How many years?

So, as another sleepless night slipped by me, a crazy thought popped into my head. Maybe I should begin to put to good use some of this wasted time..perhaps I can begin to blog again.
It's been several years since I've given thought to posting another blog.. One reason is that I feel my writings are pretty dull compared to most and who in their right mind would want to sit and take the time to read about the daily occurrences of the boredom in my life.. and Secondly..that dreaded but important thing that most of us lack..time. Who has time to sit and write when there is a bathroom that needs to be scrubbed or a floor that's begging to be vacuumed?
But, here I am attempting to get back into the swing of writing..and..whether I post or not again?? We will just have to see. A lot has happened since 2008/2009 and hopefully the mood will strike me to begin to blog again.

J

Memorial Butterfly Release

Registration has officially started for the Katie Elise Lambert Foundation's Memorial Butterfly Release and Safety Event on August 14th at Jeanes Hospital in Philadelphia. If you would like to take part in this special event by releasing a Monarch butterfly in memory of/or in honor of someone, please go to our website and complete the registration form by July 24th; butterflies are limited. In addition to the butterfly release, there will be entertainment/crafts for the kids, yummy food and other non-profit booths there who will be spotlighting their messages.
Please visit Katie Elise Lambert Foundation for Child Safety to learn more about us and our mission to protect children from furniture tip-over.
Thank you.

Memorial Butterfly Release 2010

The Katie Elise Lambert Foundation's Memorial Butterfly Release is rapidly approaching on August 14th, 2010. It will be held along the walking trails of Jeanes Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia. For more information and if you would like to honor and remember a loved one by releasing a Monarch Butterfly, please check www.katieeliselambert.org

Here is a slideshow from last year's event.

Caught in the Act!

So, Miss Deer.  You seem to enjoy the taste of not only our lilies, but ALL of our newly planted flowers in our front garden. Now we know who's been leaving just the green stems recently. You've been caught eating my flowers...ears, paw sand fluffy, white tail. I hope you enjoyed EVERYTHING!

THE END

Almost 2 years ago we found a new friend and what was to soon become an unexpected member of our family. Stuck in our skimmer was a leopard frog desperately trying to make an escape. Big B rescued it and we placed in in our smaller, non-chlorinated pool. It stayed throughout the day and after much begging by the kids I went off to Petsmart to learn what I could find about keeping this frog. The news was gloomy at best and I broke it gently to the boys that due to probable ingestion of chlorine the frog would probably die within 24 hours. This is what the nice people at the pet store told me. But I had to fight to try to keep it alive. So home I went with a new tank, gravel and various other paraphenalia that only a frog could love. you may find pictures here.http://alookintomyopenwindow.blogspot.com/2008/07/just-another-day.html. It's been almost 2 years since we added Murky to our family. The manager at Petsmart was incorrect in his assumption and the frog has remained healthy and seemed comfortable and happy. About a month or so ago though, Murks decided to stop eating. Those yummy crickets that he or she once hunted with gusto stayed in the tank, untouched by a frog's tongue. The past day or day his body has swollen and his skin has changed color. Although frog's can get swollen bellies from a certain bacteria that they are prone to, this is different.
The boys are aware that Murky is dying and it's very sad. As I sit here typing, his swollen body floats listlessly as his eyes open and close ever so slowly. I've been praying for this little frog and I've asked the kids to add him to their prayers,,,that he is not suffering. I've even shed a tear or two for the frog that has brought us so much fun. It's okay Murky. If there is a place in Heaven for frogs you will soon be there.
J

To blog or not to blog

Jeez, it's been a long time since I have last posted. Did anyone miss me? I'm not sure how to start a posting that is way overdue without taking up too much space and unecessary details so I will give just the highlights...and maybe some lowlights too.

I think my last post was sometime in the early Fall...now that's pretty depressing. We've been through two seasons, countless holidays and many loads of laundry have been done since then.

