Young-Conkey Clan

Facebook takes over

2008-12-31T14:58:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I'm having a hard time juggling between applications here. Paul and I have recently become addicted to Facebook (Thanks to Sheila and kids!). It has been fantastic as Paul and I have reconnected with long-lost friends and family. For instance, my baby sister and I now talk more than we ever have - and I got to see her engagement photos!!

SOOO.... if you want to see our holiday photos, you'll have to make a Facebook account and go look there. :)

Happy Holidays and HAPPY NEW YEAR! OH, and GO DUCKS!!!
~T

Facebook Link

He's published!

2008-12-21T22:53:00.002-05:00

Some of you know that Paul has been trying his hand at freelancing and writing. He has done several website writing projects, 'ghost writing' projects and is working on a novel right now. We have been pushing him to try his hand at writing his own column because we all find him funny and insightful, and believe he should share that with the world. He decided to try seeing if he posted opinions to the local papers if they would get published. He latched onto an Op Ed piece in one of the local papers and guess what? They published his letter! Not bad for a first attempt. We think it is only the beginning . . .

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/opinions/letters/x1135114021/Palin-a-poor-choice-as-role-model-for-women

Here is the original Op Ed piece if you want to see what he was responding to:

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/opinions/columnists/x1049852867/Concetta-Falcone-Codding-Palin-sticks-to-1-version-of-herself

Someday when we are adults dear . . .

2008-12-09T13:58:00.005-05:00

The title is something I said to Paul not too long ago. We often feel that our lives are not our own as any good parent should feel! Weekends are tag team games of chasing four active kids around New England in their individual pursuits of talent and fun. Last weekend it was his girls' turn.

We went to Carol's pitching clinic and took turns playing pseudo-catcher to her rifle shots in the cage. This really took me back to my high school and beyond days of pitching, so it was great fun for me. I did my very best not to contradict her clinic coach and to only offer encouragement. Ok, maybe I slipped and offered a couple of pointers from my old days. Touch your nose Carol! :)

Yes, this shot is blurry, but I show it to you Carol for your own personal use. Note where your arm is after your release!

Oh, much better ...

Then we went to see Kathryn play with her traveling basketball team. She had been under the weather all week and this was her first day back to real activity, so she wasn't as spunky as usual, but the technique never leaves you, does it K? Look at those arms spread and her commanding the floor when she had the chance.

I really wish this shot was more clear. Great candid of the two.

As for my kids, marching band is done and now we are kicking off into the next seasons of life. Amanda was just cast as Professor Zalinka in "Get Smart" at her high school play. Yet another "strong female character with an accent". She is feeling a bit typecast. They are both looking at doing High School Musical II this Spring as well. Andrew will reprise his "Jack Scott" character that has brought him notoriety on the streets (No, I'm not kidding) and Amanda is going to re-audition to see what she can get this time. Mandy is doing several small concerts and holiday appearances with her Vocal Jazz group and other choir/bands. And Andrew? He is rather focused on his new girlfriend right now. As he should be. :)

I have entered the world of "Facebook" and have reconnected with some very old friends that I haven't spoken to in decades which has been very fun! Paul is doing the same. See, we aren't that old that we can't get "hip" too. (Yeah, that last phrase just blew that, didn't it?).

Sheila's visit & Amanda's new career focus!

2008-12-02T23:47:00.011-05:00

My friend Sheila came out from Oregon and spent Thanksgiving and 12 days with us to see the East Coast and put in a french door. We covered a lot of territory and she swore off french doors for life, I think. Doesn't it look good?

Just kidding - this was stage one - get the sliding glass door out. Of course, New England decided to honor this day with a downpour. It was GREAT FUN! It is in now and gorgeous, but I haven't taken a photo of it yet and it is dark, so I'll take one and post that later. Now, off to the fun . . .

After a FREEZING cold day with Andrew, Sheila and I enjoying a Boston Duck Tour and drive around Boston, Amanda, Sheila and I spent a day in NYC. Also freezing cold. They were preparing for the Macy's Parade so we saw some people wandering around in parade jackets and the beginnings of decorations:

Did I mention it was cold??

We again froze our behinds off on top of a double-decker bus and then a ferry out to see the lady. Saw a lot of the city and finished the night meeting another friend (Sheri) for dinner and then saw Spamalot on Broadway, with special guest Clay Aiken!

The end of the week, Paul and I took her for a whirlwind day around coastal New England. We went through Providence to Plymoth so she could see "the rock" and the replica of the Mayflower. Seemed the appropriate thing to do this time of the year:

Then we headed up towards Boston and went to Salem to see some of the sites and for a quick walk around town looking at houses. This is the old "Witch House", built in 1642. Cool.

Then we did go into Boston for lunch next to this really old park - maybe you have heard of it? We took a tour, although it is under some major renovations so much was in progress. Hey, when you are the oldest ballpark in America you need work.

Then we went up to the top of Mass. to my favorite coastal towns, Gloucester and Rockport to see the sunset and to stop for lobster. How can you pass up two lobsters for $20?

Rockport:

I hope she is going home with a huge bank of memories and enjoyed her time here. I know we will enjoy those doors for many days to come!

============================================================

Also during the visit, we got to enjoy watching Amanda's debut to her football career. Yes, I said that right. My daughter is a very intimidating linewoman. Every year the Junior and Senior classes switch gender roles for one very competitive game of football. The boys don cheerleading uniforms (and were hilarious by the way) and the girls put on their football gear and play. They practiced for weeks and took this rivalry against classes very serious. Amanda was named co-captain of the team and was really very good! She was on the starting line for the offense AND the defense. We had a blast watching them play although the Juniors were very disappointed to lose 8-0. One interesting note was that Mandy accidentally broke a girl's nose. Certainly not intentional, it was a collision and let's just say Amanda has a hard head. Anyone surprised here? I do think she has a future here . . . forget theatre. WNFL could be a serious draw.

McDonalds!

2008-11-08T21:03:00.006-05:00

Amanda performed with Killingly JIVE (Jazz Is Vocal Ecstasy), a vocal jazz ensemble at the grand opening of a McDonalds in town. Yep, we celebrate these things in a small, rural town! :)

She decided to take an existing song they were singing and write new lyrics for it to fit the occasion. She did research and worked hard on it, then taught the group. It was a hit with the crowd. In fact so much, that corporate has asked them to come to their corporate event next week and perform after the Main Event Speaker. Very cool! They had Amanda sign a copy of her lyrics so that it could potentially be posted. She also got a call today saying it would be in her best interest to copyright the lyrics, "just in case". Who knows - maybe someday you will hear her song in their advertising. Here is a link to their performance of it - a bit tough as it was in a loud crowd, but still kind of fun to see.

Amanda's Speech

2008-10-29T21:19:00.004-04:00

Amanda decided to enter the public speaking competition at school this year to work on her skills and offered a very inspiring speech that she wrote about the importance of keeping music and the arts in school. She did fantastic! I was very proud, of course. She took 3rd place in the competition and won $200 so was pretty excited as well. Here is the text of her speech if interested in reading it!

____________________

Why Music and Art Programs are Imperative in Schools

“Many principals don’t see the arts as critical to their mission because the kids are not tested on that, it’s easy for it to become expendable” says New York City councilwoman Eva Moskowitz. So the question is thus formed, how important is it to keep music and art programs within schools? Over the past few years, communities around the country have faced budget crisis. As finances become difficult to meet, school systems have begun looking into solutions for the ever mounting costs of education. One alternative that boards of education and administrators face is cutting their art programs. A good portion of these communities are forced to make this detrimental decision. Luckily, however, some communities have been able to save the performing arts departments at their schools. The subject is a controversial one that brings out passionate supports for salvation of the arts.

On September 23, 2008 the Oakland Tribune printed an article about a community that stood up against the omission of Music in their schools. In the San Mateo-Foster City School District in California the local budget vote resulted in the cutting of the music program within their school system. This decision outraged the community. Local parents, through fundraising, were able to save the fifth-grade music program. Foster City is one of the fortunate districts, many other school districts have suffered the effects of losing their music and art programs. On Sunday, August 10, 2008 The Republican printed an article about schools that are struggling to keep art programs. In this article Agawam schools superintendent said, “Study after study shows students exposed to the arts tend to do better in traditional academic courses such as math. Offering the courses also gives students a chance to express themselves in a different way and to discover they have a talent.”

In June of 2008 six-time Grammy Award winner Nneena Freelon was quoted as saying, “The arts foster a school environment that encourages self-directed learning, discipline, collaboration and acceptance. Children who are at risk for failure often find the arts a last refuge where they can begin to experience success.” While most people can not profess this idea as eloquently as Ms. Freelon, this is the precise prerogative of a vast majority of American Citizens.

