"It's that time of year . . ."

This is Christmas last year - doesn't it seem like yesterday?  And here it's almost upon us again! The big bike ride - which is going to happen again - here Harry and Bonny are stopping somewhere!!

And some kidlets enjoying pizza!

 

And just some down time by the tree!!

 

And Bonny and Dawn giving Deacon a haircut - one I think he didn't want!!

I think of all the Christmases past - I remember having to sneak around so the kids wouldn't know what was going on - wrapping gifts while watching Holiday Inn - choosing fun new clothes to wear for Christmas events like Helen's party, The Nutcracker, the Messiah Sing Along, the Ward Adult Christmas Party - baking and frosting sugar cookies - making pumpkin bread - taking treats to neighbors - caroling - sitting down at the end of the day and enjoying the tree - listening to carols - and soon the present upcoming Christmas will be just another memory.

Better remember to take photos!!

It's that time of year . . ."

When Bonny and Bruce got married, we were introduced to the Bolander family tradition of feeding the homeless at Christmas time.  We participated with them several times, and it was a very rewarding experience.  So it wasn't much of a stretch to figure out that it was also something we could do with the youth.

 

I'm thinking the photos from this are from 1996 maybe?  I was Young Women President starting in 1996 anyway.  If Noah and Andrew were participating though, it had to be 1999 actually!! 

Giving service at the holidays is a wonderful way to celebrate!

"It's that time of year . . ."

This batch is pretty random - starting with feeding the homeless with the Young Men/Young Women - 1997 - always a great way to spend the holiday!

 

Some great kids here!!

 

The Heritage Halls Holiday Dance - back in 1964!!  My dress was black velvet - and of course Alice made it for me!

 

A Christmas card photo when Isla was a baby!!

 

The photograph Nebeker sent us in his Christmas card when he told us about marrying Sarah!!  Such good news!!

Funny what we recall!

"It's that time of year . . ."

The Cornwalls often come caroling!!

 

I think this was the last year we did matching shirts for Christmas Eve! It got really expensive!!

 

A Terrill Inc. company Christmas party - late 80's.

 

Last year's holiday bike ride - go Dawn!!

Oh, the walk down Memory Lane, filled with some many memories!!

"It's that time of year . . ."

Once again I am not sure of dates - Eve looks young though!  That should be a clue.

 

Porter was young too - maybe this is 2005?

 

The whole Christmas pajama drill was quite the event for Dad and me - usually involved many shopping trips to find enough matching stuff.

 

Ah, Christmas Eve - fun no matter what the year!

"It's that time of year . . ."

Grandma's Party always had Santa.  For years it was Pop, then Jim, then Doug.  Here's Ella with her gift.

 

Esme looks a little concerned about it all!

 

The Santa gifts were from Grandma - she went to a lot of effort to make everyone happy.

 

Ara seems okay with it all - I guess Annika was a babe in arms!!  She doesn't show up in the arms of Santa anyway!

One year Harry and I wore the Santa wigs for Halloween - he wore the beard and I wore the hair!  We looked pretty good!!

"It's that time of year . . ."

Christmas 2010 - a photo shoot!

 

Christmas always means Dad's birthday is one week before the big day!

 

Christmas 1988!

 

I think this was Christmas 1979!!

Oh, Christmas, you are so full of so many memories!!

"It's that time of year . . ."

Christmas Eve dinner - Potato Soup!

 

Sleeping in the "Presidential Suite!!"

 

The Terrill Family Holiday Party!

 

Pedicures are a part of the holiday season!!

 

Oh, we do miss Marjorie!!

Christmas Eve On Primrose Avenue!

Harry called it right when he said this was the best shot all evening!!  It's great when you've got a natural for Mary and Baby Jesus!!  It added to the evening, that's for sure!

 

Potato Soup - with all the toppings!  And few leftovers!

 

Eve and Isla in their matching p.j's.

 

Santa's Secret Shop is sporting a new line of headwear this year!!

 

Great to have Grandma Helen with us.  Mom and Donna did Christmas Eve at home, since Charlie and Jeanette are here in town.  We will see them Thursday.

 

Something was making everyone smile.

 

Harry W. really got into his Wise Man role - showing his wares!!  (Porter was Joseph, Eve was the angel, and Isla was the shepherd - they seemed to enjoy their costumes - kept them on until the new pajamas got opened.)

 

Noah continues to bond with Mr. Deacon!!

The evening was great - it's midnight, so time for Harry and I to call it a night.  Certainly don't have as many chores as in years past - can't say I mind though!!

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!!

To toss, or not to toss!

I am in the habit of keeping letters and cards that I receive.  I even keep copies of letters I send.  I also keep Christmas cards.  Needless to say, the piles and boxes of paper are threatening to inundate our living spaces.  So I have started purging and sorting.  I said to Harry, "I was thinking I would just toss all these cards.  Then one fell off the pile and I read it.  Listen to this."  This is what I read to him from inside the card:

"Dear Barbara and Harry and Family -

Again, a pair of aging seniors in snowy Utah send greetings, and we are happy to be around for another Christmas!

A highlight of 2001 was the arrival of great-grandchild no. 23.  Two more are expected next year, along with the Olympics.

We hope all is well with you and yours.  Happy 2002!

Virginia and Budd"

I can't throw the cards away - until I go through them - can't abide the thought of tossing a gem like this one - and where there is one gem, there might be many more!

(I'm thinking I will toss the cards that just have a name and no message - maybe that will cut it down some!!)

(For those not in the know, Virginia and Budd - famously known in the Terrill household as Budd and Bamam - are Bruce's maternal grandparents - and they were a couple of great folks to know!!)