ManderinoClan

THANKSGIVING 2011

2011-11-24T07:33:00.000-08:00

It Thanksgiving and I have a lot to be Thankful for.

I am grateful to my many friends. I don't spend time with you all. Some its only on the Internet but I am glad that I live in a time where I can stay in touch even remotely with friend and people who I have met along the way.

I am glad Shayla is home from the Hospital and that the clots are treatable. I am Thankful to live in a time where we can treat things that killed many people without them even knowing what it was.

I am most grateful for a family that loves me despite my flaws and am grateful to spend it with them. (Karina you'll be missed but glad we saw your family a few weeks ago)

Despite live in "trying times" I am grateful for the blessings I have. I have seen poverty and cruelty in the world but I know of the goodness of God as well.

I would like to share a story that a cyber friend shared with me yeas ago. It has meant a lot to me.

At the end of the war in France in 1918, there was a Thanksgiving service held by the Army chaplains of all the major denominations. Elder Roberts sat at the rear of the stand. During the service it was announced that "Elder Roberts, the Mormon Chaplain from Utah, will now step up and led the Thanksgiving Psalm." Elder Roberts was stunned, but he got up from his seat and moved towards the podium. Elder Roberts was a Biblical scholar. He knew and studied the Bible regularly, including the book of Psalms, but he had never heard of the "Thanksgiving Psalm". As he walked forward to the podium the Spirit whispered to him "read the one hundredth Psalm." He turned to the Psalm and read:

1 MAKE a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth emarrass to all generations.

After reading this Psalm and returning to his seat, Elder Roberts noted that many of the Chaplains were looking at the floor, looking a bit ashamed. Elder Roberts felt that this had been an attempt to embarrass both Elder Roberts and the Church. Returning to his tent after the service, Elder Roberts knelt down and offered up a prayer of thanksgiving; thankful for a mindful Father in Heaven who provided that prompting in a time of need.

For some it will be a day of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pie, and hours and hours of American Football. For others it will be a time of reflection and gratitude for those blessings that Heavenly Father has bestowed upon them.

I hope that all of us, whether it be in the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, England, Germany, New Zealand, or any of the other countries that you live in; will take some time and reflect upon the blessings that you and your family have had for this year.

"Count your many blessings, angles will attend..." is one of the hymns that we sing at Sacrament meeting. Why not do so with your family? Take an inventory of those blessings that you have in your life, both temporal and, more to the point, spiritually. You will more than likely see that you are not forgotten nor ignored by a loving Heavenly Father. May the blessings of Heavenly Father be with you and your family.

Happy Thanksgiving. Reuben Dunn

Thanks Reuben for reminding me about Thanksgiving!

White Water

2011-07-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

It has been a realy long time since I have blogged here. Alot has happened in the last year and I will try to catch up on somethings and others are best just skipped over.

I hope to have alot to Blog about in the next few weeks as I will travel to to see my daughter Karina who lives the farthest from me. I miss her and her family.

As many of you know I am the Young Mens president in our Ward. Our younger scouts went to Scout camp but a few of the older boys wanted more so we went white water rafting.

We traveled to Northern California to Gold country area and went to a place on the American river at Camp Lotus. The people at River Runners that ran the trip are the best people. They made us feel at home and took care of our every needs.

We slept in tents but had showers and toilets close that were very clean.

The river has been running fast this year as there is so much snow still in the mountains that feed this river. They are still skiing at Mamoth Resort.The water was cold but it was in the mid 90's so it felt good after awhile.

Here is where we set out from.
We got used to the water where it was peaceful.

heading down river.

Jumping from the cliff

I guess I should have watched where I was jumping.

getting a little more turbulent.

It was hard to take pictures on the river. They took professional ones when we traveled through the class 4 and 3 plus but they weren't within our budget.

This was a vey enjoyable time and if not for my pinched nerve It would have been perfect.

If you want to know more about this trip check out riverrunners.com

We also toured the Gold rush state park and made a stop to the Sacramento Temple.

I hope to be able to blog more about goings on. I am looking forward to my trip to North Idaho to see Karina and Family. We should have more to write about and pictures.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-19T17:25:00.001-07:00

My Dad has been out of this life for awhile yet every Father's Day brings back memories. This year is no different. I have 3 of my grandchildren living with us. It is great to see how they interact with their dad as well as the love they share with me.
I remember my dad and his love to my mom and siblings. Dad was a very hard worker. I have kept some of the tools he had in our basement and I remember how he taught me how to use them.
My dad never made a lot of money. As a police officer he did his best to teach us to stand up for what was right. He used to give us hair cuts down in our basement. I don’t remember ever paying for haircuts until I was in junior high. Even then it was from somebody dad knew from his police beat.
My dad could talk to anyone. He always made me feel safe as he always knew what to do. Even when he had no clue he would be so positive that you thought he did know.
I will never forget his example to family as he came to my games and other events.
He has set the bar very high for me to follow. He had faults as we all do. He has been a hero to me my whole life.
This Father Day and always I love him

Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

Today is memorial day. I am so thankful for the sacrafices made over the years for this country by brave young men and woman.I like most of this counrty celebrated it more as the first day of the summer. We spent most of the day at a park in La Mirada.

As I write this we are getting ready for a BBQ in the back yard. The day was perfect if only Karina and family were here as well.

Abby as ever is ready for pictures

Sitting in a tree

Sharing a tree with big sister Emma

The Three Wonder Kids.

Tamar's family

2010-05-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

Fresh from driving across country we decided the first thing to do was to go to the beach. Saturday we spent the day at Corona del Mar In Newport Beach. It was a beautiful day. Other than looking like Frosty the Snowman I was so white, we had a good time..The most imporant thing is pictures so here are a few...

Sand in the face isn't as good as sand in the mouth.

Grandma feed me grapes

Here is Trever explaining the fine art of sand castles

Shayla and Emma deciding if the was are big enough for the boggie board..
Kyle thinking they aren't very courageous.

Heart Attack

2010-02-14T16:19:00.002-08:00

No, despite being out of shape I didn't have a heart attack. It's Valentines day and for Valentines day we participated in a fund raising project for girls camp called heart attack. For a small fee the girls would attack your house with valentine wishes.

I didn't know that Linda did the same thing as I did for her and Shayla.

Yesterday we were all gone for about an hour and when we returned this is what we found. I am sure every one on our street was jealous of the love that dwells here.

Today is a beautiful day and as I type it is about 4:30 and warm. It was in the 80's today. We will barbecue steak for dinner. It should be wonderful.

To make the day complete my favorite TV show starts again tonight. Woo-Hooo Welcome back Amazing Race.

2010-02-14T16:19:00.001-08:00

2009-12-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

I have the day off today..no i have a 4 day week end and I am going to enjoy it. I also have my camera fixed so I should be able to blog a bit more.

Kaylee will come home today and we are going to see Avatar then out to dinner then to the Los Angeles Temple to see the Christmas lights. Maybe tomorrow we might take a trek to the beach as it will be in the mid 70's. Not to swim but just being at the beach should be fun.

Spent a late night helping Linder get get ready for the last day off school before her 2 week vacation. They are having a pot luck today so she has been busy.

I am enclosing a picture of me with my sisters. They have always been good to me.

