Busses, Trains, Subways and Yankee Stadium

This may be a strange title for todays post....but it's like it is!! (Pay no attention to the dates on the pictures. My camera broke and I had to keep resetting it....but I finally gave up on that.) Here we are last night at the top of the Empire State Building.I snapped this one of the Empire State Bldg. today while on a double decker bus tour...note the skies are a little clouded over....more on that later.

Here we are at Yankee Stadium today. Long story made short.....it took over 3 hours on 2 busses, 1 train, and a subway just to get here....only because we didn't know what we were doing:) By the way, the Yankees won the game with an extra inning 2-1. This is the old stadium (where we were)...looking at the new stadium in the background, which will open next season. This is the final season for the old Yankee Stadium.

I had to take this of all the people. I felt like we were in China with so many people!!! It's quite an experience!! I took this from the top of the double decker bus we have a 2 day pass for.Here are my boys on our first night in Times Square. In the background is where they drop the ball on New Years Eve.
Now...a few more things. While on the double decker bus tour tonight, just as we crossed the Manhattan bridge into Brooklyn, it began to rain....CATS AND DOGS!!! AND....we were on TOP. It was so comical at first we were all laughing. Some of us had rain ponchos that they gave us (but they ran out...so the boys didn't get one). Richard finally told them he was going to the bottom deck, but by then he was soaked. Everyone went down when they pulled over, except Josh. He was having a blast. We were soaked for the rest of the night.(The rain was so bad my poncho didn't help me much). What would an adventure be without these fun little things happening? When we got back into Manhatten from Brooklyn it hadn't rained there at all!!! We had to walk around like a bunch of drowned rats! All in all, we have been taken care of very well by the New Yorkers. People here are very friendly and all you have to do is ask and they will help....

New York Adventure

I'm not able to post pictures from Jons computer, so I will just write about our trip.
Today we had a fairly good flight to Newark NJ.......a bit bumpy on the way down, but we all survived. Josh made the comment he had never appreciated the ground as much as he did then.
We got settled into our hotel and then found a way different than the one I had planned to get into NYC. It was an easy one bus trip to the NY Port Authority. It put us right at Times Square. Josh was awed by all the lights and people....and well.....everything. We walked to The Empire State Building, where we were put at the front of all the lines due to the fact that Richard was using his cane to walk. It was a good thing too, because all the walking today wore him out!!! So that was great. We had to rush to make it back to catch our bus back to New Jersey. We got there with 5 minutes to spare. We waited in line...or at least what we thought was the line. We saw our bus pull up and we waited for the line to start moving. All of a sudden our bus was pulling out. I ran outside (we were waiting in a terminal) and tried to flag him down, but to no avail!! We were less than 10 feet from our bus and we MISSED it!! We found out that there were several busses leaving from that door and none of the people were waiting for ours. We chalked it up to something to remember and waited for the very last bus which came at shortly before midnight. We had Jamba juice while we waited. The city is booming at midnight. Josh tells me there are 8 million people here. Everywhere we turned people were speaking a foreign language. We met alot of people along the way that were clueless and lost like we were.......but we dit it!! Our first day and we survived:) Hooray!!!

STAY TUNED............

As you can see this first picture is of an empty suitcase.
Today is my day to get my family ready for our nearly 5,000 mile journey. I will spend my day getting this suitcase packed.This suitcase is already packed...LOL!!! What is a journey like this without the snacks??? In all reality, I can't wait to dig into these yummy treats> Do you know how hard it is to look at this stuff for the past week and not eat it? My plan is that this will be filled with souviniers on the way home, instead of food:) This morning I was wondering how far we are really going. I googled from home to Newark NJ and if driving it would be 2,890 miles. Not sure how far it will be on the plane. We will be driving somewhere around 2,000 miles. I'm going to try to blog our trip so stay tuned.............

I know schools out BUT.............

