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

Halloween from the past.....in the world, but not OF the world

This is one of my favorite pictures of my kids - mostly because it is so "natural" of them both.  I have to smile when I look at it.  I love the "junk" on the freezer behind Gwen and the kids art work hanging on the drapes.  Who would think that I would be missing those things?   And, when I look at Doug, all I can think is - on no, not that shirt!  He insisted on wearing that particular shirt, over and over and over - even after it was really small on him.  I don't know what it was about that shirt, but he loved it. 

These pumpkins were from a place that we STILL refer to as the "humble pumpkin patch".  Needless to say, it is no longer a farm since the suburban spread has taken over and the road is now lined with stores and houses.  But that spot was and will always be to us, the humble pumpkin patch.  Going to pick out pumpkins was a favorite event for me.  I think it is because I never did this as a child.  As a matter of fact, there are no pictures of me at Halloween and I really only remember trick or treating after I was in 1st Grade.  I remember one particular Halloween when we lived in Minnesota.  We went to about 3 houses - trudging through several inches of snow in our snowsuits.  And while I know that some people will cringe, my family did dress up and go trick or treating.  But I have to say that there were many years that we also had "Halloween Alternatives" at our church.  These were good times filled with great activities. 

You know, this is one of those times when there is a fine line between being IN the world and not OF the world.  I am happy that my children have chosen to become an influence to their peers and have remained friends with people that may not know Jesus.  Because, really, how else will these people ever get to know who Jesus is if they never get to experience his love through us?  I mean, really, didn't Jesus eat with all those "untouchable" people?  And go places that he was not supposed to (by religious teaching)?  So I am proud and very humbled by the grace that my children walk in, as they are out in the world.  And they are there because that is where Jesus has called them to be.  I am remembering that now as I am in a workplace that is filled with so many who do not know about Jesus.  I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit has promised to be that living water that flows out of us. 

So tonight, as I am passing out candy to the sweet young ones who come to my door, I will be greeting them with a smile and praying a blessing upon them. 

Jesus, thank you for your promises to us, to be with us and act through us.  Thank you for my children and the many, many lessons I have learned through them and the examples that they are to the world.  Holy Spirit, bless all of the children who have visited my home tonight.  Touch them with the knowledge of Jesus and the love of the Father.  Thank you for your great plan for the world, to show forth your glory!  Amen