Now I'm In New York - Concrete Jungle Where Dreams are Made of ...

I've been so excited about my trip to New York. What a amazing experience it will be to be at the Waldorf=Astoria for the 75th Anniversary of American Mothers, Inc. I've been a active member of this choice and blessed organization for 14 years. The weekend went by so fast, and yet so many events took place ...

First - a few days before my trip, I noticed the song "Empire State of Mind" (chorus only) kept coming to the forefront of my mind. I'd find myself singing

"Now I'm in New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of ...

There's nothing you can't do ...

Now you're in New York,

these streets will make you feel brand new ...

Big lights will inspire you,

Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York!!!" (by Jaz-Z)

And sure enough, as soon as I arrived in New York, there was an extra spring in my step, and bigger smile on my face and brighter eyes than before. I loved the feel of cars wizzing by as Taxi's nearly took my life (joke). When I stepped out of the taxi and the front awning of the Waldorf=Astoria - I had arrived!

First on the agenda was the National Board meeting. Then Young Mother Orientation and my presentation as Literacy Chairperson. I'm so excited for the next year. I hope to establish a scholarship for seniors where they will write a 500 word essay entitled "The Significance of Mothers on Society" (or something like that :)).

After our meetings I felt alive walking the sidewalk of Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue. I saw all the famous shops, Rockefeller Square, churches, delis, groceries - just about everything you'd need was in walking distance. IF (and it's a big IF) cost weren't a factor and I were single I would so LOVE to live in Manhattan. Anyway, back to the trip ...

Friday evening was the Awards Banquet. I presented the National Awards for the 5th Grade Essay Contest. I sat at the head table and was treated like a queen. The food was "out-of-this-world" delicious, and the dessert was amazing. Best of all, I was reunited with friends that I consider family.

Betsy Lowe and Sonny Welch

Past Mother Against Abuse Chairperson

Betsy Lowe with Kimberly Wright

2009 National Mother of the Year and

2009 Nevada Mother of the Year

Betsy Lowe with Joe Blackwood

2008 National Mother of the Year

2008 West Virginia Mother of the Year

On a side note - I have to say I LOVE my new dress I felt fabulous in it - was it the dress or the place I don't know, but it was a spectacular night. The funniest thing is, we went from being all dolled up in fancy dresses to the "Not a Slumber Party" in Kimberly's room with all the 2010 Young Mothers. What a blast - we all changed into pajamas, ate junk food and got to know each other.

Saturday:

Saturday was filled with inspiration starting with the Memorial and Honors Breakfast and the Mother of the Year and Young Mother of the Year speeches.

Every speech inspired me to be a better mom. One of my favorites was by Valerie Earnshaw of Vermont.

Betsy with good friend Joan Braitsch, National Board Member

Betsy with Sherri Zerker of Utah, Parliamentarian of the National Board

Betsy, Kimberly Wright, Kimberley Shelton,

Ansley Barnett, Connell Branan

Betsy with Connell Branan,

2006 National Young Mother of the Year

Marilyn Dougall, Joan Braitsch, Betsy Lowe,

Valerie Earnshaw, Ansley Barnett

Connell Branan, Betsy Lowe and Ansley Barnett enjoying

lunch at Park Inside, Park Avenue, NY

Susan, Connell and Kimberly

Kimberley, Ansley (and Andrea Ball - new Executive Director)

Young Mothers before their speeches

The evening!!!

After the banquet Gala and the new Mother's of the Year were named, a few of us went out on the town. We walked to the Rockefeller Center, tried to go to the top but it was closed.

While there we were entertained by a balloon magician...He was so funny. Then we saw this window display and thought it was so appropriate ...

Inspired by your mother ...

Next decision - let's go to the Empire State Building. I'm so glad I have an iPhone. I was able to search for the Empire State Building - which is open until 2 AM. WOW, it's a long way from 55th street to 33rd street. My feet were killing.

Inside the Empire State Building

Betsy with Shauna Bird Dunn - she is the funnest person I know over the age of 40

What a treat to meet her - I hope we are friends forever!

"LIFTS"

Our Group: Stacy Cline from Oklahoma,

Betsy Lowe from Kentucky,

Shauna Bird Dunn from Utah,

Sheri Carlstrom from Indiana,

Lorinda Belnap from New York,

Alison Wadsworth from Oregon,

and Alison Dale from Arizona

one more time: Teri, Stacy, Betsy, Shauna, Sheri, Lorinda, Alison, and Alison

Leaving the Empire State Building it was after midnight - but we weren't ready to call it a night. Upon leaving the building a LIMO was outside. We contracted with the driver to take us all over Manhattan - what a fantastic night. The driver was so cool. He took our photos and let us do crazy things!

Betsy sitting on the HUMMER LIMO!

First stop: Lorinda's favorite spot in Central Park.

Lorinda, Alison, Alison, Teri, Stacy, Sheri, Shauna, Renee, Betsy

A candid photo at Central Park - the view was beautiful but too dark to take photos.

Lorinda and Alison

Met at the MTC: Companions in Germany: Friends for Life!

The fabulous Mothers!!!

In the LIMO: we blasted music, stood through the roof and had an amazing time

Our LIMO

Lorinda, Alison, Stacy, Renee, Sheri, Alison, Shauna, Betsy and Teri