New beginnings
Spectacular storm
Rain that follows
Answered prayers
Girls night out
Bowling with friends
Finding shuffleboard!
Thursday, August 4
Wednesday, August 3
Tuesday, August 2
California Dreaming....
On July 12th Otto and I headed to California for the upcoming birth of Gianna Marie - previous post describes what took place that blessed day! Here lies the next 14 fun-filled, fast and furious happenings from the 12th to the 26th of July.
Otto drove back to Phoenix on the 14th to work on Friday and fly to Charleston West Virginia on Saturday for a 'working' interview with a Supervalu DC in Milton. For the next few days and into the weekend, I stayed with the new family helping out as much as I could along with trying to stay out of the way and give them some space!
So, I made some plans. First, I met Dawn and Sheila for lunch on Sunday and we spent a glorious 3 1/2 hours talking and catching up. Then on Wednesday morning I headed over to Robbie's house, had to work both Wed/Thurs but then headed out with a few of her friends and Gina to the Haven Gastro Pub in Orange. Talk about a gastro-delight, great food! We enjoyed chatting about life, death, traveling, retirement, kids, spouses, boyfriends, jobs - you name it, I think we covered it! Then on Thursday and Friday mornings, we enjoyed a walk/run through the neighborhood; Cameron and Kayla even joined us one day. Next, I met Margaret and Karen at the Macaroni Grill and we sat for almost 4 hours catching up. It had been some time since we've really been able to talk and I am so thankful I had some time to visit with them, we even planned a 'girls getaway'. We haven't done that in a few years!
Friday afternoon I headed back to J and Corynn's to wait for Otto to return from Phoenix with a few passengers....Leanna and Gillian flew in to spend the week in California. They arrived about 9 pm and we chatted, and shared some Gianna-time! It was so nice to have Leanna here. We even walked/ran the next morning.
Our California adventure began with Gillie that day too. Otto picked up some Sunny Donuts for breakfast then Gillie, Popi and Nani headed out to the American Girl Store in L.A. - Gillie and Lanie (her American Girl) were dressed in a zebra print dress with purple accents, so cute!
After Lanie had her ears pierced and her hair done, we headed through Beverly Hills to Santa Monica Pier. Ugh, traffic - took us almost 1 1/2 hours, I guess that is one of the reasons we love AZ so much and don't miss the L.A. hustle and bustle AND traffic. Santa Monica was hopping, found a parking spot and walked 4th Street to the pier, down the pier and back! We settled for lunch at Pizza Antica and it was wonderful.
Headed home after the first day of our 'Gillie-time' and Otto helped J install a new fan/light in the shower and Tony and Paula came over to have dinner and meet Gianna. It was a great evening with good food and discussion.
The next morning, Gillie, Popi and Nani headed out to San Diego, we checked into our hotel then went for a swim in the pool and out to dinner at Seaport Village. We had a window seat and enjoyed the performers and street sellers which included a man with several parrots, a psychic and a hula-hoop lady! Interesting. The birds were most entertaining as several people dropped dollar bills in a cardboard box with a chance to take a picture holding one of several magnificent red, yellow and blue parrots. We walked around the shops for a bit then headed back to the hotel for a swim and jacuzzi.
Sea World the next day and we got there before the gates opened up and stayed until the last firework exploded in the sky! We had an awesome time! We visited almost every exhibit and saw almost every show, riding the rapids and riptide rescue ride a few times, enjoying great ribs and cheeseburgers and time with our Gillie Bean! Got a text from Cameron who said he and Stephanie were driving down to join us for our second day at Sea World - yeah! The second day began with breakfast at Ricky's although none of us indulged and ordered their 'world famous' apple pancakes. I just kept seeing that scene from Elf!! Anyway, after breakfast we headed to Sea World with one tired Gillie Bean and one excited Stephanie who hadn't been there since she was 8! First stop, Dolphin Interaction. We didn't get in the water, but we were able to pet and feed them for a few minutes with a trainer. Who, by the way was very nice and gave us much more than the maximum 3 touches, 3 fish that we kept hearing from the other trainers! He welcomed and answered all of our questions and gave us more than 3 of each! Next we took in some shows, ate popcorn and cotton candy while waiting in the stadiums and just had a fun time.
After Gillie decided she would get a pearl as her 'treat' and gift from us, we headed home and said good-bye to Cameron and Stephanie as they were staying for the after dark, Shamu Rocks and firework show that we saw the night before. We were tired and the drive home was quiet. We knew this special time with Gill was coming to a close and we were going back to Phoenix. If only we could stay longer or make this day last forever!
It was a great two weeks with the blessing of a new grandchild, Gianna, and the time we spent on our adventures with Gillian and of course our time with all the CA family!
