Update

OK, I thought it was time to post an update. Ty is off and running. As I type this it is nearly 5:30 am on what will be his second day in Paris.
We made it to the airport on time, well, on Jodi time... within 10 minutes :) and although we were nervous waiting, it was manageably so. So many people were in our group that the TSA officers had to keep herding us closer to the wall and out of the pathways, wishing we would move along and go away, but we were still missing one delegate so they waited as long as they could before they took the rest through security. Craig and I heard the TSA officer making arrangements to open a line just for our delegation due to the sheer number of them and the fact that at least some may not have gone through the security procedures before. That was partly being nice and probably partly hurrying all us parents out of there! Then the kids all lined up and counted off and that was the last we saw of them! So many bright faces marching off toward their big adventure!!
Their flight out of SLC was on time and uneventful, or at least from what information I have received so far (pretty much that it was on time) and they arrived in Dallas as scheduled for a five plus hour layover. I was receiving almost constant updates from American Airlines and was just beginning to get nervous after many delays when they finally taxied out and took off from Dallas 75 minutes late. I have no idea why, but figure it may have been a fun day to be hanging out in Dallas with the Mavericks winning the title that same night. Not a fan myself, but it is always fun to be in the home city airport in the middle of a winning night! Hopefully he had fun and didn't notice the inconvenience!
I woke up to find a text from Tyler sent at 4:15 my time: "Im here since 10 having fun so far". I don't think I have ever received a text that brought more relief! Not a ton of information but enough for me to know he was safe, sound and having fun which is all I can really ask for! At 7:00 I received my phone tree call from Cassidy's mom, saying that they had already been through the Notre Dame Cathedral and were on their way to the Musee du parfum, to learn the fine art of perfume. Hoping for a souvenir isn't really a bad thing is it? Won't hold my breath though, ha ha!
Hopefully, he is getting some rest and will get up soon to another busy day with much walking. They are touring older parts of the city today, including the Place de la Concorde and the Champs Elysees. He will also go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and make it by the Arc de Triomphe to round out the day! lol
Not sure if I will hear from the phone tree in the morning but Tyler only expected to reach out to me every other day, so if I don't hear from him I will know that he is happy and having fun, and maybe even too pooped to text, which are all good things. He doesn't expect to have consistent access to the internet so I will try to keep everyone updated from here. Mini posts on facebook will likely be the easiest. There are so many people that are so super supportive that I want to make sure and share every iota of excitement I can, but the list is getting long for phone calls before work, so check in often and I will do my best to share every bit of info I receive! Thanks again to all of the wonderful, supportive people who have made this happen! I can feel the world changing around us already. Pretty amazing really.

The Amazing Concert

Thanks to all who made it to the concert today!  Most especially, Manda for surprising us by coming all the way from Phoenix!  The Girls that April brought to volunteer were both a surprise and would have made my day if it just ended there.  They were super helpful in getting us there (almost) on time, and pulling off the raffle!  Ty was awesome and played really well.  He covered a few movie theme songs, went traditional with an "Ode to Joy" and broke out Green Day twice!  The second, a brave attempt on the electric violin which he is just now learning.  One guest (Sweet Staff member from Kidz Kamp/after school programs) who plays the violin, made sure to tell me that he is very talented, has good tempo and did really well. Good to hear from an impartial judge, even though we all knew that already!  There were prizes enough to make it appear fun for most and I think most everyone came away with at least a little something.  Grandpa Don manned the camera, look for picts soon and perhaps a U-tube link ;)

Thank you all, honestly, from the very bottom of my heart.  Your love and support continues to inspire and amaze me.  We have moved a mountain in a very short time and I know that it is only because of the generosity of such amazing people in our circle.  There just aren't enough words to express it all!

The Big and Final Fundraising Event is Finally Here!

Please join us Saturday at 3:00 p.m at the West Valley Family Fitness Center.
5415 W 3100 S



Please view your invitation here.
 
