Pasta

 
            Anybody ever have some of Kimmy's pasta??  She made such a variety, with many different sauces...marinara, vodka sauce (my sister, Lauren's recipe!), bolognese, sausage, white sauce, garlic sauce, clam sauce - I'm getting hungry just thinking of each of them!!!  And then there was her pasta salad...I found that recipe the other day, and I'm anxious to try it - it was her own and if you've ever been to a picnic or family function with us, you probably have had the chance to try it.  Autumn used to eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
           Then, there was the kaliedescope of pastas she used:  angel hair (my favorite), orzo - the little pasta she used for wedding soup and the kids, as babies, used to eat daily, ditalini, farfalle (butterfly pasta, sometimes called bow tie pasta here in the U.S - the bambini always have called it butterfly pasta, and their Mama used to give them 'butterfly kisses', 'baci della farfalla' - this is Tonio's favorite), linguine, lasagna, I could go on and on and on...If a Dr. ever tells me I can no longer eat pasta, I'll slit my wrists...and, I'm sorry, this new age brown wheat pasta is an abomination - pasta is made with seminola, wheat!  It's good for you, trust me.  Kimmy always felt it was good comfort good, kept you feeling healthy and was perfect for any occaision - oh, she'd always make a shrimp scampi over angel hair that was incredible!!  When I'd come home from work, I could smell the garlic from the driveway and I knew she was making some sort of sauce with a perfect pasta to compliment it...she had that knack.  Jim Morrison used to sing 'I eat more chicken than any man's ever seen...', well, I like to insert 'pasta' in place of 'chicken' and sing that to the kids.

          So, the marinara recipe that she taught me to make is pretty easy:

          Place 1/3 cup of olive oil in a cooking pot (I've got a great  black one I love to use!).  Heat that up and put in 3 cloves of minced garlic (don't buy it already minced, it loses some of the flavor!), add a 1/2 of chopped up onion, one chopped celery stalk and one chopped carrot to the oil.  Stir well and regularly.  Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until onions become transparent.
          Add in two 28 oz cans of diced tomatoes and one 14 oz can of diced tomatoes.  Add two bay leaves, a punch of salt and pepper and bring that heat up to a medium/high until it begins to bubble. Stir it well, turn down heat to low and cover for about 20 minutes. 
         Add in two cut up basil leaves and about a 1/4 cup of Italian parsley cut up.  Simmer for another 20 minutes.  Test the carrots to see if they are soft yet.  If they are, remove the sauce from the heat.  Remove the bay leaves.   Run your sauce through a blender and place into serving dish or container.  I usually put half right into tupperware and toss it in the freezer and the other half in a serving bowl.
         I will soon try the vodka sauce - the bambini absolutely loved Kim's vodka sauce!!

        Speaking of the bambinis - they had a pretty good day.  Cody received an A on his science fair project and brought his grade in algebra up to an 88 %. He has worked so hard, with the help of Mrs. Lopez, his teacher - I am unable to help him with algebra!!  Autumn stayed after school and Mrs. Rudzena helped her get a lot of her homework done.  And Tonio, well, on Tuesday, Tonio told me 'Daddy, it's 'love of reading week' and on Thursday, it is 'dress as your favorite storybook character'...I said, that's great!  Who do you want to dress as?  He expressed concern, saying, last year, Mama made him a cool pigeon from the Mo Willems story 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!'.  The year before that, she made him a full body Wild Thing from Maurice Sendak's 'Where the Wild Things Are'...I saw what he was driving at...I am a man of limited artistic abilities...Tonio wanted to ask me what I thought I was capable of, in such a sweet way - he gets that concern for other's feelings from his Mama.  We talked about it and he decided he really wanted to be 'Toothless' the dragon from the series "How to Train Your Dragon".  Tonio and I had read all 7 books together and he absolutely would be riveted, transported to dragon times.  He loved the movie, too, but after seeing it commented 'wow.  It was really good, but nothing like the books!'.
        I went online and google 'toothless' images...when the photos came up, I quickly added 'dragon' and found what I was looking for.  I printed it up, bought a piece of poster board and...asked Cody to sketch the dragon for me!  Cody took the poster board to the garage, using the ping pong table as an art desk and went to work.  When he was done, he brought it in and I'm telling you, it looked liked Kim had done it herself!  And, of course, he free handed it!  And Mrs. Schrantz and Mrs. Kampelman helped him color it in!  He was so proud!!

Oh, and check it out!  Brian has done all of the cuts for the nitcho!!  He is doing a great job and we hope to cement it together this weekend!

       
        It was a good day...we got a lot done and had a lot of love and support...and we froze!  It was so cold today!  We're moving to Panama.  We just went outside to say goodnight to Mama...the sky was brilliant with stars - the kids called their good nights and asked Mama to bring us some warmth...they said they hoped she was warm in Heaven...these little ones are such a blessing...I will sleep tonight... ; )
        Sweet dreams,

                            Love,

                                       Dave

"There will come a day,
 When we transcend our pain.
 Until that day, take it easy on yourself..."
  -Weezer

Klimb 4 Kimmy

Hi everyone...care to join us (I know, I know, there are tournaments, birthday parties, gatherings, etc, etc!) or just help out?  This was Kimmy's favorite event.  We participated in each year we lived here but two.  Kim made this walk while extremely pregnant with Cody (8 mos!), very pregnant with Autumn (7 mos!) and pregnant with Antonio (5 mos).  We always had a great time and there is music, jumping castles and food at the top!  We always made a point to hit a 'mom and pop' restaurant for Mexican food following the event.

          If you cannot make it and want to help Kim's Foundation, that would be appreciated too!  I am piggy backing off Kim's favorite event in order to get her foundation off of the ground and will submit us as a team!

If friends and family would like to donate with a credit card we have two options:

1.      They can call the Foundation 873-5000 and give their information over the telephone

2.      They can go to our website: www.carondelet.org

If they would like to send their donation by check, the address is:

Carondelet Foundation

120 N. Tucson Blvd.

Tucson, AZ 85716

The check should be made payable to Carondelet Foundation with Kim’s name in the memo line so I know where to direct the donation.

                                                                     Klimb 4 Kimmy

 

 

                                                               Pima College West

to the

Top of 'A' Mountain

March 5, 2011

Climb begins - 8:00am

Route length is 3 miles (one way)

Please let me know if you can make it!

Thanks, Dave, Cody, Autumn & Tonio

Churches

           Today, the bambini's and I went to St. Pius for 10:00 a.m. Mass...they were all a little quiet on the way down, despite my best efforts to crack them up with car karaoke - where they request the song and I butcher it.  As we sat there, in church, I had Tonio under one arm and Aut under the other, I think we all had Kimmy on our minds...and I thought about how we had arrived as parishoners there...

           As I have written,  Kim and I started our relationship with San Xavier from the east coast.  We had  written to Father Dullmeir, right after we were engaged, and asked permission to be married there.  We had several telephone conversations and wrote to him over the months.  Kim absolutely loved him before even meeting him.  San Xavier Mission was one of our very first stops when we moved here, nearly 18 years ago, in March of 1994.

The Mission is such an impressive landmark.  Established by Father Kino, a Spanish missionary, back in 1692, the church was finally completed in 1797.  It is the oldest European structure in America!  I can't begin to describe its beauty, the interior is filled with murals and statues - you could stand in their for hours letting the art sink in and still not see everything.

