Carnevale!

              The carenvale in Venice ended on Tuesday and our carnival at Cottonwood Elementary started today!  Jenn Bell, Tammy LaPlant, Aimee Kemp and everyone else on the committee did an incredible job putting tonight's event together - it was one of the best that I can remember.
              The weather was perfect - we often battle high winds, rain and/or cold...no today.  The high was around 88, not a cloud in the sky.
              Kimmy always enjoyed helping with the carnival.  She helped at varying levels, over the years, and, as you might imagine, helped with a great deal of the art work -whether it was signs place strategically around Rita Ranch, or posters for each elementary school - or wonderful paintings to decorate the school grounds...Kimmy LOVED this aspect of the carnival.  Today, after helping with some of the set up, I picked up Tonio and Autumn and asked how they liked the decorations.  They both said everything looked great...and then, Tonio said, ' I miss Mama's elephant that she made for last year' - I had forgotten that Kim had made a host of circus animals to decorate the outside stage last year!  So I asked Tonio if people were talking about that today in school...no, he said - I just figured somebody reminded him about the clown, ring master, circus dog and playful elephant that Kimmy hand sketched and painted for the stage...
               The carnival always has a large cake walk.  The kids love to play until they win - I've tried to coach them to always choose the home made baked goods - they are just better!  And, as you can imagine, Kimmy always loved to contribute one, or several, of her incredible baked goods!  Cream cheese brownies were an awesome hit each year!
               And we always loved to work at the teacher's games that they have in front of their rooms.  Last year, we helped with the wet sponge toss - where students could lob a wet sponge at their teacher!  Kimmy put her face through the hole, at one point to allow the sugar crazed kids to hurl large, moist, sponges at her face!
             Pete Inks, of the Vail Education Foundation, was an instant Kimmy fan as soon as he met her.  He worked with her on fund raisers, like the Entertainment Book sale and on events like Vail Pride Day.  He loved her enthusiasm and work ethic.  Today, I got to thank Pete, as the VEF has made a $500 donation to Kimmy's Foundation!!  Thank you Pete and VEF!!

                     I have to admit, this photo is from last year - Kimmy took it - I found this file by accident and this one of Pete posing for the camera!              
            Tonight, we helped out Mrs. Schrantz, who made a large scale Yahtzee game for the kids to play!

                                         Lexy, Autumn and Cody play Mrs. Schrantz' Yahtzee.            Lupe took Tonio and her daughter, Monsi, around the carnival to play games, while her husband, Manny and I worked the game - I told Manny I think he has a future in Vegas - he had those kids excited about rolling the dice and shouting out when they were big winners!  He did most of the work.  I took pictures.
          Next, it was on to Mrs. Rudzena's Frisbee throw!

                 Lexy and Autumn were great helpers handing out the Frisbees and chasing them down when kids missed the targets, saving my knees and back!

                                           Tonio and Monsi had a blast riding the ponies!!

                            And, they tossed bugs into flower pots at Mrs. Miller's room...

                             Lexy and Autumn anxiously wait to get their hands painted with flowers...

                       And come down the giant slide at the end of the inflatable obstacle course!
           These girls can eat, too!  They each had a slice of pizza, giant pickle (Autumn had two), cupcakes, cotton candy and lollipops, and then had angel hair pasta when we got home!
                       When the kids were done playing, they had a chance to redeem their carnival punch tickets for wonderous prizes in the library - Annette and Kirk Perrini did a great job holding down that particular fort!  No easy feat, the swarms of prize thirsty kids, once sugar crazed, covered every square inch of that library, yet, they kept the chaos under control!
          
                     As we walked around, taking in the decorations and watching the kids having fun playing the games that the teachers made, I told the bambini's stories about their Mama and the contributions she made over the years to the carnival...and I could see her helping with the games, or hustling to finish baking something in time for the cake walk, or covering our living room floor with paper she was transforming into a fabulous piece of art work for the carnival...was she there tonight?  Did you feel her??

           ...before you answer, just look over Monsi and Antonio's shoulder, at the brilliant sunset...and then tell me...
            Love,
                  Dave
                 
                      
                             
                                     
                               
        

Lil' Kim

          "Don't ever let anyone tell you you ain't beautiful"
                                                                -Eminem

          You know, I find myself quoting this song to the bambini's often - to remind them "to be yourself, be proud of who you are", as they struggle to find themselves along their new journey...Autumn, ever conscious of who she is and how people see her, has embraced these words, and made them her own.  She is remarkable...
          Everyday, Autumn sets her alarm for 6:10 a.m.  She takes charge to get us boys rolling each morning.  First, she lets Bella out.  Then, she comes and wakes me up, giving me a big hug and kiss and asking me how I slept and did I have any sweet dreams?  She is so Kimmy like, that, when I hold her, I have to hold her tight and long, as I fight back the tears...
         Autumn will then make sure Cody and Tonio are up by 6:30 and on their way towards getting ready!  She helps me get their breakfast dishes out and, when they are finished eating, helps me clean up.  I am constantly amazed...I know I shouldn't be, but, come on!  She's 10 and has a firmer grasp on reality than I do!  Kim had worked her magic on Aut in 10 short years (but would not teach Aut to cook!!  I'm working on that!).
         Autumn has become the glue for our family, just as Kim was the glue in my life for the 27 years we were together.  She is our morning girl, turning on all of the lights, sometimes putting on some happy music (she likes the new Apocalyptica song, "Not Strong Enough" that I downloaded!) - sometimes, when she knows I'm having a rough morning, she'll put on a little Megadeth for me 'This is My Life', she claims is one of her favorites (to make me happy...it IS a great tune!).  She stays positive, upbeat, just like Kimmy - always taking a tough situation and putting a positive spin on it...
        So, it was nice, when I picked her up after school today, to tell her we were heading over to Desert Willow to pick up her BFF Lexy.  She loves her time with Lexy - they text and email daily, as between Aut's swim lessons, school and the hectic pace I keep, and Lexy's volleyball, choir, dance and her family's even heavier schedule, it can be a challenge to get the girls together.

        The girls were hungry, so, for some real nutritional value, we swung through McD's drive through (no monopoly game going on right now...) and they both had the 6 piece McNugget meal!  Then home for fun and games...they ran Bella hard...then gave her a bath - Bella HATES that!

