In Memory of Murphy

On Monday, May 11th, the Weidenfelds lost their beloved Murphy. He had been suffering from cancer for the past 3 years. Although his last surgery was successful, Murphy's body continued to be riddled with tumors. During his last few weeks, he had lost some mobility and stopped eating.

Murphy came to live with Rob & Patti back in May of 1994. He was Rob's graduation gift to Patti, and ended up being Patti's first dog. Rob had kept his eye on the cute and fluffy white furball at the pet shop at the Boulevard Mall for several months. There was just something about him. However, he started out at $650, which was just too much for a couple of college kids. With each new week, as he grew a little older, the price began to drop. Rob continued to check in on him. By May, he was on clearance for a whopping $99. SOLD!

As the Weidenfeld family grew with Hannah & Eva, Murphy's sense of protection and curiosity also grew. He was frequently found napping next to sleeping babies. He demonstrated nothing but patience with the girls as they went through their toddler years, often dressing him up, having tea parties with him, reading stories to him, or trying to ride him like a pony.

Murphy loved a great party and was usually found cuddled up next to a guest on the couch. The holidays were one of his favorite times. He seemed to know that all of those wrapped presents under the tree were just begging to be ripped open. Murphy also enjoyed swimming and especially loved lazy days spent in the jacuzzi.

His eyes would light up when favored friends and family would visit. He was spoiled regularly with table scraps and other treats. He had a way of winning over even the most ardent non-dog people.

Murphy will always be remembered for his charming personality, his love of company, and his laps in the pool. He had a way of creeping into almost every picture snapped or video recorded. His happy smile will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Murphy - December 3, 1993 - May 11, 2009

In Like a Lion.....

March

Patti attended the Tribal Massive bellydance event at the Boulder Station. She was inspired to try new styles of her favorite form of dance and even discovered some new performers to check out. This led right into her troupe's show at the Boulder City Renaissance Festival. It ended up being much colder than expected for that evening's performance, but even with frozen toes, the Desert Stars went on. By the middle of March, Whitney Ranch Rec Center hosted a spring recital in which Patti and her troupe danced.

Rob's sister Kim came to visit for a few days early in the month. She stayed with Rob's mom, Kay. They were able to catch up on things and spend lots of quality time together. The whole family enjoyed Kim's visit and looks forward to her return.

Mimi, the family beagle, celebrated her 5th birthday this month. While she is still feisty, she has matured somewhat. One thing owning Mimi has taught the Weidenfelds: Beagles are just plain CRAZY!

March was quite a month for Hannah. For starters, her symphonic band performed in a big city-wide band festival. She was elated when they received "superior" ratings. To add to her momentum, she was chosen as a Student of the Month by her math teacher. Once again, Rob & Patti went to the celebration breakfast to watch Hannah receive her award. Towards the end of the month, Hannah joined her 7th grade class for a special trip to Knott's Berry Farm.

Eva made a big decision this month to switch guitar teachers. She had been with Miss Pam since last June, going to weekly half-hour lessons. While she and Pam had a great relationship, Eva felt she was ready to be challenged and to learn new techniques. She had also officially reached her one year anniversay since she started taking lessons. Rob searched high and low before settling on a teacher from Australia. Eva and Adam hit it off right away and after only two weeks, she switched to weekly hour-long lessons.


April

Bellydance season was now here and Patti had several performances this month. Her troupe is also in the process of developing their website (thanks, Rob!) and preparing for their big trip to CA in June for the Cairo Carnival.

Over Spring Break, the Weidenfelds took advantage of the time off and completed some projects around the house. It was a good feeling to get things done and checked off of their "to do" lists. They also spent lots of time with family and friends. They had a crazy night out with Kim & Jay, spent fun times with Sean, Becky, and family, went dancing, watched movies with the girls, and introduced as many people as possible to their new favorite movie, Repo! The Genetic Opera. Before the break was over, Sasha, the family's chow mix, turned 10.

