Project: Demolition Backyard = Turtle Pond

I've had two turtles for 10+ years and have had a pond at every house I've owned. There was an atrium in the condo Kyle & I bought in 1999, and Kurt built me a new pond when I moved to Chandler in 2003.

The turtles have grown from the size of a 1/2 dollar to larger than a saucer in the decade we've been together. They are very cool and are still one of the happiest parts of my life. They are quiet and don't need a lot, but I love 'em...and have managed not to kill them.

Mike agreed to build me a new turtle pond here at OUR house. Nothing will ever top having the atrium basically inside the house like at the condo, but so far Mike's pond has been quite an adventure. Plus, it will be neat to look at from the house...in Chandler, the only place to put the pond was on the side...made it hard to see.

Mark brought a backhoe last Friday and they demolished the ugly wall in the backyard. We are assuming the wall was built as a planter, but the only thing growing were weeds. After all that crap was hauled away, Mark, Mike & Ken dug a spot for the new, much larger pond.

So far that's where the story and construction stops, but some day very soon, I am hoping we can transport the turtles from Chandler to Peoria so they can move into their new home as well. I hope they like it here as much as we do.

Moving Day

I time spent a few weeks before we expected to move packing a few boxes here and there. My Prettiest Sister came over to help a couple of times...I was doing pretty good. After we signed papers for the house, all of our attention was then focused on making the new house ready to be lived in. That made it a lot harder to find the time and the energy to pack up the old house. Not to mention, we were running out of room as I added boxes...

Moving day finally arrived. I thought I had prepared well and had nearly everything packed...boy was I wrong. (At least partially.) Luckily, the day before the big move, Mike's parents came out to help me pack and take care of a few projects that needed done pre-move. They helped more than I can say and made everything the next day much easier.

The movers showed up and 12+ hours later, they had safely wrapped and loaded everything into a 53' semi-trailer, hauled it 52.5 miles, unloaded it and carried each box and each piece of furniture to where it belonged, collected a large sum of money & off they drove. Mike, his dad Ken & I also loaded our vehicles with the stuff that couldn't really be packed...we were exhausted (so those movers must have been dying).

While the movers moved us in, I put together our bed so we'd have a place to crash when the time came. That time did not come until many hours after the movers left... Luckily, a few of my family members were waiting for the moving truck to arrive and also participated in the move. Even Sydney got to drive over (yay!) and spend a few hours helping.

(side note: Syd is AMAZING!! She is THE best helper!! She has come over twice to help and HELP she does!! She will do any task or run and get anything or do whatever she is asked...she NEVER complains and always asks to do more. I can't believe she is a senior this year...she is the best teenager anyone could ask for. )

Mike & I were home from work all week to get things in order. Since last Wednesday (09/23/09) we have been up before 8am and worked until after midnight each day. not to mention both of our dad's have been helping with various projects, our brother-in-law Mark has helped with numerous projects & my mom has helped tremendously (she is really good at this crap).

We are still living in chaos, but it seems to be organized chaos at this point. The family room is somewhat organized and we can sit on the couch and watch TV (if we ever sat down for a minute)...our bedroom is mostly organized too. The TV is hung and we can walk without kicking boxes. Our closets need more attention, but I will work on those some time this week.

The kitchen is organized enough that I could cook a few things tonight. I don't know where anything is yet, but it was still fun to use my new convection oven, new sink and my huge island!! I love to cook and this kitchen already makes me excited to think about learning to bake!! I can't wait to make sugar cookies with our kids on that island!! *sigh*

The three bathrooms are mostly put together too. The each need a piece or two to be completed, but mostly I just need to finish putting this or that on the wall. I got the guest bedroom (Raelynn calls it "MY room" and can't wait to stay) mostly put together. I am waiting to come across another box or two so I can finish that room.

I am super excited and already LOVE this house. I can't wait to raise our family here!! It's such a fabulous place and I can't believe the difference a little bit of love & a whole lotta money can do to a place!!

Wood Floor

***I know I am quite a bit behind, but we've been a little overwhelmed with not only fixing up the new house, but actually moving really threw us through a loop!! This will be my first attempt at getting us caught up.***

My amazing brother-in-law Trent came over to help Mike install a wood floor in our game room upstairs. The space is about 353 sq. feet and we thought it would be a fun place to NOT have carpet. We (really just Mike) eventually want to get a pool table for the room, but I am happy to have a hard floor to work out on!!