Otto drove back to Phoenix on the 14th to work on Friday and fly to Charleston West Virginia on Saturday for a 'working' interview with a Supervalu DC in Milton. For the next few days and into the weekend, I stayed with the new family helping out as much as I could along with trying to stay out of the way and give them some space!
So, I made some plans. First, I met Dawn and Sheila for lunch on Sunday and we spent a glorious 3 1/2 hours talking and catching up. Then on Wednesday morning I headed over to Robbie's house, had to work both Wed/Thurs but then headed out with a few of her friends and Gina to the Haven Gastro Pub in Orange. Talk about a gastro-delight, great food! We enjoyed chatting about life, death, traveling, retirement, kids, spouses, boyfriends, jobs - you name it, I think we covered it! Then on Thursday and Friday mornings, we enjoyed a walk/run through the neighborhood; Cameron and Kayla even joined us one day. Next, I met Margaret and Karen at the Macaroni Grill and we sat for almost 4 hours catching up. It had been some time since we've really been able to talk and I am so thankful I had some time to visit with them, we even planned a 'girls getaway'. We haven't done that in a few years!
Friday afternoon I headed back to J and Corynn's to wait for Otto to return from Phoenix with a few passengers....Leanna and Gillian flew in to spend the week in California. They arrived about 9 pm and we chatted, and shared some Gianna-time! It was so nice to have Leanna here. We even walked/ran the next morning.
Our California adventure began with Gillie that day too. Otto picked up some Sunny Donuts for breakfast then Gillie, Popi and Nani headed out to the American Girl Store in L.A. - Gillie and Lanie (her American Girl) were dressed in a zebra print dress with purple accents, so cute!
After Lanie had her ears pierced and her hair done, we headed through Beverly Hills to Santa Monica Pier. Ugh, traffic - took us almost 1 1/2 hours, I guess that is one of the reasons we love AZ so much and don't miss the L.A. hustle and bustle AND traffic. Santa Monica was hopping, found a parking spot and walked 4th Street to the pier, down the pier and back! We settled for lunch at Pizza Antica and it was wonderful.
Headed home after the first day of our 'Gillie-time' and Otto helped J install a new fan/light in the shower and Tony and Paula came over to have dinner and meet Gianna. It was a great evening with good food and discussion.
The next morning, Gillie, Popi and Nani headed out to San Diego, we checked into our hotel then went for a swim in the pool and out to dinner at Seaport Village. We had a window seat and enjoyed the performers and street sellers which included a man with several parrots, a psychic and a hula-hoop lady! Interesting. The birds were most entertaining as several people dropped dollar bills in a cardboard box with a chance to take a picture holding one of several magnificent red, yellow and blue parrots. We walked around the shops for a bit then headed back to the hotel for a swim and jacuzzi.
Sea World the next day and we got there before the gates opened up and stayed until the last firework exploded in the sky! We had an awesome time! We visited almost every exhibit and saw almost every show, riding the rapids and riptide rescue ride a few times, enjoying great ribs and cheeseburgers and time with our Gillie Bean! Got a text from Cameron who said he and Stephanie were driving down to join us for our second day at Sea World - yeah! The second day began with breakfast at Ricky's although none of us indulged and ordered their 'world famous' apple pancakes. I just kept seeing that scene from Elf!! Anyway, after breakfast we headed to Sea World with one tired Gillie Bean and one excited Stephanie who hadn't been there since she was 8! First stop, Dolphin Interaction. We didn't get in the water, but we were able to pet and feed them for a few minutes with a trainer. Who, by the way was very nice and gave us much more than the maximum 3 touches, 3 fish that we kept hearing from the other trainers! He welcomed and answered all of our questions and gave us more than 3 of each! Next we took in some shows, ate popcorn and cotton candy while waiting in the stadiums and just had a fun time.
After Gillie decided she would get a pearl as her 'treat' and gift from us, we headed home and said good-bye to Cameron and Stephanie as they were staying for the after dark, Shamu Rocks and firework show that we saw the night before. We were tired and the drive home was quiet. We knew this special time with Gill was coming to a close and we were going back to Phoenix. If only we could stay longer or make this day last forever!
It was a great two weeks with the blessing of a new grandchild, Gianna, and the time we spent on our adventures with Gillian and of course our time with all the CA family!
Thursday, July 14
The Blessing of a Child
What a week it has been - we drove to California on Tuesday morning slightly excited and anxious to meet our 5th grandbaby. We arrived at the hospital around 11 and was informed that things were progressing quickly for Corynn - we were able to sneak in a quick visit with J and Corynn before the epidural and said a prayer, encouraged her and kissed and hug both of them before heading to the waiting room with Grandpa John, Minga Linda (Corynn's godmother) and Callee. We were soon joined by Auntie Robin, cousin Kayla, brother John and Cayden (the little 2 yr old he babysits), Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ed, cousin Cameron and gf Stephanie, bf Brian and brother David. We got word about 5:30 that the pushing would begin so Callee quickly left our group to join Jason in encouraging Corynn.
