tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15708291297643008772012-01-09T11:00:19.546-05:00Faith, love, and the pursuit of sanity.Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.comBlogger3411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-41007161659423502732011-12-06T06:59:00.001-05:002011-12-11T07:16:39.653-05:00

Sometimes I just look around me. My house, my environment, my life, the challenges we deal with, the blessings we are showered with, everything - it all makes me who I am every day.  Those who know me closely know exactly how those dots are all connected to make me, well - ME. And ME is one oddly put-together personality. Meet me for the first time and spend 30 minutes with me, and

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-53351947447105346372011-11-02T07:43:00.000-04:002011-11-02T07:43:55.705-04:00

I'm sure some of you have heard the song "I Refuse" by Josh Wilson. I have just loved it since the first time I heard it on KLove here in Indy, but I actually didn't know who it was (cue infomercial on the tragedies of adult ADD). Let's rewind a bit. My sister so amazingly drove over from Cincinnati one day in September and took me to the first night of Steven Curtis Chapman's Songs and Stories

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-5430265580615546912011-10-31T09:16:00.000-04:002011-10-31T09:16:10.645-04:00

I love what God is doing in my son's college-age ministry at White River Christian Church. Engage. Simple but as powerful as one - or a whole group - makes it. I love the leaders. I know most personally and completely adore them. They have loved Alexx since we moved back here from Houston, TX, and joined the church when he was 14. He's grown with them from early teenhood into the man he is

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-65268793867842759092011-10-07T08:50:00.001-04:002011-10-07T08:52:07.374-04:00

Simply put. A graphic, graphic reminder of what we Christians already know, but tend to lose sight of in the rigors of daily life. I watch the movie "Passion of the Christ" about once a year. My stomach is in knots every time I watch it. I don't view it as entertainment. My mind and heart view it a historical account, well captured in film. I want to feel that sickening feeling to bring me back

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-51984543825783786162011-08-01T14:27:00.004-04:002011-10-04T23:42:39.828-04:00

This is bad on several levels. This is Joshua. Joshua is our 10-month-old American Bulldog mix. We adopted Josh at 11 weeks old. More on Josh's story in another post. All you need to know now is that Josh was born deaf and began training at 9 weeks old and we continued until he was around 6 months. We communicate to him using sign language. He's well-trained, but a lot of that is simply due to

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-87135957367203174582011-05-31T11:17:00.000-04:002011-05-31T11:17:48.980-04:00

It has been a long, long time for this writer not to have written. There are so many contributing issues, the least of which is the "m" button that popped off my laptop. I have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to re-secure the &*#$% thing to no avail. The issues surrounding our family are growing up, meaning it is no longer appropriate for me to write about them on a public forum. Just

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-50591384437098200792011-03-21T12:30:00.004-04:002011-03-21T12:35:56.295-04:00

I work at Club Canine, a dog daycare/boarding facility. It is the love of my life. After my husband and kids, of course. Right? I love my job so much because I love the dogs so much. This has been at the foundation of my personality since day one, according to my mom. I have the dog gene, as we say in our family.  Today at work, my boss is out for the day, so I am up front greeting clients

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-65930093613019632482011-02-17T09:26:00.000-05:002011-02-17T09:26:49.615-05:00

So, it's been awhile. Probably due to the contents of the previous post. Not much has changed. I am focusing my emotions on things that are sure bets right now for sheer survival. Sure bet #1: I love my job. No matter how obnoxious and chaotic it is at work, I am happy. Yesterday we had 40 dogs by 9:00 a.m. It seemed that most of them either forgot we have a dog door or were uninterested in

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-42946930503427651942011-01-25T09:49:00.000-05:002011-01-25T09:49:54.802-05:00

 Hello, internet. How are you? I've been seriously bogged down with life lately. I have so much to write about on here, but no time with which to write it. Life with two kids on the autism spectrum alone makes life in this home spin out of bounds. Add to that the normal things of everyday life - seven-year-old's basketball season, the new dog and his training, working part-time, volunteering,

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-70880892023415054412010-12-07T01:53:00.000-05:002010-12-07T01:53:11.684-05:00

God snatched me away from my reality and put me somewhere else while something very bad was happening at home. He knew what he was doing; and because of that, I got to live five days that were all mine. Not mentally or emotionally (with all that was going on in my home without me), but physically. All. Me. I: drank my weight in coffee (and found out where to get the greatest coffee drink I've

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-80326791878520885132010-12-05T02:39:00.004-05:002010-12-05T13:34:18.638-05:00

A little over a month ago, while texting with my brother, whom I’m very close to, about how downhill things have been going recently with middle dude (who has Asperger’s and a mood disorder) and other life issues, he apparently concocts a plan within his cunning mind right then and there. He is determined to shuttle me out of my life for awhile by flying me to Raleigh, NC (near their home),