           Kim and I began going to Mass there, making the 45 minute drive in time for the 8:00 Sunday services.  We loved Father Dullmeir's delivery and how good he made you feel about yourself.  After Mass, we'd hike the little hillside to the south of the mission.  About half way up, there is an altar carved into the mountain side.  People have placed candles and other artifacts on behalf of loved ones who had passed or needed prayers.  At the very top, of this rocky hill, there is a white cross and we'd climb up to it and pray.  Then, walk slowly back down together, commenting on the beauty of the view across the Indian farm lands and to the distant Santa Rita's.  Sometimes, we'd stop and get some Indian fry bread with honey.  Other times, we'd drive towards home and stop at the Village Inn, Denny's, or try to find a new 'hole in the wall'.
           When I was working at the Toys R Us on Oracle, we'd go to Mass and then make the drive up to the store, always finding some great hole in the wall's along the way - like Don's on Oracle and Limberlost.  There were many other great spots, but I can't remember the names.  Sunday's were special, going to Mass together and then grabbing breakfast.  After work, Kim would drive all the way back over to pick me up, usually with Cajun in tow.  We had a routine, where, we'd all walk the salesfloor at the end of the day, to make sure all aisle looked clean, there were no holes, etc...and Kim and Cajun would take that walk with us.  Sometimes, Cajun would get a little excited and have an accident during the walk!
          On Saturday, May 21st, 1994, we were married at this breathtaking house of God.  Just an incredible day, brilliant blue sky and Kim looking so incredible, like a bright ray of sun...well, you've probably read 'wedding day' on the blog...
          When Cody was born, we were still attending San Xavier.  It was a bit of a challenge to get there on time for 8:00 a.m. Mass.  Sometimes, we'd arrive a little late and stand in the side courtyard straining to hear the father's sermon, but staying cool in the shade and just glad to be there.  We approached Father Dullmeir about having Cody baptised there.  He advised us that typically, it is best to baptise your child in your neighborhood parish, but we explained that we lived at Rita Ranch, that has no Catholic church, and we had been attending Mass at San Xavier regularly for three years and felt like it was our parish.  He knew we were there every week and had us meet Sister Teresa, who was in charge of religious education and would be teaching parents about the sacrament of baptism.
            We were so excited.  Now driving out to the mission on Sunday's for Mass and once a week for our baptismal classes.  I remember, one very warm day, listening to Sister Teresa's lesson and watching a fly buzzing lazily around the room...circling...closer and closer to the sister...all the while, she is speaking, passionately teaching...when, suddenly, the fly dipped and flew straight into her mouth!  Kim and I looked at each other, not believing what we had just witnessed!  The sister stopped speaking, swallowed hard, and said 'I just swallowed a fly!'.  She excused herself for a moment and returned a little red faced, but, unlike in the story of the old lady who swallowed a fly, thank Heaven, did not die!
             Cody's baptism was fantastic.  The church, the liturgy, the day, were all beautiful - a most memorable occaison.
            When Autumn was born, in 2000, we once again approached the father about having our little one batised there.  He said that church policy was changing.  They were trying to limit religious ceremonies to those that lived on the reservation, as, the amount of tourists had increased and the people who lived on the reservation were unable to attend services due to the crowds.  So, we ended up going to St. Francis, where Father Tamminga said he'd be happy to baptize our little blessing!
            I have to back up a minute...on days where we knew there was no way we could make it all the way out to the mission in time for Mass, we'd often go to Our Mother of Sorrows.  We loved hearing Monsignor Tom.  His delivery was always so spirited and we seemed to be able to identify something in our lives that paralled Monsigor's homily.  We actually did go through baptismal classes there, as godparents of our friends Stephanie and Steve Gradillas' bambino, Antony.  The church has a beautiful baptismal fountain in it - it was a special ceremony!
           Sometimes, we'd drive out to Vail, just east of us and attend St. Rita.  This was a beautiful little church founded in 1937.  Father Bob was the pastor while we were going there.  He was always at the front door, greeting everyone like an old friend and shaking hands.  The only problem was, you had to be there 20 minutes early to get a seat!  We struggled with that, so did not stay there.  They have since built a larger church.  We had the pleasure of going there last November 21st for a special Mass for Kimmy.  It was, as you can imagine, very nice.
          We even managed to attend a few Mass' over at Corpus Christi, a swanky church located on the northeast side of town.  We liked it, looked into the religious education classes, but, at the time, they were encouraging 'home schooling' for this, and we did not feel up to that.  I actually joined the Knights of Columbus while there and they were a great group of guys, who really did a lot to make everyone feel welcome and a part of that church.  I had a lot of fun helping with fish frys, free throw contests for the youth group and participating in the Stations of the Cross.
          But now, we had comitted to St. Francis, enrolling as parishoners.  We started classes for Autumn's baptism.  Kim and I had such a good time during these classes.  Learning more about the blessed sacrament and each other... Autumn's day was so special and she looked so pretty in her little outfit, with those bright, blue eyes, just like her mama's!!  Afterward, we all went to Viro's Italian Bakery for a nice lunch and Rosa made an incredible cake for our little girl.
         Then, Tonio came along - and once again, we had his baptism at St. Francis, like we did for his sister.  He had a special, traditional outfit, that Kimmy had ordered from Italy for the occaison and looked so handsome in it.  We had a huge party at our house following the event, complete with jumping castle!  Our friends Courtney and Shawn catered it and Vito and Rosa brought out wedding soup, pastries and an incredible cake!  What a fun day that was...
         Cody and Autumn both had their First Holy Communion ceremonies at St. Francis...having gone through the classes and Kim and I enjoyed the parent retreats that were a part of this sacrament.  In fact, that is how we came to be Max Lucado fans.  Max Lucado had writtend some great books, like 'Fearless' - I think I have read almost all of his books and even have had some correspondence with him, providing feedback on advance readers that I receive as manager of Barnes & Noble - nice guy.  He has also written some truly inspiring children's books, too. 
         Cody looked so handsome in his first little suit, and, Autumn was angelic in her little white dress and hairpieces made by our friend Vanessa, who we met at Viro's.  Again, following the events, we'd head over to Viro's to celebrate and eat!
         We really enjoyed Father Tamminga's Mass'...he always made you chuckle at some point and made you realize that we are all human and could really do better by just understanding that and trying to make someone else's day just a little easier.  But, one day, another father was giving Mass, when a cell phone began to ring...this is the ultimate foopah.  I'm always double, double checking to make sure my phone is off or silenced before going into church and always feel a little embarrassed on behalf of the poor soul who neglects to do so...the father that day snapped!  He started by saying how unacceptable it was for someone to forget to turn off their phone and then launched into a tirade against those who can't get to church on time (that was us!), or those who did not sing, and said 'I bet most of you don't even know what page we are on in the book!'.  Finally, he said 'if you are not 'getting' me today, you should just stand up and walk on out of here!'...to my horror, Kim picked up Tonio and walked out!!!  I cringed, waiting for a bolt of lightning to strike her on the way out...I should have known, Kim was right.  Later that week, we found out, it was the father's cell phone that had gone off!  He had left it in his jacket in the room off of the altar where he changes and forgot to turn it off!  Kim decided that we should try another church...
          And we ended up at St. Pius.  Father Harry has been an incredible inspiration to our family.  Kim immediately felt engaged and at home with Father Harry's style - making everyone feel at home and comfortable.  She got involved with blood drives, pancake breakfasts,etc.  I transferred as  a Knight of Columbus and volunteered to help teach Antonio's religious education class, as he prepares for First Holy Communion.
        Father Harry has been with us since we found out about Kim's illness.  We saw him today and Antonio ran over and gave him a big hug.  He really brought Kim a lot of comfort.
        Now, we find that we will shift back to Our Mother of Sorrows.  Monsignor Tom, also gave Kim and our family a lot of comfot during our journey.  And, due to the times of religious education classes, and that the majority of our southwest family, Angie and her daughters and their families all attend this church, we find that it will make my transition back to work easier and take some of the stress out of how the bambini's will be cared for out of my life.  So, it appears that Antonio will make the sacrament of First Holy Communion at Our Mother of Sorrows.  He has been working hard on learning the Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary, and can't wait to receive the body of Christ.  He asks every week if he could take 'just a little piece' of the bread.  He's so cute!
        So there was a tour of our churches...
        After Mass today, we converged on Viro's once again...Vito has been so accomodating...this week, thinking it would just be the bambini's and myself, I did not request a table...by 10, Kim had texted me asking what time we were going...so I texted Vito asking for a table for 8...then, I found out Angie and Lexy were coming, too, so texted Vito - who calmly responded...'no problem'.  I got the last spot in his lot when we arrived - they were packed, as usual!  But Vito had our table and we even got to sit with his niece, Franca and nephew, Mauro for a while, and saw his son Joe and wife Deanna as a bonus.  We ate so much!  I'm telling you, if you have not made it down there for their Sunday brunch...do yourself a favor and do it! 
       Visiting with Rosa, Vito, Vito Jr and their staff always makes our family happier (and Christina makes the BEST omelets!)...and so, our morning quiet had been lifted.  We took Lexy home with us and Hadley came over.  The girls enjoyed walking Bella in the park...Janene swung by and picked up Antonio to play with her boys again and Cody went to our neighbors, Amy and Tom, to play with Alex (and got to go to Baskin Robbins!).  I made Sopa de Fideo (pasta soup) for dinner....