Let's see, where to start. Well, we are all okay. Big B is still...Big... but actually growing smaller. He's lost some weight, by choice and he's looking very nice lately. Little B..well, is geting bigger. He's adjusting to 7th grade, getting good grades and has started playing baseball again. E is doing well, playing ball, involved in cub scouts and was just nominated for the National Young Scholar Association or something. Pretty cool. S is still S. She's in kindergarten and loving each moment of it..except when she ends up on "red." She's had some learning difficulties this year but I will save that for another post. She's taking swimming lessons and is learning to finally swim without a vest. I worry so much because of our pool and her arm and she really needs to know how to swim.

I'm doing okay,,still the same. I try my best to get through my days without being too bad of a mom. I still think of my Katie and what she would be doing right now, how she would look and what she would like and dislike. I miss her terribly. We still run the Foundation http://www.katieeliselambert.org/ which helps. We just did the Baby and Toddler Expo this past weekend and are preparing to exhibit at the Greater Philadelphia's Chapter of the Autism Society this Sunday at the Philadelphia Zoo.
I'm presently working as a substitute nurse in our local school district.
So, the question is, do I continue to blog or just stop altogether? I guess we all just need to stay tuned.
J

Wal-Mart

I finally figured out today how Wal-Mart makes their money. So you find a great shirt..and it's only $5.00! So, instead of buying 1 shirt for S, I end up buying 3 shirts and a pair of shoes for her because the first shirt was only 5 bucks. I still end up spending and arm and a leg in the store. UGH!

Vacation

We are presently enjoying an eagerly anticipated vacation at Long Beach Island, Nj. We arrived on the 22nd and will be here until the 5th. We have been keeping so busy that today I had a fleeting thought about going home to rest. : ) The weather has been great with just one day of intermittant storms and rain so far. But even that couldn't keep us home. We spent that day climbing Barnegat Lighthouse. I think we are all a bit tired but life is good.

The only downfall to this vacation thing is having to board our two dogs. We've never left them for this long before and I am missing them. They are hopefully, being well taken care of at the Petsmart Pet Hotel. Today, though I got a call that the two had a small fight with each other. We have them in two large, back -to- back cages with the middle separation opened so they can be with each other and walk into each other's cages. They are separated only during feedings. Apparently they finally got annoyed with each other and JD nipped Buddy's ear. Needless to say they're separated now.

Enjoy the pictures.

J

A Butterfly in our Heart

On August 8th, The Katie Elise Lambert Foundation held a Memorial Butterfly Release in Philadelphia. Over 300 people joined us that afternoon and over 100 butterflies were released in memory of our loved ones. During the weeks prior to the event we invited the public to join us in remembering those whose spirits remain in our hearts but are no longer with us physically. I received many butterfly requests...from parents who had lost children, children who had lost parents, friends who lost friends, wives who lost husbands and the list goes on.

I prayed that the event would touch and comfort those who were still grieving.

We were so blessed to have had several organizations present sharing their expertise including:

http://www.safekids.org/, http://www.luluslullaby.com/, The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Autism Society, Burholme Ambulance and The Philadelphia Fire Department, Engine 56. I thank them all for participating in our event. They were all wonderful. I also want to extend a huge thank you to http://www.jeanes.com/ ( Jeanes Hospital) for giving us this wonderful opportunity and allowing us to use their campus for this event.

How lucky we were to have had State Representative Josh Shapiro speak about furniture tip-over and The Katie Elise Lambert Safety Task Force in Pennsylvania. We are truly blessed to have him as our governmental representative. Also on hand was Joey Fortman from 97.5 FM and MyPhl17. She spoke from the heart how she had been touch by Katie's story and how her son will now be safer because of her.

When it was time for the butterflies to be handed out, you could feel the excitement stir in the crowd. The Monarchs were delivered in small triangular boxes and the crowd gathered tightly. We counted down from ten and before we knew it over 100 Monarchs graced the air to oohs and aahhhs from the crowd. It was heartwarming and bittersweet as memories of my daughter flooded my soul. It was amazing.

Here are a few pictures from the event. Enjoy.

Happy Birthday Big B and Grandpa!

This past Sunday we celebrated Big B's __ birthday and Grandpa's 75th birthday. We had a wonderful combination party complete with friends, family and lots of fun. It took lots of planning, running arounds and secret phone calls...(BIg B unfortunately found out about it) but it was fun! Thank you everyone for coming and sharing in our special day. It was wonderful to see everyone!

