The Week in Review

After taking Otto to the airport and attempting to change the tire, Kayla and I headed home, then carved pumpkins, had dinner and roasted marshmallows for s'mores, Jamie and Dylan visited!

Jack



Tracing the patterns and scraping out the inside!



Captain America

Scary

On Tuesday Robin and I walked to Starbucks for our morning coffee, then picked up the van after it got two new tires.  We drove over to Tree's and headed to dinner at CPK.  Tony had a board meeting and decided to meet us after; we had planned to go to a movie but ended up at 'Color Me Mine', good choice.  We worked on a special project and had a blast!

Color Me Mine

We then headed over to Legends for a night cap, got a donut and coffee and didn'tget into bed until about 1:30 a.m.  What a fun night out with Robbie, Tree and Tony!

Tree and I went to her bible study on Wednesday, then headed to Sturtevant Falls (sp?) for a hike to the falls!  We didn't quite make it all the way, but it was a good workout regardless!  We had some laughs, a few tears were shed and then we headed back to Signal Hill.

I borrowed Robbie's car, went back to J and Corynn's to see Gianna.  I spent the morning with Gianna; my friend Dawn stopped in and then me and Gianna worked on a handprint ornament for momma and daddy, then I took her to 'school' (day care, but don't tell her) and headed to Palm Springs to meet the Li/yndas!  We talked, walked to Starbucks, shopped, played cards and had lunch with dad and Sharon and they headed back to AZ and me, well back to see Gianna of course.

I was so tired that I didn't make it to see Tucker's game or to see Tristin and after returning Robbie's car headed home to bed.  Today, I got to spend the day with the Stucks and went to the pumpkin patch with Gianna.

Headed back home where J grilled steak, veggies and 'joe's potatos' and we are now watching Bridesmaids.  Gianna's had a full day and ready for night-night but fighting it so daddy's rocking her to sleep.

It's been a wonderful visit and I am so blessed to be able to spend so much time with family 'cuz it may be awile before we are out this way again.   I am looking forward to seeing Otto and hearing about the first snow, but sad to leave California and family!

Our California Trip

We left Pennsylvania on a chilly Saturday morning, only to arrive in California to 80 degree temperatures.  Lovely!
Sunday was the blessed day our little Gianna Marie was baptized at St. Margaret Mary in Chino.  Most of the Jaques and Olivito/Stuck families were there to witness as Gianna was washed clean in the water and oil and receiving blessings from the entire church community! 

Gianna Marie in her baptismal gown.  She wore her momma's shoes and was wrapped up (only inside, since it was 90 degrees) in her daddy's blanket

After the ceremony we headed to J and Corynn's for some family-time, complete with adult beverages and sandwiches, fruit and salad.  What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  It was so good to visit with everyone, catch up on all the family happenings and share some good conversation with friends.

Nani with Gianna before the ceremony

The baby-fix started when we landed in OC were picked up by the Stuck family and headed to Billy's by the Beach for dinner!  It was so overcast, you could barely see into the bay, but still we were with three of our favorite people, the smell of salty air and some fine clam chowder to accompany a great evening!

Popi with Gianna at dinner

Otto headed back to PA today and I am splitting the remainder of days in Cali with Robin and Tree, then heading back to J and Corynn's after a short visit in the desert with the 'Ly/inda's!  I try to pack it all in!  Once I get back to PA, I've got to focus on  finding a job, so thought I would treat myself to an additional week with family and friends.  There's nothing like it, spending quality time with the ones you love!  Hope to get to see Tucker play football and Tristin in a scouting tournament for baseball.  Who knows, maybe I'll extend my ticket another week!  Oh, but I would miss my hubby too much!

Okay, back to reality.  Oh, Kayla and I attempted to fix a flat on the van as we headed home this morning.  we were almost there, but had to call in for back up!  Thanks Larry and Eric for the help.  We were on the right track just missed a few key steps, like un-tightening the lug nuts BEFORE jacking up the car!  LOL, it was funny!

Picked up some bonus-super chicken (boneless, skinless) s'more makin's and some pumpkins for entertainment tonight!  Gonna carve some jack-o-lanterns, roast marshmallows and share dinner!  Looking forward to a quite eve at home!  Oh, who am I foolin' - we're gonna jam with Rock Band!!!

I'll report on the rest of the week later!  Stay tuned.

Has it Been a Month?

Yes!  We left for Pennsylvania on Sunday September 18th, so it has been one month since we drove East and away from the great state of Arizona.  Although we miss our friends and the desert, we are making our home here in Greensburg with positive attitudes!  Otto's job is going well and after a two week project of training in a new process, he is forging ahead to implement it with the supervisors.  I can really tell the difference in him, he seems happy!  The last three months in Arizona were a little stressful needless to say, so I am welcoming this new Otto with open arms.

Well, now on to me....  I have been busy unpacking and getting the house in order and making it more like home.  It's hard but nice in a way, being home, not heading to work and feeling that I accomplished something.  I've been cooking more, exercising more and doing the laundry; it feels nice to have this stuff done when Otto gets home.

