Stucks In Cali: Happy New Year

Well, for this first post of 2012 I want to start out by thanking God for all the blessings in our lives! Wow, where to start.....I'm grateful that He knows what is in my heart because right now it is overflowing with all the precious and wonderful things that have been 2011 for us. Of course, y'all know we made a cross-country move, our fifth grandchild was born, we visited the Hansons in Turkey and explored more of this great land.

Those were some of the BIG things but there were many more simpler God moments that have blessed us. Getting a blowout on the freeway, and having Jesse with us who has mad skills at everything to help change the tire and drive us safely home. The Chamberlains being in PA when we made our relocation visit and getting to watch our nephew, Tristin play in the Pony World Series in Washington PA. And, on this same trip a random FB post about New Stanton connected me with my elementary school friend, Mary Brunasso who was dropping her daughter off at Seton Hill in Greensburg. We met for coffee, met her husband and we chatted for hours it seemed. We've even gone to hear her daughter, Liz sing in the school's choral group. Like moving to the same town as Joyce's sister, Judy and her husband whom we've connected with. Finding a new hair stylist and nail gal who just happens to coach travel softball, Otto and I both liked her right off the bat; we never thought we'd find someone like Becca. Of course, no one will ever replace that sweetheart, but at least we found someone we have something in common with, and who does a good job. Going to the University of Pittsburgh game and meeting the COO of the Westmoreland County Food Bank and we chatted about volunteering, sent my resume and hopefully made a connection for a job. I almost stayed home and didn't go to the game, but Otto talked me in to it. And just last night at mass, mind you the church was packed, the usher sat us next to a new friend from my bible sharing group, Rita.

There are so many more of these moments we call a God thing or God moment but just a few to help you understand why we are so grateful!

Otto and I are really looking forward to whatever 2012 has in store for us and we are hoping to find joy in each and every adventure, opportunity or challenge.

We sincerely hope that you recount your blessings from 2011 and find joy in the journey in 2012!