See You Later

Thank you for everyone who swung by on October 28th to say "See You Later" to the kids. I know in my heart this is not Good-Bye but it is definitely See you Later. Of course Caleb was running around having a blast with my boys but Shira was just hanging out with me since I really don't have any kids her age. But Shira and I colored and baked Cookies and just got to hang out and talk. She seemed a little nervous about the upcoming move probably more due to the fact that she just started school and really loves it and loves being with her foster mom.

Before the visit at my house I got to sit down with Shira at their foster mom's and go through the photo book that we had made for them. She really loved all the photos and Caleb kept looking over our shoulders say there's my mom, there's my mom. It was such a special moment.

After our visit I drove them back to their foster mom's and said my See you laters. I was strong up till then but after I hugged and kissed them I had to turn away and walk away so that they wouldn't see the river of tears streaming down my face. I did cry all the way home.



I called their foster mom today to see if the Grandparents have called to let her know how the transition went and their first week of school but no word yet. I will update when I know.

Thanks again for everyone who came by.

Visit

Hi so Just wanted to update everyone. Shira and Caleb will be heading down to Chicago to live with Grandma and Grandpa on October 30th. Out of privacy we are not handing out a ton of information right now.

We want to give them time to settle in their new surroundings and spend time bonding with new friends and all the family they will encounter. Hopefully the transition will be seamless for them and they adapt quickly. They are amazing kids and I have no doubt that they will quickly adjust.

On October 28th I will bring the kids to my house to play and visit. If you would like to swing by just let me know via email or comment below. They will be here from 10:30 to around 7pm. I am doing this super informal I will have coffee, water, milk and juice. If you would like to bring a snack or part of a meal for the day to help make this as stressless as possible. Feel free to let me know. I am hoping to have a steady stream of friends here to visit and you are more than welcome to stay all day or however long you want or can set aside.

We will be playing in and outdoors so bundle up your little ones and like I said feel free to bring food to share for everyone who comes to visit. Again please just let me know if you plan on coming so I can make sure there is enough drinks around for everyone.

Looking for~~~~

I am looking for anyone who Zoe has given recipes too or told birth stories or fun stories of her kids to via email.. Stuff in HER words for a book I am making for the kids..

Here is the book so far..

http://drop.io/ZoeSilver

just email when you have a chance katfuer at gmail dot com

Transition

The transition is starting. The courts decided today the time-line for the kids to transition to their Grandparents house. They will be going down every weekend till they move in October. I am glad the kids will get a transition period though I am sad that I don't know when the next time I will see them is, since they have school during the week and will be with their Grandparents on the weekend. I was hoping to see them this weekend and take them to the Apple Orchard but that isn't going to happen. I pray that they have a seamless transition and that they make new friends quickly. I am going to miss them terribly and I know my kids will miss them I sure hope that we will be able to visit with them or have them come up and visit us.

Pray for them and all the emotions that they deal with on a daily basis.

Again Slow Sorry

Well Saturday we went down to Annette's. The kids stayed the whole weekend there as a respit for their foster mom. Only update I know really is that Wednesday was a Court Date and Shira and Caleb will soon be making the transition to Chicago to be with their Grandmother. I am not sure if my family will get to see the kids once they are there but I sure hope that I can work something out with their Grandmother that they can come up and visit every so often maybe for a visit or an overnighter. I hope that my kids can still continue to visit with their friends Shira and Caleb.

Sorry I am slow

Visit on Sunday.

Sunday I picked up Shira and Caleb after we got done with Church. They came over and hung out with my boys and our neighbor daughter, and played in the front yard for a while after lunch. We took them to the sprinkler park in our neighborhood. While there we met up with Jonathan. After getting all the kids warm and dry (that water was insanely cold) we went out to Perkins for dinner. I got to work with Shira a little on reading and sounding out some words while we waited for our meals. We had a wonderful visit on the way to and from their foster home I got the run down of all the new stuff in their world. The new kids at the home with them, meeting their new teachers, getting excited to go to school, and all about their trip to the Corn festival in Sun Prairie with their Grandparents the day before. I will always miss my dear friend Zoe and love that I can see her every time I look in her children's eyes.

My neighbor daughter, my brother Kory, Shira and Isaac playing with the sprinkler

I think this was everyone minus my middle guy.

Caleb.. :D

NutZ

Things around my house have been a little Nutty so I haven't been to see the kids lately. But luckily there are other friends of Zoe's that are cleared to visit so they are still being able to see familiar faces and feel the love we are all surrounding them. They have also gotten to meet their grandma and grandpa (Zoe's Mom and her husband). That is pretty much all the news I have right now we are still getting donations too them in the mail so I wanted to thank everyone who has given to them. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. I will post more the next time I visit with them I am just getting past the crazy month.

