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.