               You take 1/2 lb of beef or chicken ( I used chicken today, but have had it with the beef and it is outstanding!) and cook in 2 quarts of water until meat is tender and well cooked.  Chop pieces into cubes or strips, as desired.  Drain meat and save the stock!
              Place a little olive oil in a cooking pot and heat.  Break a package of fideo pasta up and brown lightly in the oil.  Add 5 cups of meat stock, 6 oz can of tomato sauce and stir well.  Add 1/2 table spoon of thyme, salt, pepper to flavor and 2 tbsp of chopped onions and chicken.
             Add bay leaf and cook over low heat, covereed, until fideo is tender.  Remove bay leaf.

            I also added carrots and celery.  It is best to soften these up a bit before placing in soup, by sauteeing in olive oil or boiling.  I also added a punch of oregano, because I like oregano...
            The bambini's ate it up!

           After Andrea picked up Lexy, and Hadley had gone home, Autumn and I found ourselves with a rare one-on-one moment.  She wanted to take Bella for a walk, so we did.  Along the way, I told her how proud I was of her...she seems to be handling our new journey the best, with a courageous, positive attitude, so like her mama...each time I hug her, I feel as though I'm hugging a little Kim.  I asked her how she is doing it, and, in a Kimmy like, pious way, she shrugs.  I ask her is she ever feels mama or sees signs...she says she does not think so...I tell her to be patient and watchful.  She tells me, sometimes, she sings the song Mama used to sing to her to wake her up...'good morning sunshine, you make my day bright'...just a little ditty that Kimmy made up to make each child feel special...she is so strong, I told her how proud her Mama would be, and how proud I am...and, as I tear up, Autumn comes forward and embraces me...stilling my tears and my pain.  Unbelievable..
          Brian got more cuts done today on the block for the nitcho...it is ready for rebar and cement!!! I moved Kim's banner/truck from Desert Sky to Fry's parking lot for the weekend - thank you Fry's!  Tomorrow, I will move it to Senita Valley Elementary school, next to Rincon Vista Middle School where Kim worked...thanks Mrs. Crain and Mrs. Erickson!
         Today, overall, was a good day...I feel that, through the help of our southwest family, we have grown stonger and made to feel special, given reason to smile - we feel the love...I feel that I can focus better, my heart is lighter...

         'Believe in your dreams, that you see when you are asleep'
                                                               -Flipsyde

              Love,
                       Dave
                                                                           

The dances...

   Tonight, Autumn kept asking me 'have you blogged yet?'...'when will you blog?'...finally, I asked her 'what do you want me to blog about?'...'the dances Daddy, the dances'...I asked her, Autumn, haven't I already done that?  She said, no, you wrote about your first kiss, but not the dances, Daddy, not the dances...please.

   Ok, so, the first dance, way back in 1976, our nation's bicentennial year, at Nitschmann Jr. High...the butterflies were real, eating at the lining of my stomach, as I waited in Kimmy's living room for her to finish gettng ready for our first dance.  My Dad had given me a ride to her house, that night, and was parked out front waiting for us to  emerge.
   Kim's Mom came out to apologize, telling me I was so patient, to be able to wait so long...and then, descending the stair case, here she came...in slow motion, Kim came around the corner of the last landing, eyes down, hair bouncing, in a dress from Heaven...and, again, in slow motion, as she hit the last stair, her eyes slowly came up and met mine, as I sat transfixed on the couch...and we locked...like lightning...
   We walked out to my Dad's waiting car, in the freezing cold, our breath plumes of vapor, and he gave us a ride to our school.  I couldn't dance fast dances, and I wasn't sure if Kim could or not ( she later told me she preferred not to), so, I huddled with friends, near the bleachers in our gymnasium, talking and anxiously awaiting a 'slow song'.  This typically was 'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zepplin..and my wait was always rewarded...
     Kimmy always smelled so good, and I remember sinking my head into her hair as we embraced for our first slow song.  I had no idea what to do with my hands, so I improvised...!  It felt as though we were all alone in that gym that night...slowly spinning each other around, just holding on in a tight embrace...
      We went to all of the dances that year,  and danced at our 8th grade and 9th grade dances.  Our main, 9th grade dance, in 1979, was themed after Pink Floyd, The Wall.  I was a huge Pink Floyd fan and couldn't wait to see how they decorated.  I remember Bill Stauffer, who was on the decorating committee, actually got to go to N.Y. to see the Floyd perform The Wall live...I have been eternally jealous, even though Kimmy and I saw Pink Floyd three times in concert.  The decorating committee did a great job and Kim and I danced several slow songs, even though we were not dating at the time...
      In high school, we were able to go to one dance per year and snuck in at least one dance per event...after high school, when we were together and a good slow song came on when we were driving somewhere, we would pull over, get out of the car and slow dance wherever we had stopped...she was so good to dance with...
   
      Ok, so today was an interesting day...full of ups, and downs, which is no surprise.  I gave Kimmy's Mike Piazza jersey to Mary Montes, who's husband, Emilio, is a lifetime Dodgers fan...and he quizzed me.  'Ok, was Kim a Piazza fan, or did she just like the Dodgers?'.  I explained to Emilio that Kim's first Dodgers jersey that I bought her was Steve Sax...way before Piazza's time.  She actually always was a Tommy Lasorda fan, a Norristown, PA, native - where Piazza, Lasorda's Godson, was from, too.  We always made a point to get down to the Vet to see the Dodgers play the Phils and actually made it to a game at Chavez Ravine to see the Dodgers play the Rockies!!  What an incredible stadium!! Yep, even though Kimmy rooted for the Phil's, too, she still bled Dodgers Blue!  And Emilio was relieved to hear she wasn't one of 'those' fans, or a Piazza groupie!
       The bambini's did well...Tonio went to his friend Monsi's home and Lupe and Manny hooked us up with some tortillas from Estrella bakery and some donuts, too!!  Tonio had a blast.  After letting the kids play out front, we went over to Betsey and Brian's home...Hadley and Autumn put on a dance show for us and all of the kids had fun playing...
       I had made some chicken fingers for them before we went to the Deevers...thanks to Janene and Andrea for the help!  They came out delicious!!