Trent and Mike worked their butts off and finished laying the floor in about 12+ hours. They rocked that floor and it looks awesome!!

Thanks Trent for sacrificing your ENTIRE day off (and then some) and for sacrificing your body to help save us some money!! Professionals couldn't have done a better job!!

I'll post pictures, but keep in mind I took these the day the floor was done, so it's not clean and the baseboards aren't on.

I started a team a few months ago in memory of my mother...after Kim died, I spoke with her mom, Nan, and decided it would be best to join forces in our fight against colon cancer!!

Our team name is:

Rodgers' Rumps & Kim's Keesters

This year the Undy 5000 will beheld on Saturay November 21st, 2009 in downtown Phoenix.

I am super excited about this and can't wait to do this as one giant family joined together to kick cancer's a$$!!

Click here to join our team!! (I also have a link button in the side bar)

I will also be posting more details as we get closer!!

Big Weekend in Peoria

This weekend was our first weekend to own OUR new home!! We spent Saturday & Sunday fixing things around the house that needed to be complete prior to moving in. We had a list at least 50 items long...things that needed repaired, replaced, cleaned, thrown out, etc.

Saturday was awesome!! Robyn, Bill, Sydney, Richelle, Peggy, Pretty Carol, Regina, Trent & Cody came over to help put a dent in the list... What a day!! There was SO much going on it was a bit crazy!! We changed out ALL the door handles from brass to brushed nickel, took down gross ceiling fans and replaced them with pretty ones, we cleaned, dusted, tore out a nasty kitchen sink and started to put in a new one (and a new faucet & garbage disposer...not done yet), replaced air filters, removed old appliances, replaced light fixtures...the list goes on & on.

Peggy surprised us and brought Lamar's donuts with her...they came around lunch time...so I opt'd to have a small slice of pizza to make sure I had room for a donut (or two). They were once again a hit...and so very delicious!! Thanks for the yummy treats Peggy!! (As you can see, my Prettiest Sister decided to have her slice of pizza AND her donut at the same time...I love her.)

Last night we were too tired to drive ALL the way to Chandler (sorry Carol...who by the way is down to a size 4 & running another 1/2 marathon in November!! Even though she worked her BUTT off to get there, she still insists on saying she's a size 10...she's dumb, but oh so pretty) and be back in Peoria by 7am-ish to meet Michael & Wendy who agreed to come over and help with some electrical necessities...

So off we went to Target for PJ's, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc...we showered at my parents and borrowed an air mattress (that doesn't hold air by the way), pillows and blankets. It wasn't exactly what we planned as our perfect first night in our new house...so we said last night doesn't count!!

After barely sleeping, we woke up and started all over again.

Michael, Wendy & I headed upstairs to finalize the plans for the lighting in the master bathroom, and Mike headed to his sister's house to pick up a tool to work on the sink/granite issue. After a quick trip to both Lowe's and Home Depot (at least my 20th in 2 days...they know me at Lowe's now), we all met back to begin our tasks.

Michael spent ALL day fixing and finishing the lighting projects...but I have to say- WOW!! They are awesome!! Thankfully, Michael owns a 16' ladder...which made removing the ugliest drapes ever made a lot easier...Michael said he uses that HUGE ladder to complete jobs in large warehouses, but said our HUGE ceiling dwarfed his HUGE ladder. :)

I didn't take pictures of everything because I want to wait for the finished product to show...but I snapped a few pics mid-project just for fun!!(I'll show before, during and after when it's all said & done.)

Kim's Funeral 09/03/09

(I am posting this a bit late because I wanted to include some pictures...)

On Tuesday (09/01/09) Natalie, Erin, Laura, Becky & I were honored to meet at the funeral home to prepare Kim's body for her funeral. Before my mother died, she asked that her daughters do her hair and make-up for the funeral...we are the ones that always prepared my mother for "date night" with my dad, so it only seemed appropriate to prepare her for her last big date on this Earth.

I was proud to help make my mother beautiful that day when I was 15, so I was honored to be a part of Kim's entourage that Tuesday. To me, it is one of the greatest ways to show your love for that person.