From a young age I have been involved with several music and performing arts programs in the community. I play two diverse instruments, the tuba and clarinet, and have been in the band for seven years. I have also been involved with chorus since third grade, a total of nine years. In addition, I have performed with theatrical programs on both the local and high school levels. I feel I possess an adequate understanding of the significance of art and music within schools. I know that without these programs I would not be ranked fifth in my class, nor would I have a grade point average of 4.26.

In my own personal experience I’ve seen examples of the arts developing a greater understanding in other courses during my years in school. These programs serve as a stress-relieving time in the every day life of busy students.

Music and art give students a creative outlet which they might not otherwise encounter. My friends and I look forward to music classes everyday, because it’s not about being perfect and getting the best grades, but instead, it is about creating something truly beautiful and inspiring through hard work, dedication, and love. Music is a time to get in touch with life. It is also an invaluable tool when working with new people, since music and art are universal languages, one can learn to communicate with people throughout the world and people from different cultures. One does not have to understand each other’s home language, as long as people have music and art bridging the gap.

The arts are not only a hobby but a form of self expression, and communication. Both of these characteristics are priceless traits in all aspects of life. It is no great coincidence that a large portion of children involved in music and the arts move on to succeed and achieve impressive feats later on in life. In fact Johann Wolfgang Van Goethe, who is according to listserve.com the number one person in the list of top 10 geniuses, was known for his involvement in many intellectual endeavors including art and theatre. Also it is stated on Supportmusic.com that high school music students have been shown to hold higher grade point averages than non-musicians in the same school. Also, arts education increases interest in academic learning, cognitive and basic skills development and the development of academic achievement skills. Without being exposed to the arts a despairing amount of these potentially successful graduates would be limited to less-fulfilling lives. A study done by Martin Gardiner in 2000 showed that residents at the age of 30 who were not involved in music and the arts had a higher arrest record than those who had been involved in the arts. Music and Art programs are imperative to schools and the lack of these programs could be devastating to not only students in schools, today, but also to students in schools of the future.

Michelle Cahill, the senior educational policy advisor for Chancellor Klein, said it best in the New York Times when she was quoted as saying ''This is not a switch that you turn on and off.” In this quote she meant that once music and art are taken away from students the skills and traits earned from this training will be very hard to achieve later on. Despite recent efforts to give all students an equal opportunity to succeed, students without a well rounded background including music and art programs will forever be left behind.

Thank you.

___________________

This clipping showed up in the paper this week - sorry it is so grainy, but thought you all might like seeing it regardless!

Andrew photo and college

2008-10-28T10:51:00.004-04:00

Here is another candid photo of Andrew I found on his school's website for you all to enjoy!

He and I spent yesterday at the University of Connecticut where he participated in the "Husky for a Day" program. (Yes, I can't believe this proud Duck could have a Husky son . . . hey, it isn't Washington though! Although I did notice UO and UCONN very close to each other in the NCAA polls this week . . . )

He got to shadow a Junior in the Engineering Department for the day, to include going to classes, lunch and hanging out at the dorms between classes. Some of his comments included; "Wow there are a lot of cute girls in college", "Oh my God the lecture class had more people in it than in my entire school", "Why does an Engineering student have to take Philosophy and even more important, why are they talking about sex in that class??", "This is like an entire city of people my age all living together and hanging out everyday. Nice!", "There is so much focus and support here on school (ok, that sounds like a "duh" statement, but he was excited at the level of student dedication to their classes in that they actually care, support each other and pay attention as well as the amount of support!", "They play WII in the dorms between classes - sweet!", and "I get to eat unlimited meals in the cafeterias . . . that is SO cool". He had a really good time and is fired up and ready now to go to college. UCONN is on his short list, but we are also visiting some Tech Schools in the next couple weeks.

SAT tests are next week which he has been getting ready for. It is all starting to come at him pretty fast, which is exciting, and very scary. They are also starting some of the Senior farewell events. This week is Senior Night at the football game. I have to go out on the field with him as an escort so they can say goodbye to the Seniors in the Marching Band, Cheerleading and Football Teams. Here we go . . . time to invest in Kleenex.

Band Photo Link

2008-10-25T18:55:00.002-04:00

Here are a few shots of the kids at the recent home Band Festival. Amanda is in a vocal Jazz ensemble called JIVE - you can see her in several great photos under the JIVE folder. Unfortunately no real good tuba shots in this group.

Andrew had some good ones though. #53 and #54 are neat of Andrew escorting a band on the field. 772, 774, 779 are good drumline shots with him as well, although my favorite is 809.

http://www.collages.net/store/guest_login.asp?eventcode=393437

London with Paul!

2008-10-20T18:58:00.002-04:00

I'll let Paul say it all for this trip - go see his site for comments. :)

Here is a link if you want to see photos!!

http://youngneuhardtphotos.shutterfly.com/

Cool School!

2008-10-04T11:01:00.003-04:00

This Friday Amanda's high school was featured in a local newscast as being a Connecticut cool school. Thought you all might like to see one of the clips! She is easy to find . . . look for the big tuba bell. :)

There are other clips too if you want to see them. Pretty fun!

http://www.wfsb.com/video/17621905/index.html

British Museum . . . and Andrew

2008-10-02T16:51:00.009-04:00

Yeah I know the title sounds odd. No, he isn't with me, but I saw a photo of him and his best friend on the school website and decided it needed to be posted here. The senior boys are already suffering from senioritis - it is going to be a long year!

Ok, now back to Brittain. :)

I finished class early today so went and wandered the British Museum. The museum itself is neat and a big part of history. It was founded in the 1750s and has become one of the largest in the world with an expansive collection. It is the largest covered square in Europe with a beautiful glass ceiling:

I studied Greek Architecture and Art at the UofO and have always wanted to see some of it "someday". I about passed out when I turned a corner in the museum and came face-to-face with the Parthenon. I didn't realize the politics that England has possession of much of the entablature and sculptures from Greece. The relief sculptures and statues are really something. I felt I had just entered the Acropolis. Somehow seemed out of place not being in Greece, but still very cool.

Ok Andrew, I have quizzed you on this your whole life - what kind of column is this??
The three goddesses from the east pediment; Hestia, Dione, and Aphrodite:

A taste of the relief sculptures - amazing detail for something that would be so high in the air.

Some other big highlights for me were these three objects: Easter Island statue, 700,000 year old tool and the Rosetta Stone. Neat to see!

I also enjoyed these:

This statue so intrigued me - this is Aphrodite, AD 40-60. She really catches your eye when you walk in the room because the energy in her form is so palpable:

This is the Nereid Monument - gorgeous Greek-styled tomb.

This is cool - the royal game of Ur - circa 2600-2400 BC. That is an old game of Monopoly!

The Asian collection was neat as well. I liked the Tibet room and thought this laughing Buddha was jolly.

This is a Conch Shell Trumpet from Tibet, 18th-19th century:

Egyptian room was interesting too - several mummies and cats. This bronze cat was very Lucy-esque Paul. I thought she would approve: (600 BC)

I ended the tour with paying to see a special collection based on Roman Emperor Hadrian. Fascinating guy, if not a bit narcissistic - but how can you not be in that kind of job??

Ok I'll stop boring you now. I remember why I struggled in my Fine Arts degree . . . I feel photos are so inadequate to show the beauty in the art and the history in relics. Art is something you have to experience in person. To be so near some of the pieces I studied so many years ago was inspiring and a completion of a life goal for me. I will never again simply nod my head when I hear that to truly study something you have to experience it. Books and lectures will not do it. I think everyone needs to go see what they want to know more about. It should not be a luxury or something that we do 'someday'. It must be a priority to truly live and experience the world we live in. With that, I have renewed interest in getting my kids out in the world to see the things they are studying. I'm thankful that they have seen as much as they have, but there is more yet to touch kids . . .

Home tomorrow for a quick weekend before I'm off again.

~Cheers!

Back again!

2008-09-30T13:54:00.007-04:00

I am going to have to apply for dual citizenship soon, I swear . . . Yep, I'm back in London. Flew out of Boston with the first hurricane watch on the Northern US East Coast in 17 years into a beautiful day in England. Got to see Ireland and Western England from the plane. Can you say GREEN??? Yes, it is really, really green

When I am in London I am often here at the expense of the customer and they decide which hotels I stay in. This customer put me in a very nice old hotel. They bring me fresh tea and biscuits (cookies!) every day - how cool is that??

Yes my typical walk and eat pattern has returned. I took a very long walk home today from class and took some photos to share. This is the corner where my training site is. I looked up at the sign and laughed. Yes, I am on the corner of Fleet Street. No, I didn't see any barber shops. (For those who have no idea what I am talking about, you must not be Broadway fans! Sweeney Todd!)