              I used 2 cups of mayo with 1/4 cup of grated parm cheese - stirred that up good.
              Made a plate of Italian bread crumbs...
              Dipped boneless chicken strips in the mayo/parm mix and then in the breading.
              Place them on a cookie tray, in the oven preheated to 400 degrees for about 20 minutes and the kids loved them!! 
               For a side, I cut potatoes in half, dowsed them in olive oil and a punch of sea salt and, of course, pepper, and put them in the oven with the chicken.  I also made Italian green beans.

             Tomorrow is another day...going to take Cody biking at Fantasy Island...so good for him!  And, we'll move Kimmy's truck over to Fry's in the morning, too....
              Good night,
                        Love,
                                Dave
  

Dove' 'e ora Kimmy?

  Where is Kimmy now?  She has moved to Desert Sky Middle School!  Thanks Mr. Mortenesen!

  I have say...the bambini's and I never fail to shed a tear as we approach this beautiful banner, with our Kimmy smiling at us, willing us to do better and to have a great day!  I was talking to Kim's oncologist, Dr. Taetle, the other day, and told him that each day, I struggled to meet each decision with Kim in mind and to just be a better person.  He advised me that I was setting myself up for failure, that Kim had set the bar too high!

    Anyway, we are doing our best as a family to keep each other up.  Yesterday was a half day, and I picked up the kids and their friend Lexy and we went to see the movie Narnia (I always catch a nice nap at the movies!) - then, the girls wanted to go to their favorite store 'Justice', where they bought new B.F.F. bracelets...Tonio discovered they had Webkins and got a zebra.  He had had a 'sad' day today, missing Mama, so we all took care of him to get him smiling again. We made pizza for dinner and the kids had fun playing...tonight, Skate Country!

    My sister, Lauren, told me that I should photograph and post some of the recipes that Kim used to make and that I am trying to keep alive.  This morning cemented that idea when Janene called and said 'guess what I made last night?'...Chicken Piccata!  This was my absolute favorite dish that Kim would make for me - for my birthday and for any other special occaisions...which she declared often!

    I'll have to get the lighting and presentation down...but there it is, with a little zucchini sauteed in olive oil and garlic and arborio rice.
     So, take 4 boneless chicken breast and pound them!
                   Lightly flour them.
                   Take a 1/4 stick of butter and melt it in a skillet.  Drop at least 2 cloves of garlic in it (minced).
                   When butter is hot, drop in your chicken breasts, add salt and pepper (note my dish of sea salt and ground pepper near the plate, I always keep this ready to go!).
                   Keeping burner on med-high heat, brown both sides of chicken breasts.
                   When they are brown, pour in 1 cup of white wine and 2 tbls of lemon juice.
                   Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink inside.
                   You can serve it like this, or add some capers to the top.
                   Mangia!

          Good morning today and thanks to Angie for inviting me down to Brawleys (best hole in the wall!) for breakfast with Kim and her son Micah, who fed Ernie and the Count pancakes today.  And they even paid, as I had forgotten to bring my wallet...another bizarro moment...

            
  
                       

Her Legacy Lives On...

On the sidebar, there is a link to the Kimberly Conca Memorial Foundation, through the Carondelet Foundation. Clicking the link will take you directly to the donation center, where you can easily: 

1. Donate online via Paypal 

2. By phone (520) 873-5000 or 

3. Print a form to donate by mail. 

Be sure to mention over the phone, or specify the name 'Kimberly Conca' in the memo section on checks or online to be sure that your donation is directed appropriately. 

This is what Kim was all about - giving unselfishly, putting others before herself. This is your opportunity to help us keep her spirit alive by giving to HER foundation.

 We appreciate you all. 

Love, Dave, Cody, Autumn & Antonio

Dove' Kimmy?

  Where's Kimmy?  Right now, she is parked at Cottonwood Elementary school.  When Kim was in the hospital and as the outpouring of support from the community kept on coming, she would often tell me, 'Dave, you have to talk to Ms. Bryson, no, Ms. Bryson and Mr. Mortensen, no, Ms. Bryson, Mr. Mortensen and Mrs. Crain and tell them, wait, no, talk to Mr. Baker and see if he can hold an assembly, I just have to somehow thank everybody for all that they have done...'  She was so overwhelmed by the support she received while in the hospital - she was so selfless and giving, it was hard for her to receive.
    Well, she did not get the opportunity to do that, but, thanks to Sean Smock, the Tucson Toros and the U-haul place at the Rita Ranch Car Wash,  for designing this and getting it produced - and footing the bill!  Sean worked hard with Clearchannel and Tucson Medical Center to try to get one of the billboards on Houghton, but they would not help out.

As Sean, Patti, Melissa, Bill and I hung the banner, I glanced at the sun...and to the right of it, was a small, round piece of a rainbow...I showed it to everyone, never having seen such a thing...it was beautiful.

And thank you from Cody, Autumn, Tonio and me for all of the help you all have given our family...

And then we ran...Cajun, uh, Zona, er, Bella, and I into the desert - we usually stick to the mile trail in the desert just behind our development, but, when we got to the end, at the barb wire fence...we just felt like running...all of us.  So, I carefully lifted Bella through the barbed wire...and she held so still (anyone who has ever met her, knows, she does not hold still.  I think she knew, any sudden movement would have resulted in me getting sliced, not her..) and I climbed through after her and we ran through the desert towards the ever elusive sun...

I do have many stories left...but, I can't seem to get them out right now...something is missing...I'll do my best to continue, when I can...

      Love,

         Dave

Kimmy Sunday...

    Ahhh, and while the NFL continues to play on Sundays, it will remind me of my final night with Kimmy, watching the Eagles beat the Cowboys...great memory.
    We got to go see some pro football over the years.  Mainly, we saw a ton of hockey, having been partial season ticket holders for 5 seasons in Philadelphia, who had just terrible teams back from 1988 - through 1993 when we would see them.  They had just traded 8 players and $15 M in cash to the Quebec Nordiques, in 1992, for Eric Lindros...this lead to the Colorado Avalanche (who Quebec became when they relocated) becoming a dynasty in the NHL and led the Flyers to futile seasons (well, they made the Stanley Cup in 1997 and got completely embarrassed by the Detroit Red Wings getting swept 4 games to 0.  To make matters worse, Kim and I had tickets to game 6.  And even worse, they lost game 4 during my sister Lauren's wedding reception.).  We really enjoyed our hockey and saw a lot when the Coyotes were established in Phoenix (thank you Winnipeg!). 
     Kim and I also saw a lot of baseball, which was much cheaper than football.  We'd go to opening day at the Vet and tailgate - sometimes missing half the game - before going in to watch the Phils kick off their season.  Then, we'd always see the Dodgers (Kim's favorite) at least once and several other games.  We'd also road trip down to Baltimore once or twice a year to see the O's play.  We saw their final series played at Memorial Stadium prior to their move to Camden Yards.  Memorial Stadium was awesome, but it was nestled in a neighborhood and the parking lot was so small, that they would park the cars bumper to bumper.  You couldn't leave early if you wanted to.  My Dad taught us early, to find parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.  I loved walking to the park and seeing all of the vendors and fans streaming in to see the O's.
       As for the Eagles, we did get to see them several times.  Usually braving the December winds and chill. And having to sit about as high as you could in Veteran's Stadium.  The crowds there are very passionate and raucous.  Never saw a game there where a fight did not break out.  Good times.  Then, we'd head over to South St. and hand out at Smokin' Joe's or some other place, eat cheesesteaks and just have a good time.  Out here, we used to see the Cardinals play at ASU stadium.  We'd like to get up there early and hang out with the crowds on Mill Ave.  It was a neat stadium to watch football.  We used to think it was kind of sad that typically half the crowd would be rooting for the visiting team.  We never got to make it to the new stadium up in Glendale.