Update

I felt it was time to update from the sad mourning blue to a full of life flowers... I think it is a beautiful background that Zoe would love. And though I miss her everyday and find myself fighting the urge to call her when I find something I would normal call her about to share I feel it is time to add some sun and life to the page.

Zoe,
I still miss you daily, and even more when I am hanging out with your beautiful babies. You will never be lost or forgotten you live in our hearts and memory and in the sparkle of your children's eyes. Please keep watch over all of us and keep guiding us like a gentle breeze to live each day to the fullest and love with all our beings.
I love you and miss you terribly
Katrina

Caleb's 4th Birthday Lunch and Fun

Wednesday I picked up the kids and we went to the park for a little while with Annette, Kylie and Ryan and then we headed over to Chuck E. Cheese for Pizza, Wings, Juice, Cake, Presents, Friends, and Fun. They had a great time and thank you for those who could celebrate with us and for everyone who was there in their hearts. Enjoy the photos.

Caleb Turns 4 Get together

Hi I am going to take Caleb and Shira to Chuck E Cheese on Wed around 12:00p. If anyone in the Madison Area would like to Join us for some fun and pizza and Games. Please email me to RSVP so I know how much pizza to get.
katfuer@gmail.com

Card Shower

Hi.. Well just wanted to note that July 10th Caleb turns 4 and I was hoping that if you wanted to send him a card, gift cards, presents what nots. We could get them all together here and either take them over or maybe take the kids out to Chuck E Cheese when they get back from their trip with their foster mom. Here is my Address and comment on here if you have any suggestions. Caleb is a size 4T right now. with size 10 shoes.
Katrina Klauer
1801 Fisher St
Madison WI 53713

June 19th

Note- Sorry I am a little behind in posting this.. Turns out the same day I had the kids all day I was on my way to take them home and got a call from a neighbor. A lady drove her car into my fence and almost into my house so I have been dealing with that.. So Again sorry and here is our day.

Saturday June 19th-- Day for E and E

I picked up Shira and Caleb and we went over to their Dog Emma's house we spent from 10-12:30 hanging out with Emma and Jenny (She is taking care of Emma). Jenny wonderfully hosted not only Shira and Caleb but my 3 boys and Annette and Kylie as well. We hung out and sipped on all natural root beer and munchies while the kids played and hung out with Emma.

Emma and Adam (my youngest son)

The 5 bigger kids on the hammock (Caleb, Noah(my second son) Shira, Kylie and Isaac(my eldest son))

Fuzzy Caterpillar

Adam enjoying the sun.

Kids wore out Emma

We left around 12:30 to get over to Kari's house for her son Espen's 7th Birthday Party. In true Zoe fashion all little groups and aspects of her friends were compartmentalized! Of course in the memory of her we are all finally meeting and getting to know each other. Kari asked me to bring the kids over and what a great time they had.. There were lots of fun water games and a water slide and pinata! Everyone was tired after a fun day in the sun and water. I will post some photos as soon as I get some of the party..

Enjoy!

Playing Hard.

Today I picked up Shira and Caleb and headed over to Annette's house. Fully packed Van with 5 kids in it good thing I own a van. Well we headed over to Annette to hang out and relax and let the kids play Hard. They were all over the place. Shira was so excited to see her best friend Kylie and took off as soon as we hit the driveway. Isaac, Noah and Caleb also took off checking out Annettes. After a snack of yummy fruit (cherries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, and apples) and veggies (cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers and tomatos) and homemade "Garlic Bread" along with some sparkling juice to drink we got the kids in swim suits and outside. They bounced on the Trampoline with the water hose spraying on it from the net. It was one of the large trampolines that are meant to hold water and bounce. Looked like a blast. The kids were on there for a long time playing and then we blew up the water slide and they played on there for a long long time. It was great to just let the kids go and be kids and have fun and no cares in the world. After a while we ate some chicken and watermelon and then got the kiddos back into dry warm clothes they were all turning blue and wrinkly. Unfortunately the day ended sooner than the children would like. Annette and family were on their way to Chicago for Zoe's Memorial tomorrow in Hyde park and I needed to get Shira and Caleb back to their foster moms and I needed to get my kids home and bathed then we are going to have a movie night. All in all it was a great day thanks Annette for having us can't wait to do it again.

Shira and Kylie

The 3 musketeers

Again only in water gear

6 out of 7 kids their on the trampoline

~~As for the memorial in Hyde park I am not going to be able to make it with my 3 kids alone so if anyone would like to write up something for the blog or a few people. Just shoot me an email and I will post it. My heart will be with everyone tomorrow!

Weekend Madness

Saturday Jonathan came up and helped clean the apartment ready for us to turn back in the key. That Day I had Shira and Caleb here for a visit. We first went shopping for Swim suits and some clothes. We hung out around the house here for a bit and then headed off to Brat Fest.. We had a great time.. Lots of Rides and 2 funnel cakes and a ton of water.. Boy was it hot out.