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-89684774680213136922010-11-30T01:38:00.000-05:002010-11-30T01:38:15.563-05:00

Life is hard. It really is - even for the people with the seemingly easiest of lives. Life on this side of heaven is . . . just . . . hard. Add to this the fact that what is difficult for one person is not what is difficult for the next, which makes it all the more difficult for all of us to be understanding with those we interact with every day. We are dealing with our own circumstances, those

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-28828429906615357492010-11-15T00:15:00.000-05:002010-11-15T00:15:46.409-05:00

Death By Mortal Wound or The Heebie Jeebies? My 7-year-old son is "star of the week" this week in his 2nd grade class, so he had to fill in a poster with photos of things he likes, his family, etc., as well as fill in a few questions. When he showed me what one of the things on his "wish list" was, I told him it was inappropriate and that he needed to change it. Am I wrong? Being a boy and the

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-54289288114540325702010-11-10T19:57:00.000-05:002010-11-10T19:57:20.795-05:00

I am losing faith. Faith in what, you ask? I'm not entirely sure. I'm trying to pinpoint what exactly this feeling is; this something-is-slipping-from-me-and-I-can-feel-it-but-not-stop-it feeling. Faith in people? Faith in the process of life on earth? Faith in fairness? Faith in my continuing belief in doing the right thing when it seems to be an exercise in futility much of the time? Have

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-21814255572944832502010-11-03T10:01:00.000-04:002010-11-03T10:01:22.481-04:00

I have two kids on the autism spectrum. I talk about it a lot. It's never been a secret; I actually don't have many secrets. Everyone has a few; and this girl does - just like everyone else. However, my secret bank has a low balance because, as we all know, I just say what I say and tell what I tell and that is who I am. The secrets I do have are not anything that anyone would find funny,

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-84645052305847767242010-10-27T11:06:00.002-04:002010-11-14T23:23:57.529-05:00

Okay, I'm back. I just needed some time for introspection and self-pity, and decided not to take it out on you all. You're welcome. My Own Brand of Idiocy I do and say some admittedly stupid things. Some out-and-out mind-stoppers. And then I admit them to anyone who will listen because one of my favorite things to do is laugh. Especially at myself. I do not know why I cannot keep these things

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-51226057004451866202010-10-19T07:13:00.001-04:002010-10-19T07:58:32.148-04:00

Taking a break; don't know when I'll be back. See you on the flipside.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-58347240801274823342010-09-26T21:56:00.000-04:002010-09-26T21:56:00.130-04:00

And be amazed: Buddy, Heidi and I start at Arthur Murray on Tuesday. You're welcome.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-22511290952629133612010-09-23T09:49:00.001-04:002010-09-23T09:50:04.169-04:00

This morning, I weighed myself and discovered I am down two pounds from a week ago. So I went downstairs and ate two PopTarts. What? Isn't that so typical? Well, it is of me. My whole existence seems to be an exercise in contradiction, but not on purpose. It's just how it all seems to turn out most of the time. I feel like I live much of my life sideways. I wanted to be a writer from the time

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-3580797344054148512010-09-19T18:45:00.001-04:002010-09-19T18:51:17.105-04:00

Carmel's Annual Dog Day Afternoon was much fun! If you are a dog lover, or as we say in our family, "have the dog gene," you would have been in dog heaven. Lots of activities, fun vendors with cool stuff to say and items for sale and my favorite part - all the different dogs you get to love on! All. The. Dogs. Danes and pits and goldens and aussies and cairns and labs and shepherds and

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-91228318080370271832010-09-13T10:48:00.002-04:002010-11-18T21:21:44.901-05:00

My 7-year-old is playing his first year of flag football this fall and his first game was this weekend. He tried playing soccer a few years ago, which didn't work out so well. But he tried, and that's all that we ask. Most of you know Seth was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.5. He has made amazing strides since then, and for that we are so grateful to God and his hand in this. When he

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-9736609778289120172010-09-08T11:05:00.000-04:002010-09-08T11:05:16.759-04:00

This is how I feel. And I wish someone would pick me up and soothe me and snuggle me close until I drift off into peace. Today I have a bad attitude. And this is my blog. I get to bleed all over it if I want to and no one has to read it. I did not come to your door complaining and boohooing. You have just clicked and come to mine. If you don't want to hear it, go. I am tired of all kinds of

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-55865526447871921472010-08-25T21:20:00.002-04:002010-08-25T21:35:48.476-04:00

We have a Gala Semi-Dwarf apple tree that we bought in a 5-gallon container for about $10 on clearance a few years ago. This little powerhouse (we'll call her Gale) is capable of producing oodles of apples on a weekly basis. This evening I took a small basket out to pick the ones that were ready and quickly realized how much I had once again underestimated Gale and her ability to be fruitful

