Ryan Stone, 32, and Kirstin Stone, 29, play gaga ball with the kids from the children’s worship group at Katy Park Baptist Church in Sedalia, Mo., on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Kirstin and Ryan lead a children’s church worship group every Wednesday evening. “They’re basically our kids,” Kirstin said. 

Kirstin shares an intimate moment with her dog, Scarlet, at their home. Ryan gifted Kirstin with Scarlet as a Christmas present in 2016. The Stones include their dogs in their Christmas photos and let them sleep in their bedroom. 

Fifth graders use instruments to imitate a shark attack in Ryan’s music education class at Sedalia Middle School. Ryan knew he wanted to be a music teacher since the fifth grade. “I just want to make an impact on them,” he said. His three rules in the classroom are: he won’t lie, there’s no homework and there’s no yelling.

Kirstin checks Kristen Buller’s blood pressure at Bothwell Regional Health Center. Kirstin has helped deliver hundreds of babies in the five years she has worked as a pre-natal nurse. She says she finds joy in being able to support and celebrate families as they navigate parenthood.

Kirstin displays her ovulation tests on her phone at her home. 

Ryan restocks stuffed animals at his Power Up Arcade. “The kids needed something to do here in Sedalia,” he said. When he was growing up, Ryan said all there was to do for fun was walk around Walmart for hours. The grand opening was September 16. 

Kirstin and Haddie Cornine, 11, share a laugh over a photo at Katy Park Baptist Church. Haddie was Ryan’s student last year in the music class. 

Ryan and Kirstin lay in bed with their dog, Scarlet, at their home. Scarlet is the center of attention. She is the spoiled one.