Sunday my husband and I got up early and packed up our children in the car and then got the last few items from Zoe's Town home and put them in storage and stored the Van. We had to get all her stuff out by June 1st and turn back in the keys.

Today (Tuesday) I again packed up our children and made the runs around the city. Dropped off the old Storage key and then to the realty office to drop off the Town home key. Dropping off her house key today was pretty hard but at the same time I am glad things are safely packed up for her estate to be settled. Well enjoy the photos and sorry that one is sideways.. I forgot my camera when we went to Brat fest so 2 are off my cell phone.

** Again a little note that the photo shoot is coming up soon please sign up if you can again all proceeds go to Shira and Caleb. This photographer is wonderfully donating her time and expenses in hopes that she can give to them this way.

Packed and Stored.

Today I met with the movers and got all of the belongings stored in Zoe's Storage unit. That way everything is safe and sound till her estate is settled. As for me I am wiped. I was thinking it would only take 3 hours but it was closer to 5 after making 2 trips to and from the storage. Mary was kind enough to stay with my boys so I could help the movers as much as possible so that the storing would go quickly as possible. I honestly didn't realize how much it was going to hurt emotionally to put everything away. It still felt like Zoe's house since all her stuff was there now it is empty and cold. It hurt to look through stuff to find a hard copy but it hurt even more to store it all away.

Tomorrow the children are going to come over and hang out.. Their foster mom has a graduation and party so I offered them to come here. We are going to go to Old Navy and get them swim suits something that has been postponed for the week since there were bad thunderstorms on the days I was going to take them. I am hoping to go to brat fest with them. There is a nice ride area.. I have been told it is a little pricey but hopefully we can get a few rides in. Tomorrow Jonathan is going to come up and clean the town home for leaving and handing the keys back to the Landlord.

Another sad point is that tomorrow my husband and I were going to have a brunch date because Zoe offered to watch our 3 boys in the morning for us to go out. This is the last set date I had with her. These days are harder for me then others. Some days Zoe and her family would come over and other days we just chatted on the phone or FB. But then we would schedule things too like working on our garden and her wanting to hang out with Baby Adam and Isaac and Noah so she offered to watch them. I guess where I am going with this is it hurts knowing that I would see her it was a guarantee but not now. Sadly this is the last future event we had definitively planned so hopefully these days won't hurt so much but it is still sad. And I still miss her everyday.

Now that things are stored away that chapter of this process is coming to a close. Which hopefully that reduces the stress and urgency on everyone. Now it is a wait and see game. I will update when I know something new worth sharing. And I will update on our adventures with the kids. I hope to get some fun photos of them tomorrow with what ever activity we plan to do. Also a note that if you are in the area and want to get photos done please do they would make a great father's day gift. And every day with our children are gifts and oh so often I find I am the mastermind behind the camera and hardly ever in front of it. So Mom's it is time to step out from behind and treat yourself to a beautiful shot with your beautiful children.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend don't forget to thank your servicemen and women, new and old veterans this day is for those who never made it home so think of them so their memory never dies.

Taped and Ready

Last Night Annette, Kyle and Rebecca Taped and Marked the boxes for Storage things are progressing to Store all of her stuff till Zoe's Estate is settled. While taping the boxes Annette found the Build a Bunnie for Shira she has been asking for! We had found 2 bears and sent them thinking they were Caleb and Shira's but one was Zoe's it has been a long time getting things ready and I need a little help. Everything will be stored soon like I said and we need some help wiping down and sweeping and cleaning the town home so that it is ready to hand back over the keys to the landlord if you can come help on Saturday please let me know.. I think Jonathan will be up but a couple people will make the job go faster and smoother. Thanks everyone this has been a rough month and I think that come the first of the month things will settle down and the process will start to roll. So more info when I get it for now we are asking for cleaning up help. And if you would like to get a photo done with your children to sign up for the photo shoot listed in the previous post all proceeds go to the Children.. And they can use our support right now who knows when everything will settle for them into a permanent situation.

Photoshoot In Zoe's memory

This is what was posted through Moms in Madison I am putting it on here for everyone.. If you can please take up this great opportunity..

As you are aware fellow MIM member Zoe Silver passed away recently. I had the opportunity to work with Zoe and her kids and that meeting and her passing has had a profound impact on me. As a result. I am offering a mini session benefit donating all proceeds in Zoe's memory.

I would encourage moms to come out with their kids. I feel honored to have been able to capture Zoe and her kids and I think that getting photo with your kids would be a great way to honor Zoe's memory.

Please check out the details here.

http://blog.amyjesterphotography.com/?p=104

If you have any questions please contact me.
Amy Jester
amy@amyjesterphotogrpahy.com

Katrina & Zoe's Garden..

