Thanksgiving-Take Two

One of good things about Thanksgiving dinner is the left over turkey sandwiches. When you go to someone else’s you miss out on making those wonderful leftover turkey sandwiches. Well Elizabeth had a plan and a turkey. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving she cooked a full thanksgiving dinner so she could have some left overs. She invited Glenn and I over for dinner to share in her efforts. It was soooo delicious. She learned well from her Grandparents. I can actually say that this dinner was even better than Thursdays (but I was sick Thursday and it really was and effort to chew/eat so it really isn’t fair to compare). It was great. I got to have a turkey dinner that I could actually taste and enjoy and Elizabeth got her left over turkey to make sandwiches. As you can see by the platter of turkey no matter how good it was there was no way four people were going to be able to eat all of that.
Her house was already decorated and everything looked so cute. Even the tree was up and decorated. She has everything done so nicely but one of my favorite decorations that she has up is this nativity set with scriptures on the figures that talk about the Christ child with the proclamation of “The Living Christ” behind it.

It was great spending the evening with them and feeling the warmth and spirit of their home and the meal was a wonderful bonus. Thanks Chris and Elizabeth!

Food Family and Fun aka Thanksgiving 2010

1. Chef Elizabeth with those “to die for” rolls 2. Glenn and Dad doing the carving 3. Glenn getting some gaming tips from Nathan 4. MMM- Me my Mask and my Man 5. Look who got to sit at the big table 6. Some of the cousins 7. Let the singing begin.


Thought I better get a Thanksgiving blog post up before I have to take this adorable fall background off my blog and change it to Christmas. It was a good day with family, food and lots of laughter and of course some singing. It is our tradition that once dinner is over and dishes are done we can sing Christmas Carols. We missed Dan and Rebecca this year but I was glad they got to spend it with Dan’s family in Salt Lake and enjoy family too.

As you can see by the adorable picture of us I wore a mask for Thanksgiving. ALL DAY! Though I like the look in the picture (hiding my chin) it gets un-fun (if that’s a word) breathing in these for hours on end. I had been very sick and I really though I would stay home and rest but so hated missing out as I love family get togethers. Glenn’s mom has less than great health lately and when she catches something it seems to settle in her lungs and hang on forever and Adell was just back to work after some very serious health issues that had her hospitalized and I couldn’t be responsible in giving anyone my coodies. Answer- charcoal medical mask. Thanks to my 72 hour emergency kit I just happen to have one on hand. I was able to enjoy the day and except when I ate (out on the enclosed patio with just Glenn) I kept the mask on and my germs to myself. And the best thing about having cooties…I didn’t have to do dishes. Though I missed some of the fun in the kitchen this wasn’t a bad gig either. Maybe I’ll wear a mask every year *wink*wink*

As everyone I have so much to be thankful for this year. Too much to list but the top two on my long list are first and foremost for the restored gospel and that through the Saviors Love and The Gift of His Atonement we can be together forever as a family. Which is the 2nd thing on my list that I am thankful for, family.
Many are missing from these family photos but here are two photos of some of the family that I love.

May we love cherish and enjoy our families to lay a strong foundation for the eternities to come.

Girls Afternoon Out

Just a quick post. With family portrait orders that everyone wants now before the holidays I’ve been keeping myself plenty busy but decided that I needed a little girl time so today Elizabeth, Rose and I went and caught an afternoon showing of “Life as we know it”. I can’t remember the last time I was at the theater during the day but it was Elizabeth’s day off work and Rose can only sneak away for a few hours while the kids are in school so we made it a girl’s afternoon. We did this because we love our husbands and we thought this looked too much like a chick flick, it was but we loved it. Hey eating buttered popcorn and chocolate we would probably enjoy anything. It was a much needed break and really seemed to rejuvenated me for the rest of the afternoon to be super productive. I hope everyone takes a break to enjoy something or someone they love (or even better, both).

One more thing I love this time of year, Pumpkin Cream Cheese. There is no better thing to put you in the fall and thanksgiving mood than a warm toasted wheat bagel with pumpkin cream cheese. It’s probably a good thing that this is not available year round. Ummmmh!

Thanksgiving Daily

I am showing this in my seminary class this week and just figured out how to also share it on my blog. I love these little reminders that help us become a little better.

“The more often we see the things around us the more they become invisible to us, even the beautiful things. That’s why we often take for granted the beauty of this world. The flowers, the trees, the birds the clouds, even those we love.”……… “Those who live in thanksgiving daily have a way of opening their eyes.”

