Carl Trimmer’s granddaughter

September…

September 8, 2013 by Admin

The start of fall, back to school and routines, which I love after a fun Montana summer and this one has been a good one! The days are starting to get shorter, the mornings are cool, crisp and smell like a little bit of heaven. We are harvesting our garden and enjoying the fruits of our labor. The leaves are starting to change, one of the things that I love the most about living here in God’s country.

We will celebrate birthday’s and wedding anniversaries, play softball, enjoy some day trips to explore in our “backyard” and hopefully get some fishing in. Life is really good…

But, as I reflect and enjoy all the amazing things around me, I still have that stinging sadness, as September marks another year that my sister has been gone… It’s hard to explain, because like I said, life is good. It just seems when the calendar turns and September comes my heart feels different, even after 29 years…

There is a lot happening right now, so I recognize that I am feeling a little more sensitive than most years, so today when I received an email from my cousin, Rebecca, I was really touched. She wants to pay tribute to Vicki this month and ask our family and friends to tie yellow ribbons to their car antennas, mailboxes or even wear them as a symbol that ‘we will not forget Vicki Lynne’. When Vicki disappeared, Tucson turned into a sea of yellow ribbons, yellow bumper stickers reading “Don’t forget Vicki Lynne” were on cars at every intersection and occasionally I have people tell me they still see them on cars driving down the road… 29 years later…

So, I invite you to join us in honoring Vicki this September as we mark the 29th anniversary of her death. Tie a yellow ribbon to your car antenna… your mailbox… or wear one. Share with us, stories, memories and make this a time of positive reflection on the little girl who changed our community. Don’t forget Vicki Lynne.

Tree Planting Broadway & Randolph,
Tucson, AZ December 1984

Vicki Lynne Mile Clean Up

June 5, 2013 by Admin

It is time for the quarterly clean up of the mile in Memory of Vicki Lynne.

Vicki 1984

As you may know, our family has joined with two others to keep three miles of highway clean in north Tucson in memory of our loved ones. We break into groups, if you show up to do Vicki’s mile, you will actually be cleaning up her mile.

The date has been set for 7:00 am on Sunday, June 30th.

My sister, Carie, has taken over the primary responsibility for the mile in honor of Vicki as our parents are now here in Montana. She has the support and help of our brother, Brian as well. We ask that if you can attend that you meet at Anthony & Crystal Cillittos house at 7:00 am. You can shuttle over to the mile sites from there.

Crystal will go over the rules with you before you start. Remember to bring gloves, a garbage picker upper (if you have one), hat, water etc. Safety vests will be provided. No children under 12 allowed. (State rules…sorry) wear good shoes, no sandals or shorts.*NOTE: It is snake season and likely that we may encounter one on the highway. Please be sure to wear long pants and boots/hiking shoes if possible!

Anthony’s address: 15431 N. Coronado Forest Dr. in Catalina.

The clean up normally takes about 1- 1 1/2 hours depending on the number of people who show up to volunteer.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions you may have.

Our family is so incredibly grateful for those who can help us give back to our community.

Thank you for your continued love and support!!!

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, murder in tucson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Racing, A story of how we met & how it’s still a major part of our life…

May 22, 2013 by Admin

People have asked me lately, “What does your husband do?” “How did you meet him?” “He does WHAT for a living?” “You like NASCAR racing?”

Yes, I like racing and here’s a little bit more about how it plays a role…

Stock car racing has always been a part of my life. It started as a family affair with my “Papas”, a.k.a. Carl Trimmer, my dad, uncles, and brother, it continued when I met Scott. (www.trimmermotorsports.com)

We met in the winter of 1996-1997 during the ESPN2 Winter Heat Late Model Racing Series held at Tucson Raceway Park. After the last race, Scott & I were walking across the infield together back to the “pits”. Scott was the Crew Chief for Marc Groskreutz, who had just finished 2nd behind my “Papas” in the Championship. As we chatted walking across the track that day, I never thought I would see him again. Little did I know, Scott was later offered a Super Late Model Stock Car “ride” by Patrick’s Motorsport’s and he moved to Tucson the following spring of 1997.

Mutual friends encouraged me to call him, he only knew a few people in Tucson and they thought we would hit it off. After a bit of coaxing, I called and we met up at Hooters for wings and beers… I add this because truly, I never thought it would go anywhere, and anyone serious wouldn’t really go on their first date to Hooters! Would they???

