Summer Camps

Because we have a large family it is often difficult to invite a friend over for one of my children without the other four children inviting their friends over. We don't have a large house and it gets very busy in here with a lot of children, especially if the weather is really hot/humid, which it has been lately. We don't have air conditioning.

So glad that my children have had some opportunities this summer to attend/volunteer (at) camps. It is something that they absolutely love and I have also been able to enjoy some quiet moments here and there.

All of my children attended a local Choir Fest...similar to Vacation Bible School for a week during July. The youngest three children attended and my older two volunteered. They had a lot of fun and kept their eyes on the Lord too.

My daughter was a camper at a local college about five years ago when she participated in a program that was started to encourage girls to pursue engineering careers. She got the opportunity this year to interview for a TA volunteer position at that engineering camp for girls. She did get chosen and has spent the last two weeks there. My husband and I will go to the closing ceremonies on Friday and I can't wait to see her.

My two oldest boys were given the opportunity, at the last minute, to attend a Christian run camp just one town over from us, this week. They jumped at the chance, even without knowing anyone who was going to be there. My husband and I dropped them off on Sunday evening and will pick them up on Saturday morning. I haven't heard from them, and really didn't expect to. I can't wait to hear all about their fun time in camp and about living in cabins :)

My youngest two boys have enjoyed time "alone" with Mommy during the day, as that is hard to come by sometimes. I have enjoyed spending quality time with them.

We went to the cemetary yesterday. Someone had left a little tow truck, Matchbox type, on Caleb's gravestone. For some reason that really makes me feel good that someone else still thinks about him enough to go and do that. Sometimes I wonder if we are the only ones that are still suffering. I know others are too, but the further away from the day that he died is, the less people talk about him.

I often pray that God would give Caleb a hug for all of us although I know that I don't really even have to pray that...God is holding him already.

With Hope,
Cheryl

Hello!

Good morning to my blogging friends. I am not really sure how to post a blog so this is an attempt at getting started.

I am so encouraged by so many of you women who have experienced trials and hardships, but still rely on the Lord to carry you.

I too have had some trials, the biggest being the loss of my dear son Caleb last August, who was 17 months old. I am still struggling, sometimes on a daily basis to overcome the grief that is associated with losing a child, but I have a great faith in my Heavenly Father and He has/will help me navigate this sometimes dark road.

I also have great joy. A husband who has helped to see our family through many ups and downs, and six living children, one of whom is still in my womb. Our oldest being a daughter who is 17 and then four boys 15, 13, 11, 7 and a daughter expected in October. Also, Caleb, like all of our children are our biggest blessings.

I, as my profile reflects, enjoy scrapbooking. It has been very therapeutic in working through my grief. I have been able to smile at pictures of Caleb again and remember so many good times that we experienced in his short life.

Please leave me a message and tell me about yourself. I'd love to hear from others. Thank you for sharing your lives with me.

With Hope,
Cheryl