THe weekly news report!!

Last Sunday, Helen fell again and spent the afternoon at the ER.  She then went to a rehab facility in Glendora until Thursday, when Harry and Frances brought her home.  (Frances arrived Monday night.)

Grandma is in pretty good shape, considering everything.  She is in pain from her previous falls.  But she is getting by on fewer meds, so the dizziness has abated somewhat.  She was not eating well at first, but is eating better now, and getting back her strength.  

But it will be a process.  She is getting support from Hospice.  She has friends from her ward who have come by to check up on her.  Frances is there and so is Susanne when she is not at work.  She has helpers who come on certain days, and Harry has engaged another one.  

She has had visits from family members and others.  Harry pointed out that she usually smiles when she has visitors!

Tonight we had dinner together - well, Frances, Harry, and I did - and Helen enjoyed her dinner later.

More updates as they come - prayers and cards are welcome - and visits too, if you are in the area.  Calling ahead is a good idea.

We love you Grandma Helen!!

Weekend update!

It's been a busy weekend - we had Ward Conference in the Arcadia Ward, then 2 hours later we had our annual Young Women Transition to Relief Society. It was a nice event - these girls just grow up and away don't they??

Then Dawn fixed us a lovely meal and made a cake with a singing candle!! A nice weekend - and a lovely way to start the new week!

Everyone says, "What are you doing for your birthday?" as if we have options besides going to work!!

But we'll probably do dinner and a movie - I'll let you know!

The weekend that is going on now!

Bonny sent me this - she and Bruce and the two little girls are enjoying a snow day in Mammoth. The big girls stayed with Donna last night - pressing school work was on their agenda. (There are pluses and minuses to being the big girls!!)

And I spent the night with my mom - to celebrate her 91st b-day. We ate homemade macaroni and cheese - that I made with detailed coaching from Mom - took a little shopping excursion to Ralphs and Michael's - and then had a rousing game of Super Scrabble! We also enjoyed visiting with David and Diane.

Before I left this morning, Mom and I walked for a couple of miles - she is a trouper - it's fun to walk around "Old Granada Hills!!" (Granada Hills is attempting to develop an "Old Town" on Chatsworth - and is calling Mom's neighborhood "Old Granada Hills" - probably to justify higher house prices!! It was the same old place - I guess those 50's tract houses are gaining antique status now!)

Now I'm home - getting on with my chores!! If anything exciting happens, I'll try to remember to document it!!

Winding down the weekend -

Saturday night - after finally unloading my car - we headed out to Glendora for Dave Bell's 50th birthday celebration. Saw some people we knew - Holmes's and Rene' Shirley for starters. Also met Anna May's son Dave, who lives in their ward. And also Bishop Willis - Dave Willis' brother - Dave is married to Bruce's sister Becky. I love how you can go to any event where LDS people will be in attendance, and you can keep making connections all night long!!

On Sunday, I headed out to Claremont to speak at the Relief Society Visiting Teacher Seminar in Mickie Fowler's ward - the ward where Sue Zylstra also lives!! Made some other connections too - but if you can believe it, little Scott Zylstra is awaiting his mission call - it should come this week! Where to the years go??

Since their ward building is across the street from where Uncle Byron lives, I headed over there for a nice visit. I need to start taking notes - some of the stories I'd heard before, but some were new!!

When I pulled into the house, I was noticing some definite signs of spring - even with the darkly clouded sky - the lilies are blooming.

And our Sycamore tree is covered with new green leaves!! A sure sign that this one is a keeper!!

The day ended with dinner with Larry and Ginger - Hoopes's were there too. Good food, good friends - I'm ready to face the week ahead!! (And I'm ready for bed!!)

Note: I meant to share this last week. Baby Harry's Primary teacher gave a lesson on Fathers and asked the class what they thought fathers were good for. A silence. Then Harry said, "For timeouts!"

At least he's paying attention!

Weekend Wrap-up on Tuesday night - when the weekend is almost here again!!

Lest some of you were worried that major changes had occurred in our "sprucing up" efforts, here's proof that some things never change!!

Remember this all started with me wanting Dad to paint the guest room. (It's not painted - with our weekends booked until April 24th, they won't get painted any time soon.)

In the midst of the fumes and the chaos and the doors and windows wide-open with fans going too, I hosted a little farewell dinner for Amy, my departing 2nd counselor. We had a fine time - lots of good food and good conversation - and we all know it doesn't get any better than that! And we will miss Amy - guess we will have to have more little dinners together! (Did you notice my new vintage apron??)

