| ANDREW & JARRETT'S STONE |
February 15, 2006 - Today is Andrew's birth day. I brought him
some fake flowers because when we get the Arctic cold front later
this week, the real ones would get frozen. I still remember when I
took the picture of him swinging the golf club in the driveway. It's sad
that he's not here to celebrate with us. Love you guys, Mom
some fake flowers because when we get the Arctic cold front later
this week, the real ones would get frozen. I still remember when I
took the picture of him swinging the golf club in the driveway. It's sad
that he's not here to celebrate with us. Love you guys, Mom
| Andrew - born on February 15, 1986 - 20 years ago - notice the smiley face on the snowman in the bottom of the picture. |
Andrew and Jarrett's stone on February 15, 2006
Friday * January 6, 2006 - It's the twelfth day of Christmas today. I went into
the post office and then stopped by and took these pictures. I put the flowers there
the other day in honor of Brandon Ackerman. I couldn't find his grave at the
cemetery, so I figured I'd put them by the boys' grave. On the right side of the
nativity scene is a terra cotta kitty that I've had for years. In the place where the
plant would go, I put a couple of Hobbes' toys and also the white birdie had fallen off
the decoration. God bless my saintly boys and their cat. Love you guys, Mom
the post office and then stopped by and took these pictures. I put the flowers there
the other day in honor of Brandon Ackerman. I couldn't find his grave at the
cemetery, so I figured I'd put them by the boys' grave. On the right side of the
nativity scene is a terra cotta kitty that I've had for years. In the place where the
plant would go, I put a couple of Hobbes' toys and also the white birdie had fallen off
the decoration. God bless my saintly boys and their cat. Love you guys, Mom
The snow has melted
In memory of Hobbes...
Thursday - December 8, 2005 - I had to go into Elburn late this morning and mail
some letters and buy some STUFF at the store, so I stopped by the grave and took a
picture of the Christmas picks that I put behind the nativity scene. Yesterday, I cleared
the snow off baby Jesus and Mary. It looks very festive. God bless the saintly boys.
Love, Mom
some letters and buy some STUFF at the store, so I stopped by the grave and took a
picture of the Christmas picks that I put behind the nativity scene. Yesterday, I cleared
the snow off baby Jesus and Mary. It looks very festive. God bless the saintly boys.
Love, Mom
The nativity scene with the Christmas picks on either side -
notice the white doves on top - and don't you love the palm
tree in the snow!
notice the white doves on top - and don't you love the palm
tree in the snow!
Sunday - December 4, 2005 - After lighting the unity candle, Krissy gave a rose to
Bob in Andrew's memory, one to her mom in her dad's memory, one to me in Jarrett's
memory, one to Aunt Vada in her sister, Jewell's memory and one to Uncle Ted in
Glen's (his brother-in-law) memory. It was a very sweet and deeply touching gesture.
God bless Krissy and Brian. God bless the saintly boys. Love you guys, Mom
Bob in Andrew's memory, one to her mom in her dad's memory, one to me in Jarrett's
memory, one to Aunt Vada in her sister, Jewell's memory and one to Uncle Ted in
Glen's (his brother-in-law) memory. It was a very sweet and deeply touching gesture.
God bless Krissy and Brian. God bless the saintly boys. Love you guys, Mom
Boys' stone with the nativity scene and wreath
Here's Andrew's rose - Forever
Here's the rose for Jarrett - In our hearts....
It was getting dark so it looks kind of weird, but you can
see the roses in the middle
see the roses in the middle
Tuesday - October 4, 2005 - I just got back from the cemetery
and decided to take a picture of the stone. Since the sun is in the
west, I can't get a good wide shot, so I'm putting this in. You can
see the pumpkin from Sammi and Lindsay. Isn't that sweet! Thanks
Girls! God bless the saintly boys. bye Love, Mom
and decided to take a picture of the stone. Since the sun is in the
west, I can't get a good wide shot, so I'm putting this in. You can
see the pumpkin from Sammi and Lindsay. Isn't that sweet! Thanks
Girls! God bless the saintly boys. bye Love, Mom
FRIDAY- August 5, 2005 - I try to water the flowers every other day.