This is the garden after we gridded it out.







Wow today was hot.. 91 degrees seriously? What happened to an in between temperatures. Well anyway.. Today I picked up Shira and Caleb for a visit. We ran to Menard's and picked up a few last Gardening items we needed and then a quick stop for some lunch and back to my house. While Caleb played with Isaac, Shira and I laid out the grid for the garden and planted all the plants and seed.. Holy cow was it hot.. We had to take a few breaks to cool down.. When we were all done we stood in the shower and hosed off our feet and legs and arms to get the dirt off and cool down.. And of course a Popsicle helped too. Then we went down and worked on some stuff in the basement.. She wanted to help as I put up the Toilet paper holder and the towel holder in the down stairs bathroom. Then we had some Fish and rice for dinner and of course our visit was slowly coming to an end.. The children need a few things like swim suits and summer pjs so I thought we could get out the door around 5:40p and go to old navy they have a nice sale going on and pick up some clothes for the children but we got there at 6:01p and they close at 6p on Sundays.. Darn that was out of the question and I had till 7pm with them and of course I didn't want to give up anytime to spend with them so we headed over to the mall. And of course they close at 6pm on Sundays too.. So we then drove by Borders Books to see if they were also closed and if they were I told Caleb and Shira we would just head back to Joan's house (where they are staying). And in the backseat a little voice said "No, I want to go back to your house." Such a sweet sound coming out of Caleb's mouth I had such a hard time explaining to him that I would be back to get him in a few days.. I just wanted to cry my heart was breaking. And with that our luck Changed Borders was open so we went back to the children's section and got some goodies for the children.. I picked up Caleb a Sumba instrument play set and Shira a doodle and wash pony. It was nice to get them something little, though I was wishing it was stuff they needed like clothes. Though I have been informed by Joan that Caleb has no toys of his own where Shira has a nice box full. So hopefully we can get him a few more things to call his own. So I am hoping to pick them up on Tuesday and next Saturday. We wanted to go to the botanical garden but it was way way too hot. Maybe if it is still super hot I can pick up a kiddie pool for the front yard and they can slide into it from the swing set.

Let's step back a day.. Susan, Jonathan, Annette and I worked more on the house.. Packing and cleaning and throwing out trash (wrappers and spoiled food). With the help if John F. and his truck we took two large loads to the dump of just Trash everything else is packed in boxes. We also cleaned out the frig and freezer. Which is a big accomplishment. So much to do still in the way of cleaning. We are almost all the way through the house and we did go all the way through the Storage unit and still no hard copy of the will. But like I said before we have multiple computers with the same copy of the electronic will. Hopefully that will help. Sad to say though that after going through the storage and still not finding what we need I am very sad. It is hard to explain but the flicker of hope of finding this hard copy is starting to dull. Though I am going to get some unofficial copies of Zoe's Death Certificate to see if maybe we can help by talking to UW to see if she had anything on file for when she had her surgery in September 09! So fingers crossed something pops up.

Well that was pretty much the weekend. The children went over to Margo's on Saturday and got to play with their dog Emma. They enjoyed being there with Emma.

**** little side note. I did put up some photos under the Sweet Memorial post (from the memorial here in Madison) ****

Searching and Cleaning.

Today was a day of Searching and Cleaning. We still have not found a hardcopy of Zoe's Will. Though we have now found the same electronic copy on multiple computers. Jonathan, Susan, Annette and I worked hard today getting Zoe's house in boxes for the time we will need to move it out into storage for whoever her executor of estate will be. We also checked into the storage unit. Still Praying that we find a copy and are sad that we have yet to find it. We have found some wonderful memorabilia for Shira and Caleb when they are older.

It is nice to see a lot of people reaching out to see what they can do to help. I have a lot of people suggesting different things to raise money for the children and unfortunately I am unable to field most of these inquires. I guess my thought is if you have an idea to do and want to execute it and then send the proceeds to me to put in the bank that is up to you. Still working with the photographer and I hope to put the information up on the blog soon.

As for the Children they are coming to visit tomorrow with my family for about 7.5 hours.. So we are hoping to get out of the house and go to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens or something fun.. Maybe bowling who knows yet..
Have a blessed weekend.