May we all open our eyes today and have an attitude of gratitude in our everyday life.

Sometimes the truth hurts

I went to the memorial services yesterday for Leah Marie Tangen, born April 1, 1917 died November 1, 2010. She lived a full and active 93+ years. She is my step grandmother. She was a sweet lady, loved by many. So what did I find the day so hard?

I came home finding myself tired and sad. But this wasn’t a sad about the funeral, this was a deeper sad. Was it the long drive? The stress of having to be nice to so many that I really didn’t know or care about? Was it sadness for the fact that the knowledge of the restored gospel and eternal families is not only absent but openly rejected on that side of the family? I couldn’t put my finger on it, so I slept. I was hoping that resting my body would also help my mind rest and in the morning all would be well.

I slept very restless. I had many strange dreams and I woke up still sad. Through my morning scripture study and pondering the dreams and the events and feelings from the previous day, I understood. I had been reminded of a truth. A truth that hurt, that made me sad. A truth I knew but tried not to think about. A truth that the previous day had brought back to the surface, like pealing off a scab that had healed over and now was bleeding again.

My Father and Nadine were so emotional and upset about the passing of Nadine’s mother. This was according to them the “hardest lost they have ever suffered”. Grandma Marie, who had had the privilege of leading a long full life that has seen her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren grow, who had been active until the last few weeks and had lived a full and rich life….this (her death) was the most devastating loss they have suffered. Then I realized what bothered me. When my brother (my Father’s only biological Son) died un-expectantly at age 37 in a plane accident after finding the love of his life and getting married then leaving behind his young widow who was six months pregnant with their grandson they showed less emotion, less loss and less grief then they did yesterday.

I know everyone grieves in their own way. That’s way I hadn’t given it much thought at the time when it appeared that they weren’t too upset at my brothers death. Appropriately sad, but that was about the extent of it. In fact they still went to the Randy Travis concert because they already had their tickets and would be back before the body was returned for his services. Some people just hold things close to their vest. They didn’t show how sad they were. They deal with death well. That’s what I told myself. That was until yesterday when I saw how they were when they were truly grieving, and it hit me. My Father was closer to and would miss more his 93 year old mother in law then he knew and would miss his own Son. His grief was different because his loss was different. He truly knew and would miss Marie, he didn’t really know his Son and a casual relationship equals a casual loss.

They say the truth will set you free, but sometimes the truth just hurts. I have known the reality of my Father’s relationships with his children for all of my adult life, but it still hurts when the scab gets pulled off and the heart still bleeds a little. Eventually the scars will form and there will no longer be a scab to get pulled off. And one day, I will do my best to act appropriately at my father’s memorial services knowing that sadly, it is only a casual loss.

Doreen
11_8_2010

Voting Adventure

I hope everyone got out and voted today. My girls would tell you than in my house you vote. Once you were old enough I expected to see that sticker.

I vote in every election, big or small, but not everyone does. We had a lot of propositions on the ballet here in California that brought out higher than normal numbers. I’m glad to see that but that lead to my “adventure”.

There was no, and I mean no parking at the school where I was to vote. After circling the parking lot many times then finally having someone ready to leave only to see an older lady (yes even older than me) trying to find a place to park I passed it up and let her park and decided to park across the street and hoof it. Heavens knows I could use the walk but I had wore the wrong shoes for hiking across a dirt field then trying to hustle across a large four lane street. I get in and finally get the privilege of casting my vote. I get my sticker and hurry out just knowing that my well informed vote will make the difference in this election.

I start my “run/walk” (aka the old lady in the wrong shoes hustle) back across the street and just as I’m getting to the other side… A police siren and lights so close I almost wet myself. Looking around, can this be happening? He’s pulling ME over? Now those that know me know that I have seen those lights behind me more than my fair share of the time, but I’m usually in a car. He pulls around where it is safer for him to get out and I wait. Jaywalking….REALLY….He wants to ticket me for jaywalking. He explains there’s a crosswalk and a light less than a ¼ mile down and crossing here where it is unsafe is setting a bad example for the kids. Come on all the kids are in class, no one but you were watching me. Deciding quickly that my sarcastic reply was not working I quickly changed my tactic and plead my case.

Sad story of no parking, circling the lot over and over and over (I think I threw about 20 over’s into my story for him) only to then give up my space to an elderly lady, wearing these dumb shoes, trying so hard to do my civil duty….. I think he got tired and finally said “fine, I’ll just give you a verbal warning but you need to be careful and next time use the crosswalk.” I will officer and next time I will wear tennis shoes to do my civic duty.