I wanted Dad to paint the guest room because we thought we were having guests this weekend - Saturday night at about 9 - after worrying if we'd somehow missed them, Dad figured out that they were coming March 20th!! The futon is made up - and I'm leaving it up for Esme's Grandma's Sleepover.

The floors do look lovely. So does the new rug. And it's a little soft and plush to boot!

Saturday night was a surprise 60th b-day party for MJC at Johnny Rocket's in Pasadena - a fun time - good food too!

Sunday was Esme's big day - and she carried it off in fine style. We did bring a crowd to "the one true ward" in Palisades!! Bruce's sister and family have moved to SoCal - we added 8 women to Relief Society alone! Primary and YM/YW were similarly impacted. And one of the speakers was the second to youngest daughter of a family I used to work for out in Saugus - back in the day!! There are always connections to be made in Malibu.

Her baptism was a sweet, spiritual event. Harry F. and I spoke, Ara played the flute, Ella led the singing, Michael McLean showed up and sang a song for Esme, and Bonny and Bruce shared their testimonies.

Queen for the Day - holding court!! (The Willis's have 7 daughters - it was Girls' Day at the hangout!)

The youngest girl enjoyed taking it all in.

It's always great to see Jinny.

Mom, Donna, and Mary made the trek too.

I do love all the wonderful grandkids we have. And we do wish you all could have been here!

Getting ready to blow out the candles!

Serenading the birthday girl.

The next-to-youngest Willis daughter was intrigued by Isla!

Esme had been sure that Michael and Lynn would come - and she was right! They had a harrowing tale to tell of flat tires in the middle of the night on the Nevada desert - and good Samaritans who rescued them! Maybe a song will come out of this!

Four generations.

Camera-shy Porter asked me to take his picture!

And Harry W. didn't want to be left out!

It was a great weekend - being with family is truly a blessing. I didn't get everyone's picture - Noah, Dave and Becky, half of Dave and Becky's kids - I'm not even sure I got in a shot of Annika! But it was a beautiful day - dawned rainy here in Monrovia - got sunny as we headed to the beach - clouded over midway through the day - but never got too cold. The blessings of family and the gospel are the bright spots in our days.

Weekend Wrap-up

No photos tonight folks!! Dad and I worked at the temple Friday night and Saturday. Got home around 8:30 - after stopping off for dinner at Cafe Merengue and going to the grocery store. We came home to pretty empty shelves and fridge - and I hadn't gotten much this week - just bread, milk, and fruit. So when we entered the store, Dad said, "Well, we can probably just go up and down the aisles and throw stuff in the cart since we are out of everything!"

We unloaded the car, put the grocs away and got ready for bed. "We had just settled ourselves for a long winter's nap" when the phone rang!! Harry wanted Dad to come over to help him give Dawn a blessing. She was sick and throwing up - and the little boys were too.

The phone rang again, and Harry suggested I come too.

So off we went. Things were not quite as bad as I had been anticipating, because Baby Harry had fallen asleep, and Porter seemed calm. The baby was sleeping too. Margery and Eve were asleep in the guest room - and they didn't awaken all night - so we weren't too noisy either.

But Porter got sick again - and several more times. But what a good little sick guy he was. He was very co-operative and tried hard to understand what was going on. This a.m. when his tummy still hurt - we assumed from being empty - he was a bit afraid to eat for fear it would all come up again. Which it did!! But he's fine now. He awoke several times in the night, so I slept in Eve's bed while Harry took care of Dawn and Isla upstairs. Dad went home to sleep about 2:30. He came and got Eve for church in the a.m. I stayed until about 11:30, when it appeared that things were finally settling down and under control.

Last I heard, Mom, Mary and Donna had come by to visit. Mom was enjoying visiting with Margery. Dawn was up and feeling pretty chipper. And Isla appeared to be none the worse for wear. Porter and Harry were happy campers once more. We'll let you know how it goes.

Greg had family in town - so it was Dad, Noah and me for dinner - I'd planned on stroganoff, since it's a fave of Dawn's. So we had it. I can always make it again next week.

We managed to eat all the chocolate mousse with raspberries by ourselves. We are a resourceful lot!!

Dad and I both had loooong naps this afternoon. Hopefully we can sleep okay tonight!!

What a blessing good health is. And the power of priesthood blessings. Have a good week - that's number one on my agenda!

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!!

