Prom Proud

I am so proud of my children and the young adults that they are becoming. That is not to say that we don't have our times of trials. I know what it is to lose a child and therefore I have become much more aware of the blessing that all of my children are and the gifts that they have been to our family.

This season of spring has brought about two proms on our event calendar. We were blessed with beautiful weather for each of the proms, which made picture taking so easy!

The first was for our oldest son last weekend. This is his first prom, as he is a junior in high school. He went with a friend from his school. I am used to helping to get his older sister ready for dances/proms, but it was very different getting a young man prepared....also a lot less complicated.

This first picture is of my oldest son with my youngest daughter. Her hair was crazy, but it made for a great picture.


This next picture is of my son and his date. They had a really good time. I was happy that their school insisted that everyone that went to the prom had to ride the luxury buses that the school supplied (we paid $65.00 per person, which included the prom, transportation, food, etc.). It is so much safer for the young adults and made me feel so comforted in knowing that the drive would be a safe one for everyone. This picture was taken in front of my son's friend's house.

This weekend was a prom that my oldest daughter (freshman at college) attended with her boyfriend. He is a senior in high school so this will be their last prom together. This is their third. They attended her senior prom and his junior prom last year.

I was so touched that my daughter asked to have their picture taken in front of the tree that we bought with monies donated in Caleb's memory. We usually take all of the pictures in front of our purple lilac bushes. It brought tears to my eyes when she wanted them in front of Caleb's tree. It was so fitting that the tree was in full bloom for the day of her prom. We love you Caleb!

My oldest daughter picked out a new pair of sunglasses for her little sister and I thought this was a great picture of Elisabeth donning her new sunglasses!


They had a really nice time at their prom. Next year my oldest daughter's boyfriend will be attending the same Christian college that my daughter is attending.

On Wednesday my husband and I (and Elisabeth) will be traveling to get/move our daughter back home from college. I can't believe that her first year is over already. I am thankful that it went well and she made some good friends.

My oldest daugher and son are trying to find employment. I pray that if it be God's will, that they find jobs.

With love and Hope, my blogging friends,

Cheryl

Nature in New England and a New Book

Our yard is springing forth so much renewal. It is amazing to watch things change, sometimes on a daily basis.

The hostas are so hardy, which is wonderful with my gardening capabilities!

We have some beautiful flowering trees...

Some fragrant lilac bushes. We have enough for the whole town...you are welcome to come and cut a bouquet or two!

And Caleb's memorial tree is just full of huge flowers, which have now opened and it is just beautiful.

This is a quince bush. We didn't used to get a lot of flowers on it, but since my husband cut it down to almost nothing, it is really looking much better.

We also have some pretty purple flox that has crept out onto the walkway on the side of our house. It used to be in the garden, but over the years it has a tendency to creep and no longer grows where it used to be...very unusual...

My dear father and mother-in-law bought us a hummingbird for our garden, which runs on solar energy and after it charges up all day lights up at night with bright colors...makes me think of Caleb when I look at it...


This was a Mother's Day gift from the year after Caleb died, if I'm remembering correctly. I love it even though it is faded. Reminds me what is important...my husband, children and therefore the God that created all of them.

I think that I'm falling in love with my family more and more every day. Don't get me wrong...I backslide many days, but lately I can sense God's presence more and more pulling our family together....and it isn't necessarilly though easy times, but trying times and trials.

Just finished a book called "Heaven is for Real". I don't know what most people think about the book, but I enjoyed it. I don't take the things that are written in it as "Truth" like the Bible. I never questioned if there really is a Heaven, so that isn't why I read it. I read it because my 17 month old son died and I was interested in what this little boy had to say about his self proclaimed trip to Heaven was like and whether or not it was a Biblical perspective. I didn't want to read anything that went against what the Bible says and it does not do that as much as I can tell.

It made me think more about Heaven and Jesus and that is a good thing. I will always use my Bible as my source for information, but it is neat to think of the possibilities of what this child said he saw. With God, anything is possible. I can't wait to go to Heaven myself!

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:1-5

May your corner of the world be springing forth new life and or new joys for you and may the Lord draw you near to Him.