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-62144366118282128112010-08-24T09:21:00.000-04:002010-08-24T09:21:44.698-04:00

So one of my favorite authors, whom I've mentioned before here, and you can get to know better here, also speaks at conferences and does seminars. If you have read anything by Mr. Miller, and you know me, then you know why I connect with his writing so well. He writes true life in story format. Which is how I like to write. I do not write fiction. I write life. But not as advice, how-to, or

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-13421554726631469432010-08-23T09:04:00.003-04:002010-08-23T09:07:32.778-04:00

The bacon of which I speak: And the note that must be written on it when you have three boys - all of whom would eat the entire package unless told not to:

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-76902242204541089142010-08-23T08:45:00.002-04:002010-08-23T08:56:59.018-04:00

You know it's all comin' down around you when stealing your son's bacon off his plate before school didn't make you feel any better. Yikes. I love bacon. Who doesn't? Even my 7-year-old announcing, "You know where bacon comes from? A pig's butt," doesn't deter me. I love pigs. I live with three of them. And when they make it vacuum-packed, already cooked so all you have to do is put it in the

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-373964161561555062010-08-23T00:49:00.001-04:002010-08-23T01:19:15.595-04:00

Church. Seven-year-old autistic son decides no corner of White River Christian Church is suitable. Get to listen to sermon on marriage alone while husband walks halls with son. Have to pull over on the way home because said son is upset and crying I can't stand not to hold him close. Home. 12-year-old with Asperger's comes unglued at lunch over computer mouse. U.N.G.L.U.E.D. Change of

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-81074089759968922182010-08-02T15:26:00.001-04:002010-08-02T15:40:07.229-04:00

And respect his writing. And follow his blog. And his tweets. It seems that when I'm struggling, God leads me to something or someone that will speak to me about what is going on in my head or heart. Today has been no exception. Perusing through my Google Reader this morning to catch up on blogs that I follow, the title of Miller's latest post I'd Rather Be Hated Than Loved Conditionally

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-55647413721735716672010-07-15T10:04:00.001-04:002010-07-15T10:05:26.840-04:00

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-69366285105601752342010-07-15T09:38:00.000-04:002010-07-15T09:38:28.107-04:00

Those of you who know us will recognize my husband with the palm tree shirt . . . or the Dockers . . . or the goatee . . . or the golf shirt . . . phone clipped to his belt . . . but NOT the douchebag bluetooth (except in the car while driving). Oh - and he doesn't touch the weeds. ENJOY!

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-30548860315700805232010-07-09T09:42:00.002-04:002010-07-10T23:40:17.921-04:00

I sat at the edge of the water the other day - playing at the beach on Hilton Head Island, watching the littles in the water. Seth (7) and I came to HHI with the Zipps, while the rest of the family was at home (Sean and the dogs) and at church camp (Alexx and Joel). As I was taking in the absolutely perfect day - reading a book, sitting in the sand, kids frolicking in the surf - I couldn't

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-4836285683421262322010-06-27T01:28:00.000-04:002010-06-27T01:28:55.016-04:00

Life is never what you thought it would be. It really isn't. Sometimes it is better, sometimes it takes a dive. I'm starting to realize after all this time, that it's more about staying composed. Keeping your head up and at the point where you can at least breathe. Because if you can breathe, then you can smile. And you can look around at what surrounds you. You can laugh. If you can breathe,

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-74719221255373606462010-05-20T22:34:00.000-04:002010-05-20T22:34:05.245-04:00

The effects on 7-year-old Seth of having a 19-year-old brother - his version of Check the Poo from Scrubs: (sorry for the quality - I took the video with my Blackberry) Check the Poo! from Holly Anderson on Vimeo. When you flush your dookie down, you flush away the answer! Anything comes down to poo, from the top of your head to the sole of your shoe! We can figure out what's wrong with

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-24846577506982596102010-05-19T22:06:00.000-04:002010-05-19T22:06:13.700-04:00

Oh yeah. Thank you, Amanda!

