Elijahisms

As we are driving down the road the other day, out of the blue Elijah says, "Mom, you’re pretty! You are as pretty as a cow!"
Gee, thanks.


Car turn signal is known as a "click clocker" which he is constantly reminding me to use when I fail to use it properly.


Playing pretend power rangers the other night, I had to take a break. I sat down on the couch and he didn't like that too well. Exasperated, he threw his hands in the air and said, "Come on old woman! Get up and fight!"

Feels like chaos

I have sorta been MIA in the blogosphere for awhile now.  Much has been going on in my life, but the time wasn't right to lay it out there.  I sit here this morning with so many thoughts going through my mind.  I will apologize in advance, to the few readers I do have, for this will probably be all over the place.   With that in mind, here it goes...

I am no longer SINGLE!  Can you believe it?!  Yea, I can hardly believe it myself.  It still seems surreal at times.   What an amazing man God has put in our life.  Through him, God has revealed to me areas of my life that need attention. 


I have come to the realization that I am a greedy person.  I have known I had a problem for quite some time.  However, it wasn't until sitting in church yesterday that I finally put two and two together.  Ask anyone that has ever been in my home, and more than likely they will tell you I have too much stuff.  My house is in a state of constant clutter, because I do not have room for everything I have.  As a matter of fact, yesterday morning as I was trying to get ready for church, I had a mini-melt down.  Why?  Because there were so many clothes piled that I could not find the one particular shirt I wanted to wear.  But the over abundance of stuff doesn't end with clothes.  It's dishes, it's blankets, it's hair products, it's cleaning supplies.  You name it.  I probably have way more than plenty.  Why???  I really wish I knew.  So, this week I am going to begin the process, and it will be a loooong process, of purging.

For the past couple of months I have been torn up over a relationship that seriously needs attention.  I have hurt people and have been too prideful to admit I was in the wrong.  I took a step this morning, in hopes of rectifying the situation. 

I talk a lot of talk, but rarely walk the walk.  I am a smoker-cigarettes that is.  A disgusting habit that I have dealt with for the past 18 years of my life.  Wow!  18 years.   Several months ago I really started struggling with this issue.  I felt conviction about smoking.  I did nothing about it.  I told several people, hoping that if I "outed" myself, they would guilt me into quitting and hold me accountable for my actions.  The majority did not-those who did, well I got mad at.  Now that I am dating this wonderful man God has sent me :)...the issue has came up again.  He cannot stand smoking.  He wants me to quit-not for him, but for myself.  I have told him I will.  This has been going on for almost two months now.  Currently, he is at the point of "put up or shut up".  I don't blame him.   I would be too.  I am constantly making excuses of why it isn't the right time to quit. 

All these things require sacrifice...

Sacrifice of my time
Sacrificing my comfort
Sacrifice of my pride
Sacrificing my possessions
Sacrificing my way

These are sacrifices I must make for the greater good.  These are sacrificing I am willing to make.  I want to live a life that is pleasing to God.  It is time for me to start anew. 


When the world has broken me down, your love sets me free. 

Days of December

Elijah singing Jingle Bells

Me, Casey and Elijah at the parade

Elijah tormenting Eko

At the Paragould Parade last night

Forgiveness

Something I have never been good at. I have always been one of those people who hold grudges and will trudge up old conflict at a moment's notice. Lovely quality to have, I know.

My outlook on forgiveness changed when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior in 2003. At the time, I didn't believe it possible for change. I knew in order to be forgiven, I must forgive. However, I made excuses to myself and God. Saying this such as, "but you don't understand how bad this person hurt me" and "he is evil and doesn't deserve forgiveness". Though I never consciously said it, I pretty much thought "forgiveness is NOT possible for me". Even as recently as a year ago, I was struggling with some major issues in this area. Of course, I didn't realize it at the time. I thought I had let go of a lot of hurt and anger towards my biological father. It wasn't until I was sharing in cell group one night about how I searched the obits daily hoping to find my father's name. It was really at that moment, when I spoke those words, that I knew I had not forgiven him.

A few months later, I went through a 12-week bible study with Rachel from church. The night I got my book, I flipped through to see what all we would be covering. When I got to the forgiveness chapter, I slammed the book shut. I remember thinking, "well, I will surely find a reason to be too busy to do my study that week." And as you can imagine, something did come up. I do not think we met for bible study that week. Or we may have and I just pushed it out of my mind. Whatever the case, I know I only half-heartedly worked on that week's lesson.