Stopped in Cornwall square for a pork and apple pasty - yum! My hotel is in the financial and theatre district so there are London shows everywhere. Not to mention restaurants and shopping. Good thing Amanda is not with me or I would be completely broke this week. I took photos for her to see some of the places she could someday perform. You can all look too though. Might want a photo of the theatre she plays in someday! :) Here are a few:

The Cambridge Theatre:

The Lyceum Theatre:

Palace Theatre:

Savoy Theatre:

I will be going home on Friday only to turn around and come back to London for two weeks again in October and another week in November. That is all that I know of so far. The good news is all of this travel has racked up the airline miles so I am bringing Paul with me for his birthday in October. How is that for a birthday gift? Yes, I am the best girlfriend ever. (Go ahead Paul, you can confirm that!)

~Cheers!

Birthday and band

2008-09-19T23:30:00.006-04:00

Andrew is now an adult. Well, by some standards I suppose. He made it to the ripe old age of eighteen anyways! He had the bad luck of a birthday on marching band night - practice until 8:30. So, we didn't do much that day. (However I did take two sheetcakes down to the band rehearsal much to many teen's delight). Spread it out over several other days instead!

I saw something in the Labor Day telethon (you know, Jerry Lewis and all?) that I knew Andrew would love. They were doing auctions to raise funds for the MDA and I thought what the heck. I actually won the highest bid! So, Andrew was very excited to get the signed guitar from one of his favorite bands that had been played and smashed in a concert. (Three Days Grace if anyone is interested in the name of the band!) I know, how exciting is a broken guitar? Well, if it was touched by your favorite band and played by them, apparantly pretty exciting!

Tonight we went to their first home football game. The team didn't play anything worth mentioning, but the band was good! :) They have to have their hair up and under their hats, which is understandable. I guess Andrew's was too long so they made him put it up. This one might have to go in the yearbook!

Andrew is playing the BIG bass drum and of course Amanda is playing the BIG tuba. Oh, and while in the stands Amanda decided to play the kick off with one of the guy's trombones. She was actually good! Wayne, you would have been proud.

That's all for now!
~T

Cute and Funny!

2008-08-31T00:55:00.009-04:00

Ok, so granted I have become a bit of the photographic perfectionist. Maybe it is the Fine Arts degree, or maybe it is my control issues. No comments necessary. Amanda downloaded her photos on my laptop and I was going through them to realize how much more fun her candid shots are. Maybe it is because people are willing to make funny faces at a teenager with a camera or she is just more willing to take those shots and not say, "Andrew please be serious". Some are those that she is holding the camera and taking of herself or a friend and her - a popular teenage thing. I thought some were great, so here is a potpourri of candids from Amanda . . .

Fun with friends:

Candid of her brothers:

Red Sox game:

Oregon trip:

In this one, she said "no posing, be candid!", so we were . . .

Brother Don:

She says this is before they abandoned her at the bottom of the cliff:

Just to show I'm not completely incapable, I did take this one:

Oh, and if anyone wants to see Paul's commentary on the Oregon trip - go check it out. Always funny to see what perspective someone gets when they visit for the first time. (His blog site is in a link on the right)

Just finished watching the Ducks annihilate the Huskies!!! GO DUCKS!

Summer wedding in Oregon!

2008-08-27T00:30:00.013-04:00

We just returned from a whirlwind trip back home to Oregon and are trying to get ready for school to start this week. Junior and Senior high school years may now commence! (scary)

We had a fantastic trip home filled with friends and family and as always, not enough time. So much to see and do. The kids and I had a lot of fun showing our home to Paul and he agreed that it was truly beautiful and would be glad to come back again any time as we kept telling him all of the things we didn't get to see while we were there!

We started our week with a visit with the kid's father Wayne, his wife Autumn and their son Nathan. Some striking resemblences in these siblings:

Then while the kids went to OMSI with Dad, I took Paul for a tour of the Oregon/Washington border for some Pacific Northwest scenery! The sun was out and it was HOT! We drove along the Columbia Gorge and stopped at a couple falls, including Multnomah Falls seen here:

Then we spent a few days in Waldport with Grandma Beryl and Peg. The Hales came up to the river for a couple of nights and we spent a lot of time laughing, playing cards, and having fun! This time Mother Nature was showing her true NW colors and displayed lots of rain and thunderstorms. Sadly, this limited our ability to spend time on the beach:

Then off to Eugene for a few days of visiting with my best friend Tina and her brood. We decided to take a long drive through Central Oregon to hike Crater Lake. Here are several photos of our jaunt. And yes, it is really that blue and beautiful. Oh, and after we hiked down the rim and back up, we saw the sign that said we had just climbed the equivilant of a 75-story building. We were tired puppies!!:

We went home the Roseburg way so we could have dinner with Tina's parents and catch up. Along the way we stopped where the North and South Umpqua rivers collide to dip our toes in:

Finally and probably most importantly, we ended our trip with the main event, the marriage of my brother Jason to his lovely bride Heather. It was a gorgeous outdoor wedding with all of the family there - many who had not seen eachother in nearly a decade. It was magical and a moment none of us will forget:

The kids were in charge of the gift table and guest books:

Jason and his groomsmen entered to "Me and My Gang" from Rascall Flats -

Dad walked Heather down the aisle (I'm being nice here and not showing you Jason or our faces at this point, as we were all crying in earnest - beautiful moment):

They read vows that they had written to each other and then when Jason was given permission, he took full advantage of kissing his bride:

After family photos it was food, dancing and bubbles! (Red-head in the light blue shirt is my baby brother Don):

Beautiful beginning for a beautiful couple. You done good little bro . . .

An American Day!

2008-08-14T14:30:00.006-04:00

Ok, so what is more American than baseball and American Idol? :)

When I got home from London we had a very busy final summer weekend planned with the Brady Bunch. I knew I would be dead-tired, but it was so worth it . . .

We left Paul's condo early Saturday morning and caught the train into Boston and watched a double-header at Fenway Park. This was called the Red Sox Futures game - meaning that the A and AAA teams whom they pull players from for the Red Sox got to play. We love minor league baseball - players seem more approachable and we can get much better seats! Check out that view behind home plate. When else can you see a game in Fenway in box seats like this?? It was a beautiful day full of eating everything baseball-related and enjoying the family time.

Can you see the ball to the left of the umpire's head??

Then that night we took all four to the American Idol Tour Concert, which was way too fun! These seats were nowhere near as good, but we didn't care. Our view is a bit higher here - this is Syesha, not that you could tell:

We thought there were several who stole the show, namely Syesha, Carly, Michael and of course, the Davids. We were all a bit divided about who should have won coming into the concert, but would say we all agreed after the performances that Cook was the clear winner. Phenomenal! However we thought that a concert with him and Carly would really rock.

The next day we went to a local playhouse where Mandy has done several shows and watched Beauty and the Beast. Very good play with many of Mandy's ex-cast members in it. Neat to see. By Sunday night, I was toast and needed to sleep. These UK trips are really messing with my sleep schedule. Oregon should be fun!

Oh, I should also mention that the kids had an amazing run in Rent! It was a very, very good show with some really neat candid solos for Amanda. She has talked to the Director about doing some small Black Box theatre this year which should really stretch her. Should be some neat things coming her way the last couple years of high school. We will keep you posted!

And for those of you in Oregon, we are packed and coming your way!! SOOO excited. Can't wait to see my 'little' brother walk down the aisle and to show Paul our home. We miss the Pacific air . . oh and Tillamook cheese. That will be one of our first stops - the cheese factory. Yum!

Fair is fair

2008-07-24T10:58:00.002-04:00

Ok, Paul put a link to my blog on his site so others could see the funny pics. I think I will do the same for my friends/family. There are some great stories from him about their recent camping trip. And you get to see how creative he is in his writing style! (You can look past the mushy post about me if you please . . . )

~T

www.neuhardt.blogspot.com

Six Flags!

2008-07-23T19:44:00.007-04:00

After I came back from London, the kids and Paul were a bit stir-crazy from being together and a boring day at home on summer break didn't sound entertaining at all. I decided to play hookey from work and took the four of them to Six Flags so Paul could have a day to focus on work in a quiet house. We had a blast! Granted, it was hotter than Hades and there were some crowds, but that didn't stop us from riding coasters and being generally silly. Ok, Andrew takes up the lion's share of crazy antics, but we often joined him. Share in the merriment below:

(Oh, and this is Carol (age 11) and Kathryn (age 13), Paul's girls)

Their chosen "Super Hero Poses":

Mandy and I chose not to ride this one:

And he came so close . . .

They all decided to attempt this pose with the Starburst sign - I'll let you determine the winner!

Isn't he special?:

Of course I made them wear their hats to KFC after the park - I thought it improved their looks!

