"Puppy Prozac"

The last time we took Annie to the vet we talked about the fact that she gets upset when there are lots of extra people in the house or the suitcases come out. Dr Hyden gave us "puppy prozac" and told me to try it out on her when we'll be home to see how she reacts...she could be dopey for 20 minutes or up to 7 hours. So today as I packed up Brian & Amy for their trip to San Diego tomorrow we tried it out on her...just 1/2 dose. It kicked in about an hour later, and she's been drugged ever since to the point where she can barely hold her head up! I don't think she even noticed the suitcases. That girl is in la-la land!

Thanks, God!

Mom, Dad and I decided to drive up to Golden today to take Laura & Ian to lunch. Laura reminded me that she has 2 tests and a project due this week, but when I reminded her that she has to eat anyway she laughed and was a good sport about taking a study break. What a beautiful day! It was sunny, blue skies, and 73 degrees. And it's always nice to wrap my arms around my girl and look her in the eyes just to see for myself that she's doing ok. And believe me when I say she's full of smiles these days! I think she's happier at this stage of her life than I've ever seen her, and that's awesome to see. She loves being an RA, loves most of her classes, loves her church, and has absolutely wonderful friends who truly care for her and bless her in so many ways. I wish we could all learn to be so content with what we have instead of always wanting more. Laura is happy on the inside, and that shows on the outside.

therapy

Just the therapy of actually baking for the first time in months was worth it. And I only ate one.

"the freshman 15"

I was really craving oatmeal cookies yesterday while Amy and I were making a Target run. Now, I'm not stupid. I know if I have junk food in the house I'll want to eat it. But once in awhile I just want a little something sweet. Normally I can talk myself out of it, but come on! Would it really be so terrible to have a cookie now and then? I'm not asking for brownies or fudge or really decadent things. Just a simple little cookie. But Amy said one little thing now will lead to one little thing later, and then I'll be irritated with myself. Better to just not have any. I told her if she keeps being the dessert police I'll gain her "freshman 15" for her when she leaves for college since I'll have to make up for lost time. She didn't laugh. She just gave me that "you'll thank me later" look that I love to hate. This afternoon she's candystriping. I'm making cookies, and they smell awesome!!!! How bad can they be, anyway...oatmeal, rice krispies, coconut (ok, so that's not so great), eggs, flour, etc. And did I mention the batter tastes yummy?!!! No regrets. At least not till later anyway.

My apologies...

Brian, Amy and I returned this afternoon from Wildcat Weekend at Johnson & Wales University's Denver campus. When we sent in our registration and deposit, I was a bit annoyed that we had to pay what I thought was a lot of money just for what typically is a boring time on campus. Wow, was I ever wrong! Although we're suffering from "information overload," it was well worth the money we spent and I'm certain there was no profit for the school. Our expenses were covered all weekend from two nights stay in the Doubletree Hilton to fabulous meals in restaurants operated by J & W graduates...Italian (Cinzetti's) the first night and French (Le Central) last night. Talk about fabulous! I was a bit leery about both places and ended up a huge fan. The food was outstanding both nights. It was fun for the potential students to see what they can achieve with a degree from J & W if they work hard. We met current students and administrators and every single one of them clearly love the school. Their enthusiasm was contagious and even Brian remarked that he wishes he could enroll! Amy can hardly wait for fall to arrive so she can move onto the campus. She came away excited and eager about her future at J & W...no hesitation at all, and that's exciting for all of us. Yep, we'll soon be saying "Yes Chef!!" when she comes home and orders us out of her kitchen!

It's an Anderson thing...you might not understand!

Having Laura home this week has been awesome, but the "geekiness" in this house is a bit nuts. At times I'll look around the family room and there will be anywhere from 3-5 of us on the sofa with laptops open and typing furiously. The sad part is that at times we're multitasking while talking to each other online, yet we're sitting a foot or two away from each other. It's silly, I know. But it works for us and has become "normal" for us. This has to come from the Anderson side of the family. I'm not sure any of the Puterbaugh side would even think of it! I blame Brian.

the girly Ninjas

Waiting for Ian to arrive...

can you say Ninja?!!!

I knew this day would finally come, and it's been a blast. All three girls had guys over at the same time today. It began with Ian arriving from Golden. Laura & Amy met him at the car dressed as Ninja's and firing squirt guns at him. Smart guy, that Ian. He suspected they were up to something and he met THEM with a squirt gun of his own! Once things calmed down the three of them began making the "cupcakes that never end." Two hours later they were STILL making, icing, and eating cupcakes! By then the seniors were over, Bethany was home, and Brandon was on his way to work on a project with Bethany for honors biology. After his soccer match Caleb arrived to head to Young Life with Amy. Not for a moment was it quiet in the house, but the laughter was music to my ears. I've always wanted a home where our girls felt welcome to bring their friends, and I guess today was proof that we're doing something right. We all had fun, there were no complaints, and there were only minor injuries!

here we go again...

We got word yesterday that we can call after the 15th to schedule an appointment with Amy's Denver doctor who will soon be practicing here in the Springs. For now we believe we'll stay the course with him. I imagine we'll have to do a consultation once again before he can schedule any procedures. Maybe there are resources he'll have here that he didn't have previously. We'll just wait and see what he has in mind.

With the beautiful weather this week (record temps in the 70's) Amy has been wearing shorts and sitting out in the sun, and it surprises me each time I see the scar on her ankle. Already the wound healing process seems a lifetime ago (though she begs to differ!) I'm so grateful that's all behind us and we can press on. With her graduation just a few short weeks away, there are so many other things for her to think about.

Track season is underway and this year Bethany decided to be a manager instead of running. So far she seems to be having a blast. I think my dad is living vicariously thru her... many years ago he was the track manager at Purdue.

On Friday I head to Golden to pick up Laura for spring break. It'll be awesome to have the girls all home once again. As soon as Laura goes back to school, Brian and I take Amy to "Wildcat Weekend" at Johnson & Wales. It's crazy how much we have on our calendar these days, and there's really no end in sight. I need to remember to slow down and catch my breath whenever I can. My goodness, these days are just flying by!

Oops!

Yes, 1984 was a special year (the year I met Brian.) But I actually accepted Christ in 1975! Sorry about that, but it was important enough to me to get the facts straight!

a new creation!

This morning in church there were about 15 baptisms. Between singing one of my favorite hymns, "How Great Thou Art" and watching the baptisms, my eyes were full of tears. I miss the excitement of being a new believer...that "I can't wait to tell the world!" feeling. It's been a long time since I made a personal decision for Christ...3 August 1984, to be exact. I remember it so well. But lately I've been so focused on the details of my daily life that I've lost a lot of that initial joy and wonder. My prayer today is that I fall in love again with my First Love. Only in Him will I be fulfilled.