2009-12-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

I was going to chastize some people for not keeping up with there blogs until I saw how long it has been since I posted anything here. I was using the excuse that my memory stick broke in my camera, which is true, but I have had pictures taken of me that I could use. This picture appears to already be so out of date. I haven't tried to fotoshop John into any of the pictures.

I am looking forward to the Christmas. My mom is coming to California for a visit and I believe my brother George will be out this year as well. It will be great to see them both.

We have been getting the house decorated and the lights are up along with the tree and other room decorations. I need to get something that has a pine scent but things are really looking good.

I hope that with the new memory stick I will be able get some picture to post and share.

2009-08-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Sea World

2009-08-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

We went to Sea World and had a great time. The shows were great and everyone had a great time.

They had alot to do and we did most of it. We had alot of fun even if we didn't use sun block.

2009-08-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here are a few vidoes. If you listen close you can here the tiger roar!

Kyle and a rogue wave!

2009-08-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

More pictures!

2009-08-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Needless to say we have been busy. I am sorry that I haven't posted more as promised. Here are a bunch of pictures from zoo and beach and happenings. We are leaving in a few for Sea World.

Enjoy and wish you were all here.

2009-07-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

The invasion of the family has begun. Tamar arrived with her family late on Saturday night. Karina and Kelsi come in today and Kaylee will arrive on the 8Th of August.

Today is Kaylee's birthday and we are all sad that she isn't with us to celebrate. She will be home soon and we will celebrate then!

Yesterday we made a trek to the beach. Kyle took to the sand and water like a pro. If you didn't know his story you would never know he had such a tough start. He is really a site to behold.

We are so much enjoying the visit. More to come later!

2009-07-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

Many many years ago when I moved into the house in La Puente I went one day to a meeting. I was expecting to hear the usual messages and talks. What I heard instead changed my life forever and for the better. I along with those others in attendance were told that we should have a date night each an every week. Seems like a small thing. We were told to keep Friday nights clear for date night with our wife.

I remember changing schedules and conflicts to make this a reality. We didn't have a lot of money to spend. Many times we could just afford the sitter. We have made this apart of our lives that now it is like breathing we don't think much about it we just know that every Friday night is our date night.

I have enjoyed this time. Having time for just me and my sweet heart has been great. Sometimes when money was really tight and we would get a "Thrifty" ice cream cone, or people watch at the mall. Linda once said how much she looked forward to Friday's and date night. I thought to myself 'I must be a great date' when she followed it up with " I can't wait to get out of the house and not have children wanting you undivided attention".

Last night was just one of those nights. Linda asked what I wanted to do for "date night" and we headed to the beach to watch the sun set. We went to Seal Beach, got burritos for dinner that we ate on a bench . We walked the beach watching the sun set. It was great and reminded me of how much I love my wife and these times together.

Date night remains a tradition if our house. I know all of my girls expect it from there spouses.

It is amazing to me how small counsel can when followed change lives. I hope all of you stay in love and if you don't have a date night it not to late to start!

What I have learned in a year

2009-06-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened in this last year and if I don't express my thoughts I would be most ungrateful.
For those that don't remember it was a year ago that we were told that out daughter was having a problem with here pregnancy. For those who might not know this was how Tamar posted last year.
Friday, June 27, 2008
I am not sure how to write this post but I think that in some ways it will be therapeutic. As most of you know we are expecting our third child. I am 21 weeks today and due November 7th. This past Monday we went in for a routine anatomy ultrasound. (I should say here that this pregnancy has been anything but routine, I have had some bleeding at 13 weeks and lots of back cramps though out) Right away I could tell that this ultrasound was different than the ones that I had with the girls. I thought that maybe I had just lost some of my skill at being able to read them but when the doctor was finished and said that he wanted to see us in his office I knew that nothing good ever comes from meetings with doctors in their offices. The first thing he told us was that the fluid level around the baby was very low and because of that the ultrasound was very difficult to read. Low fluid is bad for a lot of different reasons. It could mean that there is something wrong with the baby's urinary system since at this point in the pregnancy the baby makes the amniotic fluid. It could mean that my membranes were ruptured and that I was leaking fluid and did not know it. This is bad because if the membranes are ruptured then the barrier between the baby and the outside world is broken making infection more of a possibility. The amniotic fluid is important for a lot of reasons. It provides a cushion of protection from the outside world and gives the baby room to move around. It is also responsible for the maturation of the lungs and the digestive system since the baby continually swallows it. Well if that news was not enough the doctor also told us that the scan showed a possible heart defect as well as some other things that led him to believe that our baby has some kind of chromosome abnormality. Needless to say this was all very hard to digest. We left his office that day with a referral to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for a second opinion. We have felt very blessed to live in a part of the country where top hospitals are everywhere.We went for our second opinion yesterday. I was amazed by the kindness of the people and the advances in technology. They were able to perform a very extensive ultrasound as well as a echo cardiogram (a study of the heart) on the baby. When the tests were done we met with the OB at CHOP. The news was not good. The fluid level was still low and the doctor said that it was due to a hematoma that I had earlier in the pregnancy that was now being broken down by my body. The same things that break down the hematoma are also very hard on the fluid membrane which in time will most likely cause my membranes to rupture and put me into preterm labor. The doctor said in all his years he has never seen a membrane reseal itself and so he did not expect our baby to make it. The good news is that the heart and the other abnormalities that they saw initially seemed fine on the scan done at CHOP. The doctor talked about our options which were few. I could choose to say that this pregnancy was not meant to be and deliver then which to me was out of the question. I have felt this baby move inside of me constantly for the last 5 weeks and his heart is strong. I do not think that I get to decide when his chances for survival are over. The other option is to just wait. Anyone who knows me knows I do not wait well especially when I do not know the outcome of my waiting. I would do anything to give my son the opportunity to live on this earth and to be able to hold him even just once. The thing is that I could go into labor at any time or my body could develop an infection if the membranes are already broken. As for now I am praying that we can make it a few more weeks to give him a real chance at survival but if that is not Heavenly Fathers will then I am praying that our son will be taken home quickly. I would like to ask for your prayers. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and that he has always taken care of me and my family. I am praying for understanding and peace. This experience has given me a whole new understanding on what it means to really be able to submit our will to our Father. There is nothing that I want more than to have another child bless our home and that has been my desire for what seems to me a long time, but if the time is not now then I will have to pray for the understanding and the courage to keep going forward. I do believe that miracles happen. I do know that Heavenly Father can heal my body and allow my son to come to the earth and I pray that that will be the case but if not I pray for understanding and comfort. Thank you to everyone who has already been praying for us. I know that without your faith and prayers we would never have made it this far. I love you all.
I can't tell yo how this made me feel. My daughter was far away and I felt helpless. I knew we would just lay this on the altar and let God's will be done. I know everyone was concerned and over the next several weeks and months many added their faith and prayers in behalf of Tamar and her family.
One year has gone by since that day. Kyle is doing wonderful. He has a sleep test tomorrow and hopefully will lose his need for oxygen that he is hooked up to at night.
I know people say this often and it may sound a bit prideful. I know that God lives and loves us. I am not sure why he takes a personal interest in us but he does. I know that he has blessed our lives with this miracle child who just keeps beating the odds.
He was born into a great family. Trevor and his family seems like they are a perfect fit for our family. Steve is like a long lost twin in so many ways. I am glad that he and his wife have form day one been nothing but special to me and my family.
It is because of them that Karina has such a great husband that has been a blessing in her and our life.
I want to put a slide show together to help explain better how I feel about my wonderful and patent children.
Linda is the reason for everything good in our life. After more than 31 years I am amazed at how blessed I am that she is who she is.
I am truely blessed. I know familes can be hard for some peopel and I want to stay so much more in touch with mine. I can't wait until my little family unit is all together this August.