We've had this unbelievable drought this summer. You can tell the flowers
are looking quite pitiful. The saddest thing is the corn fields and the
beans fields. It hurts me to see them so dry this early in the season. My
dad was farmer as well as my grandpa and my great grandpa, etc. No
one has seen conditions like this in their lifetime. We had a drought the
year Jarrett was born (1988) but apparently we had some rain in the
spring so it wasn't as severe as this one. It evokes memories of the dust
bowl days. Grapes of Wrath. Yikes! Love you & miss you guys, Mom
We've had this unbelievable drought this summer. You can tell the flowers
are looking quite pitiful. The saddest thing is the corn fields and the
beans fields. It hurts me to see them so dry this early in the season. My
dad was farmer as well as my grandpa and my great grandpa, etc. No
one has seen conditions like this in their lifetime. We had a drought the
year Jarrett was born (1988) but apparently we had some rain in the
spring so it wasn't as severe as this one. It evokes memories of the dust
bowl days. Grapes of Wrath. Yikes! Love you & miss you guys, Mom
July 18, 2005 - Since we haven't had any rain in a very long time, I
have to go in and water the boys' flowers every other day. It's not just the
lack of rain but it's been extremely hot that causes a situation to occur. You
can see the brown grass - it crunches under your feet. Jarrett's tree is
finally growing and looks better every time I see it. Andrew's blue spruce is
quite full and healthy. Miss you guys. Love, Mom
have to go in and water the boys' flowers every other day. It's not just the
lack of rain but it's been extremely hot that causes a situation to occur. You
can see the brown grass - it crunches under your feet. Jarrett's tree is
finally growing and looks better every time I see it. Andrew's blue spruce is
quite full and healthy. Miss you guys. Love, Mom
June 6, 2005 - I just got back from Elburn. Had to bring in
water for the plants. Last week, I got two matching baskets for the boys
shepherd's hook. They look really nice. It's supposed to be 90 today and
92 tomorrow. Yikes! Summer is here. bye sweet boys. Love, Mom
water for the plants. Last week, I got two matching baskets for the boys
shepherd's hook. They look really nice. It's supposed to be 90 today and
92 tomorrow. Yikes! Summer is here. bye sweet boys. Love, Mom
Andrew and Jarrett's stone on June 6, 2005 - someone had been in
there and left a very sweet note. Also left a Reese's peanut butter cup
wrapper. Okie dokie. Jarrett's tree is finally coming around!!! (tons of
clover - looks like snow!)
there and left a very sweet note. Also left a Reese's peanut butter cup
wrapper. Okie dokie. Jarrett's tree is finally coming around!!! (tons of
clover - looks like snow!)
June 1, 2005 - It's finally getting to feel like summer!! I put
mulch around the plants this morning. The colors in this aren't quite
right. It could be that it was too sunny! That's pretty funny. God bless
my sweet boys. Now, they're almost surrounded by flowers. I just have
to get two hanging plants. I'll be back. Love you now and forever, Mom
mulch around the plants this morning. The colors in this aren't quite
right. It could be that it was too sunny! That's pretty funny. God bless
my sweet boys. Now, they're almost surrounded by flowers. I just have
to get two hanging plants. I'll be back. Love you now and forever, Mom
May 4, 2005 - This morning I went into the cemetery and
watered the plants since we haven't had any rain since I don't know when.
I also cleaned the stone so it looks nice and shiny. It's much more
pleasant out there now that it's spring. God bless my sweet saintly boys,
Andrew and Jarrett. Love you both always and forever, Mom
watered the plants since we haven't had any rain since I don't know when.
I also cleaned the stone so it looks nice and shiny. It's much more
pleasant out there now that it's spring. God bless my sweet saintly boys,
Andrew and Jarrett. Love you both always and forever, Mom
May 4, 2005 - I need some mulch around the plants but at least they
survived the freeze!
survived the freeze!
MARCH 5, 2005 - Bob and I were at the cemetery from noon
until 1 pm. It was very, very cold today. Colder than Thursday. The sun
wasn't out and the wind was raw, the air was damp. It was quite
unpleasant. We had said that we'd be there at noon, and we were. Here's
a picture I took of all the stars and the flowers and the angels. God
bless Andrew. God bless Jarrett. Forever in my heart, Mom
until 1 pm. It was very, very cold today. Colder than Thursday. The sun
wasn't out and the wind was raw, the air was damp. It was quite
unpleasant. We had said that we'd be there at noon, and we were. Here's
a picture I took of all the stars and the flowers and the angels. God
bless Andrew. God bless Jarrett. Forever in my heart, Mom
Andrew and Jarrett's grave stone on March 5, 2005
February 3, 2005 - Just got back from the cemetery.
Yesterday, I took a picture of the stone, but it was late and the light wasn't
good. I knew I had to go in this morning to get my perfect shot. Here it is:
Yesterday, I took a picture of the stone, but it was late and the light wasn't
good. I knew I had to go in this morning to get my perfect shot. Here it is:
Andrew and Jarrett's stone surrounded by snow and angels on
February 3, 2005
February 3, 2005
My new camera is awesome. I haven't been really happy with the resolution
on the other camera - not to say it isn't a GREAT camera, but this is
exactly what I wanted. To be able to see the etchings of the saintly boys
doing their things. God bless Andrew. God bless Jarrett. Still posing
for your mom after all these years! Love ya
on the other camera - not to say it isn't a GREAT camera, but this is
exactly what I wanted. To be able to see the etchings of the saintly boys
doing their things. God bless Andrew. God bless Jarrett. Still posing
for your mom after all these years! Love ya
January 3, 2005 - Today, I stopped by the boys' gravestone
to take a picture on Jarrett's 17th birthday. I put one of Jarrett's yellow
shirts on top of the gravestone. When I was at the Grocery Store, I
bought him some bubble gum, and then I went over to the flower shop and
bought him a peachy rose. Oh yeah, I also lit the large white candle, but
the rain put it out. Yes, Jesus was crying today. God bless you, Jarrett,
on your 17th birthday. Love, Mom
to take a picture on Jarrett's 17th birthday. I put one of Jarrett's yellow
shirts on top of the gravestone. When I was at the Grocery Store, I
bought him some bubble gum, and then I went over to the flower shop and
bought him a peachy rose. Oh yeah, I also lit the large white candle, but
the rain put it out. Yes, Jesus was crying today. God bless you, Jarrett,
on your 17th birthday. Love, Mom
The 17th year since Jarrett's birth on the planet earth. God bless Jarrett.
