Jaden’s Extreme Team Reveal

I did not do a post last night.  Because of pure exhaustion.  Yesterday was the final day of the Extreme Team project for Jaden.  We had alot to get finished for the live TV broadcast of the reveal at 6:30 pm.

My morning started with a very rude awakening to a snow storm that dumped 10+ inches of snow overnight, my hubby waking me at 4 am stating I had 30 minutes to get ready because of the storm we were driving to Jaden’s together, Oh and by the way, our pipes froze with the sub zero temps overnight, so I could not take a shower.

I am thinking to myself ~ What?  it’s 4 am and I am already exhausted due the last three days on this project and I can’t take a shower to wake up, let alone smell better.  Dear Lord, Please make sure my favorite coffee barista can make the drive into work, so I can at least have a good cup of  joe…

We arrive at Jaden’s right around 5am, it is still snowing and the wind is blowing like crazy.  Monte fires up the skid to do some major snow removal, so all the volunteers, and work trucks can park.  Let alone tring to minimize tracking in so much snow in the house.

Our Extreme Team leader, Mark Peterson is doing a live weather feed from Jaden’s front yard.  Deacon, our general contractor on the project in now turning the new addition that was built into a “cutting” room, due to the fact that weather conditions outside now will not allow for cutting all the trim that must get installed.  Needless to say, the weather created many issues, but we were all determined to get it done.

We were still doing last minute touch ups seconds before Jon, Brooke and Jaden walked through the front door (the above picture).  There was so much excitement in the air.  We just wanted them to come inside and be happy.

They did…  They were…  We laughed… We cried…

This is Jaden’s new therapy room.  He loves to swing.  A special swing was installed.  The cool thing is that a pole was also installed outside, so his swing can be moved outside when the weather is nice.  Also, this will hold 2000#, so Jon and Brooke can swing with him also and Jaden’s stays safe.

The kitchen was totally remodeled.  Imagine, the original kitchen was much smaller.  There was a wall that originally stood in the middle of the island.  Then imagine it had three different elevation, which made it impossible for Jaden’s wheelchair.  One wish, Brooke had, was to have a double sink, so it would be easier to clean and sanitize Jaden’s feeding tubes.  Well, she not only got a double sink, she also got a dishwasher.  I just can’t imagine, thinking of a double sink as making my life easier to care for my child.  Can you?

This is the new addition.  Previously, they were carrying Jaden up very steep and narrow stairs.  Now the new addition, puts there bedroom on the main floor.  Plenty of room for Jaden’s wheelchair.  The Tin Roof stepped up and donated the headboard, end table, lamps, artwork and bedding.  Walkers Furniture donated a new lowboy dresser.  This is a very pretty room and peaceful.

As promised, here is the artwork I worked on all week.  This was truly a labor of love.  I wanted it to tell a story this families journey.  Not just to now, but the continued journey they have together.  There are a lot of details in the piece that really do not show up in this photo.  But all in all, it was received well.

This project was a blessing and a privilege to be apart of,  I so hope we get an opportunity to work on another one in the future.

Ta Ta For Now