Tis the season - for busyness!

Only 14 days left to Christmas and yes we have been busy, Busy, BUSY!! I must admit, last night was the first evening I had at home to relax (while multitasking of prep for my Piano Christmas Party) and thought to myself, "This is how December is supposed to be". We are enjoying every day but WOW, talk about a busy season.

Last weekend we spent taking care of my 4 nieces. This was a lot of fun but full of activity. . . as it usually is with 4 kids. :) The 2 older ones are involved in our churches Christmas production (That we are going to see this evening) and so there was a rehearsal each day for them. Then there were swimming lessons, a birthday party and Piano lessons all thrown into the mix. We also took them to the "Spirit of Christmas' at Trinity University. That was a lot of fun.

The other activity I was able to do this year was my annual date with Daddy. My Dad and I every year go for dinner and then Christmas shop for my Mom. This year went so well as we found EVERYTHING in 1 evening for her and I always enjoy the one on one time with my Dad. :)

Let's see,what else -
- Christmas shopping is almost complete - 1 more gift to buy which hopefully we can find tonight.
- Christmas cards are done, just needing the Christmas picture to be printed tonight, then stuff the cards and mail.
- House is decorated
- Christmas baking I haven't started but I hope to bake this weekend.
- I haven't started any wrapping yet but that is what Christmas Eve is for. :)

What is coming up? -
- Lance's birthday is this weekend - so I'll share more later on another post.
- My Piano students Christmas party is next week. - Always so much fun.
- Lance's staff Christmas party is also next week which should be good as well.
- Then there is the Lang Christmas party next weekend and then OH YA, CHRISTMAS!!
Tis the season for busyness :)

In the midst of it all though I have had so many moments of enjoying God's presence and being so thankful for His ultimate gift of sending Jesus to this world. I have been listening to Mercy Me Christmas CD in the car (the newest place for God time) and as tears run down my face I've been able to worship the Lord for having life through him. I can't imagine doing this life without Him and to really think upon that you truly get overwhelmed with what Christmas is all about. For Jesus to come to such a broken world that He created, how it must grieve Him to see His kids suffer - yet He provided a way - humbled Himself and came to this world to let us have eternity with Him. WOW!

Make sure to take a moment - put on some worship / Christmas music and dwell upon what Christ did in coming to this earth for us. It will make this month "How December is supposed to be."

Christmas season has begun

Yes, in our house Christmas season has begun. It seems to hit mid November around here and sure enough this year has been no different. Christmas music is on, shopping has begun, cards are bought, and decor is calling our names from the storage room . . . but we are holding off on that till the beginning of December. :)

We have been taking every Friday evening as a 'date' night as well as Christmas shopping. It is a great night to shop as the stores aren't busy and you avoid the crowds of the weekend. We are starting to get excited for the up coming functions of the Christmas season.

This Saturday I'm going to the 'Lang cousin movie night'. This is my Mom's side of the family and all of the cousins are in the same age span of 12 yrs. Us girl cousins will be watching White Christmas and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers . . .movies our husbands aren't really into. :) Our Grandma LOVED these classic films and we have all grown up loving them too. It will be such fun and I hope this becomes a new 'tradition' with the Lang girls.

This past month has flown by with 'doing life'. Funny how that happens. We have had the chance to catch up with quite a few friends we haven't seen in a while over the past month - from one visiting from out of town, to friendships built over the years, to coffee time with friends from back in my youth. I have come to realize once again how blessed we are by God surrounding us with such quality friends. I have had days of just thanksgiving to the Lord for His richness we seem to walk in surrounding us with friends. He is so good!

2 years of Marriage bliss :)

"I'm getting married today" were the first words out of my mouth, as I woke up 2 years ago today. It was a crisp, fall day with the sun peaking through the clouds and the peacefulness of the morning clung in the air. All the months and months of planning had finally come to the day that would turn our lives into the next chapter. It was a day that a dream became reality for us both. A day God smiled upon His kids and said, "This is good for it is my plan." The entire day went so smoothly and as Lance and I took mental snapshots all throughout the day we praised God for His goodness and love.

2 years have passed and while this year has been FULL of many trials, our Marriage, love for each other, as well as trust and care have grown in leaps and bounds. We are blessed beyond measure to not only have each other but to have God's love and purpose for our lives.

Today we celebrate and reflect back but more importantly dream forward!

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises, and loving toward all He has made."

Promotion

This week has been a whirlwind of great things happening super fast. :) Monday I came into work like I have done every Monday for the past 2 months expecting routine of what my job requires, only to be approached mid-morning by my supervisor offering me a promotion to the Sales department in an estimating role. WOW! I was in shock that they want to move me so quickly as I haven't even finished my probation period yet with this company but what an honour to be asked. I drilled her with questions and throughout the day had them answered with management that knew more about the position.

I had the evening to think it over, chat with Lance and take it to prayer. They wanted an answer by the next day. The nice thing was they said if I didn't like the position or it didn't seem like the right 'fit' in 6 weeks time I could always come back to reception. So what did I have to loose? I would receive SO much training and insight into this company that I couldn't refuse. Tuesday morning I gave my answer as 'yes, I would give it a try' and I started the next day.