Several weeks later, I felt so convicted about it. I got out of bed about midnight one night and set down and started the study. I worked on it for about two hours that night. After I put my books away and was crawling in bed, I burst into tears. I dropped to my knees and asked God for forgiveness. I knew what I had to do. It took me many years to wrap my mind around the fact that forgiveness is an act and not a feeling. That night I let go of all the resentment and bitterness I had carried with me my whole life. I forgave my father.

Last week, I was notified by a couple of people that they believed my father had died. Details were non-existent, so the search began. I had not spoken to him since 2003. I contacted many agencies that day and got no where. I was amazed just how hard it is to get information these days. The only concrete information I had was his last known place of employment. I contacted them and let them know the situation. They would not give me any information but offered to take a message, which I left.

I spent last weekend thinking about the sort of things many of us do when someone passes. Regrets. Things we wished we would have said or things we could have done differently. The only regret I had was not letting my father know I had forgiven him.

Five days went by and nothing.

Monday afternoon, as I walked in the door after a long day at work, my phone rang. When I answered, the voice on the other end was my father. I wish I could tell you that we had a conversation full of I love you's and I'm sorries, but we did not. He is still the same man I have known my whole life. Disconnected. A loner. But, I can tell you that I got the opportunity to tell him what God has done in my life. And that because of Him, I was able to forgive him. I don't know what, if any, impact that had on my father. I will probably never know. However, I am blessed beyond measure for that short 8 minute phone call.

Elijahism and Politics

Last night when I picked Elijah up he handed me his paper's from school.  He said, "Mom, I voted today!"  I asked him where he voted and he said at school.  I wasn't really sure what he was voting on, so I asked who he voted for.  He said, "John McCain!"  I shreeked!

This morning when we woke up, Obama was on tv giving his victory speech.  Elijah asked if that was Obama.  I told him that is was and that he had won the presidential election.  Elijah began to cry his little eyes out.  Stating he was so mad because he wanted John McCain to win.  Then he pointed his finger at me and told me it was all my fault and that I should have voted for McCain.  This went on for about 5 minutes.  I finally made him get up to go eat some breakfast.  He said he couldn't eat right now because he was so mad!

Funny stuff. 

Halloween

Last weekend, we attended a Halloween party at Chris and Karman's.  First off let me say, Karman is much more of a woman than I.  I think there were upwards of at least 50 kids in attendance.  I would be pulling hairs out of my head, one by one.  They had tons of activities for the kiddos to do and Elijah had a blast.  Karman's twins, Chase and Chance, had a costume contest and Elijah won 1st place with his green power ranger costume!

Halloween night we went to the Hewitt's.  They have a great neighborhood for trick or treating and I think the kids enjoy having friends along to join in the fun.  About 10 minutes before walking out the door, Elijah decided he wanted to be Tony Stewart again this year. 

Ewww...gross!

Saturday we attended the Grossology Exhibit at ASU. We met up with the Allens, Hewitts and Quintanas. It was rather interesting. We got to learn all about toots, poots, burps and all kinds of smellies. The kids love it!

Carrie Underwood & LBT Concert

Monday night I attended the Carrie Underwood/ Little Big Town Concert at the ASU Convo with two very dear friends, Kara and Dana. We had a blast!

And no, we did not attend in the year 2036.  Kara is just a tad technologically challenged.  We still love her though!

Things that make you go...

hmmm!

Fall Festivities

Last weekend, E and I spent the evening at the Hewitt's eating fondue and carving pumpkins. The cheese fondue was a new recipe for Dana and I have to say, it was looking pretty scary! Much to our surprise, it tasted great, albeit a tad lumpy :)

Wednesday at cell, all the women worked on our bowling game for the upcoming fall festival. It was good times, as usual. Lots of laughs with some great women.

Yesterday we attended the Crossroads Fall Festival at the Hillis'. My sister-in-law (no, they are not married but I consider her as such) and my niece came with us. It was a great day to spend with some awesome friends. I was a last minute judge for the chili cook-off! Elijah and Kiley really enjoyed themselves. Big hits of the day were the apple bobbing (I think he got five), paintball target shooting, and the train rides. Elijah decided he wanted to get his hair colored...green. It was pretty cute!

After church today, we headed out to mom's to do a little four-wheeler riding. Elijah's Papa just purchased him, yet another, four-wheeler. They are spoiling the child rotten!

Elijahism

Last night we kept Grady for a few hours.  As Grady was getting ready to leave, he bent down and gave Elijah a hug and a kiss on the cheek.  Elijah sprang up, with his stubby finger pointed in the air, and said, "Thank you, Grady, but I really like kisses from girls better!" 