One last thought that I saw posted on Facebook today.
In Iraq in 2005, under threat of being blown up either at or on your way to the elections, Iraqi voter turnout was as high as 95%. In the United States, during the last 40 years, voter turnout has been as low as 36%, but only as high as 58%.

I hope today you had a wonderful adventure. I also hope you had the privilege of voting today….and I hope you got home ticket free.

Fall Fling

Glenn and I took a couple of hours and made a run out to fall fling. It had been raining through the night and morning until about 7am. Once it looked like it was going to let up we made a run out there to see if we could find any treasures that we still needed for the Fury. There weren’t as many vendors as usual probably because of the rain. I have to admit that most of it just looked like junk to me but I’m sure Glenn thinks the same when he walks through a craft fair with me. We found a few things that he needed for the car and it was nice spending a Saturday morning together. We don’t get to do that too often.

Redlands California Stake Temple Day

A piece of heaven on earth-

I love our temple. This is my favorite temple. Even though I grew up in the shadow of and got married in the Los Angeles Temple and it will always hold a special place in my heart, the Redlands temple is where both of my daughters have been married. Glenn’s parents work there every Wednesday and I love how every time I go I run into someone I know and love. It is hard to put into words but every time I go I feel like I’m going home.

Today was our Stake’s Day at the temple. What an amazing blessing it was to be able to participate. Usually we rush there from our busy days doing our best to leave the world behind then having to rush away as we are done. Today it felt like when you take a longer vacation. The first few days you're still wound kind of tight but then the more you are away and immersed in your surrounding the more you forget about work and can relax.

The first session I felt about the same as always. It was nice seeing more faces that I knew but otherwise not much difference. After the first session I had a little extra time to spend meditating before starting a second session. What a difference. Truly all the cares of the world were so far removed. My heart and mind were more in tune with the spirit. It was such an amazing experience. Even after all the times I have been though, because I was truly listening I learned what was to me a new truth. The longer I was in the House of the Lord the more I could truly feel what was going on.

As we exited that evening walking past the font where some of the youth were doing baptisms then walking out being thanked by our Amazing Stake President, President Hansen and his wife and then seeing many families that had brought their children, just to be on the Temple grounds. What a truly glorious day.

I tend to bear my written testimony in my personal journal and not out here on my everyday blog. Mainly because is it so dear to my heart. My testimony is not what I would consider an everyday thing to blog. But I want no one to be mistaken on what I believe. My testimony goes to the core of who I am. I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have a testimony of the restored gospel. I know that Joseph Smith went into that grove of trees and he saw God the Father and our Elder Brother and Savior Jesus Christ and through a 14 year old boy’s humble and sincere prayer the full and complete gospel along with the priesthood was restored to the earth. I know that Thomas Monson is the current Prophet of the Lord and I support him with every fiber of my being. I know that the atonement and the gift of repentance are the greatest gifs ever given. There is so much more I know and believe but this is the very foundation for the rest of my beliefs.

The Ring

I know to some this might seem silly but this was one of the harder things I have done in a while. Both cutting off my toe ring after 32 years and posting pictures of my ugly feet. Anyone who knows me knows I have a toe ring. I have worn one for over 33 years now. Long before they were the “in” thing to do. I have not had this toe ring off in well over 25 years. I have even had two foot surgeries where the doctor sterilized it along with my foot and then taped it down to ground it. He figured that it would be a good indicator of swelling. If the ring got too tight I needed to get my foot up. We tried to get it off (without cutting it) for one of the surgeries which ended up with my brother William and Sister Rose laughing so hard they couldn’t stand up any longer…but that a story for another day.

Today it is about “The Ring”. Glenn always teases me that it was a symbol of my rebellious side and I was finally growing up and letting it go. I swam competitive in my younger days and you could not wear jewelry during competitions. If you are found wearing jewelry on the starting block you’re disqualified but when you’re on the starting block your arms are down and the officials can’t really see a toe ring. Hence the beginning of me wearing a toe ring. I wore one for years. Took it off for CIF finals (just couldn’t risk that….rebellion goes only so far) but other than that it was a constant for me. I actually like it. Even with all my foot issues it never bothered me.