So what is this position exactly? Basically I am support to all the Sales reps to do up quotes of the orders the clients have requested. I have a LOT to learn regarding glass 'terminology' but it is a new challenge that I'm up for. I'm thankful for the favour God has placed on me to be able to receive such an opportunity to advance in this company so quickly.

Pretty exciting stuff, eh? God is so faithful to continue leading us in every aspect of our lives and we are very thankful. Even in times we don't understand why we are walking through things, God continues to lead and as we continue to trust Him, He reveals amazing things along the way of the journey.

Glass windows

I've been pondering on this today and realized how thankful I am for windows . . . or should I say glass windows. Since working for a company that deals with glass fabrication, I realize how great of a product it is! Whoever invented it was on to something. :)

Where my office is I look out through glass doors, glass walls, glass corners to the beauty of nature outside. Not only do I get to see outside but the glass protects me from the temperature outside, the noise, and the smells. Think about it. It is a see through wall! WOW! Such a great thing on fall days like today where the sun is shining with a slight breeze swaying the trees that are starting to change colour. Just perfect.

There is that saying (or is it a scripture) that says, 'a persons eyes are the window into their soul'. Do we take time to look into those windows? Do we see the beauty on the other side? Do we see the potential, the good that God sees in every person? It has made me realize that I need to take time to look into those windows and let God touch the hearts behind those eyes. To let God speak to my heart as I see through the window, into all of His creation.

Take a moment today and look through a window. What do you see?

Tourist in our own town

One of the things we have tried to do each weekend this summer, is go somewhere local that one of us have never been before and enjoy our beautiful province that we live in. This past weekend we ventured out to Harrison.

On the way we stopped in Abbotsford for a "Lang" breakfast. (My Mom's side of the family) Grandpa was down for a visit from Osoyoos and it was so great to see him along with all the other extended family that were able to make it. We truly treasure our time we get to see Grandpa as each day is a gift.
Here is a pic of him holding his newest Great Grandson - Abraham (my nephew). Grandpa has 16 great grandchildren with 1 more on the way. What a blessing he has had the privilege of seeing in his lifetime.

After that we kept driving out to Harrison. I've been there on day trips before but Lance had never seen this peaceful place tucked away in between the glorious mountains. It truly is such a picture, perfect place. We had a great time exploring the place and walking through the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel pretending we were royalty. :) It was great to spend the day enjoying 1 more place that God's wonder and creativity is every where you look.
If you live in this area and have never been, we encourage you to go. It is a beautiful spot to walk, sit, bike, camp, swim, and enjoy a 'get-a-way' that is only an hour away.

Enjoy the long weekend - the official last one of the summer.

so far so good

Just a quick update about the new receptionist / administration job. So far so good. I've had the usual new place adjustments but everyday I'm getting more comfortable. The job itself is low challenge compared to what I did before but it is kind of nice not having the added stress. I can't believe I've been there 3 weeks already. God is already opening doors and each day I'm able to shine light to each employee and customer that crosses my path.


Other than that things in the Rourke household are going well. This week we had my cousins that are like brothers drive into town from Alberta and we had the chance to spend time with them. Every time we get to see them I'm reminded at how blessed I am with so much family - Immediate, in laws, and extended, whether far away or close, they are all amazing people that I treasure. :)

It is hard to believe summer is coming to a close. Only 2 more weeks and full schedules kick in, school begins and fall arrives. There is something exciting about the beginning of fall - like the beginning of a new year. We are looking forward to great things for the rest of this year as we continue to seek God's will and plan for everyday.

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying today :)

Great News!

I'm so happy to announce I'm officially EMPLOYED once again!! :) God is so good! I start on August 4th with Vitrum Industries (A glass fabrication company known all over the lower mainland) starting out as their full time receptionist with HUGE room to advance within the company. I'm looking forward to working for a new place with such great people. I must admit I'm a little nervous but who isn't for their first day at a new job. I think I'm more excited than anything to start.

It has been quite the journey for the past 5 months but I'm thankful that the time has come for where God wants to place me in this new chapter in my working career. Thank you to everyone who has been so faithful in praying for us as we have continued to keep knocking on each door waiting for the right one to open. We serve such a great God who consistently loves us unconditionally and brings us through hard times to His promise land set apart for us.

Fun times in Edmonton

We had a wonderful week with Mom & Dad Rourke in mid June. They came for a week and we enjoyed everyday. Unfortunately I didn't pull my camera out once. Silly me.

At the end of the week we all headed out to Edmonton to spend time with the rest of the family. This was a very special time as the family hasn't all been together in 12 years. We enjoyed staying at Lance's sisters place, celebrating our niece's 10th birthday and being together on Father's day for Dad. It was Lance's brother's wish for us to have some family photos done to mark this great moment so on Father's day the adults did just that. We had great weather the whole time and it was sad to have to say goodbye.