Forever in our hearts.
Forever in our hearts.
December 28, 2004 - After I talked to Krissy, I had to go in and
take a picture of the two snowmen that she put in there for Andrew and
Jarrett for Christmas. Here's what the stone looked like with the sun
shining in my eyes. The Nelson family brought in the Christmas tree with
the twirly guy on top that's next to Andrew's evergreen tree. Isn't that cute.
Below the boy's stone picture is the picture of the snowmen. God bless
Andrew. God bless Jarrett. Love, Mom
take a picture of the two snowmen that she put in there for Andrew and
Jarrett for Christmas. Here's what the stone looked like with the sun
shining in my eyes. The Nelson family brought in the Christmas tree with
the twirly guy on top that's next to Andrew's evergreen tree. Isn't that cute.
Below the boy's stone picture is the picture of the snowmen. God bless
Andrew. God bless Jarrett. Love, Mom
Andrew and Jarrett's stone - after the snow melted.
October 15, 2004 - I went over to Rochelle today. On my way back
home, I stopped to take a picture of Andrew and Jarrett's stone because the
sun had come out and the trees are still pretty. They're fading fast though.
God bless Andrew and Jarrett and God bless you, djb
home, I stopped to take a picture of Andrew and Jarrett's stone because the
sun had come out and the trees are still pretty. They're fading fast though.
God bless Andrew and Jarrett and God bless you, djb
Andrew & Jarrett's stone in the foreground with fall trees in the background - the leaves
are falling - that's why they call it fall.
are falling - that's why they call it fall.
October 11, 2004 - Krissy and I went into the cemetery today
with Milo. She brought a BOO flag for Andrew & Jarrett and it lights
UP! She also brought a cute little angel wind chime. It was fun to
watch Milo run around and chase the leaves. What a gorgeous day it
was. God bless my little boys, djb
with Milo. She brought a BOO flag for Andrew & Jarrett and it lights
UP! She also brought a cute little angel wind chime. It was fun to
watch Milo run around and chase the leaves. What a gorgeous day it
was. God bless my little boys, djb
Andrew and Jarrett - decorated for Halloween - notice the BOO ghost.
September 18, 2004 - This morning when I woke up, I decided to bring the pumpkins into the
cemetery. Plus, the other day I got two more yellow mums because the originals were looking quite
shabby. Oh and of course, I had bring in water for the flowers. Jarrett's tree is looking much
better than it did previously. Hopefully, it will make it through the winter. These are the pumpkins
that grew in my burn/compost pile. The originals were put on the grave last year. I brought the
mushy mesh home and lo and behold, I now have three beautiful pumpkins. Happy pumpkins. God bless
my children. djb
cemetery. Plus, the other day I got two more yellow mums because the originals were looking quite
shabby. Oh and of course, I had bring in water for the flowers. Jarrett's tree is looking much
better than it did previously. Hopefully, it will make it through the winter. These are the pumpkins
that grew in my burn/compost pile. The originals were put on the grave last year. I brought the
mushy mesh home and lo and behold, I now have three beautiful pumpkins. Happy pumpkins. God bless
my children. djb
Andrew and Jarrett's grave - with the three little pumpkins all in a row.
September 8, 2004 - After all the warm, dry weather we've been having, I knew that the
flowers would need some water yesterday. So, I filled up my containers and went in to check
on the flowers. Yes, they were DRY! It still makes me sad to have to go to the cemetery to
visit the final resting place of Andrew and Jarrett. I don't think I can say it enough. If you
have children and you love them, TELL THEM NOW while they're alive. You just never know
what might happen. Words of wisdom from one who has been there. God bless Jarrett. God
bless Andrew. Love you little weasels always and forever, Mom
flowers would need some water yesterday. So, I filled up my containers and went in to check
on the flowers. Yes, they were DRY! It still makes me sad to have to go to the cemetery to
visit the final resting place of Andrew and Jarrett. I don't think I can say it enough. If you
have children and you love them, TELL THEM NOW while they're alive. You just never know
what might happen. Words of wisdom from one who has been there. God bless Jarrett. God
bless Andrew. Love you little weasels always and forever, Mom
Andrew and Jarrett's grave - you can see
Jarrett's tree is doing well - so far, so good.
Jarrett's tree is doing well - so far, so good.