I know I should be reveling the lazy days of summer, but so far since schools been out it has been go go go!!
Don't get me wrong....I'm very grateful I haven't been working. Schools been out for 10 days, and I keep thinking things will slow down. I have promised myself that next week will be mine.....to get ready for vacation. Looks like I'll be working the fireworks stands for Joshuas band account though. Jon's got some time and is going to help too. He's paying it forward:)
This weekend I spent chaperoning for our regional youth conference. It was a great event held at a local high school with over 1100 kids and chaperones. We had alot of EFY speakers and a famous football star/broadcaster. We had a dance Friday night as well as games and karoake. Feeding 1100 people went off without a hitch. It was great!!
We've been getting Jon caught up with Dr. and dentist appts. since he'll be off to college in Sept...and also to make sure things are up to date for his mission, which is less than a year away (He can put his papers in in January).
I feel very blessed to be able to have such an active life and that my health is good for all that I do. Sorry no pictures this time, unless you want one of me sitting in a chair fast asleep with my head drooping down.
I'll post when I can:)

This Picture Speaks for Itself

The picture is a bit dark, but says it all. Getting the envelope in the mail was kind of like a mission call. We couldn't wait for Jon to get home so he could open it:) Congratulations Jon!

Mt. St. Helens

Today we took a drive to the mountain. As you can see, Logan IS here too. It was a beautiful day, though a bit cold (the clear skies are decieving)...this snow is in the parking lot and up to the observatory. They pushed it all to the side for people to get through. I just thought it was a cool picture:) I'm not sure why the date is wrong...but we did take it at the same time as the others.
Today a USGS guide was telling about the mountain and showing pictures of what it looked like then and now. He showed pictures of how the glacier that is building around the dome has been steadily closing up around it (the dome).... just 5 days ago the glacier completely closed up around the dome. My pictures don't show that, but it was a neat piece of information.

Endings and Beginnings Part 3

Here is the graduate before the ceremony. Graduation is held in our school district stadium. It was a beautiful night for it. I made sure to get a picture of Jon, Josh and Jenny together.
Here is how it was set up. My most tearful moment was when the graduates lined up on the other side of the stadium. They walked around both sides of the track in single file to "pomp and Circumstance" then filed up into their seats in the stadium. Being in the top 10% of his class he got his diploma at the beginning, but I enjoyed watching it all since I know alot of the kids. There was a video and fireworks at the end. Here he is with Dad after it was over. Then I headed on the bus with the kids where we went over to Beaverton Oregon for the all night grad party. I was a chaperone. There were about 180 kids that attended. I have never seen a greater group of kids...(except maybe band kids) It was in a place that had lazar tag, arcades, food and fun. They had sumo wrestling suits the kids could wrestle in. I helped serve food and manned different stations. There were card games and lots and lots of prizes in drawings. Jon won a $25. gift card to Old Navy but traded with a friend who won an I Tunes card...(his friend didn't have an i-pod and since Jon just got one he was happy to trade). The funniest part was the last hour when a hypnotist tried to hypnotize like 12 kids. It didn't work on some, others faked it and then there were those who really went under. We were laughing so hard my eye makeup was running down my cheeks. He had them dancing, playing the guitar, driving, etc...(you had to be there). We got home about 5:30 this morning. A very fun night!!

Endings and Beginnings Part 2

Well, the day finally arrived. As Doris Sim summed it up well in a card to Jon...."you have equipped yourself with all the right tools....Testimony-Standards-Kindness-Respect-Purpose" I couldn't describe Jon better myself.We spent a wonderful evening with family and friends before graduation.
Here he is with Great Aunts Sue, Adele, Aunt Elaine and cousin Betty.I snapped this one with Sue, Adele and Great Aunt Ellouise.

Aunts Erma, Elaine, Myrna, Marilyn, Alvaretta, Grandma Cameron and cousin David.
I served a feast of chicken, beans, potato salad, fruits, chips punch and yummy cake. Jon was able to visit with everyone until he had to get to the school and the rest of us who were attending graduation left shortly after.

HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY JOSH!!!