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-8683018822765222572010-05-10T11:08:00.002-04:002010-05-10T11:14:08.223-04:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day - my 19th one to celebrate. It also happened to fall 23 years to the day since Sean and I shared the kiss and first date that started all of this madness we have been blessed with. But the sentiment doesn't stop there. Oh no. Our oldest son, Alexx, normally attends church with us. In fact, even when the parents do not go for some reason, he goes without us and then

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-28578910430185657572010-05-05T09:09:00.001-04:002010-05-05T09:10:57.465-04:00

Alexx and I are laughing our fool heads off at this man describing his encounter with some dogs. Enjoy! Thank you, God, for sending humor today.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-74074128961407191842010-05-05T01:19:00.003-04:002010-05-05T20:52:44.713-04:00

***Warning*** If you aren't in the mood for a pity party, stop here. Being the parent of a special needs child is, really, indescribable. This is mostly because the words that would accurately depict what it is like on a day-to-day basis change, oh, hourly. Further complicating this with the fact that the special needs in our family are on the autism spectrum along with what the medical

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-75077257201969096832010-04-05T00:55:00.001-04:002010-04-05T00:56:07.665-04:00

I'm sitting up - it's after midnight - and it's starting to thunder and lightning; and I can't tell you how happy I am right now. Why? Because 1.) that means that it's SPRING and I haven't been dreaming the weather of the previous week, and 2.) Weather.com shows that by the time I get up again in the morning, the short rain will be gone and it should be sunny. What a great end to a beautiful

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-44568612501064891522010-03-25T22:15:00.005-04:002010-04-08T17:15:53.579-04:00

God gives us all kinds of people in our lives to fulfill different needs. Some make us laugh uncontrollably, some make us think deeper than we necessarily would otherwise, some give us hope, others give us strength . . . and I could go on and on. The point is, everyone we know lends something important to our journey and is there for us at different times, depending on what our needs our. And

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-51023662077511392722010-03-25T09:12:00.001-04:002010-05-12T22:05:55.131-04:00

This is my blog, and I can do with it what I please. It is all within my decision to write about weird things, things that go through my mind that make sense only to me, emotional journeys, mental breakdowns, issues I am struggling with, etc. This is all fine because it is my blog and these are my experiences. However, when it comes to my experiences that happen to intertwine with someone else's

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-26300908568493475372010-03-08T16:37:00.002-05:002010-03-08T19:57:34.302-05:00

So it turns out that it's not in the best interest of anyone in the family that I have open wounds that are being stubborn in healing. I'm dragging them all with me. It's been 5.5 weeks since my surgery and things were going along great until I began experiencing wound separation at some of the incision areas, which has turned into a gigantic mess. Well, comparatively, anyhow. Comparatively in

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-6458279272685431932010-03-04T10:43:00.000-05:002010-03-04T10:43:32.851-05:00

My house is a mess. And not that cute new catchphrase - beautiful mess - that everyone is using. No. Just your plain, old, run-of-the-mill mess. Well, run-of-the-mill if you happen to have three boys who view nothing as trash, two dogs who insist on acting like dogs, and one husband who tries his best to keep up when mama's been grounded from most physical activity. I have a new Dyson vacuum.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-72177574398564628042010-02-26T23:14:00.000-05:002010-02-26T23:14:38.245-05:00

Well hello, blogosphere! Where have you been? Oh. You've been here all along? Hmm. It has been four weeks and one day since my surgery, and HOLY CREAMSICLES, if I haven't had a few problems. Shocking, I know, for someone in this family to experience complications. With life. First of all, part of the incisions in my left breast have separated (wound separation), which is wreaking havoc on my

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-51635563837051674732010-02-06T00:16:00.001-05:002010-02-06T00:17:49.889-05:00

Today was a definitive turning point in my surgery recovery. I feel nearly completely back to normal! All in one day. Wow. It's an amazing feeling of relief to be back in my life. Truly. It was fun spending a week high on painkillers in my recliner - I think - from what I can recall - but my real life is so much more interesting and never dull. So glad to be back! I had an appointment with my

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-6536914550754879252010-02-05T00:37:00.001-05:002010-04-08T17:26:57.218-04:00

Well, today I am seven days post-op. I've got sutures - something like 50-60 of them - all over my chest. If you know me IRL (in real life), you know that I've been, let's say, given more than my share in the upper chest area - and last week I had breast reduction surgery.  Yes! I've been very well-endowed my whole life since adolescence. Always the one with the rack; the big hooters; stacked.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-67420393637229650912010-01-08T10:11:00.000-05:002010-01-08T10:19:36.768-05:00

This is my first time to try sending in a post from my Blackberry. If it works - lookout!This morning I'm spending time with my favorite THREE-year-old. That's right! Reagan turns three today!Happy Birthday, Roo. I can't imagine what we did before you!Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-10288942487150616072010-01-05T13:16:00.002-05:002010-01-05T13:18:42.746-05:00

This: Not This: Remember the post Wanna Make a Bet from October? Let me refresh your memory. I stated that this winter I wouldn't be leaving the house - or even my pajamas - unless it was sunny and nice outside. Today I am blissfully fulfulling that goal. It is a balmy 14 degrees outside; and though it is sunny, I am still choosing to hibernate like a grumpy bear. The only reason I have

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-50380603381620814312010-01-03T23:33:00.006-05:002010-01-04T00:50:40.551-05:00