August 27, 2004 - I just went into the cemetery and took this picture. Even though we had rain, I still
put some water on Jarrett's tree. It looks very nice this time of year. The mums are wonderful. You can
see the blue fish on either side of the cross in the middle (from Lizz and Elliot). The flowers right behind
the mums are from Trina, Jessie, Andrea and Smurf. They put a dogtag from Augustana on each flower.
That was real sweet. The pink rose on Andrew's side is from Jessica Angell. I don't know who left the I
Love You balloon with the flowers, but that's very touching and nice to see. You can see the glass vase on
Jarrett's side from DJ and Lizz - that's been there for a while. It's so helpful to Bob and me to know that
people haven't forgotten our sweet saintly boys. God bless Andrew and God bless Jarrett. Love you guys,
Mom
put some water on Jarrett's tree. It looks very nice this time of year. The mums are wonderful. You can
see the blue fish on either side of the cross in the middle (from Lizz and Elliot). The flowers right behind
the mums are from Trina, Jessie, Andrea and Smurf. They put a dogtag from Augustana on each flower.
That was real sweet. The pink rose on Andrew's side is from Jessica Angell. I don't know who left the I
Love You balloon with the flowers, but that's very touching and nice to see. You can see the glass vase on
Jarrett's side from DJ and Lizz - that's been there for a while. It's so helpful to Bob and me to know that
people haven't forgotten our sweet saintly boys. God bless Andrew and God bless Jarrett. Love you guys,
Mom
Sunday - august 1, 2004 - It's been one year today since Andrew and Jarrett's
stone was put in place. Bob and I just got back from the cemetery. The flowers
needed watering and I wanted to clean the stone. The hosta look pretty bad, so I'm
going to have to do something with them. Pretty soon, I'll be able to puts some mums in.
God bless Andrew and God bless Jarrett. We miss you both so much. See ya later,
sweet boys, bye for now. Love, Mom
stone was put in place. Bob and I just got back from the cemetery. The flowers
needed watering and I wanted to clean the stone. The hosta look pretty bad, so I'm
going to have to do something with them. Pretty soon, I'll be able to puts some mums in.
God bless Andrew and God bless Jarrett. We miss you both so much. See ya later,
sweet boys, bye for now. Love, Mom
FRIDAY - July 23, 2004
- Yesterday, I stopped at
Andrew and Jarrett's
grave to put some roses
behind the hosta. I got a
little red rosebush for
Andrew and a yellow one
for Jarrett. When I
stopped by this morning, I
took this picture:
- Yesterday, I stopped at
Andrew and Jarrett's
grave to put some roses
behind the hosta. I got a
little red rosebush for
Andrew and a yellow one
for Jarrett. When I
stopped by this morning, I
took this picture:
Andrew and Jarrett's stone on July 23, 2004 - with
hosta, roses, begonias and an African violet.
hosta, roses, begonias and an African violet.
SUNDAY - July 4, 2004 -
After I finished most of my
chores yesterday, I went into
Elburn and decided to put flags
in Andrew and Jarrett's flower
pots. It made me sad. I miss
them so much. But I know they
are where they're supposed to
be. Here's a glimpse of their
stone on the 4th of July:
After I finished most of my
chores yesterday, I went into
Elburn and decided to put flags
in Andrew and Jarrett's flower
pots. It made me sad. I miss
them so much. But I know they
are where they're supposed to
be. Here's a glimpse of their
stone on the 4th of July:
God bless America and God bless
Andrew and Jarrett
Andrew and Jarrett
SATURDAY - July 3, 2004 - I just got back from the Flea Market in St. Charles.
What a place! Joan, Judy and I went together. It was a hoot and half! On my way to
meet Joan and Judy at McDonald's, I stopped to clean the stone and check on things.
Jessica Angell is the one who left the African violet for Andrew. What a sweetheart. I
put it under Andrew's tree so it wouldn't get sunburned. The hosta isn't too happy either
but I'm watching them closely. This picture has the shepherd's hook behind the stone. It
looks perfect. God bless Andrew. God bless Jarrett. Love you Andrew and Love you
Jarrett, Mom
What a place! Joan, Judy and I went together. It was a hoot and half! On my way to
meet Joan and Judy at McDonald's, I stopped to clean the stone and check on things.
Jessica Angell is the one who left the African violet for Andrew. What a sweetheart. I
put it under Andrew's tree so it wouldn't get sunburned. The hosta isn't too happy either
but I'm watching them closely. This picture has the shepherd's hook behind the stone. It
looks perfect. God bless Andrew. God bless Jarrett. Love you Andrew and Love you
Jarrett, Mom
SUNDAY - June 27, 2004 - We stopped at the cemetery on the way home
from DeKalb. The grass is out of control. It keeps raining and then it
grows like a weed. I'm going to have to go in there with my weed wizard.
