Christmas Thought

This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again. Christmas is a celebration, and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of tis true meaning-with the sudden stirring of the heart that has extended itself unselfishly in the things that matter the most.
Presiden Howard W. Hunter's 1994 Christmas Devotional

Happy Thanksgiving & Welcome Christmas Season

This year brought another wonderful Thanksgiving season. We stayed in Conway this year and had dinner with our friends, Lindsee & Kevin. We missed our family dearly....but we are so grateful to have such good friends that it's like being with our own family.
Our hearts are full of gratitude with the many blessings our Father in Heaven has bestowed on us. They are to numerous to count and I could never do justice attempting to put them into words. Know most of all family & friends are at the top of the list. Your support and love makes each day brighter & easier on our life journey!

We followed our day of gratitude with early morning shopping. A few of us met at Lindsee's house at 4:15 and made our way out into the madness. We divided our forces and conquered. We had fun and got some really good deals. It made the lack of sleep worth it. Plus, we bonded with fellow shoppers along the way!

It's official the Christmas season arrived. The Charlton's Christmas season kicked off on the November 20th. I went to watch New Moon with some friends I came home to a beautiful surprise. After I left Shawn & the trio went and bought a tree, decorated it with a personalized picture, & had Christmas playing when I came home from the movie. We had debated whether to get a tree this year due to finances so this completely caught me off guard! This will go down as one of my top favorite Christmas moments. They all were so excited for me to see it the following morning. Jaxon especially could not wait to go and buy ornaments to decorate the tree. It turned out beautiful I could not have asked for anything else. This service that my family provided me has filled our house with the Christmas spirit and I am so grateful for the love and joy they bring to my life daily!

A trip to the Emergency Room & My Birthday

I scheduled a study day on Monday so I had this whole week off. I was very excited to have a nice RELAXING week filled with many hours in my jammies. Leave it to kids to throw off a good plan. Monday afternoon Jaxon walks up to me in the sweetest voice yet a little nervous and says, "Mom, a battery is in my tummy. It was an accident" "WHAT??????" He had been playing with a small Christmas toy and took out the battery (a little thicker than a typical hearing aid battery) and put in his mouth and from there apparently swallowed it. So, we frantically called a friend to watch the other two where we could take him into the emergency room since he swallowed it 10 minutes after his doctor's office closed. Really, you could not have accidentally swallowed it 20 minutes earlier. Well, if we are going that route let's say could you have put the battery in your mouth at all! We went to the emergency room and waited and waited......and waited some more. Let me tell you I have never felt like I live in Arkansas more than I did sitting in the emergency room with the individual's that was keeping us company. The doctor was very nice and informed us that his daughter had swallowed 2 pennies and it required emergency surgery. Then he looked up and said, "Don't worry he won't need surgery. We were sent off to xrays and I didn't even need the training to see it. There it was in the location of his stomach. This meant he was in the safe zone and we just had to wait for it to pass. Believe me he owes me and Shawn big time for this task. We asked why would you put the battery in your mouth he said, "....I don't know....." Kids you got to love them! It was a great opportunity to talk to him about good choices and bad choices. Even though it was an accident it was a bad choice to put the battery in his mouth......
The next day was my birthday. I had a great day with my family. We spent the day together and had a very nice dinner at On the Border. I ended the day going to the movies with a friend I refuse to mention which one in the grounds of incriminating myself. One of the best surprises of the day were beautiful flowers. David & Katie sent them to me. She managed to find Shawn's work number the day before and found out my favorite flower and colors. This thoughtful gesture was the perfect way to start out my birthday!
As mentioned before in a post David was my step dad when I was little. We lost touch and reconnected through facebook. They call me every other week and want to know all about my little family. They even let Ashlin talk their ears off. This is more parental involvement than I have had in quite some time. It is such a nice feeling to have this relationship.
So despite the rocky start it really was a great birthday. A special thank you to my family and friends and all of the birthday wishes sent my way. I truly felt loved. I hope everyone gets that opportunity to feel that way on their birthday!

Team Charlton

Hi!
I'm currently studying for the test tommorrow and I just felt like telling you how much I have really enjoyed this class! Few classes I feel like I can apply to everyday life and I have learned a tremendous amount in evolutionary psych! It really has changed my perspectives on so many aspect of life and helps explain where our behaviors came from and why. This isn't to suck up or anything! Haha promise! But you are an awesome teacher and you made this class so interesting! And for a random fact, I took your wife's general psych class and that's what made me want to change my major to psychology! She was great. Anyways, see you tomorrow!
Thanks again

To Laugh or not to Laugh

Yesterday, we were at Sonshine Academy for our marathon evening of dance and gymnastics. Jax was a bit restless (a nice way of saying he was being a brat but Nana does not allow us to call the children brats regardless of their behavior). I asked him to come sit down beside me. He was running towards me slipped and fell and goosed himself pretty hard on his bottom. He jumped up quickly started holding his bottom and yelling, "Mom, kiss my butt, kiss my butt!" I had to lovingly tell him I was not going to kiss his butt. I didn't dare look up to see any of the parent's faces!