Thank you, son.  You just made your mama real proud :)

Tagged by H.T.

Here are seven random facts about me...

1. I have a knack for remembering phone numbers, birthdays and anniversaries.
2. I have no idea how much I currently weigh and I'm not so sure I even care!
3. I collect shoes, purses and sunglasses.
4. I make lots of lists.
5. Nicknames from my bosses: Gold Dust Woman, Bubbles, Foxy.
6. I have had 13 employers in my life.
7. I am addicted to Ebay!

Okay, I now tag Laura, Annie, Kara, Purple Teacup, Ashley, and Lora.

Elijahism

Elijah just has a way of making me laugh, even at the most inappropriate times. Like when he is in trouble, or when he gets hurt, or when we are talking about something as serious as say, good touch/bad touch. Part of it is due to an uncontrollable reaction to laugh during serious or stressful situations. The other is due to how amusing Elijah can be.

Yesterday we were having a good touch/bad touch kind of talk. One that we have had many times before, but I like to put in a little reenforcement on occassion. I made mention of his "private parts" and he quickly replied "what is that?" I am thinking, WHAT?! How many times have we discussed this?! Then I realize I have never referred to his genitalia as such. I have always just called them by there technical name. And I bust out laughing. It really wasn't that funny. However, the laughter was uncontrollable. This makes Elijah very angry. To which he says in a very angry tone while cupping one hand over my mouth, "MOM, put your teeth back in your mouth!!!!" I completely lost it at this point. I think that is, by far, the funniest thing I have heard him say.

Happy 60th Birthday!

Sunday was spent throwing a birthday bash for our Grandma Willene.  After church, we headed to Imboden.  It was just the perfect weather for an outside get together. 

(Kiley, Grandma and Elijah)

Fall is near

Elijah attended a hayride and weenie roast with some great neighbor friends last night. Unfortunately, I couldn't go because I have been sick (coughing, sore throat, nausea and dizziness). Mom and Ronnie took him and reported that he had a blast! Fall is my favorite season and I love of the fall time activities. I was bummed because I had to miss out on all the fun.

In other news, Elijah woke up at midnight crying with an earache. We were up for three and a half hours before we finally got the pain under control. Oddly, he doesn't even remember any of it. That is a blessing. And I am feeling better today, though I am now on antibiotics and steroids for my spider bite.

Much needed vacation

Well, I'm officially on vacation and lovin' it.  I haven't technically went on a vacation since 2000 or 2001.  So, I am enjoying every minute of it.  Elijah, Mom, Ronnie and myself are spending six days at a cabin at Lake Norfork.  It has been quite relaxing--lots of fishing and lots of lounging on the pontoon.  Elijah convinced me to get in the pool yesterday and it was frigid!  Of course, it didn't phase him. 

Earlier this afternoon we were fishing at the boat dock when I suddenly felt a horrible burning on my upper right arm.  I looked and had what appeared to be two punture marks.  Within ten seconds my arm started to swell and turn red.  It was like I had been set on fire.  Not long after that I felt something crawling up my back.  I shook my shirt out and found the source.  A BIG black fuzzy scary spider.  It's now about two and half hours later and my arm is still red and still throbbing.  I took a Benedral and am hoping it will get better soon. 

While I am thoroughly enjoying the break and spending time with the family, I definitely am NOT a country girl!

Sad Goodbyes

Just got home from a night out with the girls. My dear friend, Rebecca, will be moving at the end of the week to Georgia.

Rebecca and I met four years ago when I began working at the Women's Crisis Center. She works for a counseling agency in town and she has been the sole provider of therapeutic needs for our clients for six years.
I was drawn to Rebecca from the moment I met her. She exudes kindness. The kind of person that intrigues you and makes you want to know more. We became fast friends and over the years our friendship has flourished.

The impact she has made on me will never be forgotten.

Elijahisms

• The other day driving home from school Elijah said, "when I grow up I want to work with big trucks like Papa." To which I replied, "that is great honey. You can do or be anything you want to be." After several minutes of silence he said, "and mom, will you color my hair gray like Papa?"

• Driving to Nawna and Papa's last weekend we past the cemetary on Airport Road. Elijah asked if that was where his Grandma Frieda was buried. I told him it was not. He then stated that even though Grandma had died, she was now in heaven with God. He talked about how she was no longer in pain and could get out of bed. Then he asked if God had beds for those who went to heaven. I told him I am sure He did. Then he wanted to know what kind of beds. I told him that everyone's was probably different but I imagine they are the most magnificent beds ever. Then he said "mom, do you think when I get to heaven my bed will hold 21 people?" I laughed. Obviously peeved by my laugh he said, "WHAT? I know 21 people!"