Our trip up driving through BC


A few pics of family time


Lance with all his nephews and niece


Rourke Family Photo


Rourke siblings


From Edmonton we had planned on having a mini vacation in Whistler to join my sister & family along with my parents. The adventure turned to being stranded in Lillooet due to a rock slide that our car got damaged in. It was quite the trip and 3 days we will never get back :)



Once we got home I have been enjoying time in the sun with family and friends. We live in such a beautiful province with lakes and the ocean so close. Here are a few pics of times at these beaches.

Summer in the way of blogging

I can't believe how behind I am in not only updating this blog but also in reading my friends blogs. Reason? . . .the best . . . . enjoying summer days. 'Sigh', what could be better :)

I'm going to try and update this blog soon so stay tuned. I have so many photos to download as well and share what we have been up too. God is so good to continue to provide, bring purpose to each day and walk through life loving and serving Him.

I said Monday but somehow it is already Tuesday

How does that happen? I had a list made out of everything I wanted to accomplish yesterday and I was able to check about 4 things off the list. Blogging obviously didn't make it on that check :)

Regardless here is a bunch of things that have been happening around here and coming up.

1) May was a full month. It always is in my family due to so many birthdays. We celebrated my nephew's birthday, then Mother's day, then my parents went on an Alaskan cruise, then celebrated my Dad's birthday, then my Mom's, then a great friend's birthday and then her Mom's birthday. Phew! We had gorgeous weather the majority of May which brought us cleaning off our deck and enjoying the outdoors as well.

Pics of the cruise ship and my nephew at Canada Place

2) Due to no job yet, I've been using my skills and abilities that God has given me to bring in a little extra. A great friend of mine and myself booked a table at Kids Swap. For those that don't know what Kids Swap is it isn't to swap your kids. If that was the case it would be a new way for me to get one :) It is a place where you buy a table and are able to sell anything kids. You can find everything from furniture to baby toys to clothing to new items, etc. I LOVE making square receiving blankets for newborn babies as they are hard to find in the stores and they are the best to swaddle a baby in. So I have been doing a lot of sewing and sold a bunch of them! Every little bit helps especially with my teaching done for the summer. It was a lot of fun as well.

3) Still job hunting. This is a hard one as you feel so out of control in the whole process. The most any person can do is apply EVERYWHERE and wait. You can't force them to set up an interview or to say "You're the one I want to hire" as much as I'd like too sometimes. But God has the right job out there. Until then it is amazing how life can fill up each day.

4) My Piano recital is this week for my students and I'm quite excited about it. My sister and I always do a joint concert for our students and it is always a big hit for the end of the piano year. I've been busy with programs, tickets, awards, etc. to make the evening special for not only the students but the parents, grandparents, friends and other family that attend.

5) My in-laws are coming to town at the end of this week! That is probably why the list is so long this week of things I need to accomplish :) I'm really looking forward to having them stay with us for a week as we are blessed to see them once a year if it works out as they live on the other side of Canada.

6) And last but not least I have a new NEPHEW!! He was born on Saturday and he is just perfect! My brother and sister-in-law are doing well. He is their second son and makes their little family in a new spot in life but oh so good :)

So that is the update. When I have more time I'll add pics to this post. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying each day God gives us.

Update coming soon!

It isn't right that my last post was back in APRIL! My apologies. Excuse? Well I don't really have one besides life flying by and not taking the time to sit down to journal it. BUT I have a few great things coming from the last month and a bit to write so tomorrow is the day for blogging. So come on back tomorrow for those still following this blog to see what the Rourkes have been up too. :)

Auntie and Niece day!

My youngest niece had a field trip with her preschool that I was privilege to go on with her last week due to my sister having to work. I was so excited as I haven't been on a field trip since elementary school days myself.

It was a transportation field trip. This meant we road all different types of transportation here in the lower mainland. We started on the city bus, then to the sky train then to the sea bus and then back again. We stopped in Longs dale key in Vancouver for lunch and a chance for the kids to play at the park. It was a long day for the kids but such a great memory of spending quality time with my niece. Here are a few pics for you to enjoy. :)

Osoyoos

Lance was on holidays last week and unfortunatley was sick with a cold for a lot of it but we did have a chance to go away for 3 days to my Aunt and Uncle's place in Osoyoos. They own a mini vineyard that over looks the lake and we had a great time of relaxation. I've put some pics below. Everything is just starting to bloom so it will look different in a couple weeks time but it is a place full of beauty and slower pace of life. So wonderful. We really enjoyed our stay and time visiting with my Aunt.

The cabin we stayed in


Outside and inside


More of the vineyard & inside the home

Spring has arrived!

It is so wonderful to finally feel warmth from the sun, look at beautiful flowers, trees and plants budding and listen to birds sing away their song of joy for the new season of SPRING. A new season full of fresh potential and new life. As is in the Rourke household. We are so thankful to be moving forward with this new season and anticipate great things that God has in store for our lives. We are full of hope, joy, and God's promises for what is to come!

I'm still on the job hunt but know in God's time He will provide the right job. I'm on interviews weekly it seems but the right 'fit' just hasn't come yet. I embrace each day as a new day full of anything God has for us.