We were quite the group trying to look into the window of the labor and delivery room and catch a glimpse of the activity going on. We had to gauge what was happening and how she was progressive by the back of Jason's head and the placement of lighting in the room. We all became TV doctors as we narrated J's every move, anticipating the thumbs up that she was here! We had some good laughs as we tried to be patient knowing it could be a while until Gianna made her debut. Finally at 6:34 pm we saw Jason disappear from view for a few minutes only to return with the thumbs up, Gianna Marie Stuck was finally here! And about that time, Otto saw a hummingbird hunker down in her nest in a tree limb right outside the window. I think every time I see a hummingbird now, all the memories of this blessed day will return to mind at a moment's notice!
It took a little bit of time to finally make it in to see the new family of three, but it was sure worth the wait. Gianna Marie is a beauty and the smiles on Corynn and J's faces truly convey their happiness and excitement as they think about getting home and settling in with their new little girl.
Pictures to follow -
We were quite the group trying to look into the window of the labor and delivery room and catch a glimpse of the activity going on. We had to gauge what was happening and how she was progressive by the back of Jason's head and the placement of lighting in the room. We all became TV doctors as we narrated J's every move, anticipating the thumbs up that she was here! We had some good laughs as we tried to be patient knowing it could be a while until Gianna made her debut. Finally at 6:34 pm we saw Jason disappear from view for a few minutes only to return with the thumbs up, Gianna Marie Stuck was finally here! And about that time, Otto saw a hummingbird hunker down in her nest in a tree limb right outside the window. I think every time I see a hummingbird now, all the memories of this blessed day will return to mind at a moment's notice!
It took a little bit of time to finally make it in to see the new family of three, but it was sure worth the wait. Gianna Marie is a beauty and the smiles on Corynn and J's faces truly convey their happiness and excitement as they think about getting home and settling in with their new little girl.
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| And the angels danced the day you were born! Okay, so the penguins danced too! |
Tuesday, July 5
Are You In God's Way?
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Anxiety. We all feel it from time to time and it can creep up and overtake our life if we let it.
As we go through our day, it may feel like we aren't gaining any ground or reaching our goals, or have the answers we are looking for. My daily devotional this past weeknd said 'leave your day to Jesus, don't get in his way' and then I received this scripture in my email this morning with a note about not turning it over to God and getting in the way of God's plan by making your own plan.
What do we do in these times? Where do we turn? Well, 1 Peter 5:7 answers that question with 'cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you'.
I know I say every day that 'I am giving it to God' but do I really? Or, do I go about the day trying to control the situation with 'my plan'?
My goal this week is to stay out of God's way and not make plans that may take me off course. I will try and allow God to shine through me, and I will allow him to lead me!
Anxiety. We all feel it from time to time and it can creep up and overtake our life if we let it.
As we go through our day, it may feel like we aren't gaining any ground or reaching our goals, or have the answers we are looking for. My daily devotional this past weeknd said 'leave your day to Jesus, don't get in his way' and then I received this scripture in my email this morning with a note about not turning it over to God and getting in the way of God's plan by making your own plan.
What do we do in these times? Where do we turn? Well, 1 Peter 5:7 answers that question with 'cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you'.
I know I say every day that 'I am giving it to God' but do I really? Or, do I go about the day trying to control the situation with 'my plan'?
My goal this week is to stay out of God's way and not make plans that may take me off course. I will try and allow God to shine through me, and I will allow him to lead me!
Friday, July 1
Strong Enough
I was listening to Matthew West sing 'Strong Enough' this morning and he belts out my absolutely favorite verse 'I can do all things, in Christ who gives me strength' and it got me thinking. Thinking, am I strong enough? Well, not really on my own I'm not. These columns are remnants of a city built 2,000 years ago, unearthed recently and on display. They once held up marble walls, statues and arches that made up the streets of Ephesus. On their own, they only look like columns, but when joined with other columns and sheets of marble they make up a complete, strong and sturdy structure.
This is sure a time in our lives where Otto and I need to be strong. But, we have to remember we are not strong enough on our own, we need God who is our strength. We don't know what lies ahead for us, but we need to have faith, and know that God is by our side giving us strength, being our strength.
Here's a few lines from the song.
"I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us"
We should remember, we don't have to take on the world alone, because he is our strength and all we really need is Him!
You can check out Matthew's song on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUGIE46gplk
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| Ruins at Ephesus, Turkey |
Here's a few lines from the song.