haha It's getting close to the day when I'll be able to bring Jarrett's
tree in to plant. That will be VERY exciting. I put the pinwheels back in
last week. Finally, I'm able to push them into the ground. Earlier in the
spring, it was as hard as concrete, and they kept falling over. So, here's
how it looks today. We definitely need more flowers. Someone brought
Andrew an African violet. That was very nice. God bless my sweet,
precious boys, Andrew and Jarrett. love ya dudes, Mom
from DeKalb. The grass is out of control. It keeps raining and then it
grows like a weed. I'm going to have to go in there with my weed wizard.
haha It's getting close to the day when I'll be able to bring Jarrett's
tree in to plant. That will be VERY exciting. I put the pinwheels back in
last week. Finally, I'm able to push them into the ground. Earlier in the
spring, it was as hard as concrete, and they kept falling over. So, here's
how it looks today. We definitely need more flowers. Someone brought
Andrew an African violet. That was very nice. God bless my sweet,
precious boys, Andrew and Jarrett. love ya dudes, Mom
Andrew and Jarrett's stone on July 3, 2004
WEDNESDAY - June 16, 2004 - I didn't bring my weed whacker in when I
stopped to see the boys. But, I did take a picture, then when I got home I took a
picture of Jarrett's tree and inserted it into the earlier shot. Okay, so I'm a
little weird. Whatever. They seem to mow the older side of the cemetery
first....then the newer side....because they haven't mowed yet. The grass is growing
like crazy in there, too. Here's my latest picture:
stopped to see the boys. But, I did take a picture, then when I got home I took a
picture of Jarrett's tree and inserted it into the earlier shot. Okay, so I'm a
little weird. Whatever. They seem to mow the older side of the cemetery
first....then the newer side....because they haven't mowed yet. The grass is growing
like crazy in there, too. Here's my latest picture:
Monday - May 31, 2004 - Memorial Day. It used to be called Decoration Day.
I'm not sure when they changed that. I suppose I could do a Google and find out.
I just went into the cemetery and planted the "Mammy hosta." It looks really
good in there. Hey! Why take my word for it, when a picture is worth a thousand!
Here it is:
I'm not sure when they changed that. I suppose I could do a Google and find out.
I just went into the cemetery and planted the "Mammy hosta." It looks really
good in there. Hey! Why take my word for it, when a picture is worth a thousand!
Here it is:
Andrew and Jarrett's stone with "Mammy hosta" planted in front of it on Memorial Day.
Once I got home and started typing this, it started raining like crazy once again. The
clouds were really, really dark, foreboding and SCARY. But I knew the boys
wouldn't let me get rained on. Andrew's tree is doing great as you can see in the
picture below. I'm still nursing Jarrett's tree back to good health. It's doing quite
well and is getting a lot of new growth. One of these days, I'll put it back in its
rightful spot. Okay, here's where I was just a few minutes ago (before the rain!):
clouds were really, really dark, foreboding and SCARY. But I knew the boys
wouldn't let me get rained on. Andrew's tree is doing great as you can see in the
picture below. I'm still nursing Jarrett's tree back to good health. It's doing quite
well and is getting a lot of new growth. One of these days, I'll put it back in its
rightful spot. Okay, here's where I was just a few minutes ago (before the rain!):
Andrew's blue spruce, with Mammy
hosta and very dark clouds in the
background. God bless my boys!
hosta and very dark clouds in the
background. God bless my boys!
Friday - April 23, 2004 - I went to the cemetery today on my way into town. The grass
has come up and looks great! Well, except for that big dirt hole in front. But I'll get
some seed and pretty soon we'll have grass everywhere! I also want to plant some
flowers when I'm sure it isn't going to freeze any more.
has come up and looks great! Well, except for that big dirt hole in front. But I'll get
some seed and pretty soon we'll have grass everywhere! I also want to plant some
flowers when I'm sure it isn't going to freeze any more.
Andrew & Jarrett's
stone on April 23,
2004 - we need to
plant some grass seed.
stone on April 23,
2004 - we need to
plant some grass seed.
Easter Sunday - (4/11/04) - We went to the Easter service at the High School and
saw Shawn, Lindsay and Stephanie. It was SO GOOD to see them. It was a
wonderful service. Gary and all of his congregation did a wonderful job. We really
enjoyed it. After it was almost over, Gary told us that we could buy an Easter lily for
$5. Since I didn't have any money with me and Bob just had his BIG BUCKS, I
borrowed money from Shawn and Lindsay. So, we got a nice Easter lily and they
went with Bob and me to the cemetery. I also had gotten two little balloons to bring
to Andrew and Jarrett. I didn't have my camera then, so after we went to Uncle Ron
and Aunt Liz's house, we stopped by the cemetery and I took this picture:
saw Shawn, Lindsay and Stephanie. It was SO GOOD to see them. It was a
wonderful service. Gary and all of his congregation did a wonderful job. We really
enjoyed it. After it was almost over, Gary told us that we could buy an Easter lily for
$5. Since I didn't have any money with me and Bob just had his BIG BUCKS, I
borrowed money from Shawn and Lindsay. So, we got a nice Easter lily and they
went with Bob and me to the cemetery. I also had gotten two little balloons to bring
to Andrew and Jarrett. I didn't have my camera then, so after we went to Uncle Ron
and Aunt Liz's house, we stopped by the cemetery and I took this picture:
Andrew & Jarrett's stone on
Easter. Notice the pinwheels
are moving - I'm glad I caught
that action. You can see the
Easter lily in front of the
purple irises and the balloons
are stuck inside the flower pot.