Afternoon at the park

After church yesterday, we ate lunch at Fugi's with some great friends. Then Lacy and I took the kids to Craighead Forest Park to let them burn some energy. Grady and Elijah had a blast! Lacy, Lucas and I tried to stay in the shade and catch up.

Elijahism

Eljiah came home from his Nawna's and stated, "Mom, sharky died.  Sharky died and he was my bestest friend.  We buried him in the toilet.  We bought four more fish and an algae eater.  When the next fish dies, I am gonna tell Nawna instead of flushing it down the toilet to throw it out in the yard.  That way me and Papa can mow them."

Um, okay.

Eight is enough!

I am the first to admit that I do not engage in political discussions outside my party. I cannot because my mind cannot wrap its self around Republican thinking. I end up loosing my cool and it can have negative consequences on my relationships. It's funny, because this is the only topic of conversation I can think of that I will not debate.



That said, I have been watching the Democratic Convention this week, and I am pumped about this year's election. I truly believe if our country is going to see a turn around, Obama is the only one on the ticket that is going to bring that change.


Regardless of who you are in favor of, please exercise your freedom to vote come November 4th, 2008.

The competition

Some friends from church got together tonight for dinner and a little laser tag. We ate at McAllister's and then headed over to Gallactic Hurricane. We had an odd number of people, so one team was clearly going to have a disadvantage. That would be my team. However, we won the first game 295-260. It was quickly decided that we should play again, this time switching sides while keeping the same teammates. Game on. Each team got an addition to our group by way of two 12 year olds. This time around everyone seemed to find their groove (well most everyone) and the numbers were alittle better, though we did lose...400-440.

While I'll not name names, someone has already challenged to a rematch. This certain someone was none too happy with her performance and her standing in the laser tag community is seriously jeapordized. I say...bring it!

Elmo Makes Music

We went to see Elmo Makes Music at the Convo last night. Neither of us were as impressed with it as we were a couple years ago when Elmo came to town. Up until intermission Elijah kept asking "when is it going to start?" Not a good sign. Elijah seemed to enjoy the second half a little better after I encouraged him to get up and dance.

Elijahism

A couple nights ago I was trying on some clothes to take with me on vacation.  I had wrapped one of those black flowy sarongs around my waist and walked out into the living room.  Elijah looked up and gasped.  He said, "ahhhhhh....mom you look so fancy!  I love your fancy pants.  Let's dance!!!!"  He immediately ran over and turned the Doodlebops on and we had to boogie.

Elijahism

One night last week at VBS, Elijah wanted me to take him to the bathroom. That usually means one thing...gotta do #2 :)

We went into the men's room and shut the door. Elijah asked that I give him some privacy, so I turned around and stood in the corner facing the wall. Then Elijah says, "Mom, will you sing 'Twinkle, twinkle little star?'" I nearly lost it. It took all I had not to burst out in laughter. I thought to my self, there is NO way I can serenade this child while he is taking a dump. But I did as any good mother would do and sung the lovely little tune.

At the end of service at church today, all the kids took the stage to sing a couple of the songs they learned at VBS. I could tell Elijah was uneasy being on the stage. He was doing pretty good at participating until Steve shoved the microphone in his face. Elijah immediately froze up. Several minutes later, Lewis turned to me laughing his head off because Elijah was standing there like a deer in headlights. He still would not move.

On the way home, I asked Elijah why he was so shy up on stage. He stated, "I don't like to be on stage. Mom, well you know, I'm not a people person. I am Elijah. I am just Elijah and I don't have to be on stage to be me."

What will he think of next?

Elijahism

Driving to school this morning all was calm while sitting at the stoplight. Out of nowhere Elijah bursts out in laughter. I, too, began to laugh and asked him what was soo funny. He said, " Mom, you hair looks crazy!!! Did you forgot to turn your burner (chi flat iron) on and pull (straighten) it?!"

Yup. I hit the motherload!

What would you say if I told you that all this could be yours for $20? You would think I was crazazy!!! But, that is what happened to me :)

Well, my dear friend, Misty, had Elijah and I over Saturday night. We had went out to eat at Lazarri's then headed back to let the kiddos play. Misty has been purging her scrapbook supplies in preparation for the scrapbooking retreat( which sadly I won't be attending). I was giddy at all the goodies she was getting rid of. So much of this stuff was never even opened. You can't tell from the picture, but I would say there is a stack of at least 200 pattern 12x12 paper there. Don't worry ladies, I did not take it all. She still has a bunch of stuff left to bring to the retreat!