The Week That Was

Turns out there was one more shot from the birthday sleepover with Eve last weekend - the manicure!! Afterwards, as we carefully opened and closed car doors and buckled seat belts, we headed for Target to get socks for Annie. I have to tell you about how Eve thought I should get something - she looked at some skirts - and persuaded me to try one on - and convinced me I should get it. She is a great little shopping companion - "That looks great on you Grandma. You need to buy it!"

It was a long hard week at school - but Friday came!! I hustled over the Bed, Bath and Beyond with my plethora of 20% off coupons and bought a ton of matching hangers - but I still need more!! (and I purged a ton of clothing - two large garbage bags worth!)

I was inspired by Hannah's offhand remark on one of her posts that they'd gotten matching hangers - it really works! Why didn't I do this long ago??

Today we headed out to Mom's - had dinner with her, Donna and Mary - a delish repast - roast beef, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, to-die-for gravy and corn on the cob that was positively celestial!! There is nothing quite like good home cooking!!

Then Harry Dad changed all the smoke alarm batteries - Grandma supervised - a job she does well!

And Adam showed off his somewhat slimmer figure - at least slimmer than the photo I posted below with Sister Warner!!

And I purchased a Le Creuset - one step closer to my goal of making Boeuf Bourgignonne - going to do this one day - poco a poco I always say!!

Monday is on its way!! (At least the calendar will say fall - even if the thermometer does not - we have triple-digit temps forecast for the week!!)

FYI

We had our school fundraiser this past weekend. Bruce and I opted out. It sounded fun, but we had about 47 other things going that day and night and couldn't summon the energy to plunk down $125 per ticket to go and see the Gipsy Kings perform at the Jewish Center.

But, all is not lost. They had a successful auction at the party, and have continued the joy here.

You can bid on things like a signed Twilight poster, a signed Jonas Brothers Camp Rock poster or VIP tix to Dancing with the Stars.


And all proceeds go to enriching the education of my children. ;)

This is the weekend that was!! (again!!)

So, we can wait for me to figure out all the ins and outs on my new computer - or I can just comment on each photo and you can file them chronologically in your brain!!

Hannah got here Wednesday night - just in time for a lovely shower at Dawn and Harry's place - hosted by Sue Cornwall - a wonderful time was had by all!! The food was wonderful - but we knew it would be - great food and Sue Cornwall just go together!

This was the "Clayton" crew that was in attendance - it ws great to see everyone!!

Hannah with Diane, Susie and her friend Sue - Diane made a special trip for the occasion -we were really glad to see her and to meet Susie and her friend.

Theo and Eliza came Thursday a.m. and we had fun getting to know Theo again!!

We enjoyed seeing Pam and Katie at the shower!

Here we start getting out of order - Friday was my birthday, Dawn was working, so those of us who were around went to the Spaghetti Factory for a birthday dinner.

Grandma Terrill made a lovely bride in couture wedding gown of toilet paper!! If my scanner worked, I'd put in the one from years ago at Bonny's shower!

And Ara was a lovely bride too!

Mary joined the wedding dress parade,

as did Katie!

Saturday found us at the temple with Hannah - what a great day - we were especially pleased that Diane and David, Robbie's parents, were able to join us. When we have gone to the temple with each of our daughters, their grooms' parents have joined us - what a nice tradition that has been.

Bruce took this shot, so of course he's not in it!

After dinner Friday night, we came home to enjoy a "Mimi Cake" from Dawn - always a big hit!

Harry was relishing his dinner - Theo was pretty tired - but a good sport about it all!

Dad and Noah enjoying their dinner.

This should be the last shot - Hannah and Robbie with a trunk load of shower gifts - departing Monday a.m.

And the next-to-last shot would be Eliza and Theo at Burbank Airport getting ready to return home.

Another birthday celebration at Bonny and Bruce's on Sunday - 8 of the 11 grandkids were there - I've noticed that we seem to always have 8 there! Hopefully we can get a shot of all 11 of them at the wedding - a shot that will be "current" for about 3 months and then be outdated once more!

We tried for a "group shot" here, but everyone didn't co-operate. The Barbie Jeep was a big hit Sunday afternoon.

A couple of interested drivers!!

After everyone left on Monday, my cleaning gal was there - when she left, it felt a bit melancholy - didn't seem as if anyone had even been there!

So I went to the Mall, of all places!! What was I thinking?? It was crazy - I was ready to pay for valet parking - but that was even full!!

But I did find a spot, and did find a pair of shoes for the wedding - and they are pink!

And that night I babysat for Harry and Dawn so they could celebrate their anniversary - and so ended a long, happy, fun, busy, jam-packed-full weekend!!

(How am I ever going to finish the Anniversary Posts???)