A select group of beginning band students were invited to perform for the incoming 6th graders night at Bob Miller Middle School. Eva was among that group. It was hard for everyone to believe that it had already been a year since they were last there, watching Hannah play as Eva sat in the stands.

The Weidenfelds discovered a posible new Earth Day tradition as they were suckered in to seeing Disney's new environmental animal movie, Earth. The movie was amazing on the big screen and definitely will be one that they add to their dvd collection. But while trailers played, they saw that for Earth Day 2010, Disney will release another environmental animal movie, Ocean. Looks like you can count them in for that one, too. Oh well, at least some trees were planted for each ticket they bought......right?

Winter with the Weidenfelds

December 2008

As the month began, the family celebrated Murphy's 15th birthday. This was something no one was sure they would see. Murphy is a bichon frise and the eldest of the Weidenfeld's dogs. He has had some rough times in recent years and currently has cancer, arthritis, and glaucoma. But his big day was definitely a special event that the whole family rejoiced in.

The Christmas season brought a record-breaking snowfall to the entire Las Vegas and Henderson area. There was so much snow on the ground, that the Clark County School District actually shut down for one day. The last time that happened was in the 1970s. School concerts were postponed and the whole city felt like a ghost town as people stayed close to home to enjoy the winter wonderland. The girls made snowmen and had the traditional snowball fight, while Rob & Patti cozied up by the roaring fire. It didn't last long, but it was quite an unforgettable night!

New Year's Eve, the Weidenfelds once again held their "Up All Night" party. The Joneses and Allens helped to ring in 2009. Patti's cousin JM and Uncle Phil even stopped by for a spell. The usual karaoke and Rock Band festivities took place in addition to some other games, while champagne and sparkling cider were chilled for the big countdown.

The next morning, everyone who had spent the night gathered in the living room in their pj's and watched random TV shows from "Let's Make a Deal" to "Best Year Ever" to "The Video Game Awards." As no one was in a hurry to get home, a leisurely breakfast melted into a very late lunch. Gradually, their friends began to pack up their belongings, but not before Rob said, "This feels like a commune!"


January 2009

Just as everyone was beginning to get used to sleeping in, school was back in session. January started off with Eva receiving an award from her computer sciences teacher. She and her parents were invited to join the other Students of the Month for a breakfast celebration one morning before school.

Patti also officially began her master's program this month. She will have a total of 12 classes between now and Dec. 2010. It is an on-line program through Touro University. Each class is approximately 5 to 6 weeks in length, with 1 to 2 weeks off in between. She was excited to finally begin, but also slightly anxious about the committment required. You can do it, Patti!

Murphy faced a slight setback in the middle of January. He had to endure another surgery to remove a tumor. Thankfully, he recovered quickly and to everyone's surprise, was running circles around the downstairs within a few days (and once all of the drugs had worn off!).

The 31st saw the long-awaited and much anticipated return of Movie Nights at the Weidenfelds. A friend of Rob's had made a documentary about his quest for enlightment and the spiritual journey it took him on. Several months before, Rob and Patti had been invited to a private screening of the film's first cut. As it was edited, more feedback was needed for the film maker. So with a room full of friends in tow, Metaphysia was viewed followed by a lively discussion. Hopefully, it should soon be coming to a theater near you.


February 2009

The Joneses hosted this year's Superbowl party. Seeing as how everyone was rooting for the Steelers, Rob decided to go with the obvious underdog and cheered the Cardinals on to an "almost" victory. There were many close calls, but in the end, the commercials were definitely the winner. The girls seemed less interested in Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl than in past years, (a sure sign that they aren't little anymore), but did go crazy for Kathryn's new pet guinea pig, Lola. While the Springsteen half-time show didn't do much for the Weidenfelds, Sean certainly enjoyed the performance. Yes Sean, you were born in the USA.

