Here's to you, New York

So, Lisa and I went to the Big Apple last weekend. I left S.D. very early Friday morning and met Lisa at the Phoenix airport, where we waited for a couple of hours to fly to New York. It was an easy flight, and got in to JFK at 8:00 pm. Our taxi took us to our hotel, and after a small change of lodging, we were out the door to see some sights by 9:00. Time Square is a crazy place any time of day or night. We also wandered around the area for awhile, then back to the hotel.

The next morning we took the subway to Ground Zero- the point of my trip. I have felt for awhile that I just needed to pay my respects there at that site where so many lost their lives. I hope each person who died that day knows that they are not forgotten!!It was very emotional for me there.

After that we went to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It was a beautiful, if hot and humid day. That night we went to see "Hairspray" on Broadway. Very Fun!!! And we had a late night snack at a diner with singing waiters, sharing a table with a woman from Spain and another from Mexico. They were fun to visit with!

Sunday we went to church at the building where the temple is. It was amazing. With all the muscal talent the hymns were beautiful. And the musical number, "O Divine Redemer" in violin and piano was ...... Not your typical sacrament meeting. Mostly young families or students, with a few oldtimers. Then off to Central Park, brunch at Tarvern on the Green, more Central Park, shopping at FAO Swartz, window shopping at Tiffany's and Sak's 5th Avenue. The weather was perfect. We saw Chris Sly from "American Idol" walking down the street. After a rest, and dinner at Bryant Park, I dragged Lisa to the Empire State Building. I didn't know until we were on our way up 86 floors that Lisa doesn't like heights. She did great, and the city look beautiful at night.

Monday was off to the "Today Show" first thing. We saw Matt Lauer, Ann Curry, the cast of Saturday Night Live, and Giada deLaurentis. I took pictures and it was fun. After going back to the hotel to eat breakfast and check out, we were off again to try to find me an outfit. To no avail. Oh well. We did find some shoes. Finally our legs gave out, and we decided to head for JFK. The taxi took us an interesting way, through Cental Park, Harlem, and who knows where else- in rush hour traffic. But he mad pretty good time.

It was a good trip, with no mishaps. I love that Randy gave me this awesome b'day present by organizing this trip that I have been talking about for awhile. It made me appreciate all the good that I have in my life- husband, kids, grandkids, siblings, friends, this amazing country, and San Diego. I love New York. But I LOVE Encinitas!!!!!

That's what I'm talkin' about

So, an action packed weekend it was!!! Friday was a morning at the hairdresser because I wouldn't have another spare minute until I get back from New York, a week from Tuesday. (Another blog entry next week.) So Mique, Josh and
the kids arrived at about noon. After the manditory stop at Rico's, it was off to the beach for a fun 2 hours of boogie boarding and fun in the sun. You should have seen Jules and JJ on those boogie boards. They LOVED it!!! Then, back to Grammy and Papa's ranch. Mommy and Daddy left to celebrate their
anniversary in Beautiful San Diego. Time to "swim in the swimming pool" (spa) , chill, and wait for papa to come home. Friday night Jules and grammy and papa watched "High School Musical 2" while JJ and Andre went to bed. Everyone but Grammy slept well Friday night. Too much DP. Kids were up before the sun.

Saturday was a fun day of playing and getting ready for Auntie Jess's baby shower. Only girls were invited to attend. Family and friends. It was a fun party that Sharlie and Collette gave for Jessica. She got LOTS of very nice things, including zillions of cowboy "stuff." Then back to the Mendioroz ranch for more spa "swimming time" with Auntie Jess joining them. Uncle Clint's mom and sisters spent the evening with us. Bedtime was slightly earlier than Friday night. Grammy went to bed early, too, knowing that 6:00 am would come really fast.

So, today, Sunday kids awoke at 6:10. JJ was ready for a "swim" at 6:30. We managed to hold him off until 8:30. We don't usually go in the spa on Sundays, but this was a special occassion- entertaining the grandkids before church at 11:00. We actually had a nice morning, with no real problems except Grammy losing Mique's car keys. It took me a good 10 minutes of searching until Papa finally found them in a place that I had looked around at leatss 10 times. Oh well. We walked in to chucrh as the opening hymn was being played. Not, too bad. And they were really good during church. I was proud of them. After sacrament meeting Grammy took the boys home, where Miq and Josh pulled up right behind us. Of course, J was in the "Swimming Pool" the second he could get his suit on.