Easter. Notice the pinwheels
are moving - I'm glad I caught
that action. You can see the
Easter lily in front of the
purple irises and the balloons
are stuck inside the flower pot.
It's the Wednesday before Easter, so I got some decorations to put out around Andrew and
Jarrett's stone. I put back some of the things that we had removed when they were cleaning
up the cemetery. I can see that I have some re-seeding of the grass to do right in front. Either
that or I'll plant some flowers! Good idea. Here's what I did:
Jarrett's stone. I put back some of the things that we had removed when they were cleaning
up the cemetery. I can see that I have some re-seeding of the grass to do right in front. Either
that or I'll plant some flowers! Good idea. Here's what I did:
Andrew and Jarrett's stone
decorated for Easter on April
7, 2004.
decorated for Easter on April
7, 2004.
Hobbes and I went into the crawl space and got out the boys' Easter baskets. I hung
them up on either side and put their beanie babies in them. Every year of their lives,
I always gave them Easter baskets....even when they were older. They always
looked forward to them. And I looked forward to doing it for them. Miss you guys
always! Love you forever, Mom
them up on either side and put their beanie babies in them. Every year of their lives,
I always gave them Easter baskets....even when they were older. They always
looked forward to them. And I looked forward to doing it for them. Miss you guys
always! Love you forever, Mom
Today is St. Patrick's Day, so I had to go put a balloon and some stuff out on the
stone for the boys. After all, they are 25% Irish (that's a 1/4 doncha know). In the
morning, Bergy and I went to visit Aunt Anna (100% Irish) and Mary Margaret
(50% Irish), so by the time I got home and got my act together, it was later than I
thought, so the light wasn't perfect for taking pictures. In fact, the sun was shining
in my eyes. But I think I got a good shot. I put a green mug on Andrew's side that
says, "Happy St. Patrick's Day." On Jarrett's side, I put a green frog that has a pin
on it that says, "Kiss me, I'm Irish." Then I draped some green garland along the
top and anchored the balloon and here it is:
stone for the boys. After all, they are 25% Irish (that's a 1/4 doncha know). In the
morning, Bergy and I went to visit Aunt Anna (100% Irish) and Mary Margaret
(50% Irish), so by the time I got home and got my act together, it was later than I
thought, so the light wasn't perfect for taking pictures. In fact, the sun was shining
in my eyes. But I think I got a good shot. I put a green mug on Andrew's side that
says, "Happy St. Patrick's Day." On Jarrett's side, I put a green frog that has a pin
on it that says, "Kiss me, I'm Irish." Then I draped some green garland along the
top and anchored the balloon and here it is:
Andrew and Jarrett's
stone decorated for
St. Patrick's day -
March 17, 2004
stone decorated for
St. Patrick's day -
March 17, 2004
While Bob and I were in Kauai, everyone gravitated toward the cemetery on March 3, 2004.
It had been 366 days since our boys' accident. We didn't particularly want to celebrate that
day, but we wanted to honor Andrew and Jarrett which was why we had our own
remembrance on the beach of the Pacific Ocean far, far away. But here in Elburn, so many
wonderful people came to pay respects to our dear sweet boys at their stone. And I've been
wanting to put the pictures in here of how beautiful everything looked but I couldn't get the
pictures out of the e-mail. Krissy and Karen came over and took pictures on the 3rd. Well,
actually Krissy took the pictures and Karen came with her! FINALLY, this morning, I
figured it out. And here are some of them:
It had been 366 days since our boys' accident. We didn't particularly want to celebrate that
day, but we wanted to honor Andrew and Jarrett which was why we had our own
remembrance on the beach of the Pacific Ocean far, far away. But here in Elburn, so many
wonderful people came to pay respects to our dear sweet boys at their stone. And I've been
wanting to put the pictures in here of how beautiful everything looked but I couldn't get the
pictures out of the e-mail. Krissy and Karen came over and took pictures on the 3rd. Well,
actually Krissy took the pictures and Karen came with her! FINALLY, this morning, I
figured it out. And here are some of them:
Big pot of blue irises has 25 bulbs to
plant in my garden!! :) The kids
paying their respects to Andrew &
Jarrett on 3/3
plant in my garden!! :) The kids
paying their respects to Andrew &
Jarrett on 3/3
Krissy took this picture with all the
GREAT balloons! Here's some beautiful
yellow roses & forsythia.
GREAT balloons! Here's some beautiful
yellow roses & forsythia.
Another beautiful arrangement of
flowers. This picture captures
everything. It takes my breath away!!!
flowers. This picture captures
everything. It takes my breath away!!!
