Being faithful in the little things....

I just read about the life of Betty Olsen who was a missionary nurse that traveled to Vietnam during the war. That in and of itself is amazing, right? But, what was most amazing about her is that she was captured, mistreated, and yet all the while she tended to the other captives, shared Christ with them, and then with her dying words told her captives of her and God's love for them...no matter that they had tortured and killed her. Stinkin' AMAZING, right?

I struggle a little in reading that because I feel like what I do each and every day will never amount to much for the Lord. I haven't been called to some war torn remote village (yet), I haven't been taken captive (even if some days I feel trapped by the world's demands), and I don't have any true enemies to speak of (although I am a pain in the #@& and I'm sure I'm often not people's favorite or have let them down). I want so desperately to leave a handprint on this world...not for my glory, but for HIS! I want my life to be story-worthy...again, not with my name attached. It could just be that someone writes, "Once there was this woman...". I just want to make a difference. I know, I know...I have been called to the high honor of motherhood, and being a wife. And I do consider that a blessing. I want to disciple my children and love on my hubs. Truly!

But, is that enough? Believe me, I'm not asking to be malnourished with leeches hanging from my legs....but, I do want to use all that I am. And, the sigh of relief comes for me when I finally get it...that's all Nurse Betty wanted too. She didn't set out to be a martyr for the faith. She set out to be faithful in the small things. She obeyed the call to become a nurse, which led her to a job, that led her to a church, that led her to a ministry, that led her to Vietnam, etc.

So, today I suppose I will obey the call to spend time with the Lord, look for ways to serve my family, reach out to love others in my life, and pray that today He would teach me a little more about living my life in light of my faith.

Our ADVENTure

Well, so much for consistently keeping up this blog! Life! I have to admit, I'm always a dreamer when it comes to the vast amount I'd like to accomplish. Alas!

Anyway, we are enjoying all the fun activities around town...a trolley ride downtown, the Christmas parade, cookie baking, etc. But, now that the kids are old enough to "get it", Advent has become my favorite time in this season. Every night....well when we can remember and get it together in time....we have been reading a little advent story and moving Mary and Joseph closer to the manger as the take their journey to Bethlehem. Somehow, this story that I've heard over and over again has seemingly new meaning to me as I watch it take hold in my kiddos eyes.

We had the privilege of lighting the Advent candle at church last week, and our picture was put in the paper. And while that in and of itself is just a neat advantage of small island living, what's even cooler is what our Pastor said to the kiddos today....that everything they do is a witness to others and a way for them to tell others about Christ. So, my prayer is that they'll talk about what we are doing at home and well, so will I! Waiting anxiously for Christ!!!!

Hearts, Musicals, and well ...the thankfulness of a type A!

I was reading in Ezra this morning, and was just struck at the first few lines, "...the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia...". What a mighty God we serve! Because even later after an insecure King Artaxerses shut down the rebuilding to the temple, God then appointed Darius as King and it was better than before. He not only allowed the rebuilding to begin, but paid for all of it! So, as we sit here in Post-election America with some celebrating the victory of Obama, and some bemoaning what that might mean for our nation, I have to wonder....since when do we put our trust in one man? No, no....the LORD moves hearts! And even when it seemingly doesn't go our way....its always going His! Whew!

I was also struck, considering the upcoming holiday, that the people gave "freewill offerings...according to their ability" for the rebuilding of the temple. And, as they did there wasn't instant gratification. It took YEARS and many, many people. But,when only the foundation had been laid, they stopped, "with praise and thanksgiving, they sang to the Lord: 'He is good; his love endures forever'". I've always said that I wished I lived in musical (wouldn't that be a blast to sing to one another all the time? Ha!)! No, but it challenged me, once again, to give freely and accordingly to the Lord.....and to stop in the midst of the basics and the little things and totally abandon myself to give HIM all the glory! It's kind of like when I watch my little 3 year old at Creative Movement class at the YMCA on Monday mornings. Those kiddos have no inhibitions and are running around acting like animals, being so silly! I want to stop and do that in honor of the Lord this Thanksgiving. Okay, maybe not in the same manner....although I'm sure my family would enjoy the show! Ha! And it might prove difficult for me to adopt this habit daily as I should because I'm a type A and we don't like to stop work for anything that seems trivial and not about the end goal.