Thanks, Misty! Not only for your extreme generousity but for being a wonderful friend.

And these, my friends, are button balls...
Michele got a good laugh at my artistic abilities. None the less, I love 'em and intend to proudly display them in my scrapbook room (that I currently do not have) someday.

Elijahisms

• Elijah: Mom, are you going the speed lemon?

• While pretending to be a Ninja Turtle...
  Elijah: I can beat any adversary that comes my way.
  Mom and myself: Spewing coke out the nose and laughing hysterically.

• Eiijah: Wanna play tip-tap-toe?

These are the days...

I pray has a profound impact on E's life. Elijah's papa is such a wonderful blessing to us. He loves unconditionally and gives so much. Elijah loves his papa like nobodies business. Do not mess with his papa, or even insinuate that you might. Elijah will morph on you in a split second. Chillin' at the creek

Walkin' a trail



Slip-n-Slide fun




Yup, drivin' the truck

Jack and the Bean Stalk

We went to see Jack and the Bean Stalk last night at the Fowler Center. Another great performance put on by the ASU Summer Children's Theatre.

Elijah and Jack

The Giant and E

Someone's trash...

is another's treasure! I can't wait to get all crafty with this great find.

I came across this idea about a month ago while reading through my "crafty blogs." This is what they call a type case. I didn't have much hope of finding one, but I stopped by the Cluttered Nest yesterday and there it sit in all its glory. Can't wait to show you the finished result. Stay tuned...

E's new ride...

One word....nerve-racking.

Fourth of July

Elijah and I spent most of the day around the house being lazy. It rained most of the morning, so it was the perfect day to not do a thing. I had a fleeting thought about going to Corning to partake in the annual fourth of july festivities...that was short lived. I worked on getting some yard sale stuff together and Elijah watched Teen Titans. Mainly, I read my book and tried to enjoy a day without any pressing obligations.


This afternoon we went with Mom to help pick out paint for her living room and kitchen. My step brother and sister recently moved out of mom's house. She decided she wanted to paint before fixing the two spare rooms back up. We began on what will now be Elijah and Kiley's playroom. I really like how it turned out.

We shot off a few fireworks before we headed in town to watch the FreedomFest fireworks at the fairgrounds. When we got back home, we spent another hour outside watching the rest of the fireworks Papa bought. Elijah has been obsessed with smoke bombs this year. I couldn't be happier, since that is one of the more non-threatening fireworks.

(Mom, Elijah, and Ronnie)

Scrapblog

So, while I was checking out another blog I frequent, Nitty.Gritty., I found this awesome website. I designed my blog banner there in about 10 minutes! It is so fun and there is a wide variety of digital scrapbooking stuff to have fun with, best of all...it's free. Check it out!

I'm a winner!

The past few months I have been frequenting various scrapbook blogs. While I have yet to pull all my scrapping stuff out, it has been fun getting ideas and seeing all the new products. One blog I check daily is Altogether Too Happy. Yesterday, Stacy asked for people to tell her one reason why we loved America. In doing so, you entered a chance to win an awesome Liberty kit. She has these giveaways quite often, but I never comment. Yesterday was slow, so I decided what the heck. So I left this comment... I love that I can be who I am and not have to live in fear of expressing myself.

I had forgot all about the drawing until I was checking updated blogs (thanks to Kara for letting me in on that nifty tool) and saw that I had won! This could possibly be the motivation I need to start scrappin'! I can't wait to get my free goodies.

I'm concerned...

When I went to pick Elijah up this afternoon, one of his little friend girls came running up and gave him a hug goodbye. As we were walking down the hall she yelled out "Elijah, I love you!" Elijah twirled around and gave me an evil eye. He said, "Ummm, I'm embarrassed. That kinda makes me nervous. She shouldn't say that while I am trying to talk to you!"

Seriously? At four years old!

I got tanked...

Our church is doing a VBS fundraiser this year which involves this great creation that is currently sitting in my front yard. I knew it would end up at my house at some point. The note accompanying this fine masterpiece stated Tommy and Misty sent it to me. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that this was all on James.

The problem is, no one wants to claim responsibility for removing the unwanted throne. James says call Scott, Scott says call James. All I know is the port-a-potty better be gone sometime in the very near future!