In a year we have gone from this

To this.........................

Life is really good.

Another Wedding

2009-05-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

^ Suzanne ^

^Kevin, Andrew and Robert^

I couldn't get the pictures where I wanted so you will just get so figure it out

OK , I know that I am not the father of the bride but Katherine Fox got married yesterday. She feels like a daughter since Linda babysat her for about the first six years of her life. They have always been a family near and dear to us.So I don't have a lot to say but we had a great day at the LA Temple and also at the reception in Apple Valley that evening. It was great to see other old friends and I am sure Kaylee and Shayla enjoyed renewing old friendships.

These pictures are for those who couldn't be there (Tamar and Karina)

^KATE & JUSTIN^

2009-05-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I did something different for me. I went and played golf. Those that know me have know that I am not a huge fan. I decided that I should give it a try. The last time I golfed was with Trevor five years ago. I did have fun not knowing everything that one needs to do to play.
I did learn a few things.

1.You get some unexpected quests.

2.You need to learn how to drive.

3. Putting is about the same without the windmills and clowns. No matter how far your ball goes you must always look like you meant to make that shot!

Learn that walking is way over rated as a form of exercise.

Learn that those you play with is as important as how you do.

Golf takes a long time to play. I am not sure at this point of my life I have that much time. It was nice to be out of the office and get paid but I am not sure that I have that much time to do it on a regular basis.

MOTHERS DAY

2009-05-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

I know that Linder isn't my Mom but she is a wonderfull mother and wife .

I love her for all that she is and how great she has done with the girls.

2009-05-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

Today I enter the world of golf. I will blog more on this latter. After years of being asked to play I have consented to play in the Steel Fabricators Tourney. It should be interesting as the last time i picked up a club was five years ago. It will not be a pretty site. It is a shotgun or scramble so I will have help. This may be the last time anyone at works asks. I think they think that I have played before.
I wish I could sneak Steve or Trevor in to play for me.
I don't think there will be pictures unless they are crime scene photos. I promise to post results here in the very near future.

Not a slaker

2009-04-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

Just so you don't think that I am taking this home ownership lightly I thought I would send you a picture of what I have been doing.
The decks in the back were faded and had no zip. It has been on the to do list for awhile now that the weather is nice. I decided to do it right I should sand them down before staining and protecting the wood.
I have fished that and if everything goes well I will will stain them this weekend. I know this isn't impressive or even very interesting but I didn't want my tax rant to a post that was up long.
So here are the sanding pictures as I haven't took any other pictures for awhile.

Rant on taxes

2009-04-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

As most everyone who has been near a radio or TV has heard of the hard economics that this country is experiencing. TEA parties (taxed enough already) has sprung up and many are saying enough. In the wonderful state of California on state leaders after kicking us in the teeth with additional taxes and fees, have decided that the need to pile on to it.

They are holding a special election on the 19Th of May to try to raise more taxes. I have said before and hope that everyone understands that we must not feed the beast anymore. Government in California knows no bounds and seem to think that we can still fund every program and desire that the legislators want.

Those that know me know I am a registered Democrat. I believe that government should serve the people not business. That I have believed that both parties in the country have served their own interests above the people who have elected them. I am not an Obama hater nor do I think Bush was evil incarnate. I just wish that people would unite in opposition to things that are just not in the best interest of our country.

I understand the need for taxes. without them the greater good of community and nation would suffer. I am just tired that officials that seem to think that they have an unlimited supply.
As in the famous words of one elected official "it only paper". They seem to miss the point completely.
For those with short memories the LA time had a good article that deserves a second look. here is what the state has done in just the last 5 years. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-matsusaka17-2008jul17,0,7957570.story This was last summer when the state was trying to find a budget. Arnold who was voted in to stop the taxing madness, has himself become so in entangled in this mess that he is spending millions of republican money to raise taxes!
If one more person tells me it for the schools or the children I my just upchuck. This state will get almost 31 Billion in bailout monies yet will still be in the hole. 27 of that billion will go to social programs. It won't build schools we have borrowed (bonds) for that.
PLEASE if you live in California vote "NO" on all these measures. Enough is enough. Stop sending jobs to other states (sorry Steve no Idaho exceptions) Cut the state spending before raising taxes.
Teachers scream they are being cut. Not even close to true. When you continue getting increases even when revenues decrease and your job performance falls, why should you be rewarded. It is almost next to impossible to fire a bad teacher. In five years less then 40 teachers have been fired state wide.
Instead of trying to work out something that may help the children The union is spending millions of dollars to convince the voting public that raising taxes another 16billion dollars is in our best interest, setting a "rainy day fund" that would give their union 9.3 billion dollars .
Every Californian needs to just say "NO" to this. Vote NO on every measure this election. Tell those in power that they can't have any more money find another way to make do.
It feels good to rant. at least it doesn't ask for any more money.

2009-02-28T22:47:00.000-08:00

Ok ,its late but I promised that I would post what we did today. After doing yard work, I went with Linda and Shayla to the beach. It wasn't quite a typical beach day but 74 degrees isn't that bad.

Here is Linda and ShaylaWatching the Kites was tiring

I small nap always helps

I do need to get some sun as I am getting very white. The sun was warn enough to give us a bit of color and we then bought some chicken at a local dive called "The Chicken Box" it wasn't bad but we will call ahead next time. I think they had to pluck the chickens it took so long.