She actually writes.Writing has been something of a struggle lately. Okay. It's been brutally absent from my existence. I cannot explain why. It's just. not. coming. to. me. And that's just how it works with me. I don't sit down and decide to write something - something comes to me and I write it.I've been frighteningly blank for months.I'm praying the new year brings new thoughts. Thoughts that

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-70501496905867557682009-12-14T08:39:00.007-05:002009-12-14T10:12:40.290-05:00

I am feeling so unbelievably grateful this morning - for so many things. Last evening, Sean and I returned home after eight glorious days in the Bahamas with our neighbors/best friends/family, Mr. and Mrs. Zipps.There are so many things I could focus on in my writing this morning - recounting funny things that happened, recalling the local people, describing the scenery. I have some super stories

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-61204178187118550652009-11-12T07:57:00.006-05:002009-11-12T09:28:58.111-05:00

Alright. I think I'm coming out of it. The writer's block, that is. Let's just see how it goes.However, it's not just writer's block keeping me from writing. Recent issues with middle son (Joel) are all-consuming. His diagnoses of ADHD, mood disorder, and "possible" Asperger's (possible?) seem to be colliding and causing monumental problems that we are only beginning to figure out. It feels

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-40046385322739036592009-10-19T08:07:00.005-04:002009-10-19T08:14:47.621-04:00

I am not above admitting that I am planning on being the laziest person alive this winter. Let's recap.My youngest son is now in school all day. Said son had turned me into a therapist of all sorts since being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder at the age of 2 1/2. So having him out of the house from 8 am until almost 4 pm gives me a whole new life.Yes, one I've been struggling with

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-71104631179142404322009-10-06T07:13:00.004-04:002009-10-06T08:32:27.832-04:00

Blocks - and Not the Fun KindNothing can make you break through writer's block like writing . . . right? We'll see. I'll keep up the drivel until I knock something loose.So in the midst of brainstorming ideas to become self-employed eccentrics who work in their pajamas and don't leave the house for days at a time (hey, wait a minute ...), Sean, Mr. Zipps, and I started tossing out book ideas -

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-88673761723966653092009-10-05T09:02:00.007-04:002009-10-05T21:40:39.886-04:00

I continue to struggle to write and get mundane things done during the day even though all the planets are aligned correctly; meaning - the sun is shining; it's a beautifully-colored fall season; I have plenty of uninterrupted time; in other words - the conditions are ripe for motivation, so the words should flow.Not so.I. Am. Struggling. With daily life. With my boys' issues. With autism. With a

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-15407272091123663442009-10-01T09:00:00.005-04:002009-10-01T09:27:48.328-04:00

I love you with all of my heart. You make my heart sing and my emotions all tingly. You make me want to frolic in a golden meadow, wear those weird gloves where the fingers are cut out holding a warm cup of cider, jump into a pile of leaves and come out with a bunch of them tangled in my hair. Just in case there is any doubt in your mind after having said that, then let's settle this: your

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-80682916037566601352009-09-30T06:57:00.006-04:002009-09-30T08:25:16.511-04:00

I have writer's block. So I'm writing about not having anything to write about. Strike that. I have plenty to write about, but nothing is coming out of this big ol' brain of mine right now.Several areas are suffering, not just this rambling, mindless blog. If I don't get my head out of the clouds, they're gonna fire me over at Blissfully Domestic Publishing. Well, that's my take anyway.In other

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-60227566171113395122009-09-15T07:29:00.006-04:002009-09-15T20:46:38.149-04:00

I cannot say enough good things about Noblesville Schools. Seriously. Our family has had three kids in the school system in the five years since we moved here from Houston, Texas, and I absolutely, positively, supremely love this district.We've had experience in a Hamilton Southeastern elementary school (in the late 90's), in elementary and middle schools in our former home in Texas, and now

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-60608544360043592242009-09-10T08:14:00.002-04:002009-09-10T08:17:08.678-04:00

I don't care who you are, this is pretty impressive:

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-79663450674850950452009-09-09T17:38:00.005-04:002009-09-09T18:20:16.636-04:00

Sucksucksucksucksuck. That's what this day has done from hour one. For no particular reason other than the fact that I'm lost in my own house. Which would be great if that were literal and I lived in a supremely huge abode cleaned by anyone other than me.I'm having a harder time with being alone all day long than I thought that I would, which sounds crazy coming from the woman who was counting

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-84563268087704485412009-08-27T22:46:00.008-04:002009-08-27T23:19:09.255-04:00

This blog is called My (Un)Controlled Chaos for a reason. It's a reflection of my life. I have a couple of friends who walk away from an hour in my house thanking God that they don't live here. With three boys, there is always food out somewhere, clothes thrown somewhere, shoes, Legos, action figures, paper airplanes, games, movies, light sabers - good heaven above the light sabers.Can one really