My Smart Boys

Yesterday, I was talking with Jeron and he said, "Mom I really love chocolate!" I repeated back to him, "So, you really love chocolate?" He said, "Mom, I already said that!"

Today Jaxon brought home a game (an apple and a worm) from preschool to work on prepositions. I placed the worm on the apple and asked Jaxon, "Is the worm on the apple or behind the apple?" Jaxon said, "ON". So, I said back to him "The worm is on the apple nice job." He said, "No the worm in On the Front of the Apple." Now we know why he is no longer receiving speech services!

WHY WOMEN SHOULDN'T TAKE MEN SHOPPING

Thought you might enjoy this!

After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Target. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out. Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women - she loves to browse. Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Target.

Dear Mrs. King,

Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. King, are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.

4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time and costing the company money.

5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.

6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.

8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' EMTs were called.

9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.

10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.

11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.

12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.

13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'

14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'


And last, but not least:

15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.' One of the clerks passed out.

Happy 4th Birthday, Jaxon!

Jaxon's birthday celebrations began Friday evening. We invited a few of his friends for a Chick-fil-A. We had a nice time. The kids loved interacting with the cow (which happened to be a friend of ours). One of Shawn's students works there and she worked hard to make it extra special for him.

Sunday, we had his primary teacher and a couple that babysits him over dinner and more cake. He had alot of fun opening his presents. I have to say this year was a success. Everyone chose the right toy for him. He LOVES everything.

Poor guy ended the night sick. I think he just wanted an excuse to snuggle. He is feeling much better today. He had his 4 year check up. He is very healthy but very scrawny! He is only 10% for weight and height! We got to work on putting some meat on his bones. He is just a busy little boy who is always on the go so he burns off all of his calories. Sure wish he could share this with me!

Over the last couple of days, we have spent time reflecting on when he arrived into our lives. We are so grateful that we were entrusted with his care. He is such a very special boy who enriches our lives daily.

Dreams really do come true. One of urs came wrapped in Baby Blue on November 8th, 2005!
-- Author Unknown

Nana sent the kids Christmas outfits. We saved them to wear for the Primary program. They are absolutely adorable (the kids & outfits. Thanks Nana!)

My Primary Kids!

Our Primary program was yesterday on Jaxon's birthday. The kids did a spectacular job. Their was more than one occasion their sweet spirit brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful for their hard work and the love that continually radiates from them.

InBTween

Halloween day Ashlin was invited to a birthday party. It was held at InBTween. This was a little girl's dream come true. You walk in they put a robe on you. The little girls were then given a manicure and got their make up done. They made their own bottle of lotion with many colors and sparkles to choose from. After the pampering they dressed up in formal wear and their choice of a variety of accessories. Their finale was the opportunity to walk down a mini runway. It was so much fun! Ashlin loved it!

Halloween 2009

We had a great but jam packed Halloween. We followed our Conway Halloween tradition. We had pizza at our friend's house and then trick or treated in her neighborhood. Someone brought a 4 wheeler and trailer so the little kids could hop on and off between houses. The kids got a ton of candy. I have made myself sick on more than one occasion eating it. One house had the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz visiting. The witch asked all of the kids if any of them had a little dog. Ashlin replied, "Elphaba they had a little dog next door." Ashlin also saw Santa was very excited walked up to "him" to said hello Santa reciprocated but it was a girl. Ashlin said, "Santa's not a girl! and then walked away. Jeron got cold towards the end. Shawn and I had to a bit of convincing to keep him going. He walked up a door and in the sweetest voice said, "Hello Hello". We told him he had to Knock. So the next door he took charge and gave it a nice loud knock. Jaxon is back to refusing pictures. I unfortunately did not get a good picture of him, but he was the most adorable Wolverine ever!

Food for Thought

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu .. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat..

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina).. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events....... Terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem ( Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit.

If not, then just discard it... No one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.



My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

Fall Festival

On Friday night, our ward had a fall festival. Everyone brought in their favorite homemade soup and fall dessert.....yummy. There were many fun activities. There was a coloring station, face paint, costume, & pumpkin contests. There were tons of people and it was just a great evening for all. We are so thankful for such a wonderful ward that we feel so much a part of!