 

SWEEPSTAKES PRIZE DETAILS:

Tickets available now - see Jodi or email tyaroundtheworld@gmail.com

You do not need to be present to win

Winners will be drawn at the concert and posted on blog afterward.

$2 each Ticket

15-20 Assorted jewelry items (most items are pictured in the basket in this post) So many winners, and it was crazy!  Winners all around!

$25 Applebee’s Gift Card - WINNER: Dorothy Ramseth

$5 each Ticket:

Drawing A - Portrait Package by CAT PHOTOGRAPHER   Winner Dan Hockenberry

Drawing B - Hand Crocheted Afghan- WINNER: Brigitte Favro

Drawing C – Artist Jewelry 1 each:

Jes MaHarry Sterling Silver on Leather Necklace- WINNER: Debbie Terrell

Silver Schmidt Long Pearl and Sterling Silver Necklace-WINNER: Jodi McRaney Rusho

*Update* - Yard Sale Rainy Day Delay!

Thanks all who came out yesterday!  It was a great day and we made great progress!  Thanks also to everybody who came together to make such a wonderful yard sale!

Due to rainy weather today, we have decided to pack it in and call it a Rainy Day Delay.   We will reschedule in May.  Hope you all have a wonderful day! 

Thanks again, for EVERYTHING!!!

Click here...
To see details about my Yard Sale benefiting my ambassador trip to Europe!
West Valley City garage sales onYard Sale Search.com.

Great New Gifts for Mother's Day!

Gourmet Popcorn Balls - Perfect for Easter!!!

 Lots of Collectibles, Including World's Fair Carousel as seen Below!

Also featuring NEW jewelry! Vintage Mickey Mouse! Waterbed! Tonka Diorama! Car speakers! Utah Jazz memorabilia! Crystal cake plates! Gently used children's books, children's toys/figurines, clothing, household items, dishes, etc.

Success

The first jewelry order was shipped, received and paid for, all with complete success!  Yay Team Tyler!!  OK, back to sitting on pins and needles, waiting for the announcement of the scholarship awards today!  Cross your fingers everybody!!

Garage Sale Details and Map! April 9th &10th, 16th &17th!

Click here to see Garage Sale to benefit ambassador trip to Europe
West Valley City garage sales onYard Sale Search.com.

Popcorn and warm beverages also available!

TWO AMAZING EVENTS!!!

 Please click here to view my jewelry fundraiser!

 

Please click here to view my invitation

Guest Post from Amanda

Hi there!  I hope you are as excited for Tyler as I am.  I have a feeling that if you are taking the time to stop at his blog, you must be!  

It is indubitable that Tyler and his parent have their hands full with all kind of good stuff right now, so I thought I would donate a little of my time to help Tyler earn his tuition to England and France this summer.  Since I live pretty far, I offered to do a guest post.

If you have any extra time, resources, or anything else that can help Tyler bring this together, please comment or click the white envelope to send a direct email.  Right now, they really need great donation items for all of their upcoming yard sales.  More about that in this previous post. 

There are many upcoming events planned.  Tyler is ready to start sending invitations to his "Ty Around the World Violin Concert and Fundraising Event", planned on Saturday, April 30th.  Please fill out the form to right sidebar to receive yours.  They rented a room for 150 people at West Valley Family Fitness Center, so lets help them fill those seats!

Besides all of the events, there are many ways to donate.  Here is a list of options:

1.  There are pay gadgets listed to the right of the sidebar, which use Paypal.  Paypal is by far one of the most convenient was to receive money.  They do charge a small fee, so if it is easier for you to donate in person, please email here or call Jodi at (801) 680-4113.

