Note:

I have been sending copies of the talk I gave on Grandma Stevens at Stake Conference - but I may have missed some - let me know your email address and I can forward it.

Family Christmas Party - Part 2 of many

the annual nativity

Family Christmas Party - Part 1 of many

A few from the Cabin

Noah looks surprised that I was weilding a camera :)

I'll be home for Christmas....

In case you hadn't heard ( and most of you probably have) we are coming home (Mom and Dad's home) for Christmas. This may not seem like much, but we haven't been to the festivitites at the homestead in 10 years!

Can't wait to enjoy a bowl of Potato Soup with you all!

Now we must write letters to Santa instructing that all gifts be sent to the Monrov.

The "Rest of the Story" as they say -

Here's Dad at the Ogden City Cemetary - standing by the monument to the family of Lorin Farr - without whom there would not have been a Terrill Reunion at the Park named after him!

There are far too many photographs, but I will try to be "representative" of the event!

Here are the Frances Grandkids who were in attendance!

Here are the "Terrill" kids with their mom!

A fine repast - thanks to Dee and Frances.

Robbie joined us on Saturday and got introduced to the clan. Turns out the island he grew up on was the same one that Uncle Bill had been on after he was captured! (The connections we can make in the church!)

Jeff and Noah - too much fun I guess - or maybe too much watermelon!

Some Jim Terrill kids mug for the camera.

Trudy with Doug and LaDenea.

"When the family gets together . . ." Heather, Scott, Amy and Karen.

Does this capture the essence or not!!!!????

It wouldn't be a Terrill Reunion without a Zim Zam game going on!

Uncle Bill and Grandma were a pair indeed - they put on a great show!

Couldn't resist this shot of Shelly! (And look closely for a shot of Dee!)

Hannah, Mary Taylor, Noah, Dad and Mom

Amy and Phil

La Denea and kids - and Dianne's daughter Alex too.

And below, about the only shot I had of Susanne - I think she avoids the camera. You have to look hard for Steve too.

Family reunions - gotta love 'em! Thanks for coming - and thanks to Frances and Dee for a "really good shew!" And mark you calendars now for 2009!!

Calling All Claytons!

August 4th - 10 to 5 or so - Huntington State Beach - watch for the sign!

Contrary to some misguided assertions that have been made, the Clayton Family Reunion is still "on" - in fact, it's never been "off!"

These shots are from 2005 - and you can tell that it's hard not to have a good time at the beach.

We don't have access to Subway via Anne's son anymore - he's up north these days - but we will have hot dogs, buns, sodas, chips, and S'mores for your dining pleasure.

We'll start around 10 - but I'll be there around 7:30 a.m. to secure a spot.

And unfortunately, Uncle Paul will only be with us in spirit - but Mom/Aunt Mary/Grandma Clayton will be there in person!

The picture that does say it all!

Bonny and Eliza suggested that this picture really does say it all - and I think so too. At the risk of sounding "cheesy" - a picture does help us learn. This one hangs on our bedroom wall - and it's message often encourages me, when I'm feeling discouraged. Jim's trials are the focus right now - and we pray daily for him and his family - but we all have struggles that can overwhelm us. Focusing on what really matters can help us survive and even grow from those struggles.

Not a new concept I know, but one I'm learning from right now!