Random thoughts

accompanied by random photos!! This was A9 Pin Day - something I bet none of you have ever even heard of.

For starters, LA Unified used to start and end school years in January and June - If you started kindergarten in February, you graduated 12 years later in January. Conversely, if you started in September, you graduated in June.

I don't know how many years ago they did away with it, but at the time, Mom and Dad had to decide whether to put a kid up or put them back.

It had definite benefits to my way of thinking. For one thing, no one in your grade level was more than 6 months older or younger than you. And the class that ended in January was always smaller - some parents seemed to prefer the June graduation - so my graduating class had 90 students - and I knew most of them well -which I consider a plus.

When I graduated in January of 1963, I had many months to work before starting at BYU in September - which was another plus for me.

Also, since you were separate classes, the first part of the year was B - as in B10 or B5 - and then the second semester - regardless of whether is was spring or fall - was called A - as in A10 and A5. I enjoyed changing all my classes every semester - I often wondered how my kids could stand the same teachers for an entire year. And as a teacher, I often wish we were doing the same thing - changing every semester!!

Junior high was 7th, 8th and 9th grade - and A9 was the big year - at the beginning of A9 we got pins that we wore each day that designated us as big Kahunas. And the day we got them was called, fittingly enough, A9 Pin Day.

My dress was brown and my mom and I made it - and I thought it was pretty stylin'!!

LA Unified was growing rapidly in the 50's and our school was brand new - as you can tell by the construction - we were in portables for all the time I was there. LA Unified gets a bad rap these days - but my school experience was outstanding - I felt that my first year of college was easier than my last year of high school. And my mom says many of her neighbors are happy with the schools they have. I mostly think the district is just too large and unwieldy.

Like I said, random thoughts - and a random photo.

"Going once, going twice (going chicken soup with rice!!")

So, on February 28th at 11:59 p.m. I am going to officially close my "Homemade Item" offer. So far I have 3 takers: Diane, Robbie's mom, Chanel Taylor, Noah's former Sunday School teacher, and our own cousin Heather! If you want to sign on, now is the time.

It will look like the aprons above - but the fabric will be a surprise - kind of like not finding out what you are having when you are pregnant! (Well, not quite so significant I'm sure!!)

If you think I can't guess your right size, you can email me - but I only do Small, Medium and Large. And they will proudly bear the "Pinnies From Heaven" label.

So I'm just saying, now's your chance.

(Remember: Restrictions apply - see previous post!!)

I thought it was a fun idea - and I'm actually projecting finishing them before April ends - how is that for commitment??

Made with love

Homemade fun:

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! But you probably will . . .I'm just saying.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year. That gives me a good 10 1/2 months to get it done!
4. It will be a surprise.

The catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so, and leave a comment telling me they did, win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

(I promise I'm not going to make anyone a bologne sandwich - just always like to post a picture when I blog!)

A Day of Love

This is usually my standard Valentine Post Photo of Choice!! For those who are new to Terrill postings, you may not have seen it. I went to one of those photo booths at a dime store in Provo in 1968 - our first Valentine's Day as a married couple - and made this for Harry.
I thought I was pretty clever at the time. And somehow, we still have this very Valentine in our box of mementos.

And Eliza posted about wearing pink or red on the day of love, so when I saw this photo, I thought, well, everyone is wearing pink or red anyway!

But what impressed me about this year is the fact that I seem to have neglected to do just about everything I usually do to celebrate this day!!

I did not make sugar cookies - which I don't always do - sometimes I opt for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies just because they are easier. But I didn't make them either. I did buy some heart shaped candles to give to special people - but they are still sitting wrapped in my office!

Years ago I gave Valentine gifts to the children - they'd be at their place at the breakfast table - but I actually haven't done that for many, many years.

I have two Valentine tee-shirts and 3 pair of Valentine earrings - but I only remembered to wear one pair of the earrings yesterday.