I cannot believe that my "baby" is growing up. Soon to leave middle school and head off to high school, I'm wondering "Where have the years gone to?" Josh is having a special day with Jenny and Logan. They've taken him to OMSI....Oregon Museum of Science and Industry......the same place Jon got lost trying to get to on the way to Prom a few weeks ago, so I have a few minutes to blog. Last night Josh played a gig with the Jazz Band. He was dressed for the occasion...all duded up in Jazzy clothes! He is never afraid to be himself and loves to act the part:) We were so proud of him all year long for getting up at 6AM to do jazz band 3 days a week before school. He never wanted to sleep in or miss....something I hope carries on to early morning seminary next year.
Josh is very creative. He loves to cook and is forever dreaming up new recipes. This is a treat he made us for FHE a few weeks ago. He also LOVES yardwork and is an excellent gardener. He is very helpful around the house and LOVES to vacuum with my new Dyson. He vacuums the upholstry and everything.
Josh LOVES to run and do physical things. Even though he isn't the fastest runner on the block, he is out to improve his personal best. He ran the mile in track this year and did a great job. I could NEVER run for the sport of it like he does. He also ran the 400, though he is much better at long distance....AND he did the running long jump. This is not a great picture, but the only one I have of him jumping. I kept forgetting the camera all track season, then he was done and I only got this one shot. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH....WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Endings and Beginnings..... Part 1

This has been a week of endings for Jon. It was his final day of high school and his final day of seminary on Friday. He marched in his final parade on Saturday. There was a Senior BBQ and yearbook signings...he turned in his last homework assignment...
I have not been too weepy yet, although as the seniors walked into Baccalaureate today dressed in their caps and gowns, the tears came for just a moment.
Here is Jon with 2 of the boys from our ward with their senior posters. Making the poster was alot of fun!! They are displayed at the Senior BBQ and Baccalaureate.Jon, Jeff Cook and Shawn Sears

Parade Season is Upon Us!!

Another year....another parade. This was Josh's first parade. He has missed the main parade that his school does 2 years in a row because of the Father/Son campout. This was the Jr. Rose Parade over in Portland....a part of the Rose Festival that is huge here. This parade is for kids. Saturday Jon will march in the Grand Floral Parade which is seen all over the west coast (I blogged about it last year)
I marched with them and the other chaperones. I carried my big umbrella, but luckily it didn't rain. I used it as a walking cane:) I'm sure I will get alot of use out of it on Saturday.
WAY TO GO JOSH!!! GREAT JOB!!

Prom 2008

Tonight is Jon's Senior Prom. His date is a girl from our ward Rachel Wines. The parents had a fun time gathering at Rachels house for pictures.
Don't they look nice?They had dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory.
Richard drove with him over to where the dance was being held this afternoon so he would know how to get there....OMSI over in Portland.
But being directionally challenged as he is (even with directions) they got lost and only arrived at the dance moments ago. It's an adventure they will always remember!!! (I couldn't wait to blog the pictures)

HUSBAND TAG!!

I'm slow at the game of tag.....my life is just hectic these days.......but here goes:)

NAME: Richard..sometimes honey, dear, sweetheart...whatever is most endearing at any given moment:)

How long been married: 25 years in July

How long did you date: 9 months before we got married

How old: Really old (sorry dear)

Who eats more sweets: Probably me, but he can give me a run for my money:)

Who said I love you first: I think I did??

Who is taller: He is, but he's shrinking because he's so old ...gotta have a little fun here:)

Who can sing better: His beautiful singing voice is one quality about him I've always loved....we like to sing together:)

Who is smarter: He is.....my brain cannot retain anything for very long. He on the other hand retains most all of what he reads and is one of the most knowlegable people I know of the scriptures and the gospel:)

Who does the laundry: We both do....especially since he is home more now that he is semi retired:)

Who mows the lawn: Mostly him and the boys....Josh especially loves doing yard work

Who cooks: This is one I must say I do. He can make a great breakfast and a few other things, but he was very spoiled growing up with a mother and 5 older sisters catering to his every need...therefore he doesn't cook:) Oh, I take that back....he can BBQ hamburgers too:)

Who drives: We both do. He usually does, depends on what vehicle we're driving. I too am a backseat driver (I want control), but he has always called me his co-pilot and is usually very pleasant about my driving critiques. If I push him though, he will ask if I want him to pull over so I can drive:)

Who's more stubborn: We are blissfully happy and will both give in for the sake of our marriage:) Hee Hee!!

Who kissed who first: I waited what seemed like forever and one night I stuck my face in front of his waiting. I think we both kissed at the same time...with my help:)

Who asked who out first: He did....though I was young and starry eyed. I told him "I'd go anywhere with you"

Who proposed: I was very suprised when he proposed to me. It was very sweet:)

Who has more siblings: He does by 1....5 sisters & 1 brother

Who wears the pants: We both do and sometimes I can even wear his (literally)
Jenny...in a nice way this actually means which one of us is in charge of the family....

