Wrap up of October and into November!

It has been a very full week!  As I was thinking about writing about the events of the last week, it is certainly one of those times when it seems like way more than a week!  Sunday was the beginning of the fun times, since Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna all get to Trick or Treat on the Sunday before Halloween (thanks to their community which has done this for many years) And on a side note, can I say that this is such a great practice!  The hours are during the afternoon.  Everyone is home to be a part of the fun.  And, as an extra perk, the last couple of years the Sunday has had great weather and Halloween - not so much!

I can't believe how creative the kids are when it comes to these costumes.  Zeke has been waiting to be "an alien carrying a human".  Ellie was Rapunzel (and Samuel, her boyfriend was Flynn Ryder), Lia was a cow and Anna was a super cute cheerleader.  It was only in the 40's and kind of windy, but it still proved to be a far superior weather day when compared with Halloween! As usual, there were friends a plenty along for the Sunday trick or treating.  I counted 19 kids and 9 adults when they left.  I (thankfully) stayed home to keep the dogs company.

On Monday, I snapped this picture of Chandler and Anna and I.  

Chandler is an older dog (he will soon be 14 years old) and he seems to really appreciate being with someone almost as old as him!  He climbs on the back of the sofa and wraps his head around mine.  I do love that dog, almost as much as Ken did!  

Tuesday was actually Halloween!  I met Susie's mom and dad to go to Grace's school for the Halloween Parade!  We were continually checking for a text or email that might notify that the parade was canceled, but it never came.  We stood outside at the school in a real, honest to goodness snow storm.  It was 30 degrees and the snow was being driven by 40 mile an hour winds.  The parents/grandparents were covered in the snow before the parade ever started.  Luckily, they had the kids all wear their coats over their costumes (which made for a not so exciting parade) but the kids seemed to love it!  

You can sort of see the snow in this picture.  That is one very happy Gracie who shouted to her friends, "That's my Yiayia and Papa and Grandma!".  It certainly made the cold and snow all worth it!  

As soon as the kids got home, we set out getting several layers of clothes on them, under their costumes!  We even managed to get a winter coat under Jimmy's Fireman outfit.  

Grace ended up wearing a winter hat under her Witches hat (which helped it to stay on in the brisk winds).  She decided to wear her winter coat and gloves and we managed to get gloves on Jimmy also.  It had stopped snowing for the most part, but it was still really cold!  I sent everyone else out trick or treating and I manned the door!  There were a surprisingly large number of kids and parents braving the awful weather.  I had to fill the treat bowl several times from the bags in the kitchen.  Jimmy was done after about an hour (and a bucket so full he couldn't carry it).  Susie and Grace went back out for another 45 minutes just before another snow shower moved in.  I drove home - slowly - in another round of snow.  All in all, there was a measurable inch of snow by Wednesday morning.  

Wednesday is All Saints Day, a day to remember all those who have gone before us.  It is also Lucas' birthday.  This year, more than any other, it seems like a very odd passage of time.  This was his 9th birthday.   Our family always takes time to go the cemetery and remember Lucas.

Even though it was still cold, at least the sun was partially shining.  It is always good to take this time and reflect on the impact Lucas has had on each of us.  I had several of my friends reach out to me when they remembered Lucas.  Grace made the yarn heart and the turtle stepping stone for Lucas.  As she is getting old, she often talks about Lucas,  Its hard to explain to children when adults don't even understand!  But it seems fitting that this time falls on All Saints Day.  I remember my mom especially loved the hymn "For All The Saints" that was always sung on All Saints Day. This hymn actually has 8 verses - but I will just share a couple... (I usually would include a link to a video of this hymn, but after listening to some of the available videos, I decided to just use the lyrics!)

For all the Saints, who from their labors rest. All who by faith , before the world confessed. Your name of Jesus, be forever blessed.  Alleluia, Alleluia.

 Oh blessed communion, fellowship divine.  We feebly struggle, they in glory shine!  Yet all are one within your great design.  Alleluia, Alleluia

But then there breaks a yet more glorious day.  The saints triumphant rise in bright array. The King of Glory passes on His way.  Alleluia, Alleluia 

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast.  Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia.

What a picture of those that have gone before us.  They are shining in glory - we feebly struggle.  Yet, we are all part of this fellowship with them.  They rise in the presence of Jesus, in a new day.  Yes, a great picture, painted in these lyrics.  And I can see my own loved ones in that "countless host". Among them I see Lucas, bathed in the glory, shining brightly, filled with the light of Jesus.  

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that our life on earth is just a small part of the eternal life we have with you.  Holy Spirit, comfort all those who mourn and grieve today.  Hold them close and bring peace whatever the circumstances are.  Thank you for hymns and poems that help us to express our deepest thoughts.  Give us all the faith of children.  What a wonderful hope and joy we have in you Jesus.  Amen

Reminder of new life......

Today I found this really interesting object.  It is hard to tell from the photo exactly what it is, but it is something I have never seen before.  It is an acorn from an oak tree that has started to grow.  It is especially significant to me because I found this acorn at Lucas' grave sight.  Our family had gathered there to remember Lucas on his 3rd birthday.  I have mentioned before that this cemetery is really beautiful.  It is filled with tall, old trees - including a towering oak tree that shelters Lucas' grave.  I noticed all the acorns scattered around, and this was the first one I picked up.  What a wonderful reminder of God's plan for new life.  It may seem odd, but standing in that place, holding on to this little acorn, I felt the presence of Jesus.  There was assurance and hope today.  Assurance that Lucas is safe with Jesus and hope in the knowledge that we will see him again one day.  And Grace is evidence of the new life that Jesus has brought to our family.

On our return to Doug and Susie's house, we took this picture.  I love that this picture has all six of my grandchildren - Lucas represented by his picture and our precious Lucas Bear.   At nine months old, Grace was really not aware of the purpose of our gathering today.  She was just happy being with her family. 

I would title this picture "Grace, surrounded by her adoring fans"!  And besides her cousins, there were two grandma's, a grandpa, an uncle, an aunt and mommy and daddy.  So there was plenty of hugging and kissing of that sweet face.  

Grace will grow up knowing about her older brother Lucas.  She will hear many stories about him and see reminders of him all around her.  I often watch as Grace looks carefully at the pictures of Lucas. While our family chooses to remember Lucas especially on his birthday, he is always in our hearts.  

I wrote a card for Lucas today.... it reads..

Lucas Jacob Rowley

We will always love you.

You are in our hearts forever.

We see you Celebrating with Jesus

there among the Angels and the Saints

Dancing in the Spectacular Glory.....

                   of Heaven!

It is so fitting that today is All Saints Day.  The old hymn "For All The Saints" was one of my mom's very favorite hymns.  I have been humming that song all day.  I especially like this verse (there are way a lot of verses of this hymn)....

O blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Yes, Lucas is shining in that glory right there with my mom.  How fitting since his name means "Light".  I can see that beautiful little boy, running and dancing in that amazing light of heaven.  

Jesus, thank you for that wonderful little sprouted acorn.  What a great reminder that you ARE the life and it is you that brings new life.  Thank you for time with family to remember and reflect.  Holy Spirit,, help us all to keep our eyes turned toward Jesus.  Jesus, give us all a hope and vision of heaven.   Amen