Some of my cute kids...

My three cute boys: Matthew, Michael, Ammon

Ammon and Jordyn cheesing it up!

Jordyn and Matthew

Sorry girls, but you weren't ready as early as the boys and Jordyn were. :(

Families are Forever!!

Friday brought us a really special opportunity masked in tragedy and sorrow. We were able to attend the funeral of the son of our dear friends, Dave and Katrina Harlan. Neal was killed in a car accident last Monday while traveling up the canyon for a day of snowboarding. We went early so that we could have a few minutes with the Harlan family. I cannot imagine the grief and pain of losing a child, and while they were tearful and sad, they were also strong and hopeful. They are such an amazing family with so much strength -- I really admire them. We had gone over to their home on Wednesday, and Dave just kept saying how grateful he was for the Gospel. Without that comfort, the pain would be unbearable.

They had set up displays of Neal in the foyer. Pictures and things he loved. A lot of the pictures were of him as a young boy, so we were seeing the Neal that we remembered. There was even a picture of him with Jenn and Michael at Chuck E Cheese when they were probably 6 or so. That was hard for Jennifer to see, I think it brought back a lot of memories for her. When we first moved into our home, 15 years ago, the Harlan's had also just moved into their home. We became fast friends. All of our kids were the same ages, and were instant buddies. Jennifer was the only girl in a pack of little boys that age. We would go camping and hiking together several times a year, and had wonderful times together. Ammon and Chloe were even born on the same day in the same hospital! About 7 or 8 years ago, they moved to Mapleton. We have stayed friends, but not as close as we were. It's funny though, how tragedy brings people back into your lives. The love we have for them is still just as strong as it ever was.

The service itself was very nice. The Stake Center was packed clear back to the stage. I think half of Springville High was there. The opening song was "Called to Serve". What a poignant choice that was. Their daughter Brianna is on a mission in France, and they feel that Neal ended his mission earth early to serve a different type of mission in heaven. Camille spoke and shared some of the families favorite memories of Neal. She did such a good job! Dave then spoke, sharing thoughts of his only son. Then the Bishop spoke about the plan of salvation and put things into perspective. Although it was emotionally draining and totally gut wrenching, it was a good day. It still hurts to think about, but I know the Harlan family will be ok. I am so grateful for my testimony. I know that the gospel is true. I know that we will live again with our Father in Heaven. I know that families can be forever, and I believe that we will be. I know that through our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can do all things. I know that he suffered and died for us to take away our pain and our sorrows, if only we will let him.

Because of this experience this week, I've been a little more reflective, and a little more grateful for my own children. Michael had the thought that if the Harlan's hadn't moved, he and Neal would still be good friends, and there is possibility that he could have been in that car too. I just want to hug my kids and hold them close and never let them go. I've been giving lots of extra hugs this week!

Christmas

Christmas was great! We had our traditional big meal on Christmas Eve. This way I only have to spend one day cooking instead of two. Then on Christmas Day, we just relax and snack on leftovers. This year we had 20 people for dinner! I think that was a record for us, and food coming out of our ears! There was our family of course, my dad, my brother Scott and his four children. We also had Jennifer's boyfriend, Adam, and Scott's friend Darla and her three kids.

It was a wild and crazy group!! We ate and played games, and had a great time. After they left, the kids couldn't wait to open their new pajamas and go to bed. The kids think they all have to sleep in the same room on Christmas Eve, but as the kids have gotten older, this has gotten more difficult. All six of them were in Matthew and Jordyn's room. I'm not exactly sure of their arrangements, but in the morning, Jayme and Ammon were back in their own beds, and Jordyn was in mine!

The kids let us sleep until 7:00, wow! As soon as presents were opened and breakfast was eaten, pretty much everyone went back to bed for a nap. Oh, the joy of teenagers and young adults! Mom of course still had work to do and only got a short nap. The rest of the day was spent just playing games and relaxing.

Gratitude

Wow, what a week. Friday we drove up to Bountiful in a blizzard to watch Michael wrestle. Unfortunately he lost both of his matches that day and was eliminated from the tournament. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself and especially for Michael. He works so hard, and wants it so bad, and the success is slow to come for him. Saturday we were in Payson all day to watch Ammon wrestle. He was 4-1 that day, so we were pleased for him.

Yesterday we found out that our friends, Dave and Katrina Harlan, son was killed in a car accident. I have just been sick ever since I heard the news. Their son, Neal, was only 18. He and some friends were driving up Provo Canyon to go skiing, and another car skidded into them. Neal and another teenager were killed. I can't even imagine the pain of losing a child, and my heart and love goes out to the Harlan family. Thank goodness for the gospel, the plan of salvation, temples, and the knowledge we all can have of where our loved ones are.

I feel a little silly moping about Michael losing his tournament when such horrible things are happening to people I care about. I couldn't help but think how grateful I am to have my children and be able to hug them tonight.

Stone Boys -- Merry Christmas!!

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Stone Girls -- Merry Christmas!!