2.  There are tons of great sweepstake prizes that will be announced at the event on April 30th.  They cost $2 for smaller ticket items or $5 for some big ticket items.  More details to come!  Please leave "Sweepstakes" comment in Paypals special instructions if this is the payment method you choose for early entry.  We will email you your ticket number within 24 hours.  You can also email Tyler directly here here or call Jodi at (801) 680-4113.  Tickets are also available in person and the day of the event.
3.   Click here to view the Jewelry Fundraiser.  We have added Paypal with several possible prices.  Items are all well below retail price and 100% of the proceeds goes to Tyler.  Please help our volunteer efforts by leaving a comment that you have purchased a piece.  We will have access to shipping information through paypal, so your name is the only necessary thing to leave in the comment box.  You can also donate directly by sending Tyler an email here or by calling Jodi at (801) 680-4113, which would help save on shipping and Paypal fees.  There is also a calendar, including event information and addresses here.

4. Please also visit: studiodelucca.bigcartel.com/product/18k-diamond-jewelry-support-tyler-talbot.  What a generous donation for Tyler's cause!  I am glad to see that other people believe in Tyler the way that I do and have such wonderful things to say about him.  The pieces are going fast, but I do think there are a few left.  By the way, I got a pair of earrings and they are lovely!  The natural diamonds are stunning!

5.  You can also send payments directly to Tyler's People to People Payment Center.
*Note - If you choose this route, please contact Tyler here to let him know.  It turns out that the payment center does not track their payees.  It is really important Ty to be able to thank you in the scrolling bars above.  Not to mention how important of a lesson his parents feel that it is that he is able to thank his contributors.  We learned this the hard way when we were unable to identify who contributed such a generous donation.  By the way, if you are that person, please, please, please let Tyler know.  The amount you donated is so appreciated!  There are some very nice benefits to this website, including no fee's and being deposited directly into Tyler's People to People tuition account.

Here are the instructions:

• Click here 
• Enter Last Name: Talbot
• Delegate ID#: 10117969
• FYI:  If you enter Tyler Talbot instead of Talbot into the name box, the link won’t work.
  

You can also send a check payable to:

People to People Ambassador Programs
Tyler Talbot
Delegate ID#:  10117969
P.O. Box 34902
Seattle, WA 98124-1902


Love, Amanda Terrell

**Yard Sale Update**

Mother Nature is doing her best to scare us away but we are not going to give up yet!! We have decided to move the sale to an actual garage for some protection against the elements though, as well as extend it by another weekend. I will be sending details with maps etc but for now you can find the GARAGE sale April 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th from 9-4 at 3732 So 4565 W. Look for more information soon... Bundle up and come on by, warm beverages and yummy caramel popcorn will also be available at a reasonable price! PS... we are still accepting donated goods for the sale. Get a hold of Jodi for pick up service!!