2009-02-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

I know it sounds late but late but we are trying during these times to follow counsel. I know that our church has living apostles and prophets. here is something from more than 10 years ago by Presindent Hinckley.
Now, brethren, I want to make it very clear that I am not prophesying, that I am not predicting years of famine in the future. But I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order.
So many of our people are living on the very edge of their incomes. In fact, some are living on borrowings.
We have witnessed in recent weeks wide and fearsome swings in the markets of the world. The economy is a fragile thing. A stumble in the economy in Jakarta or Moscow can immediately affect the entire world. It can eventually reach down to each of us as individuals. There is a portent of stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed.
I hope with all my heart that we shall never slip into a depression. I am a child of the Great Depression of the thirties. I finished the university in 1932, when unemployment in this area exceeded 33 percent.
My father was then president of the largest stake in the Church in this valley. It was before our present welfare program was established. He walked the floor worrying about his people. He and his associates established a great wood-chopping project designed to keep the home furnaces and stoves going and the people warm in the winter. They had no money with which to buy coal. Men who had been affluent were among those who chopped wood.
I repeat, I hope we will never again see such a depression. But I am troubled by the huge consumer installment debt which hangs over the people of the nation, including our own people. In March 1997 that debt totaled $1.2 trillion, which represented a 7 percent increase over the previous year.
In December of 1997, 55 to 60 million households in the United States carried credit card balances. These balances averaged more than $7,000 and cost $1,000 per year in interest and fees. Consumer debt as a percentage of disposable income rose from 16.3 percent in 1993 to 19.3 percent in 1996.
Everyone knows that every dollar borrowed carries with it the penalty of paying interest. When money cannot be repaid, then bankruptcy follows. There were 1,350,118 bankruptcies in the United States last year. This represented a 50 percent increase from 1992. In the second quarter of this year, nearly 362,000 persons filed for bankruptcy, a record number for a three-month period.
We are beguiled by seductive advertising. Television carries the enticing invitation to borrow up to 125 percent of the value of one’s home. But no mention is made of interest.
President J. Reuben Clark Jr., in the April 1938 general conference, said from this pulpit: “Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demands, it crushes you” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1938, 103).
I recognize that it may be necessary to borrow to get a home, of course. But let us buy a home that we can afford and thus ease the payments which will constantly hang over our heads without mercy or respite for as long as 30 years.
No one knows when emergencies will strike. I am somewhat familiar with the case of a man who was highly successful in his profession. He lived in comfort. He built a large home. Then one day he was suddenly involved in a serious accident. Instantly, without warning, he almost lost his life. He was left a cripple. Destroyed was his earning power. He faced huge medical bills. He had other payments to make. He was helpless before his creditors. One moment he was rich, the next he was broke.
Since the beginnings of the Church, the Lord has spoken on this matter of debt. To Martin Harris through revelation He said: “Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer. Release thyself from bondage” (D&C 19:35).
President Heber J. Grant spoke repeatedly on this matter from this pulpit. He said: “If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet” (Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [1941], 111).
We are carrying a message of self-reliance throughout the Church. Self-reliance cannot obtain when there is serious debt hanging over a household. One has neither independence nor freedom from bondage when he is obligated to others.
In managing the affairs of the Church, we have tried to set an example. We have, as a matter of policy, stringently followed the practice of setting aside each year a percentage of the income of the Church against a possible day of need.
I am grateful to be able to say that the Church in all its operations, in all its undertakings, in all of its departments, is able to function without borrowed money. If we cannot get along, we will curtail our programs. We will shrink expenditures to fit the income. We will not borrow.
One of the happiest days in the life of President Joseph F. Smith was the day the Church paid off its long-standing indebtedness.
What a wonderful feeling it is to be free of debt, to have a little money against a day of emergency put away where it can be retrieved when necessary.
President Faust would not tell you this himself. Perhaps I can tell it, and he can take it out on me afterward. He had a mortgage on his home drawing 4 percent interest. Many people would have told him he was foolish to pay off that mortgage when it carried so low a rate of interest. But the first opportunity he had to acquire some means, he and his wife determined they would pay off their mortgage. He has been free of debt since that day. That’s why he wears a smile on his face, and that’s why he whistles while he works.
I urge you, brethren, to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage.
This is a part of the temporal gospel in which we believe. May the Lord bless you, my beloved brethren, to set your houses in order. If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wives and children and peace in your hearts. That’s all I have to say about it, but I wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable.
As we work through tough times I hope that we all look to see how richly blessed we have been and will be in the comming years.

2009-02-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how well it will work but I put a link to a site I use for Family history. It is in the upper right. Its One great family. I think it nice that they named it after us.
It takes you to the dash board of the site and there are some fun things you can do.
I am still trying to put a link that just goes to pedigree but I haven't had time yet.
let me know if it works for you. It does take a bit of time to fully load.

2009-02-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot how things have change. Mostly for the better but not always. I am glad for Ipods and cell phones but I also realize how I miss some things and as hard in my mind eye that I try to recall them they just aren't the same. Some things such as fashion I am glad does change. (watched a TV show and I am glad that shoulder pads have left from fashion and have remained on the football field where they belong).
I told some one the other day that I love my wife and she is my "E" ticket. I quickly realized that they had no Idea what an "E" ticket was. They were for the best ride at Disneyland. I happen to have some of these old booklets that would get you into the rides at Disneyland. It is funny to see how things change.
Adult admission was once $4.50, $4.00 for 12-17 and just $3.50 for those 3-11.
People at the end of the day when they new they weren't returning to the park would give there remaining tickets away. Those from the area collected them for there next visit. It was hard to ever find "e" tickets in these books as they were the more popular rides and attractions.
Here what I remember to be the order or value of tickets.
"A" ride on Main Street vehicles or on the King Arthur carrousel
"B" Main St. Cinema Fanatsyland's Alice in Wonderland ride or Casey Jr. Circus Train or the Swiss Family Tree House ( now Tarzan)
"C" tickets got you on Tomorrowland's Adventure through Inner Space or Autopia, Fantasyland's Dumbo' Flying Elephants, Mad Tea Party, Mr Toad wild ride, Peter Pan's Flight, And Snow White's Adventures(which they told you was Scary) or Frontierland's Shooting Gallery.
"D" was Main St. SF & D RR Trains through Grand Canyon and Primeval world ( Now Big Thunder Mountain) Tomorrowland's Flight to the Moon, Skyway to Tomorrowland, Storybook land canal boats and Frontierland's Sailing Ship Columbia, Mark Twains Steamboat, Tom Sawyer Island rafts which closed at dusk. Mine train thru Nature's Wonderland
"E" ticket got you rides on Tomorrowland's America sings, Monorail to to the Hotel and return,
Submarine Voyage(now Finding Nemo) Fantasyland's It's a Small World, Matterhorn Bobsleds,
Bear Country Jamboree, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise.
These also dollar values as well A & B were worth $.25 C was $.35 D was $.60 and E was $.95. They changed this I think in the Mid 70's were you had to buy full packs tickets.
Many of the rides are gone and good riddance some have evolved and many are new.
So you all know we don't live far from Disney or Knotts. If you are coming and want to drop by let us know if you don't mind the couches or floor. Since we only have one open room at present.
Enjoy the days that you live in as these are the days we are all given. Life happens so enjoy all of it.

2009-02-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

I think I might have found where Kyle's pout came from but I might be wrong!

Well It not about Karina any more as the lead in sorry kiddo!

Today it should be all about Karina

2009-01-25T13:02:00.000-08:00

Today is Karina's birthday. So it should be her day. We miss her lots and do feel very blessed to have her as one of our beautiful daughters.

To those of you who don't know Karina long, she is a very special person.

Karina has always seemed to make friends easy because she is has been a friend to many. As all children she came with her own unique personality and gifts. As her Dad some of them were more challenging than others.

Karina has always been self aware and has had goals that she has reached for and achieved. She has made me a better person a better dad and now that she is a mother a very very PLEASED father.

Karina please know that we have loved you from the fist time we held you and it is that love that with all the changes and moods and challenges that have kept us close even when the miles got long.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARINA we love you lots.

music with blogs

2009-01-17T21:56:00.000-08:00

Does anybody even listen to the songs? I am thinking that even though there are a lot of songs nobody really listens to them. Please let me know if I should leave them.

