If you ever need someone to cheer along with you....

I am apparently the one to call. Last night, I attended the Utah State vs University of Utah basketball game. I was cheering and clapping along with the other fans and all of the sudden my wedding ring broke completely in half. I bet you are thinking I have never heard of that happening. Apparently it does, but only to me!



Despite the devastation of my ring last night, I was able to enjoy a Utah State victory! USU kept the lead for the entire game. They would get a 10 point lead and then let is slip. The game was tied with 2.4 seconds to the game. USU passed the ball and a player scored. We looked up and they did not start the clock. So, we waited in anticipation to see how the referees would call it. The shot was good and there was .1 seconds left. Another victory for Utah State. They definitely deserved it.....the Utes were bullies throughout the games. They were pushing and being very mouthy.

Yeah, We made it!

We made it safe and sound to Utah on Tuesday, but not without a little frustration. Our original flight was canceled, but we were able to get on an afternoon flight. We went to check in at the airport and the agent told us the afternoon flight was canceled because there was no flight crew for our flight. He was extremely polite and went back to see what he could do for us. He was able to get us an evening flight out with another airline. We were grateful to be able to still fly out on Tuesday. We moved to the new airline's check in line. Our original agent came over to let us know the flight was reinstated and asked if we wanted to change our flight back. We of course did. We finally got checked in and through security. We went to our gate and flight was shown as canceled, but we trusted our agent and waited patiently. It was 30 minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave, there was no one at the gate the flight was still posted as cancelled. Shawn decided that it was time we double checked on the flight. He had to go all the way out to the area where you check in to find someone to help him. Our original agent was there to help him still as nice as ever. He said, the flight would be an hour late and we should make our next flight, but he went and head and reserved us a seat on the next flight in case we missed our layover flight. During this time, Shawn found out the agent did not work at Little Rock but because of the weather was stuck there and since they were short handed stayed to help out. Our plane finally showed up. We were able to board but it turned out the air cart was not working so this prevented the engines from starting. So, they had to find an air cart to use. I just want to mention that our original agent was the one who took our tickets to board our flight. He was outside helping out on the tarmac during these mechanical problems. He was definitely a one man show that deserved a raise.
Finally, an hour later we were in the air and on our way to Denver and doomed to miss our next flight. We got to Denver and ran to our gate. We made it just in time. We were so thankful at this time, we were very tired. We got to Salt Lake Papa and Uncle Cade were there waiting with big hugs for everyone. We waited for our luggage and waited some more. Yeah, our luggage as well as half the plane's did not make it to Salt Lake, just our luck! They brought us our luggage the next day. At this point, we were starving and we had really missed Red Robin. So, we stopped and had a very yummy dinner there! Right before we left an obnoxious intoxicated California guy showed up. He was loud and assisted using the f word in every sentence. Thank goodness the kids were not listening. We got to Logan about 11 and crawled into bed and crashed after I snuck and got a sweet little look of Jeron sleeping peacefully.
I woke up Wednesday morning and ran upstairs to see my Jeron. It was definitely a face I was ready to see. He threw his arms out to me and we snuggled. I sure missed the little guy. After 2 weeks of missing him, all was right with my world.
We have been having fun at least most of us. Nana might be a bit tired of having Ashlin as her shadow. We have been able to get most of the Christmas shopping out of the way (it's a good thing since it's less than a week away!). Nana, Ashlin, and I went and got manicures yesterday. Nana and I went to the temple today. It's amazing how you walk in the doors and immediately peace surrounds you and your burdens are lifted.
We did not escape the bad weather. There is tons of snow here and it continues to fall. It's quite beautiful. I will take snow over ice anyday.
Thank you everyone for all of the well wishes, thoughts, and prayers as we were traveling. We appreciate them all and are eternally grateful we have so many people that care for us!

We are dreaming of a White Christmas, BUT.......

...Only in Utah!!

Our Christmas vacation was supposed to start this morning at 7 AM. So, like good planners, we procrastinated packing and errands until yesterday afternoon and evening. We also tried to celebrate our anniversary (number seven, so are we starting or ending the seven-year-itch?). Normally, I would not wait this long to have things organized. However, an unexpected change in church responsibilities caused a few things (everything!) to be pushed aside. We did make it to Chili's for a yummy lunch and a quiet moment together. Unfortunately, our lunch ws interrupted by the arrival of a severe ice storm. No errands for us! Instead we ran to the Parker's to pick up the kids and rushed home.

Once home, we started debating what to do about our 9 AM flight. Shawn watched the Internet intently. No schedule changes or cancellations. Finally, we sought the sage advice of good friends, the O'hara's, Shipps, and Shawn's mom. All told us the same thing. Get to the airport tonight. As we are always willing to accept the advice of fridns, we immediately started packing (should have done this last week, we know). Two hours later we were on the road, after a quick and very appreciated dinner at the O'hara's (thank you!). We were ready for a five hour drive, but it only took an hour and a half (normally about 30 minutes).

Well, that was last night. Now, we are finishing up this post before heading to the airport. Currently, no delays. We pray this is the end of our adventures for the day (were we really dumb enough to post that last line?)

Logan here we come! Today...we hope.

Ashlin Can Spell

Pretty much the only way Shawn and I can talk between the hours of 5 am and 10 pm is to spell.  At times this has been one of our only escapes from the world of children.  But, as they say, all good things must come to an end...

