Michael's Senior Football Season

From the very first moment Michael knew how to play, football has been his absolute favorite sport. He absolutely loves to play football. Michael has never been the biggest kid on the field or the fastest kid on the field, but he has the most desire and determination. He is in the weight room every single morning, working hard to get stronger and bigger. Michael has never gotten any breaks for favors from anyone. He has worked his butt off for everything that he has ever gotten.

He decided a long time ago that he much preferred playing defense. He said it was much better to hit someone else than to get hit. Michael was a varsity starter at strong side linebacker this year. It didn't take the other teams long to figure out that they needed to stay away from #12, but that didn't stop Michael. He ended up leading the team in tackles, was 2nd in region and 18th in state (4A) with 75 tackles, 3 sacks, and one interception. They don't keep track of tackles for loss or hurries, but Michael was in the backfield nearly every time.

We had a couple of scary weeks though. Michael had been complaining of his shoulder hurting, and one week after the game, he was sobbing. He couldn't lift his arm. He was so afraid that he wouldn't be able to finish the season. We got him some good physical therapy, and he healed remarkably well. He didn't miss a single game.

I am so proud of Michael and the great leader and young man that he is. It was sad to see the season end for him. It was a shoulda, coulda, woulda year for his team. They should have beaten Sprinville and gotten 1st in region, then they could have been in the other half of the bracket for state play-offs, and they would have played in the state final at Rice Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah. Oh well. They still had a great season, took second in region, and were eliminated by the 4 time state championship team in the state quarterfinals. Not too shabby.






This picture shows Michael and Travis Still helping the kid up that they just sacked. Great job boys!
Here are his stats from the Deseret News.

Michael Stone

Spanish Fork

Height: 6-0

Weight: 190 lbs.

• Football

• Defense

2009 – Spanish Fork – Pos:RB/LB – #12	Tackles		Sacks	Interceptions
Nov. 6, 2009 – at Timpview	10
Oct. 30, 2009 – Pine View	8		1
Oct. 22, 2009 – at Maple Mountain	13		1
Oct. 14, 2009 – at Uintah	2
Oct. 9, 2009 – Springville	4
Oct. 2, 2009 – Payson	12
Sept. 25, 2009 – at Salem Hills	4		1
Sept. 11, 2009 – Box Elder	9
Sept. 4, 2009 – Orem	3
Aug. 28, 2009 – at Bountiful	5
Aug. 21, 2009 – Mountain View	5			1
	Tackles	TPG	Sacks	Interceptions
2009 Total (11 games)	75	6.8	3	1
	Tackles	TPG	Sacks	Interceptions
Career Total (11 games)	75	6.8	3	1

Record: 8-3

Date	Game	Time/result
Fri. Aug. 21, 2009	Spanish Fork 49, Mountain View 28 Final	W
Fri. Aug. 28, 2009	Bountiful 34, Spanish Fork 7 Final	L
Fri. Sept. 4, 2009	Spanish Fork 49, Orem 14 Final	W
Fri. Sept. 11, 2009	Spanish Fork 48, Box Elder 14 Final	W
Fri. Sept. 25, 2009	Spanish Fork 61, Salem Hills 34 Final	W
Fri. Oct. 2, 2009	Spanish Fork 47, Payson 31 Final	W
Fri. Oct. 9, 2009	Springville 33, Spanish Fork 27 Final	L
Wed. Oct. 14, 2009	Spanish Fork 42, Uintah 7 Final	W
Thu. Oct. 22, 2009	Spanish Fork 56, Maple Mountain 12 Final	W
Fri. Oct. 30, 2009	4A FIRST ROUND Spanish Fork 33, Pine View 25 Final	W
Fri. Nov. 6, 2009	4A QUARTERFINAL Timpview 57, Spanish Fork 22 Final	L

Stone Family Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

It's that time of year when we sit down to review the past year's activities, and share Christmas wishes with those we love. It's been a good year for the Stone family. Busy as usual, but good. Our family is at a point where there is constant change, and we just enjoy each day as it comes, because we don't know what will happen next. As the children grow up and move on with their lives, it is a bittersweet joy. We are happy for them, and love to see the people they are becoming, but it is hard as parents to let go of our babies.