With love and Hope my blogging friends,

Cheryl

Hopping and a Husband's Handiwork

Not sure if I've posted about this before, but a few years back...probably five actually...we received a gift of a second hand trampoline with pad and net. It was in very good condition, although we did have the stitching redone around the fabric on the trampoline because it was starting to pull out.

We have since replaced the net and are in the process of replacing the pad that covers the springs after much use.

We have pretty strict rules about the trampoline (no flipping especially) and try to keep it really "safe". I took a picture of this trampoline and am blogging about it because I cannot even tell you how many hours of pleasure our family has enjoyed as a result of this gift.

Our one year old LOVES being on it when I get on it with her. I usually just sit or lie down on it and throw the balls around. She runs around me on it like an ostrich...too funny.

We bought a bunch of balls from Wal-mart for $1.00 each (ex: 4 blue and 4 green--along with some balls from last year) and the children have different games that they play on it with the balls. It has really brought our family together many times and brought a whole bunch of joy to our lives.

I'll have to try and get some pictures of the children on it.

My husband, if I haven't said it before, is very handy around the house and outside too! He worked for a general contractor during the summers that he went to college and learned so many things that would keep him happy and busy for many years to come. His family (me and my children) reap the benefits.

Two weekends ago my husband, as well as my boys and my father, participated in the building of this metal shed to store my husband's lawn mowers and power equipment. He/they did such a nice job!

I can remember one summer day a few years back when he went out to mow the lawn and found sand that was poured onto and--dare I say it--in his lawn mower! One of our sons decided that trying to fill up the gas tank with some sand from our sandbox would be a great challenge. Needless to say, even though most of our children are older now, he is very thankful that his "equipment" is no longer stored in the garage where all of the children's sports equipment/bikes/etc. are.


Another project that my husband seemed to want to take on, with no prompting from the children was a tree fort. I think that my husband finds peace and joy from wood working with his hands. He is also creative and designed and built this all of his own, except for some help from the children. He even painted trees on the fort as a type of camouflage. He loves to build things for the children.

My youngest (living) boys enjoy playing in the fort and in the tree that my husband built the fort around. My son on the left LOVES to read and I have often found him curled up with a good book in the fort.

Love this time of the year when it isn't too hot to be outside for long periods of time, but it isn't so cold that you get a chill.

Well, I'm going to try and get some sleep before another school/work week begins. I am counting down the days till my oldest is home from college. Her last day is May 18th and I am thrilled that we will all be under the same roof again, except of course, for Caleb, who is in the presence of Jesus.

Love to you, my blogging friends,

Sweet dreams,

With Hope,

Cheryl

18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Four Teenagers and One Bathroom

Elisabeth was feeling a little closed in too. I heard a plop and discovered that as she play behind the curtain in the dining room, she ended up falling, bum first into the space between the dresser and the wall...Too cute!

Ever feel like your house is getting smaller?

I was thinking recently about how our house will be filled this summer--with my daughter home from college and the boys on summer vacation...six children at home including FOUR TEENAGERS, a nine year old and a one year old!

Someone reminded me that I should be thankful that the four teenagers aren't all girls because they seem to take up more time/space in the bathroom.

Yes, although it is difficult at times managing...we have a system of handling the mornings and evenings (shower times) that makes the situation run smoothly, for the most part.

My husband wants/needs to renovate our tub/shower this summer. It is blue...just like the toilet and sink used to be and is in need of attention. He renovated the bathroom except for the tub area a couple years ago. Should be interesting. My older daughter says that she will move out for a day or two while he is replacing/repairing/renovating. She wants nothing to do with not being able to take a shower when she wants one.

My oldest son is going to the prom on Friday and I can't wait to see him all dressed up and looking handsome. I love my kids to pieces and am so proud of him (and all my children). Although we don't allow our children to "date" until they are 18, they are welcome to invite a friend to go to the prom with them. I can't wait to see his friend and her dress. They will have a wonderful time, I'm sure.

New Clogs and a Tutu

I am a lover of clogs. My favorite pair of clogs from L.L. Bean were retired a few years ago (the soles literally split) and L.L. Bean no longer carries the same style. I tried the newer ones that they offer and the staples just keep popping out of the sides of them!


I frequent second hand shops with my daughters and have not been able to find a comfortable clog that will stay on my feet without slipping. A friend of mine posted a picture of clogs that she recently purchased locally, called Danskos. They were blue paisley print. I loved the look of them and they are supposed to be so comfy on your feet, so.....