After all of the excitement with the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, this year's Oscar race was not to be missed. Once more, the Weidenfelds rolled out their red carpet and Hollywood bling for the big show. Ballots were cast and dollars were collected, but in the end, Patti once again walked away as the clear-cut winner. (Anyone else think this is fishy?)

Patti also saw the end of her very first class before the month was out. When asked how she thought it went, she said, "That wasn't so bad...only 11 more to go." Now that's positivity!

So Much to be Thankful For...

Realizing that Halloween was on a Friday this year, the Weidenfelds celebrated with a first ever All Hallows Eve party. The ladies of the house made sure that every room had a creepy allure. Rob crafted a delightfully devilish invitation. Ghoulish recipes were cooked up. Scary movies were rented. With costumes and candy in hand, the party was on! Will there be a 2009 celebration? Stay tuned for details... (See photos from this event under the photo link.)

For Veteran's Day Weekend, the Weidenfelds headed to Disneyland with the Joneses for some Mickey Mania. The families enjoyed 3 fabulous days at both parks. (To see just how much FUN was had at the Happiest Place on Earth, check out the photo link.)







November was also the month that Hannah got braces. She is adjusting fairly well, now only complaining about 2 hours a day. The orthodontist is estimating that she'll be a metal mouth for the next 18-24 months. The girls fell victim to the hype surrounding the new movie Twilight, seeing it opening weekend. (More on this in a soon-to-be published Patti blog.) Finally, Hannah and Eva earned invitations to Bob Miller Middle School's Straight "A" Luncheon at the Green Valley Ranch Resort. Way to go, girls!

Thanksgiving weekend had the Weidenfelds carrying on with their tradition of decorating for the Christmas holiday. It was stretched out to a three day event, but by Sunday evening, everyone was able to enjoy the warmth of the fire and the twinkling tree lights. There really is "no place like home for the holidays."

A message from The Weidenfelds:

As we sat together around our Thanksgiving table this year, surrounded by loved ones, dear friends, and scrumptious food, we took a moment to realize how very blessed we are. Things may not always work out as we would like them to. People may let us down. The world may seem like it is about to fall apart. But at the end of each day, we have eachother...and that is what truly matters. May your holiday season bring you much love and happiness.

Where Did the Time Go?

It is hard to believe that the Weidenfelds haven't been up to anything since early August, so let's check in with everyone to see what has been occupying their time.

Eva:

• Attended the Miller Middle School Summer Insititute in August
• Started 6th grade, has 2 accelerrated classes, made it into beginning band- percussion
• Finally gets to ride the bus to school each day
• Traveled to Catalina Island w/ her science class for a 3 day oceanographer trip in October
• Got an electric guitar for her 12th b-day (currently working on Stairway to Heaven)
• Was a Gothic Mummy for Halloween

Hannah:

• Started 7th grade, has 4 accelerrated classes, in Symphonic Band- percussion
• Reunited w/ Eva on the bus rides to and from school
• Got a Nintendo DS for her 13th b-day (currently trying to beat Cooking Mama)
• Attended first ever high school football game and played w/ her band at halftime
• Had 2 teeth pulled, got braces
• Was a Graveyard Fairy for Halloween

Patti:

• Began her new job as a Special Ed. Facilitator in August
• Attended her 20 year high school reuinion in early October
• Spent 3 days in Sunset Park for the annual Renaissance Festival dancing w/ the Desert Stars
• Had a Fall Bellydance Recital
• Took the BIG leap and applied for Master's Degree w/ Touro University
• Was a nurse for Halloween

Rob:

• Celebrated 41st b-day w/ a showing of The Pineapple Express & the sounds of cover band Yellow Brick Road
• Created a book cover for long-time friend Ron G. (Snapshots at St. Arbuck's...check it out at barnes&noble.com & amazon.com)
• Began a trek into DJ territoty featuring a World Music Vibe
• Went back to the drawing board and created a CD cover for Ron G's Christmas album (An Evening In December...available on dreamchasermedia.org & cdbaby.com)
• Was an in-patient for Halloween

Pictures of many of these and MORE will be available SOON under the photo link...