2009-01-17T21:26:00.000-08:00

OK. I said today would be busy and it was. I got up after sleeping in to 8. After a great breakfast I hit the day to do list. Christmas is finally over and I was able to take down the outside icicle lights. This is no small feet as they needed to get down before we were the last to have them up.

I was able to make the several trips up and down the ladder with out any disastrous results. This may have seemed like no great feat but the you don't know me and ladders. It not that I fall off them a lot, it is just that I usually end up doing something not intended. This time I didn't ruin the shingles or mess up any landscape. OK ,there was on nasty branch that had to go as no matter how I positioned the ladder it stuck me in the back. Task one complete.

Then it was down to the church for some membership cleaning of the building. It wasn't bad but somebody designed this building as if they designed mice mazes.

After that task it was off to the car wash. I know many people are fighting cold and snow this time of year but this last week we had temperatures in the 80's & 90's. This just bakes the dirty films on to the car. Oh for a little less heat.

We also went to check out a store Karina told us about. yes it was 50+ miles away but it would be worth that trip. Sure 50 miles on the 5 freeway is a trip in paradise. We did find some items that did make the trip worth while. We took the more scenic road back.

We also found a good frozen Yogurt place and it was very good. Then we check out another furniture store with what was supposed to be good deals as they we going out of business. Well their stuff was terrible so we bought nothing. We also had to go to a wedding reception but that didn't happen.

WE did get a few things done. So to has been a success.

Here is the picture we got for the front room.

Karina we think this looks great...Thanks.

ramblings so I don't hit something

2009-01-15T21:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blogging much. I have been in my destructive mood. Work has been very busy and it tend to get to a boiling point. I know I should count my blessings.( This week we have had the best weather in the country). I just have come home and have wanted to shut down.
When I have things I would like to blog about I am not near a computer.
We have have started reading the Doctrine & Covenants as a family. We are reading a section each night. I am amazed at how much we have been blessed with as a family.
I am happy that it is almost the weekend, although the weekend will be very busy with a wedding reception, cleaning the building, baptism to attend and then there is yard work. I hope I will be able to put something worth while on here.
My mom is extending her stay in Utah to March. I wish she was able to spend more time here before heading back.

Kaylee I miss you!!

More pictures

2008-12-28T10:22:00.001-08:00

Busy Week

2008-12-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

We have busy this year. It has been wonderful having people over to our house and having room to do so many things. Last Sunday we had a lot of family over and really had a good time.

I cooked carne asada and chicken asada. It was fun and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Karina , John and Kelsi missed it as they got stuck in Seattle for a couple of days. See her post for more info.

They arrived Monday night and we had a great visit with them. They left on Saturday and are back to their home now.

The day before Christmas I got a sore tooth. So Christmas day before going to Rachael's I visited the doctor for some penicillin and some vicodin for the pain. The right side of my face was swollen but it is much better now. It was nice to have everyone there that could be.

Friday we went to the Newport Beach Temple where Shayla went through the Temple for the first time. Yesterday we Saw Marley and Me and looks like we will be putting off the dog thing for a while longer.

Today we have invited Lisa, my Mom and Rachel to come to dinner as Brad and Jenna are ill. Cara and Family is also coming so I hope to have more pictures to come.

We missed the Family in Philadelphia greatly and hope to spend time with them soon. All and all it hasn't been a bad way to close out the year.

Oatmeal!!!!

2008-12-14T22:26:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year that everyone seems to do baking. Shayla and Linder decided that is was very dry in the Los Angeles basin. (This was before our latest rain storm) They had been complaining of how dry their faces were getting. They decided to give themselves facials.
I had to run some errands and when I came home this is what I found.

I think it will be hard to to eat oatmeal cookies again! When I took pictures and said I would post them they didn't complain so I decided that since my daughters who told me I needed to blog, don't do much of late, I hope this will entice them to send us more blogs so that Linder and Shayla won't have so much free time to do these little episodes.

New Coal for Christmas

2008-12-08T19:26:00.001-08:00

I just couldn't pass up sharing this. I really laughed loudly(no Girls I didn't honk) I still get the giggles when I read this.

Today was cold. It only got up to 68. Its beginning to feel like Christmas.

OK here is the reason I giggled. You might have to enlarge it to get the full effect.

Counting on Christmas

2008-12-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

The tree is up. The light outside are up. The music is on. It is pretty exciting getting ready for Christmas in our new home.
Yesterday I had to change a ceiling light fixture. Not much of a problem except for trying to do it in dim light as the power was off. This shouldn't have been a problem except I started it at 12:30PM and didn't finish it until 6PM. It really didn't take to long, we just did other things in between. I spent over an hour deciding on new stockings. This again wasn't a problem it just reminded me that this house has no fireplace. It not a shock to find that out. I realized that after we put our offer in. I kinda liked the old stockings even now that there is no orange tree in our yard for Santa to pick from and put in the bottom of the stocking to stretch them out.
Yes I know that Santa can still put an orange in the stocking but what if he doesn't have room on the sled? I mean with all the gifts it was just convenient for him to take from the tree in the back yard. I know he can do a lot but I think it is just asking to much to Pick one there and bring them here. I don't even know his route and if this will just make him late.
Anyhow. The light got installed and all is well for now. I did learn never to go to Michael's to buy anything unless you know exactly what it is or you'll end up spending hours looking at everything and it all begins to look the same.

Thankgsiving 2

2008-11-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

It was a sucess. We ate lots and had lots of fun. I am going to show a few photos and maybe post again later. We hope all had a enjoyable Thanksgiving.

We all fit in one room. 16 adults 6 children

food and coversation was great

This was a center piece that every one added a leaf that said what they were thankful for.

The pies were wonderful.

When things settled down we just kick up our feet and relaxed.

exploringWonderful hostessgetting photos

Cleaning up! Thanks Kayes

THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T07:17:00.000-08:00

Today is thanksgiving. I have lots to be thankful for. I have great memories of thanksgivings past. 112 Fremont street has many good memories. I can't believe how we ever managed to all eat in that small house. The day always began by going to the AHS T-day game. this early morning game 10:30 really enjoy when Paul and I played on the team (Paul more than I). I remember an aluminum folding table that never was level were the feast would be put out. On year I remember not having a real turkey but a turkey loaf of light and dark meat. I am not sure but I believe my mother was in the hospital so we had that. We always had fruit and nuts and many other wonderful treats.
Thanksgiving in California has always been great. We have always had plenty of food and great times. Many thanksgivings have been spent celebrating with Linder's side of the family. These have been great times. The best was having it at the Walnut institute of Religion. Food was great and having so many people was great. Even if it isn't framed we still cherish it. We had a wonderful time also at aunt Kathy in Tustin ranch when the children were all small.
Today we will have family at our new house.It will be nice to begin memories at this place.
I am so grateful for all my family. Family is the most precious gift one can have. We certainly aren't perfect but the memories are the best that come with families. It doesn't matter if it is an elephant in ones throat or playing charades for FHE. Families are what have given me my most to be thankful for. I will post picture of today's doings later. Happy Thanksgiving all.

2008-11-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

We didn't do to much for for Halloween and didn't have many going to the house for treats. We are working for the passage of prop 8 to restore marriage. It has been very divisive and It might be hard for some to get over the issue even after the Vote.