Gotta love summer days!!
~T

London Day

2008-07-13T13:49:00.005-04:00

Good lord . . . I have started my own English tradition. Eat a lot, walk a lot more. Again my day in London meant walking MILES! I took the tube in and walked Hyde Park to spend the afternoon at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Beautiful day! I love Hyde Park - reminds me a bit of Central Park in NYC, with some differences. There was a walking path, a bike path, a rowing path (river), a horse path (very wide) and then cricket fields. There were kids learning to ride on English saddle that was fun to watch. I also ran into a bunch of guys trying to learn how to play "American Softball". It was kind of funny to watch since it wasn't second-nature to all of them. Here is just a couple shots (from one spot, looking left to right. Very clean and wide spaces):

The Museum was neat. I couldn't take pictures in most areas, so not much to show there. They had a special exhibit called, "China Now". It was about the graphic and art design in China in the last couple decades. I was stunned to realize that graphic design and expression is still so new. With the fall of communism, they have only been advertising as we know it since the 80s. Before that, there was no need to compete commercially as it was considered social to do so. Music, fashion, art, etc. was all underground. The explosion in self-expression in the last couple of decades was neat to see. One fashion designer stated that clothing used to be about function, and is now finally about form and style. It is still a new concept for them to have ties, things like pleats and ruffles because those potentially show the body shape, which was never allowed. Another stated that traditional Chinese looked alike, were educated to be alike and were expected to behave alike. Some are still struggling with how to be unique. Nice to peak into their culture finding their voices and expressing their individuality. Oh what we have taken for granted with our freedom. I have a whole new perspective . . .

Here are just a couple sculptures that struck me. They also had a huge section on performance art that Mandy would have loved. Costume design, set design vignettes, and concept designs for theatrical shows. Below is just one shot of the design concept shadow box for "Evita". Really neat displays:

Then I needed a break, so I went to a little English Pub for a Guinness and olives. SO good. I had missed that. :) After that I walked and shopped a bit more, looked at sites and remembered how much my feet could hurt. I love the fact that in the most unexpected places you can see art. I walked into one alcove, looked up at this old entryway and saw this - had to take a picture. Oh, and the other shot is just one I had to take for Mandy. It is still big in London . . .

After that, it was another stop at a pub for supper. (I love these pubs). I had a traditional steak & ale pie with mashers and a half-pint of cider. Good finish to the day. Walked back to the tube and off to the hotel for an early evening. Must rest because bummer, I have to work tomorrow. Great weekend though!

Cheers!

Hampton Court

2008-07-12T16:33:00.022-04:00

Hello! I'm back in London for another customer training event. I landed Tuesday night and had a very difficult start! The airline lost my luggage, the hotel lost my reservation and the taxi driver got lost. GREAT FUN! I knew there wasn't much that could change things so I weathered the fun. The hotel put me in a great old resort for the night and provided taxi service to work the next morning. Luggage didn't come until Friday morning. I had to do some serious shopping to fill in the gap! I guess the good news is that the luggage was found. I just hope I get the mileage for the bag's journey, as it went from Boston to California, back to Boston and then to London. Nice little holiday . . .

Since I have to do training over two weeks, I have a free weekend. I met my friend Elaine for the day and we went to Hampton Court Palace. Here she is!

The Palace was hosting a Royal Flower Show so we wandered the gardens, shopped the stalls, had lunch and toured the castle. We took the train in and then a boat on the Thames to get there. From our ride on the Thames - I love the stovepipe chimneys. The second is a longboat - people actually live in these - our version of a houseboat I guess!

Hampton Court was the castle for many famous royalty, especially noted were William and Mary and then that King Henry VII guy who had a thing for collecting (and disposing of) wives. Got to see Anne Boleyn's influence, as well as Jane Seymour and others! These were the actual costumes from the movie, "The Other Anne Boleyn" -

Oh, while we were wandering the gardens we drank something called Pims. This is a typical "garden strolling drink" in England. Fruit juice, Chopped Fruit, and some incredibly strong alcohol. Yum! Oh, we also had champagne. Those flowers were really bright and pretty by the time we finished with that! And if I don't sound enough like a lush already, I also sampled honey mead today. OMG, yum. I tell you, if this is the mead that Harry Potter and his pals were drinking at the Three Broomsticks Pub, I have a whole newfound respect for them. I don't think I would recommend it to children. I'm glad my shot was small, but it sure does go down easy!

Of course I have to talk about my lunch as I find the food so funny. I had a banger in a bap (leek and pork sausage in a roll) and my favorite cream tea (tea, scone, clotted cream and jam). I put a picture in here just so you could see.

I find it funny how many American Icons are everywhere. I went into a sports shop hoping to get some British things to take home, and all I could find was NY and LA baseball stuff. Even in the gardens a scarecrow had this hat!

Enjoy the rest of the photos!

Neat little courtyards, and the Wisteria was beautiful!

Flowers, flowers, flowers . . . and more:

Depending on the weather, I'm thinking I will enjoy a full English Breakfast at the hotel then hop the train into London proper. I want to see the Victoria & Alberts Museum I have heard so much about. We'll see how I feel in the morning . . .

~Cheers!

Senior Portraits

2008-06-26T14:59:00.005-04:00

Andrew's Senior portraits came in - now you can see why I got all misty-eyed when in the studio trying to decide which captured my son the best. Of course, there is one shot here that doesn't necessarily give the details of his face, but certainly his attitude and personality shine through - can you figure out which one that is? :)

SO - we'll make this interactive. Tell me which you like the best, and you just might get that in your Graduation Announcement! Then after a few votes, I'll tell you which made me break down and cry and which one Mandy loves best. Obviously, Andrew loves the one mentioned in the paragraph above as it is him in his element. For the record, I bought all of the photos and had them framed in a group frame. I couldn't decide . . . BUT, the one that made me cry is the biggest in the frame.

Enjoy!

Schools out - awards & grades are in!

2008-06-20T15:18:00.004-04:00

I officially have a Junior and Senior in high school living in my house now. They both celebrated last days of school this week and are loving the fact that they now get to sleep in! Wrapping up the year, they received several awards and honors that I thought I would share:

Andrew received:
- A Plaque for being the Leader in the 2008 Plastics Expo - his team took 3rd at the Community College competition for creating an object from design through construction and presenting at this expo. He was the presenter and Team Leader.
- National Geography Olympiad Award
- Certificate of Participation in SkillsUSA
- Certificate of Commitment & Dedication to Class Leadership
- Third Place Award in the Architectural Tech Shop Fair
- Varsity letter for participation in Track (will be a Four-Year Letterman)

Amanda received:
- High Achievement - CP French 3 (Third year in a row) - she was given a French Dictionary for the honors
- 3rd Quarter High Honors
- Medal of Achievement for Theatre
- And my favorite, we received her report card today - Straight A's for her Sophomore year!

Band Banquet

2008-05-31T18:14:00.006-04:00

School year is winding up and the kids are ready for summer! Mandy has been singing or performing at graduations (just performed in a Brass Quintet for the local community college) and both have been performing at this weekend's Tercentennial Celebration for our town. Can you believe that? 300 years! Just a bit older than Eugene. Kids had their end-of-the-year Music Banquet - semi-formal affair where Seniors are recognized, a video of the year is played and general merriment occurs. It was great fun to get to see the kids cut loose and rule the dance floor! Here are a few shots of their fun. (I thought 'air guitar' was a thing of my generation, but maybe Guitar Hero has brought it back???) Enjoy!

So far they are both ready for a summer break - no plans for work yet, although they are looking for summer jobs. Rent rehearsals will give them some activity and I'm sure they will have no problem filling up the rest of their time. I'm heading to Minneapolis in a few days to do some training for Target. Then another trip to London coming soon. Bummer . . . :) Then we are looking forward to a trip back home to see my 'little' brother Jason get hitched to his fiance Heather! He turns 30 today, so it's about time. Then again, good things come to those who wait, and she seems like a keeper.

Happy Birthday to Jason, Me, Heather and Don in the next few days! Gotta love the beginning of summer.

RENT!

2008-05-21T22:53:00.002-04:00

Kids auditioned Monday night to perform in Rent, which has announced that it is going off-Broadway this year. A local youth theatre company that they both have done several shows in secured the rights to it and will be the first non-professional theater company in the US to produce it. This is one of their very favorite Broadway production. (If you look through the history here you will see photos of Mandy going to see it earlier this year - had to go before it closed).

Long story short, they both found out tonight they have been cast and are wicked excited. Last weekend in July and first weekend in August!

http://www.breakalegproductions.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=98&Itemid=149

~T

The Prom Photo

2008-05-16T16:16:00.002-04:00

Ok, here is the official photo!