      
                             Ahhhhhhh Blue Sky all natural soda...cream flavor...Kimmy's absolute favorite - and the girls love them too!   Made them some chicken burritos and corn for dinner (yes, they both ate well, considering our McD's run!).  They played until 8 when Andrea came to pick her up - well, it is a school night...and it was 88 degrees today!!  Hooray!  Winter is OVER!!!  I was able to start sprucing up the yard, adding pots and statues to the front and developing a plan for some plants that the bambini's and I will pick up this week...
            By the way, Lexy and Autumn took these photos themselves...!
                Autumn then goes into her getting us ready for bed mode.  She gets her shower started, then prompts Antonio to do the same in the other bathroom.  If Tonio does not 'feel like it', Autumn will challenge him to a race, to see who can shower the fastest!  She gets her clothes ready for the next day, always showing me and asking me if everything matches (yeh, like I know - one thing Kim could not 'train' me on was fashion sense and knowing what matches! She even bought all of my clothes - I shudder to think that, one day, I may have to pick out something for myself).
             When her and Antonio are showered and in pj's, she will round us all up to go outside to say goodnight to Mama...then, she hugs, kisses and tells Antonio that she loves him, walks him to bed and goes to find Cody to do the same - all the while I am fighting back the tears, so when she comes to hug and kiss me, ask me how my day went and tells me to have only sweet dreams, she cannot detect the effect she has on me - so Kimmy like, did I mention that before?  I cannot get over it - she is so precious, just like Kim was.  So unselfish, making sure we are all doing OK, and us boys seem to need a lot more help to get through our day...
            "God gave you shoes to fit, so put them on and wear them"
                                                                       -Eminem
            How weird is it that Eminem teamed up with Paul Rodgers, of Bad Company, to make the song 'Beautiful'?  
             Autumn lives this - she does not ask why.  She does not let it get her down.  She remembers...and keeps herself up on the good memories...
         "Nobody asked for life to deal us, with these hands we're dealt"  we gotta take these hands and make something of them...again, Kim, er, I mean, Autumn, just does that!  Unbelievable.
         Anyway, Autumn, our glue, has done a fabulous job - and appreciates her friends and the time they are able to share - it keeps her up.  She had taken on the role in our family of motivator, keeping us focused and helping us to get ready for our day, and ready for bed at night, without being asked - willingly and without question.  Amazing Autumn...Kimpossible...two of a kind...
           Love,
                  Dave

Did I tell you about the time...?