Baja Mexico Cruise

With the approval of Rob's league of doctors, the Weidenfelds headed to San Pedro, CA on the 21st of July for their Royal Caribbean family cruise. Rob's mom joined them on a four-night sailing to Mexico. Although Patti had sailed several times previously with her parents, this was the first cruise for Rob, Hannah, Eva, and Kay.

They boarded the Monarch of the Seas, one of the fleet's smaller ships that holds about 2,744-guests. After finding their luggage in their adjoinging cabins on Deck 10, and marveling at their spacious verandas, it was time for a mandatory life jacket exercise. And then they were OFF!

As the second day was spent in San Diego, CA, most people stayed on-board. There were activities going on non-stop, so there was plenty to do. Rob was almost in a sexy man-leg contest, but backed out at the very last second. (Chicken!) Rob and Patti also took a dip in the chilly pool, did a lil' exercising, and detoxed in the sauna before getting "glitzed up" for Formal Night.

Day three was spent on the beautiful island of Catalina. After a brief ferry ride, they toured the city and ate lunch at Joe's Cafe'. The Weidenfelds also did a snorkeling excursion in Lover's Cove, in the city of Avalon. Snorkeling was the definite highlight of the trip for everyone! Patti almost didn't do it, but was extremely grateful to have been talked into it afterwards. Eva and Rob went under with their snorkeling gear, while Hannah and Patti stayed on the surface.

The next morning brought everyone to Ensenada, Mexico. Rob's mom ventured into the heart of the city with the family. Although the sidewalks weren't exactly "wheelchair friendly," Mom managed to see most parts of the city. Mexico left everyone feeling a bit depressed as there is just so much poverty at every turn. Still, there was some good shopping, food, pharmacies, and plenty of mariachi bands.

Dinner each night featured a bounty of choices, even for the vegetarians in our group. While Hannah and Eva spent their evenings doing scavenger hunts or in Club Fuel, the tweens-only club, Rob and PJ spent many hours in The Circuit Lounge, singing karaoke and later on, dancing the night away. No one experienced any sea-sickness (thankfully).

Although the last morning was crazy with deboarding procedures and what-not, everyone was sad to leave. They were just getting into the "cruising lifestyle" and making friends when it was time to pack it all up. With that being said, this will most definitely NOT be the Weidenfelds last sailing. Until next time...

(Once again, cruise photos are ready for viewing under the photo link.)

Hospital Horrors

(The Cliff Notes version of the worst week for the Weidenfelds)

On Monday, June 30th, Rob was taken to the ER at St. Rose Sienna (about 10 mins. from their home) in the morning for severe stomach pains. Late the night before, he had fallen down the stairs. While he and Patti initially thought he had injured something internally from the fall, the doctors suspected it was his appendix.

By 2p.m. it was confirmed. His appendix had to go. Although he was in a beautiful room for one by dinner time, the surgery didn't happen until well after midnight. Afterwards, the surgeon told Patti that Rob's appendix was actually gangrene, and one of the "worst" he had ever seen. He said that the fall had nothing to do with it.

Patti spent the night with him at the hospital, although neither of them really slept. The next day was very touch and go for Rob. He had several complications develop after the surgery; one of them relating to low blood pressure.

By Wednesday, Rob seemed to be improving. His vitals were finally stabilizing and he was up and moving about, although he ran a fever off and on all day. Somehow, through some poor judgement call, he was released late Wed. night. That evening at home, however, was a nightmare! Rob couldn't sleep. He ran a high fever all through the night. He couldn't breathe. It was awful!!!

The next day Patti called the surgeon to express her concerns and was told to take Rob in for a chest x-ray. Around 5p.m. they found out that Rob had bi-lateral pneumonia. There was also a scare about a possible blood clot in one of his legs at that point. He was admitted later that night to St. Rose San Martin (about 30 mins. from their house---the Sienna campus was apparently lacking any open beds).