         Our Sunday was a good one.  I took Autumn and Tonio to church, with Betsey, Brian, Hadley and Mitch.  Then, we all went to Viro's for breakfast.  Amy, Tom and Alex met us there with Cody, who slept over there last night (yes, he was heart broken to have missed Mass this morning!).  And we saw Janene, Brad, Bryson and Caison.  Vito set us up at the special long table - he told us that he had just cleared out some diners who had ignored his 'reserved' signs.  He told them the big boss was coming in for breakfast and would be upset if his table wasn't ready.  Rosa came out and hugged and kissed the bambini's.  Then, we feasted!  Omelets (Christina and Vito Jr. make some awesome made-to-order omelets!), seasoned potatoes, bacon, sausage, etc, etc.  Round 2 - we ate chicken, pork, mashed potatoes and then ate cheesecake for desert!!!  We were all quite round when done.  I always feel better after seeing Rosa, Vito and their team at Viro's.
          On the way home, Angie called and asked if she could come by with Andrea, Janene and Kim to help me clean and organize the house.  I'm not going to turn down that kind of help!  They brought their kids and they all had fun building tents in the living room, having Nerf gun wars and playing outside.  Meanwhile, Angie and her daughters helped me organize and clean...it was incredible!  And it the house needed it!  When we we had enough, I made arborio rice (thanks Rosa and Vito!) and the rest of the chicken piccata and we ate, not as much as for breakfast, but enough!
         I took the bambini's out front to play and poor Mitchell broke both bones in his forearm when he fell off of the monkey bars.  Poor Brian can't get away from TMC hospital! 
         Can't believe this weekend is over already and I'm not ready to part with the bambini's...it's toughest when they are at school.
          "Father, give me the strength, to be everything I'm called to be..."
                                                                    -Sanctus Real

         Love,
              Dave

Fantasy Island

   No, there is no Tatoo, or Ricardo Matablan...just miles and miles of mountain bike trails through pristene desert....Fantasy Island is a mountain bike heaven, bordered on the south by Valencia, east by Houghton, north by Irvington and west by the air force base.  Cody has asked me what I thought our state looked like when the early pioneers came here and I tell him, when we are out in Fantasy Island, that is pretty much what it must have looked like.  When you are out there, you can't see any houses, cars, etc...with stunning views of the Catalina and the Rincon mountains.
    Typically, while riding the winding, up and down trails, we will come in contact with some wildlife.  A roadrunner, jackrabbits as big as dogs, and there are cattle. Sometimes chipmunks, too.
    Several months ago, I want to say it was June or May, I finally got Kimmy to agree to go through Fantasy Island with me.  I have been taking Cody out through the course since he was about 7 years old.  He is incredible.  He has one speed...fast, and we have a great time together out there.  So, on a beautiful day (do we have any other in Tucson?), we set out into the desert.  The folks who built Fantasy Island have done a great job.  This is state game land we are talking about, but there is a contingency of pride and some good people go out there into the desert to maintain landmarks for us novice riders, and keep the trails in good condition.
     When I took Kimmy through, we pretty much had the  course to ourselves.  This was good, as, Kimmy felt she was not prepared.  As we began our passage through this beautiful place and saw chipmunks and jack rabbits, Kim had trouble focusing on staying on the path - there was so much to see!   Kim, of course, viewed every thing she saw with awe and appreciation.  We only had to stop twice for her to catch her breath - pretty normal for this course, and during our stops, she would talk about everything we saw, the pretty little mesquite grove we went through, how isolated from civilization Fantasy Island makes you feel, and how good it was to be out on such a gorgeous day...
      We are riding through, at a good pace, and we pass a huge, black, bull standing beneath the shade of a Palo Verde tree...I'm thinking we are toast, picturing being impaled by the bull's massive black horns.  Instead, we glide right past him...when Kim needed a rest, up ahead, I asked how she kept so calm...she commented that she never saw the bull! And it was within 4' of her!
       Today, the bambini's had a good day!  Cody helped Brian and I lay another layer of block for the nitcho and the helped me sand down the old play set the kids have out back.  Brian's appendix surgery having went well - he is nearly back at 100%.  Tom and I took Alex and Cody through the 5 mile desert course this morning.  Cody is soooo fast!

       After the nitcho, I found out that Kim's banner is ready to fly.  We will rent a truck on Monday and get that put up! 
       Today, I cooked.  I started the bambinis with blueberry pancakes.  For lunch, I made turkey panini's.  Mitch and Hadley were here playing with the kids, and Brian, too.  And then,  seemingly early...so, I made chicken piccata (lemon caper chicken, one of Kim's specialties, and my favorite).   Finally, we went to Betsey and Brian's to unwind with them and Amy and Tom.  Cody is sleeping over at Alex's.  Brian had trimmed down the mat board on one of Kim's paintings for me and put it in frame.  It's of a ballerina dancing (posted a few days ago) and it came out beautiful.  I will hang it in Autumn's room for her to enjoy.
       So, I have the fond memory of riding through that piece of desert, Fantasy Island, with Kimmy that beautiful afternoon...I'm so glad we took that ride...
       
                   Love,
                           Dave
"...through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:3-4 KJV

A roller coaster...

