Hello All
Things here at our home are buzzing along. I am so excited to have a high school friend traveling here for a visit tomorrow. I have not seen her since we graduated in 1985! She now lives about 1 hour away from me and she is married and has three boys. She shares my love of Jesus, family and scrapbooking. Her visit will sure to be a blessing.
We just purchased a suit and vest for my oldest son, who will be attending his junior prom shortly. Wow--so handsome! It is amazing how proud one parent can be for her children and seeing him in that suit all grown up just touches my heartstrings.
My oldest daughter is looking for a nanny position this summer to make money for college. I pray that she finds a nice family with some calm children (hee hee hee!) She will be a wonderful nanny. She loves teaching children/crafts/reading and also cooking, etc.
My second oldest son came home tonight sick from his volunteer position at the local library. I am keeping him in prayer as he came home from school last week with a severe headache and the same thing happened tonight. It seems to come on suddenly. I am praying that it is a virus that will go away soon.
My third son is enjoying reviewing books for an online source flamingnet.com He receives books, at times, that aren't even for sale yet! We pay a small fee to help cover shipping and handling, but the books are free from the publishers. I encourage you to check it out.
My fourth son is doing well and I will probably sign him up for some summer basketball. He seems to be the most gifted in the organized sports area in our family.
Elisabeth, our one year old is doing good, although I catch myself calling her the little diva at times :) She has a voice and she isn't afraid to use it. She is my little companion 24/7. Don't know what we would do without each other.
Our pastor announced that he is stepping down from his position and therefore our church is in need of a pastor. We have a very small congregation and we only have a part time pastor. I have heard that this could take a couple of years and in the meantime we will have some pastors fill in the Sunday's until we have a replacement. We will miss our dear Pastor. He played a critical role in our lives, especially when our dear Caleb died. Don't know what we would have done without his guidance.
I am reading a great book called O Love That Will Not Let Me Go, Edited by Nancy Guthrie. It is a book about Facing Death with Courageous Confidence in God. What a blessing this has been. It is a wonderful book. I do not fear my own death...I always say when I turn yet another year older that I am one year closer to Heaven. The back cover of the book has this quote on it: "Death, for the believer, is no tragedy. And for the believer to die well--to live and die aiming to glorify God, confident that God will make good on all of his promises--this is a thing of great beauty." (from the preface)
Blessings to all of you my blogging friends,
With Love and Hope,
Cheryl
Hello! I am a wife, married for 23 years and a mother to seven. I have two daughters and five sons, one of whom is in heaven. We love the Lord are trying to bring our children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) We live in the Northeast in a cozy 100+ year old house. Welcome to my blog.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
March Comes Marching In
Hello Friends!
Well our snow is now mostly melted here and the days are getting longer and the kids are getting restless to spend more time outside riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline and playing tag (or tackle).
My husband works at a company that is a joint venture with Japan. We have much to be thankful for and more to pray for...
Please pray for my husband's company including employees/manufacturing plant/vendors, etc. that are located in Japan and everywhere. Two of their manufacturing plants are located 30 miles from the nuclear power plant as are many of the vendors. They were damaged from the earthquake/tsunami and as more information is coming out they forsee pretty major changes in the ability to carry out business. We know that God is sovereign and we cling to that.
I always say that you never know what is going to happen at any given moment, as we learned in August of 2008 when Caleb died. Our Hope is in Christ and He is unchanging and always faithful. As my sister in law shared with me today
You have been a refuge for the poor,
a refuge for the needy in their distress,
a shelter from the storm
and a shade from the heat.
For the breath of the ruthless
is like a storm driving against a wall Isaiah 25:4
How timely that verse was to me today. I am thankful that God is a shelter from the storms of life. I do get much peace and comfort from Him.
Elisabeth, my baby, is the same age now that Caleb was when he died. Another difficult milestone. I dread these milestones, but I also treasure being able to see Elisabeth, who looks a lot like Caleb, and remember what he was like at this age and cherish those memories.
My other children are doing really well. They are enjoying school and school activities.
I am scheduled to go to a scrapbooking crop on Friday night, which will be the first one that I've gone to in "forever" it seems. It will be nice to have adult conversation.
I have been trying to utilize the ingredients I have here at my home to try and make some new recipes. I really enjoy using Allrecipes.com It has been so much fun trying new recipes and knowing that the recipes I pick have been tried and rated highly by others.
With love and Hope,
Cheryl
Well our snow is now mostly melted here and the days are getting longer and the kids are getting restless to spend more time outside riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline and playing tag (or tackle).
My husband works at a company that is a joint venture with Japan. We have much to be thankful for and more to pray for...
