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.

Happy 8th Birthday Spencer

We have been celebrating Spencer's birthday since last Saturday, and I must say that he has had a wonderful week. It began with a bowling party last Saturday with his friends, then a family party at home, then a party at school with his friends and a cookie the actual day of his birth. We rounded out the celebration with a visit to Lake Wateree State Park to visit one of Tim's service tech's who was camping with his family. Spencer really enjoyed all the fun with his friends! Thanks to all for the birthday wishes!

Now that he is 8, he will be getting baptized on May 2 at 5pm at Fort Jackson Stake Center (unless they change it). We can hardly believe that it has been 8 years since he entered our lives. We can definately say that is has been a memorable 8 years. I always kinda wondered why he was so busy and entertaining, but when we lost Sullivan, Spencer was the one who got me through some of the hardest days of my life. His laughter and general busy self helped to occupy my mind. I can remember standing at the refrigerator one day (for who knows how long) with the door open, just staring into it, when just as I was about to lose it and go into a crying fit, Spencer came up to me and distracted me. We had lots of these moments, and I am so thankful for his sweetness in my daily life. On the outside, he seems to be doing well, but he still has his moments when he cries for Sullivan, and tells me, "I just want him to come back." What in the world do you say to that? I mostly assure him that Sullivan is with us (in our hearts) and we will be together again one day. I am convincing myself as well as him. Our lives will never be normal, nor do I think I will ever find true happiness on the earth. We just deal with the hand we are dealt and go on.

Sorry to have rambled, but I just wanted everyone to know how Spencer has been such an instrumental part of my healing process. He is our very special 8 year old and we love him more and more each day!

Another tooth

Saxon has another tooth. But this one is not where you think it would be. It is on top next to the 2 front teeth~~go figure! This is going to make quite a smile! ;) Once it's in good, I will post a picture.

Kids say the darndest things...

Our kids constantly amaze me with the things they can come up with. Here are a couple of examples.

While Tim, Spencer and Sawyer were riding down the road, Spencer said, "I like girls and dogs." Sawyer looks over at him and says, "whatever Spencer!" How funny!!!

Last night Spencer needed to read in his book before bed, so I told him to bring his book and join me in the recliner (where I was attached to Medela) and he told me, "do you see how late it is? It is WAY past my bedtime, it's 8:55." Funny how all of a sudden time matters.

Good Character

Here is the absolute cutest thing. Spencer's friend Kerrick submitted this "gift for good character" in honor of Spencer, for "being quiet when somebody is talking" (just in case you needed clarification).

Circus

We had a wonderful time at the circus last night. Spencer and Sawyer really enjoyed themselves. I don't think Sawyer moved for the first half. We made it there in time to enjoy the pre-show on the floor where the kids had the opportunity to try on some of the clothing, watch the elephant paint a picture and watch the acrobats. We had a blast!

Saxon @ 9 months

Can you believe that Saxon is 9 months old? We can't. He is really growing up. He has amazed us in the last couple of days with the things he is doing. He started walking! Yes....NO! Just kidding. Just wondering if anyone is reading my blog or just browsing at pictures. LOL!

Seriously, he is crawling and climbing everywhere. He has 2 teeth, pulling up on everything, standing up in the pack 'n play and crib. We cannot believe how fast he is growing....didn't I say that already? Honestly his first year will be over and our very last baby will be a big boy! It's bitter sweet, but we are loving every minute of it!

Enjoy the many faces of Saxon~we sure do!

Math Night

We went to Math Night at WES last Thursday. As you can see, they had lots of activities for the kids to do. I think the most fun activity was the time challenge on the smartboard. It's a new tool to each of the classrooms and the kids love it. Spencer (and Sawyer) really had a fun time!

We FINALLY have a tooth!

Thank goodness Saxon has finally gotten a tooth in this week. We don't have a picture yet to share, but we FINALLY have a tooth. WOOHOO!

School Projects

Spencer has made 2 projects lately for school. One was a Famous American Project. His choice was Rachel Ray. We had an old shoebox, so we made an oven out of it. Pretty neat we thought!

He also had to make a 100th day of school project. Since the theme for his school is involving trains, we decide to use trains.

Not only did he have to do research, he had to be able to explain the reports to his class. He made 100 on both! Way to go Spence!!

Sick Visit, Ma-Ma & Army Man

Saxon had been really, really fussy and not sleeping AT ALL at night. So I decided to take him in to the dr and have him checked out. Of course, for the third time, chest is clear, ears are fine and we think it's just "teething". So after I gathered all of my things and took the "walk of shame" out of the dr's office. Now today I can finally see the 2 teeth on the bottom just about to break the gums. He also has been babbling for some time now and I am always telling him to say "ma-ma" and finally last night HE DID! Tim, Spencer and I just looked at each other with the same expression (WHAT?). At almost the exact same time he was laying on the floor and started the army man crawl trying to get the remote. We did get video, but no pictures.

School Bus

Spencer started riding the school bus home in the afternoon's this week. The first picture is of him getting off and the second is of him and Sawyer greeting each other. If I would've know they would've had this reaction to one another, I would've had my video camera. Tim Spencer's feet hit the ground he started running and so did Sawyer. They ran to each other and hugged. It was the sweetest thing! ENJOY!!

Sawyer vs. the pantry door

For some reason Sawyer thinks the further you open the pantry door the more snacks you can get. SO, last week he broke the door completely off. Don't worry, we had it fixed and now all of our groceries are not decorating items.

New Pictures

Here are a few new pictures: Sawyer 2years, Saxon 6 months and the boys at Christmas.

Dr Visit

Today Sawyer had his 2 year check up with Dr Finch. And since we were going Saxon was checked out too. He has been a little congested for a few days~turns out it is just that, a cold. He prescribed a decongestant and all was a~ok with him. Saxon weighed 18 lbs. 10 ozs. THEN, it was time for Sawyer's check up. Thank goodness Tim came to help out. Sawyer does not like going to the doctor. He weighed 26 lbs and is 35 inches tall. He is in the 40th percentile for height and 30th for weight. Although this is low, the dr is not concerned at this time. He did get one shot (which Tim held him down for...THANKS TIM!) I can't believe how fast all our boys are growing. Spencer is getting so tall and slim. I can remember at his 3 yr check up our concern was his short height~ things are really changing now. Enjoy the slide show of Sawyer taking pictures in the waiting room. There was lots more but I will spare you. Have a good week!