Trevor

My younger brother, Trevor passed away on August 12 th-2010. I was devastated to hear the news. I still feel like we are all in shock. He was 29 years old and left behind 4 amazing boys 6 yrs and younger and an incredible wife who he adored.

Our family and friends gather together in Spokane, WA for the funeral on Saturday the 21st. On Friday the 20th, we had a Remembrance Gathering for friends and family to gather and remember so many amazing memories and so many ways Trevor had blessed each of our lives. There was a slide show and tons of pictures put together to remember all of the good times.

The next day hundreds gathered for Trevor's funeral service. It was so nice to have so many people who loved Trevor there. The eulogy was full of stories and examples of times in Trevor's life when he showed compassion and optimism. Stories of him being an actively involved dad and loving husband. These stories were inspiring and uplifting. I want to serve others how Trevor did. He always looked for ways to help people. Often the people he helped were homeless.

He loved life and was the most optimistic person I have ever known. At the cemetery there were bag pipes playing. My dad dedicated the grave with so much love for Trevor. Afterwards we all let hundreds of balloons go at the same time. It was heart wrenching to watch the balloons disappear. But as I thought about Trevor and all the joy he had for life I could picture him grabbing all of those balloons. He loved everyone and everything about life!

Visit the Trevor Stephenson Memorial page on face book.

CARSON and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Carson entered the reading fair at his school. He read the chapter book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. He was sooo excited to see the movie when it came out. Then he was required to make a poster describing his book.

He had great ideas and really enjoyed making his poster. Right away he knew he wanted to make meatballs out of cotton balls and hang them from cotton clouds. He was creative and thought of fun ideas. Carson made a hamburger out of pipe cleaners. He drew fantastic characters. I helped him a little with the hot glue gun.

Carson was all smiles when I picked him up from school the day of the fair. He told me he won. Earlier that day Easton had passed out and had a small seizure due to a bad reaction to the flu shot, so I was relieved to get the good news about him winning when Carson's teacher called. The school asked if we planned on continuing in the competition. I said of course. I knew Carson would be so happy.

Well the competition continued at a regional reading fair in Jackson MS ( 2 and half hours away) this past Friday. I took Carson, his poster, Ty and Bo to the competition. As soon as we walked in I knew we were way way out of our league. Lots of kids were in costumes to match their books and their posters were AMAZING! I could not believe it. I was worried Carson was going to feel bad. Judges came by while we waited for a couple of hours. We had a 2 hour break. When we came back Carson was so worried that we were going to miss the winners being read while we were in the bathroom. I honestly thought that it would be fine to miss hearing because I thought there was NO Way he was going to win.

Sure enough when it came to his Division they read 3rd place and 2nd place and then

CARSON SAINSBURY 1st place WINNER!!!!!!

I was shocked and so excited for Carson. He was thrilled! This means we are moving on to the State Competition in Jackson held in May. What a great Day for Carson! He chose a Shaun White shirt from Target for his prize. He loves those shirts! All the way home Carson and I just could not believe he won. Life is Fun!

Pinewood Derby

With 5 boys Bob has sure made a lot of pinewood derby cars. Robby and Carson designed their cars. East, Ty and Bo all used cars from last year but got new paint jobs. I was incharge of decorating so I borrowed decorations from a friend at church who builds race car engines. His stuff sure made the church look like a real race. It was a great night. Robby won 1st place and Carson won 2nd place.

Summer Birthdays

Catching up on some Summer Birthdays!

EASTON turned 6!
He chose to go to the movies with some friends. We saw "UP". He had a great Birthday.

BOWEN turned 2! He had a "cars" party. He was so excited. I can't believe our baby is 2. This is the first time our baby has ever been 2 because we have always had a new baby by the time someone turned 2. We had Box Car Races.

Once your 2 you get your own shaved ice. Bo was thrilled to have his own.

Shaved ice taste sooo good in Mississippi in the Summer.

Amanda turned 33. I still feel like I'm 23. We went to Georgia to see friends on my Birthday. I was spoiled.

It was so great to be with Carson's best friend, Kory for his 8th birthday and baptism. So many boys!

Barrel Horse Races and Vet School Petting Zoo

So we went to the Horse Park to watch the Barrel Races. My boys loved it. They wanted to dress like cowboys. So we found the closes to cowboy outfits we could find. I love going to all of the events in our college town.

Bowen enjoyed the petting zoo more than anyone. He could have stayed there all day. He calls most animals Scout. (Scout is Em and Matts dog)

Carson and a month old piggy.

Ty and his friends Audrey and Micah riding the bus over to the Vet School.

Bowen was just taking it all in. What a fun age.

"Holey Cow"; not your ordinary petting zoo...

Mississippi State University VET School had an open house. There was a cow named Peaches that was eating grass. While she eats we stuck our arm in her stomach....."Holey Cow!" It was real warm and full of chewed grass. You wear a glove. Kinda creepy kinda cool.
Carson

me

Easton and Robby

Peahes eating.....is this humane? She did not seem to mind. She stood there for 2 days while lines of people put their arm into her stomach. Somethings you just can't believe it until you see it. Only in Mississippi!

Cousins at Christmas

I know I should have posted all of these Christmas pictures at least 3 months ago.....we had such an incredible time I didn't want to not post them eventhough it's almost Easter. Thanks for entertaining all of us Emily and Matt. Jack,Ty,Bay,Easton,Ry,Nate,Carson,Robby, and Bowen