I usually play Valentine Bingo with my students - using pink and red M and M's for markers - but I didn't do that (and that would have been yesterday the 13th, but yesterday the 13th was Valentine's Day at Clifton Middle School!) I did feel bad about it and went to edHelper.com and printed off a packet of Valentine Analogies (X:kiss::O:____) for extra credit, but that didn't really capture everyone's fancy - although some enjoyed it!

Harry and I have given up gifts for most special occasions except birthdays - and it hasn't spoiled our relationship at all! In fact, I find that we are more random about gift-giving - and it even seems to be more meaningful that way. (But he is out getting the new dishwasher today - holidays help us get things for the house!!)

I neglected to send Valentine socks to my daughters and daughter-in-law. I'm pretty sure that's because with my aching knees I've turned all the shopping over to Harry - and he certainly wasn't on the lookout for socks!

But I did send Valentines to the grandkids.

And I did get myself a bouquet a tulips and they are lovely!

And I'm wearing the one pair of Valentine socks I do have!

What teachers do - sometimes!!

Marcie and I are fond of organizing potlucks at school. I used to talk about doing it all the time, but it never seemed to happen. One time Marcie and I were discussing it and she just grabbed a sheet of paper and made a sign up sheet - and it happened!

Now they are pretty regular and are looked forward to and enjoyed. Today was perfect, because our theme was "comfort food" and we had meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, chocolate chip cookies, lasagne, enchiladas - fortunately I brought some orange slices and grapes or it would have been pretty starchy!! But good!

One teacher commented, "I feel like my mother just fed me!" (That's the idea of "comfort food" actually!) And the hallway smelled wonderful - the kids couldn't figure it out!

Marcie and I bring tablecloths - she did centerpieces by going around campus and snipping off roses - and I wear an apron - it sort of makes it official, if you follow my drift!

These folks are easily impressed - but we enjoy it - it builds a sense of community - and you just can't beat "breaking bread together." (I was going to wow them and have fresh bread baking in the oven - but the weary bones just couldn't swing it! Maybe next time!!)

Kyle suggested I snap him rubbing his full tummy!!

Some late night thoughts

Here I am with my good friend Pam!

This week marks the one year anniversary of the death of her son Jack. It seems like only yesterday that I got the sad news. And yet so much has transpired since then - in fact, Pam and Jerry are now on a mission in Salt Lake City.

Hannah and Robbie have gotten married, Harry went to Boston without me, we went to Oregon for Hood to Coast, I've acquired a lovely new granddaughter, all the kids have been here for Christmas, I finally got a decent classroom - which I love!!, and we just completed a wonderful women's conference.

Last year, we had just completed one when Jack died. And last year, starting with the death of my good friend Janice, about a dozen people whose lives have intersected with mine in meaningful ways died.

It was hard because it seemed so unrelenting. There has been a pause - a significant one. And I am grateful. I am reminded of my friend Carolyn, whose oldest daughter died in childbirth a few years ago. Then her granddaughter was accidentally run over by a truck driven by her husband. She was the Relief Society President, and her counselor's husband died - as did her secretary's husband. And a dear friend of hers moved into our ward - newly - and happily remarried - and she was diagnosed with cancer and died within weeks.

She told me that one day she prayed and said, "Heavenly Father, STOP, ENOUGH!"

And she said, "It stopped. I couldn't deal with anymore. The Lord does answer prayers."

Mine experience was not so dramatic, but it has caused me much thought and reflection this past year.

And I miss seeing Pam.

More from the daily "Need To Know" at Clifton Middle School

I'm becoming fond of the quotes these days.

Latest fave:

"Making a mistake is just another way of doing things."

Katherine Graham

I like the sentiment here - not just learning from your mistakes, but feeling that you didn't really do too badly!

What say today -

Here are two quotes about change,

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."

Count Leo Tolstoy

and

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the one we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

Barack Obama

Food for thought.

Now and Then

Here's a shot from Monday's festivities at Terrill Manor. Notice the older Ogilvie girls with Ara and Ella on the front row.