Mandy's Solo

2008-05-12T20:07:00.003-04:00

Ok, as promised, I'm going to try and attach a short clip of this video from Disney where Mandy had her solo. I missed the second half of her solo because I messed up the camera, but at least you get a small taste! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXkjZT7gCjQ

2008 Junior Prom

2008-05-12T18:16:00.004-04:00

We won't have the portraits done at the Prom back for a few days, but thought I would share some candids of the journey to the dance, starting with a mirror check and a big breath, then off we go! Despite the drizzle, they both looked great and had an awesome time!

Group Track Photo

2008-05-07T12:58:00.002-04:00

Just thought I would share the school group track photo with Andrew in there. Mr Muscles . . . .

His Junior Prom is this Friday. I about died when he walked out of his changing room with the tux on and asked, "Mom does this look ok?". Yep, I'm a sap. I'll send photos of the big event so you can all share in the misty eyes. Oh, and we made his Senior Portrait appt. which will be in a few weeks. Is it that time already???? Really?????

DISNEY 2008!

2008-04-15T20:13:00.007-04:00

We had a great time in Orlando and got great tans! Paul and I flew down while the kids went with the rest of the band on the coaches. Since we got there MUCH earlier than they did, we took a day on the golf course at Osprey Ridge - so gorgeous.

Then we went to Bongos for dinner - YUM!

Mandy sang at Epcot in the Choir - she even was featured in a solo for the first song (Medley from Sister Act, she sang "I Will Follow Him")! I have her part on video, just trying to figure out how to post it here so you can all hear it. Give me some time on that. :)

Then the marching band got to lead the Dreams Come True! Parade through Magic Kingdom.

Paul and I got a kick on how Andrew was always with a harem of girls. They even joined us for lunch one day. Cinderella and all!

Certainly a memorable trip!

More murder 'n track

2008-04-15T20:04:00.001-04:00

Just a couple photos I pulled off school websites I thought you might like! :)

Track, Murder and such

2008-04-06T09:48:00.004-04:00

Andrew had his first track meet of his Junior year and did fantastic! There were six tech schools at the meet. He competed in the 800 meter, the 4x400 meter relay and the javelin, and placed in all events! 3rd in the 800 and Relay, and 1st in Javelin. He was pumped and excited for the season after a start like that!

Here are just a couple shots I took on the camera phone, so not the greatest quality, but you'll get a glimpse of his meet. :)

Mandy did amazing in her High School's production of "Witness for the Prosecution" as Romaine, a German woman who goes 'undercover' as a Cockney woman to protect her husband from being prosecuted for murder. But in the final scene, she murders him because she finds out after all she did for him, he was cheating on her. Don't get in this girls bad graces! She had a great time and got rave reviews!

Now, we are all getting ready to leave Thursday for Florida and DisneyWorld. Can NOT wait! I'll send pics of the kids performing!

Final day in London

2008-03-28T17:43:00.012-04:00

Well, my class ended a night early so I took advantage of my last day and went to the city. A very long day of catching trains and walking the ENTIRE city. I'm not kidding. My legs and back are killing me. At one point I walked across a bridge and looked down the Thames and realized how far I had walked when I saw the bridge way off in the distance that was near where I started. A hot shower did me good tonight.

I toured the Tower of London today after having my English Cream Tea (that would be a pot of tea, scone, clotted tea and jam). Really cool. It was miserably cold and rainy went I went into the chapel and then gorgeous sun when I came out. Divine intervention maybe?? Speaking of, the highlight of my day was going to light a candle and listen to Evensong in St Paul's Cathedral today. Inspiring, beautiful . . . words can't express the experience of listening to the choir and organs in that gorgeous place.

Back to the Tower . . . got to see lots of weapons, armor (even for the horses!), diamonds (3,100 karat one today - dang it's big), the crown jewels, etc. The Beefeater (Kevin) that guided my tour was very fun. What is up with the narrow spiral staircases though?? Everywhere in this city. Even a small iron one today. Ok, that was kind of neat. I did finally break down and go to Starbucks today. I have been good about staying with the local flavor, but there are only so many times I can walk by one and not go in.

Off to the airport in the morning - ready to go home. Great trip and much seen, but I'm ready for my bed and my family. Enjoy the photos!

________________________________

These are photos from the Tower of London. Here are the tower ravens - it is legend that if the ravens ever leave this place, London and the royal reign will fall. They have clipped their wings to keep them from leaving -

This is a Roman wall from the 11th century -

The White tower -

Nice rack, eh?

Not so nice rack . . .

They had the row of kings - their armor and a replica of their horse - kind of neat -

This is the green where Ann Boleyn and Lady Jane Gray were executed - in front of the Queen's residence. (If you look close, you will see a guard walking the grounds in front of the buildings) -
Here is Kevin -

The oldest building and the original Tower of London -
St Paul's Cathedral - would have loved to have taken pictures inside of the amazing painted and gilded ceilings, but thought that might be rude to do during service -

The white building is the Globe - Shakespeare's theatre -

I turned a corner and about ran into this building. Imposing and beautiful - known as the Gherkin -

Here is the Millenium Bridge -

My view from the Millenium Bridge - see the Tower Bridge way down there? That is where my walk started - AND I walked through the city all around and ended back there. Tired feet . . .

Here is the Tower Bridge (where I started and finished my day). Had to end with this photo as I have absolutely fallen in love with this landmark. So beautiful and will forever be a symbol of London in my mind. . .

Smart girl

2008-03-26T17:00:00.001-04:00

See any familiar name under High Honors for grade 10? :)

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/lifeevents/achievements/x513689496

Rye

2008-03-24T17:17:00.006-04:00

So today (Monday) we went to this great historic town called Rye. Cobblestone streets and all . . . It snowed and was cold again - they claim it is the first snow in over a year. Lucky me . . . For lunch today I had a Coronation Chicken Sandwich (Chicken cubed with a curry sauce and apricots. Very good!). I love English tea and biscuits . . . have I mentioned that yet?

This was overlooking the valley from the hill:
Very narrow streets - and yes, cars did drive on these - tough to walk on with those cobblestones: Ypres tower:

The chapel in Rye:

Doves flew around the grounds and nested in the eaves and boxes - beautiful cooing:
Neat thatch roofs:

Tudor in town square:
On the way home we spotted the Long Man of Wilmington - ancient drawing in the hillside where the chalk shows through. Much debate on who/when made this archaic drawing and why:

And that ends my journey of fun - time to work tomorrow. I have 8 customers I will be training the next four days - time to earn the bucks.

Oh, great news from the East Coast today - Andrew passed his license exam this morning and is now an official driver - glad I'm a continent away!

London Photos

2008-03-23T14:26:00.007-04:00

Yeah! Through the wonders of technology I was able to recover almost all of the photos. Here are a select few! Enjoy!

Trafalgar square - where the big New Years Eve celebration happens and where all distances are computed from:

St Paul's Cathedral - gorgeous . . .
The Tower of London - there are crown jewels in here somewhere as well as Beefeaters. This is also where Anne Boleyn was executed as well as Lady Jane Gray. Very imposing . . .

There are several statues of the Queen around town of course:
Shots of Westminster Abbey:

I found it funny how many lion sculptures there were all throughout - the ones in Trafalgar are really neat, but I liked this one:
The London Eye - moves VERY slowly but gives a great view. Line was too long and I didn't want to wait this trip:
Oh, here's my lunch. Cottage pie, Pea and Ham soup and Guinness. Lunch of champions!

Big Ben - neat sound!
The tower bridge - really pretty!
Buckingham Palace gates - see the flag up? But not the standard . . . so she (Queen Betty) wasn't home and we couldn't visit.
The Welsh Guard coming in for the changing of the guard ceremony at the palace.

View down the Thames - that is the Tower Bridge in the distance:

It took all day to tour around town on the double-decker bus and didn't have time to actually go into any buildings - will do that next time.

London

2008-03-22T20:12:00.003-04:00

What a long and exhausting day! I saw every single corner of London today. We took the train in and got there just in time to see the changing of the guard. It is a Bank Holiday today so there were tons of people out and about around the city. We then got on a double-decker bus and did the tour, which took up the majority of our day! Westminster is gorgeous, Big Ben is as well and has a great sound when it rings, I loved the Tower Bridge, Parliament was neat, St Paul's is inspiring, the lions and fountain in Trafalgar Square were beautiful and my neck hurts from looking up at all of the beautiful buildings and statues. I would show you some of the 150+ pictures I took, but . . . can you believe at the end of the day I got an error on the camera that said the SD card needed to be formatted? I'm working feverishly on my laptop to recover the files that didn't go corrupt, but it is taking some time. I will cry if they are gone . . . Keep your fingers crossed that I can recover them or I will have to do it all over again!