Although I've been getting a lot done, I often think how before we moved it was so easy to stop to have a cup of coffee with my friends, or to meet my cousin, Linda for lunch, wave to the neighbors daily and share a beer on the weekend or even just to head over to Tina's.  Things are definitely different without those comfortable avenues and outlets.  It might be a longer process than I wanted, but I am trying to focus on today.... not tomorrow and what will be.  I found a weekly meeting to discuss liturgy at one of the churches in the area and Otto and I met another couple, Judy and Mark (Joyce's sister) and had breakfast after mass one Sunday.  Last night we attended Seton Hill's Ring and Sing, a chorale and hand bell concert performed by the students of the university.  My grade school friend, Mary (Brunasso) Smith's daughter, Liz performed. Since Mary and Danny live in Maryland, Otto and I decided to attend the performance and meet her Liz.  So, in God's time He is showing us glimpses of a normal life with friends and community again.  We, or I, just have to be patient.

Tomorrow I'll be taking the day off from the house and heading to some outlets in Grove City to meet Anne, a friend I met through Bible Study in AZ who lives in Erie.  Well, I'd better get back to work.  I almost have the office completely done and am working on finishing our room.  I hope to finish them both today.

God has provided all these things to us and we are truly grateful.  Whether we live in Arizona or Pennsylvania He is the same as he was yesterday, today and tomorrow.  A reminder not to get too caught up in the trappings of this world and to raise my eyes to the Lord. All this will pass away with time, but He is forever.

“The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” Psalm 25:14-15

Last Week in a Nutshell

Greetings from sunny Greensburg!  Let me start out by saying 'life is good' but end by saying 'things sometimes don't go the way you planned.'

The view outside our front door

Decorated for fall

Well, we have hot water, that's a definite plus, but the washer still isn't working right.  But, thank God it is working which has kept me out of the local 'soap n' suds' -

Direct TV finally installed on Thursday and we should get delivery of our couch on Wednesday!

We found the Costco, Bed, Bath and Beyond and several other shops and restaurants that we are used to seeing right outside of Pittsburgh in Homestead - YAY!  Certainly won't be making that trip every week, but it is nice to know where we can get some Chang's, BB&B and Costco as well as Trader Joes!

So, life is good.  The weather is changing and most of the 'weather people' state we are in for a cold spell now!  Predicted high's in the 60's through the rest of the week, oh Lordy, hang on, here we go!  Really, today was the first day I woke up and thought 'hey, we live in Pennsylvania, we're not in AZ any longer Toto!'  Okay, so it's not bad, just different (my way of describing 'not sure' about it).  Ask lil' Tommy G, every time I try a new wine and not sure I like it, it's different.

I went for a run today at the local track, 'Lynch Field' where you will find, soccer and baseball fields and of course, the ice rink.  There were some hiking trails of sorts, but I wasn't brave enough to go that route alone; maybe Otto and I will test the waters this weekend.  Last Friday we found Rizzo's a local long-time running establishment that was pretty good.  It is in Crabtree, about a 10 minute drive from our house and out in the middle of nowhere!  We also found another Catholic church we may try, St. Bart's.

Otto tried out the gym at work and says it will do just fine.  A little small, but has all the right stuff.  At least we know we can work out during the winter if the weather becomes a hinderance (I'm kinda thinkin' it will).  I can go too as long as he is with me.

I will leave you with the gorgeous view from atop the hill by our new home!  Amidst the leaves changing, the sun sinks into a sea of orange, reminder that this day ends but a new day begins again, just as HE intended.  Let me release my worries, stress and fears to the One who cares for me!

Up the hill from our house, we sat and watched the sun set and.....

....the moon rise!

Blessings to you all from the Stucks in PA

Blue Stone Drive

Our new home for the next, uh, I don't know year at the very least I guess.  We officially moved in with a zillion boxes on Monday the 3rd, but are still in the process of eliminating said boxes!  Also, setting up utilities, washer/dryer, Direct TV, cable/internet and getting the water heater to work! Whew.... luckily I am unemployed at the moment!

With all that said, I need to say that we are truly grateful for the safe journey here and time with family and friends along the route.  God has provided us with a roof over our heads and a wonderful job for Otto, and for that we are very thankful.  

He never ceases to amaze me, no matter how much I wander off the path, forget about who's in charge and forge my own way, He is always right there to pick me up and cradle me within his loving arms, quieting my complaining with His voice of reason and truth.  To say that this move has tested my patience and resolve, well that would be an understatement.  How do you calm a husband who demands hot water for a shower after a long day at work?  How do you reassure yourself that this IS the right place where we need to be?  How do you bounce back when the 2nd washer still doesn't work correctly?  How do you get up every day knowing the challenge that lies ahead only to be kicked back a few notches when things don't go your way?  FAITH and TRUST, my friends.  That is the only WAY!

Today my devotional said, and I quote "Some of my richest blessings are just around the bend; out of sight, but nonetheless very real.  To receive these gifts, you must walk by faith - not by sight."  Yes, Lord, I'm listening!  The problem is, my worldly nature wants all these gifts NOW!  Thank you Lord for reminding me that I need to be subordinate to you the Shepard of my soul and not to the world!

Well, I guess by this post y'all know that my internet was connected on the first attempt - the only thing that has happened on the first try!  Hopefully, the moving company will find our golf clubs - LOL - they are still MIA.

Thanks for being patient during my rambling, but please note, all is well.  In fact, when the Direct TV installers leave, I'm going on a mid-day run!  Something I haven't done in awhile.  Then, after Otto 'winterizes' the trailer (yes folks, we are in the land of freezing temps and must pour red disgusting RV/Marine Antifreeze into our trailer to keep the pipes from freezing!) we are off to store her in an enclosed storage at the fairgrounds for the winter.  It will be sad to say so long to our trailer for the next 6 months, but gives us something to look forward to next spring!