Beth took her dad and the kids to Disneyland in March. It was a great week filled with fun! We were able to enjoy the parks without crowds, visit with friends and family, and eat LOTS of In 'N Out. Dennis also took the week off (sort of) and enjoyed peace and quiet at home. In June, Dennis, Beth, her dad and brother were able to take a cruise to Alaska. It was breathtaking! We couldn't have had better weather, and we were able to see lots of beautiful scenery and wildlife. We also took a couple of shorter trips to Zion National Park and Arches National Park.

Jayme is studying dance and English (Integrated Studies) at UVU. She moved out in August (again!) to an apartment in Provo. She works as a server at Cracker Barrel most nights and weekends, so she stays pretty busy. She is choreographer for the junior high musical production for the second year. She loves dance and she loves teaching so it's a match made in heaven!

Jennifer is living in Provo and attending BYU where she plans to apply to the Business school this year. She is working at Pinnacle Security as an auditor. She will be marrying her sweetheart, Adam Ainge, on January 15 in the Salt Lake Temple. They will be living in our 3-plex in Provo. We are excited for them, and already love having Adam as part of our family. He is attending UVU and majoring in chemical engineering. If you want to read more of their story, visit their blog: www.jennandadamainge.blogspot.com

Michael is a senior this year and will graduate in May. He was very involved on his football team and led the team in tackles this year. His team placed second in region and were eliminated in the state quarterfinals. He has been busy filling out college applications so he will have things in place when he gets home from his mission. He is serving as 1st assistant to the Bishop in our ward, and is preparing to serve a full-time mission next year.

Ammon is 13 going on 17 and loves life. He played football and is now in the middle of wrestling. This year he placed first in the state jr high tournament and is hoping for a repeat next year. He also ran track this year, but it was much more social than athletic for him. Ammon loves to play and hang out with his friends, it's hard to keep track of him sometimes!!

Matthew is 11 and in the 5th grade. He played soccer in both the spring and fall seasons and is getting ready for basketball. This year will be interesting because his coaches are Dennis and Adam. He also started piano this fall and has shown a real talent for it. He has done well, and likes it alot!

Jordyn is 4. She loves her big brothers and sisters and can't wait to go to school next fall. Neither can her mom! She is dancing like her sisters, and she loves going to storytime at the library.

Dennis is still in house counsel for Liberty Press and Digital Technology in Springville. He is serving as a youth Sunday School teacher at church. He goes running and bike riding as often as he can, which isn't much because we keep him pretty busy. He is also working on finishing the basement in our house as well as constantly maintaining rental properties and all of our cars.

Beth is at home with the kids, which is a huge blessing. She keeps busy with the children's activities, and now she has a wedding to occupy her time!

We hope that you are all doing well, and would love to see you whenever possible. May we all take time this Christmas season to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday which is our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the blessings we have in our lives because of Him.

We love you!!
The Stone Family
Dennis, Beth,
Jayme, Jennifer, Michael, Ammon, Matthew and Jordyn

Jayme, beautiful as always

Jennifer & Adam

Michael, all dressed up for prom. Isn't he cute?

Matthew playing great defense for his basketball team.

Jordyn, ready for her dance recital.

Beth, Michael, Jordyn, Jayme, Ammon, Jenn, Matthew and Grandpa J. at California Adventures.

Jenn, Jayme, Jordyn, Matt, Michael & Ammon with Chip or is it Dale?

Beth, Matt and Dennis in Moab

Matthew playing soccer

Michael (#12) making a great tackle

Ammon (#20), carrying the ball

My 3 beautiful girls at Zion National Park, hiking the Narrows

Scott, Dennis, Beth and Dad in Alaska

Ammon winning 1st place at the state wrestling tournament

Catching Up and Catching My Breath

Ok, my kids (Jayme) have informed me that I am woefully slackerish in my blogging and terribly behind. So, here we go with a brief re-cap of everything I've neglected:

Jayme's Birthday -- Jayme turned 22 on August 18. Jayme is a great daughter and a wonderful big sister. She's a great example to her brothers and sisters, and we love her alot!

The Girls Move Out -- At the end of August, both Jayme and Jenn moved into apartments in Provo. It was a little difficult having them both leave at the same time. They've both been gone before, but never at the same time. The house felt a little empty for a while. It's a weird feeling knowing that your children are adults and moving on with their lives without you. It's an exciting time for them, but a bit melancholy for me. All I can do now is hope I taught them well enough.