But, it's not trivial. Because if the Lord is out there moving the hearts of men that seem to be unmoveable, then the least I can do is freely and accordingly offer all that I have and am, and then stop and give thanks and praise for His purposes being carried out. Simple, right? Ha!

Sweet eWe!

My little girl is such a sweetheart....always wanting to be a big helper. She helps me fold laundry, helps Poppy with the gardening, and loves to help cook. Ms. Maribel, a dear family friend, made this adorable apron for her. The very next morning, she woke up, put it on, pulled a stool up to the kitchen counter, and waited to help Poppy with our traditional weekend breakfast (grits, bacon, and eggs). I love her servant's heart and her amazing work ethic. I just have to learn to be a little more patient with the outcome of her help and how it slows the process down. Who knew making toast could take 10 minutes, eh? Ha!

Camping

So our first attempt at camping went pretty well....minus E stepping into a pile of fire ants! The kids loved playing in the tent and just the adventure of it all. We definitely want to make more time for this as a family!

Halloween

We had fun trick-or-treating, but it was a slow start. Emily kept tripping in her high heels, they were asking for more than one piece of candy, ringing the doorbells multiple times (annoying the owners), and walking over flower beds. Once we got the trick-or-treating etiquette down things went a bit smoother. By the end of the night, Emily was saying, "I want to go to bed, I'm Tiiiirrreeed!" Hilarious!

Wanted!

Well, my little man turned 3 yesterday! Wow, where has the time gone? He had a GREAT day filled with super fun gifts sent by family, cupcakes with sprinkles that he helped me make, a birthday lunch at McDonald's (his fav), and a trip to the beach at sunset to see the sea turtles helped to water from their nest. He has such a fun, sweet, energetic, encouraging, and funny spirit about him. He is a gift to the rest of his more serious, intense, type A, and reserved family members (I'll let you figure out who's what:)). I'm continually thankful for him, and just can't believe my "baby" is truly no longer a baby!

The Woelke Weekender

So, this the hubby's new "car"! He's been on the search for a car for quite some time, as many of you know. At first it was going to be a sedan, then he decided to go sporty with a Mustang, and finally he landed on the idea of a used Jeep. He says it's his mid-life crisis kicking in early....I say "whatever"!

Anyway, for him, usually the shopping and researching is the most fun. But, I think maybe he's just as thrilled with the purchase this time:) I hate the researching, looking, and shopping to be honest....so I'm glad it's over! But, I will say....this "car" is FUN! We've enjoyed tooling around town this weekend in it. The kids L-O-V-E it. They both canNOT stop telling their daddy how cool it is, and they call it the "monster truck" Jeep! Too funny! Today we had the top down and went for a ride....perfect!

Home, Sweet, Home

We had a great trip overall. The kids loved the stay in the hotel, although didn't sleep much. And, they just LOVE being with family. We took walks, played in Gran's basement, went on a hayride, picked pumpkins, played at the park, and ate lots of yummy food:)

There were hard bits for Dad and I too.....returning to the house where Mom grew up, to where their relationship first started, and to just look around and notice the obvious...she was missing. I think it was hard on the rest of the family too....we serve as reminders of her to them....because I look like her maybe, but also because we were a package deal (especially she and Dad). But, we made the most of it and recognize that the next time it will probably be a little easier.

Now we're back and getting settled back in, and are especially excited to have our Hubby/Daddy HOME!!!! We hope to enjoy a great family weekend to end off our Fall Break!

Lilly Marie

Little Miss Lilly was the star of the show yesterday. She is my cousin's 3 month old daughter, and yesterday she was baptized. Precious child! It was a nice ceremony, and an AMAZING dinner (authentic Italian). My prayer for you Lil, is that you would know that you are loved by your parents and the Lord....that you would come to a faith in Christ at a young age, and walk with Him all the days of your life.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Well, today would have been my Mom's 62nd birthday....so, Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you and we miss you! This day will never be the same without you!

