Sparrows

“Shadows of despair are dispelled by rays of hope, sorrow yields to joy, and the feeling of being lost in the crowd of life vanishes with the certain knowledge that our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us.

The Savior provided assurance of this truth when He taught that even a sparrow shall not fall to the ground unnoticed by our Father. He then concluded the beautiful thought by saying, 'Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.' (Matt. 10:29-31)”
~ Thomas S. Monson

Luke

Brooke

Elves 2009

Once again the Elves are at Gardner Village (yes, I love that place!) so on the first good day we had this month I took the kids on a field trip.

Ugh, sisters & mistletoe don't mix!

Luke checking out the candy outside Sweet Aftons candy store. He's hoping they give out fudge samples that big inside!

Once again, Luke locates his name on the Naughty list and isn't too happy about it!

"I don't think this is Santa's real list."

"Oh, no!!! Don't fall!!"

Tasty good Candy Canes!

Rest In Peace Josh

Josh was laid to rest in a quiet spot in the Rolla City Cemetery. The grave was beautiful with all the flowers laid on it.

Son, Loving Husband, Brother (he was also a Daddy & an Uncle)

The sun setting over Josh's grave...

Cemetery

Laying Josh to rest.

Pallbearers: Matt McDonough, Kevin McDonough, James DeLaMotte, Steven Carr, Luke Kearse & Ben Tinsley

Family & friends of Josh

Saying good-bye...

The Shepherds
Kyle & Lindsey, Lewis, Jason & Heather, Stephanie & Tyler
(We love you Angela & Ryan!)

Heading to the Cemetery

There were quite a few Rolla PD who were friends with Josh (he participated in the local ride along program). They kindly provided an escort for the funeral party to the cemetery.

They blocked roads for us to pass uninterrupted...

... and stopped traffic so we could all get into the cemetery together (those cars on the side are NOT parked, they are waiting for the funeral procession to pass by).

This is a shot of just SOME of the line of cars that accompanied us to the cemetery. The whole place was FULL. I think someone estimated that there were around 400 at the funeral (I know I don't know that many people!) Josh was very loved.

Barbershop

More Shots of Ryan & Steph

Halloween '09 (with Ryan)

Jason and I were blessed to spend Halloween with our nephew Ryan this year in Missouri. We tagged along with Tyler and Stephanie as they took him trick or treating.

He was dressed as a Bull Rider and Aunt Stephanie was his Rodeo Clown.

Ryan looking at the Dave's Barber Shop where he and dad got their hair cut.

Aunt Lindsey and the Roesner clan joined us to escort Ryan up and down the street to trick or treat. We had 10 adults for this one three year old! No other kid was as loved that night as Ryan!!! Ryan was gitting miffed that there were no bulls to be found to ride - only dumb candy!

Ryan all ready to hit the town (it takes too much effort to mover stuff in this stupid program, so you are seeing photos out of order)