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Crazy, Busy!!

It's been a crazy, busy week at our house, full of mostly wrestling. Michael is finally able to wrestle fully and had his first matches this week, and Ammon had a tournament as well. Michael started the week on Wednesday at home with a dual against Springville. Had he been wrestling fully from the beginning he would have beaten the kid, but sadly he lost this one. The most frustrating thing was the arrogant, cocky smile on the kid when he won. GRRR, I hate poor sportsmanship, and I just wanted to smack him!!
Next he had a dual at Lone Peak, and beat his opponent. We were all excited when he won because the kids last name was Stilson, and Michael got beat twice at region by a kid named Stilson. We thought it was the same kid, but it was his brother. Oh well, still a win.
On Friday and Saturday, he traveled to Heber for the Wasatch Dual Tournament. Michael ended up 5-4 at that tournament.
Ammon wrestled at the Delta Duals on Saturday. He had a great day and went 5-0. He was a little frustrated about the way jr. high wrestling is being run this year though. In previous years, it has been a club system, and you could wrestle anywhere you wanted. This year, it is "sanctioned" by the school district, so you are supposed to wrestle for the school you attend. There are two jr. high schools in Spanish Fork which are a combined team. Unfortunately, there is a young, inexperienced coach, and not really anyone for Ammon to work out with. Mapleton and Springville also have a combined team, with excellent coaches and a much bigger and better program. We had taken Ammon there in the spring for freestyle, and it was great, so we wanted him to wrestle there this fall. Well, because of all the new rules, he can practice where ever he wants, but when the teams compete as "school teams" rather than a club, he has to wrestle for Spanish Fork. He really doesn't like competing against the guys he works out with every day, but he especially doesn't like being rivals with his buddy and work out partner, Zac Hansen. Unfortunately, they are the same weight, and get put against each other all of the time. It's hard to be friends with your opponent in this intense sport, but these two have seemed to work it out.
After the tournament, I was driving the boys home, and it was snowing! The road to Delta is super dark and curvy in the mountains, so I was driving super slow. I was so glad when we finally got home!!

Christmas Letter

So, I finally got the annual Christmas letter written. Now I just need to address the envelopes and get the cards sent....

Merry Christmas everyone!!

December 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
We hope this finds all of you well this holiday season. We are all doing well, excited for the joy of the holidays, and ready to make some wonderful memories this year. It’s been another busy, crazy year, and we’re not sure where the time has gone.
Jayme, 21, is attending UVU this year. She is majoring in Dance Education and English. She hopes to be able to teach. After spending six months working as a character at Disney World in Orlando, she is now working as a server at Cracker Barrel and teaching dance. Between school and her jobs, we don’t get to see her much, but it’s great to have her home again!
Jennifer, 18, graduated from high school, moved into her own apartment, and is attending BYU. She is still trying to decide on a major and is learning all about living with strangers and being on her own. (Sort of) Jenn is also working at Pinnacle Security, but is looking for something with more hours. Bills, bills, bills…
Michael, 17, is a junior. He played football, and is now wrestling for the high school. If only we could get him healthy! He’s been struggling with tendonitis, and then split his eye at wrestling practice. He is enjoying high school and making new friends. Michael is working at Pizza Factory when he can squeeze it in.
Ammon, 12, is in the 7th grade. He enjoys baseball, football and wrestling. Football was a learning experience, as Dennis and Michael coached his team. They had a lot of fun. Now he is wrestling with the Jr. High team. Ammon is a great boy and fun to be around. He loves being at the Jr. High this year, being on student council, and making new friends.
Matthew, 10, is in 4th grade this year. He loves school, and is doing well. He likes to play baseball and soccer, and is looking forward to trying basketball this year. He is a great brother, and takes special care of Jordyn. Matthew is a joy to have in our family.
Jordyn, 3, is the princess. She started a dance class this year, and loves it. She wants to be just like her big sisters. She loves spending time with her brothers and sisters.
Beth is just busy chasing everyone else around and playing cheerleader for all of their activities. She was finally released from Relief Society, and took a little while to find her stride again, but all is well. It’s kind of funny that she doesn’t seem to have any more time now than she did before.
Dennis is still working as corporate counsel for two companies in Springville. He is teaching the 16-17 year olds in Sunday school. Unfortunately he doesn’t have nearly enough time to run and ride his bike as much as he would like.
We wish all of you the blessings of the season, and the joy of realizing the blessings of our Savior. We are so blessed to have you in our lives, and grateful for that blessing. We’d love to hear from you or see you if you are ever in the area. Join us on face book, or check out our blog at stonefamilyhappenings.blogspot.com
Merry Christmas with love,
The Stones
Dennis, Beth, Jayme, Jennifer, Michael, Ammon, Matthew & Jordyn

And the Games Begin!!