When we walked through the doorway into the room where Kim was, we were blown away at how great she looked. Natty brought pictures of Kim's gorgeous face with her make-up completed with perfection. We had her own stash of products, so we got busy attempting to make Kim look as beautiful as she had always made herself.

Kim's Aunt Lisa also met us there to cut and style Kim's hair. Kim is the only cancer patient I have ever heard of that NEEDS a hair CUT for the funeral!! I guess it's just one more amazing thing that woman did better than anyone else.

After Kim was made-up and dressed, we said goodbye to our friend and to each other and promised to see each other the next evening at the viewing.

The viewing (or wake) was on Wednesday evening at the mortuary. It was very nice, lots of flowers and friends. I watched Kyrsten as she peered into her mother's casket with a puzzled look on her sweet face. She would look for a minute or two and then walk over to sit down or talk with someone...a few minutes later she would return and peer into her mother's casket...still with that puzzled look on her face.

As I sat there, I wondered if she understood any of what was going on. I barely understand it and I'm 29 years old and I've buried my mother at 15, my husband at 20 and many other friends and family along the way...I can still barely grasp it. I wonder if she understood that her mother was not going to be coming home...and there would be no more visits to the hospital after school to tell Mom about her day.

I felt sick to my stomach...so much anguish inside...for Nan, for Kyrsten, for Dylan...for Deron. For all of us that love Kim so much...that just want to understand why this happened to our Kimmy...

The next morning Mike & I woke up, got ready and drove to Aunt Kathy's house to meet the girls. We agreed to meet and drive together in order to arrive together...sit together...to just be with each other.

Kim's funeral began and I again felt sick to my stomach. After her casket was carried in by the men in her life that loved her more than themselves, the Priest said a few words and then a few family members spoke about what an amazing woman Kim truly was. She was so many things to so many people...I bet nearly every positive adjective was used that day; Kim was a fighter, she was strong, she was a champion, hopeful, kind, loving, beautiful inside and out.

Kim's brother Scott wrote a letter to Kim...it was the highlight of the funeral. I wish I had a copy to post...it was so funny and so incredibly heartfelt. I sat there laughing at the mischief Scott & Kim had gotten into as kids and laughed even harder remembering the naughty stuff my only brother and I used to do to each other.
After my laughter subsided, I felt so thankful for all of my own siblings. I truly am so blessed for each of them. Growing up I had 4 sisters and 1 brother...when I was 18 I added two sisters when my dad made one of the best decisions of his life- he married Carlys!! I love each of my siblings and can't imagine losing any of them.

Growing up was tough sometimes...like when Ryan would punch me and then scream that I hit him...of course since he was the ONLY boy he NEVER got in trouble or even questioned. Or how about when Dad cut the plug off the TV?? Dad bought a plug to fix it...but it was the kind you could take off and on when you wanted to. Whenever it was MY turn to pick a TV show and Ryan didn't like my choice, he would just remove the plug until I gave into watching what he wanted...I of course could NOT get that plug back on myself to save my life!! Ugh...brothers. :)

Kim was buried at the Holy Cross Cemetery near the SR 101 and Thomas Road. The graveside service was short. The family all released butterflies...and then Kim's casket was lowered into her final resting place. We each were able to place dirt on top of the vault/casket...it was very final. I had never been to a funeral that the casket was lowered, but I really liked it. It brought much needed closure.

The luncheon was nice and then Kim's close friends and family met at Aunt Kathy's to laugh a little more together. We had a nice time being together, laughing and toasting Kim's memory...it was a nice way to end the day.

I have been asking the questions, "Why!?" since Kim's diagnosis. I had heard the same diagnosis years before and still didn't understand that one...how would I learn to understand another? As I have layed awake for many, many nights asking this question...one night between Kim's death and her funeral, I was tossing and turning...hoping for any amount of sleep before having to go to work the next day.

All of a sudden, I felt very much at peace...in my mind I started going through the new friendships and the re-newed friendships I made through Kim...I still don't feel at peace about my friend's death, but I was once again reminded how amazing she was in my life. She opened her heart to me, allowing me to open my heart to not only her amazing family, but her incredible friends.

