SCDC

I sent an email to the Govenor today in hopes of having the man who killed Sullivan returned to the facility he was at. We requested he NOT be moved, and they moved him anyway. What are our rights?

We have met on a couple of occasions, and I am coming to you for guidance. Our son, Sullivan, was killed by a drunk driver in 2005. The individual responsible was sentenced to 13 years. We recently received a letter from the SCDC in reference to the inmate being assigned to a work crew. I spoke with Monica Wallace with the Div of Classification and Inmate Records on 9/8/09 and protested this. I also protested the inmate being moved from the Wateree Correctional Institute to the Manning Correctional Institute. From what I understand this would be a priviledge for him to be transferred and I do not feel that he deserves any priviledges. I have spoken with the Victim Services Office and I do not like the response I was given for him being transferred. The reason for the transfer was so that he could be closer to his mother. His mother lives on the same street we live on and resides in the same county as the Wateree Correctional Institute. I feel this reason was just that, a reason fabricated just so he could be moved. From what I have read on the SCDC website, the Manning Correctional Institute does not have a fenced in perimeter. This concerns me. I have a problem with him being transferred after we requested that he stay at Wateree.
Please advise us on what we can do. I realize as a victim, we DO NOT have any rights. The inmates and criminals seem to have all the rights. The inmate can request to be moved to a facility closer to his family, and what can we request to be closer to ours? NOTHING, he KILLED our son. We can only visit his grave.
Thank you for your attention in this matter. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Thanks again,Tonya Spradley

Saxon's First Birthday

Saxon had a very nice birthday. YES, I know...it was a month ago. I'm just SO behind. Between computer problems, potty-training Sawyer and doing school work with Spencer (not to mention the everyday stuff) time has really gotten away from me and I am so ashamed.

However, he had a wonderful birthday! We had some family to stop in to visit, other members didn't feel the need. lol! Saxon didn't know what was going on with the cake and gifts. His party was the Saturday following his birthday. He slept an hour after the party had started. Two days before, he had gotten 3 shots at his check up. BTW: I do not recommend shots before any scheduled event. Overall, he is very healthy...a little on the small side, but healthy and we are thankful for that. He is only in the 25th percentile for height and 40th percentile for weight. He is growing up so fast and picking up so much from his brothers and cousins.

We still can't believe that it has been a year. We love him so much! It's hard to think about him being our "caboose". We have been so blessed with having such healthy, handsome boys. They are each so special in their very own way!

Father's Day

Today is bittersweet for our family. We try to keep a busy so we don't spend the entire day crying. It's not hard to find something to do around here. Anyway, we gave Tim a new grill for Father's Day. Thanks to Libby for picking it up for us and to Keith Barton for putting it together AND delivering it. He's wonderful! We tried it out yesterday and then this evening we had Keith, Jody and Natalie over for dinner.

I could not ask for a better husband and father. (Sorry ladies...I have the best!) Tim...you are a wonderful man who provides for us so that I may raise our children. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. We love you so much! Happy Father's Day Tim !

I almost forgot to mention that we went to the cemetery and the roadside memorial and lit a candle at 8:45, the time of Sullivan's accident. Thanks to Jody, Keith, Natalie + Tyler for staying with the kids.

Mother's Day

My wonderful family treated me to a nice Mother's Day this year. Tim gave me a half day of beauty at Logan Raye Spa, which included a facial, 55 minute massage, manicure + pedicure. The boys gave me some new headphones for the gym.

I truly am blessed to be a mother to 4 wonderful, sweet, loving, energetic boys.

2nd Grade Trip to the Beach

Tim was kind enough to chaperone Spencer's class on a field trip to the beach last week. They left around 8am and returned at 6:30pm. They went to the Myrtle Beach State Park, Aquarium and IMAX Theater. As you can see, they all had a great time.

Spencer with Olivia + Kaitlyn, Spencer + Kerrick and Spencer + Dylan H.

Mrs. Vandevander's class

Citation Holder

We were contacted a few weeks ago by SC Department of Public Safety, who is interested in having Sullivan's name and picture put on a citation holder for traffic tickets issues by the Highway Patrol. What a way to honor Sullivan and keep his memory alive. These citation holders will be used in our area, which also may include Richland and Sumter Counties, I'm not sure. Anyway, we feel so honored that the Director of SCDPS ask specifically for Sullivan's picture to be used. I don't know if you remember or not, but a new Director was appointed a while back, so he was not in office whenever Sullivan was killed. This goes to show us how much of an impact Sullivan's story has had on SC. We also found out today that not only will they be using the citation holder, but the grant they received also will include several billboards around the state, paper and digital. Again, what a way to honor the memory of our sweet, sweet Sullivan. We are approaching the 4 year anniversary and we can't think of a better way to honor him!

Spencer's Baptism

Saturday was Spencer's baptism. We can hardly believe that he is 8. The baptism was held at the Stake Center on Saturday and the confirmation was Sunday at church. Thanks to all who attended and supported our family on this special day. It really meant a lot to us.

Before Spencer went to bed that night, he cried and said that he missed Sullivan. This gave us some time to talk about Sullivan and remember him. We miss him so much, but his spirit was definately there at the baptism.

What a wonderful blessing to have a husband who sacrafices and gives so much for our family. I am so thankful for the things we have been blessed with.

Easter

Well, well... I'm finally able to sit down and update my blog. Easter has come and gone, I know, but I wanted to share a few pictures. ENJOY!

Sawyer loved the jelly beans, and this coloring table cloth was so much fun for the kids. And it was water proof, so any spills with coloring eggs didn't make a complete mess.

Computer Virus

We are currently experiencing computer virus issues. Please forgive me for getting anyone else into this mess. Apparently some how I got it on my Facebook page. The computer is going in the shop, so I will be unavailable for a short amount of time.

Thanks for your understanding.