So, it didn't snow all winter in London. Guess what it did today? Yes, in the Spring, when I am trying to tour the city, they get their first snow and hail. I was blamed repeatedly for bringing it over from the States with me. We toughed it out and sat proudly (and often alone) on the top of the open-air bus. Hardy we are! Nothing was going to stop us.

I am getting fat. Those who tell me the food in London is awful are just not eating at the right places. Lunch was fantastic. We stopped at a great little back alley pub and I had my first Guinness. Ok, it took some time for them to 'pull' it as it was a proper stout - cloudy and thick. Like a bitter milkshake. Yummm . . . I am now sold on dark beer which I never thought I would be. I had the best Ham and Split Pea soup with French bread (I think it really was French bread since we are so close!) and a Cottage Pie (think Shephard's Pie but with beef instead of lamb). Mandy would have loved the Pie. For dinner I had this goat's cheese and carmelized onion appetizer followed by a 'game pie' (lots of pie today) that was venison, pheasant and other woodland creatures (they promised no squirrel or badger) with creamed spinach and something called colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage in it). This was followed with a plum pudding with some kind of yummy white custard sauce. I am going to have to buy new pants.

Tomorrow is a day in. We will do a grocery run in the morning in a small neighboring town and then my hosts are having a dinner party for Easter dinner with two other couples that I am invited to. The menu looks equally fattening and I'm promised that the company is "quite mad". Should prove for an interesting holiday.

If I recover these darned files I'll post them . . . Please keep every digit crossed. They really are beautiful. Cheers!

English Countryside

2008-03-21T16:34:00.012-04:00

I can't believe I'm here . . . I am actually in England. I peed in a 1,000 year-old castle today!!! It was a fantastic first day. After no sleep on the overnight plane (way too excited to sleep) and a quick 2-hour nap this morning, I'm still running strong. We covered some great ground today (my hosts Elaine, Peter and I) and I have a good taste of England. Tomorrow London . . . Such a dream come true.

I landed at 6:30am this morning (4-hour time change) to a partly cloudy English sky. It took me hours to get past being on the "wrong" side of the road (which can be very narrow) and "wrong" side of the car - a bit scary when traveling a mere 110mph. Oh, and I will never complain about gas prices again. It cost us about 75 pounds to fill the tank in the BMW today. That would be a little over $150. Oh . . . my . . . God. Around $10/gallon (ok, it is pounds/liter but I'm trying to make it easy to understand here). Enjoy the photos!

We went to see some of the cliffs and the channel - very white from the amount of chalk in the ground. Incredibly windy - hard to stand still!

Then to Brighton Beach. I understand there is a nude beach, but it was way too cold for that today I think. There is a neat carnival on the pier, roller coaster and all.

Here are some street shots from the drive - it is Spring here with flowers in bloom.

I love the mix of tudor and the castle in the background here - so much tudor everywhere

Then we went and had a proper English tea with yummy scones, clotted cream, jam and stone cakes.

This is Peter and Elaine's house where I am spending the holiday weekend. Back to prices, the cars and houses are astronomical. They have a modest dwelling, much like a townhouse, very quaint. About $850,000. They have a simple BMW sedan 4-door - about $70,000. Crazy . . .

One of my favorite stops was Arundel Castle. (Yep, this is where I peed). So many shots of it (some illegal - not supposed to take photos inside).

If you squint, you can see me on the steps:

Not much of a drawbridge, is it?
I have decided they were short and skinny in the old days. Getting up and down these stairwells was quiet the adventure! Oh, and they could see in the dark.

And we ended the day with a pint at the pub. I am a BIG fan of the cider. MMMM I'll try the warm Guiness tomorrow. Driving home tonight we saw a double rainbow (look close). I begged them to go find the pot of gold as I'm sure it was there, but they wouldn't go.

We stopped for traditional cod n chips wrapped in paper for dinner. Very good, although odd to see them cook it with the skin on. Fantastic day. And it is only day one . . . :) Double-decker bus tomorrow through London tomorrow. They are fearing a snow storm tomorrow - first in a long time. No, I did not bring it with me!

Sweet 16 and never been . . .

2008-03-14T16:18:00.008-04:00

. . . oh never mind. I know better than that. Regardless, Amanda did successfully turn 16 AND successfully got her Drivers Permit. God help us all. Unfortunately she spent her birthday night and weekend primarily in rehearsals as she performed in three acts for Pops Night! at her school. BUT, we did pull her and her closest friends away for a little pizza, bowling and pool. What more could a teenager ask for?? Enjoy!!

See, she still is sweet though . . . Happy 16th Birthday Baby.

Silver and Gold!

2008-03-09T14:29:00.007-04:00

This week Andrew went to his first Karate Tournament and did great! He competed in two events, forms (where they run through a choreographed routine of karate techniques) and sparring (where they put on gear and 'fight' - think about the movie 'Karate Kid'). He got Silver and Gold medals, respectively. Very exciting for his first event!

Presenting himself to the judges:

Receiving his medal:

Here is Andrew with his best friend showing off the silver:

Andrew was also selected last week to represent his town/school in Skills USA! for Architectural Drafting. This will happen at the end of March - if he wins he will represent CT in the National contest in Kansas City. From the website they describe his event as: Architectural Drafting- Contestants will use their drafting skills to solve an Architectural problem. The problem includes a written test, a hand sketch, a computer-generated problem and a problem that may be solved using EITHER board drafting or CAD. The contest tests the contestants' problem solving abilities, not simply their CAD skills. Wish him luck!

Broadway Weekend!

2008-02-13T17:13:00.014-05:00

For Christmas I gave Mandy some tickets to a couple Broadway shows and plans for a Girls Weekend in the Big Apple. We went and had a total blast. Could not have been better. Great weather (ok, a bit cold, but clear blue skies!), hotel right in the middle of the theatre district (NYC small and noisy, but that is the charm of it!), amazing food, shopping and three spectacular shows. A weekend we will not soon forget. Enjoy the photos!

We decided to skip the traffic and took the train in - good choice:

First show was RENT - amazing and glad we caught it because they just announced they are closing the show after all of these years. Left is Declan Bennett who played a brilliant Roger (and Mandy fell in love with - even told him in person), Right is Harley Jay who was an incredibly nice guy who chatted with us after the show - played Mark, and Tamyra Gray was an outstanding Mimi (Might remember her from American Idol?):

Mandy even added her thoughts to the wall outside the theatre . . . vandal that she is.

Then we had dinner at a fantastic restaurant - the China Grill (even had chocolate sushi!):

That night we saw a fun Off-Broadway show called "Jump!" which was a lot of martial arts, acrobatics and silliness. Second row seats put us right in the action hoping those swords weren't that sharp . . . Some photos after the show with cast members:

Then off to our little bit of country charm in Manhattan (not kidding, little):

The next morning we got up, did some shopping and found a really fun 50's style diner called the Stardust. The waitstaff took turns singing and entertaining the crowd. The food was even pretty good! They were all hoping for their big break on Broadway and I saw Mandy's wheels turning . . . If she does go to school in NY, I'm thinking we might see her waiting/singing here, LOL:

Ok, you have to be a "Project Runway" fan like we are to appreciate this one. Mandy and I walked through the Fashion District as they were preparing for NYC Fashion Week and found the fabric store they shop at - had to stop and look. (We even went into a dress shop and she tried on this amazing formal gown). Here's Mood:

Then we went and saw Legally Blonde, the Musical - yes, based on the movie. It was SO GOOD. We have been singing the songs ever since! Here is Mandy with Becky Gulsvig who played Elle Woods:

It was an awesome weekend . . . we were exhausted when we got home late Sunday night!

So now that we are back to reality, Amanda is rehearsing for the Lead Role in her high school play, "Witness for the Prosecution" by Agatha Christie. She has to learn a German accent as well as a Cockney accent. Very exciting to see her in another lead role that does not rely on her singing voice - she actually has to act.

Then they are both excited to go to DisneyWorld and perform in April with the Marching Band and the choirs. My friend Paul and I will be going too but we will be staying at the nice WD resort with a day at the WD Golf Course while they 'slum it' at the Raddison and work. Ha!

I'm also getting ready for my first overseas training event - going to London the end of March to train a group. Can NOT wait. Have always dreamed of going to the UK and it looks like it might actually happen. I'll keep you all posted!

Andrew - School Shots!

2008-01-29T13:01:00.000-05:00

I was looking at Andrew's High School Website and found a bunch of shots of him that I thought I would share here. The Architect in action . . . (The final shot is of his drawing that took third place in the Shop Fair):

Band & Theatre Candids

2008-01-15T21:25:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would share a couple of great candids of the kids from some of their activities. I got a new toy, which includes a scanner so I was able to scan some photos that I have been given and share with you all. Two really nice shots from Marching Band this season and two from High School Musical which closed this weekend with sold out shows! They were both phenomenal and Andrew was called a young "Tom Cruise" with the screaming girls to match. Enjoy!!