   Yes, today was a bit of a roller coaster...it started well, the bambini's and I having gotten a great night of sleep (with sweet dreams) and they were all happy to be going to school.  Antonio had show and tell today and brought his T-Rex model that Kimmy got him for Christmas from the Discovery Store.  They were happy it was Friday and ready to unwind!
   After we got married, Kim and I went to the Social Security office, that was near Broadway and Alvernon, to have her last name changed...today, I had an appointment to see about benefits for the bambini's.  I arrived at their 'new' office over on Campbell and Prince, at 8:50 and found about 25 people in line, somber faced and chilly.  I joined them. And, three or four people in front of me, I noticed a nice, elderly couple, holding hands...I remember, whenever I'd see such a couple, thinking 'that's going to be Kim and I'...I prayed for them.  And I saw a young couple, near the front of the line, also holding hands...I prayed for them to be cancer free... By 9:00, there were at least 50 of us, lined up like cattle, when a rolly polly securtiy guy emerged and sheepishly greeted us with a 'good morning'.  He explained the rules to us, as if we were inmates: 'no firearms, no boxcutters, no pocket knives allowed...'  Where was I?  Shawshank?  Then, he said anyone with an appointment could join him at the front of the line.  Feeling priviliged, I moved up from #26, to #3!
      As we came in the front entrance, the security guy asked me 'hey, you got a pocket knife?'...I had a flash of the movie 'The Untouchables', the scene where, when cornered by an Italian guy brandishing a knife, Sean Connery's character says 'just like a dago to bring a knife to a gun fight'...an instant later, an Italian across the alley way fills him full of lead from a machine gun...but, I simply answered, 'no'.  Inside, there was a well dressed man at a computer kiosk asking for s.s. #'s.  He entered it and the machine spit out a little confirmation ticket 'yep, you are good to go!', he exclaimed like I had hit the lottery.
      I sat and awaited for my name to be called as the rest of the cattle were herded in.  About 5 minutes later, my name was called.  A young man named Arnold ushered me through a security door...lock down?
     In the back, there were hundreds of cubicles, in varying shades of gray.  Think sterile.  No hint of any human factor in any cubicle as far as my eye could see.  Not a photograph.  Not a comic strip hung up.  Not a personalized mug, desk organizer, nothing.  Sterile.
    On a long enough time line, everyone's survival rate drops to zero.
    Arnold asked me for my marriage certificate, death certificate, photo i.d.  He looked them over and informed me that I needed to complete 7 applications...7.  Two for each kid and 1 for me... and then he began typing frantically.  Occaisonally, he would slow down to ask me a question.  "Ever been convicted of a felony?"  Me: "nope, never caught".   Arnold: "Ever been imprisoned for more than one year?". Me: "no, never that long".  Arnold: "Any outstanding warrants for your arrest?"  Me: "not that I know of".
   All the while, I have our marriage license sitting on the desk, staring at me...and I am remembering our trip to the social security office all of those years ago...and I'm looking at the other empty seat next to me, where Kim should be sitting...and I notice that the license had been witnessed, by Terri, Kim's sister and my Dad, too.  And their was Father Dallmeir's signature...who had helped get us through marriage classes and prepare for our wedding day, keeping us from freaking out and helping us to enjoy the moment.   And I felt gravity slipping...the sterile room changing shape, the tears coming...poor Arnold, desperately typing, trying to not notice how I was feeling...finally, reaching under his desk and coming out with some tissues...Finally, he had me review all copies of all 7 applications, having me sign them and gave me copies, to have.  How I felt was processed.
   Leaving their, a phone call from a friend buoyed my spirits and I was off to Unique Identity, Janene's shop across from the Park Mall.  It's right next door to the Linens 'N Things that I used to manage - they turned it into a humongous Peter Piper Pizza (that's progress!) complete with mini-roller coaster!  Janene did a great job of taming my hair!
   Next, I met with Amanda, over at St. Joseph's - after several weeks of research, I had decided going through St. Joes' would be the best way to help families going through what we did and we are getting closer to the Kimberly Memorial Foundation's launch!  I will post information, hopefully by next week.  The money in the fund will be used to help families, with children living at home, who don't enjoy the wide support that our family is blessed with, to help with groceries, utilities, etc.  Additionally, I will be available to meet with the families, as needed, to help them prepare and know what they are facing, so they are not quite as blindsided as we were - and to be there to talk to for those who are not interested in pyschologists/counseling, like our family.  Autumn even said she and her brothers could play with the kids if they needed someone to play with - she's so sweet, like her Mama.
    So, it turned out to be a pretty good day, overall - I went home, made homemade chicken enchiladas for the first time and then went to pick up the bambini's.  Cody had a good week and was ready for the weekend.  Autumn and her teacher, Mrs. Rudzena, had nearly completed Aut's science fair display board and Antonio, well, Mrs. Schrantz took him to Baskin Robbins, his dream shop, and he tried a new flavor of ice cream - daquiri!  These teachers take such good care of our bambini's!!!
    At home, the kids scarfed the enchiladas - even Cody's friend, Alex ate some.  A success!  I'm getting my cooking groove back!!  This weekend, I told Cody, we need to try brownies.  I realized I don't bake much, as I'm not a big dessert person.  I've only made pizzelles and cannolis over the years...time to branch out.  Maybe cake.  Seems too mundane...maybe tiramasu!  Hadley and Mitch came over and played with Aut and Tonio - they all had fun.  Brian thinks we can get back to the nitcho tomorrow now that his appendix removal has healed sufficiently...
     Anyway, I feel I made some progress for Kimmy today...and the bambini's are good.  Day by day.  I know things can't be the way I want them to be, right now,  but I can be patient, things will work out.
    We are set to have a family movie night now...making more good memories...
     Thanks for listening...
      Love,
              Dave

"Even on a cloudy day....I keep my eyes fixed on the sun" 
                                            - Cage the Elephant

Roadtrips...Florida!

      As I've said before, Kim and I enjoyed taking off for places we had not been to before.  We always enjoyed seeing new places and having fun along the way.  For a while, we had talked about going to Disney World together and started to look at whether we wanted to drive all the way down 95, or fly and have a few extra days in sunny Florida...as it turned out, we did both!
      My mom and dad were supposed to fly to Florida to visit my grandparents, who lived in Stuart, Fla, on the Atlantic coast side of the state.  They had their plane tickets and everything ready, when they were involved in an accident that totaled their car at 8th and Union Blvd.  The crash left my dad in the hospital for a few days and they were both pretty sore...and, they were out of a car.
      My grandfather generously offered to give them his '72 Mustang - and my parents, very generously, gave us their plane tickets so we could fly down and drive the car back!  So we did.  My grandfather picked us up at the Orlando airport and we went to his house in Stuart to stay for a couple of days.  He lived on the golf course in a beautiful little bungalow and regaled us with stories about crocodiles living in the water traps and eating the neighbors poodle.  We swam in the neighbor's pool, but saw no signs of crocodiles.  Plenty of anoles, cute little lizards, running around though and lots of large, exotic bugs.  We also watched our share of the Lawrence Welk Show!  We were able to get to the beach each day we were there and saw some enormous sea turtles that had come up on the beach to lay their eggs - that was incredible.
       Then, we headed to Disney.  My grandfather tipped us off that residents got a great deal on park tickets, so we used the Mustang's registration to get past the ticket police.  We had a blast going through that park!  It is so much larger than Disneyland and we were exhausted at the end of the day...I love the Pirates of the Carribean and Kim's favorite has always been It's a Small World, which I can manage a quick nap in any time I need one!  We went to River Country the next day and spent the day going down the waterslides, working on our tans and swimming.  The final day, we went to Epcot Center and had a lot of fun checking out the exhibits and visiting the different 'countries' that they have set up there.  Unfortunately, this was well before the expansion that saw new parks like the Wild Animal Kingdom, etc., but we still thoroughly enjoyed our time there.  My parents set us up at a hotel in Kissimmee, just a couple of miles away from the park.  We had fun visiting the various restaraunt and night spots in the area.
       We headed back to the coast side and visited Daytona beach, which was really nice and had huge beaches - as we made our way back up the coast, we would occaissonally stop to enjoy some beach time and did this all up Florida, Georgia and the Carolina's before 95 cuts a little too west to make it convenient.  During this trip, we discovered the Waffle House and were instantly hooked!  Back then, there were no Waffle Houses north of the Mason-Dixon line, so we had no idea.  We stopped at as many of them as possible, finding that we loved grits, liked our hash browns covered and smothered and really enjoyed their scrambled eggs with cheese and raison toast (something that Kim ate frequently during her finally days and begged me to make her that final night at 3:30 a.m. in our home).  We thought is was so funny to walk into one and hear all of the help, with their southern accents, yell 'welcome to Waffle House!'.  Once we moved here, we would make it to a waffle house every now and again and always enjoyed it.
        

