Well, hi. I know it's been awhile. I'm not sure why. Maybe because when I write a post it is so draining, therapeutic I think, but very draining. So I have been hiding from it. But, here I am with an update ..weird, I still feel like whatever I write is an update about Jed...I guess it's because he is always, always with me, well and also maybe because I live in that pretend bubble a lot. Whatever, I am here to update..aahhh, blogs they fill that need to tell everyone everything because I am that exciting... :)
So, lets see, I said I would talk about hats...nope I did not forget. Shocker..So let's start with this...Jed in his Skunk Train hat. He was 3 when we went to CA.

Ahh that face...do I smile or sob...they seem so similar now..

So...fast forward 10 years and here is Jett trying on "the hat"...not quite ready but getting there....

Like I said, not quite yet. Since this one does not fit and he had to have a hat to go to the pool...(Jed would say "duuhhh") ....I made a hat...my first hat...

Not too shabby! he likes it so that's all that matters. He doesn't know that I really don't know how to sew...I call it fake sewing, I fake it, pretend I can sew! Just don't look too close!
That hat led to a hat for Jordan....

It has a turtle on it...because turtle "tastes like chicken" ask Jordan, he will tell you.

That hat led to one for Jase with a mushroom, Hudson with a crab and one for someone to give as a gift with a turtle..

those hats led to this one...this is a bad-ass hat...and of course it's for Zaiden :)

I even made a label :)
I have 2 other hats that I made, one with a pink bird and a white one with stars...have no clue what I will do with those!
That's all I have about hats. It was a thing for a few days.

We have been spending time at the pool, Felton Bay Area Swim Club....

Party'n with the party animals.


We went to Carlisle and had dinner with some friends, the awesome Sara Liberte and the very cool Rick Markko. She is a bike builder, photographer, runs a web-site called garage girls and does interviews and broadcasts for Rally TV. She is also just an all around wonderful person. She donated a fab photo for the luncheon. Mr. Rick Markko...a terrific guy and the Events Coordinator at Carlisle Events ..who donated a 2012 season pass to Carlisle! They have car shows, bike fest...tons of stuff it is a very cool donation.

Thanks to both of you for your continued love and support. Your friendship means so much to us and thanks for introducing us to more wonderful people! We had a blast.

Jed with all the loot Sara and Rick collected from Bike Fest 2009 when I was in the Garage Girls "Biker Makeover" and Jed was too sick to come. The bag they sent to him was so stuffed it took forever to get it all out!!! He loved it.

Last evening we spent a few hours with some people we love more than the world celebrating an event a long time coming. I have no words for what this family means to us...

I officially present to you
Jordan Ben Smith

Pete Trish and Jordan Smith (my chunka love) and see the orb?? Jordan's big brother Jackson was there showing his love, approval and happiness.

ohhhhhhh...if you ever question why it is sometimes too hard for me to write the picture up above says it all.

I remember when Trish and Pete were just starting the path that ended with Jordan. Jed was always asking me what was happening with their foster parent stuff. I told him what I knew but he always wanted more info. Trish came to visit and Jed says, in his grown-up voice, "So, Trish, what's happening with your foster parent classes and paperwork and stuff? What else do you have to do?" AHHH, I said "JED, maybe that's personal." of course Trish laughed and answered the question. After she left Jed said to me, "the kid that gets them has won the parent lottery".
After Jordan came he told me, "I think they won the kid lottery too." :) Oh Jeddie...my love such a smart man.

big sigh....

ok, next, plans for the luncheon are rolling along. We have tons of cool raffle prizes (York county Pizza a week for 8 weeks package...just one of many cool things) some great silent auction items....like a Kindle!! oh and an outdoor movie package, they come set up a 16' screen, and speakers you just provide the movie...very cool birthday party idea!

Everyone is working hard pounding the pavement for donations and help. Grace, Pappaw, Hop and Mindy are the "faces" of our foundation in the public! Every business in the area knows at least one of them! We are still looking for Silent auction items,,,pass it on!

Danny is now on the crap shift 7:30pm -6am...on the line, in the heat...hell. So glad I am not there. He will be out by the end of August...good and bad I think. Nothing like starting over at 58. I want him to bartend,,,,then I will have somewhere to hang out...because oh yes...it IS all about me ya know :)
But while he is still employed he is spreading the word...
Jed is making the rounds on the FL line at Harley Davidson!

Tickets are for sale at the top of this page, on the Foundation blog , or through any of us. We really really hope to see all of you on August 27th. It will be a great time.....REALLY!! and besides $20 bucks for food, music and great company. You can't beat it!

Come help us remember our Jed.... Jed is part of everybody & has touched many. By coming to the luncheon you are helping to spread his wonderful spirit. Your participation will make it possible for us to support families fighting the battle against childhood cancer, bringing awareness and finding a cure. Like I said....how can you not? :)

Savannah is busy, busy. She is still working at Lion's Pride, interning to Cassandra Storm photography and she is interning at Mike Asherman painting...with my friend Mickie (who by the way makes the best homemade had lemonade in the world). On top of all of that she has turned into an overnight portrait photographer! It started with Jordan and has just exploded! She posts most on her blog, check them out...(I know you already do). I am amazed and she is Fabulous! We are on the countdown for her big move. Happy Valley watch out! She moves August 15th. I am so excited to see what comes next. I know I have probably said it a million times but since the day she was born I have always been anxious to see what she would do next! There is never a dull moment. She is going to have so much fun. Well, after she gets settled into her routine....we know what change and upheaval does to her! The best part....she has a futon in the living room aka my bed. :)

Well I think that's all for now. I always think of these random weird things that I contemplate writing about. When I am mowing the lawn or sewing hats...or staring into space...but be glad I don't write all that....you'd be weirded out. I did see something the other day, just a statement someone wrote down somewhere, that has stuck with me.
I get these urges to just tell parents this...then in my head it leads to a whole thing where they decide to give me their kid, yada yada..anyway...see weird stuff But here it is to those parents out there working hard doing the day to day grind please remember, you CHOSE to have your children, they did not force you to have them. It's not about you...at all. It's all about them...it's your job and you wanted it....

"remember you are not managing an inconvenience, you are raising a human being."

Kittie Frantz

Consider that my PSA for the week. So, parents, sorry your tired or your job sucks or whatever, drink your coffee, put on your big person pants and be the parent!!!!
Big Sigh...I feel better now :)

The 2 human beings I have been privileged to help raise are the most amazing people. They are changing the world!

Baby Jed...the missing is still getting bigger and bigger. People say "it doesn't get easier it just gets different." Well, the "different" is "harder"..that's what is different. There are no words to describe it.
Mommy Loves you......always
Love J & K

Shout outs :).......
Happy Birthday Jase...the big 5!! wow
Congrats on the very cool NFL job Kait...show'em how it's done!
Sharon, how do you do all you do and still get straight A's?
Strittmatter...I need dessert.
Mickie...I love you :)