Here they are a couple of years ago - maybe 3??

Changes are so dramatic at this stage - I notice how much my current 8th graders have changed since they were 6th graders.

Three of these young ladies are now middle school students - and Ella is not far behind.

They have so much ahead of them - but they are not thinking of that. They are in the here and now - as they should be.

It's just for old grannies like me to muse upon the passing of time - and what it bodes for all of us.

I just want them to enjoy the here and now - and then they will have happy memories to look back on !

Errata

So, this is why you shouldn't post late at night!

I thought I was posting to this blog - and when it didn't show this a.m., I was perplexed.

Until I discovered that I'd posted my late night thoughts to this blog.

Hmm - what other mistakes did I make last night - better check my lunch carefully before I eat it today!!

Happy Birthday Madge!!

Phoebe and the other Young Women in the ward liked to call their leaders by what they thought were pretty hilarious nicknames. For example, Bonnie Kinch was Bonch and Margaret was Madge. (I think they called Pam Pam-ella. It was all about exaggeration.)

This is an older photo - maybe from 1998 or maybe even 1997. I think it was New Beginnings or maybe it was Young Women in Excellence.

It was the only photo of Madge I could quickly get my hands on. It is flattering anyway!

I met Margaret when Michelle was a baby - and it's been a wonderful friendship - for me anyway! I can remember calling her on late evenings - both of our husbands were off working usually - and we'd chat while we worked - I often ironed while I talked to her. Margaret has a keen mind and is very insightful - she has blessed my life with her wisdom.

Happy Day to a good friend!!

Same place - what a difference a decade or so makes!

Ara as a toddler in 1998 - in the wooden bowl - which all Terrill children and grandchildren want to sit in.

Hannah in the same bowl - 12 years earlier!

And Ara will be twelve in less than two weeks.

It could boggle my mind if I let it!

Grandkids!

This is an old photo - from 1998 - the year we rented a place in Laguna at Christmas time.

This weekend, we have Bruce and Bonny's girls here - and frankly, Ella is a big help with Annika - where do the years go?

When you first have grandkids, you love doing the new baby thing all over again - reliving the sights, the sounds, the smells.

Then you love watching them grow - tonight I recommended a book to Ara - and she started reading it! Whoa, where indeed do the years go?

But it does keep getting better and better!

"Here, Kitty, Kitty . . "

We all know Hannah's love for all things feline.

So when I came upon these two quotes today, I couldn't resist:

"What greater gift than the love of a cat?"
Charles Dickens

and

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece."
Leonardo Da Vinci

I don't necessarily love all cats. But I did indeed love Cosmo - and I miss him still.

No regrets!!

My m.o. for blogging is often, "Let's look through the photos and see what inspires me."

This is Douglas Street in Salt Lake City in 1970 - in January or February.

We lived there. And I walked to work in this kind of weather. (It's about 3 blocks from the U of U, where I worked and Harry attended school.)

I have been reading posts complaining about inclement and cold weather.

We've been at 80+ for the last week. One day when I left work at 5 p.m. it was 78 degrees!!

It's supposed to be 82 tomorrow. But it is cooling down - it will only be 71 next Friday!!

I wasn't keen on moving back to SoCal when we came in 1979. But after one winter here I was heard to say, "Okay, we'll stay until the kids are grown."

Amend that to say "We'll stay. Period."

As Leslie is wont to say, "You can take the girl out of the sunshine, but you can't take the sunshine out of the girl!!"

(I'm not really trying to make you snow bunnies feel bad - but we get so much bad press for our fires, earthquakes and riots, it's good to have something to crow about!)

"When the family gets together. . "

My sister-in-law on the Clayton side called and wanted to know if there was a family reunion this year. Somehow, the reunions on both sides of the family have devolved onto my shoulders.