          Well, the bambini's had another good day...stayed a little late at school, after I forgot to pick them up.  I thought it seemed too quiet around the house...just kidding, ran a little late, for good reasons and scooped them up.  I finally met a man named Pete Inks, too.  Kim used to tell me a lot about a man named Pete that did so much for our school district and was so nice.  She worked with him on projects like Vail Pride Day and school fund raisers.  I never had the chance to meet him and today, while talking to Patti at Cottonwood, a man walked in and said he was here for a 2:30 meeting - I quickly quipped that he had probably missed it, since it was 2:35 (and, as I said, I had never met him!) - he said it was with the principal, Ms. Bryson and Patti told him she would be back around 3.  He said he probably had his time wrong and if she came back to tell her Pete Inks had stopped by.  I introduced myself and Pete could not say enough great things about Kim's exuberance, dedication, attention to detail and compassion - yep, he sure knew Kimmy!  It was good to finally meet him.
         When I got the kids home, Lexy came over and her and Aut did their homework, followed by getting pulled around the park by Bella - I'm not sure who wore who out.  Cody went to our neighbor, Alex's house and I made the kids chicken tacos and salsa.  They sure enjoy their time together.  Gotta love the matching fedoras too!  Autumn just came to check out what I was doing and said 'well, that's not my best picture that you posted!'...she's a piece of work!
         Anyway, Kim and I were able to see the coast of Florida from Miami to Jacksonville - some beautiful beaches and some great times along that state's coast!!
          Love,
                 Dave

Mark 9:23
"If you can" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
        

Bella's view

            I miss my Mama.  I remember the day at B.A.R.K., when this wonderful person picked me up and held me close to her chest, saying nice, soft things into my ear.  And she smelled so good, too! I had this feeling, like I was home. 
           She made such a big deal about me, making me feel so special.  She gave me a spot in her own bed, with a warm blanket and a soft pillow for my little head.  No puppy gets treated like this.  I knew right away that she was a dog person and so full of compassion!
           Mama tried to teach me right from wrong.  I admit that I am a bit nefarious...but sometimes, I get bored and need to get my wiggles out.  I didn't mean to eat through the dining room table's leg.  How did I know it was a family antique?  My little teeth hurt and it felt so good to chew on.  Mama didn't get too mad, she put some stuff on it to make it look better, but I ate that, too.
           The thing that I miss most, is when Mama would get home from work around 11:30 a.m.  She would feed me lunch and tell me about her day.  We'd go out back in the yard and she would throw a ball to me.  Sometimes, she would take me across the street to the park!  I love the park!  The soft, green, grass feels so good on my piggies and the smells, oh, the smells.  I would throw myself down into its lush, green wonderfulness and just roll and roll!  And Mama would let me, actually encouraging me "go crazy, little Bella, go crazy!" she would say.
          She was so tender.  When I was not feeling well, Mama would take care of me.  She would check on me often, to be sure that I was ok.  She would explain to me that if I had thumbs, I could help her with cooking.  Or, if I had thumbs, I could open the door for her when her hands were full.  Or answer the telephone for her.  You get the picture.  She was never mean, nor taunting me about my lack of thumbs, always caring and respectful. Sometimes the kids make fun of me for not having thumbs, telling me things like 'you'll never drive, cuz you don't have thumbs' or, 'you can't even flush the toilet, cuz you don't have thumbs'...not Mama, she would never let me feel bad about having no thumbs...
          Oh, another favorite memory...each morning, Mama would wake up before anyone else in the house.  She would make herself some chai tea and always let me taste it.  Then, she would take her cup of tea onto our back porch and sit to watch the birds....I would try to sit and enjoy what she was enjoying...but, birds make me excited and, although I would try, I couldn't help but leap up and try to make friends with them.  It never worked, they would always fly away.
           And she would always give me treats when I was a good girl.  My friend and neighbor, Amy, made me the best tasting treats with real peanut butter (no nut allergy here!), that I just love - she is so nice to me, too.
                    Now that she is gone, I do my best to keep the little ones in line.  They are a full time job!  I always greet them after their long day in school and love to wrestle the bambini's in the living room.  I yell at them when they get too crazy, too.  They are fun and I love them very much.  I feel it is a big responsiblity for a puppy, but I'm up to it.
          Sometimes, I think I can still feel Mama, here in our home...and it gives me comfort...Credere...

          Love,
                  Bella

The Bambini's Stories...

      Today, I asked the bambini's to think of their 'greatest times' with mama...

      Tonio immediately said 'our times at the beach.  There was the day that I was finding tons of sand crabs and bringing them to Mama to show them to her.  She helped me build a home for them.  I wanted to keep them, but she told me they needed their ocean to live.  So I let them stay.  We took a lot of walks on the beach and found a starfish that was bright red.  I loved to race the waves with Mama...we would get as close as we could and wait for the wave to come, then we would turn around and run so we would not get wet!'.

       Autumn remembered going shopping with Mama.  She loved to go to Pier One and World Market, looking for 'treasures', they would always find something special and would spend hours looking at all of the merchandise and finding great deals.  Autumn loved this one on one time with Kimmy.  She said that they would always stop at Target on the way home and get mango smoothies...

       Cody said that his fondest memory, was when mama came home from the hospital the first time, back on November 4th, having been in the hospital since October 19th, and was feeling pretty good.  They played each other in Guitar Hero for hours.  Cody remembers that Kimmy's favorite song to play, was, Anberlin's 'Feel Good Drag'...He knows she is rocking out in Heaven...

Autumn captured 'Mama in the sunset'...

        Well, today I had a will made...yep, I was told I needed one, despite having no real assets (other than the bambini's!)...and, it felt as though I had become an adult, in that one short hour, that one small transaction seemingly taking me from childhood to adulthood in one swooping moment...I don't know, it's just one of those 'adult' type of things I guess. I still feel like a kid, though, in fact, to this day, whenever somebody calls 'Mr. Conca', I always quick look around for my Dad! Kim kept us feeling young, as do the bambini's, keeping things light, reminding me not to sweat the small stuff - I thought I got it then, but I do now...we're doing our best to have fun and we certainly are enjoying each other.  Little Autumn got her hair trimmed today, and, oh yeah, we had a return of Zohan (but a clean version!), as I performed my first haircut for Antonio!  Cody said it came out nice, and Tonio quickly ran for a mirror to inspect it, came back yelling 'I love it Daddy!  You're the best!', well, that's very nice of them, but you be the judge - let me know the truth when you see him...I know it sure felt good to trim the little guys hair, as a bonding type of moment.  Oh, and I patched my first hole today!  One of the towel hooks in the kid's bathroom, miracously gained flying abilities and tried to leave it's nest...unsuccessfully...so, I bought some joint compound and filled the hole - Kim was so good at filling holes that occured and making them look perfect...we'll see how this one turns out. After Aut's haircut, we ate at Panda Express - these guys love that place!  They all ate ravenously and I just sat quietly, listening to the funny jokes they told (these guys really are hilarious) and watching their body language, expressions and loving them...and, of course, seeing a little Kimmy in each of them...