J

Katie's 8th birthday

My Katie would have celebrated her 8th birthday this past July 30th. Instead we spent time at the cemetary, remembering her smile and praying that she sees the balloons in which the kids left for her. In anticipation of her heavenly birthday, I created another slideshow to share with all of you. It was posted on Facebook with many responses. I miss Katie with my whole being.

I am having difficulty posting the slideshow. Try clicking the looong link to view.

J





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Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Save the DATE!

On August 8th, The Katie Elise Lambert Foundation will host a Memorial Butterfly Release on the walking trails of Jeanes Hospital in Philadelphia. During the event the public will have the opportunity to come and release a butterfly in memory of someone close to their hearts who has passed away. In addition to the butterfly release there will be various safety and informational booths available, and entertainment for the children. Please join us for this wonderful event and remember your loved ones who have passed away with the release of a butterfly.
For more information please visit http://katieeliselambert.org/.

TWO YEARS AGO

Two years ago today after almost 2 long days of traveling with almost no sleep in a small, hot as -hell -office almost 8,000 miles away, we finally met our spicy Hubei Honey, S. After mounds of paperwork, physicals, background clearances and passport woes our daughter and a sister came kicking and screaming into our arms in an experience like no other and one I wouldn't trade for the world.

She was 3 1/2 years old when we met and from the time we first saw her picture months before, we knew she was meant to be a forever part of our family. You can read about our trip to China here. http://www.babyjellybeans.com/web/do/site/home?ID=219305

I will be eternally grateful for the work of the Heavens above, with the coaxing of one special angel who guided and eventually lead us to meet our S. It's hard to believe that 2 years have gone by already. Time has sped by so quickly that I can barely remember the time when she wasn't with us. She adds a spark of fire and fun with a dash of cuteness to our daily lives and I feel so blessed that she is my daughter.

Thank you my precious angel above for your help in bringing us together.



J

Water FUN

S and Buddy




Splashing FUN

GRADUATION Week

My baby girl graduated from preschool on Friday, a sign that time will never stand still, no matter how much we wish it would. Not really sure what graduation actually means, S wore her blue cap proudly, smiling and waving as her fans watched from the bleachers, except for mommy who was behind that dreaded camera again. She said goodbye to her friends and teachers, confidently stating that she was going to kindergarten now. I am so proud of my S who has come such a long way from the scared, aggressive little girl who we met in China almost two years ago. Much has changed although that hint of assertiveness still surfaces on occasional...well, maybe a bit more than occasionally.

In addition to a preschool graduation ceremony we had an elementary school graduation on Tuesday. Little b also proudly walked down the aisle of his school but with a carefree attitude not realizing that his journey into young adulthood is just about to begin. In September he will continue his journey into the junior high as Miss S transitions to the elementary school.

Time passes too quickly at times and many of my thoughts this week traveled back to when my children were babies. My life has certainly not turned out the way that I had expected with tragedy striking like a knife in my heart. But as I watch my children grow I try to remain positive and forever grateful that I have been given the chance to experience this wonder called mommyhood.

Sending Happy Father's Day wishes to dad all the way to Heaven and to my wonderful husband and father of my miracles,

J

Fun in the Sun with the Bees?

We spent this past Mother's Day sitting outside in the sun, sipping wine watching the kids play. It was a relaxing day which ended in the culmination of king crab legs with ribs and more wine, per this mom's request. After visiting my mom Big b's mom drove over for some relaxing by the pool and great food courtesy of her son.
Cousin G spent the day with us as A was fighting some virus (swine flu??) and really need to rest. The girls had a blast playing in the water, squirting the dog and eating ice pops.
The boys continued playing baseball out front and unexpectedly found some critters in a nearby tree. The swarm was downright frightening but after a short while disappeared. I had seen something similar years ago when a HUGE swarm of honeybees surrounded our old house while migrating? Not sure where they were heading at that time, but they made a pit-stop our home covering all windows, doors, walls trapping us all inside for hours.
This time their destination was the hive in our neighbor's tree. Pretty cool.
Pictures enclosed.
Enjoy,
J