We are back!

I would pick the one shot that gives Hannah a classic case of "corrected" red eye!! What do you expect at midnight??

We flew in this evening from Virginia. Dad is over at the shop, clearing out the larger half, which we no longer need - and which needs to be ready for new tenants on the 1st!!

Dawn and Isla come home tomorrow - so I will hustle over there after school to meet our newest grandchild - and to take some photos for your viewing pleasure.

And I uploaded my photos - a large quantity - I will try to post soon!!

Of course, I have to go to school.

And Dad's doing Seminary duty this week too.

Good thing we had such a delightful, restful visit to the Eastern contingent of the Terrill kids, or we might be feeling overwhelmed or something.

I do miss everyone already though!!

Thanks to Eliza, Matt, Theo, Ida, Hannah, and Robbie for a wonderful week!

It's been 6 years

since Charlie Graham died. It seems long ago, but also almost like yesterday.

When I think about him, this is the image that comes up for me. I did visit him a few days before he died, but even then he didn't look diminished. He faced death squarely, and that was a blessing for him and for his family.

Sue bore a sweet testimony this month. She mentioned a woman she was taking care of in the doctor's office where she works. This woman's husband of 50 or 60 years had died four months earlier, and she was quite grief stricken. Sue commented that her first thought was, "Well, you got to have your husband for so much longer than I did."

Then she said she told the woman that maybe she should go to her church and seek comfort. The woman said she hadn't gone to church in a long time, but maybe she would go and see if that helped.

Sue said she realized that even though their time together on earth had been short, she had the promise of a life together forever - and that was a greater gift than the idea of more years here on earth.

The Grahams are a great family - they have "done Charlie proud." We wish them joy and comfort on this day of remembrance.

More Isla

I was able to head out to the M-town and hold baby Isla. What a sweetie!

Dawn is doing great, as was expected. :)

A great shot of the new Miss Terrill

Go here for a great shot of Miss Isla Terrill, the newest Terrill grandchild!! We are excited to see her - sad to leave the Eastern contingent though!!

Guess who had a baby?

Name update: Isla! (pronounced eye-luh)

Woohoo!! Baby girl, born 11/29/09 at 0019 hours. 7 lbs 12 oz 19 1/4". No word of a name yet.

The eastern contingent heard the happy news at about 3:45 am. And because I can't ignore a text message at any time of night, I had a sleepy textversation with Harry.

Right now I would like to hear how Eve is doing with the thought of a baby girl for her to dote on. And I wish I had a picture of Porter to juxtapose with this one where he is doing the same wink smile as this little one is doing.

Congrats, guys. We're excited to see her soon!

"I'm Just Wild About Harry!!"

Baby Harry is rocking out here on the dance floor at Hannah and Robbie's reception.

And what would it be like if they'd chosen one of the other names suggested?

(Baby Harry was nameless for a week or two after his birth - but he can hold his own with the other two Harrys - who would be Big Harry and Little Harry!!)

Happy Birthday Harry William - we love you and are glad you are part of the clan!!

(I'm writing this post early - so it's entirely possible that he has a little brother or sister sharing his b-day with him!! Or not!!)

"Come ye thankful people come, raise the song of harvest home . . "

One thing about randomly selecting photos is that they are well, random!! So I apologize in advance for any odd juxtapositions as I take you on a little photo journey of gratitude. For starters, I'm grateful for the Hollywood Bowl and all the good times we've had there - starting with the night Dad and I got engaged.

I'm grateful for college roommates who influenced my life for the better - and are still my friends.

I'm grateful for my job, for being able to do "work worth doing" on a daily basis.

I'm grateful for the plan of salvation, and the comfort it has provided.

And I'm grateful for ceramic water pitchers, and people who remember me often with even more of them!

I'm grateful for aprons and sewing and sharing.

I'm grateful for a college diploma and all the opportunities I've had to learn and grow in a classroom setting.

I'm grateful for church callings that have made me stretch and grow and left me with a treasure trove of lovely memories.

I'm grateful for 1945 - it was a good year to be born.

I'm grateful for opportunities to travel and see other lands and people and to take part in their lives and their culture.

I'm grateful for missionary work, and the blessings it has brought into our lives and the lives of those we love.

I'm grateful for friendship and association with our kids good friends, for being part of their lives too.

I'm grateful for weddings and families and celebrations of life and love.

I'm grateful for grandparents who loved me, and taught me, and encouraged me.

I'm grateful for a great marriage and great parents and great in-laws and for 42 years of wedded bliss with the best guy ever.

I'm grateful for being a grandma - what a great adventure it has been!

I'm grateful for my numerous siblings and siblings-in-law!!

I'm especially grateful for wonderful children,

and on this day of Thanksgiving, I'm grateful to be spending it with "my guy!!"

One month until Christmas!!

There was a time in my life when the thought that Christmas was only one month away would have struck fear in my heart!

Christmas 1971 Granada Hills CA

But no longer - Christmas has ceased to be a shopping, logistical nightmare. We pretty much do the same things, year after year, and practice may not make perfect, but it does make things easier.

Mostly I just look forward to seeing everyone and eating potato soup on Christmas Eve - and getting lots of Christmas cards.

Happy Birthday Tina Rae!!

Tina Rae is our good friend - and has been for many years. We all love Tina - she was godsend at the high school, watching out for all of you!! And she is always happy to see you - makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world.

When Phoebe was girl, she took sewing lessons from Tina - and was in a little fashion show. She had infinite patience as she helped young girls learn to sew. She has made many a prom and Homecoming Princess dress for girls at MHS.

We used to have the monthly ward birthday parties in the McKendrick's backyard - she taught me a lot about being a good hostess - about not stressing over the small stuff - and focusing on what is important. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have any photos of said parties!

