First Day of School!

We have been very busy with Back to School Rush. Ashlin started her first grade on Thursday, August 19th. She had a fantastic day and was thrilled she was able to have PE on her first day back. She likes her teacher and thinks her room is pretty. She has a few friends from the kindergarten class and has made new friends. She is such a big girl. Ashlin is off to a great start she earned 100% on her spelling test.
Jaxon's first day of preschool was Tuesday, August 24th. We went to Target the night before to pick out a lunch box for him. He chose a Toy Story lunch box and hugged it the entire ride home. Jaxon loves to sleep in and is know for his grumpiness in the morning. We woke him and asked if he was ready to go to school. He jumped right up and said yeah hurried and put his clothes on and carried his lunch box around with him until it was time to leave. He had a great time at school and continues to be excited to go each morning.
Jeron started preschool the following morning (ie. Wednesday). He was equally excited. He looked so grown up with his back pack on. Jaxon walked by when they were lined up on the playground and Jeron looked up and exclaimed, "that's my brother!" The teacher said it was very cute. He loved his day and has been waiting patiently for Monday to roll around where he can go back.
Education is so important. We are very thankful for the experiences and the excitement the trio show with each of their own educational environments. We are so proud of how hard they work! We love you guys!

Just for fun

Nothing better than Legos!

Ashlin loves nurturing Monkey!

Jaxon singing us a song!

Nothing more peaceful than sleeping children!

We have had so many fun times this summer. We have had Amy & her precious baby girl (ie. Monkey) around. We have had great missionaries that have brought the spirit and much laughter into our home.

Entertaining the trio....pretending to be asleep.

Monkey is so patient with the trio!

Look at me!

Cheese!

Somethings are just meant to be!

One Sunday in July one of the missionaries walked up to me and asked if I would great a visitor (Amy). I will be forever grateful for this request. She stumbled across our church in her desire to know what Heavenly Father wanted for her. This was Amy's 3rd trip to the church but for various reasons (nerves mostly) was the first time she came through the doors. I had the opportunity to talk with her during the meetings. She came over for dinner and a lesson with the missionaries a couple of days later.....we became fast friends and felt like we had known each other much longer than only a few weeks. We had the opportunity to listen to all of her lesson's with the missionaries. It was an amazing experience that I will always treasure. Amy is an amazing person that continues to be an example to me daily. Despite challenges and difficulties she never waivers from the faith.
I shared one of my favorite quotes when I spoke at her baptism
"From the moment I joined the church, I began a journey toward eternity. Before I reach my destination. I'll travel through life and have great trials and great sacrifices. But when I arrive home to be with my Heavenly Father, the valued of being there will be 1,000 times greater than the value of all I might ever possibly had to give up."
I am so grateful that we have a loving Father in Heaven that knows us and loves us. I am grateful that he blesses us with friends and family to make our earthly journey easier. Life is just easier with a support system. I am fortunate that my support is grown this summer with my friendship with Amy!

Swim Lessons

Ashlin took swim lessons at Hendrix this summer for 2 weeks. This was a fabulous birthday gift from Nana. She had a great time and started to feel much more comfortable in the water. We can't wait till next year for her to learn even more.

4th of July

Yes, you read that correct. I am exceptionally behind. July 4th weekend Shawn's sister Beckie & her sweet baby Ryker came to visit. We had so much fun having them here. We kept her incredibly busy. The kids loved playing with their cousin. For the most part I think Ryker loved them too. We were so grateful for the visit. Besides Shawn, none of us had met baby Ryker or even seen Beckie in over a year. Thanks Beckie your visit was priceless.

Summer of Stress

Summers are always stressful this one even more so. Shawn is on a 9 month contract. Which sounds great you get summer off right? Oh wait.....but you don't get paid. Summer's have always been difficult but this one has been a little more tighter than normal. It seems no matter how much you plan ahead life happens. This plays a huge roll why I haven't kept up my blog or been nearly as social as well. Sorry if you have been neglected.
With all the complaining done, we have had many amazing experiences this summer and have many things to be thankful for. One most recently, I will now be working full time after 7 months of looking for an open door at UCA I finally got in. It doesn't pay what I hoped to make with having a Master's but any bit helps. I will be working as a Disability Service Coordinator. I will help the university students have the appropriate accommodations need to help facilitate their success in their academic career. Training for staff and faculty on how ways to better serve the students and so forth. I had another job opportunity that paid much better but their were many benefits with taking this position (e.g., 10 month contract which means summers off with the kids, allow me to teach 1 course per semester, I can see the boys preschool once I walk out of the building, flexible with the kids coming to visit, working relationship with the psychology department, first impression really liked the other people I will be working with). I could go on but I will spare you. I would have liked to have spent another year with Jeron but after much prayer felt like this would be best for our family. Monday is the my first day in the new office. I will have 2 weeks to adjust before my new course starts.
Ashlin will start first grade on the 18th. She will be in Ms. Griffith's class. We are very excited because one of her friends was in her class last year and loved it. Ashlin will tell you she is happy because she has a pretty classroom. She will have a few of her classmates from last year in her class including one of her favorites. Jaxon starts 4 year old preschool at UCA Child Study on the 24th. He cried today because he still has 2 weeks. He loves it. He will be attending Monday-Friday. Everyone recommended he go full time for language exposure and help put him at a better place for kindergarten. We were very fortunate we got a scholarship to cover a portion of the expense. Jeron will start the 3 year old UCA Child Study on August 25th. He will attend Monday & Wednesday's from 8-12. There rest of the day he will hang out in Shawn's office. Tuesdays & Thursdays he will spend with a friend. Friday is the tricky part. Shawn planned on having him. Shawn has to cover my 8-8:50 General Psy course since I could only keep 1 course. So, we will have to find a spot for him for the 1 hour. I am sure one of the students would not mind watching him in exchange for an A. I think it would be frowned upon. Let the juggling begin.
In addition, we have had many fun opportunities this summer that I will have to play catch up to. One post is better than none right.
As always, no matter how difficult life may seem to be we are always blessed with family and friends. We appreciate the role that you play in our life. Sometimes we are lucky and get to see you often sometimes only every once in while but it is still a strength in our life. Thanks.