightful stylings of Simon and Garfunkel. Because now I can appreciate my new Mumford & Sons album more thoroughly.

Here's what I'm listening to these days: Mumford & Sons' cover of "The Boxer"