This evening Lindsee called to tell us some exciting news about our favorite Holiday cul-de-sac, the one where all the houses are not only decorated, but synchronized to the same Christmas songs...and just in case the dancing lights are not enough, the songs are broadcast over a short-range radio station.  By far the coolest house we have seen (though there are rumors of a family that has a giant projector showing Christmas movies on the side of the house).  Anyway, the big news...the cul-de-sac was so impressive, that Santa himself was there visiting.

Well this news was exciting, but there was no way I was taking the Trio out at 9:00.  So, I decided to communicate the information to Shawn  in Parent Code, "Shawn, the cul-de-sac has S - A - N - T - A tonight."  Seconds before Shawn had processed this information, Ashlin had lept out of bed and started the I Love Santa dance and song routine.

Yep, we never would have sent her to pre-school if we had realized they would teach her to spell.  Literacy never seemed such a bad idea.

In case you ever wanted to be a college teacher....

Don't!

Here is a sample of what emails look like at the end of semester.  

Dear Ms Charlstone,

I done saw I have an F.  I missed some exams.  But I did come to class.  I really need a B.  Please correct this.  

A random student.

Here is my reply.

Hello Random Student,

You are correct that your grade is a F.  Yes, you did miss a few exams 5 of the 6 given.  I did appreciate your attendance for the one class period.  However that is not the only time the course met.  It would be inappropriate to raise your grade the 75% necessary to give you a B.  Regarding the conversation in our office I wish you success with your medical school application.  

Best.

V. Charlton

Though names and details have been changed to protect the delusional this is based on actual emails received this week.    

Jeron's First Hair Cut

I finally broke down and got Jeron's first hair cut (i.e, a month ago, once again late posting pictures!) I was hesitant to do so....once your little one's get their first hair cut they no longer look like you're baby. I was a little nervous, but he was a champ. He sat still and was very cooperative.
During:

Before:   

After:

Odds & Ends

I am a little behind on things I would like to post! Big surprise....right! Here are a few of our fun moments from the last month.  

These 2 pictures are from Jaxon's birthday party. We had his party late where his Nana & Papa could make. We celebrated at Larry's Pizza with a few of our friends. Jaxon loves Larry's pizza.....good food, fun games and a little candy what's not to love right? We had a very nice time. Jaxon loved his Indiana Jones cake.  Thanks for those who came and shared in his special day!


They had a family day before one of the UCA football games.  There was all kinds of fun things for the kids to do, that is if you could brave the cold.  Here is a picture of Ashlin riding at the family day.  She was so proud of herself!  

Here is a picture from our week in Branson.  We took advantage of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  The kids love doughnuts, plus they got hats to where.

Here is a picture of our missing Jeron with his Papa.  He sure is a cute little boy with the best smile!
Here is a picture of Nana after Ashlin had given her a makeover.  She absolutely loved making her Nana fancy.  She is looking forward to Logan and the fancy day Nana promised her with her cousin Allison. 

Photo Tag

Jenny tagged me a few weeks ago.....and yes I am just now getting to it. But, this is a fun one. You go to your fourth photo in your fourth folder and post the picture. Let's go see what mine is!

This picture is of me and Ashlin on my birthday right after Jaxon was born. We were in sunny San Diego at the time in our little University apartment. It was one year before Shawn defended his dissertation. This makes me a bit nostalgic....sigh. I would have never guessed then .... that I would miss California. We made many good memories and I am glad we had the opportunity to be there for awhile, but now we are enjoying Conway!



Is anyone else out there stressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed? This semester has beat me down. My finals are tomorrow, I have emails pouring in asking about their grades and what they can do. Isn't it a little late for that! We have a week till we leave for Utah. I can't wait! If only I can get everything done that I need to do.

I can't wait to see Jeron. I miss the little guy!

A little humor for the day....

Yesterday during Jeron's grand adventure on the airplane, they hit a spot with nasty turbulence. Jeron absolutely loved it. Everyone else had worried looks on their faces and Jeron was smiling and laughing saying, "This is fun, again, again."
Today, Jaxon went to work with Shawn. One of his research assistants called in sick so he had to run the participants in his lab. This morning there were quite a few African Americans coming in. One female African American came in and Jaxon looked up at her and said, "Oh good, it's another chocolate person!" Shawn was so embarassed! He apologized profusely but the young woman chuckled and said, "It was alright!"

A Little Lonesome!

Today Shawn's parents kidnapped Jeron and took him to Utah!  Maybe not kidnapped.......We decided for several reasons to let them take him.....since they recently got off their mission he is the grandchild they have got the least time with, he flies for free, it would help lighten our load for a bit (Finals Week), he could use some one on one time, as well as the other kids, and how rare an opportunity that we will be there in 2 weeks.  The distance makes it hard to plan to many solo grandparent trips.  You have to take advantage when you can.  I never imagined how hard it would be to see him go.  I woke up early crawled into his little toddler bed and snuggled him for 10 minutes or so.  It was time to wake him up so I said, Jeron, "do you want to go bye bye?" and he sits up with a big smile and says, "Yeah!".  He climbed out of bed and started walking to the door.  So much for missing mom!  I had to just give him to Nana and turn my back.  He was a champ the only sad moment he had was at the airport when Shawn went to give him a hug (I sobbed all morning).  He was having none of it.  He was definitely ready for his grand adventure.  Hope he has fun.  I miss him so much already!  I don't know if I can make it 2 weeks without his little smile!