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-51801949259872263882009-08-22T22:12:00.003-04:002009-08-22T23:20:31.945-04:00

Sometimes I feel like God and I are really clicking along in our relationship. I'm getting Him. He's getting me. It's going well.Then there's the rest of the time.I've been feeling distant recently. Like I'm not hearing from God. More likely, of course, is that I'm not listening. Or seeking enough in the first place.Things don't seem to be moving along smoothly in my heart. I've made some

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-59902870018795129652009-08-19T08:45:00.009-04:002009-08-19T10:05:21.083-04:00

My oldest, Alexx, graduated from high school in May and my youngest, Seth, started first grade last week. There's also pickle in the middle Joel, who is in 6th grade.Having no kids at home during the day for the first time since I became a stay-at-home parent 10 years ago is . . . amazing. Tears? No. Cheers? You bet! Can I get a wahooooo?!I haven't had this kind of free time since I was a

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-32812001906396877182009-08-13T08:34:00.007-04:002009-08-13T09:15:22.972-04:00

So I'm on my 2nd real day of being alone alllllll day with Seth having gone into first grade. Yesterday I did laundry until my spleen hurt, and didn't leave the house until after 8:00 p.m. when I fled to Starbucks for a mocha. This morning, I'm all dude - I don't have to be anywhere until 1:00. ONE O'CLOCK.Aloneness is something I am not used to, but am totally willing to give it my best shot.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-14219330522479609522009-08-09T00:35:00.003-04:002009-08-09T00:58:33.023-04:00

As Seth, my six-year-old autistic son, and I were riding the Giant Wheel at Six Flags a few days ago, we had a great view of the entire park and surrounding area. Going on adjacent to the park was an old car show.I explained to Seth that people buy old, old cars and fix them up to look new again. He looked at me and, as nonchalantly as ever, replied, "Or they could just go buy a new one."Good

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-27623991664800445172009-07-27T13:22:00.007-04:002009-07-27T13:38:02.010-04:00

I go to download some photos and find that a little 6-year-old has discovered his vain side. Please notice the dates and that this went on for several days in a row ...

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-18960891716299586702009-07-25T12:36:00.003-04:002009-07-25T12:59:00.056-04:00

So my 6-year-old autistic son said his first cuss word recently . . . walking down the hallway at church on Sunday morning. It was just terrific.Seth: "Damn."Me: "Hmm? What? What did you say?" (keeping my mama cool)Seth: "DAMN. I dropped my Skittles."Eh - the rest of parenting history.Another Anderson makes their indelible mark on White River Christian Church.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-11114481541399768082009-07-24T00:36:00.003-04:002009-07-24T01:31:08.570-04:00

And I am not using the Lord's name in vain, here, people. That's a genuine shout-out to the Almighty.Dear Lord, Please help me understand why I must say more than once, "Joel, do not tie your brother up."Guide me, Lord, in finding my path through the laundry, Legos, and action figures to what I am supposed to be doing with the gifts you have given me.Give me the willpower to drive right on by

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-39185912654571291592009-07-09T11:48:00.005-04:002009-07-09T11:56:47.737-04:00

A most beautiful thing happened the other day. I saw God - in a store employee. Let me set this up a bit. Seth (6, with autism) has been coveting a trophy that Joel (11) received a few years back after his first soccer season in Houston. He wants it. Bad. None of us can make him understand that you have to do something to receive a trophy, and that this particular trophy is very special to Joel,

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-30746474517996183452009-07-08T13:12:00.010-04:002009-07-25T13:22:54.867-04:00

So my friend, Jess, always says she wants to hear more about our marriage and reiterated that after my last post. We live 2,000 miles apart, so she cannot experience - for herself, in real time - the great gooberness that we live each day.Warning: you're about to find out.Let me first explain that we did not sit down one day and create this marriage. This is just how it happens to be. We have

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-16650307142588248202009-07-08T10:05:00.004-04:002009-07-08T10:51:39.751-04:00

I am feeling unreliable lately, and that is not an emotion that I relish. Most of the time I already feel like I'm spread way too thin. Having three boys - two of which whose special needs are ruling the roost a lot of the time - is a constant juggling act. (Along with a complete parenting self-esteem buster.)Every day is dominated by one of them; and heaven help us on the days that they both are

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-39145430050256441172009-07-05T09:54:00.002-04:002009-07-05T09:56:30.287-04:00

Wow. I'm so out of touch. Middle son (11) is taking up an inordinate amount of energy lately. His mood disorder is quite disruptive lately and now he's on a new med. So we're watching . . . and waiting . . . and dealing.In other news . . . nothing. :-) We're just living, breathing, existing, enjoying summer. Not exciting, but it's all I've got right now.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-12205869186740864822009-06-22T10:13:00.003-04:002009-06-22T11:13:56.984-04:00