Moms Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Mom's birthday over at Ron's new house. It was a beautiful day. We had a bbq on the back deck. Here's Mom with little Ronnie and Dana (Tami's daughter). Tami made a yummy angel food cake with a delicious homemade frosting. Mom looked beautiful in the new outfit Debi sent her.
The kids had a great time running around playing outside. I was pretty lame about taking pictures, so this is all you get. Here Bob and Ron enjoy posing for me:) When it got too cold outside we came in....below are Mom and Bob with Richard. Ron's house is beautiful...I wish I had taken one of the outside from the street. Next time:)

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY JENNY AND LOGAN!!

wow!! I CANNOT believe a year has passed since the BIG day!! Tonight as I was getting Mom out of my van as we returned home from her birthday party at Ron's house it was like a deja vu moment. It was exactly one year ago tonight that I was getting her out of my van (same time too) after Jenny and Logans wedding dinner the night before the wedding.
It has been a year filled with all kinds of good things for the 2 of them.....settling down in Gunnison in their little apartment....the big honeymoon trip to Mexico....scabies....our trip to visit them in July...working at "the store"...homework....buying land and getting ready to build their "dream" house....new callings....a year filled with exciting times for sure. We are happy that Jenny has found such a great man to take care of our little girl. We love you both:)

Yummy Fruit Pizza's

Thought you might like to see the cute treats I made for a recent church meeting. I had never made them before and was a bit timid about doing it. Turned out to be very easy.
You can buy the rolled refrigerated cookies from the store or use your own recipe. Roll out some dough....I used a large cup to cut them out. Bake, cool and frost with cream cheese frosting. (1 pkg. cream cheese at room temp., 1/2 c powdered sugar and 1 t vanilla)...choose whatever fruit you want. Ideas for fruit: strawberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, canned pineapple bits, grapes. You can even be more creative than I was, but have fun!!! I had so much making them I plan on making more for the teachers at school next week.

Jon Egan for President

This wouldn't post on the last blog, so scroll down for more on this. I got the idea for this when a mom in the band boosters made a sign that said "Jon Egan for President 2040"....she gave it to the band director and he apparently put it up in the band room. Jon never saw it....neither did I. So, I made my own to help celebrate his birthday:)

Jons Best Ever Birthday!!!

Well, that's to be debated, but it was funny!!! I put this on his bedroom door with streamers hanging down.Jon has been very involved in politics this year, and he is finally old enough to vote.....it all started a few weeks ago when we found a birthday card with Hillary Clintons picture on it with a sentiment about how there were worse things than turning another year older. It all ballooned from there. Jon is.... should I say.... NOT a Hillary fan and gets upset just listening to her (his youthfulness comes out). A coworker of mine thought it would be funny if we decorated his room as if he were her #1 supporter. (Sorry to offend any Hillary fans out there but...fun is fun).
While Jon was at work, we decided to do it up big. Josh made this huge poster saying "Clinton Headquarters"....I decorated everything in red and blue streamers.
Richard got in on the fun by printing off Clinton for President signs. If you enlarge this one it even has a picture that he found with Hillary's body and Bills face imposed on it....a "Billary" picture it was called....
This was about all the fun he had with us for his birthday. He got home from work at 11:30 PM (too late, but luckily he only has 27 more days of school) and found this. The next day (his actual birthday) he was in Ellensburg WA for the State Solo and Ensemble competition. He was in a Brass ensemble....they came in 2nd) He was gone for 2 days and then it was back to work. We didn't have a party or anything.... took him out to dinner Saturday night. And because of the lateness of the hour we didn't get a single birthday picture of him:(
HAPPY (belated) 18TH BIRTHDAY JON!!!

Beautiful Spring Day!!

It was a beautiful day here today. Got up to 78. Josh and Richard had a great day working in the yard. They got the stump out the other day, but figured I better not blog it or I may get some heckling for it. They worked long and hard getting the last of the roots out today and getting it all ready for whatever we decide to do with it. I want to go to some nurseries to look at different plants/trees. We'll put new barkdust in....before we had the red rock. I worked hard scrubbing the railing on the porch, and it looks so nice now. The dirt really sets in during the winter. I'm going to repaint the trim on the railing. It looked kind of dingy since the tree's not hiding it anymore.