Well lately that has changed. My toe was staring to bother me. Over the years with my toe getting fatter and my joints getting older it just didn’t bend the same with the ring. I was having some issues and I knew sadly in my heart of hearts that “The Ring” had to come off. I waited to say anything hoping that I was wrong. Finally I mentioned to Glenn that I needed him to think about a way to cut my toe ring off (preferably with cutting my toe). I figured he would do like he often does and work it over in his mind for a few days and come up with a game plan and by then I would be ready. “I’ve got some metal snips that should work great to cut that off. Let me go grab them.” WHAT…now…gulp…fine. It was amazingly fast and I can say he made a clean cut, no blood. It was done. It was probably better this way as it didn't give me time tochange my mind.

I know the ring is not my identity, but a part of me wonders…will I feel different? Is what little I had left of my rebellious streak gone? Will anyone even notice? Was it the right thing to do? Am I finally a grown up or just an old lady? Only time will tell but for now the toe already seems to feel better. I think I can hear it softly saying…. “WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG!” (toes really don’t know how to talk softly you know)

Dan and Rebecca's Wedding

OK well first off I will admit that it took me a while to blog about their wedding. I figured anyone who reads this little blog was either there or already tired of me talking about it and posting about it since I did post pictures and a video out on facebook to share and had already done a post to my photography blog I wasn’t sure what else needed to be said. Since this is my “family” blog I thought it would be good to share some family stuff.

First off, we love Dan! He is a perfect match for Rebecca and from what his family tells me they feel the same about Rebecca. I feel like they have both found the person that will complete them and make them even better.

Without tearing up and getting to personal (save that stuff for my personal journal writings) what an amazing day! I can hardly describe the feelings as you sit in the beautiful sealing room of the temple and watch this beautiful worthy young couple make marriage convents that can last through the eternities surrounded on all sides by family and friends and witnessed by the angles in heaven.

Their wedding day was wonderful and Dan’s family was so supportive. It was a thought filled decision on were they would get married as there is lots of family and friends on both sides. Even though they were having an open house in Utah so many members of his family made the trip down to share his day here. Not only his sisters and their families, cousins and a bunch of wonderful Aunties but both of his Grandmothers. It was such a blessing to see that she was marring into such a wonderful and supportive family.

What a wonderful adventure the whole experience was. There were married here in California with a luncheon and a reception and then when they got back from their honeymoon they had a wonderful open house in Utah. There were the normal adventures (like the bride and groom getting ready to leave the temple and not having car keys, or being so excited about the happenings of the day missing their off-ramp and getting lost on the way to your luncheon) the normal stuff like that.

As they always seem too the day went by so fast. I’ve been so glad to have the pictures to go back and be reminded of all the wonderful people that came and the fun happenings as it all just goes by in a whirl. By far the best “Adventure” this year.

I think though if we were voting the biggest adventure of their wedding it would have to be the Utah reception. The Hanks had done all the planning and taken care of everything for the Utah open house. The have friends that they have known since they lived on the East Coast that now live in their ward in Utah that have an unbelievable yard that is just perfect for a wedding reception. The weather had been threatening all day. Thunder storms with these nasty wind cells. We set up tables and waited. Liz (Dan’s mom) also thought we better set up the tables and chairs at the church as a back up plan.

We watched the weather report all day. We had had little bursts but also some clearing. Caterers start setting up. Flowers and tablecloths set, less than an hour until start time, everyone is getting things set...then the drops start. Slow, big drops...will it stop? Finally a decision has to be made...move everything to the church. You have never seen such movement. Caterers packed and moving in record time, someone load the flowers, grab the table cloths, sign in table stuff, slide show equipment, etc., etc. You would not believe the speed of all those many helping hands. That whole reception was packed up moved down the street to the church and reset up in record time (about 50 minutes). I applauded Liz for trying so hard to hold out and wait on the weather. Rebecca had said she really would love an outdoor event but Mother Nature was not going to cooperate. Turns out that before the night was over a couple of large cells came through and the “decision on the field was confirmed”.

And of course what a wonderful adventure we had.

Hot Water!

When we moved into our first home my husband’s parents gave us a Dishmaster. What is a Dishmaster you may ask? It is a faucet that gives you hot soapy water at the touch of a button(see before picture on the left). It has been around for over 60 years and has quite a following of loyal fans. Even though it has been re-styled in that time it still has a real retro look. When our first one gave out we replaced it with a new one. Having the hot soapy water right there on hand seemed to really make it easier to do the pots and pans and keep the dishes always done up.

When we moved into our current home over 11 years ago and needed a faucet we replaced it with a Dishmaster even thought I was working for a plumbing wholesale supply house and could have gotten a great deal on any other faucet I wanted. It had served us long and well but needed again to be replaced. We have very hard water and over time there had build up hard water deposits or some kind od blockage in the internal mechanics side of the hot water line that just couldn’t be cleaned out.