Our First Fall Break

So, we've officially made it through to Fall Break in our first experience with school! It's been great, too. This is a picture of E from the first day in her "uniform". She loves going, learning, and being with friends.

For the break, we are taking a trip to be with my Mom's side of the family, leaving after school tomorrow. We'll celebrate C's bday while there, get to meet my cousin's brand new little girl, Lilly, and see her baptized. Should prove to be an adventure and a really fun time. I am also looking forward to coming home, too, as my hubby will FINALLY be back indefinitely. It's crazy to think that he's not been here since school started for E!!! I mean he did come home for a weekend, but you know. Anyway, off we go to enjoy cheese steaks, soft pretzels, subs, and water ice. Yes, all food. I guess I'd better take my workout clothes with me, eh? Ha!

My little Batman

So, Wednesdays mornings are when I have "special time" with my little Batman. I'm fortunate enough to have a friend here to carpool with a friend, and when she's not available my Dad (Poppy) has offered to take E to school. That allows me one morning to stay in my p.j.s, have an extra cup-o-joe, and play whatever my little Batman wants to. Today, we are building a train track to drive cars on. So, off I go to indulge in one of my simple pleasures....one-on-one time with my little guy. I know this won't be something that he desires forever...playing with Mom. He already wipes my kisses off...stinker! So, I'm going to be the best darn car driver that I can be....maybe he'll be impressed enough to ask me to do it again next Wednesday:)

Relating to Winnie the Pooh

I'm just relating to that precious honey bear when he sang, "I'm just a little black rain cloud...."
because this is week 6 (I think) without my husband. He's been away with work. I'm also pretty sure that I'm a bit pre-hormonal, and sick. And then there is my Mom's birthday.....she would have been just 62 this coming Sunday. She passed away in May from Cancer. All that to say, I feel like there is a bit of a cloud over my head these days. I'm ready to return to team parenting, less hormones, better health, and well....there isn't much to be done about grief for now.

My sis and I were just saying...it seems a bit harder now to be without Mom than it did even at first. Maybe its that you can no longer escape the reality of the situation?

Anyway, it's weird knowing that I'm not feeling like my "normal" self. "Normal" meaning, pre-May. I feel like a more dull, or less shiny version of me. I'm sure this too shall pass, but in the meantime it's hard to explain to others. I'm just thankful for friends and family who keep telling me this is "typical", and give me the grace to walk through this season.

E (my 4 year old daughter) asked me today if G.G. (my mom) was still my Mother. I don't know why, but that opened the floodgates....Yes, she is still my Mother...the woman who brought me into this world. My Mommy...the woman who tenderly cared for my needs and helped lay the foundations of my life, just as I am attempting to do with my two kiddos. My Mom...an example of a woman who loved the Lord, her husband, children, family, and friends....a dear friend of mine. And, I miss her a whole heaping lot today.

I'm just thankful that God's mercies are new each morning....tomorrow is a new day. And while I'm sure I won't miss her any less, I'm hopeful the floodgate door might stay pulled shut:)

And then in a week I'll no longer have hormones that are all whack-a-do, be over this cold, and have my husband back. Watch out world!!!!!!!

Hiking on Talbot Island

As we embarked with picnic in hand, E informed me that this was the first time that we've ever taken them hiking! The truth of that statement became clear to me quite quickly as they started saying, "Why is it taking so long to get to our picnic?" They totally missed that the means was just as important as the end....I too sometimes miss that in life.

At any rate, we ended up stopping for our dinner at the edge of the beach due to high tide. On our return hike C and E raced, and then E and I did various "exercises". It was a nice outing, and it ended with Shake's for dessert back home before baths and bedtime:)

Welcome!

So, I've officially decided to begin blogging! Ahhh! First I put it off and then I actually tried but wasn't bright enough to figure it out:) This time I made it! Ha! So, here are my two precious kiddos before church one morning. E (4) always has to accessorize with jewelry and lip gloss. You can't see them, but this day she also decided to wear her dress-up shoes as well....that was interesting! As for C (almost 3) he just was excited to be wearing a shirt that looked like his Poppy's!