I have been called a Ward Mission Leader. I hope that I will be able to make a difference. This ward hasn't had a convert baptism this year. I hope that we can change that by getting out of our comfort zones.

I thought I would post a few outdoor pictures so you can see the house as others do. We have had 2 people come up to the house and ask if we had paint samples as they seem to like our home color. I am really feeling that this is the house we are supposed to be in.

We will have a full house for Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to seeing all of Linda's side of the family. This is the first time in decades that we will be able to have room for all who want to come.

I am so thankful for my family and all the blessing that we are receiving this year.

Wicked Good!

2008-10-18T22:32:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday Linder & I went on our long belated anniversary date . We went and saw the Musical Wicked. I have heard all about it and know the music but we finally got to go together. We had great seats and really enjoyed it. They don't let you take pictures inside the theater but figured they wouldn't throw me out.

I have decided I will go see Phantom when it comes again and maybe Les Mis.( I am not even going to try spelling that)

New Digs

2008-10-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been asking about the new place and things we have added. We have had a busy time and still need to get photos on the walls and still need furniture for the living room but we are getting there.

Last weekend we did a few things to make it feel warmer. First we decided on rugs for both the family room and living room. It is very hard to get good pictures of them but they really do fit the room. I think that we all agreed on these so if you don't fell free to say so. (We just won't have you come over). We are still trying to get things out of boxes and put in places that we know where they are.

Here is one that lets you see the TV also.
Here is the living room rug.

We have moved the computer to the desk in the family room.

Stuff

2008-10-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

Iknow I will get in trouble for these but here is quick shots of bedroom furniture This is the BBQ on side.

Bigscreen for family room.

2008-10-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

I realised that I haven't been putting this together much. As I said before so much has happened in my life lately that I thought I would give you a brief catching up.

We moved to our new digs in the comfortable area of La Habra. Packing up was terrible and people that move often either are much more patient than I (I know I know everyone has more patience than me) or they can live with much less than I do.

We had a yard sale and got rid of some things. GOT the truck and MOVED
Shayla was a big help before and after
We got some new stuff

TRIED OUT SOME RUGS...

Didn't keep any of them. Then went to see the East coast princesses for a brief visit.

And when I have more time I will post more of the lil miracle Kyle

WHY?

2008-09-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

I have been in Philly and had the extreme pleasure of meeting my first grandson. I went to see him at the hospital and we had a very animated conversation. I am truly blessed. As I sat there and looked at him and held him , I was just overwhelmed by the blessings in my life.

I have been around miracles before. I have experienced a miracle in my own life that was life altering.

Besides being blessed also I am constantly asking why? Why has the Lord been so kind to me? I know that God hears all of our prayers. What I wrestle with is why are some immediately answered and others not so speedily. I know all the standard answers...Everything in God's due time. We can't know everything.

Sometimes things are just the luck of the draw. Other times we are deserving but many times I just wonder Why?

Holding Kyle you really can experience God's work in action. The odds have been stacked against him but despite that he presses on. I wish he was able to talk and tell us how he is feeling about all this.

I am amazed at the love shown to him and his family by so many. People who haven't met him yet wish to help in any way. People of all faiths and belief systems pulling for and praying for him or showing support in so many different ways. I know what I believe but I am glad for these many others who believe differently but still ask for the same out come.

I am not sure why some prayers for one are answered with the desired request and others just as worthy still struggle to get an acceptable answer.

I know I'm rambling and it has been awhile since I posted. I just want to say I am so blessed and so undeserving of so great a family and life. To any of you struggling for answers or just trying to make it from on moment to the next. I just wanted you to all know, that I know God lives. I know he here prayers and answers them and I will have to settle for that even when I don't know the Why.

Countdown

2008-08-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

We are really moving. We will have a new phone # which means I need to remember more numbers.
I forgot how many things one keeps over the years. We have really purged the house that we are leaving and hope that we are not transferring any clutter.
Things are coming together as Linder and I seam to be fraying at our ends. Whoever scheduled things didn't look at the calendar very well. We will move this weekend then leave for Utah to take Kaylee back to the "Y". This doesn't leave much beach time. Its a good thing that it stays warm enough to go in September.
I want to send a big THANK YOU to Shayla and Kaylee. They have done a lot of the work getting things ready. Kaylee will only get to spend a night or two before leaving. It has been a long hot summer. I will be glad when I can just sit down and enjoy the new house.

K&K visits

2008-08-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Now that I know Emma is checking out the Blogs I have to be more diligent in posting.

I am enjoying visit with Karina and Kelsi. I just love her giggles.

She also loved the beach as all the granddaughters do.

Grandma and Kelsi enjoyed the day. I can't wait until everyone can come and go the beach.
The beach will remember Kelsi now and awaits her many return visits.

I know that Tamar being in the Hospital misses the beach. I do have it on good information that the beach will wait for her and her son Kyle. We really do miss all of you but are very happy that we live in a world that allows us all to so easily stay in touch.

I know Kelsi's dad secretly misses the beach and we can't wait for him to join us this Christmas. Who knows maybe with global warming we'll go to the beach in December. We miss you John.

New things!

2008-08-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to say thank you to my daughter Karina for updating my back ground and adding links. Thanks Kiddo.

I also want to say a big THANKS to Trevor's wonderful mom for putting on pictures of her trip back with lil princesses.
We are supposed to close escrow on the 14Th. I am not getting cold feet but this should be easier. I am not sure how people do this. I am glad that I won't be doing this again for some time.

August is here and I need to get to the beach soon. I have wasted to many Saturday's looking at homes and not enough times looking a sand and waves.Maybe I will get back to the beach around Labor Day....what am I thinking that is the start of college football.

WOO HOO!

2008-07-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

HERE IS OUR NEXT HOME!!!!

Well it looks like we finally have found our home. Since we will be in debt again it means everybody should be getting blessed again with good health. We will be watching Tamar and Shalya to see if theory works.

We have entered escrow on a home in La Habra. If you don't know where this is it puts us closer to Disneyland. Also a bit closer to the beach. We are excited to finally have a property that we can call our own.

I am loading a few pictures to give a bit a an idea as to what it will look like. Of course we won't have the furniture as of yet but I have no problem with being on the floor.

Now all the fun begins. Wish us luck.

BIG BANG FRIDAY!!!!!

2008-07-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

Went to the Red Sox vs. Angels game last night. Friday nights are always the game followed by fireworks. Our seats were awesome as we were behind the Red Sox Dugout six rows from the field.

The game had alot of fireworks of its own we lots of homeruns. The Angels won but it was fun to be there. We saw Manny being Manny when he dived for a bloop hit and missed. Then got up and fell and rolled over the ball. What should have been an out or even a single turned into a tripple. Thanks for the smile Manny.

The fireworks display was good and I recorded some of it. If you watch the video it is a bit loud and nothing like seeing it in person.

I gave tickets to my brother Paul and his family as well but Didn't remember where they were sitting so didn't see them during the game. Pauls phone was in the car charging so I hope he had a good time as well.

If anyone come to visit and wants tickets to Angels or Dodgers let me know I might be able to pass some on.

Catching Up!!

2008-07-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

Events happen and we give them little notice. It has been a couple of weeks and many events happen that I should have blogged about but have not. Here are just a few things that have happened. Here are a few in no particular order.

