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(Top, Left to Right) Stephanie, Jacob, Emma, R.J., and Angela (Bottom) Rod and Camille | | Merry Christmas and Greetings to All | | Merry Christmas everyone! Our family has had a lot of incredible experiences this year, many of which have brought our family closer together. | | Rod | | In January of this year my dad went back to Westminster College to continue his education in the Masters of Business Administration Program. Dad has been funny trying to do his own papers while the rest of us watch. He has just three classes left before he graduates next fall. He continued with his Family History class at church and just recently closed it for a while so he could focus on his studies. He is still teaching Priesthood once a month. He and mom went on a trip to Lemans Cave, Delta, and Wendover, Utah for their anniversary in June. They had a lot of fun just hanging out with each other and being old, cranky, and decrepit! | | Camille | | Mom didn’t have the luck-of-the-Irish on St. Patrick’sday when the dog tripped her causing her to tear and injure her MCL, ACL, and PCL (all the major ligaments in the knee). This caused her to have to have reconstructive surgery. She used the time in bed to catch up on all her chick flicks! She “loved” physical therapy and always had a story to tell when she got home. Mom is still a reference supervisor at the Central Branch Library and has become quite familiar with the Layton City Police Department. (If you have any questions about that, give her a call!) She’s made lots of new friends and continues to lure them back with cereal and enticements of food. | | R.J. and Jo | | It’s OFFICIAL! Our dear brother is finally settling down. It took a gal from Canada to rein him in. Considering she grew up on a farm, she knew just what it’d take! R.J. and Angela Joleen Russell (“Jo”) will be married on June 25, 2005 in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. Jo is a wonderful girl and we are extremely happy to add her to our family. R.J. will receive his Associate’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences this April. Both will continue studying at Weber State University after they’re married. R.J. will finish his Bachelors degree in CLS and wants to get his Masters as a physician’s assistant and Jo wants to become a dental hygienist. | | Emma | | As for me, Emma, this year has been quite busy. Over the summer I continued my pre-nursing studies and started teaching a course in Advanced Emergency First Aid at the University of Utah. I was also asked to be a member of the University of Utah College of Nursing research team doing a study in Prenatal and Cancer Genetics Communication. In June, my Y.S.A. group went to Island Park, Idaho and West Yellowstone. In August, I had the privilege of going to Texas to visit the family. While in Texas I stayed with my aunts, cousins, and Grandma Frances. It was a neat experience to get to know my family members better. Seven hours after I came home from Texas I started school again and continued my research and teaching positions This semester I was selected by the School of Medicine to go to Atlanta, Georgia in March 2005 to present at a national medical conference representing all ethnic minority students in the Health Sciences LEAP program. In addition to these activities I have had three callings: Sunbeam teacher, family portrait specialist, and visiting teacher. In my free time, I love to go to Utah Ute’s’ football games. In fact, Steph and I were some of those crazy fools rushing the field when we won the state championship against B.Y.U. We’ll see how they play in the “Cha-cha-cha” FIESTA BOWL! | | Jacob | | This summer, Jacob started working at the Smiths’ Marketplace and quickly decided that it was grunt work. He looked at his options and discovered a position at the library. He was hired as a page at the South Branch Library. He says it’s a “glorified peon” position. In reality, it has been one of the best things for him and he enjoys it a lot. In his free time, Jake enjoys playing Dance, Dance Revolution, a Japanese game which has swept the world. In this game, you get to choose what kind of music you boogie down to and use your "jiggying" skills with a series of arrows. Jacob is in his senior year of high school where he excels in art and history. He is getting excited to prepare for his mission. He has future plans of becoming a reference librarian like his mom. | | Stephanie | | The Princess, a.k.a. Stephanie, has gone through a lot of changes. She’s moved on to the world of high school! Ahhh… the social pressure, the homework, the boys!?. Actually, she doesn’t like the attention she receives from boys. In fact Dad, RJ, and Jake are polishing their shotguns as we speak. She also realized what a chore driving is. All her life she acted like a little dog staring out the window dreamily at the scenery passing by her. However relaxing this may sound, it’s not exactly the best way to learn which routes to take while driving. After a few near-death-experiences, I think she’s finally figured it out. She is a beautiful girl who continues to excel in her academics. She was also able to show her talent of singing when she was in the junior high school production of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS. She continues to use her talent in youth choirs and is enrolled in the high school choir. She is currently in the Key club and the Tribe (school spirit club). In addition, she won an award for some literature she wrote for the school’s Reflections Contest. She is a busy, bright young lady! | | Dixie | | Last, but not least, is our dog Dixie. She’s had quite an adjustment to having everyone gone to school or work all the time. She does pretty well as long as she gets to ride in the car when mom takes R.J. and me to the bus in the morning. Sometimes she’s a little scoundrel, getting into packages of food left unattended. Although she is nearing eight years old, the whole family still feels that she will be forever young. | | Farewell and Season's Greetings | |  Our family has a lot to be thankful for and is happy to take the time to remember Christ this season. May your families be blessed and may you know that we think of you often.With all our love, (Con todo nuestro amor y cariño!) The Rodney Sparkman Jr. Family Please check out www.rodneysparkman.org and see what ‘s been added to Grandpa Rodney’s website! Christmas 2005 Newsletter Christmas 2006 Newsletter Christmas 2007 Newsletter |
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