"I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us"
We should remember, we don't have to take on the world alone, because he is our strength and all we really need is Him!
You can check out Matthew's song on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUGIE46gplk
Thursday, June 30
Thankful
Sharing a beer w/ friends
Cool morning runs (89)
Snuggling w/ the hubby
Pools to cool off in
Air conditioning
p.s we are patiently awaiting you Gianna!
Thursday, June 23
Thankful
Yep, it's Thursday!
Air conditioning
Unexpected dinner invitations
Hikes with friends
Roses in bloom
Pools to cool off in
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Unexpected dinner invitations
Hikes with friends
Roses in bloom
Pools to cool off in
Monday, June 20
Busy
Life is good!
We've been so busy the last few months so I thought I would just post a few of the pics of what's been goin' on with the Stucks -
Kaya promoted to 9th grade, we went to CA for Corynn's shower, bbq with the family and finished up the nursery last month. Then in June, I traveled to see Tyler graduate, attend another shower for Corynn and go toTristin's baseball banquet!
Kaya gets her promotion papers!
We watched Tree and Scot play softball, then headed to O'Connell's for some shuffleboard and celebratory suds!
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| Kickin' it at the North Rim lodge after a 2.0 mile hike from the campground -- so worth it! |
We've been so busy the last few months so I thought I would just post a few of the pics of what's been goin' on with the Stucks -
Kaya promoted to 9th grade, we went to CA for Corynn's shower, bbq with the family and finished up the nursery last month. Then in June, I traveled to see Tyler graduate, attend another shower for Corynn and go toTristin's baseball banquet!
Kaya gets her promotion papers!
We had a breakfast buffet at the shower!
Otto, me, Jason and Corynn at Jamie and De's house for bbq after the shower!
Daddy gifts for Jason!
Otto and Jason put together Gianna's crib and some finishing touches on the room!
We had dinner with Jamie and DeWayne at the Cannery in Newport Beach!
Auntie Cheryl and Tyler (so cute)
We watched Tree and Scot play softball, then headed to O'Connell's for some shuffleboard and celebratory suds!I headed home, only to leave on Thursday for our annual camping trip with friends from church. So, after a short day at work on Thursday, we headed off to the North Rim!
Not sure what the question mark means on this sign!
We hiked the Widforss trail, it was a 10 mile round trip on the rim of the canyon. Otto and I only went 5 miles, the altitude was a bit much for Otto's asthma that day and my allergies kicked in full force! (again)
We still enjoyed a wonderful time with fellowship, fun, lots of food and fantastic views of the glorious canyon!
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| On the Widforss Trail |
As we headed home, we lost a tread on the rear tire of the trailer which proceeded to rip out the wheel well, taking with it electric, water piping, linoleum and wood! Thankfully, no one was injured in the demolition of our trailer! LOL
Back at home, we hauled the trailer to the shop where it sits waiting for parts. Nothing like losing your trailer for the summer when you really want to get out of the valley during the 100+ temp months. Should get the trailer back in August (yikes!)
And then Monday comes and the rest, well you know. Otto's DC will be switching to Target management in September and so he will be let go after that. Thank God (again) that Supervalu will try and place him in another facility which may mean a relocation, but still employed. So, time will tell what is in store for us. We are trying to keep our eyes on what is truly important and be grateful for all God has blessed us with. Even through all the trials, we are thankful!
So, life goes on for the Stucks in Arizona, and LIFE IS GOOD!
Thursday, June 16
Don't Give Up
Life sometimes throws you a curve ball - kinda looks like a normal pitch on delivery, then bam, it floats in and you watch it land in the catcher's mitt, you are frozen. Ask any ball player, curve balls are the nemesis of many a batter. So, how do you prepare for the curve ball? Practice, patience and perseverance. Never give up thinking that you can hit it!
This scripture landed in my InBox today, it seems that lately, each day's message is talking directly to me! Check it out....
This scripture landed in my InBox today, it seems that lately, each day's message is talking directly to me! Check it out....
So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. ~ Galatians 6:9
How many times do you feel like giving up? You swing, strike, you watch, strike.... It isn't always easy to stay in the game. This past week life threw us a curve ball, still frozen in the box we anticipate the next pitch. You bet we're gonna hang in there and swing away.
We refuse to be discouraged and givie up, we are keeping our eye on the ball and looking at the next opportunity and being grateful; we have so much to be thankful for. The upcoming birth of the sweet baby Stuck, our youngest son and his wife becoming parents. The return of the Hanson family to the U.S. and a much closer plane ride!
So many things that we look at as doors closing or opportunities missed some times turn out to be the 'meat pitch', one that you can blast over the fence for that home run! You just have to face the pitcher with an attitude of bring it, curve or fast ball, and take that swing. Never giving up!
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