Today I am struggling. Life gets hard with kids with special issues and today is one of those days that seems more difficult.Joel, my 11-year-old with a mood disorder, has an appointment with a new doctor this afternoon. This is an appointment we have waited two months for. I hate putting so much pressure on her within my own mind - pinning so much hope on one person; but we need help.I am

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-88043776855577851082009-06-21T16:22:00.005-04:002009-06-21T16:56:48.421-04:00

This morning snuggling in bed with my best friend and wishing him a happy Father's Day, the words "I feel a blog!" came rushing out of my mouth along with a giggle. To which Sean replied with something off-color that I cannot repeat here ...Anyway . . . he was repeating a quote he once heard and has claimed for himself to dispense whenever he feels compelled:Marriage - made in heaven, maintained

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-27051056914711789802009-06-09T09:59:00.004-04:002009-06-09T10:33:06.756-04:00

When God knocks, you need to listen.This morning I'm having a particularly hard time with my middle son, Joel, who has a mood disorder. He can be quite difficult at times and completely unreasonable. This morning he seems to have rolled out of bed with all of his nerves on the outside of his body. Seemingly benign situations send him into the stratosphere. It's so much fun.However, he has a

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-4025257833122236842009-06-05T08:53:00.004-04:002009-06-05T09:10:39.292-04:00

So it's summer at our house. Which usually means the place is trashed, boys are bickering, and I'm upping my happy pill dose.Summer also means:My hair is even worse than normal - mostly up every day begging to be styled . . . or washed.Laundry piles up even more than normal - summer's too fun to spend on mundane tasks!We nearly go broke trying to keep food in the house (three boys and their

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-23753977840097493452009-05-26T11:27:00.002-04:002009-05-26T13:22:04.777-04:00

Life is kind of a blur right now. My oldest son graduates from high school tomorrow night. I cannot even begin to go into the emotions that is creating right now. Perhaps in a few days. But one thing I have to say is I AM NOT THAT OLD.Our best friends next door are the same age and their oldest is eight. Other friends my age have oldest children who are four . . . two . . . one is getting ready

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-51628548093467956602009-05-09T23:07:00.006-04:002009-06-14T22:58:53.287-04:00

Twenty-two years ago this evening, Sean and I had our first kiss. We'd already known one another since the first day of 7th grade, but shared a secret kiss in the kitchen of our high school cafeteria during the prom that we were servers at (as 10th graders), and the rest is history.And we've packed a lot of history into those years, for sure!We grow closer with each passing year, and have more

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-77387448535275057272009-04-30T22:50:00.003-04:002009-04-30T23:16:55.238-04:00

Today was a miraculously bad day. I'm thinking one of the top 10 worst days I've had. This year.Let's not go into micro-details, for that would help no one. But suffice it to say, I was at one point sitting in tears asking if God could just please give me a month, a week, a day without special needs in my life.My head pounding, my 18-year-old's rock band practicing in the basement (and our walls

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-64901476602955624052009-04-28T22:53:00.004-04:002009-04-28T23:28:27.048-04:00

There are some inspiring stories at I Am Second. Thank you, Justin, for bringing this site to my attention. He is the senior high pastor at our church and they viewed some of these videos last Sunday.One of my favorites was Pete Briscoe choking up on how Jesus is "passionately crazy" about him whether he's doing well or not . . . whether he just sinned miserably or not; and coming to grips with

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-75792971196417901862009-04-22T07:17:00.004-04:002009-04-22T07:49:37.446-04:00

This may be the grossest thing I've ever seen. Meat cake - meat loaf "iced" with mashed potatoes and ketchup. Scoop of ice cream with that?The site This Is Why You're Fat is full of the grossest, most vile concoctions imaginable - including my personal favorites, chocolate-covered bacon and the sloppy joe on a Krispy Kreme. Of course I couldn't stop looking. Thank you, StumbleUpon, for this

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-45481023699196325362009-04-21T08:17:00.000-04:002009-04-21T08:19:38.504-04:00

Are you a coffee addict? Me too!I just discovered a way for my earthly coffee habit to make an eternal difference. Check out Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee.Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee™ works directly with coffee growers in Rwanda to ensure each worker is treated fairly and paid a Living Wage. As they enjoy the fruit of their labor, growers experience the sweetness of God’s grace. Perhaps

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-67297289182281344682009-04-20T13:32:00.002-04:002009-04-20T14:11:21.229-04:00

