Saturday, December 31, 2011

Farewell to 2011

What an interesting year. Worst thing: numbness and tingling in my right foot and leg. Best thing, the birth of Eric and Hayley's baby, Lauryn Brooke Stone. Teaching at Lindon Junior Seminary has been very fulfilling and fun. Jean still loves me. My kids too. My love for them grows with each passing day. Jean is the best friend, mother, and grandmother. She is just right for the job. She is beloved by all. Jon, Michelle, Nick, Eric, and Emily are so amazing. They have chosen well. I am so proud of their accomplishments. I love Brandon, Tina, and Hayley. I can't wait to see what the new year brings for Seth, Maryn, Jonas, Zane, Annie, and Lauryn. The new babies are anticipated with great joy! May the Lord bless our family in 2012.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Frankie

Frank the cat passed away today, November 4, 2011, after a long and happy life with the Stone family. He came to us in Laramie, Wyoming, from neighbors who wanted to give him a good home. Frank and the Stone family were a perfect fit. We think he lived to be 12 or 13 years old. He will be remembered as being a very smart, affectionate cat. He would communicate with his voice in two syllable bursts that sounded more like words than cat meows. He loved to hunt prairie dogs and mice. He loved to play with cat toys and balls. He would chase and jump and bat them with his paws. He and his adopted brother, Oreo, loved to rumble and hiss at each other. They loved to chase and pounce and pretend to bite. Frank gave Oreo a final hiss today as if to say, "Be tough little brother--don't be sad." Frank's best attribute was his love for his people. He was just part of the family. He loved to snuggle in the warm laps of Jean, Michelle, and especially Emily. He and Emily had a special connection: a bond of love that best friends enjoy. He was known to all who loved him as "Frankie." He will be greatly missed, but always have a special place in our hearts.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Lauryn Brooke Stone

Our new grand daughter arrived April 22nd 2011 on Good Friday. Hayley and Eric went to the hospital that morning and things got started with the doctor about 10:30 a.m.. Twelve hours later Lauryn Brooke was born. Thirty seconds later, Jean, Emily, and I entered the maternity waiting room and were greeted by Cory Duckworth, Hayley's dad, who told us the baby was just born! She and Hayley snuggled "skin to skin" for about 45 minutes then we got our first peek at her. Her eyes were wide open and she was adorable with deep blue eyes and curly, light brown hair. Her cute little nose and mouth resembled her mother and her ears and eyes resembled her father. As I write this, Lauryn is getting the blue light treatment for a little jaundice. She is scheduled to leave with her parents some time this evening. What an amazing Easter gift to the Stone and Duckworth families!