Scott & I 1997

The rest is history, we married in April of 2001. Scott raced Super Late Models & the NASCAR Southwest Tour Series in those years. When we had Madison in June of 2002, we traveled with a Late Model Stock Car to race in Montana’s biggest race of the year, The Montana 200, held at Montana Raceway Park. It had been our third trip up to race in the big event, and Scott came close to winning that year until an electrical fire took us out in the end. It was a long tough trip and in the end we both knew Montana was calling us home. It was a difficult decision for Scott to leave behind a racing career, and for me to leave my family in Tucson.

Scott Phoenix International Raceway 2001

In the years since, Scott has crawled behind the wheel of a Late Model Race car, a handful of times, leaving the drivers seat with a win under his belt in the Canadian-American Shoot-Out at Montana Raceway Park in 2004.

He spent almost 6 years as the Crew Chief for local race car driver, Mark Owens. In their years together, they had 1 Championship, 2 handfuls of wins and numerous fast times.

Racing continues to play a major role in our life, and how lucky Scott is to be able to make a career doing something he is so passionate about.

Scott is currently working with Giles Thornton, an up and coming NASCAR racer who calls Whitefish, MT his home. When we met Giles a few years ago, Scott saw something in him that not a lot of others did and he built him his first Late Model Stock Car.

In the last year, a team has formed behind Giles that I am proud Scott is part of. The Crew Chief, Travis Sharpe, brought his family from the east coast and has helped Giles grow in amazing ways. Travis is incredibly talented, and a strong team leader. Ted, a long time Tucson friend, moved his family to Kalispell this winter and is the team’s Truck Driver & “Do whatever else needs to be done guy!”. He brings many years of racing experience with him, and we are lucky to have him! Roy, a Yakima native, joined the team a few months ago and has a lot of NASCAR K&N Series experience which brings a lot to the team. Scott is the Car Chief, and his primary responsibilities are the engine & shock program, and assist Travis in the car chief departments. All of these men work well together, and I am constantly impressed with what they are accomplishing

Giles Thornton is racing a full schedule of the NASCAR K & N Series, and selected Late Model Shows in Montana, Idaho & Washington.

I know there will be some good racing in the months ahead, and that Giles will be one to watch! Scott was talking with Madison, our oldest daughter, Saturday night as we were watching the NASCAR All Star Shoot Out on T.V. He told her that one day we will be watching Giles in that race, and there is no doubt in my mind that we will!

And the story continues…

Filed Under: Family Life in Montana, Our Racing World Tagged With: Carl Trimmer, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Giles Thornton, Giles Thornton NASCAR, K&N Series Racers, madison brandt, montana, Montana Raceway Park, NASCAR K&N Series, Racing in Montana, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Super Late Model Racing, Thornton #12, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Honoring Victim’s Rights

April 19, 2013 by Admin

April is National Crime Victim’s Rights Month, it has been honored since 1981.

In September of 1984, when my younger sister, Vicki Lynne, was murdered, Arizona did not have legislation in place to protect us as victim’s of this crime or give us equal rights in the courtroom as we watched the conviction of her murderer take place.

In 1990, after years of hard work by people, including my mom, Debbie Carlson, Arizona voters passed legislation to implement the Victim’s Bill of Rights, it went into affect in 1991. Today, the Pima County Attorney, Barbara Lawall, and her office still work passionately to keep this legislation in tact, and grow the Victim Witness Program to lead our nation in this movement. It has been a tremendous battle in the years since the changes in these laws have taken place, and such a crucial part of helping victim’s when dealing with heinous crimes.

This past Monday, I took part in a radio interview on the John C. Scott Show (Arizona), with Barbara Lawall to help promote Victim’s Right’s Week and talk about some of the things that happened to us as victim’s prior to the legislative changes that were made in 1991.

02 Stephanie (Hoskinson) Brandt Interview

(Audio Clip from John C. Scott Show, Monday April 15,2013)

During the interview we discussed the hours of depositions that my mom and I were subjected to by the defense counsel and the unfair treatment we had in the courtroom during the sentencing hearing. Two instances in which we, as victims, were treated so unfairly. Today, because of the Victim’s Bill of Rights, this would not happen.

There are many stories to share from our 28 1/2 year journey, many of them start out so inconceivable and end incredibly positive like the legislative changes that were made in 1991.

I hope that we all can take a moment to not only honor Victim’s Rights as a whole, but to also give thanks to those who give so unconditionally in the wake of crime and terror to make a positive impact to those, like ourselves, who are directly affected. There will alway be horrible, terrible people in this world, but the good will always prevail.

Yellow Ribbon in Memory
of Vicki Lynne

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, Montana Death Penalty, murder in tucson, Over the Rainbow Memorials, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Reflecting Back on April 12, 1985…

April 12, 2013 by Admin

Re-sharing last years blog about April 12, 1985…

Today marks a significant anniversary in my life. It is a day that is forever etched in my mind, a day to reflect and a day to be thankful for.

