Monday, August 23

Sprucin' Up The Putting Green

Our old flags that adorned the putting green in our backyard were shredded and faded from the sun, so I decided to make some new ones.  I wanted something different and thought, why not do NASCAR drivers' color and number?

Check 'em out.....
Jimmie Johnson
Tony Steward
Carl Edwards
The finished product

J, Corynn and Granddoggies

A few weekends ago, J and Corynn drove out to spend the weekend and brought the granddoggies for a visit too!
We watched movies, played Phase 10, had sushi, went to the piano bar, barbqued and played golf in the backyard!
Well, y'all know we have our grandoggie, Polo while the Hanson's are in Turkey, so we were all anticipating Bo and Spike's visit and were wondering how all the 'pups' would get along.
It was so good to see the kids before they start teaching this year and visit.  It was also quite comical to see Bo try and get Polo to play with him and watch Spike growl at the puppy!  Here's some pictures of the weekend!
Bo and Spike brought a gift of a large rawhide bone for Polo as a friendship offering!  Well the pictures below will show the doggies getting to know each other below!


Spike, our first granddoggie


Thursday, August 12

The List

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For, if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1: 5-8

I stumbled across this scripture this afternoon while reading at work during lunch .  I remember someone saying that this scripture is a good way to put yourself in 'check' - Am I doing all that I can to display Christ in me?  This list pretty much sums it up, we need to be faithful, add to that goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.  Simple, right?  Not hardly.  But who said it would be simple? 
 
I make lists every day; grocery lists, a list of things to do, places to go, what I ate, my blessings.  With that said, I have more checklists than I can deal with right now, but I think  this scripture has the list with the most importance and I probably should pay close attention to what Peter is saying. I don't want to be ineffective and unproductive in God's eyes, do you?

Sunday, August 1

Happy Anniversary Leanna and Jared!

Happy Anniversary!
The love that shines through you two is a true testimony to marriage and faith!  We are so proud of you and the example that you are for your family. May you have many more years together!
love mom and dad
xoxo

Friday, July 30

All Things!

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28


Hiking in the Superstitions (2007)

In this scripture we are told that 'God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God'  All things doesn't only mean 'good' things, right? When we are faced with a struggle or obstacle if we focus on this scripture, 'God causes ALL things.....' we may find comfort in knowing that whatever it is God will be at the helm and guide us through.  The scripture doesn't mean that all things will always be good, but that all things will work together for good to those that love Him.  So, first on the list is to make sure that you love your God.  Secondly, when faced with 'bad stuff' recall this scripture to help you focus that all the things in our lives work together for good.  And lastly, don't forget that we are called to His purpose, not ours.  What is His purpose for us here on earth.  We may think that we are headed in the right direction, but it isn't His direction.  Ask Him for directions!

Lately, we've had struggles here - long work hours and double shifts, deaths and illness, minor accidents, cars that quit and days that seem to harbor a heaviness on our souls.  It is comforting to know that God is on our side always, even if we don't walk along side Him, He is there.  These stumbling blocks in the road of life may seem like huge boulders at the time, but as we walk further and look back they appear but pebbles in our path!  And the rocks and stones in our road may be doubled the size on our neighbor's road.  So, as we head down today's path, do a map check and first make sure it is the right path and no matter what we find in the road along the way 'all things work together for good for those who love and who are called to His purpose....'

What is your purpose?

Friday, July 23

God is Good

Praises to our wonderful God -- Jason got a job!  Well, I guess I should explain since he's had a 'job'; he has a full time teaching position at Rincon Middle School in Rowland Heights!  He got the offer on Wednesday after 3 interviews, the final with a panel of three including the principal of the school.   We are so proud and excited that he is able to do what he wants in life; teach and coach.  To help young kids, to be a mentor, coach and an example.



** Note to J: Your patience and perseverance certainly paid off, we know it wasn't easy subbing to two years, pursuing your Masters and not having a full time regular job along the way.  But, God's timing is perfect and he has you in 'His Hands'!  Now, enjoy this journey He has allowed you to take - make a difference!
** Note to Corynn:  Thanks for being a wonderful influence and supportive partner, I'm sure J is glad you were along side him during the rough times.  We love you and are thankful you are our daughta-law!

Happy 5th Anniversary to J and Corynn.  It is hard to believe that five years ago on this very day, you said "I do" and joined together as husband and wife.  God was with you that day and has been these past years and I pray that you always include Him and give thanks!  Enjoy your celebratory weekend, you have so much to be thankful for - wish we were there to salute' with you!

Monday, July 19

Menacing Skies, A Storm Approaching

 CAPE SAN BLAS, FLORIDA

Today while I was walking a monsoon storm was brewing.  I could see the lightning flashing across the darkened sky, the wind pick up ever so slightly and the ominous looking clouds gathering overhead.  I walked on, in peace.

Even though there are storm clouds and the sky threatens to explode, just like in life when struggles and difficulties loom, I will remain at peace.  I can only do this through constant contact with our Lord and keeping myself fed on His truths and promise that He will be with me through it all. 