One night after a quick trip to Costco Glenn needed to run into Home Depot for a few things he needed for his yard project. I said I would just wait in the truck. “Don’t you want to come in to keep my spending in check?” Not really but I could tell he wanted the company. As he’s finding what he needs in the plumbing isle an end cap catches my eye. Faucets…I found a beautiful brushed nickel Kohler faucet…it was love at first sight. I pulled Glenn over….isn’t it beautiful?...would if fit the opening of our sink? Needless to say we walked out of there a couple of hundred dollars poorer and Glenn had another “to-do” project. I bet next time he leaves me in the truck.

A True Friend

Have you been blessed to have one of those friends in your life that really knows you and loves you anyways? That if the need arose you could call at 2 AM and they would do whatever you needed? Kathy is one of those friends. She’s a nurse so she is a nurturer by nature but don’t let that fool you. She’s no push over. She will take care of business. Sticking an IV in your arm with one hand and slapping you on the back of the head for a reality check if you need it with the other. I guess I would say she’s the best combination you will find of the kindest and the toughest person you’ll ever want to know.


We don’t get to spend as much time together as we use to as our lives are both so busy but I treasure the time we can sneak some girl time in. I always leave her with my spirits lifted and feeling better about life. Who wouldn’t want a friend like that? Happy birthday Kathy… you are aging well girl!

Cool Cars and Hot Food

Got to get together with some of the Mopar Nights at Rick and Vicky’s for a potluck dinner. Ricks Son-in-law does the best BBQ. He did a Tri-tip that was sooooo good. Between Glenn’s jobs (work job, church job and home improvement job he hasn’t been able to get out to Garden Grove to see these guys so it was nice to have a get together so close to home. The great food was just an extra bonus.

Always Remember

I have to take a moment to remind mostly myself to always take the time to spend with friends and love ones and to never forget the events of September 11, 2001. I am going to do something that I have never done before with a personal post. I am going to not only post this here on my personal blog but also on my work blog @ www.crphotosonline.blogspot.com

As fall approaches and the weather cools I find myself getting nostalgic this time of year. For me, fall is a season for remembering. Yesterday would have been my brothers 45th birthday. I still miss him. Nine years ago today our nation was changed forever. I still cry. It was nine years ago today I found out I had a heart because it was ripped from my chest when the towers got hit and collapsed, as the pentagon got hit and as the heroes took that plane down in an open field to save the lives of so many others.

We are a strong and resilient people, but we must always remember. Remember that day, remember the lives lost and remember that life is short. Let us remember what is important and be thankful for the blessing we do have in our lives. One of my favorite sayings is, “Some things are urgent, some things are important…learn the difference.”

Today I challenge you to reflect on the things that are important in your life and to be sure to always remember. Remember this day of tragedy with an affirmation of life. Take today to remember who and what is important and take the time today to share a very precious moment of life with them.

Below is a clip that my brother carried around in his flight planner. You might recognize the last three words that Nike has taken for one of their slogans but now you have the rest of the story.



May we all step outside our comfort zone and really live life. I love you forever Bro!



One more day

It’s been a crazy few months. Between work, projects and planning a wedding long distance, it’s been a little crazy around here. Rebecca has been in Utah, Dan in San Francisco and me here and we’ve been doing our best to get it all together but now…only one more day! In less than 24 hours my baby will be married.

Rebecca went through the Redlands Temple for the first time Thursday evening. Dan’s parents came in early and so all the “parentals” got to be there. We were originally planning on going to an earlier session then all going out to dinner afterwards but due to the temple scheduling that was not going to be possible and we ended up going through a later session. It was too late afterwards to all go out to dinner as the next day we had to get set up for the wedding. We said out goodbyes, Rebecca coming with us and Dan going with his family. But we were still hungry as we hadn’t had dinner. We decided to stop at In-n-Out for a quick burger. Low and behold Dan and his family had stopped there too. I guess great minds do think alike. I think I’m going to like this family

She said YES!

We’re having a wedding! Dan asked...Rebecca said yes. They have such a cute proposal story. Dan so wanted to surprise her and you can tell by the pictures,she was. If you want the full story you’ll have to ask them because I know I won’t do it justice. A big thank you to Emily (Dan’s sister) who played spy and hid with her telephoto and took all these pictures. We don’t have a confirmed date yet, but soon.A wedding...that will be a grand adventure!

We happen to get together at the Folks house for the Sundays 2nd session of conference and everyone wanted to be sure they knew we were happy and excited for them so we sent them this picture.