Rob's pneumonia was pretty bad; he was given several breathing treatments and put in isolation when he was first admitted. Thankfully, the blood clot did not pan out.

By Friday afternoon, he underwent thoracentesis, also known as a "lung tapping." This painful and invasive procedure allowed the doctors to drain one of Rob's lungs. However, the decision was made to let the antibiotics work on the other lung. Since he was responding well to his meds, he was moved to a normal room again.

Saturday and Sunday brought hope for everyone. Rob was walking often, eating well, and showing overall signs of improvement. When there was talk of releasing him again on Sunday, he and Patti had obvious concerns. They had just gone through this a few days before. But the doctors were reassuring and Rob was anxious to recover in his own home.

So by Sunday evening, July 6th, Rob began the slow process of regaining his strength at home. That second week was not easy, but with each new day, Rob was able to do a little more. By the 18th of July, he was given the a-okay from his doctors for the family's first cruise the follwing week.

(The Weidenfelds would like to thank their family and friends who visited Rob or who helped out in numerous ways while they went through this horrible ordeal. You know who you are and we love you all very much!)

Camping FUN

Towards the end of June, the Weidenfelds headed to Zion National Park for a quick get-away with their friends, Rick, Kim, & Nick Blanc. The families decided to stay up at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch & Resort for two nights. However, the Blancs chose to rough it in their tent, while the Weidenfelds opted for a very cozy cabin.

On Sunday, the 22nd, they all toured Zion and went on a hike up to the Gateway of the Narrows. The cool river kept the temperature very comfortable and made it hard to leave. It was about another 30-45 min. drive from the park to the ranch. Everyone was checked in by 7p.m. Rick & Kim amazed the Weidenfelds with their grilling set-up. After a hearty dinner, the families stayed up late, star-gazing, swatting at critters, and sharing spooky stories.

The 23rd was Patti's birthday, and her goal for the day was horseback riding. Kim, Nick, & Hannah joined her for the hour long ride. Rob, Hannah & Eva also went on the zipline at the resort. It was a thrilling experience for them! Later that day, everyone took a refreshing dip in the two-level pools. The day ended with a delicious dinner at the Buffalo Reserve Restaurant.

After another wonderful home-cooked breakfast by the Blancs, it was time to say farewell. While they stayed in Zion for another day, the Weidenfelds drove north to Cedar City for the Utah Shakespearean Festival. They saw an afternoon performance of The Taming of the Shrew, then toured Cedar City for several hours before heading home.

(Pictures from the Zion trip are up for your viewing pleasure.)

School's Out for Summer

It might have been the last full month of the school year, but May was jam-packed with festivities for the Weidenfelds. Rob had several photo/video jobs to finish during the month. Patti's dad came home for a couple of weeks. Family friend, Marion, came to town for a visit and was able to stay with Rob's mom. The family's RAV4 was in a small accident. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the car was in the repair shop for 3 weeks. A Dunkin' Donuts truck cut a slice on the passenger side of the car from the rear all the way to the front. The driver didn't even realize what had happened until Rob chased him down.

Patti continued to have a busy schedule with bellydance performances in Boulder City, at Henderson's ArtFest, and Newton Elementary's Multi-Cultural Night. In the midst of all of this Patti managed to find her new position as an SEIF for the following school year. She will be at Sawyer MS three days a week and at Jydstrup ES two days a week as the Special Education Instructional Facilitator beginning in August.

Eva began guitar lessons with a new teacher and found that it was a better match for her. She and Patti went on another overnight school trip. This time, the two headed off to the Ocean Institute at Dana Point, CA with Eva's GATE teacher. Eva also had DARE graduation, her final Field Day, and a softball game between the 5th graders and the staff. (The teachers won, just for the record.)

Hannah and Eva both had spring concerts at their schools. Hannah kept busy with her friends and her school projects. She also continued to keep the rest of the family up on the latest fashion trends and Hollywood news.

