The Grandma Club

Oh, those silly old ladies, bragging about their grandkids! You know what I mean. Well, yessiree--I'm one of them!

Welcome to the world, Baby Hugo!

Hugo Stone
May 29

And here's the moment Emerson first held his little brother:

(Best video ever!)

Brothers

Love this bunch!

Ready, Set...

Getting used to a new do.

Eric is home from BYU. We are now in intense preparation mode to get him ready for Brazil. Yes, he is going to Brazil. Eric has been called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two years. He will learn Portuguese and serve the people of Piracicaba.

Before I tell you how pleased, excited and terrified I am, let me just say, this paper work and red tape is crazy! We just sent his fingerprints and forms in to the FBI for a criminal background check. I have sent away for certified copies of important documents. We have had tons of forms notarized. We are now waiting for his passport to arrive so we can get that copied and notarized. Then all those notarized forms have to go to the State Department for authentication. All of this before we can even apply for the VISA.

Then of course there's the wisdom teeth extraction, vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, etc. and all the health checks. And we've got lots of shopping to do for the proper missionary gear and whatnot. All you missionary parents know what I'm talking about. We're just one of thousands of missionary families going through this frantic preparation phase.

Maybe it's helping me not dwell on the actual sending-off of my baby to parts unknown (to me, anyway). Pretty sure I'm going to fall apart then, so I need to keep sane now. Wish me luck.

Oh yes, and I'm pleased, excited, and terrified... like I said.

Working 9 to 5

Neil's been volunteering at an assisted living center for several months, but a few weeks ago he was officially hired as a part-time activities assistant. He works a full shift for either one or two days each week. He loves it and is good at what he does. He's been assigned to the memory care unit. Some of his activities are:

Leading the residents in stretching and chair exercises.
Reading to them.
Playing games with them. (Balloon Ball is a favorite!)
Asking trivia questions.
Reminiscing.
Coloring pages.
Bingo.

Sounds like fun, eh?

Bravo to the kind and caring staff at the Springs for entrusting Neil with this position and for giving him the chance to work!

Here's What Happened...

Scott was on local television:

We participated in Relay for Life:  (On a very sultry [read: hot and sticky!] day)

Deer in the yard made us feel at home:

Alison and Emerson visited:

We explored South Carolina:

Neil won a race:

We explored downtown Greenville:

We found some sights that are new to us:

Cheerwine?

Not that it matters...

That's 3 gallons worth.

Coming and Going

Two Brothers On Their Way

We'd just about finished unpacking boxes here in SC when it came time to take Eric to BYU and to bring Neil home from his mission--both, events to celebrate.

After we dropped Eric off at school (and I had a good cry), I tried not to call or text him. I wanted to give him some space, as I had been driving him crazy trying to impart every last bit of wisdom I had during the past several weeks. Then I got this text:  "Words cannot describe how awesome college is." I'm glad he's happy. I just hope he can maintain this attitude when classes finally start next week ;-)

We're so proud of Neil for serving faithfully for 13 months in the Church and Family History Headquarters Mission in Salt Lake City. He had some wonderful experiences and met some great people. We are grateful for many that helped him along the way, especially our dear friends the Ryggs and the Coppins. He's ready to move on now and explore some opportunities for further growth in our new home.

Time to get busy.

Eric's New Home

                                 

Neil's Old Job

Garden State of Mind

I've been putting off writing this because I don't want to cry. I'm getting ready to shut down the computer and pack it up, so I can't put it off any longer. It's time to say goodbye to New Jersey. We've lived in this house, in this state for thirteen years and now we are leaving. I'll miss my friends. I'll miss my house. I'll miss my garden.  I'll miss the foxes in their dens in the little woods in my back yard.

More than sadness, however, I feel gratitude. We have associated with, and been blessed by so many wonderful people during our sojourn here. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers were by our side buoying us up through our toughest trials. We will always remember those prayers, hugs, and faithful friendships during good times and bad.

Tomorrow we will drive toward new beginnings in South Carolina, but New Jersey will be forever in our hearts.

Renaissance Man

I going to brag on my boy a bit.
Tomorrow is graduation day, and there has been a lot of activity going on in Eric's life associated with the end of his high school career.

In March, he played with the Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall:

Here's prom:

With KT

At the Senior Awards night, he was given a scholarship for his Wood Technology skills:

Eric, along with the winners for music and art

An assortment of some recent projects

Pens made from ebony and holly, cherry and walnut

Of course, there was the band banquet:

With Mr. Myer and Trenton

He's recently acquired some new skills at his first official job:

With Grandma Nadene

And we're oh, so excited and proud of his scholarship to his first-choice school:

As you can see, he's been a fan for many years

  There are good-byes ahead, along with big changes and new adventures, but tomorrow is just going to be about remembering the good times and celebrating with friends.

Love you, Eric!