And in 1991, we headed off for the Women's Conference together - a fun time.

Have a great day Tina!! The Terrills, one and all, love you and your great family!!

Baby Harry's Grandma's Birthday Day!!

It's not even Harry's birthday yet, and he's already had a party and a Saturday with Grandma and Grandpa!! Lucky boy!!

But we are the lucky ones who get to spend time with one of our favorite little people. I picked him up Saturday a.m., and we headed to McDonald's for breakfast!!

Then we cruised over to check on Grandpa - who is doing a job at Jenny and Allen's house. We got him just as he was leaving.

A shot of Jenny and Allen's house - for those who are interested in such things.

And for those of you who don't think we really have fall here - proof that the leaves do change color - they just do it more slowly here!!

Off to Target for some serious shopping - and Harry has an interesting way of showing his interest - he just tosses it in the cart!! Finally settled on a Light Saber and a Star Wars tee shirt.

Both of which seemed to make him happy!!

Then lunch at Wendy's and home for nap time. A fine time was had by all!

Donna hits the 21st anniversary of her 29th birthday!!

It seems like it's not a picture of Donna without pictures of all the sisters. And that's a good thing.

I'm not sure I always appreciated how great it is to have sisters.
My first inkling came when I married Harry, and Frances was ecstatic about gaining another sister. I had truly taken them for granted.

Not that brothers don't count - they are great too. But sisters make the best friends of all for a woman!!

So here's a little trip down Memory Lane in honor of Donna - who can't possibly be turning 50, since I distinctly remember her birth!!

I remember her looking like this too! (This is a short trip down Memory Lane!!)

When Donna was born, Dad came home from the hospital, and we asked what the baby's name was going to be. He asked us for suggestions. I had a friend whose older sister was named Donna Jean - and I thought this older sister was so very glamorous and sophisticated. Of course I suggested Donna Jean - and lo and behold they took my suggestion!

That's my version of the story. Dad's not here to corroborate, but Mom says he had an old girlfriend named Donna - he'd really had a thing for her. She says that's where the name comes from.

So take your pick. Which ever one you choose, it refers to the world's favorite aunt, best sister, wonderful daughter, valuable employee, devoted church member, and dedicated friend.

Happy 50th Donna Jean!!

Happy Birthday Donna!!

We had fun celebrating Donna's birthday tonight. If you weren't able to be there, we missed you. If you were there, thanks for coming!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Birthday Matt!!

1977 was a good year for the Terrills as they welcomed Phoebe into the fold. At the same time - well a few weeks later - the Selanders welcomed Matt. Little did we know that our paths would cross down the road! (Maybe they crossed at Grand Central without our even knowing it!!)

And we are so glad they did!! Matt is a great addition to our family - he's calm, cool, and collected - a quality we find endearing!

There aren't too many solo photos of Matt in my archives - but this is a very nice one. Seems to capture his easygoing charm!!

Have a great day Matt!

Leslie's in town

I love it when Leslie comes to town. We have a fine time. She's always up for eating See's candy, lunching at Bob's Big Boy, talking about books, catching up on everything, discussing our church callings (she's the Secretary in their Stake Relief Society Presidency), and playing word games - my favorite.

Here we are playing Quiddler - a big thank you to Alice for introducing me to the game. I got creamed of course - I may be a wordsmith, but I don't seem to turn that into megapoints!!

Leslie won, Mom came in second, Donna was a respectable 3rd place, and I got creamed!

We're excited to celebrate Donna's big day!!

How the years fly by!!

I was looking for another photo and came across this one from summer of 1990 - Ashland, Oregon.

That's a young Bruce - and a young Israel Nebeker - now of Blind Pilot.

It's great fun to camp with the Nebekers. Heck, it's great fun to do just about anything with the Nebekers!

(That was the year a very young Noah said, upon awakening in a tent, "Oh, there are leaves in the tent sky.")

Another weekend down!!

Much of the activity that went on this week seemed to happen at Harry and Dawn's. And isn't their house looking good??

Baby Harry had a birthday party Saturday. His actual b-day is not until the 28th, but the new baby is also due on the 28th, so Dawn played it safe and had the party early.

As usual, Dawn had prepared a fun morning for some of Harry's little friends.

Dad was good at snapping photos of the main event - blowing out the candles

on the great "horse" cake that went with the western theme of the party.

There was a lot of interest in the licorice rope and gummy Life Saver eyes on the pony!!

Here are the Dodd twins - they enjoyed all the activity and attention too, while big brother Miles was enjoying the fun.

Sunday evening, Harry and Dawn had a Thanksgiving Rehearsal Dinner so Dawn could try out her new recipes. It was great, as usual. Bonny, Bruce and girls joined us too.

I was at the "girls' table" with these lovely ladies.

"I give up," said Noah, "Mom always gets her way with the pictures."

Tricia and Kevin, friends from Harry's work, joined us. They are a fun couple to have dinner with!! Seemed to catch right on to the Terrill brand of fun and frolic!

Dawn and Greg, hanging with the little boys! (as in Harry and Porter, not Greg!!)

Harry said not to take his picture - he was actually much happier than he looks!!

And Tricia had brought 64 mini-cupcakes that Porter immediately assumed were his. He was pretty excited about them - when I came in, he rushed me into the kitchen to see them. Said they were his and he was going to save them for tomorrow.

However, a portion did get consumed after dinner!!

Dad had a baptism to attend, and as usual I forgot to have anyone take a shot of me - trust me though, I was there!!

It will be a busy week - getting ready for Leslie's visit, Donna's 50th celebration, going back to work at the temple, book group, doctor appointment for my knees, teaching school, packing for our trip - next week at this time we will be heading off for Virginia!!

Had a nice g-chat with Eliza, Theo and Ida. It will be great to see everyone!

Have a great week everyone!!