Shira and Caleb Accounts

Ok so today was interesting.. I went to the bank finally to set up a memorial fund for the children.. The problem is that memorial funds are short term funds that then get transfered to whoever is the executor of the estate to then be set into accounts for the children. They are highly regulated by the bank and you need a lot of paper and documentation of death and other papers to get them.. Since I am unable to get all those papers I have had to set up 2 savings accounts one for Caleb and one of Shira. Both accounts have me for a guardian of the account and Jonathan as the Power of Attorney for the accounts. So we can get in and dispense the funds to college accounts (529s) and to who the children go to for things they need stuff that would be a little more out of pocket that this would help cover these funds. When the children turn 21 all remaining money goes to them or we can turn them over earlier or close them if the funds are gone.. I know a lot of people want to donate to these funds but since they are savings accounts I can't set up a paypal account to it.. I could have one to my account then transfer the funds and I will do this on the rare occasion if this is the only option for someone.. Otherwise please make checks payable to the children Shira and Caleb Silver and when I deposit them 1/2 will go to Shira's account the other 1/2 to Calebs.. I am trying to find an easier way to do this but I think this may be the only way right now.. So if you would like to make a donation please just send check or cash (if you have to) to me Katrina Klauer at 1801 Fisher St Madison Wi 53713 or give directly to me or to Jonathan and we will get it into the accounts where it needs to go. Thanks in advance and stay in tune for the up to date info on the Photoshoots all proceeds will go to the children's accounts.

With Love Deboree Nix-Dixon

Originally posted on Facebook on 5-10-2010

I went to highschool with Zoe. I am so sad to have read the news of her passing. I am staying prayful for her children. I was so inspired by her posting of her & the children's lives. She loved her children the way God would have us to love all...unconditionally with ALL she had!!!! I don't know anything about her family.

Sweet Memorial

"My dear friend, your memorial was yesterday and all I could do was look around and see all the lives you have touched and the many ways you have touched them. It was a beautiful memorial with lots of love and soft gentle words.. I could feel you in the breeze around us surrounding us with your loving embrace. Sweet Shira was able to hold our words in her heart and feel the gentle blanket of love reaching out from us and yourself. I know it was hard for her but she was glad that this moment was for you. I love you and always stay close to us and guide us in and invisible embrace till we meet again.."

Thank you all for coming to the memorial. It was beautiful and in a fashion I know that Zoe would approve. I felt though that we morned her and will continue to morn her that this was more a celebration of life. Thank you for all the wonderful Memories that everyone spoke. It is nice to have more added to our memories of different times through out Zoe's Journey.

I am working with the photographer who took Zoe's photos with her children.. We will get together the price list for options and dates and times so you will just sign up and the photo shoot will be in a park or maybe the botanical gardens.

As for photos from the memorial I will put them up as soon as I get them for everyone to see. Again thank you so much for coming in the celebration of her life.




This is a Song that I love and will think of my loved ones on the other side waiting for me.. Please check it out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuq7RYQ8Wa0

After the memorial I took the children to my home and they ate dinner with my family we had Chicken nuggets, French Fries and Peas. They then went out and played on the swing set till I needed to pack them up and take them to their foster home. I have talked to Joan and I will be able to set up times with her to pick them up and go places.. I am hoping to see about setting up a day soon maybe to go out to Cathy's farm. I will of course post what we are up to and how they are doing and will continue this until they are in a long term situation with friends. So please keep checking or just subscribe to follow the blog and it will automatically send you an update as I post them.


I wanted to Add a thank you..Thank you Margo for opening your house to us and hosting the memorial and all the work you put into making this a beautiful memorial.. Thank you.. Thank you.. Thank you..

With Love Naomi Klionsky

Aunt Zoe, I miss you. You taught me to knit, braided my hair, took me to 57th Street Books, and let me hold your babies. I hope everything possible is done for Shira and Caleb, and I hope I can see them soon.

Supervised Visit..

Today's Supervised visit went through.. Caleb and Shira came to visit and play on our new climber/swing set. My neighbor and I worked really hard to get it up in time for the kids to visit. Shira is doing good she is still sad which is to be expected. She is not really wanting to talk when provoked but has been randomly making comments.. You can see in her eyes the pain and longing for her mother. Caleb is still the smiley happy guy I have always seen him as. I am not sure how much really is sinking in to him. But they came over and played with my boys today and the new swing set.. I talked with the lady who was in for supervising and she said that this may be the only supervised visit that from now on I could schedule with Tom (CPS) to come get the kids for 1/2 days and take them to different place, like the zoo, olbrich gardens, park stuff like that. So I am hoping that we can set up another time soon.. I asked Shira if she wanted to help in the garden so maybe we can do some gardening this next time.. I talked with Shira about the Memorial and told her if it gets to be too much for her to come by me that I would be there to help. So just a heads up the kids are super sensitive and I just want to make sure that they are not bombarded from all the people who want to love on them and show them how much we care.

Enjoy some photos.

Quick Note before bed

Tom came over to help evaluate my house for the children. And there are 2 options right now before me to think over and discuss with my husband. So far most of what has been going on is me going full steam ahead to make sure Shira and Caleb are protected and loved. Now it is time to do serious talking because the decision will drastically change a lot of lives.

Options.