Notice there are FOUR mallets!

She hates this shot - but I love it . . .

This was one of the ad shots with his 'romantic interest' in the show

Yep, she was cast as the overdramatic thespian (seen Center Stage). Shocking . . .

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T18:05:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful day full of family and love! We went to the Mohegan Sun casino (which is really beautiful) for a very nice Christmas Eve dinner then spent Christmas Day at the house in our PJs eating, listening to Christmas music, opening presents and watching a ton of Christmas movies. Very quiet but nice! Thought I would share a couple candid shots of the kids... Amazing I got them to act like they like each other!

These were funny little "cube people" that interact when you put them together - at least it gets the kids to do something together!

I hope I can always bring this look to their faces on Christmas. Mandy is getting a Broadway weekend - I believe this was her response to the "Rent" tickets.

Andrew spent a good deal of time with his new toy - even in his new running clothes

Thank you to Grandma Beryl for the taste of home! First brick of cheese almost gone and a tub of jam down. Makes us miss you even more . . .

Love to you all!

Ending the year . . .

2007-12-22T21:01:00.000-05:00

As we prepare to close out 2007, the snow falls, grades and awards are in, and the theatre is BUSY! Both kids continue to keep their mother incredibly busy and fill her with immense pride while doing it.

As some of you have asked, yes we are officially experiencing a New England winter as of a few weeks ago. Andrew had to dig his way to the hot tub out on the deck . . . and another foot has fallen since I took this photo. Promising to be a VERY white Christmas! We actually saw people with cross-country skis and snowmobiles. In our neighborhood. Great fun!

Andrew also finished with a 3rd Place prize in this year's Shop Fair for Architectural Drafting on his community living project!

Mandy has been very active in her school choir, concert and jazz band. Also did a conservatory workshop (The Gypsy Robe) and a high school play (Legend of Sleepy Hollow) this fall. The workshop was neat in that she played the lead role with several solos. I think she is now ready for a vocal break though . . . And can you believe through all of that, she brought home straight-A's? Amazing.

Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Dancing her jig in the red dress):

The Gypsy Robe (tall one in the red dress - seems to be her color this year):

Here is Amanda with her boyfriend Will, her best friend Kelsey and her boyfriend Chris all at the Winter Concert:

Now, the kids are in rehearsal for High School Musical which will open in January (Andrew has a spectacular part in this with several lines and a love interest - should be fun!) Mandy is rehearsing for Eastern Regional Choir, which she was selected as a Soprano for and has been offered an audition for All-State Choir. Oh yeah, and somewhere in there we will fit in a Christmas Break . . .

Me? The job is going well - very slow right now as there isn't much going on over the holidays, but I have to say I haven't felt this stress-free in a very, very long time. I suppose that is a very good thing! My students are taking finals this weekend too and I'm not taking anymore classes until mid-January. Wow - a real break!

Love to you all!

Happy All Hallows Eve!!!

2007-10-31T20:26:00.000-04:00

Ok, so they might be too old to trick-or-treat, but YOU tell them that . . . . Mandy won "Most Creative" for her Madame Butterfly look at school today and did go out on the rounds with a friend from school. Andrew stayed home and played door man until he couldn't stand the friends begging him to come out and terrorize the neighborhood with him. He did NOT take toilet paper or eggs, so I think all is safe . . . . God help us all.

They did make spooktacular pumpkins though. SO creative! Thought you all might like to see some photos!

Mandy did two this year - see below:

Andrew did a gorgeous rose with a carving effect to get the layers:

This one is all about me . . .

2007-10-27T23:22:00.000-04:00

Ok, I never do a blog post that is just about me but this one will be the exception . . . !

I made an incredibly tough decision a few weeks ago to make a career change. After 6 1/2 amazing years with Frito Lay, I'm taking a new direction. After speaking with a recruiter I became intrigued about a position with a company called Sterling Commerce, an affiliate of AT&T. They have several products and services, but the area that most interested me was their Warehouse Management and Order Fulfillment services for companies that need the architecture and software to manage their businesses. Specifically they were looking for a corporate trainer and project manager for some e-learning packages. This will work well with my background in teaching for the University of Phoenix online.

My passion in Frito the last few years has been a combination of working with the people in a development capacity as well as trying to figure out how to solve system issues that kept us from being efficient. This was a chance to marry these into a role that focuses on that while doing some consulting as well. SO, long story short, yesterday was my last day with Frito Lay. I ended my career on a high note with a zone that will likely win the zone of the year - I feel like I was part of leading a legacy that will do well even after I'm gone. I will miss everyone immensely but they have been supportive in my transition even though they did work very hard to convince me not to go. I did get a chance to go on a pretty fun offsite the week before I left with all of my peers, so I got a chance to say goodbye to several that live far enough away I might not have had the chance. Here is me in the limo!

Monday I start as the Senior Education Instructor for Sterling. If you are interested in learning more about the company, you can check them out at http://www.sterlingcommerce.com/. I am excited to get started - I will have some travel with this as I need to go to the trade shows and customer training sites, but the majority of my training will be at the center in Lowell, Mass. About an hour from the house. I also need to get that passport as I will have a trip to London early next year and potentially Brazil. Bummer . . . . ;o)

SO . . . . I will keep you posted but thought you might enjoy hearing the news! 'Cause this time, it's all about me . . . .

~Homecoming 2007~

2007-10-20T20:10:00.001-04:00

Ah Homecoming weekend . . . Andrew's big day was Friday and Mandy's was Saturday, so I only had to focus on one kid at a time, which was great! Both looked fantastic and had a great time.

Andrew and his girlfriend went to dinner before the dance and Mom snuck in to take a photo - such a good looking couple:

Here is the pretty girl as well as her friends!

He is 17!!!

2007-09-30T20:48:00.000-04:00

Can you even believe that? My little boo-boo bear is 17. (And he really hates it when I call him that now. So I'm publishing it here. Ha!)

For the big date, I chaperoned a big group of his friends for pizza, bowling and pool. It was fun, but I think maybe it is time for me to start staying home for these events, LOL.

Catching up!

2007-09-30T17:47:00.000-04:00

Yep, as usual the time flies and I get more behind . . . what's new!?

Kids and I took a quick last-minutes summer break before school started and went up to New Hampshire for a few days. Was really nice to just kick back and relax. We went golfing (well, I golfed - they became artillery to the other players and drove a golf cart around!), rode up the mountain on a ski lift without the snow, hiked in an area where there were lots of caves, and watched a couple of outdoor Shakespeare productions.

Then, it was back to 'normal' life and school! Kids had a great first month and have crazy schedules as always. Both are doing marching band and have competitions every weekend. Andrew elected not to do cross country this year as it was too much to juggle everything, but is instead spending some focus time on earning that black belt in karate. He is getting closer!

Mandy has been busy with her theatre/acting conservatory work and has a couple of things that she is pretty excited about. She got into her first high school play, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. She is the mother. I thought that was funny. She also got into a vocal jazz combo called JIVE. She auditioned last year but didn't get in. Very excited to be accepted this year!

Me? Good lord . . . I just drive taxi until Andrew gets that license. Work has been incredibly busy, but good. I went down to Atlanta a few days ago and got to have lunch with my Uncle and Aunt Riley on my Mom's side. That was neat to see them. I have to go conduct a training in Dallas in a few weeks too. No rest for me!

Hope all is well with all of you!
~Trish n kids

Hairspray!

2007-07-05T22:35:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! We joined a friend of mine and her family visiting from California to see Hairspray! on Broadway last weekend and had a blast! Also went to a funky themed restaurant called Jekkyll and Hydes that was haunted. Here are the kids hanging out with one of the really old waitstaff:

Mandy was BEYOND excited that she got many of the cast members to autograph her program and got to take photos with several of them. She got to touch Broadway and hasn't stopped floating since . . .

Shannon Durig - played starring role of Tracy:

Paul Vogt - played the Mom (might know him from MADtv or several other shows:

Ashley Parker Angel - played Lead role of Link (funny that we saw him onstage with O-Town a few years ago - remember "Making the Band"?):

Alexa Vega - played the hysterical Penny (Spy Kids anyone?):

Jerry Mathers - played the Dad (Yes, as in Beaver Cleaver!):

Schools out!

2007-06-24T15:31:00.000-04:00

Kids finished school last week and are now enjoying a summer break! Amanda won the award for best student in French and Andrew won 3 awards - Most Improved in Social Studies, Outstanding Effort in Architecture and 1st Place in Archictectural Shop. Both finished with strong grades as well!