As June began, Rob and Patti joined Hannah and Eva for some retro rollerskating at Doris French's Skate Night. Rob showed off his fancy moves while the girls hid. The next day was the final day of the school year. Eva had a graduation/awards ceremony. Hannah just had final exams. For Patti, it was difficult to say good-bye to the school she has been at for the past 10 years.

A Great Start to 2008

January began quietly for the Weidenfelds. Hannah experienced her first of many semester exams and actually held a study session at the house. She assured her parents that amidst all of the giggling, some notes did get reviewed. Rob had a near brush with jury duty that was put on hold for another month. The entire family got politically active and attended a caucus. Rob was even named a delegate for presidential candidate Ron Paul. By the end of the month, the family had made arrangements to move Rob's mom, Kay, out of the LA area and closer to them.

A Superbowl party kick-started the very busy month of February. Patti rooted for the Giants in support of her dad's homestate, while Rob went with Patriots; obvioulsy a bad call for him. Eva's class threw a Poetry Cafe' and invited the families. Her teacher transformed their classroom into a true beatnik experience, complete with candle lighting, tie dye tapestries, coffee and muffins, and cool jazz. The kids each took to the mic to share their original pieces. Rob and Patti had a rare night out on the town courtesy of Patti's cousin Gina. The couple went to see the Beatles Cirque du Soleil show, Love, at the Mirage. Rob was finally excused from the dreaded service of jury duty, but it wasn't without a true Law and Order moment. Since Patti's dad had received several screeners from the Screen Actors Guild, they decided to have some movie nights to prepare for the upcoming Oscars. Each weekend featured a different nominated film and a few friends. The annual Oscar party was then held, and this time around, a new winner took home the bounty....Becky Jones. Patti and Sean were a close tie for second place, however. (Until next year's race, dear friends.) The morning after the Academy Awards, Rob left bright and early for LA to get his mom packed up and moved out to Vegas. It was a quick trip, but the two arrived safe and sound.

Kay moved into her new condo on March 1st. That same weekend, Patti had a bellydance show at The DaVinci Experience. As the presidential canidates began dropping out and the media continued to ignore Ron Paul's over-whelming support, Rob lost faith in the American voting system and decided not to attend his convention as a delegate. Eva finally began guitar lessons. She bought a guitar with her Christmas money and had been waiting patiently for her parents to find the right instructor. Spring Break was spent at home, catching up on many assorted projects and helping Mom get settled into her new place. Easter was also relatively quiet this year, spent with Mom. Rob and Patti celebrated the 18th anniversary of their first date with what else: dinner and a movie. Hannah received some exciting news from her band teacher. She was asked to join Symphonic Band for her 7th grade year, therefore bypassing the middle step of Concert Band. Rob, of course, was elated for her. Eva attended an Open House night at Miller Middle School for incoming 6th graders. She made her decision on which classes she hopes to take next fall. Hannah was also invited to perform with select members of her beginning band class that evening.

As Spring dawned, Patti began looking over the CCSD transfer lists for a new position next school year. So far, it has been a slow going process. (Stay tuned for updates on the News page.) Bellydance has also been a big part of the month, as Patti has had several shows, from Coronado High School's night to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Ranch, to the Heritage Days Parade (see video link for a newsclip of Patti at the parade), to the International Food Festival in Downtown Henderson, and finally, the annual spring recital at Whitney Ranch, which Rob also filmed. Somehow, the Weidenfelds managed to throw a Rock Band Party, also. Thanks to everyone who came and rocked, but especially to the Allens for providing the atmospheric smoke machine and concert lighting. It was the perfect touch! (Pictures from that outrageous evening can be viewed under the photo link.) Rob and Patti were also able to attend Eva's overnight class trip to Sea World. Rob shot video to make a DVD for the students. Patti helped chaperone. It was an awesome experience and brought new meaning to the phrase "sleeping with the fishes."