I don't have a lot of "Friends"...i have a lot of friends/aquaintances, but I have very few people I talk on the phone with, hang out with on a regular basis, etc. I say the majority of the reason is my job and my funky schdeule...but I became socially awkward after Kyle died...a piece of me died with him that night. I have never felt the same. I prefer to be alone...I keep to myself...I don't call...I don't answer my phone...I'm socially retarded...maybe even socially paralyzed at times. I'm just not good at it. I'm a good person, I would do ANYTHING to help someone I care about. ...Make sense?? Not really, huh?? Oh well... I can't explain it...

My point is this: Because of Kim, I made bonds that will last a lifetime. I was lucky enough to renew friendships from 10+ years ago and make new ones too. I was lucky enough to build a bond with 3 of the most incredible women I have ever known. I love these women and am so thankful that they were brought into my life...they each have unique qualities and are so amazing...I love them each more than I know how to express.


(p.s. check out Photos by Natalie!! She rocks my world...best photographer EVER!!)

Peoria, Arizona Here We Come!!

After months of looking and several disappointments, WE finally closed on OUR house!!

This is really the first thing we have bought together...I'm not counting small stuff like our foot rests from Crate & Barrel...I mean BIG married stuff!!

I will admit that these first 11 months have been challenging, but I love Mike & I love being married to him (most days) and can't wait to move into OUR house!!

I also can't wait until OUR house doesn't smell dirty and has carpet we can stand on without the fear of nasty attaching itself to us. The paint, carpet, tile, wood, etc will hopefully be done in the next week or so. We found a great company that is doing most of the work for cheaper than we could do it ourselves...and much, much quicker without the stress.

I can't wait!! 4 miles from my Prettiest Sister!! Get your hiking/running shoes ready!!

Being a Girl Sucks...but so worth it.

I used to be a shoe fanatic. If you saw my closet, you'd still believe that I must be a shoe FREAK!! Most of the shoes in my collection are from years ago...I rarely buy fun shoes anymore. Mostly work shoes... So when I found a fun pair on clearance at Dillard's...I took the opportunity to be feminine & made the purchase.

I love the shoes...and they are super cute. Perfect actually.






Just don't wear them for 12 hours the first time.

I will post more about Kim's funeral when I get some photos from Natalie...and she's in Chicago for the weekend. Hopefully next week some time. The most emotional portion for me prior to the cemetery was when this song was played. It's perfect.

August 27th, 2009

(**I have been waiting to post something until I thought the hurt had died down a bit, so I didn't write some tragic sob story. I'm not sure what I will write, but it may be an emotional mini-drama...and YES- I'm fine. I'm sorry if this is too much, but this is my journal, so...I guess I'm not really sorry...plus I wrote this a week ago on 08/29, but didn't post it until now because I'm a slacker...)

On Wednesday (08/26/09) afternoon, I received the phone call I have been dreading since the one I received October 20th, 2008. I saw Natty's number on my caller ID and my heart sunk, my pulse raced...I already knew what she was going to say. The news so far on Wednesday hadn't been great, and Kim had obviously been going downhill for some time. I answered and Natty said, "You need to get here now...she won't make it through the night."

This is something I have been preparing myself for, so I didn't expect the rush of emotion that came over me. I stood up at my desk and started to shake. I had driven my city truck to work, so I was immediately wondering how I could get to the hospital without getting suspended, fired, etc... I walked to Gina's desk and she knew what was wrong. She picked up her purse without questioning and she drove me to the hospital...I was still shaking. I hate when my body doesn't listen to what I'm telling it.

Deron had given security a list of those he wanted to be present. After I was cleared to go up, I ran upstairs. I got to Kim's room, got around the privacy curtain and saw my dear friend fighting harder than she ever had. She looked awful; she looked like my mother had in her final moments on this Earth.

Kim's breathing was very shallow and she was on quite a bit of oxygen...she was sedated, but came around once or twice. She woke up while her Uncle Mitch & I were next her. She wanted to know why EVERYONE was there...she even wanted to what we were keeping from her. Uncle Mitch & several other family members are Phoenix Firefighters...they were on duty, so they came in uniform. I was there in my work clothes, Laura was there in her scrubs (she's a nurse), EVERYONE was there.

