November in New England

Hello Friends!

Yes, again, it has been a while since I've blogged. I am sorry for my absence, but I have enjoyed reading all of your blogs, although I don't always comment on them.

The last time I posted I think I said how I had joined Weight Watchers. I have now lost 17 pounds and I'm starting to fit into a couple pieces of my old clothing. I actually have a pair of jeans that fit me now! It is not easy and it has been a lot of work to try and shed some weight, but I know that with God it is possible (and the only way I could do it).

My oldest daughter is enjoying college life and is doing well in her studies and making good choices for friends. She is still dating a young man that is in his senior year at the local Christian school here.

My boys are all doing well in school and enjoying some after school activities including band, art classes, chorus, etc. My two oldest boys are looking for jobs. My oldest son has an appointment to have the driving test to get his license in a couple of weeks.

When my daughter was 16 she was so cautious when she was driving...almost to the point that others would be raging because she would drive so slowly. My son, on the other hand, has quite a lead foot and I have told him that the whole time that he is driving he has a Cheshire Cat grin on his face...and he admits that he does too...I'll be doing a lot of praying when he is on his own in the car! Boys are SO different than girls!

I recently purchased a necklace with Caleb's name on it from a crafter from etsy.com http://www.etsy.com/listing/59617196/violet-in-the-snow-personalizes-and-hand What a beautiful piece of jewelry and not very expensive either.

My baby girl was in the hospital for five days recently with a staff infection. To make a long story short she was under a doctor's care for two days and I went to the doctor's again to have her "well check" at 12 months and she was not doing well. He, in so many words, told me to go straight to the hospital. Her temp at his office was 101.5 and by the time she was admitted an hour later it was 104! I wish I lived in a world where babies/children didn't die, but I know I do and it brought back memories of Caleb and I was very sad and scared at times. God drew me close and held me tight and we made it through, thank you God!

I have been scrapbooking like crazy lately. I have now made it, chronologically through Caleb's life and I am about two months past his death. It has been very therapeutic for me and I thank God for the continued healing.

I have read the BEST book since losing Caleb on trials...it is called Holding onto Hope by Nancy Guthrie. It is a must read for everyone! It is not a difficult book to read and if I can read it in a matter of two days, everyone can! I can't express how much I appreciated that author and her honesty and wisdom that only God can give.

I will try to post some pictures this week if I find the time. I want to get this post published before I lose the motivation lol!

My love to you all. With Hope, Cheryl