Jenn and Adam Get Engaged -- While we were in Moab for Fall Break (see previous post), hiking to Delicate Arch, in the dark, coughing up a lung, I got a text from Jenn asking what we'd think if they moved the wedding from May to January. Are you kidding me?!? Obviously not. Jenn and Adam are getting married January 15 in the Salt Lake Temple. We are furiously trying to get wedding plans done so that I can move on to Christmas plans...

Wedding Anniversary -- Last Monday was our 24th wedding anniversary. Little did we know when planning our wedding what a busy time November is. We rarely have time to do anything, and this year was no exception. How lucky I am to have a wonderful man that has put up with me for so long!!

Matthew's 1st Piano Recital -- I admit it, I am a total loser mom. I waited until my child was 11 years old before starting him in piano. What a slacker!! Matthew started the first week of September and had his first recital last week. He is taking from Marilyn Morgan, and he loves it!! He's done really well, and taken to it like a natural. Hooray for Matthew!!

Fall Break in Moab

For fall break this year, we went to Moab with our friends the Harlan's. The Harlan's used to live in our neighborhood. We both moved in about the same time, had kids about the same ages, and became fast friends. We went camping together lots of times, and have many great memories of time spent together. It's been way too long since we've done anything with them, and our younger kids don't really know each other.

Thursday, we drove to Moab, had lunch, checked into our hotel, and let the kids swim for a while. Then we decided to go into Arches National Park and hike to Delicate Arch. By this time it was about 5:30, and the sun was starting to set. I am a slow hiker any time, but I was just getting over the flu, and was having a hard time breathing. So.... we made it to Delicate Arch, and I thought I was going to die. I was out of breath, coughing, and pretty much out of water. This is how dark it was when we got there. Beautiful sunset, but too late to be out hiking.


Ammon, Jordyn, Hailey, Chloe and Emma at Delicate Arch.


As soon as I caught my breath, we needed to head back down because it was getting dark. Everyone else was kind of hurrying to get down, but I was still plodding along. Michael was great and stayed right with me the whole time. Dennis was carrying Jordyn, and trying to bridge the gap, keeping and eye on those in front, yet not losing sight of Michael and me. At one point, we lost the trail, and it was so dark, we couldn't see anything. It was a little scary for a minute. We got back on the trail, and Dennis came back to walk with us. We finally made it to the car. What a relief!!



The next day, Friday, we decided it would be fun to try something different. We rented a jeep so we could go off-roading. It had a convertible top, and in the rental agreement it said there was a $40 charge if they had to put the top back on. Well, now we know why! That bugger was impossible!! The boys spent a good amount of time trying to figure out how to get it off, and finally gave up and left it on.

The jeep only sat 5, so Dennis took Michael, Ammon, Hailey and Chloe out for the 1st turn while Dave, Katrina and I took Matthew, Jordyn and Emma to Canyonlands National Park. None of us had ever been there before and we wanted to see it. It was beautiful, but very different from Arches. The park is huge, and has 3 very distinct areas, we only saw a tiny bit.

Emma and Matthew got along great, and the girls all really took to Jordyn. Especially Emma, she really just took care of her, and Jordyn loved it!




After that, we went back to the hotel and switched. The kids wanted to swim, so the adults and Matthew went out in the jeep. We were on a pretty tame road, but it was still a little nerve wracking for me. I guess if you did it all the time and were comfortable in knowing what you and your vehicle could do it would be different, but we were pretty cautious.



It was a fun trip, but it was pretty weird to go on vacation without the whole family. Jennifer had school, and Jayme couldn't get off work. I guess that's the way it is when your family gets older and kids move out, but it was still weird. We did manage to have a good time without them though!

Ammon Football

Ammon just finished another year of football. We tried something different this year, which I swore I never would do. Michael played club football in 7th grade, and it was a pretty bad experience. They were out sized and got killed every year, and I swore that we would never do that again. Well..... Ammon was asked to play on a club team this year, and we relented. Ammon has played city league the past 2 years, and last year he was too big to carry the ball, an "X" man because of the big X on the helmets of the boys ineligible to carry the ball. Ammon is big, but not lineman big, so we let him play on a team where he could play all positions. So, he played for the UVFL Falcons.