We had a fun weekend. We have 3, soon to be 4, beautiful grandkids. Just look at their beautiful pictures. It doesn't get much better than that- Family! That's what I'm talking about.

Be Careful What You Ask For....

So, With a crazy first part of the week, it's been a VERY quiet 2nd half. I dropped Randy and Tony off at the airport at what Randy calls "O dark thirty" to go on their much anticipated trip to Nicaragua. Actually, we didn't leave until 6:30 and after a noneventful trip to the airport, I was back in time to get ready to go to the temple with Daryl and Susan. After saying goodby to Erika and Buster( they had spent the night) it was off to the temple. That was a very interesting session. First, I got to do the name of Randy's great aunt Dinorah Mendioroz. Fun. Then there were 2 deaf sisters in the session. So a TV moniter was brought in where the word were "signed" and printed at the bottom of the screen. For me, a visual lerarner, it was great to actually see the words. I hope I will remember much of what I saw that day. Also, because there were only 2 married couples there, they needed others to join in the prayer circle. So we 3 friends were able to join in the circle. The prayer talked of peace and joy, especially poignant since Gary, Daryl's friend, died of Sunday, leaving his wife, Susie and 3 boys behind. and knowing that I also hoped for these blessings for my own family.

Now, back to the title of my blog... ever since I got home around 2:30 in the afternoon it's been QUIET. I've hardly even spoken. I have taken care of a few things I had been putting off. I went to Babies r Us to buy Jessica's baby furniture, I finished Stephanie's shower gift, I finally got an anniversary gift for the Schewitz along with cards (put off since June). I went to 2 movies- "Becoming Jane" and "No Reservations". I liked them, "Becoming Jane" more. I've cleaned out my closet-sorta. I got the carpets cleaned- much needed!!!! But I'm looking forward to going to church to actually talk to people! I have talked to a few of my favorite people- Mique and Lisa. And I've heard from the boys in Nicaragua. They are having a good time, trying to understand "dirty" spanish, and navigating really bad roads. I'll let you know later how the next 3 days go. I look forward to cards on Tuesday, as well as book club. Stay tuned!

Just another Sunday

So, Just another Sunday... sorta. This week has been pretty busy. Randy's b'day, and a trip to Petco Park to celebrate with good friends on Mormon Night at the Padres. It was complete with a happy birthday wish to him between innings on the scoreboard. "to Randy, Dad, and Papa." Too bad the Padres lost.

Thursday afternoon I went to the temple to see one of my favorite Laurels, Kerin Porterfield, take out her endowments before her wedding the next day. Karen Brown and I met there. It was so great to be there with many of their family members to share a joyous day. I reflected on the special days when my kids were doing the same thing. So happy!!!

And Karen and I had names of 2 women from the same town in Sweden, born 2 years apart in the early 1800's. We're just sure they were friends! So neat to do this work for friends. They waited 200 years for this work to be done... by 2 dear friends. I would have loved to be there to share in their happiness on the other side.

Friday we attended our stake temple day. (Thursday was also a stake day.) Randy and I left for the temple at 6:30 am so we could make sure we got the baptisms done for his family names. So baptisms started around 7:00 am followed by confirmations. After the work had been recorded, he took the men's names and I took the women's and we were off to do inititory for each of these family members. Then, after getting that recorded, it was off to our first endowment session where Randy did the work for Papa Luciano, and I did the work for his wife, Ester Zuniga. It was very special. we were able to be in the prayer circle. We took a break, had some lunch, went to the chapel session, then off to do another session for Randy's relatives. In that session I sat with 3 dear friends- Debbie Halverson, DeAnne Borgquist, and Susan Nuckols. It's so great to be in the temple with people you love.

After that session, we raced to the Berkley in San Diego Harbor for Kerin's reception. We helped them set up, then enjoyed a great party! Kerin and Cory seem VERY happy. We stayed almost 'til the end, but knew that we had kids at home waiting for us.

We were greeted by Mique, Jess, Clint and Diego. We really are lucky parents!!! The next morning we were greeted at 6:00 am by Julia and Joathan. We enjoyed them very much before they left to go back to Santa Clarita. Pancakes, "Toy Story", a swim in the spa. It's fun to be Grammy!!!

Today is Tony and Erika's 2nd wedding anniversary. Hard to believe that 2 years have flown by.

So on this Sunday, I look back on a busy week, one that had lots of good things to celebrate... lots of people to feel blessed to have in my life!!!