On September 17, 1984, my 8 year old sister, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson, disappeared from our neighborhood. She had gone on her bike to mail a birthday card to our Aunt Lori for our mom. When she didn’t come home, I road my bike to find her. At that time, being 11, there was no doubt in my mind that she had stopped off at a neighbors or was playing with kids from the neighborhood and had lost track of time. We lived in a community and time when you left the house, played outside & people watched out for each other. Kids didn’t just disappear, and if they did it happened on T.V. and not on your street, let alone to your sister.

Vicki had been gone 6 months, 26 days…. or 207 days total.

April 12, 1985 was a friday, and I was sitting in Mr. Abrams 6th grade core class. When the door opened and one of the ladies from the office walked in, I knew she was there for me. Mr. Abrams paused, looking down and then up at me. He squeaked out the the words that I needed to gather my things and go to the office.

I sat in the yellow polyester cushioned chair against the windows that looked down the sidewalk and out into the parking lot. I was 11, and trying to understand the world that I had been thrusted into so many months before. There, in the office of the junior high school, everyone was quiet, and working just as hard at keeping it together as they were trying to act like they were working.

I can not tell you how long I sat in that chair in the window, but I knew when I looked over my left shoulder and saw my parents walking down the sidewalk it’s as if the world stopped.

They had found my sister….

Today, 28 years, 6 months and 26 days later, I can close my eyes and remember that day. The warmth of the Arizona sun through the window in the office, the look first on Mr. Abrams face, then on that of my parents, and the feeling of despair by those who surrounded me.

There are no words to express how incredibly grateful I am for the man who went looking for his dog that day and stumbled upon her remains, for at least we could have closure and lay her to rest.

If I had a penny for every time I thanked him, and those who gave so unconditionally those months we searched for her I would have enough money to buy the world.

Today, I miss Vicki just the same as I have in the 28 1/2 years it has been since she was taken from us. And I appreciate how incredibly blessed I have been in my journey between here and there…

Favorite picture of Vicki & I

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, murder in tucson, murder of 8 year old tucson, Over the Rainbow Memorials, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Over The Rainbow Memorials

March 16, 2013 by Admin

Almost five years ago, an amazing and beautiful friend named Krista entered my world. We have shared a lot in our short journey together, and I feel so blessed to have her in my life. Aside from being one of my very best friends, she is an amazing artist. I was immediately drawn to her work, and knew that being brought together was not a conciendence.

Krista, through her company Over The Rainbow Memorials, makes handcrafted glass memorials to help us honor and remember our loved ones.

I went to Krista and asked her to make me a pendant in memory of Vicki. Typically, she takes ash or hair from your loved one and uses it to create a memorial. I had neither to offer… just two trunks of Vicki’s personal things that mom had kept through the years. When we discussed what was in the trunks, I mentioned that I had the outfit that Vicki came home from the hospital in and her “Brownie” uniform.

Krista immediately had the idea to take snippets of her clothing, two things with so much meaning, and use them to create my memorial.

She made me a pendant with seas of blue that can take me right into Vicki’s eyes. Sparkles of pink, her favorite color, as the snippets of fabric run through the glass. Just holding the pendant in my hands fill my heart with an amazing amount of joy and comfort.

We have asked Krista again to make a few more pieces for loved ones, and when she finished this heart pendant for my sister, Carie, I was amazed again. She not only captured the blues of Vicki’s eyes, but colors that fit Carie’s style so well. I am anxious to see the rest of the memorials as she finishes them.

Krista continues to amaze me with the compassion and love she puts into the memorials she makes for us to remember our loved ones by. It is a gift and talent that is treasured.

You can view Krista’s work on her website at www.otrmemorials.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OTRMemorials.

A heart for Carie in Memory of Vicki Lynne

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Atwood death penalty, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, murder of 8 year old tucson, Over the Rainbow Memorials, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Vicki Lynne Mile Clean Up, Court Hearing Update

March 11, 2013 by Admin

Just a reminder SUNDAY, MARCH 17th is the quarterly clean up for the mile in Memory of Vicki Lynne.

I can not say thank you enough to our family and friends in Arizona who help us give back to our community in honor of Vicki.

I originally posted the information on this clean-up on February 28th. If you have any questions regarding this upcoming date, please feel free to contact me.

Last week there was a hearing in U.S. District Court on Atwood’s Motion for Reconsideration based on the Martinez vs. Ryan claim. The Martinez vs. Ryan claim has affected many death penalty cases, including ours. The court took the hearing under advisement and is waiting for a ruling by the United States Supreme Court in another case before it will issue a ruling in this case. It may be mid-summer before we know the outcome.