        I don't think I told you about the time Kimmy and I drove back to Pennsylvania with Cody...when he was 6 weeks old...yes, 6 weeks!  What would possess us to drive across country (2,500 miles, about 40 hours of driving) instead of fly?  Just after we moved here, Kim decided that she no longer wanted to fly...how convenient.  You know, as with anything, whatever Kimmy wanted, was more than great with me - she never asked for much and never complained, so when she did ask for something, I wanted to do whatever it was she wanted for her.
        We had just finished paying off all of our credit cards, which always feels great, but we were never smart enough to close them, so we'd end up piling up the debt again anyway.  All we had left was our Chase debit cards.  We had made car rental reservations through Hertz, and the day we were to leave, went to pick up the car, only to be told that we needed a Visa, Mastercard or AmEx - they did not accept debit cards.  We were frantic.  We rushed home and ransacked our drawers and cabinets to see if we had any credit cards that we had not closed...no luck. 
       And I turned to my Toys R Us family for help.  I worked for Toys R Us for just over 15 years.  And made life long friends, who I still speak with frequently and who continue to help out our family.  That day, the call was answered by Denise Shipley, one of the assistant managers I worked with.  Denise has been with Toys R Us for over 25 years!  She is one of the hardest working people I've ever had the pleasure of being teamed with...and she has a lot of compassion.  Oh, and Denise is a cancer survivor herself!   A miracle, who was there to lend support and inspiration to Kimmy during her short fight. 
       When we told Denise about our situation, she drove out to the airport immediately to help us, transferring our rental car, a van actually, to her name and her credit card!  Who would do that?  I insisted on taking the full insurance, something the 'experts' tell you never to do, and happily, we were off!
       That trip was wrought with peril.  Just east of New Mexico, a storm began brewing.  It was tornado season and I knew the signs.  My sister, Sherri, lived in Muskogee OK at the time, and had described the surreal, greenish hue the sky took on and the 'football' shaped clouds...that's what I was staring at.  Suddenly, it began to hail.  Stones the size of golf balls pelted the van.  Soon, the road was covered with them and the van began to slip.  I was praying hard - bargaining actually - something I knew I wasn't supposed to do and knew that God did not work that way.  None the less, I promised to memorize certain prayers and live a better life if God could just help me safely navigate what had become a full blown ice storm...in June!  He did and I did memorize those prayers, although I continue to struggle on being a better person...
        We stopped at Sherri's place, saw her kids, Anthony, Natalie and Jackie - ate a great meal (my sister can cook!), caught a nap, a shower and continued on our way. 
         Here's the funny thing about this cross country extravagana I remember:  It was during the McDonald's monopoly game.  Kim and I always seemed to get hooked on that particular game and we thought we had an incredible chance to win, reasoning we'd be crossing 11 states and stopping at as many McD's as we could to improve our chances of getting big winning game pieces!  Well, we did not win a big prize, but sure won a lot of free food and saw some interesting McDonalds!  Oklahoma had two of the more interesting ones we visited.  The first, was in Hennrieta (spelling?).  My nephew, Anthony, was a big Cowboys fan and told us we had to stop at the McD's there...turns out, it doubles as a Troy Aikman museum!  The town is so small, they do not even have a stop light.  They wanted to build a museum, but decided to put it in the highest traffic building in town...McDonalds!  It was quite the sight.  They had everyone of Troy's jerseys framed from Pop Warner through the pros.  And all of his football cards on the wall, trophies, paintings, etc...actually, it was a little scary - especially having grown up as a Redskins fan (and getting killed in the 4th quarter by Roger Staubach!) and then as an Eagles fan (after they drafted McNabb 12 years ago).
          The second most interesting McDonalds was in Tulsa - so it seems Oklahoma has a stronghold on cool McDonalds (but not much else!).  This one was the deemed the largest in the country and stretched over top of route 40!!
       We overdid the McDonald's that trip...feeling greasy, fat and sweaty - you know, I always am congested after eating McD's, too - I call it my McDonald's cold!  And, we never played the monopoly game with the same zeal or earnest that we did that summer...
       Another fun thing we did, as we drove across country, was sneak Cajun into the hotels we stayed at.  She came everywhere with us and was so quiet and well behaved...but I liked to give her a bath in the hotel, cuz she shed like a maniac and it was kind of my calling card to leave a super hairy bathroom - I always wondered what they maid thought the next day 'jeez, a hairy man was staying here last night...'.  I'm easily amused.  But Cajun was a great traveler, having been from the Jersey Shore (way before 'Snooki' of Jersey Shore, ever desecrated the beaches!) to the beaches of San Diego...
      This trip was made special, because, we had recently gotten a video camera.  When ever I was sitting shotgun, I would film Kimmy driving - her trying hard not to giggle at my lame jokes - and trying to make something out of nothing from road signs, buildings, etc....
      When we crossed the western border of Pennsylvania, we rejoiced - we were within 6 hours of the Philadelphia area!  Then, typical Pennsylvania weather kicked in - slate gray skies, followed by rain...it got heavier and heavier, leaving visibility a few feet in front of the van, windshield wipers working overtime to try to keep up.
       Sidebar:  Kim's stepdad, Jim, had an amusing story about an Indian legend named "Falling Rock"...he mesmerized the bambini with the tale of this wandering icon and even drew them a picture, so they would know him when they saw him (last weekend, in Sabino Canyon, I showed them a rock outcropping that resembled the face of an Indian and they all squealed simultaneously 'It's Falling Rock!').  He told them that every state posts signs to warn travelers to watch for him - and they might even see a sign that is yellow that just says 'Falling Rock' and they should keep their eyes open...they LOVED this story!!!
        As we approached exit #6, on I-70, the Claysville, Pa exit, just west of Pittsburgh...we saw just such a sign and, we were not aware of the legend at this time.  And how many times have you passed a similiar sign?  I used to even comment to Kim 'what the hell?  have you EVER seen a falling rock?'...'No' she'd giggle.  And yet, here one came - as I sat shotgun, I was nearly frozen, unable to move or say anything...and then, in panic, I just yelled 'ROCK!'...the rock had tumbled down the hillside, in the driving rain, before my stunned and weary eyes...it bounced onto the road, into our lane, in the absolute middle of the lane we were traversing...and stopped...Kim, in Clint Eastwood-esque fashion, gripped the wheel, knowing, that in these torrential conditions, any sudden turn would result in an out of control spin...so, she centered the vehicle to go over the rock and held on tight!!!  A wrenching, grinding sound came from beneath the van and Kim held the vehicle true!  We veered for the exit to check the damage and to take our hearts out of our mouths and put them back in our chests (underwear change!).  We pulled into a little Exxon station just off the ramp, in the pouring rain.
          I jumped out, disregarding the deluge and laid on the ground, instantly soaked to the bone and peered beneath the van...to see carnage!  We had ripped off the oil pan and punctured the gas tank!   Cody screamed bloody murder in the back seat.  Kim shook with fear, still gripping the wheel...and here came the owner of the gas station...'Get that thing the hell outta here!  You're leaking fluids all over my station!'....'But sir, we need help!  We drove all the way from Tucson, AZ with a 6 week old - my wife is in tears...please...'.  'I'm calling the cops if you don't get that outta here!'...so I pulled across the street to a pay phone and called Hertz to tell them what had happened (thank God, back then, there were still phone BOOTHS!).
         A lady named Hazel, in Oklahoma City, answered.  I told her Oklahoma has the most fabulous McDonald's and filled her in on what happened.  "Ordinarily, since you got full insurance coverage (Yes!), we would just meet you out there with a new van....BUT, since the vehicle is registered in Denise Shipley's name, she needs to be present for this to happen."  Ohhhhhhh....
       Meanwhile, a couple who had seen what had happened, pulled off to see if we were allright...they gave us an umbrella - a blue one with prints of dogs on it - we still have it to this day!  Kim protected that thing over the years like it was the Holy Grail itself!  Now, the treasure falls to me to preserve.
       Kim was still in tears...I'm on the phone with Hertz..Cody's wailing...the gas station owner is banging on the phone booth door, yelling at me...I'm dangerously close to snapping...
       We managed to get to a hotel, where I called several people to make the 6 hour journey to come fetch us...my mom ended up making that drive.  While we were stuck in the hotel, I wandered down to the vending machines for a soda.  A limping, hobbled man, holding his rib cage, walked down the sidewalk towards me...reminded me of Dennis Hopper.  'How you doin?' he asked.  'Don't ask' I told him, my inner-Philly coming out.  'Well, last night around 3 a.m., blind on barbituates and whiskey, I didn't notice that I had entered a construction zone.  I crashed my car into a ditch, abandoned it and crawled here to this hotel', he confided in me.  'I think my ribs are broken' he added.  I just kind of looked at him and said 'Good luck' and started away...he called after me 'Please don't turn me in...'  'To who?'  I asked...
       My mom got us back to Philly and Hazel worked hard over the next few days to get us a new van!  Denise was gracious and patient in helping through the process...What a long, strange trip that was!
       We actually did that drive two or three more times, before Kimmy found her flying legs, or wings, again...

       Bambini report:  What a delightful day...I was invited by Mrs. Schantz to chaperone a field trip to the International Wildlife Museum with Antonio's class!  Furthermore, she asked if I would ride in a special van, so Tonio could be paired with his best friend, Sean, who is in a wheel chair, and Mariano, a special needs boy, that Tonio adores. 

                Tonio, Sean and Mariano, get wait patiently for their lunch bags to arrive...
                They loved all of the stuffed animals at this museum.

            The museum was full of interactive displays, so the kids had a lot of fun.  Whoever it was that narrated their tour did a pretty good job keeping the children dialed in...

                   Mrs. Schrantz and Tonio appear unaware of the imminent danger presented by the tiger directly behind them...haven't they ever seen Night at the Museum???
                   Our van driver, inclusion specialist, Alison Zagona, shared some 'small world' stories...'Have you ever heard of Caruso's?' she asked...Probably the first Italian restaurant Kim and I ever went to after moving here!  'My uncle owns it...and my dad owned one called Vince's on Speedway'...I remember the neon light of the chef flipping a pizza...'Have you ever been to Viro's?' I asked.  'My dad bought the bread from his restaurant there! I go there for cannoli shells, sometimes, when I don't feel like making the shells and for pastries, etc'.  Good stuff.  I took the bambini's there tonight for Ash Wednesday, after we got our ashes.  Autumn ate pasta (what a surprise)...the boys had a huge plate of calamari - both squid fans!  And I had the fish fry - incredible.  Robert, Erica, Nicoli and Breanna took great care of us, aside from Nic rubbing it in that his AC Milan is in first place in the Serie A, while my Juventus languishes in 7th - but a surprising Napoli, my second team, is in 3rd... Breanna made an astonishing cappuccino that will assure me very little sleep tonight!  And, as it is 11 p.m. and I'm not a bit tired, I guess that cappuccino has worked its magic!  The boys had swim lessons tonight, too.
       When I picked up Cody, I stopped in to wish Mrs. Lopez, his algebra teacher, good luck tomorrow - she will have her baby at St. Joseph's, where Cody, Autumn and Antonio were all born.  We gave her some classic board books, like Eric Carle's Hungry Catepillar and wished her well.  It was good to see her replacement, Linda Sarnoski, who allowed me to assist her at St. Pius in Antonio's religious education classes and is long time friend, Cheryl Devitt's sister, today too.  I am constantly amazed, and humbled, at what a small world it is!  Cody's Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Archuletta, told me a great story about Cody that occured the other day...she handed out popsicles to her class, as a reward.  Cody was first in line.  His pop was so cold that his tongue got stuck to it!  She said it was just like on 'A Christmas Story'!  I told her that I promised the kids a trip to Colorado next year - her home state - she said she would give us some off the beaten track, must see places...Lived there for awhile opening Toys R Us's and want to show the kids that Rockies beauty...

                  Anyway, next time McD's monopoly game comes around, think of the valiant effort, the conspiracy to dominate, that Kim and I attempted in the summer of 1997 and aspire to find ways to win!  Kim and I were unable to win the 'big prize', but, had the memory of an incredible road trip...

                   Love,
                          Dave

18 years ago today...

   On March 8th, 1994, Kim, my Dad, and I landed in sunny Tucson, Arizona!  My Dad was navigating, from our Toyota 4X4, and made the call to take the Kolb exit...it was late afternoon and in the mid 80's!!!  As we past 22nd and Kolb, I called my Dad and told him to look at the restaurant on the northeast corner...low key, large patio with thatch style coverings over the tables - it looked laid back and relaxing, a great place to burn off the road grime..."That's where we need to eat tonight, Dad"...he immediately agreed...and so, our love affair with Chuy's had begun!
    It was a challenge to get a hotel that evening...there was a women's tennis championship going on, a golf tournament and Spring Training...remember Spring Training?  Ahhhhh....  We ended up at the Hotel Park Tucson, now a Sheraton, over on Grant and Rosemont...for the first night (they could only give us one night).  We enjoyed a meal at Chuy's, and the next day, were able to get a room at the La Quinta on Broadway.  We spent the day showing my Dad around and looking at apartments.  My Dad was a huge help.  We were looking at the apartments on Kolb, just south of Broadway, behind Micheal's.  While Kim and I were being sold in the manager's office, my Dad did a little investigating...beat up cars, some on blocks...he spoke to some residents, who told them they were getting ready to move out, their apartments had been broken into several times...and Kim and I were being shown one of the apartments and thinking we liked the place...as we came out of one of the apartments, my Dad made the 'let's leave' sign...we were confused, but as he explained, we were relieved to have him with us!
       We ended up at Tanque Verde apartments on Tanque Verde and Dos Hombres...on the second floor.  We thought we were in paradise.  Two pools, with orioles living in the palm trees, a clubhouse that showed movies and had Sunday breakfast, raquetball (Kim had a mean serve! She could deliver it inches off the ground) and a nice weight room.  It was like a resort compared to the apartment we had left in Pa.
       And this is where Kim blossomed.  She worked on cooking (you know how that turned out!), she planned our wedding, she fell in love with our community...and her shyness, began to melt away, a beautiful, articulate, genuine woman emerged.  Those of you who did not know Kim before we moved here, would not believe how few words she spoke and she did not feel comfortable going to certain events or having company over to our place.  I can probably count on one hand how many words she would say if we did go out.  She always tells the story, about how, at one of my cousins weddings, she ended up drinking a whole decanter of wine by herself, because she was so nervous!  Her high heel got caught in the mud next to our apartment's walk way and broke off.  I ended up carrying her in, up two flights of stairs, and putting her to bed!  Then, I went over to my Dad's, who found it hard to believe, but amusing!  Kim always talked to my Dad.  There were some family members who thought I might be making a mistake, since Kim was so quiet and I was so...outgoing - well, loud.  But they did not know the Kim that I knew - and, like I said, she came here, knowing absolutely no one, and found her way - Tucson found it's way into Kim's heart.  She loved the people, their friendliness and genuineness (and I was not surprised, when we had all of those visitors here this past fall, that everyone from back east commented on how friendly people are here).
      After we were married, and Kim's cooking expertise was cemented, she got a job, saving animals, as a vet tech.  And then, came the community involvement....I think the cancer walk up A Mountain was the first big event Kim felt passionate about being a part of - but, as a vet tech, of course, she worked with various shelters and organizations to help animals...surprising me with a little black lab/border collie mix for my birthday that year, Cajun.
       Her passion to help, to put others before herself continued - we often were able to use Toys R Us, where I was store manager, as a vehicle - helping with C.A.R.E. fair at Pueblo High School - a health and safety fair for the community.  Working with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, Casas De Ninos, Las Familias, UMC Children's Center, TMC Children's Center,etc.  It is funny, looking back on it from my new perspective - Kim tried to maintain that 'shyness' - she'd always say "I'm a behind the scenes person, Dave is the front man" - but, in the end - it was Kim who was the front woman, wasn't she?  As she exceled with PTSA, classroom volunteering, the Head Sprout reading program, Volunteer Coordinator at Rincon Vista, chairing Vail Pride Day volunteer and staff appreciation, working Red Cross blood drives, campaigning for propositions on the ballot to help our schools - you know, while doing this, she had never, ever registered to vote here, or back when we lived in Pa, until this past Novemeber election.  She wanted to be sure to cast her vote for Prop 404 and did a mail in ballot - her first ever vote cast in any election.
      Yes, Kim was extremely passionate about her family, her friends, her schools, her community - and what a hard working, well spoken, enthusiastic woman she had become in the years since we moved here.  I know, those of you who were with us in October, November and December, continued to feel what a courageous, inspirational, angel she was, despite her 'journey' - she, right up until her final breath, wanted to make sure we felt good about ourselves, her warmth filling us up, her words, brightening our way, giving us hope and comfort.
      Today, when I realized that we had arrived here 18 years ago, through ice and snow (Tennesse was an icy horror show!) across the country, I called my Dad to remind him..."18 years?  Already?  That sure was a fun trip".  We had fun on Beal Street in Memphis, listening to some great blues bands and eating some good food.  And then there was 'Slick Willie's' in Arkansas, where the motto was, 'we can tax your food, but we won't tax your tastebuds!'.  Kim got a water glass with some dark, red lipstick on the rim.  I asked the waitress to bring her a clean one (she was still 'shy Kim') and the waitress returned with a new glass, that had bright red lipstick on it!  At least it was a different shade.
      Kim was able to grow into the beautiful lady we knew, through positive thinking and strong faith.  She knew where she was going - her life reflected this.  I'm thankful for the time we shared, as Kim helped me dive head first into this wonderful community and helped me give back to the city we love.

       "Faith in action is service.  Faith in action becomes a delight because it gives you the opportunity of putting your love for Christ into action - it is meeting Christ, serving Christ."
                                                                      -Mother Tersesa

        When I read this line by Mother Teresa, I could hear Kimmy in the words...and see her in my memories, living it, every day.

          Love,
                    Dave

PS And tonight, when we went outside to say goodnight to Mama...the bambini's called out "the moon, it looks like the Chesire Cat again!  Yay Mama" - so sure that she was grinning down on us, as we looked for the Big Dipper and wished her a good night...

Back to the Desert Museum!

         After such a wonderful Saturday, walking to honor Kimmy up A Mountain, seeing more great soccer, I wondered if Sunday might be a let down...but Kim texted Saturday night, saying her, Rashon, her cousins, Sandy and Jack wanted to go to Viro's for breakfast and then out to the Desert Museum - that sounded good.   I called Viro's, and spoke to Erica (recently moved here from Florence, Italy and makes one mean cappuccino!!) and asked for a table for 15 or so around 10:15ish...
          It was hard to wake the bambini, as we were all up to midnight last night...well, Cody and I were up until after 1...but we managed to make it to 9 a.m. Mass and then get over to Viro's, where Angie, her daughters and their kids, plus Sandy, Jack and all of us filled up the outside patio that they had set up for us.  Yes, outside and it was an incredible, 70 degree morning.  Christina and Vito Jr. made us all awesome omelets and we all went up to fill our plates multiple times, ending with the mini eclairs they put out!!  Rosa and Vito called while we were there from Sicily, saying they were having a great time - Vito Jr. is doing a great job with the bakery while they are away (and enjoying driving their Mercedes, too!  'I'm cleaning it for them' he told me).
         When we were too full to eat another bite, we lazily pulled out and headed for the Desert Museum.  We had taken Kim there in October, before she had gotten ill.  I know I've gone over this, but this was Kim's favorite place in Tucson.  We've been members since 1994 and I can't even guess how many times we've roamed the grounds - kids too - and never got tired of it.
         Today, our old friend Yolanda, took care of renewing our membership and getting the entire Williams crew in...free!  'You must be related to Andrea', Angie quipped.   Now, we've known Yolanda for nearly 18 years.  She has worked at the Desert Museum for 9 and worked at Old Tucson for 11.  Today, was the first we've seen her since Kimmy passed - we've spoken on the phone, but had not made it out there.  Yolanda remembered so many positive things about Kimmy (what a surprise) - how she brightened her day, all of the kind questions she would ask Yolanda about her kids and her grandkids, how brilliant Kimmy's smile was, and she'd always take time to remark what a great job Yolanda was doing, or how pretty her blouse was, etc, etc.  Yolanda told Autumn just how much she looked like Kim and I told Yolanda how Autumn had become our glue, holding us all together, just like Kimmy used to...This conversation took some time and the kids were ready to run!!  Hitting the reptile house first and then, to the vaunted cave!

         Tonio, Cody, Bryson, Kason, Autumn, Micah and Mariah anxiously await at the mouth of the cave!

          After the cave, the kids dig for fossils....This is where Kim and I would be able to sit on the wall and relax for a moment, taking in our blessings as they worked to extract fossils that the Desert Museum plants for them to find...enjoying the beauty of the desert...and having a quiet moment to talk to each other.

                  Kim and Angie enjoy watching the kids digging for fossils...the temperature was perfect for today - with a slight breeze and just a little, thin cloud cover to keep the sun from getting too hot.

                  Cody, Autumn, Tonio and Bryson wish they were prairie dogs!              We saw the mountain lions, the bear, the deer, turkeys (Kimmy had a great turkey call and I would always ask her to imitate one as we got close to their habitat!), wolves and then headed to get ice cream, a staple with the kids.  Kim and I would get iced teas...

         Today, the adults all got iced teas and we stopped to enjoy them...

                      Even Cody got an iced tea!

                              Tonio finishes off his ice cream as he and Bryson play.
           It was a great day at the Desert Museum - through out, I told the bambini's about memories I had of Mama and I visiting there and of taking them there over the years...we love the late Saturday nights they have during the summer, with lots of activities for the kids.  Kimmy's favorite were the animal shows they would do in their new indoor ampitheater.  We made it out there at least three times this past summer.
          On the way home, we stopped for some awesome raspados (shaved ice) at a little mom and pop joint on Grande and Congress (Kimmy would have LOVED this place).  They put real fruit on top - it was so good. 
          Janene took Tonio home with her and took the kids to the park to burn off their infinite supply of energy. 
          The Smock's, Belin and Sean, had invited me to a dinner with MLS team Sporting KC at the Viscount Suites.  It was fun and I met some players, the coaches, a lady who wants to teach me yoga ('not gonna do it' goes through my head in my best Dana Carvey imitation), ate some great Mexican food (veggies: green chilies in the tamale pie, lettuce and tomatoes I put on top of the chimichangas - I reported back to Angie when I got home) and a live jazz band played.  It was a good time and gave me a great deal of confidence, in terms of being in crowds again.  Kim never did well in crowds - I loved large concerts (Pink Floyd attendance: 104,000 at the Vet), sporting events, parties, etc...but have had Kim like trouble recently...Belin and Sean helped me through that tonight, introducing me to Michelle, the pirate - who worked the soccer games with an eye patch, due to injury, talked with Jay and Melinda Zucker, who own the Tucson Toros, councilman Paul Cunningham, who believes he can bring an MLS team to Tucson -that's be nice, but I can make a long, short list of other sports and teams that have come and gone through here, spoke with the coach of FC Tucson, Rick Schantz - what a cohesive unit he put on the field!  Rick told me that Friday night was the first time the team ever played together - I told him that was hard to believe...also found out the crowd totaled 10,700 at Hi Corbett Field on Saturday night for the games - this is a field record!!! The next largest crowd was for one of the July 4th fireworks display that brought in 9,200...maybe Paul Cunningham CAN bring MLS to Tucson...oh, but I hate to get too excited...
       And so it goes...tonight, as we wished Mama a good night, the bambini remarked about what a fun weekend they had, as they pointed out the Big Dipper, wishing Mama a good night and thanking her for the delightful weather...

      "We will not worry about tomorrow, but will live the present moment intensely, with complete trust in God."
        - Mother Teresa

         Love,
              Dave
                     
                                     

Kimmy's Klimb

       It was a gorgeous day today...I think, of all of the times Kim and I walked the Climb A Mountain for Cancer, this was the finest weather we have ever had.  There were years where we'd be several layers of clothing deep, including winter coats.  One year, it was raining sideways - we did walk about two miles total that year - we really tried, along with several stoic co-workers from Linens 'N Things.  And the walk is shorter now than it was the first few years that we made this trek.  It used to begin, downtown, behind the courthouse, at Presido Park.  We really enjoyed beginning there - they had great entertainment, including jugglers, bands, great food, etc.  The roundtrip walk was about 8 miles.
      When they shifted the walk over to Pima County Community College, it shaved 2 miles off of the walk.  Now that we had kids, we were not complaining!  Kim would always pack good snacks and drinks and plenty of 'just in case' supplies and clothes.  I managed to pack snacks and drinks...but Cody got so far out in front of us, that we never got to use them!  And, of course, Kim would make the kids each a t-shirt.  The logo matched the official walk t-shirt so closely, that we'd get 'where'd you get kids t-shirts?  They told us they don't make them'...the entire walk - they were perfect!
    The hardest year for us, was the year Kim's dad, Ken, passed away from cancer.  We had a special flag made in his honor, with his picture on it.  They line the road up A Mountain with these flags, and you grab yours on the way up.  It was emotional for all of us to see that flag from a distance and then carry it up the mountain.
    At the top of the mountain, aside from entertainment and food, they set up a large, white wall, so you can write a message to your loved one that has cancer, beat cancer or succumbed to cancer...this, also, always broke Kimmy up - and I'd hold her when she was done writing her message...today, this too, was the hardest part for me.  I made sure to go on the side of the wall that was facing away from the bambini's and our fellow walkers, wrote to Kimmy and dropped to my knees, unable to stand...
    

     Here we all are, in the southeast corner of PCC parking lot, roughly near the yellow #5 sign, our predetermined point of meeting.  Yes, it does appear I put two of the same photo up, but, look closely and you will see that the top photo features Mary Montes, while her sister Ami Bunch takes the photo and the bottom has Ami in it, while Mary snaps the shot.
       So, we have Brian and Ami bunch (and triplets!!!), Patti, Casey (Autumn's teacher!), Kim and Micah (in stroller - lucky!), Betsey, Jack, Sandy (Andrea's and Kim's cousins, who drove in from Phoenix, arriving at 1:30 a.m.!), Andrea, Lexy, me, Mariah, Rashon, Autumn, Renee Woolridge, Brian, Hadley, Cody and his triplets, Mitch, Tonio and Breanna, Jaimelyn, Devon, Mary, Emilio, Amy and her Mom - also, all the way from Phoenix!
      The support was great - and we had fun walking in the beautiful weather.  We made pretty good time, too. And passed some....'interesting' sights - like, the 'antique store', that we thought was a yard sale - they had a full sized turnstile for sale - and purses.  We all got spread out quite a bit, as I mentioned, Cody blazed the trail for us and I pretty much brought up the rear.  Mary and Kim did a great job, both about 3 months pregant and would have made Kimmy proud.  Along the way, we talked about how she made the climb 7 months pregnant with Cody (and at the top, fire fighters begged Kim to take the bus back down, but she would not!), 6 months pregnant with Autumn and 5 months pregnant with Tonio.  Mary commented 'and I bet she complained the whole way' and we laughed!  We all know that Kim was so stoic and always made the absolute best of things, figuring out how to get over any obstacle along the way.

         Wow!  And a stray Christmas tree!  Who still has a tree on March 5th!!!!
         As we neared the top, a hang glider sailed over our heads...the giant 'A' on the mountain was painted red, white and blue...

           We all made it!  Having shed some clothes along the way, as the day heated up!  I wish I had gotten a close up of the light blue shirts that Renee made for us 'Klimb 4 Kimmy' they say.  She worked on these until 8:30 the night before we walked!  Thanks Renee!  Mary had the foresight to coerce a complete stranger into taking this shot for us, so we could all be in it!

                     They had El Molinto cater the event on top of A Mountain!!  Chimi changas, taquitos, rice, beans, chips and salsa!  We gorged in the wonderfuly warm sun.

                          Tonio, Cody and Mitch check out the fire truck, climbing on its ladder.

                             Colton, Hunter and Ethan enjoyed their ride!  Brian sure got a work out today!

                                      Here, Cody and Tonio add their messages to Mama...I put mine on the other side of this wall...
                    Some of the group took the buses down, and the rest of us enjoyed going down hill!  We made it back to the campus near noon...I am so thankful for all of those who came out to walk today and all of those with us in spirt...Kim would have loved the day.

                   On our way home, I took the bambini's to 7-11 on St. Mary's st. for some liquid refreshments.  Across the street, is a little floral shop, that over the years, Kim and I would stop in - they have a great selection of religious pictures, statues, crucifixes, etc.  The owner, Josefina, kept us there for nearly one hour - she fell in love with the kids, and told them a lot of stories about growing up in Mexico.  We picked out an angel statue, made in Mexico, vibrant and colorful - to commerate the walk today, for Kim, our angel...

                 Later, it was time for more soccer!  We picked up David, over at Andrea's and headed out.  Hi Corbett was packed - I have not seen it so crowded in the 18 years that I have been here.  And the soccer was great.  Our team, FC Tucson, down 3-1 at the half, battled back to earn a 3-3 tie. 

           As the teams played, Antonio pointed out the Kimmy like sunset...

                                             Cody, David and Autumn...eating pretzels...

    
                                      Tonio, enjoys the sunset...

             Next, the NY Red Bulls played Sporting KC and were leading 3-2 when we left around 9:50, Antonio had fallen asleep around 9!
              
             It was a long day, and all three bambini were fast asleep when we finally pulled in our driveway around 11...Autumn and I went out back to say goodnight to Kimmy, the Big Dipper fully upside down...and she told Mama how we walked for her today, before blowing her a kiss, wishing her good night and telling her how much she loves her...me too...
   
             Thanks again everybody,
            Love,
                    Dave
         
     
     

Soccer in Tucson?

    Ahhhhh yes - Tucson let Spring Training go...and minor league baseball (yes, we are still paying for Tucson Electric Park)...all we have is the U of A - thankfully, they put some great teams out there for us!
    But tonight and tomorrow night, Tucson has MLS soccer, played right at Hi Corbett field! 

            FC Tucson, our new semi-pro team, takes on the NY Red Bulls!  And they were handing out FREE Red Bulls to the crowd!  Good stuff!  The grass looked better than I can ever remember it and the level of play was outstanding.
            Back when I managed Toys R Us's on the east coast, they were a sponsor of the US men's soccer team and we'd get tickets all of the time.  Kim and I saw the U.S. play the U.S.S.R., or what was left of it, at Lehigh University.  We saw the U.S. play Sheffield of the English Premier league at Vet Stadium - stopping off on 9th street for a cheesesteak at Gino's on the way down!  We saw the U.S. play Uruguay, also at the Vet.  They packed the stadiums and the fans were great.
           When I played soccer, Kim would come and watch practices and make it to the games.  One time, as I was running at Nitschmann Junior High School, by myself and just kicking a ball and getting some conditioning in - I saw Kim appear on the top of the hill leading to the school - she surprised me and went out and bought herself a pair of cleats and a soccer ball, to be able to run with me!  So, we used to go down to the soccer field and pass around - she was pretty good!
           I was thinking, as we enjoyed tonight's games (Sporting KC of the MLS, defeated the Arizona Saguaros 6-1 in the first match and the Red Bulls were up 1-0 at the half when we left - we knew we had to get up early tomorrow for Kim's Klimb), that Kim sure would have had a good time out there tonight...the weather was perfect and the soccer was great.
         
          We started out by getting some good food over at Rubio's!

                                                Lexy and Autumn enjoy rice and fish tacos!

Tonio goes for the taquitos and Cody got the nachos.

               Angie, Andrea, Breanna, Cody, Autumn and Lexy at Hi Corbett field - we had some pretty good seats!!  Courtesy of Sean Smock, GM of the Tucson Toros - thanks Sean!  We had a great view of the field and avoided the bleacher seats.  There were about 5,000 fans in attendance tonight.  The kettle corn was delicious and the kids all had Eegee's.

                    The Arizona Saguaros take on Sporting FC.  Sporting FC's big star is, Omar Bravo (and it was his birthday today, too).  He was the Mexican National team's captain and was one of the best players in the Premera liga in Mexico for Chivas.  Good games, but we had to leave around 9:00, knowing we'd be on the road by 7:15ish for Kimmy's Klimb in the morning!

                  When I picked the bambini's up at school today (well, actually, Autumn stayed home one more day with me...and talked me into watching the Last Song with her - very sad), we got some more good baby news!  Mrs. Rienstra, who Autumn had in 3rd grade, is pregnant too!

          Congrats!  Again, Kimmy would have cried with happiness for the Rienstras and, she's been a great teacher, so we know she'll be an awesome mom!  I warned Mrs. Rienstra she'd be appearing on Kimmy's blog...'In my p.j.'s?'  she asked....well, we have no fashion critics as a part of this blog and, personally, our family are big advocates of p.j.'s - just asked Antonio!  'They are just comfier!' he states.
         So now we have Kim (Angie's youngest daughter), Mary Montes (Autumn and Tonio's kindergarten teacher) and Jenny Rienstra all ready to have little blessings...must be something in the water!

Dorney Park, Allentown, Pa

      Alfonso the Clown used to rule the little kingdom known as Dorney Park...as you entered the park, you could see his visage, spread over the entrance - anybody else feel a little unnerved by clowns?  Once inside, this family owned amusement park was so entertaining...and Kim and I frequented this playground.

      This park was started back in 1870 by Solomon Dorney.  He originally built it as a fish hatchery, and addd games, rides, a hotel, petting zoo, etc.  In 1923, they built a wooden roller coaster, at the time, the largest, longest and fastest of its kind.  Kim and I road this roller coaster often!  We loved roller coasters, in general, but this one really gave you whiplash around the corners and was such a classic.  There was even a house underneath it!  Apparently, as the park expanded, one elderly lady did not wish to sell, so they made a deal with her to let her keep her house, and allow them to build their state of the art coaster.
       Our all time favorite ride there, was called Journey to the Center of the Earth, kind of a poor man's Pirates of the Carribean.  It was originally the Tunnel of Love (no small wonder this turned out to be our favorite ride!) and they added some spooky special effects, like a T-Rex head and 'lava', etc.  It was almost a Splash Mountain type deal, with a lazy boat ride, finished off with a breathtaking downhill ride into a lagoon, that assured you were going home wet.