Wrestling is now in full swing! Ammon has had a couple of dual meets and tournaments, and Michael had his first dual last week. Poor Michael has had a rough start. He struggled with tendonitis the first couple of weeks, so he couldn't really practice. The first week he was back at practice, he took an elbow to the eye, and had to get stitches. He finally started working out fully last week. This week he has 2 duals and a dual tournament for a total of 10 matches. Talk about jumping into the fire!

Ammon wrestled at the Salt Lake Slam yesterday. The Slam is a nationals tournament, and there were kids there from all over the west. Ammon took 2nd place. We were all thrilled for him. I think he slept with his trophy last night! Here's video of one of his matches, and pictures of him with his trophy. Ok, so after an hour I quit trying to upload the video...

Just Call Me Mrs. Grinch

I confess, I hate Christmas. Not like, oh, I never want to have Christmas. Just like, it's never all it's cracked up to be. I always envision a "picture perfect" Norman Rockwell type Christmas, and it never, ever happens. You'd think I'd know that by now, but no, I still hope for perfection every year. So, here's what happens, and why the dread is beginning to set in.

I want it all. I want a beautiful tree, beautiful home, beautiful, grateful, helpful children. I want everyone walking around humming or singing Christmas songs. I want the children to cheerfully help me in the kitchen. I want my house clean, not just clean, but spotless, all the time. I want delicious homemade treats, yummy dinners, and perfectly wrapped presents under the tree.

The problem is, I am the only one that wants this, so I am the only one to do everything. And because I am the only one with thexe expectations, I am the only one disappointed. However I manage to be disappointed enough to put a damper on everyone else's enjoyment. I do all of the decorating, shopping, cooking, wrapping, etc. and I end up exhausted. I work for weeks to try and make it perfect. I make sure everyone gets exactly what they asked for, and that everyone gets not only the same number of gifts, but the same dollar amont of gifts, too. I cook a scrumptious meal to feed an army, and treats for the whole neighborhood. We have our big dinner on Christmas eve, it's less stressful that way. So after screaming at everyone to get dressed up "just a little", "maybe wash your face and comb your hair..." Everyone sits down and eats. This lasts 10 minutes. A full day's work to make the perfect meal, and it's over in 10 minutes. Wow, great, thanks mom.

Then it's quality time, reading Christmas stories, singing songs around the piano, drinking hot chocolate. Yeah right. "Come on kids, just sit still for one story, ok? Then I promise you can watch tv or play on the computer." "No, you can't open all of your presents tonight. Santa hasn't even come yet!" "Yes we have to read from the Bible, that would be what this is all about..."

Ok, finally we get that stuff done. Then we have to wait for everyone to finally go to bed and be asleep so I can finish putting out the gifts. Sometime after midnight I fall into bed. By 6 or 7 the kids are asking if they can go downstairs yet. So, now we go downstairs. We do draw out the present opening, but it still only takes about 20 minutes. Ok, is breakfast ready yet? Gee, thanks alot!

So, now you can see why I hate Christmas. Why do I do this to myself you ask? Hmmm, I don't know. I've tried lowering my expectations. Doesn't work. I've tried just not doing things. Doesn't work. We don't have elves at our house. I've tried asking for help. Doesn't work. Either it doesn't get done, or it doesn't get done right. So, year after year, I build things up only to have a collapse or melt down. Christmas is now in 3 short weeks. There are no decorations in my house, very few gifts have been purchased, no baking has been done, no Christmas cards sent, or plans made for neighbor treats. I think I'm just trying to avoid the whole thing. Don't think it will work.... it's coming whether I want it to or not.

Two years ago, right after Thanksgiving, my mom went into the hospital and never came home. She passed away the following January. Needless to say, Christmas that year was pretty horrible, and just compounded my complex love/hate relationship with Christmas. Last year, we tried avoidance and went on a cruise. The cruise was wonderful, Christmas itself was ok. We were gone the entire week beforehand, so there was no time to stress myself over getting things done. I just did what I could and oh well. Everyone loved it. I'm wondering if it's too late to plan a vacation this year? Maybe I should just go off by myself so I don't ruin it for everyone else, or maybe I should stop being so selfish. I need to stop worrying about what I want, and make it fun for everyone else. Wow.

What am I doing??

Ok, here we go. I'm not sure how all of this works, so I'm trying to figure it out as we go. First of all, about us.
Dennis and I have been married for 23 years, and have six great kids. We have been living in our current home in Spanish Fork for 14 1/2 years. Jayme is 21, living at home, and attending UVU, majoring in dance education. Jennifer is 18 and a freshman at BYU, living away from home for the first time. Michael is 17, a junior in high school, and is Mr. Sports. Ammon is 12, looks 15, is in the 7th grade, and is Mr. Sports II. Matthew is 10 and in the 4th grade. Jordyn is 3, blonde, and spoiled.
We like hiking, camping, cruising, biking, playing games and watching the kids various activities. Unfortunately, we only have time for the watching the kids part most of the time. I'm looking forward to trying this new (to me) form of journaling, and hope I can be better at it than I have been at traditional journaling. Sooo, here we go!