I'm wondering if I'm up to it. The Clayton one is pretty simple - just mail out flyers and go early to claim a spot at Huntington State Beach. Well, there is a bit more - we have to buy food and collect money, but it's mostly just work the week before - once the flyers have been mailed anyway.

The Terrill one is more complex - since the number of people who will come is directly related to where we have it. And Grandma says she's really not up to travel anymore.

It's definitely going to be a decision Harry and I will have to make. We don't have a summer break at the temple anymore - the closing dates are May and November instead of August and December - like they have been for a hundred years!!

I keep reading about all these fantastic family reunions that take place in glamorous locations - it's kind of like the perfect grandchildren photos I always see!!

Hmm - something more to stress about - seems like an oxymoron doesn't it??

Fred and Joan in LA

Joan and Fred are here from Memphis. Since I forgot to take a picture of them tonight, this will just have to do!!This is their wedding day in 1968. My, don't we all look young!

Hooray for blogging!

I was looking for a photo of Leslie and went to the photos from Joey and Mercy's wedding. I came across this shot of Sean and Keli at the wedding luncheon.

I remember Keli coming up to me and saying, "Hi Aunt Barbara - how great to see you." And I remember thinking - "Thank heavens for blogs, so that I know that this is Keli - and the baby she is carrying is Greta." Without blogging, I would have struggled to remember which bride of which of one of my brother's sons was this! (Sean was not with her - if Sean had been with her, I would have known it was Sean - I knew him as a baby, so I usually recognize him - he also looks like a Clayton - and that helps!!)

Those who criticize blogs obviously know all of their relatives and see them all the time.

I am not so fortunate - and so I have loved getting to know far- flung family better via blogging.

And I thought this was a sweet shot of this happy pair. (Karl always tells me I need to use pictures, and not just words.)

Agnes Marietta Busath Clayton

Friday the 9th was my Grandma Clayton's birthday. I had meant to post on time, but didn't.

So I will post late.

My grandmother died when my father was 17. But he always talked about her. Every Mother's Day when he talked about her, he always got very emotional. She must have been a big influence in his life, because she was always very close and real to him. I enjoyed hearing about her, since her name is my middle name - I would ask my father's cousins about her, and they told me stories about her. She sounds like a lovely person.

When my dad died, it was just before Harry and Dawn's wedding. Dad had been quite ill, and Mom had not gone many places. So I asked her if she wanted to go with us to El Paso - we were driving.

She said, "If they told your dad he could come back, he would say no. He is finally reunited with his mother, and he has been waiting for that for a long time. So I might as well go with you."

I look forward to meeting her.

Sunday in the city

It's Sunday, and I have a presidency meeting tonight - we are getting things in gear for the Women's Conference on January 31st!!

I work with some wonderful women - and they have taught me a great lesson.

I never was president of anything - except Granada Hills High School eons ago - until I was called as Young Women's President back in 1996. It seemed a bit daunting, but I remember Phoebe going with me to Sav-on and we bought bags full of stuff that she said would work with the values, etc. (I did end up using most of the stuff - but must confess that a lot of it got used for Relief Society instead!)

Somehow feeling that I had stuff ready made the task less daunting. I plunged into it - and ended up having Hannah and Eliza in my fold, and Harry was the bishop and we just brought Noah along so it seemed like a big family activity.

I had good counselors and other personnel, but I made the grave error of doing way too much of it myself. I had lots of reasons - some of my counselors had conflicts and couldn't do certain things, sometimes I waited too long and felt bad about asking anyone else, sometimes I wanted it done my way and just did it.

Even though I loved the girls and loved the assignment, I have always been sorry that I didn't delegate more and didn't involve the girls themselves more in the planning and implementation.

The good news: in retrospect I have learned how important it is to let go and let others do things their way. And so I have delegated. And it has been a good experience.

I haven't especially gotten out of having to do things, but I have been able to do more things that were maybe more important for me to do, while others did the jobs that were important for them to do.

So now we are planning our big event of the year - I will let you know how it goes!!