I have some other pictures to put on here but I wanted to get these up because they're
just so sweet and wonderful. It makes me feel like I was here. Maybe in a way, I'll
always be here no matter where I am. Thank you to everyone for remembering
Andrew & Jarrett. Love ya all, djb, aka mother of the saintly boys!
just so sweet and wonderful. It makes me feel like I was here. Maybe in a way, I'll
always be here no matter where I am. Thank you to everyone for remembering
Andrew & Jarrett. Love ya all, djb, aka mother of the saintly boys!
Many of the people who knew Andrew and Jarrett have been by to see their stone in
Blackberry Cemetery. They've left flowers, treasures, angels, notes and wonderful
things that always warm our hearts. Maybe you know the story of how it all evolved.
While I was in Florida over Mother's Day last year, Bob went into St. Charles Memorial
Works to find out about stones. At first, I said that I wanted a pink stone (duh!). Then,
when I thought about it, I realized that the boys would want something BLACK and
SHINY. When we finally went in together to talk about what we wanted on the stone,
we had decided on a generic golfer for Andrew. I said that I remembered a picture I had
taken of Jarrett gliding down a rail at the middle school in Florida. So, to make a long
story short (leaving out the part where I searched for the picture of Jarrett for THREE
HOURS), we decided to use pictures of the boys that I had taken but instead of putting
the pictures on the stone, we just wanted to have a line drawing of them. When we saw
the final drawings, we were absolutely astonished because they were so cool! I know
that the boys would love them. Of course, we wish we never had to do these things,
and that our kids were still here driving us crazy, but they're not. So, we have to carry
on as best we can! That's why I decorate.
Blackberry Cemetery. They've left flowers, treasures, angels, notes and wonderful
things that always warm our hearts. Maybe you know the story of how it all evolved.
While I was in Florida over Mother's Day last year, Bob went into St. Charles Memorial
Works to find out about stones. At first, I said that I wanted a pink stone (duh!). Then,
when I thought about it, I realized that the boys would want something BLACK and
SHINY. When we finally went in together to talk about what we wanted on the stone,
we had decided on a generic golfer for Andrew. I said that I remembered a picture I had
taken of Jarrett gliding down a rail at the middle school in Florida. So, to make a long
story short (leaving out the part where I searched for the picture of Jarrett for THREE
HOURS), we decided to use pictures of the boys that I had taken but instead of putting
the pictures on the stone, we just wanted to have a line drawing of them. When we saw
the final drawings, we were absolutely astonished because they were so cool! I know
that the boys would love them. Of course, we wish we never had to do these things,
and that our kids were still here driving us crazy, but they're not. So, we have to carry
on as best we can! That's why I decorate.
The boys' stone was put in on August 1, 2003. Two weeks later,
Bob had quadruple bypass surgery!
Bob had quadruple bypass surgery!
Picture of the boys' stone taken
in October 2003. We
decorated for Halloween!
in October 2003. We
decorated for Halloween!
This is the turkey balloon I put out
for Thanksgiving! I'm surprised the
wind didn't blow it away!
for Thanksgiving! I'm surprised the
wind didn't blow it away!
Here's the Christmas decorations. We went a little nutty putting out everything
we could find! The tree was lit by batteries.
we could find! The tree was lit by batteries.
I know a lot of people think it's a bit much to go out to the cemetery all the time.
But, it's really not a mournful thing. It's more of a celebration - a meeting place.
You can see the spirit orbs in the picture above. The boys are there when we are
there because they are always with us and always around us. Love never dies. God
bless my sweet boys.
But, it's really not a mournful thing. It's more of a celebration - a meeting place.
You can see the spirit orbs in the picture above. The boys are there when we are
there because they are always with us and always around us. Love never dies. God
bless my sweet boys.
Saturday (2/7/04) - Bob and I just got back from our travels. Here's how the stone looks
today. Brrr I had to scrape the snow off the front of the stone. It's very deep and very cold
out there, but Jarrett's evergreen seems to be doing well - the little tree on the right side. I
planted a blue spruce for Andrew at the same time but it was too little to be transplanted, and
it didn't make it through the fall. This spring, I'll be looking for a new tree for Andrew's
side. Driving in the cemetery was quite treacherous. Bob kept asking me if I had my cell
phone with me in case we got stuck! But we didn't. At least, I was able to get in there and
get a picture. It always makes me feel better to go by and see their stone. God bless my
sweet, precious boys.
today. Brrr I had to scrape the snow off the front of the stone. It's very deep and very cold
out there, but Jarrett's evergreen seems to be doing well - the little tree on the right side. I
planted a blue spruce for Andrew at the same time but it was too little to be transplanted, and
it didn't make it through the fall. This spring, I'll be looking for a new tree for Andrew's
side. Driving in the cemetery was quite treacherous. Bob kept asking me if I had my cell
phone with me in case we got stuck! But we didn't. At least, I was able to get in there and
get a picture. It always makes me feel better to go by and see their stone. God bless my
sweet, precious boys.
