The Break-up

I have never been good a breaking up, but the time has come to part ways...for now at least.

Richelle's NEW blog is:

"It's My Life"

and can be found at:

http://richardsfamilydailylife.blogspot.com/

Randi's NEW blog is:

"PROJECT: Happily Ever After"

and can be found at:

http://projecthappilyeverafter.blogspot.com/

There isn't anyone on this planet I'd rather share anything & everything with than my BFF Richelle...she means more to me than words can say & she always makes me laugh away my tears. There is NO better sister...there is NO better friend.

I will miss sharing my journal with her, but I am excited to begin my own family journal.

Make sure to follow along as we continue to find our way through our amazing lives...farther apart in blogging, but only 4 miles from door-step to door-step.

Children's Museum

Today we spent our "Fun Friday" at the Phoenix Children's Museum.

Of course, we drug Nana along to have some fun too! and fun we had...

On the first floor there were riding toys, mazes and cool air pipes that the kids could put scarves and balls in. Once they did, they flew all over!

On the second floor there was an awesome car wash that the boys loved to drive their bikes through. There was also an art room where they did a variety of crafts.

On the third floor there was so much to do. There was a noodle forest that the boys waded through. There were tubes, and books, a race way for cars and a store and kitchen that made the preschool teacher in me elated.

On the way out we stopped by the gift shop for a few fun items to remember our trip.

Then to complete the day we stopped by the Excel ice cream store and we each picked out a box of treats! What a "cool" way to end a fun day!

My Fearless Friend

I spent last weekend (and honestly since October 20th) being overwhelmed with emotion...both sorrow & joy. On Sunday, it looked as if Kim's battle would be cut short and the cancer would win the war.

I'm a realist so it's hard not to hear & understand what is being said...and to comprehend what's going on inside Kim's body. I struggle with this truth...it's gut wrenching, sad, unfair, devastating, crapola!!

When I walked into Kim's hospital room on Sunday morning, I was shocked. I had just seen her the Friday before (9 days prior) and she was "fine". By that I mean up in bed, getting around slowly, but surely...in pain, but tolerating it. She was FIGHTING!!

On Sunday, she was NOT the same. She actually looked sick...for the first time (that I've seen) she looked like the doctors were saying she should. There aren't words to describe it.

In a matter of hours, she was awake, eating (turkey & mashed potatoes)...and making faces at us. Some were voluntary...some were not. LOL..hard to explain. Ahh...drugs!!

When I arrived on Monday morning, Kim was being wheeled into a quick procedure...a few hours later, we loaded her into the car with Deron (her hubby) and her (paramedic) Uncle Mitch for a short drive from Banner Estrella to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Kim's Mom, Nan, snapped the above photo just before we wheeled Kim out of Banner...hopefully for the very last time!!

The CTCA is such a great place!! When you walk through the door, you'd never think "hospital". Kim looked "better" the instant she was wheeled through the door. She got color back in her face and her spirit seemed uplifted immediately.

I HAD to work on Tuesday, so after I was done for the day I headed back out to see how today went. I was AMAZED when I walked through the door...AMAZED!! Kim was sitting up in bed, smiling, had rosey cheeks and her voice was soooo strong!! Woo Hoo!!

Lying next to her in bed was her sweet little Kyrsten...better known as Kiki. A few minutes later Dylan & Deron (son & hubby) returned from a walk to the cafe (yes, cafe...not cafeteria). It was nice to see them together.

Tomorrow starts the new "plan" for Kim's fight. I'll keep you posted, or check her blog.

Cupcake

Several months ago Derek began begging for another dog. I gave him a very specific list of criteria in order to get this beloved dog.

1. Small Dog, less than 10 pounds
2. No shedding

3. Spade or neutered

4. potty trained

5. Less than 100 dollars

6. No puppies

He searched Craig's list, breeders, rescue shelters and emailed countless people about their dogs. He looked high and low, but came up empty handed. Until now...

Last week we welcomed Cupcake into our family. One of Anthony's co-worker's hair dresser was looking for a new home for their 18 month old dog. She met ALL of the above criteria and came with every accessory that a dog could ever dream of.

We all love her, including me, much to my surprise!

Cousins Sleepover

Tonight the Rodgers' girls finally got to come over and have a sleepover. We have enjoyed spending the last 2 weeks with them at Nana's and now it is our turn for an over niter.

We had a great rain with the evening monsoon storm, so the kids went outside to celebrate.

Once they got ready for bed we had floats and chocolaty rice crispy treats.

Now I am blogging and they are bickering about toys. I guess I should start the actual "go to bed" process. I am off to administer medications (melatonin), brush teeth, sing songs, read stories and say prayers with 5.

Hey, say one for me too! I think I need it!