Too Much to List!

Has it really been months since my last post? Time has flown! This is the most wonderful time of the year, but most definitely the busiest! As usual, the Aloisi household is no exception to this rule.

First, Lincoln's stone was FINALLY set. And by finally, I really mean finally. It took about four months, which was only about three months longer than the cemetery had estimated. After a little bit of a mad momma had stopped by the office to inquire about her son's missing stone about three times, they finally got on it and realized that they hadn't contacted the engraver. Really? Regardless, the final resting place for my son's earthly body is now forever marked with his name, a declaration to the world of his sweet existence and a validation of sorts that he was a person and not (as some pro-choice would declare) just a fetus. His life had substance and value, and I felt so much better about him having a stone. Here is a picture:

 

 

Following this, Rocco had a big birthday. My baby turned 2! Yes, I cannot believe it, but he is 2! And he has a mind of his own! He is so intelligent and it amazes me what his little mind picks up on and can contemplate on a daily basis. He is such a bright light in our lives and I am not a little bit proud :)

Shortly following his birthday, we took a much needed vacation with my parents to Florida. It was so nice to have our toes in the sand! We had not been to the beach since I was pregnant with Rocco, and it was hilarious to see his reaction to the sand. He hated the dry sand, but would sit and play in the wet, packed sand. However, we did have to keep a water bucket on hand for him to dunk his little sandy hands in. He hates to have anything on his hands! I have NO idea where he gets this obsessive-type behavior, ha ha!

As soon as we got back from the beach, Halloween was right around the corner. Rocco wanted to be a fireman. He was so cute in his little costume! His trick or treat tactics were so cute, too. He would start chanting "trick or treat" as soon as we walked into someone's driveway. I think he ran and chased his cousin for an entire hour, so needless to say that by the time we got to my Mamaw's house for our last stop of the evening he said "Mommy I go home". Poor buddy! He can be a little homebody and definitely lets me know when he is sleepy.

 

We just celebrated a quiet Thanksgiving and felt very blessed. We have so much to be thankful for. Yes, we experienced some bumpy roads this year, but we are so incredibly blessed by Our Father! We have one beautiful, healthy child, and God had mercy on little Lincoln and prepared a place for Him at His right hand. I am so thankful for that Promise! We have a warm place to sleep, food in our bellies, money in the bank, live in a country where were are free to worship God, and wonderful family and friends to call our own. We are so BLESSED. I hope each and every one of you celebrated Thanksgiving with that same spirit. I also hope that in the spirit of Thanks that you don't forget the joy in Giving. This Christmas so many are in need. Take a moment to give back. And not just with money. Give your time, your love, and of yourself to others. I promise it is better than any gift you will receive. I didn't want to let the season of Thanksgiving (which should be ALL THE TIME for believers) pass by without expressing my gratitude.

I visited Lincoln's grave the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and experienced some bittersweet emotions. It was the first holiday since his passing (no, I do NOT count Halloween), and yet I felt blessed to know that he celebrated with Jesus. That doesn't mean that a few tears didn't fall (I am human!), but an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his time not spent on earth was profound. Had he lived, Lincoln would have had to endure any number of medical problems, and any or all could have caused him to experience profound pain. I am grateful that our Father shows us not only His Grace but also His mercy daily. Still, I must confess, I also need your prayers at this time. I felt like I was on such a spiritual high throughout my pregnancy and Lincoln's subsequent death. Now, I almost feel "spent" if that makes sense. Like I am just going through the motions. I am not apathetic in the least, but I just don't feel connected like I know I should. I want to be doing more to make a difference. (I don't know where I will find the time, since I am already working on Angel Tree stuff, planning and fundraising for the mission trip to Kenya, raising a 2 year old, working, still building a house, and being a wife....geez!) I think being busy has been good for me throughout the pregnancy and even immediately after, but maybe I just need some time to recharge and reconnect with myself and the Lord. I want to make sure that I keep Christ in Christmas and share His love with others. I want to make sure that my son knows what Christmas is really about.

In closing, here is a recent picture of Rocco in his much-loved toboggan. He is just so cool! Of course I am biased, but I think he could be a baby model!

May your holidays be filled with love! Blessings to all!

Lindsey