So, I continue to praise Him through this storm!

 CAPE SAN BLAS, FLORIDA

Wednesday, July 14

A Funeral, A Baseball Game, A Demolition Derby and World Cup

Whew, what a weekend!  We originally planned to go to California to celebrate Art's birthday with a Dodger game, but it turned into oh so much more.  And, it was wonderful!

It started off with the funeral service for my godfather, Frank Lazaran.  I was so overwhelmed at the joy and happiness I saw as his children talked about their father.  He was married to Marianne for 56 years, retired from Ford after 27 years and from what I heard, was there 24/7 for his family, grandchildren and friends.  I left with such a feeling of peace after the service and hope the family will be comforted by the memories of their father and husband!


First stop, Olvera Street to catch up with everyone before the game - as you can see, the guys had to get Art on the donkey for a picture!  We walked over to Union Station and took the shuttle up to Dodger Stadium to see LA face the Chicago Cubs. (The Cubs won)

Art, Lisa and their family, Paul and Julie and their kids, Paul's brother and family, Jamie and De, the Van Dieren's, Danny, Kelly and their kids, the Stucks and Dad and Sharon -
After the Dodger game, Otto and I headed to Chino to meet J and Corynn for the Demolition Derby, a first for us.  There was such excitement in the air and the crowd reacted to the constant crashing and beating the drivers gave each other with enthusiasm.  We met up with Troy and Kelly, Kirby, Callee, John and David, Jenn and Chad, it was nice to catch up with them all!  What a great way to spend the weekend.



After all the excitement we headed back to J and Corynn's but took a detour through Jack In the Box for some tacos!  Haven't done that in years and it sure was good!


After breakfast with the kids (thanks Corynn) it was off to Centro Basco (mostly Spain fans) for the World Cup - we watched the first half there then headed to the Van Dieren's (all Nederlands fans) and Gina Marie's for meatball sandwiches and watched the 2nd half before heading home to AZ!

We also got to meet our new granddoggy, Bocephus!  Bo decides to meet the cows!
It was a fast and furious weekend, but it was spent with some great friends, and of course some of our awesome family -  it's times like this I sit back and really thank God for all the blessings in my life.  Our days are not always filled with joy, but if we can find joy in whatever obstacle or struggle we are dealing with we can be happy.  Thanks friends and family for sharing a bit of joy with the Stucks from AZ!

Tuesday, July 6

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14

God's love is unfailing, yes!!  I am often caught up in wanting to be liked, and unsure if I have done enough for my family and friends to love me.  But, it is comforting to know that God loves me, no matter what.  Even when I mess up big time, even when I don't love myself. God's love never fails.

As I was out walking this morning I was just enjoying the day and the stillness of the day and the peace that I feel within.  I wish my entire day was like that - the busy-ness of the day sometimes takes me away from feeling close to my God and I need to find a way to remain close and to allow His love to cover me at all times.

Amazing, you'd think I'd have that figured out by now!

Sunday, June 27

Catchin' Up!

Wow, I haven't been in blogosphere for awhile so it's catch-up time.  In the last eleven days, Leanna, Jared and grand-kiddos left for Turkey, Otto and I are grandparents to a new boxer pup, we had out of state visitors (Jamie and DeWayne), celebrated Father's Day and it's officially 'hot season' otherwise known as summer in Phoenix with temps well into the 100's!

After finally skyping the kids last week and seeing them in Turkey, visiting with Jamie and DeWayne as well as catching a few of Dylan's baseball games and celebrating Father's Day, Otto and I headed out of the heat  to enjoy a weekend of camping and fishing in Northern Arizona.




We left Phoenix, and 108 degree temps Friday afternoon and snatched the last campsite at Pine Grove just South of Lake Mary and across the FSR from Ashurst - two favored fishing spots up north! 



Ken and Bea were able to join us and once we set up camp, the boys were off to fish and the girls, well, we read and slept!  It was Polo's first camping trip and as you can see from the pics, he did just fine!


The weather was perfect, we couldn't have ordered up a more beautiful weekend - 80's during the day and 40's at night, we were even able to have a small campfire as long as we had a bucket of water handy and the fire was small.  Wish I could say the same for the fish, they were rather uncooperative and didn't want to leave their comfy homestead and take a trip to our frying pans!  Well, bad fishing aside, it was a great weekend!


Ken caught a chair, Otto caught a fish, but it got away and I got taken hook, line and sinker, literally lost 'em several times!  We played poker, golf, holey board, the name game and Yahtzee, we fished, we walked, investigated a marsh and even had time for a nap.


As I was spouting off what a bad day it was after losing my hook for the 'umpteenth' time, Otto quietly said "beats any day in the office"!  Yep, you got that right - I stopped muttering about my luck at fishing, put my feet up, threw my line in the water and just enjoyed the day!


This morning we slept in, had a quick breakfast and headed out for an hour to see if we could snag a fish two, then came back to camp and packed up.  A wonderful weekend getaway, although only a few days, is good for the soul and we all returned renewed and refreshed from the great outdoors!