                     Love,
                               Dave

"He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us."  2 Corinthians 1:3

Agua Caliente

   
     Agua Caliente park...Kimmy's favorite...nestled towards the base of the Catalina mountains in NE Tucson, we found ourselves in this desert oasis several times a year.  There used to be a series of three ponds, linked by a small stream of pristine water, abundant with all types of wildlife - including a kaliedoscope of birds, fish, turtles, bobcats and deer.  We would often stroll the paths between the ponds and found it so relaxing, especially after work.  We once startled a trio of deer eating just off of the path and they stood frozen, for us to enjoy, before taking flight into the mesquite woods.
    This is the spot, we would often come to, to celebrate holidays and special occaisons.  Mother's Day - Kim would like to grab some Subway sandwiches (we'd split a turkey, w/ everything, including jalapenos), take a frisbee and a soccer ball, bring the dog and spend the day.  We'd eat, hike the grounds, let the kids feed the ducks and then play in the large grassy area near the main pond. 
      Just off of this grassy area, is the place that the water originates.  In a cluster of huge palm trees, there is a small pool of bubbling water.  A natural hot spring - the water is typically 76 degrees.  It has small fish in it and there is a stream that runs parallel to the grassy area, followed by palm trees, until it reaches the main pond, some 100 yards away.  That main pond is so incredible, with cat tails clusters and wildlife - and let me tell you, you know that our sunsets are spectacular, catch one while looking out over this pond - it is beyond my abilities to describe, especially when a Great Blue Heron comes in for a landing with the burning red sky in the background...
       This natural bonanza has been her for centuries.  In the late 1800's, it was a mental health rehab.  In the early 1900's, it became a getaway for the stars.  There are a series of buildings that have been erected over the years.  The main building is so eccentric, having been added onto so many times over the years, that it is hard to imagine what it originally looked like.  They have turned it into something of a museum and have old photos of its history.  One of the other buildings is used for class field trips to teach the kids about the animals and fauna that they will enjoy around the park.  We went on a field trip with Cody's class years ago, Kim pushing bambina, Autumn, in her stroller.
       There are grills there, and we used to bring burgers and dogs to cook while the kids kicked a ball around.  And, we've been caught in several downpours there, always looking for a rainbow over that beautiful park.  Lightning storms are surreal to observe from this sanctuary.
      
         Today, the bambini's had another fun day.  We celebrated MLK day by having a dress as your favorite African American day!  I won, showing up as Frank Robinson, one of my favorite Orioles from back in the day, who helped pave the way for African Americans on the field and in the front office.  The kids claimed they didn't have anything to wear - Tonio wanted to be MLK and Autumn, Harriet Tubman,  but I let them off the hook and made them a big breakfast with potatoes, bacon, eggs and vanilla iced coffees.  Mario dropped Lexy off in time to feast with us.  Later, we went down to Angie and Mark's and picked up Breanna, headed to Walgreen's for drinks and snacks (I made sure to do a head count after that excursion!) and then to the Park Mall to meet Janene and her son's, Brandon, Bryson and Caison and their friend, Jackson, to see Yogi Bear, well, the older boys went to see the Green Lantern instead.  Yogi was pretty good, staying true to the old cartoon.  Afterwards, the girls talked me into walking up the mall to the store Justice...Tonio was pretty silent walking into this girls paradise, but soon discovered a section of Webkins and was happy again.  I took the girls and Tonio with me, while Janene stayed to take Cody and her boys with her.

             We all took Bella for a walk, or did she take Autumn and Lexy for a walk?  Tonio and Breanna so enjoy each other's company!  Then, I made the bambini's some pasta (what a surprise) before Andrea stopped in to take her girls home.  I loaded up Tonio and Autumn and headed down to Skate Country, where Janene had taken the boys.  The boys skated for 4 hours!  Tonio headed out for the last two of the session and had fun.  So, it was a good day!  Reaffirming credere, to believe...and thankfully, I believe I will sleep well tonight...
              Oh, back to Agua Caliente park...budget cuts over the last year or so, have seen the park shrink...there is only one, main pond left. So if you have not made it out there yet, get there sooner, rather than later and hopefully, the main portion of the park will be protected for many years to come. The others are just dried up holes that the kids actually enjoy running down into and finding old snail shells.  The gurgling, connecting stream has since dried up.  But the main portion of the park is still beautiful and we hole dear to the memories that we have of our times there as a family...and we'll go there again, soon to see its beauty....
             Love, Dave
"Darkeness cannot drive out darkness...only light can do that"  Martin Luther King

Viva Artista!

       Many of you have seen Kim's artistic abilities, whether she was making flyers for a pancake breakfast, decorations for a classroom, putting together something for Vail Pride Day or drawing a large scale picture of the school for an award...she's always been so very talented...I always loved when she would make something cool for the kids, like a Where the Wild Things Are monster mask for Tonio on 'dress as your favorite storybook character' day.
       In her bedroom, on the third floor in the home she grew up in, Kim painted a whimsical mural on the slanted ceiling.  It featured flying rhinos, with angelic wings, a large, stork like bird, a bean stalk that ended with a large nose (she loved noses, feeling that no two people had the same exact nose) and fluffy clouds, throughout.
     She did a lot of artwork through high school and attend Vocational Technical school studying graphic design.  After high school, she worked for a couple of years and then attended Kutztown University, a beautiful college with brick buildings from the early 1900's.  Her dorm room, located in the Art House, was a large room with ceiling that had to be 20' high!  Her Dad built her a loft that stood about 10' off the ground, large enough for her and her room mate with plenty of room in the middle.  It even had a staircase.  He was an incredible builder, having the foresight to number and label each piece, so when Kim and I transported it up to Kutztown and hoisted the larger pieces up through her window with a rope, we could easily put it together.

     While straightening up today, I decided to see what was under the bed....you would not believe how much stuff Kim had squirrled away under there!  The treasure that I found, were, two of Kim's art portfolios!  The bambini's and I had a nice time looking at each piece and I was able to tell them the story behind them.  My favorite, is of a dancer and Kim had captured her movements in such a way, that her kicking leg, trailing her body, almost has the appearance of a flock of flying birds...very Escher-esque.  I just attempted to insert a couple, but being technologically challenged, I will have to forward them to my blog expert, Ami Bunch, to see if she can put them up so you can see a couple - they are brilliant! 

She could work in any medium, too - oils, pastels, charcoal, clay, wood (she made me an incredible keepsake box and inlaid a tree on the lid using crushed sea shells to make it shine).  My favorite, was a piece she had done for me back in 1987 or so.  It is of a neglected nursery, with a forgotten jack-in-the-box.  The jack-in-the-box has a jester's head and is the saddest jack-in-the-box you have ever seen.  Kim did the piece in washed colors to make it look sad and dismal - a child's favorite toy, no longer loved, left behind when the child grew up and forgot it.  She used red candle wax for the jester's tears...

 Today, we all had a better day...going to Mass together at St. Pius, unfortunately, Father Harry was not there today.  Then, we went to eat the incredible breakfast buffett at Viro's Italian Bakery and visited with Rosa and Vito (Vito had me bouncing off the walls making me two cappuccino's, one with a sprinkling of cocoa on it!). You know, we all just feel better after a visit with Rosa, Vito and his wonderful team! When we got home, Mario dropped Lexy off to play with Autumn and, it was such a beautiful Sunday, that we went out front so the kids could play.  Tom, Amy and Brian joined me and we soaked up the beautiful sunny day, so reminiscent of Kim's final Sunday with us...We did a little grilling, hot dogs and burgers.  At one point, I took some recyclables into the garage and caught a glimpse of the sunset...I raced inside, told Tonio, Aut and Lexy to hurry out front and we stared in awe at the display of pinks and reds and purples...I told them to enjoy every moment of it, as we have the most beautiful sunsets of anywhere I've ever been...  the girls played until Andrea came by to take Lexy home.

        Kim's artwork certainly inspired us today...and, I also uncovered some artwork she had done for a children's book. 

Our idea was, that I would write a children's story and Kim would illustrate it...I don't remember what ever happened to the text of the story, but I found two completed, color characters that Kim had done for our story, set here in Arizona, featuring a prospector and his little sidekick, a bird like figure.  She had also done some sketches for other characters, as well.  We never got to finish our story, deciding to populate our home with the bambini's, instead, making a real-life children's story...one we are still writing....
        Love,
               Dave

Philippians 1: 3   I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.