1. I can become guardian of the children. This would be where I would be responsible for decisions regarding their health if there is an emergency they would call me to approve medical procedures. There is a list of other things I would be responsible for doing and signing off. I even believe helping enroll Shira in School.. I know Zoe was of the unschooling group but CPS will not do this and going to school is the route they will take.. I would be allowed visits with the children and after time even be allowed unsupervised visits and taking them on outings.. I even approached the subject of overnighters at my house and that too would be allowed in time. CPS is big on wanting to keep Guardians and the actual custody of the children separate so they wouldn't live here with me but I would be allowed access to them as stated above. If we take this route it will be the quicker of the 2. And I would still have to have my home and everything inspected and up to code.

2. This option is Tom recommending my family and I to become a special license foster family.. There is a 9 to 10 chance that the application would be denied. Mostly this number comes from the fact that is the rate of cases that go before the judge that get denied. This isn't adding in other factors that a more in depth search of my home may bring up. The group that comes in for the in depth search nit pick to the core of everything one minor thing could disqualify me. I then would take the course and even with taking the course I am still not guaranteed a license. This immediate process takes around 8-10 weeks and I am not 100% sure that is including the courses. Here I would not have guardianship and would just be a foster family.

As you can see they are 2 completely different ways of going and now it is time to decide what would be the best for Shira and Caleb and whether or not risking and going route 2 over route 1 is going to be productive. So for now we are leaning more toward one than the other.

I still need to organize and make sure my house is safe for the children to come to and that is why Tom came for the visit. He evaluated the home and pointed out to finish the electric. And that my downstairs bedroom might not be able to be used for the children due to height regulations of the windows. And I need to get my Down stairs bathroom completed so that all accessed areas are safe.

Ok so that was long... On to some good news. Tomorrow I am going to get to visit with the Children here at my home it will only be for an hour and it is a tentative appointment and could be changed if there is emergencies within CPS that take precedent.. So thoughts and prayers everyone that I can make contact with the children tomorrow and help prepare them for the memorial on Sunday because they will be in attendance.

Things are starting to slow and processes are starting to go in motion.. But this is going to be a long, slow process from what I have been told and I am starting to lose some steam on what I can continue to push to make go faster. I am now at the will of the process and it pains me not to be able to get things flying. Again I am here if anyone needs me and I will post as things come.. Just know they may come more slowly now..

With Love Katrina

With Love Janet Kemper

I just learned that you are gone. I am shocked and saddened. You were the kind of mom that I wish I could be. Homeschooling. Organic. Green. Farming. Knitting, making cheese and cooking everything from scratch. Two beautiful and delightful children. Most of all, I hope that Shira and Caleb are being comforted by family. So sorry to hear this news.

WIth Love Nancy and Sandra

We are so shocked at Zoe’s death and are concerned and troubled about Shira and Caleb. I lost my mom last year and have tears in my heart every day. I am old enough to have lost my mother and my mother was old enough to die. I can't imagine what Zoe's children are going through being swept away from all that is familiar without their mother to protect them.

We have known Zoe since she was a miserable 19 year old student at University of Chicago through thick to toned, through cluster headaches to precious and fleeting health, through her family of origin to the utter joy she shares with Shira and Caleb. She has blossomed and become her best self. She has created a wonderful life for Shira and Caleb and herself.

If we are chosen, Sandra and I would be honored to raise Shira and Caleb. As Zoe knows, we have always wanted to be parents and know that our love for one another, our individual and combined triumphs and trials, our love for everyday adventure, and our love for nurturing our nieces and nephews and our friends’ children will allow us to excel, even if we are not experienced. We loved being Shira’s aunties when she lived here, and missed that opportunity with Caleb.

We were almost there when Zoe had Shira. Sandra spiked a fever in the middle of it all (in the birthing center). I took Sandra home and the birth was over before I returned. Susan Rosenberg was the coach as she had given birth to four children. We remember when Zoe found out she was carrying Caleb– she laughed that she had a penis. It may have been at that time, we talked about being guardians. It was just conversation, but we are so touched that she committed to this in writing.

Finally, I found my great grandfather's prayer book while my mother was dying and I will bring that with me to Zoe's memorial. Memories are a blessing.

We love you, Zoe.

Nancy and Sandra

Post from Mary Ellen Gambutti

Although I never met Zoe personally, I friended her through my daughter on facebook. I was impressed by her intelligence and wit and her deep caring of her children. How she would prepare food loveingly for them from scratch. We shared a mutual love of animals, including Nigerian Dwarf goats and bantam chickens. She was so taken with those ... Sweet little chickens, which she cared for in her home to protect them from the cold til she could set up a run outside in the spring. The children loved the "chickettes", as she called them. They were beginning to lay, to the delight and amusement of her children. I was a professional gardener. Zoe would ask me about flowers sometimes, and Shira called me the "nice flower lady". Good-bye , Dear Zoe.