We put these balloons on the boys' grave this morning (2/14/04)
2/14/04 - This morning, Bob and I went out to the cemetery to put some balloons on the
boys grave. I think the picture came out fabulous if I do say so myself! Once again, the
driving was QUITE treacherous since it hasn't been plowed lately. It's a good thing Bob
learned to drive in Minnesota (the land of 10,000 ice fishing houses) because it was deep
and not easily maneuverable (is that a word?). Anyway, I'm pleased with the results.
Happy Valentine's day, my sweet boys. Love, Mom
boys grave. I think the picture came out fabulous if I do say so myself! Once again, the
driving was QUITE treacherous since it hasn't been plowed lately. It's a good thing Bob
learned to drive in Minnesota (the land of 10,000 ice fishing houses) because it was deep
and not easily maneuverable (is that a word?). Anyway, I'm pleased with the results.
Happy Valentine's day, my sweet boys. Love, Mom
Sunday - February 15, 2004 - Andrew's 18th birthday. This morning I went out to the
cemetery. This time, I parked my car up on the hill and walked down to their grave.
Someone else had put a balloon with the other ones. How very sweet. I saw a red
carnation on Andrew's side. I wanted to put a Beanie baby out there for Andrew since I
had put one out for Jarrett's birthday. When I went to look for one, the most wonderful
thing happened. I pulled out the gigantic basket of stuffed animals and I found the
flamingo. It had a silver angel on a thin thread around its neck. When Andrew was
born, his Aunt Opal and Uncle Jerry sent him a huge pink flamingo. Coincidentally,
today is also Uncle Jerry's birthday (in Heaven). It gave me some comfort, although I
feel sadder today than I have in a long time. I guess the approaching anniversary of their
deaths is starting to hit me very hard. I miss them so much. I can't even express it.
They were my life. Now, what am I supposed to do, I keep wondering. Well, I hope
you have a happy birthday in Heaven, Andrew. You and Jarrett and all your buddies up
there can party hearty. God bless you, sweetie. Miss you and Jarrett always. Love,
Mom and Dad, too.
cemetery. This time, I parked my car up on the hill and walked down to their grave.
Someone else had put a balloon with the other ones. How very sweet. I saw a red
carnation on Andrew's side. I wanted to put a Beanie baby out there for Andrew since I
had put one out for Jarrett's birthday. When I went to look for one, the most wonderful
thing happened. I pulled out the gigantic basket of stuffed animals and I found the
flamingo. It had a silver angel on a thin thread around its neck. When Andrew was
born, his Aunt Opal and Uncle Jerry sent him a huge pink flamingo. Coincidentally,
today is also Uncle Jerry's birthday (in Heaven). It gave me some comfort, although I
feel sadder today than I have in a long time. I guess the approaching anniversary of their
deaths is starting to hit me very hard. I miss them so much. I can't even express it.
They were my life. Now, what am I supposed to do, I keep wondering. Well, I hope
you have a happy birthday in Heaven, Andrew. You and Jarrett and all your buddies up
there can party hearty. God bless you, sweetie. Miss you and Jarrett always. Love,
Mom and Dad, too.
The boys' stone on January 15, 2004 - Andrew's 18th birthday.
The boys' stone on March 8, 2004.
Earlier this afternoon, I went to town to get our mail and stopped on my way
back to take some pictures of all the flowers and to put the dolphin and the kitty
on the boys' stone. I didn't mean to be there at the time we buried them a year
ago, but it seems that's when I was there. They know I miss them constantly
and love them dearly and I always will. I'm comforted to know that so many of
their friends went out to leave remembrances for them. The most amazing thing
to me was that the fresh cut flowers are not wilted and frozen but look perfect.
Isn't that wonderful? I also enjoyed reading Joe's tribute to the boys. That was
very sweet. I'll be getting pictures from the memorial service at the high school
on Friday night (3/5) so I'll put them in my journal. Thanks to all who said a
prayer, went to the cemetery or just smiled as they recalled the saintly boys.
We appreciate it and are very thankful for everything. Kauai may be warm but
in spite of the cold, I'd rather be here surrounded by such caring and wonderful
people. God bless you all. Luv ya, djb
back to take some pictures of all the flowers and to put the dolphin and the kitty
on the boys' stone. I didn't mean to be there at the time we buried them a year
ago, but it seems that's when I was there. They know I miss them constantly
and love them dearly and I always will. I'm comforted to know that so many of
their friends went out to leave remembrances for them. The most amazing thing
to me was that the fresh cut flowers are not wilted and frozen but look perfect.
Isn't that wonderful? I also enjoyed reading Joe's tribute to the boys. That was
very sweet. I'll be getting pictures from the memorial service at the high school
on Friday night (3/5) so I'll put them in my journal. Thanks to all who said a
prayer, went to the cemetery or just smiled as they recalled the saintly boys.
We appreciate it and are very thankful for everything. Kauai may be warm but
in spite of the cold, I'd rather be here surrounded by such caring and wonderful
people. God bless you all. Luv ya, djb
Two little snowmen - ain't they cute?