Please pray for my husband's company including employees/manufacturing plant/vendors, etc. that are located in Japan and everywhere. Two of their manufacturing plants are located 30 miles from the nuclear power plant as are many of the vendors. They were damaged from the earthquake/tsunami and as more information is coming out they forsee pretty major changes in the ability to carry out business. We know that God is sovereign and we cling to that.
I always say that you never know what is going to happen at any given moment, as we learned in August of 2008 when Caleb died. Our Hope is in Christ and He is unchanging and always faithful. As my sister in law shared with me today
You have been a refuge for the poor,
a refuge for the needy in their distress,
a shelter from the storm
and a shade from the heat.
For the breath of the ruthless
is like a storm driving against a wall Isaiah 25:4
How timely that verse was to me today. I am thankful that God is a shelter from the storms of life. I do get much peace and comfort from Him.
Elisabeth, my baby, is the same age now that Caleb was when he died. Another difficult milestone. I dread these milestones, but I also treasure being able to see Elisabeth, who looks a lot like Caleb, and remember what he was like at this age and cherish those memories.
My other children are doing really well. They are enjoying school and school activities.
I am scheduled to go to a scrapbooking crop on Friday night, which will be the first one that I've gone to in "forever" it seems. It will be nice to have adult conversation.
I have been trying to utilize the ingredients I have here at my home to try and make some new recipes. I really enjoy using Allrecipes.com It has been so much fun trying new recipes and knowing that the recipes I pick have been tried and rated highly by others.
With love and Hope,
Cheryl
Friday, February 25, 2011
Caleb's Birthday
Hello my blogging friends...(warning-downer ahead)
Tomorrow is the day that Caleb would have turned four years old. It makes me so sad to say that. I want him back here with me/us. I want him to cuddle in my lap, or even get into a little mischief. I long to hold him or watch him play...see his curls and stroke his soft *warm* skin.
It is amazing that as much as time continues to march on, the longing for your child continues to play such a huge role in your life even a couple years after their death. What a bond there is between a mother/parent and their child. I still see it so much in my husband's eyes as well.
We have no choice in this separation from Caleb. We do have to learn to accept it and over time I'm sure that will happen slowly, but it will never feel right or just. I still question God and feel much guilt as a parent would whose son died in their own home.
I long for the day that I can just let go of the guilt for good and fully trust God in this grief journey of mine.
I know that I'm the only one in this parent/child relationship who is struggling...Caleb is eternally happy now and in no pain and has no fear...it is just me. That doesn't seem to make this grief much easier to take, even though believe me when I say that there is no greater joy than to know that my child is with Jesus.
This day...tomorrow being his birthday...should be "his" day. The day that 11 pound 1 ounce bouncing baby boy came bounding into this world. A celebration of his life. In my mind I still cannot accept that it will ever be a celebration again...more like a sad memorial of what was and what will never be again.
I love you dear little Caleb and miss you to the moon and back. Hugs to you, my bug...Mommy
..."In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Tomorrow is the day that Caleb would have turned four years old. It makes me so sad to say that. I want him back here with me/us. I want him to cuddle in my lap, or even get into a little mischief. I long to hold him or watch him play...see his curls and stroke his soft *warm* skin.
It is amazing that as much as time continues to march on, the longing for your child continues to play such a huge role in your life even a couple years after their death. What a bond there is between a mother/parent and their child. I still see it so much in my husband's eyes as well.
We have no choice in this separation from Caleb. We do have to learn to accept it and over time I'm sure that will happen slowly, but it will never feel right or just. I still question God and feel much guilt as a parent would whose son died in their own home.
I long for the day that I can just let go of the guilt for good and fully trust God in this grief journey of mine.
I know that I'm the only one in this parent/child relationship who is struggling...Caleb is eternally happy now and in no pain and has no fear...it is just me. That doesn't seem to make this grief much easier to take, even though believe me when I say that there is no greater joy than to know that my child is with Jesus.
This day...tomorrow being his birthday...should be "his" day. The day that 11 pound 1 ounce bouncing baby boy came bounding into this world. A celebration of his life. In my mind I still cannot accept that it will ever be a celebration again...more like a sad memorial of what was and what will never be again.
I love you dear little Caleb and miss you to the moon and back. Hugs to you, my bug...Mommy
..."In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Happy New Year!
Just got in a short time ago from enjoying a parent/teacher night at the local high school. I love to meet my children's teachers and enjoy hearing about their classes and friends too. My hubby stayed home with the youngest children and I was thinking about how, last year at this same time, I couldn't have gone anywhere without my little one. She is now 15 months old and is a joy.
My other children are also doing well and are praying for another snow day tomorrow. I would love one too because it allows me to "sleep in" past 5:45 in the morning :) My boys are pretty good at helping me clean up after the snow storms if my husband is at work, especially my oldest son.