Uncle Mitch assured her that we didn't know anything she didn't know, which was true. On Monday Kim had a PET scan. The results were not positive; the cancer had spread and was in nearly every organ...her lungs we not doing well, lymph nodes, etc. The day prior, I had the honor of holding Kim's hand when Deron told her the results of that scan. He told her based on the results, she could go home and spend time with her babies, or we could continue with chemo. He explained that since Kim re-started chemo in April/May, the cancer had not reacted to it. The cancer had continue to grow/spread and the chemo wasn't helping.

True to form, Kim said she wanted to do chemo. Deron said he would support her in either decision...Kim said she wanted to fight. There was no hesitation in Kim's decision...she didn't question it or even think about it. She just said she wanted to fight.

An agreement was made that Kim would go home on Friday, Saturday & Sunday for some much needed time with her kids and return Monday morning to start chemo. But by Wednesday, they needed to drain her lungs again and Dr. Abass said he did not believe she would make it through the night. It was getting harder and harder for her to breathe and the quality of her life was less than poor. Kim was suffering. This we knew, but I don't think anyone was ready for it to be over.

I was honored to be able to be in that room Wednesday night. After we went home, showered, changed and returned, we ALL layed on the wood floor around Kim's bed. Some slept, I played my DS, there was a snorer in the room, so that was the end of my sleep. Uncle Mitch slept on the couch at the end of the hall...pants and boots ready for his next radio call...or his niece's call.

We were all up by 5:30 or 6 o'clock...Kim's breathing was still very shallow and her heart rate was still high. We walked down with Nan (Kim's mom) and got breakfast...I got a cherry coke and Richelle's friend (my friend too!!) Peggy brought us all the BEST donuts on the planet!! We ALL enjoyed those ALL day.

The day progressed slowly, and Kim's condition was still grave. She was heavily sedated and still in pain. When she would cough, she would reach her right hand over to hold her left side where they had drained her lungs. It was awful to watch, to hear, to know...she was suffering.

The decision was made to take Kim off of the oxygen and to just let her go home. Kim was still determined to have things HER way. The first time her oxygen was reduced, she wasn't ready to go. Her mask was placed back on her face & she continued those shallow,painful breaths.

A short time later, Kim opened her eyes, looked at each of us and took her mask off. She pushed the hands away of people trying to put the mask back on her face. She was done. She was finally done suffering. Kim was finally done, but on her terms, not ours.

We watched as Kim took her final few breaths. It was peaceful. It was calm. Kim died at 2:21pm on August 27, 2009. It was much needed relief for Kim. She had carried the burden long enough, it was time to pass the torch.

I was holding up better than I thought I would...I was truly at peace with everything. And then I saw Deron's face. A rush of emotion came over me...I KNEW that look. I've had it myself. The ache in my gut for him was nearly unbearable. I turned around, away from the agony...when I opened my eyes I was looking out the window. The only thing I could see was Kim's SUV and her license plate, "MRSMLLR".

Now I was at the point of not knowing what to think, where to look, what to feel, etc. I went out in the hall and sat down. I called Mike and he said he would come. I wanted to scream...I had prepared myself as best I could & it still hurt deep in my bones that she was actually gone.

After an hour or two, the mortuary arrived to take Kim's body. I walked in the room to tell Deron and what I saw broke my heart. I stood there and watched him loving his wife, his best friend...trying to feel her warmth for every second he had left.

Deron was so amazing throughout this journey with Kim. This was the ultimate test of love and he passed with flying colors. He was her rock. There for anything and everything she could want for.

I ache for Deron. For that look of defeat on his face, holding the love of his life one last time...holding her hand, touching her arm...I'm sure he was begging God not to let this be reality.

It's so unfair...the look is a look I know & the worst part is, he doesn't even know how bad it hurts yet. That will come in a few days, weeks, months...as his life continues without her in his daily routine...for the kids' milestones, etc.

On the other hand, I am so thrilled for Kim. She is at peace and finally understands why this was her burden to carry. Back in July, Kim told me, "I'm not ready to meet your mom."

I was speechless then...but when I kissed her goodbye for the last time, I told her thank you for what she had given to my life and that I loved her more than she could know. There is so much Kim taught me. Her strength is incredible and she never rested until she was #1. Her talents were amazing and the love she was able to give was intangible. Her beauty was from within and she always made us laugh. I've never known anyone like Kim...I've never seen anyone light up a room the way she did so effortlessly.

After my efforts to ensure Kim knew what she meant to me in this life, I told her, "I think you're ready to meet my mom."