End of Day Wednesday

5/12/2010

End of day was a positive one.. I went back over to Zoe's to pick up the Birth certificates that we had accidently left and to throw out more trash. Unfortunately when I arrived there was another vehicle who followed me into the driveway.. Turns out that Neil the landlord is already showing the house.. So we need to go through boxes and box up more in case we need to move all of Zoe's stuff to a storage unit. So our plan of attack for this is going to be that Jonathan is coming up on Saturday.. First WE (Jonathan and I) are going to go and set up the savings fund/memorial fund for the children so that we have all the information for the memorial. I will set up a paypal account to it also incase anyone would like to donate that way.. But all Checks and money will be put in the account so it will need to be labeled accordingly.. Both children and their SSN will be on the account with 2 Guardians of the Acct (Jonathan and I) all withdraws of the Account for the children will go through Jonathan and/or I we will keep a ledger of the going ins and outs so that everything will be accounted for. So who ever in the long run who adopts or fosters the children will know that the account exists for the needs of the Children.
Ok back to the house.. Saturday Jonathan is going to go over and if we have anyone else to help volunteer we are going to start packing up all the clothes upstairs and box and LABEL them accordingly. One person will be boxing items like clothes and the other will be boxing papers.. We will go through papers with a finer toothed comb to make sure that everything is checked due to the fact that if the digital copy of her will is telling that the will is only 3 pages long that we need to be adjusting our looking to something smaller and not a big legal envelop.. So we will be packing stuff that has been throughly inspected so that it will be easier when the time comes to rent a uhaul and store items until the estate can be settled. So if anyone in the madison area would be able to join Jonathan on Saturday and maybe Sunday before the memorial event let me know please.

Next the good news.. I was told by Tom (CPS) that he is going to come by my house today (5/13/2010) to make a run through to see if my house is available for capacity of the children. It will be a process to get them here close to 6-8 weeks but we are available for the intermediate between now and the final placement.. As much as I love the children and want to be the final destination for them I know in my heart that this will not be the case.

Last night I was outside trying to put up our new swing set activity center from my mother and I think I may have caught a small cold.. So for now I need to clean our house for Tom (CPS) and then rest! I am going to talk to Tom today to see about a visit before Sunday with the children.

As for Sunday this may be the only memorial we are going to get due to Zoe's mom releasing her for Cremation and we are not sure where the ashes are going to go. I am not 100% of the attire but just so everyone gets sorta an idea I believe that Zoe would like a fancy casual.. Nice Top, Khakis or Nice Jeans, Dresses stuff like that. I am going to wear a blue long summer dress with maybe a knit sweater top. And my 2 big boys will be in Khaki pants and nice shirt and the baby in a nice little outfit.. I put this is in the note so that those who have not met me until Sunday will be able to recognize me quickly.

Please keep everything in your prayers but mostly keep sending the children loving vibes and sense of loving peace to surround them in this difficult time..

Love Katrina

Email from Margo

Katrina, did Tom the social worker tell you that Zoe’s mother and step-father are coming to town (NOT to the service Sunday, however)? They are arranging for Zoe to be cremated, even though it is unusual among jews. Tom is not happy. He seems like a very nice fellow.

The kids WILL come with their foster mom, to the Sunday gathering. Shira is crying for Emma the dog. The Humane Society is considering letting us have her for Sunday, and I would keep her in the yard with our two dogs. They are also looking for a foster home for Emma—until we return from our two-month visit to our home on the North Atlantic Ocean in Canada....end of July.

Any friends who might be able to manage a dog for two months? Rosanne is considering....

Margo.

memorial

What: Memorial Gathering in Honor of Zoe Silver

When: Sunday, May 16, 2 p.m.

Where: home of Margo and Dan Redmond

826 Miami Pass (Village of Nakoma)

Madison, Wisconsin 53711

RSVP or ask directions or other questions: Margo or Dan: 233-0215 or wfr@chorus.net

Comments: We hope Zoe’s dear little ones, Shira and Caleb, can join us, as requested.

We believe it is important to honor Zoe and console her children by acknowledging

Zoe’s passing in some ceremonious way.

Expressions of affection for Zoe and her children are appropriate, so please prepare a short

statement to share with the group, as those who wish to do so may speak by turns.

If you have photos of Zoe or the children, please bring copies to give to the children

and sign the guest book, giving contact information.

To avoid having the event overwhelm the children, we ask that

everyone speak softly, refrain from outbursts of strong emotion, and allow the children

to come to them, rather than go to them suddenly with hugs, etc. Too much of a good thing

might not be a good thing, and we are certain that you who cared for Zoe understand

completely. Thank you for being a good friend to Zoe, who died the day before Mother’s Day

and exemplified the best of motherhood: unconditional love.