The team did fairly well in regular season play, 3-2 in the season after losing both of their pre-season games. Ammon played a lot, and personally he did very well. He scored in almost every game, and was a key defensive player. The problems came when the team was losing games and the coaches couldn't control their tempers. One week it was so bad, one of the coaches got ejected from the game. Now, I understand that there is a certain amount of yelling in football, I'm not completely ignorant. However, when the screaming becomes derogatory and degrading and abusive to the boys, I have a problem. Ammon played his heart out every single day, and he was ready to walk away and quit the team. We were behind whatever his decision was, I was ok with hanging in and finishing the season, but if he didn't want to subject himself to the abuse, I was ok with that too. Ammon decided to quit the team, the coach found out and called him to find out why. I was so proud of Ammon, he stood up to his coach and told him that all the yelling took the fun out of the game and he didn't want to play anymore. The coach promised that he would stop yelling if Ammon came back.

Well, they ended up losing their next two games and getting eliminated in the first round of play-offs. I was proud of Ammon for not puttting up with the abuse, but also for sticking it out and finishing a tough season. Good job Ammon, I love you!! Go #20!

Happy Birthday Michael!

How is it possible that my little boy could be 18? Michael's birthday was September 25. He was such a joyous addition to our family. You can see how happy Jayme and Jennifer were when he was born. He was such a sweet, happy baby, and we were thrilled to have him.


Here is Michael with his Grandpa Johnson. Wasn't he the cutest little boy ever??



Here he is now, 6'0" and 190 lbs (at least according to his football stats -- I think that's a little inflated ;)). Michael is such a great young man, and I am so proud of him. He is (usually) kind and gentle. You should see him with Jordyn, he is the cutest! He is going to be such a wonderful dad someday. He has made good choices in life, and is working hard to accomplish his goals. As a senior this year, he is enjoying playing football as starting varsity linebacker, and is having a successful year. He is also looking forward to wrestling season to avenge his rough season last year. Michael is a great example to his younger brothers and cousins who look up to him.

He is a strong and determined young man, and I can't believe he will be going on a mission in only one year!!

Ammon and Jordyn and I had fun decorating his car for him!!





I love you Michael!!

Matthew Soccer

Matthew just finished his fall soccer season. He played on the Spartans and Dale Phillips was his coach for the second year in a row. Matthew had lots of fun, and his team did pretty well too.


Matt likes playing defender or mid-fielder best, and he does a pretty good job of keeping the ball away from the goal box. We even discovered that he could run pretty fast when he wants to!

Being aggressive has never been Matthew's strong suit, but he is learning to really get in there and fight for the ball. What I love most about watching Matt play soccer though is his smile. Even when he is racing down the field to beat another kid to the ball, he has a huge smile on his face. You can tell he is in it for the fun and that he enjoys the game, and I think that's great!

Sugar Cookies and Memories of Grandma

My daughter Jayme is the best big sister in the whole world!! She said that one of her favorite memories of Grandma Johnson, was making sugar cookies. Because Jordyn doesn't have any grandmas around to make cookies with, Jayme made sugar cookies with Jordyn and Matthew tonight so they could have that experience. I love you Jayme!!

Swimming Lessons and Seven Peaks

We decide for something fun and different that we would get season passes to Seven Peaks this year. None of the boys were playing baseball, and "gee mom, we have to do something this summer"... It was fun and Ammon and Matthew really enjoyed it. It was a bit of a pain to take Jordyn though because she didn't like getting wet. Jenn and Michael were working everyday, so it was pretty much Jayme and I taking the littler kids.

Then came swimming lessons. After the first lesson, Jordyn was putting her face in the water, going down slides, and letting her teacher help her float. Granted, he was pretty cute, but this was huge!!

Matthew wasn't a very good swimmer, and I haven't been a very good mom as far as swimming lessons goes. I know that they have to know how to swim, it's never been an option, but I haven't pushed them as much as I should have. Matthew did great though, and by the end of class, he was swimming across the pool!!


This is Jayme and Jennifer on the Boomerang. The slide is basically a half-pipe, and you go back and forth until you stop. I love this pic!!



Matthew on the Boomerang.


Jayme and Matthew coming off of one of the slides.


Jenn and Jordyn


On the last day of swimming lessons, they pretty much got to play in the park without anyone else there. Because there were so few people, they got out a couple of surfboards for the wave pool. Here's Matthew, Hang Ten!!


We never really saw Ammon at the park, he was always hanging with one of his buddies or being chased by some teenie bopper girls. Seven Peaks is teenie bopper heaven!! Michael only went once or twice, and I'm still trying to get a refund for Dennis' season pass. It was never used. :(