   We once saw Bob McAllister host the game show Wonderama right there in the park!  We hoped we'd get chosen to participate in the show...we were not selected, but sure enjoyed watching...
    There was a great spook house ride called the Bucket 'O Blood  and a walk through spook house called The Wacky Shack, that sadly burned down in a fire in 1983.  Kim and I would go on these rides over and over and over and over...!
    Of course, I always had to win her something and Kim ended up with an odd assortment of stuffed animals over the years from Dorney Park!
   In 1985, the Wildwater Kingdom opened up, attached to Dorney Park - it was one of the only water parks in the entire Northeast when it opened.  Kim and I loved to buy the 'dual' pass and go on rides at Dorney Park, until we were overheated and then go over to Wildwater Kingdom to ride the tube rides and cool off.  In 1988, when I started working with Toys R Us, the store manager, Nick Romano, took us all there for the store's picinic.
    While working with Toys R Us and managing the Broadway location, I met the general manager of Breakers, a man named Steve...he was originally from Wilkes Barre, Pa and had once been the general manager of Dorney Park - small world...you think?
   Anyways, Kimmy and I loved amusement parks and went to them wherever we traveled...

    Speaking of Toys R Us...it was this day, March 3rd, back in 1994, 18 years ago today, that Kim and I left the frozen tundra of Pennsylvania!  The night before we left, I heard the forecast for snow, and moved our moving truck, a 27' box truck, with a full trailer to tow our Jeep Wrangler, to 8th Avenue.  I knew 8th Ave would be one of the first streets plowed if it snowed and we'd have a chance to escape!  Sure enough, it snowed a lot and everyone asked us to postpone our departure... I vowed that I would not spend another night in that frozen hell!  We burst the truck over the plow's handiwork and drove to Baltimore to pick up my Dad, who drove my Toyota 4X4 across the country with us...a glorious trip.

    A miscellaneous memory popped into my head today.  One of Kim and mine earliest dates...I was 17 and thought the sure way to impress Kimmy was to buy some beer!  Yes, this was a can't miss plan...except, at 17, I looked like I was 12.   However, my friends, Andy Thom and Joe Slapinsky had happened upon a bar that could help.  It was on the southside of Bethlehem (why is it, that every city's southside is the roughest part of town?).  This bar had no name.  It simply had a sign, hanging perpendicular to the entrance, with a photo of Curly from the Three Stooges on it.  I loved it at first sight!  It also, inexplicably, had scallop sea shells stuck decoratively on the front of the building...this was totally out of context with the rest of the block, which was a solid row of very random type of business, with about 5 stories of apartments above them.
   I waltzed in there like I owned the place, leaving Kimmy in my running car (1977 Chevy Malibu, that my Dad graciously allowed me to use - we lovingly called it the 'Silver Bullet'), in this nefarious neighborhood.  The bartender approached me, with an amused look on his face, and asked how he could help me?  I hadn't thought about what to do once I made it inside...I liked Budweiser, but wanted something fancier, something special, to show Kim how much I cared and what great taste I had...so I said 'I'd like a six pack of Michelob please'.  Not sure if it was the 'please' or my 12 year old face staring back at him, but the bartender asked 'You have any I.D.?'....'Uh, no sir, left it at home...I'm on a date and wanted to get something to impress my girl'...I stuttered....'No problem', he said and returned with my Michelob.  He slipped it into a paper bag and gave me a wink and a smile.  'Good luck', he told me.  'Uh, yeh, you too, man'...and I was outta there!
   Turned out, Kim did not drink beer.  What a surprise.  So I had to drink it myself.  I'm sure that I truly impressed her there.  Gives you yet more insight at to what a special lady she was, to stick with me after that date, say?
  
    Well, on the homefront, the bambini's continue to amaze me.  Cody's grades are the best he has ever had and he is about to begin track season.  I tell you, I've seen every professional sport there is (sorry, golf is NOT a sport) and I absolutely feel that it is much more exciting to watch this boy play sports!  He is so fast!  I can't wait for the season to begin after Spring Break.  Angie's youngest daughter, Kim, the RN who works on the 5th floor at St. Joseph's, and who provided Kimmy with so much comfort, picked up Antonio at school.  She took him to his favorite restaurant, with her son Micah, McDonald's and they got Happy Meals!  And you know, when I broke the fantastic news about Mary Montes being pregnant, I forgot to mention that Kim is pregnant too!  Our Kimmy would have been, or is, so happy for Kim and Rashon!  She absolutely loved this couple - they are great parents to Mariah and Micah and Tonio had so much fun playing with Micah after  school today!!

    Autumn stayed home with me today....she started a cough last night, that I did not like (goose walked over my grave)..and had a fever this morning.  So I called Dr. Radomsky, who've we've taken the kids to for 12 years (and Janene and Kim both take their kids to) to have her checked out.  Dr. Radomsky is a kind of guy you'd want to have as neighbor.  He walks into the room today, immediately reminds me to call him Scott, and asks about the family.  It's the first time we've seen him since Kimmy passed...our kids, like Kimmy, don't need to see the Dr. often...He's blown away, but comforts us and puts Aut on an antibiotic.  We'll keep her home again tomorrow to get her ready for Kimmy's Klimb on Saturday!

Andrea told Autie to drink hot tea with honey to get well...Autumn likes it!  And I made her the fideo soup, which she loves...tacos for dinner (green onion, cilantro and lettuce = veggies!)...but, my beans did not turn out - my first attempt at making the refried beans.  Not enough water...

    Meanwhile, Janene gave me a haircut today and brought me back to near respectability - I kept the beard and 'stache.  Kimmy would never let me grow one, saying, it reminded her of when I was a 'bad person' and made me look mean...I'm just channeling my inner-Al Pacino.  Janene is working on a fantastic event to benefit Kimmy's Foundation.  She will open her shop on a Sunday and do a hair cut-a-thon and 100% of the $$ will go to Kimmy's Foundation!!  I was so energized by her vision and how excited she was - she is also bringing her neighbors, the Shishkabob House and Arizona Pizza, into this event.  I've known the owner of both for several years, from when I was managing the Linens 'N Things in the same parking lot - they are great.  Now, that Linens 'N Things is the worlds largest Peter Piper Pizza, complete with roller coaster, right where the sheets used to be!  I remember my current district manager, Tom, commenting that he had stopped in my LNT while prepping for his interview with me for Barnes & Noble - he said it was a clean, well merchandised building that I ran...I wonder what he would think of it now - it is overrun with video games, a sea of tables and, the roller coaster!
          That's all I have in me tonight...all of the bambini have fallen asleep - praying Aut wakes up feeling good...and praying for sweet dreams, as we wait for the sunshine...
           Love,
              Dave