Looked at more homes
Shayla gave a great talk in sacrament.
Sung in a male quartet
Fasted and Prayed for Miracles then saw them happen.
Went to see the Red Sox play.
Celebrated the 4Th with family.

Since I am the worst speller in the universe and have little patience with the keyboard. I thought I would cheat and use something that has pictures to help. After all pictures are worth a thousand words an no spell check involved.

Went to Rachael's on the 4th. We barbecued and had fun. My sister Lisa and family were there and they had gone to Disneyland. The amazing thing was they returned with one of the princesses.

She never lost her glass slippers.We enjoyed relaxing and the festivities of the day. Here Linda, Shayla and Kelly relaxing.

We also got to discuss and ponder things. Here I am listening to Paul and thinking "what would I look like if I was bald or Gray?"

We all had a great day. Lisa even got a haircut for the occasion.

As always the food was great and we enjoyed the day. And Hope to enjoy more visit with the family.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July .
I thought I would just write and tell you all how much I love this country. We live were we have amazing freedoms. I am so glad that I have this blessing in my life. I don't want this to be prideful but this is still the greatest country ever. We have our challenges as a people but we can always rise to the occasion.
I hope you all this day (as always) know I'll be thinking about you all.
Whatever the day brings, pancake breakfasts, barbecues, fireworks or whatever ,hope you enjoy and know we love and miss those who aren't with us.
We still don't have a home yet but we are waiting on the banks with 2 homes in La Habra. We will keep you posted.

Our Hot Weekend

2008-06-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

It was going to be hot this weekend and as you know we have no air conditioning. Since Kaylee was in a wedding party in San Diego we decided to go down a day early and enjoy the comfort of
a cooler place.
In the morning we looked at a couple of homes. One was fantastic and we have put in an offer. Since this isn't bank owned or foreclosed we should know soon.
After checking in we decided to see if San Diego had beaches that weren't cliffs (think Torey Pines). Or a beach that wasn't in the bay.

Shayla and Kaylee said they could taste the beach.
We found one called Ocean Beach. (pretty inventive name) It was great. Had a long pier, great sand and even a grass area.

The beach seemed to being missing something?

Of course the sunset was great. so just to remind everybody why we live we in So. Cal.

Wonders never cease

2008-06-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

I know that blogging is new to a lot of us. I have tried to keep up but usually I only have time to read not write. Today is a bit different. Today is Father's Day.

I want to thank all my daughters for making this a possibility. Without you girls I wouldn't be a Father. I thank you for making that responsibility of being a father easy. I am grateful for all the opportunities that you have given me to grow and to change.

I haven't been the best in all situations. I have done the best I knew how. I have tried to do it with minimum yelling or "jump starting your brains". I am still learning patience.

I am always trilled when you girls tell me that I did something right. I have precious memories of our family home evenings 'Charades' and laughing so hard we couldn't say a prayer to end.

I love the woman that you all are. I know that it was more Mom than me but we have been a good combo.

Tamar, I am glad you chose to be first. Thanks for helping set the standard.

Karina, I glad you chose to be next. Thanks for being adventurous.

Shayla, I glad you made it next. Thanks for being the stabilizer.

Kaylee, I glad that you are the end. Thanks for reminding me of whats important.

I love you girls.

I'm glad for my dad and his strength. If I can be half as strong as him I will have done well.

HAPPY FATHER' DAY to ALL of the Fathers that read these Posts.

Celtic game

2008-06-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

Went and saw history made the other night at the Staples Center. Shayla and I went to the playoff game. Our seats were in the "nose bleed section". They were good view but high up.

We got there early and settled in. I didn't wear any green because... Well its LA and I didn't want to be thrown over from so high a perch.

Things didn't look good early as the Lakers scored early and often. I was very confident that they were going to win. They just looked like they wanted it more. They went down as much as 24 points and staged a tremendous come back.

It was like reliving my childhood in the sixties when the great Laker teams couldn't beat my beloved Celtics. Now if they could just win on Father's Day the world we be right again. I am sorry for all the people who don't live in places that sports aren't a passion.

Well we have more house hunting to do today so more later.

Oh they gave everyone who came in a Laker flag. I gave mine away. If they lost I would have run it over several times before giving it away.

Tagged by Rina

2008-06-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

OK , I don't think my answers will surprise anyone but here they are......

I was born in Arlington, Mass. this is winter sunset.

Favorite place to Vacation ..... Cape Cod, MA this is sunrise.
My favorite color is green.... As in the Green Monster or Celtic green
Dream Career would be Thor God of thunder.....not a fan of lightning
Guilty Pleasure....Chocolate
Favorite Hobby....... Sleeping anywhere
Favorite restaurant was very hard to decide but it would be Tommy's
Favorite Actress.........Julia Roberts unless she get to toothy

Favorite Actor....This was hard between James Stewart and Kirk Douglas

Favorite car never to own...BMW 760Li
Favorite Place to Shop........... anywhere this sign appears
Favorite Flower.....................Lilacs

This wasn't so hard and I don't tag anyone because they probably already have been but if Not and you are reading this then it's you!

Music

2008-06-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

I put some songs here on the blog. These are not necessarily favorites but they are songs that have great influence on me. These songs will change on a regular basis but you can listen or not and comment if you like.

Happy Birthday!

2008-06-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

June is a very busy month with Birthdays and Anniversaries. Linda had her birthday and we had fun. We missed not having everyone there but made up for it by eating enough for everyone. We went to Chilli's and despite Shayla and Kaylee not wanting to smile I was able to get a picture of them.

Linda enjoyed her day and loved her flowers. Shayla has threatened to use photoshop to alter pictures. She said that we should never posts pictures of her unless we are willing to pay the copyrights to her. I think she is just broke and needs the cash.

Well lots more happening this month and we are still looking for a home. We will keep you all updated.

Still Looking

2008-05-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

House hunting is everything I thought it would be. Real Estate people have there own set of rules that they have brought with them from their home world. Yes I believe that there are aliens among us. Everything they do seems to be tilted. The real cost of things is based on as they say," location ,location ,location." that means the real cost of the property is mainly the ground it sits on. The same house built by the same vendor by the same construction company can vary wildly if it was built in the OC and not the IE. This part I get.
What seems other worldly to me is when they take the same area and use different houses (one is still decked out in its 70's glory, the other has "upgrades") They want you to decide on the price by basing on prices of other homes, or the "potential" of the house. I understand you can do $35,000 in make overs. Why does this make the house worth $100000 more? The cost of the land doesn't change. They tell you 3 other houses in the area sold for (insert $ here) and you should pay what they paid or you're bringing everyone elses value down.
Imagine buying a car for sticker value because somebody else did before you. Oh and we won't tell you if the one they paid for had to have new seats,no radio and 3 cylinders aren't working. They are crazy.
I am not even going to start on the financing part of this, where you qualify for certain amount and have stellar credit but somebody else made bad credit decisions so we are going to make you pay for that as well. Or you must pay more to insure that you can really pay for what you borrowed. If you don't think I can pay don't lend. AUGHHHHHHHH!!!!
Beam me up Scotty. we are going to look some more today as the other home went to somebody else...or did it? Why do they ask for back up offers? If the person whose offer they took was so great why do you want back ups?
Maybe my view will change when I've seen so many properties that they all blur into one and I really start thinking like a Realtor and can even understand their language.
Maybe a 2 hour commute each way from nowhere won't be so bad.