Today Part 1

Today I have contacted the Landlord to get in again and have already chatted with many friends. I also know that today Zoe's mom is coming up to the coroners to view Zoe and release the body for Cremation. There are a few spokes in the fire to stop this and have her buried within the Jewish religion and tradition. Because we are not sure what is going to happen we are hosting our own memorial for her that the children are allowed to attend.. Please see next post for memorial info. We will be setting up a fund I will post about that when it come about.

I decided today to start this blog so that everyone could be informed of what is going on as it comes each day! I have found that I have become the epicenter of this and I don't mind and I am trying hard to field any questions but I am constantly on the phone with someone and I don't mind I just am forgetting who I have contacted and who I have not so I have started this to make sure everyone is in the know who wants to be..

Also if you would like to post anything to this blog shoot me and email and put FOR BLOG before where you want me to post information from you that others will see.

Thank you I will again post tonight at the end of the day.

Tuesday

Tuesday we again entered the house and with the help of Anette and Jonathan we cleaned and again rifled through papers.. We got a clue monday night there was an electronic Will on one of her other broken computers. So we found the other 2 broken computers and brought them to my home. I also found vital birth certificates and 2 out of 3 ss cards.

When we got to my home we again loaded up the computers and were able to boot both of them and found a copy of an electronic WILL on her computer but it is not signed so we need to find the hard copy still.

Jonathan headed home to Chicago. I contacted the Social worker to tell him what we found and to see if I was cleared by the courts to see the children. Which I am so I expressed to set up a date soon to see them.

We finished off the day..

Side Note~~~ There is a memorial gathering I will post info in a separate post.

Take off day

Monday things took off.. I started by calling her storage unit facility and got them to hold the contents, and called the landlord to see if he would let us in the house to remove perishable items and clean. I called the coroner's office to have them pass on my name and number to her mother so I could stay in contact and help with arrangements. I called CPS to see what all I needed to do and accomplish to become eligible to be the children's temporary care provider till the will was located.

Jonathan came up from Chicago to help me since I was granted permission to get into the house. We started by cleaning and trying to find documents. CPS met us there with a list from Shira about Items she would like from the home. I asked the CPS worker to put me down so I could be authorized by the court at the continuation of Care hearing on Tuesday as and Authorized visitor of the children. I also handed him a print out of Zoes blog and emails expressing her concern about the children going to her mother. I also told him that I had tons of information for him to ask when he needs it. I also asked if I could remove items from the house so that we could get more contacts and see if there was electronic clues to the were abouts of the WILL. I was given the go ahead to remove items.

In the search of the house I grabbed the computer and some stuff for the kids. Once home we got into her little ACER she carried everywhere and got names and emails.

Annette a friend of Zoe's helped me with an Electrician to help get my house ready if CPS will allow me to take the kids.. We are in the process of adding living space and still needed to finish electric an plumbing. I still haven't contacted the plumber to much still going on. The electrician came monday night to help me get things around we still have a few things but we are scheduled to finish that by Friday.

A mother's day of sadness

Sunday was Mother's Day.. A Sad Mother's day. It was really hard to think that a mother's arms were unable to be open for her young children on this special day. I prayed that Shira and Caleb could feel their mother on this special day in be bathed in the warmth of her love.

I later found out the first night for Shira was really hard and most expected to be again I prayed for a calming peace around her so she can rest and dream beautiful dreams!

Again a lot more calling and rallying around the friends of Zoe's to figure out a game plan... Lots and Lots and Lots of phone calls and seeking information so that when Monday rolled around we would be ready to get in gear.

Saturday May 8th 2010

Saturday morning Zoe was found by her children on her stairs to the upstairs. They tried to rouse her awake and were unsuccessful so they went next door to their neighbor who then came over to find Zoe. After Calling the police the neighbor kept the children close at her house to play. I arrived on scene later in the morning the police were there, the children were inside, the dog and chickens had been relocated to the Humane Society. I pleaded with the Officer to let me see the children but due to the children not knowing yet that their mother had left in spirit they kept them protected away from the public. I sat in my car with my friend Rebecca by my side thinking up everything I need to tell the officer. I went back to him and told him of the children's allergies and left my name and number to give to the social worker and again tried to plead to see the children or at least be there when they were told so I could comfort them. I was then again ushered to my car with out a definite response on being there for the children. After a while the officer came to the car and explained that they would like me to not be there so that after the children were told they could be taken away by CPS ( Child protective services) and they were worried that if I was there or if they could see my van that the children would try to latch on to me and not leave with the strangers "CPS".

Once home I started contacting who I could and racking my brain about who to call. I sat for an hour hitting the older post till I came across Jonathan and Susan R the names I was looking for and contacted them.. From there is was pretty much a web out of people to contact email and chat with.. So End of Saturday.