Amanda also got her hair cut in a cute little bob for the summer. She is doing a couple theatre camps and spending time with friends. Both kids and a couple of their friends went with me to the Cape last Friday to spend the day on the beach while I worked - not a bad deal on their end! Since I have to drive out there a couple times a week, they thought they might hitch a ride. Makes it awful hard for me to be working though, I would rather join them!

Hope all is well with you and yours and that the summer brings lots of sunshine! I know we are loving it!
~T n kids

Spring Break and beyond!

2007-05-30T23:43:00.000-04:00

Hello all! As usual lots going on in our crazy hectic life! We got to sneak away to Oregon/Washington for a Spring Break that ended way too soon as we would have liked more time to visit and see people. Just not enough time to catch up on so much time passed! I think next time we will stay a couple days in one central location and invite everyone in so we won't miss as many people!

A big highlight was the chance to catch up with my baby brother Don who has grown into quite the handsome guy! So good to get to wrap my arms around him and see the relaxed smile on his face!

We did get to play cards with Grandma n Peg, see cousins and friends, play cards, see Dad, and did I mention play cards??? Well, Grandma played (AND WON) at cards, we all merely pretended . . . Maybe someday we will beat her!

Since returning from our trip, we have been in the usual whirlwind of activities. Mandy finished her show "Oklahoma", she also performed at the Lincoln Center on Broadway in NYC, and she played in her first high school performance on the TUBA! Yes, she has switched from clarinet to tuba. I guess the former wasn't loud enough for her. ;o)

Andrew has also been busy - biggest excitement is that he graduated to the green belt in karate, which was unexpected. They jumped him up a couple stripes because he was learning so quickly and working so hard. He has been invited to be part of the Black Belt Club and in a demo team that does demonstrations at events, which is very exciting. He also carried the American Flag in the Memorial Day parades this week, which was neat.

Other than that, the three of us started bowling in a league a couple weeks ago and the kids are wrapping up high school getting ready for summer vacation! They were both cast in a musical called "Urinetown". I'll let you look that one up for the details, but it is a funny show! Andrew is Billy Boy Bill and Mandy is Dr. Bileaux.

Hope all is well with you and yours and that you are enjoying the sun as much as we are!

Long overdue

2007-03-30T23:34:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I lost the password to get into this site, and then the digital camera was broken . . . and then life just got crazy. SO MUCH happening! In short, sorry I've been remiss in keeping this up-to-date. YES, we are still alive out here!

Amanda just finished a 6-person drama called "What I Did Last Summer". She was one of three teens in it, playing a lead female who had her first onscreen kiss! She did fantastic and was fun to watch. I have it on DVD for those interested! Now she is starting Tech Week with Andrew for "Into the Woods" which opens Thursday night. Can't wait! I took this photo on St. Patricks Day because I was trying out the new digital camera and do want you to notice what is behind her in the window. Yes, we had some last minute snowstorms that reminded us that we really do live in New England, despite the lack of snow we were so getting used to!

Andrew is doing great in school and just started the Track season, which he is quite excited about and has been training for. He actually gets up early and runs. He can't be related to Mandy and I. He and I have also started a new hobby of bowling a couple nights a week, which has been really fun. We even bought our own bowling shoes so we are really cool and hip now! Ok, maybe not, but don't tell him that . . .

ME? Well, I started a new job (still with Frito Lay - just WAY more responsibility). It is a bit less travel, which is good. I also got my very first brand-new car. I drove it off the showroom floor with 2.5 miles on it and had to peel stickers off of it! Very exciting for me . . . LOVE IT!

Other than that, we are anxiously awaiting SPRING BREAK IN OREGON! Very much looking forward to the tastes and sites of home, including family and friends! Hope to see some of you there!

~T n Kids

Homecoming 2006

2006-10-21T18:46:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago Mandy's "Goody goody friend friend" (whatever that means) Chris invited her to go to Homecoming, which of course she said yes. After dress shopping and hair/makeup she went off to the dance tonight looking like the princess she is! (I'm really going to have to keep her locked up . . .). Enjoy the photos!

Fall Drive

2006-10-14T12:27:00.000-04:00

We took a Fall drive before all the leaves fell from the trees on Columbus Day up into northern Massachusetts. Andrew's girlfriend Trista joined us as well. We went to this little town called Shelburne Falls that we hiked around and then went to the Yankee Candle factory, which was neat. Bought enough candles to make the house smell like the factory itself! It was a gorgeous day - we all wished we had been as smart as Amanda and had worn shorts! Had to enjoy it while it lasted though. I drove to/from Syracuse this week just barely escaping a snowstorm. 3 feet in Buffalo shut down our Distribution Center for the day as no one was ready for it! Ah, here we go . . . another New England winter! Bring on the snow!!!

Sweet Sixteen!

2006-09-29T21:47:00.000-04:00

Andrew successfully turned 16 this month and has been having a great time so far in this new year! He has a sweet girlfriend who he adores in the color guard in marching band (she adores him too - it's kind of sick), he is running very well in Cross-Country (had two 3rd place overall finishes this week running varsity as a Sophomore), got his braces off AND got his driving permit. All in all, he thinks he is pretty darned special.

And he is . . .

BEFORE and AFTER

A bit blurry, but that is because he was running so fast. ;o)

High School has begun!

2006-09-03T17:50:00.000-04:00

Yep, they are both in high school now. Can you say, Hallelujah!? ;p

I was teasing Andrew that his hair will soon be longer than Mandy's, as she just got hers cut into a cute little bob. I thought I'd share their quick headshots I took in the kitchen. Yes, I'll take some better photos this week . . .

Andrew is loving not being the "lower class" as Mandy now steps into that role and all it has to hold with it. Her eyes were pretty big at orientation as she looked for her classrooms and realized that all of the grades are mixed up. Yep, she has different ages in her classes and by her locker. Pretty fun! She is learning French and is in the Women's Choir - the elite choir at school.

Both are enjoying Marching Band and Andrew has started practicing for Cross Country this week. He has been pretty sore - spending some good time in the hot tub for those legs. He feels pretty good about his chances to compete this year. I'll take photos soon and share their events with you as we head into a BUSY fall!

She's wearing a what???

2006-08-06T21:42:00.000-04:00

Ok, so when Mandy came home from her latest show's rehearsal and told me what she needed for her costume I had to swallow my shock. My baby girl was supposed to wear heels, fishnet stockings and a corset??? What happened to the days of Disney shows??? I guess they enter high school and everything changes!

Mandy just closed her last show tonight in Cabaret, a really powerful show that actually made me cry due to the true drama of it. Take a deep breath and enjoy a couple candids I took back stage... yes, she's not such a little girl anymore!

Oh, and here's the kicker - the sweet gal sitting here on her lap is her pal Katie, who is also now the girl my son is dating. Ah, life with teenagers... here we go!

BUSY July!

2006-07-20T22:06:00.000-04:00

Good grief, what a busy month so far! Our summer is flying!

Mandy started it off with her Broadway Debut! She went down on a charter bus with several performers and her private voice coach to perform at the Supper Club on 42nd Street in a review complete with New York, New York and Broadway Baby! It was so much fun to watch and we were very proud. We know she'll be on the stage here again someday in a starring role . . . maybe even in her favorite production, Wicked?

Then the kids spent 10 days in Oregon and Washington visiting their Father, his wife and their baby brother Nathan. All attended a Conkey Family Reunion and had a great time! Mom didn't know what to do with herself having 10 days with no one to worry about . . . was completely lost without having to run carpool and cook dinner for someone!

Oh, no picture . . . but Andrew got another belt in karate! He is now a Blue Belt and has been asked to join the Black Belt club . . . very cool. Hope your summer is going just as well!

School's out!

2006-06-23T23:21:00.000-04:00

The kids are officially on summer break! And now I officially have two high schoolers living in my house, God help me . . . Andrew received Highest Achievement and Outstanding Effort Awards for his class in the Architectural Drafing program this year and Amanda received several awards including the President's Education Gold Award for Academic Achievement. She had a big 'graduation' ceremony where she sang solo and presented a dedication to a retired teacher. I'm very proud of them both!

San Francisco Treat!

2006-06-22T11:20:00.000-04:00

Andrew and I took a little Mother/Son timeout in San Francisco in June, which was awesome. Beautiful weather and good bonding time before I know this full-fledged teenage boy won't have time for Mom anymore . . .

NYC Aids Walk, 2006

2006-06-21T15:13:00.000-04:00

In May, the kids and I joined the PepsiCo national team in Central Park, NYC to support the Aids Walk. They took turns in the "Chester Cheetah" suit and had a blast walking the city, meeting people and having their photo taken about a 1,000 times each! Natural characters, they are!