2008-05-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

Our puter crashed yesterday. I lost alot of data as my back up disk didn't have much on it.

I did find a couple of old pictures and thought I would share.

Try an guess how old they are.

2008-05-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Just an quick update. We won't know if our offer is accepted for a few more days. We changed the terms a bit to make it more attractive.
I believe we will know by Monday at the latest. I think this weekend will be used to start cleaning out the junk so we won't have to much when we do move.
Wish us Luck!

The hunt for a Home

2008-05-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

We took the first step tonight of writing our first offer on a new house. It is a low offer but it is for a house that the bank owns. I am hoping that they see the value of getting money and not holding land.

The yard has lots of work so anyone wanting to come visit can help pull weeds and help trim back the vegetation.

My favorite spot might be the fireplace. I love the hard wood floors.

I like the 500 sq/ft family room. It will also be nice when everyone comes home. And they will come home. If we are lucky enough to get this home. It is in Yorba Linda close to the Placentia line.

Wish us luck!

2008-05-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

Well I'm begining to think this house hunting is harder than it appears. We went and looked at about 10 homes today. Their were only about 2 worth even considering.

Shayla and Kaylee came along and it was easy to see what wasn't good by looking at the expressions on their faces.

We also went up to Shayla's Graduation and I couldn't beleave it was snowed. We had a great time. I got to see my brother George and sister Lisa so it was a bonus trip.

I need to write a nasty complaining letter to the the Liberty Square aparment in Provo. They had cleaning checkout scheduled for 11am. They didn't come check until after 2pm. They failed everyone who wasn't present. They upset many parents who needed to leave to catch flights or travel. They said it wasn't their problem.

They also charge $30/hr to clean. Not a bad scam if I ever saw one. Kaylee got little sleep staying up tp pack and clean.

I hope we can send info soon on our search for a new home. There will be one that will be right for us.

2008-04-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you Shayla for fixing the pictures so I could use them!

So everybody knows this is what we looked like at 6.

Today we will continue our search for a new place to call home. It is exciting as well as disappointing. We need to stay in So. California and I need to keep my present job until we retire. That means we live in one of the most expencive places to buy a home. The average price in our area is still mid $500,000. That means a mortage of betwwen $3000 & 4000/mo. That is a little bit of a mind boggler. We want to be in our new place by June/July at the latest so we need to start putting on the pressure.

I hope that I will do much better a picking a house than I did the winner of March Madness.

I have finished cutting the lawn and now need to wash the car then it will be House Search 08.

Any comments or advice (lawfull as bank robbing is out) on making this work I am all ears.( no comments that I do look like Dumbo)

Tag responce

2008-03-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

What are 5 things I have to do today?

1. Drive on the Wonderful LA freeways
2. Plan more for Youth Conference
3. Find out what has happened in the world today
4. Work on Blog.
5. Thank my wife for being wonderful.

Where was I 10 years ago?

About the same as today only, one daughter away at school and 3 still at home.

What are 5 snacks I like?
Watermelon.
Girl Scout Thin Mints Frozen.
Any fresh baked cookies with chocolate.
Hot buttered popcorn
Black Licorice

What would I do if I was suddenly a billionaire?

Most likely die before I could spend it or realize the dollar has fallen to an all time low where a loaf of bread cost $323,000,000.00 a loaf.

What are 4 bad habits I have?
1. Talking to much
2. Thinking way faster than I speak
3. Not saying Thank-you enough
4. Love seeing other fall down.

What are 5 jobs that I've had?
Worked as a chimney sweep for the summer in high school is MA
Sold Ford’s at Given Ford on University Ave in Provo
Bottled Pepsi in Provo
Worked For Aztec Industries of Chattanooga,TN
Threw newspapers (Wall Street Journal) to get extra income.

DO I know anyone famous?
Define “know”. I have met many famous people.

Have you started any trends in that last year?
I didn’t start it but it looks like bloging might be a trend.

If I were a pizza topping what would I and be and why?
Red Pepper everyone needs a bit of spice.

What is your favorite clothing trend?
Wearing them…Adam and Eve got it right with covering up.

What is your favorite commercial?
My favorite all time is Alka Seltzer “that some spicey meataball.

Which Seasame Street character is your favorite?
Big Bird, Isn’t it obvious?

Which Christmas Vacation character do you see yourself as?
I don’t remember the name but this clip might help Sorry about the commercial first but wait for the video.
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/christmas-story-tongue/652877833

Musings!

2008-03-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

This past week I spent close to an hour typing out a blog..(ok I know what your thinking, with the speed he types that was probably one paragraph)..and i thought this would automatically save it for me. But no that would be to easy. Instead it is gone. Since I usually don't have the same flow of words in my head I am forced to start over.

Last week we had the lesson in Sunday School about Lehi last words to his children. This struck me as it has been five years since my dad passed away. It was important for him to tell each of his children what he wanted for them. He assured me that he had a testimony and wasn't concern for himself as much as he was about his children.

It got me to thinking how blessed I am. I never had a great relationship with my grandparents.

They lived far away and times were different as you all well know. I saw them rarely and letters just didn't have the same effect. I wanted my children to know their Papa as best they could.

Linda's Dad was dead when she was 4 months old and I wanted my children to know my Dad as best they could.

We sent Tamar off to the Grand-pa house when she was about two. My parents hadn't seen her for more than a year. she went again when she was about twelve. My parents have tried there best to be in my children's lives.

I am so thankfull to have the Internet so I can see pictures of my grandchildren weekly. I love video conferences with them.

I don't know what memories each of my grandchildren will have of me when I get old.(I don't ever want to grow up) I hope that I will be more than a photo to them as I don't fell I really knew my grandfather.

I am posting a picture of them. Since its the best I have.

Sorry if this was a ramble but it the blog fault as it didn't save my other way better posting.

Ribbons & Bows

2008-02-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would post a few pictures that show that the ribbons and bows aren't an isolated case.

This may get me in trouble with someone but then again it is my blog.

First attempt

2008-02-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

I really am going to try this blogging. I see my daughter Karina has already linked me on hers and if she did this in to shaming me for not having much on the site then it worked.

I was going to make several attempts at it and then when I got it right I would unleash my blog. I haven't even started when the complaints started to arrive.

Why not have a better name? ManderinoClan sounds like a lost Scottish group

How come Linder isn't better represented?

Why is there only a picture of you looking out over the pacific?

Why don't you have better graphics?

And the list went on. Everyone who knows me knows I am a World class procrastinator. I know I should have spent more time awake in high school typing class but after all who back then thought I would ever need to type for myself.

Things that I have learned so far about blogs...

My daughters are way better than I at this.

Bellyaching don't get it done.

I love being able to see pictures of my granddaughters almost every week.

If I do this as much as I write in my journal then it won't amount to much.

If ya don't have a current picture you can always post one they might have not seen before.

Well first attempt they say is the hardest. Hopefully with the great things ahead in my life it won't be my last.