Through Mom's eyes

I thought it was time to write down what this experience has meant to me so far, as the mom. The letter came out of the blue, about Christmas time, when things are stressful enough most of the time. I had never heard of People to People or their ambassador programs and was a bit skeptical at first. Of course much research and networking immediately ensued. I have learned that Dwight D. Eisenhower created the program in 1956 on the premise that regular people can do more to promote peace and cultural understanding than any government ever could. Wow! Insightful huh? I couldn't dig up one person with a negative experience and the possibilities for positive opportunity for Tyler are endless so I thought we better look into it further. Then I showed him the letter and asked if it was something he thought he would want to do. Duh? What was I thinking? We have learned that you must be nominated, usually by a teacher. Ours hasn't necessarily confessed, yet :) but program members can nominate others too so who knows? Of course I am totally proud that someone besides me sees the genius in there, and the leadership capabilities too. HaHa I also had no idea what all is involved! The money is astronomical for our world, and puts many people off, almost did us as well. Not to mention that the idea of sending my really tall, but still really little boy half way around the world by himself, without me, is also a bit insane. I couldn't do it if I didn't really believe in this program, the support they have for encouraging, challenging and teaching these kids is amazing. Even from the start, with expecting them to fundraise to earn the trip themselves, I see responsibility lessons everywhere! Their experience and attention to detail and safety probably provide a safer and more productive experience than I could if I took him myself! Believe me, I'd prefer that, I don't think he would get the same results but I sure would enjoy it! The things he will see and experience on this trip bring tears to my eyes! Once he applied there was an interview and a pretty intense selection process and then ready, set, go! He has a long way to go on the fundraising yet, but we are off to a good start... we have 27 days before his final payment is due and have already earned well over a thousand dollars and are pushing the halfway mark. We have meetings often where they teach civic lessons and how to pack and what to wear and bring, how to be savvy world travelers, and there is something needing to be done every day, all of which should have been done already but I do believe that the results will be worth it, and will serve him well his whole life. Could you imagine the experiences he will be able to draw on for college applications? How he will feel on his first job interview, knowing that he aced his first one YEARS ago? My artist at the Louve? Seriously? So here I am, tired. It's late, I should be prepping for the huge yardsale (NOT in the rain/snow) this weekend and the brain won't stop being inspired and worried and busy planning and thinking about all that I cannot control and the little that I can. I cannot even express how moved I have been by all of the people that have been so willing to be supportive, and amazingly generous already. People that have not even met my child have stepped up in amazing ways that just floor me, daily. Sharing their experience, talent, and hard earned money with an open heart. It is amazing to look at your life and the people that you have touched, perhaps without knowing it at the time, and really see with such beautiful clarity how even the smallest of things can make a huge impact. Water ripples, butterfly wings and all of that... here's hoping that all of us are the pebble, that begins the wave that will change the world. Starting with just one boy. Thank you all, so much!!

Yard Sale

We will have a yard sale to benefit my People to People tuition April 9-10. If
you have been spring cleaning and don't know what to do with all the stuff, let
us know. In the SLC area we will even pick it up! Accepting gently used
household items, clothing, toys, etc...

Essays for scholarships, hope I win!

February 27, 2011  

     My name is Tyler Talbot, and in this essay I will write about my story of athletics.  Athletics have changed my life, especially the story I am going to tell. Among the many athletic activities I do, I will talk about break dancing. I have break danced for six years now, and this is my seventh. This event that I will now talk about made a huge impact on my life.

     

     Recently my break dancing teacher has been doing a lot of battles, and I have entered.  The battle was nothing that I had expected. There were a lot of people there, and I was very nervous. I was the first one to go up. Even worse, was that I went up against a professional. Of course, I never made it past the first round.

     What really changed my life was that after the battle, my teacher came and talked to me. He said, “I saw you holding back, and don’t worry you’ll win the next battle.” These words changed my life. I learned that no matter what you do in life, you can’t hold back, just go for it. Since then, I have entered another battle.

     I almost made it to the final round. Of course after the battle, my teacher said the same words as he did before. Hopefully the next battle, I will win. As I said, those words, and the experience of trying changed my life.


March 18, 2011

For this essay, you have asked me to write about how technology affects me today. It affects me in many ways, first with my cell phone. Not only does it let me text and talk to my friends and family, but I also use it to call my mother after school to make sure that I’m safe. Once very recently, my phone was stolen. The boy that stole my phone downloaded many things and it was very expensive. Now I have my mom’s old (crappy) phone that doesn’t even have a keyboard. I am now very responsible with it. I am hoping to get a new phone soon.

The next piece of technology to change my life is my computer. I am able to check my email and talk to my friends and family. I also browse the internet for games, pictures, and videos. I also have computers at school, and they help me a lot. Like many other boys, I of course play video games. I do have a couple shooting games, but I really like role-playing games best. They allow me to play with other people and have a good time. And I am aware of security, but while you are playing video games it is fun to talk to people.
               
I also really like game consoles. They allow me not only to play video games, but I can also go on the internet. I can talk to people, make friends, and play some fun games with them. Anyway, enough with the items, I will talk about how it effects me today. To be honest, I would be nothing without technology. It helps me learn, communicate, and just have fun.