I'm NOT Afraid of a Little Spider!

Oh my! I was in my garage on Thursday night and I moved my trash can to find a black widow spider! Now, I am not really one to get too freaked out by things of this nature and Thursday's encounter was no exception. I found the spider and immediately ran to grab my camera. This was definitely a blog worthy event. So, here's a picture of my friend. Once I snapped a picture, I ran to get the Raid. I didn't know if that would actually work. I have only ever used Raid for ants. Sommer told me that Raid would kill this little visitor. Once I killed the spider, I used a magazine to flip it over and inspect its belly. Sure enough, there was the red spot that characterizes the black widow. I took a picture of that too! However, I thought this picture of the spider still alive was much better. I am really not afraid of spiders. But, if that had been a mouse, snake or frog, I probably would have totally lost it! Snakes, mice and frogs I "loathe completely" (to quote little Deborah-Loo-Who).


Friday morning, Natalie had a seven o'clock appointment to have four teeth pulled. James took the little ones to school while Nat and I went to the oral surgeon. We chose an oral surgeon because Natalie is what we consider to be a "high anxiety" patient. She cried when we took her to see the regular dentist, so you can imagine her reaction to having teeth pulled. Once in the room, they started Natalie on the "happy gas". This didn't really make her happy though. She was crying and I was ever so patient and reassuring (patting myself on the back). They started an I.V. line in her arm. She was pretty hysterical when they did that. They had me leave the room before they administered the anesthesia.

Once in recovery, I was invited to join Natalie again. This was a really funny experience. She was so rum dumb. She was asking what time it was. She kept saying the same thing over and over again. She thought the heart rate monitor was music and she said "that was quick" over and over again. Then she would ask "Is it over?" She is just like her daddy when she comes out of anesthesia. I really should start taking the video camera with me when someone is having general anesthesia. This would give anyone a good laugh. The picture of Natalie was taken while in the recovery room.

School is going well for all of us. Preston is learning to read common words. He has come home with several more gold coins for good behavior. I am learning about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and The Great Depression of the 1930's. Elliot is, well, she is quite a character. According to her teacher, she is doing well and is quite popular. Natalie received a letter of commendation for good behavior from her teacher. She is a model fourth grader according to her teacher. I have a lot to be proud of. James seems to be having a good year as well.

Tomorrow Elliot's school pictures will be taken. Hopefully she will be in a good mood.

Elliot's Quote of the Day

"A little help please."--said as she extended one hand to James for assistance getting out of the bath tub.

Carissa's Random Question of the Day

Would you rather be in a really cold place or a really hot place?

I am a red-head. Hot, to me, means sun and sun to me means burn! I don't do well in heat at all. I wasn't built for heat. I am a sturdy, heavy boned woman that is well suited for cold weather. I would much rather be cold than hot. I hate to swell. I only like to sweat when I am working really hard on something (it is more a measurement of effort for me). Therefore, I would much rather be in a really cold place than a really hot place. I do have a weird thing in the winter. Once my hands get cold for the winter, they stay that way until the weather warms back up again. I always have cold hands in the winter. YOUR TURN! Answer in the comments section!