My oldest daughter was home from college for over a month and I enjoyed every minute of it. Our relationship is changing and we are becomming a little bit like "friends" and not so much parent/child. She was so domesticated when she was here. She made us dinner many of the nights that she was here and she did all of the shopping with me for the ingredients. She helped me organize the basement of all of our children's clothes and she also helped shop/wrap/prepare for Christmas.
I was very saddened to have to say goodbye to her yesterday. She is back at college now.
My husband found out yesterday that he has the shingles...He was having a lot of back pain and I noticed a "rash". He is asleep on the couch suffering with a migraine on top of it all. I pray that he will feel some relief soon.
My father found out that he had bladder cancer a short time ago, but when they removed it they were able to get it all and it is a non-invasive type. Blessings abound :)
I have been reading more...a couple of good books including the Bible and also a book called "Life Without Limits" by: Nick Vujicic (an inspriational story about a man who was born without arms or legs).
I have started attending a Bible study again and the baby is cooperating by being willing to stay with the nursery women without screaming. We spent some time on temptations today. The story of Joseph and how he resisted being tempted by Potipher's wife, but still suffered trials. What a great story to reflect on and to remember that even when we obey God, we are not always showered with blessings, and that is ok...God has a perfect plan and everything happens for a reason. Much more was covered and I look forward to many more rich lessons. Fellowshiping with the saints is such a blessing.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (New International Version, ©2010)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
We are called to meet together as Christians and I know, speaking from my own experience, how much easier life is to handle when I am in the Word and am consistantly gathering with other believers.
I have been so blessed by my Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and all of my children...each and every one of them is a special gift.
Your blogs are all gifts to me. I enjoy opening them every time you post. I may not always post a comment on them, but know that you are being thought about and that you are special to me.
With love and Hope,
Cheryl
My other children are also doing well and are praying for another snow day tomorrow. I would love one too because it allows me to "sleep in" past 5:45 in the morning :) My boys are pretty good at helping me clean up after the snow storms if my husband is at work, especially my oldest son.
My oldest daughter was home from college for over a month and I enjoyed every minute of it. Our relationship is changing and we are becomming a little bit like "friends" and not so much parent/child. She was so domesticated when she was here. She made us dinner many of the nights that she was here and she did all of the shopping with me for the ingredients. She helped me organize the basement of all of our children's clothes and she also helped shop/wrap/prepare for Christmas.
I was very saddened to have to say goodbye to her yesterday. She is back at college now.
My husband found out yesterday that he has the shingles...He was having a lot of back pain and I noticed a "rash". He is asleep on the couch suffering with a migraine on top of it all. I pray that he will feel some relief soon.
My father found out that he had bladder cancer a short time ago, but when they removed it they were able to get it all and it is a non-invasive type. Blessings abound :)
I have been reading more...a couple of good books including the Bible and also a book called "Life Without Limits" by: Nick Vujicic (an inspriational story about a man who was born without arms or legs).
I have started attending a Bible study again and the baby is cooperating by being willing to stay with the nursery women without screaming. We spent some time on temptations today. The story of Joseph and how he resisted being tempted by Potipher's wife, but still suffered trials. What a great story to reflect on and to remember that even when we obey God, we are not always showered with blessings, and that is ok...God has a perfect plan and everything happens for a reason. Much more was covered and I look forward to many more rich lessons. Fellowshiping with the saints is such a blessing.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (New International Version, ©2010)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
We are called to meet together as Christians and I know, speaking from my own experience, how much easier life is to handle when I am in the Word and am consistantly gathering with other believers.
I have been so blessed by my Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and all of my children...each and every one of them is a special gift.
Your blogs are all gifts to me. I enjoy opening them every time you post. I may not always post a comment on them, but know that you are being thought about and that you are special to me.
With love and Hope,
Cheryl
Friday, November 5, 2010
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
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
Thursday, September 9, 2010
New Beginnings
I attended Weight Watchers this morning. It is the first time in a few years that I've gone. I have 20 plus pounds to lose and I can't wait to fit back into my clothes again.
I have been successful in the past at losing weight with Weight Watchers. I am praying for a repeat!
Bible study started up again and I went this morning. We reviewed part of Romans 9 this morning.
I also went to my youngest (living) son's lunch today at his school. I love to go and spend recess and/or lunch with my children when they attend elementary school. They are still so generous with hugs and kisses :)
Baby is sleeping and the kids will be home soon from school. Gorgeous day here in New England. Have a wonderful day!
With Hope,
Cheryl
I have been successful in the past at losing weight with Weight Watchers. I am praying for a repeat!
Bible study started up again and I went this morning. We reviewed part of Romans 9 this morning.
I also went to my youngest (living) son's lunch today at his school. I love to go and spend recess and/or lunch with my children when they attend elementary school. They are still so generous with hugs and kisses :)
Baby is sleeping and the kids will be home soon from school. Gorgeous day here in New England. Have a wonderful day!
With Hope,
Cheryl
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