I went out and bought these!





The picture really does not do them justice. You can search Dansko and find a better picture of them, I'm sure, but I LOVE them! I am a pretty plain Jane so these add a little "fancy" to my outfits. They actually have a little glimmer to them.


They were more than I usually spend on shoes, but I wear my shoes like I drive my cars...till they are tired and worn.


Moving on to the tutu...and no, it isn't for me :)


A friend of a friend is trying to raise money by making and selling tutus and bows. I decided to be one of her first customers and wasn't disappointed. She did a beautiful job! Elisabeth loves them!

My sister in law is a very gifted quilter and I am proud to be the recipient of a few of her works of art. She recently sent me this wall hanging, which is so dear to my heart because it has the ability to change the Bible verse on it. She said that she will be sending me different verses as time goes on. The main part of it says: "Give thanks" and the first verse said "for those who love us" John 13:34. The second one (that she has already sent me) says "for the beauty of creation" Genesis 1:1
I am so thankful for her thoughtfulness...



Many things to be thankful for...



Thinking of all of you, my friends, in blogger land.



With love and Hope,

Cheryl

541 Days

Caleb

Today marks 541 days that Elisabeth has blessed us here on earth. Her "older" brother, little Caleb, lived a total of 541 days on earth and now resides in Heaven with our blessed Lord Jesus. It has sometimes been a difficult journey for us who are left here.

From the time that Peter and I (42 years old) decided to have another baby after Caleb's death, to the reality during pregancy that she had cysts in her head (sometimes indicative of Trisomy 18, but sometimes "normal"), to her choking/gagging in the hospital, to the nightly ritual of watching in her video monitor to see/listen to her breathe, to waking up every morning and reassuring myself that she is still alive and well, to the "blanket" that covers our living children and makes my heart heavy--that is sometimes invisible--but very alive in their hearts about how each one continues to grieve in different ways...we now come to the day that speaks to my heart in a bittersweet way.

Today is the day that Elisabeth is exactly the age that Caleb was on the date that he died. I'm really not sure what this post is mostly about...more a description of our reality and feelings about events in our lives surrounding the loss of a child so deep that it is difficult to put into words.

I am thankful that Elisabeth will be one day older tomorrow, but so sad for Caleb, that he never got to see another day. I know, he is in Heaven and is much happier than he would be here on earth, but for me, I will never fully understand that reality until I myself am holding him in Heaven.

I was having difficulty with some of my children recently and a friend asked me (who recently lost her 29 year old daughter to cancer) if I found it harder to deal with my children since Caleb died. My response to her was...I know it is more difficult after Caleb died. I used to think that he was a handful (mischevous) when he was here (which he was), but I find that the emotional drain after he has died is sometimes more "work or stress" than if he was here. Even though he is not here I feel as though I am taking care of seven children. One in my heart. It is constant work to try and not let the enemy in.

To experience a tragic circumstance and have permanent separation from your beloved child is beyond description. I do have a deep faith and I know that God has been with me during the loss of Caleb and throughout my grief journey and all that it has dragged me through and taught me. Sometimes you learn through the saddest of circumstances. As a parent I wish I could turn the clock back and take his place, but because that is not possible, I choose to focus on Heaven.

I believe God's Word. I don't know what people do that don't have a secure Hope beyond this world full of trials. I have the promise of eternity in Heaven because I have chosen not to die for my sins, but to accept Christ as my savior and therefore He has taken the punishment for my sins.

Without salvation, the separation from our God on the day of judgement will be so much worse than the separation from our loved one. Can you just imagine for a minute what life here on earth would be like without God? We get just glimpses of what it might be like, but even the worst situations here during our life here on earth cannot even begin to really show us what true separation from God will be like for those who aren't saved.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us! Romans 5:8

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

With the heart on believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:10

Thank you God, for without the Hope of eternal life in Heaven the trials of this earth would be unbearable.

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We love you to the moon and back Caleb and we miss you more than I can adequately express. Sorrows beyond sorrows. We will hold you again, and for that I am grateful beyond measure.

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I will turn their mourning into gladness;

I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Please copy this link to your browser and listen to this song... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcYRr1dk7wA

April

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