If the judge rules against Atwood, it will go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and onto the U.S. Supreme Court.

Here is a link to the article from the Arizona Daily Star on the hearing: http://bit.ly/YfW3pB

As we wait for the final months of this story to unfold, all we can do is pray and wait. I look optimistically forward, and feel so incredibly blessed by the amount of support we continue to receive.

I will keep you posted as soon as we have any new information.

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, murder in tucson, murder of 8 year old tucson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Vicki Lynne Mile Clean-Up

February 28, 2013 by Admin

It is time for the quarterly clean up of the mile in Memory of Vicki Lynne.

Vicki, Age 4

The date has been set for Sunday, March 17th at 8:00 am.

My sister, Carie, has taken over the primary responsibility for the mile in honor of Vicki as our parents are now here in Montana. She has the support and help of our brother, Brian as well. We ask that if you can attend that you meet at Anthony & Crystal Cillittos house at 8:00 am. You can shuttle over to the mile sites from there.

Anthony’s address: 15431 N. Coronado Forest Dr. in Catalina.

The clean up normally takes about 1- 1 1/2 hours depending on the number of people who show up to volunteer.

Our family is so incredibly grateful for those who can help us give back to our community. I wish that I could be there to participate in the clean-up but can not make it this time.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions you may have.

Thanks again for your continued love and support!!!

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Atwood death penalty, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, murder in tucson, murder of 8 year old tucson, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Speck of Evidence

February 17, 2013 by Admin

Tonight as I was searching the internet, I came across a show my mom & I did in 1999 for The Medical Detectives, Forensic Files Series. It covers the forensic science that linked Frank Atwood to the murder of Vicki.

It shows the series is currently being aired on TruTV. I am not sure how long it will be available to view on TruTV or via this website.

http://www.forensicfiles.com/speck-of-evidence.html **This link is no longer available, sorry!**

It is another piece of the puzzle that has spanned the last 29 years and very informative from the scientific perspective.

Still difficult to watch when they show Vicki’s remains but then I think of this moment…

Favorite picture of Vicki & I

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, murder of 8 year old tucson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Wondering about Frankie’s Return Policy?

February 16, 2013 by Admin

Many times in the recent weeks I have questioned my sanity, and wondered what we were thinking when we allowed “Frankie” to bring us TWO kittens for Christmas. I have even joked with Madison and Mackenzie about returning Samuel & Snow Socks to the North Pole, don’t Santa’s elves have a return policy?

The christmas tree made it through the holidays without being tipped over, however, I must disclose it would have taken a big force to knock it out of the heavy metal stand it was placed in. Many of the ornaments were knocked off the tree as Samuel found himself climbing to the top on numerous occasions.

Snow Socks & Samuel “chatter”, it’s funny to hear their voices, which is different than their purring. I think they are talking back to me sometimes when I am telling them to get off the table or getting them out of the plants.

I am surprised out how much these two little kittens eat… I think Flomar, our 65 pound Labrador, may actually eat less. We won’t even discuss the litter box. I seriously need to watch Meet the Parents to see how Robert De Niro trained his kitty, Mr. Jinx, to go in the potty and flush the toilet!

Speaking of flushing, Snow Socks is fascinated by the toilet and we are having to enforce a strict lid down policy in the house! Not to mention, we can’t put the toilet paper on the roll in the downstairs bathroom as they unravel it any chance they get.

Wonder where the water goes?

And the chewing! They chew EVERYTHING! We must have been lucky when we got Flomar, he was never destructive when it came to things in the house, nor does he get in the trash. He will destroy a newly purchased dog bed or “undesctructable” dog toy in no time, but he has always left our personal items alone. Samuel and Snow Socks are a completely different story!

They can fling dirt out of a potted plant further than an NFL kicker punting a field goal and there isn’t a safe spot in the house. They climb and jump in places I never imagined they would.

And, they are FAST. They race around the house as if it is the final laps of the Daytona 500… 2 wide, side by side! Just a warning, if you happen to stop by during “race time” you are considered a moving target and may find a cat clinging from your pants or shirt!

Here they sleep so quiet and peaceful, and I can’t help but think that Snow Sock’s black tipped nose is just kissable and how sweet it is that they are so snuggly?

Snuggly sweet

All joking aside, I couldn’t imagine our lives without them. There is not much that happens in the house that Samuel, Snow Socks & Flomar aren’t right at our feet. The girls play with them for hours and it is amusing to listen to the conversations they have with our four legged friends. They are a lot of company, and when they snuggle up to sleep by us it brings us all a lot of joy and comfort. And there is nothing about that that I would ever want to change.

Filed Under: Family Life in Montana Tagged With: Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Larry Hoskinson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson