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| | Note: Click on the photos below to see a larger picture of the thumbnails on this page.
| |  Wow…where did the year 2005 go? It seems like yesterday I was sitting down at the computer to compile 2004’s events. In July, our family had the privilege of visiting the beautiful state of Oregon. Some of many adventures included visiting Tyson, Crystal, and Hayden Taylor, seeing the waterfalls, touring the huge bookstore, visiting a very old tree, playing in the ocean, and just having fun with the family. Dad took us on a long drive up to see Mt. St. Helens in Washington as well. All too soon, reality set in and we were back home. Dad and Mom also had the opportunity to visit Texas to attend the funeral of Amando Esparza, his step-father. During the summer, we had the privilege of having both Uncle George and Cousin George Lewis Sparkman in our home because they were here for the Veterans of Foreign War Conference. | | | |  Dad has done some pretty amazing things this year. After about seventeen years of trying, he completed his Master in Business Administration degree at Westminster College. The whole family was there cheering Dad on as he wheeled across the stage. In October, he got his graduation present – a brand new, hand-crank bike. Zooming around town, dad catches quite a number of people's eyes. He says, “I’m finally free to go where I want…and fast!” Dad is still working for the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop or the LDS Church. They’ve und ergone downsizing and he’s been faced with looking at other possibilities; thus, his recent M.B.A. should come in handy. He still enjoys teaching Family History and Priesthood. Click on this hyperlink to see more: Sparkman Boys at Work | | | |  Mom, - well, she’s just the best. She continues to work at Central Branch Library in Layton, Utah. She loves the relationships she’s fostered there and often has frightening, even bizarre stories to tell when she comes home. Do you like her “getup”? She went to one of those Halloween murder mystery parties where she played the part of the grieving widow…seven times! She does well to keep everyone on schedule and reminds us to behave ourselves. After a few months of painful jaw surgery in the spring, she got her braces off during the summer and shines those pearly whites for everyone to see. Her job in the ward is to type up the ward communiqué. | | | |  R.J. (23) also graduated this summer. He received an Associates of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Weber State University. He was able to get into the bachelor’s degree program there as well and continues his studies. He got engaged to a wonderful young woman by the name of Ann Stuhlman. We anticipate their wedding in January 2006. R.J. moved out Thanksgiving weekend to live in their apartment in Layton until they’re married. | | | |  Emma (21) I’m just my normal self - doing way too many things at once. In January, I went to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to attend a national conference on chemosensory modulation. In March, I went to Atlanta, Georgia to present at the National Conference of Higher Education. In May, I was put in as a Webelos’ Den Leader. I continued to teach Advanced First Aid at the University of Utah both Spring and Fall Semesters. I am heading a service project for the School of Sociology that helps inspire diverse 3rd and 4th grade students to go to college. I am also in a research study group that looks at how students’ view of diversity changes throughout their college career. I made the decision to double major and will be working on my Health Promotion and Education degree with an emphasis in Emergency Medical Services over the next year. I will then apply to Nursing School which is my real desire in my life. | | | |  Jacob (18) was the last of the boys to graduate. With a sigh of relief, our family attended his graduation from Bountiful High. After some life changing events, he has come to be a better man. He is truly seeking to be the type of young man he needs to be to serve a full-time mission. He enjoyed the visit of his friend, Hannah Troke, from England during the summer. He serves as the Young Single Adult Representative in our ward. He is currently working at Murdock Chevrolet and loves to show his skills of naming cars as they whiz past. He is a great chauffer getting up to take me to the bus stop every morning at 6:30 a.m. He is doing so GREAT!! | | | |  Stephanie (17) says: “My year has been full of defining moments both mentally and academically. I am fully involved in school and enjoy learning something new each day. I willingly give back to the community through organizations such as Yout h Court in West Bountiful City and Key Club. This past November, I went to a DECA marketing competition and took 2nd place. I will be going to region and hopefully nationals. Choir continues to be a passion and hopefully it will continue through the future. I am shaping my own character and hope I inspire others to do so as well.” She’s all “fancied-up” because she went on a date to the homecoming dance. | | | |  Dixie - remains at the top of the stairs vigilant to her duty of telling mom and dad when we’ve gotten home too late. | | Farewell and Season's Greetings | |  We hope your coming year is full of fun and memorable experiences. We love you and appreciate each one of you and your role in the lives of our family members. God bless you and yours! 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! 
(Left to Right) Stephanie, Camille, Hayden Taylor (grand-niece), Emma, Jacob, Tyson Taylor (nephew), and Rod (taking picture) at Columbia River Gorge near Portland, Oregon. 
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