Today my house is a complete disaster, as it always is on Monday after a weekend of All-Boy Trashfest. This does not make me want to get busy. It makes me want to go work out, spend the day at a crowded amusement park waiting in lines, or offer to do all my friends' laundry - all things I would never do if I had free time.The sun is trying so hard to come out to motivate me, and my dog keeps

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-72548918693868427282009-04-14T14:31:00.006-04:002009-04-14T15:33:12.721-04:00

Today is my youngest son's 6th birthday. This is our son with autism, and the last 3.5 years with him have been quite a ride. Let's face it - it's going to continue to be.Seth has accomplished more in his little life than is even imaginable. He works his little mind so hard each and every day just to function in ways that most people take for granted. Many things do not come easily for him. He is

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-87140338872041917642009-04-14T06:58:00.005-04:002009-04-14T10:23:55.862-04:00

When we think of bravery versus cowardice, action versus inaction is often at the heart of issue. Doing little or nothing in the face of something that looms larger than we are is usually deemed cowardly. And to be perfectly honest, it often is.However, this morning as I was reading in Exodus about Moses versus the Pharaoh of Egypt, the devotion in my Bible that went along with it talked about

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-2136163768027986262009-04-12T23:48:00.003-04:002009-04-12T23:55:44.964-04:00

I know I know I know I know I know. Please accept my apologies, Internet, for woefully leaving you in the dust.You have to understand. Last week I was KID-FREE while my boys spent spring break elsewhere. It was true joy to do whatever I wanted for five days. Yes, I completely took leave of all responsibility.Then a six-year-old birthday bash with the neighbors along with what seemed like 108 kids

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-37192091296413441362009-04-02T08:02:00.004-04:002009-04-02T08:31:22.301-04:00

I just saw this movie for the first time last night in a sanctuary full of people I attend church with. But I felt as though I was in the room alone. I'm not sure I will ever be the same.This cinematic portrayal of Christ's journey from the evening of his betrayal to the moment his empty body was lowered from the cross was nothing less than haunting.For each person, the experience must be unique,

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-51866562953760926162009-03-31T10:53:00.011-04:002009-03-31T11:43:01.201-04:00

Today I began my day spending some time with my 10-year-old before he left for school, then went for a 2.5 mile walk/run/walk (I like to interval train). I finished up my alone time by spending it with God and in my new Bible.This is turning out to be a true gem. It's the TrueIdentity Bible (TNIV).I'll admit it - I'm a bible glutton. I have so many bibles in different versions with devotions

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-33842459697734473062009-03-29T20:51:00.005-04:002009-03-29T21:49:57.140-04:00

Autism kicked my butt today. Really. Whomped me good. And I don't like to admit defeat.However, after 15 straight minutes of trying to get our 5-year-old into his church classroom, I gave up in utter defeat. Not defeat like - okay you're coming into our service.No, defeat like - I took his hand and walked him (with my husband trailing behind wondering what I was doing) back through the church

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-19901515463588640472009-03-27T22:38:00.004-04:002009-03-27T22:45:41.229-04:00

My totally awesome pal, Alli - of Mrs. Fussypants, Mother of All Conservatives, and Worthington Wire - fashioned me a new header a few nights ago. Girl just whipped it up while we were chatting on Skype! That chick's gonna rule the world someday - you heard it here first. Go check out all that she's got goin' on.I wish I had talent. But I digress ...She felt bad that I was all boring on the top

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-31811194138561382702009-03-26T10:07:00.006-04:002009-03-26T10:35:07.584-04:00

The House passed the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act on Monday. The bill includes language indicating young people will be forced to participate in mandatory national service programs. The bill also states that "service learning" will be a mandatory part of the youth curriculum.This bill calls for a minimum of three months of mandatory service, during which time

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-66596959423903817342009-03-24T22:20:00.004-04:002009-03-25T23:40:08.061-04:00

Well, in honor of spring, I wanted to lighten things up.What say you?

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-69546626143357874892009-03-24T09:30:00.012-04:002009-03-25T23:40:54.868-04:00

I am particularly struck this morning with feelings about my life. Whether it is the cold/flu drugs I'm on or whether God is speaking to me loudly this morning doesn't so much matter. The message is the same.I am unbelievably aware of how good I have it. This is not an easy sentiment to have at times when raising kids with issues like mine have. Autism, a mood disorder and years upon years of

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-27592720060430135072009-03-23T13:45:00.006-04:002009-03-25T23:42:28.991-04:00

Comedian Kerri Pomarolli rocked the joint Friday night for an event that I can only describe as a girls' night on steroids.I wish she could just stay and be our weekly anti-depressant. I left the event, Chocolate, Coffee, and Comedy, having laughed 'til I cried, cried while she spoke to our hearts, and renewed with a spirit of contentment. She makes you realize that you are not alone if you're

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-18191869859225432872009-03-23T10:22:00.008-04:002009-03-25T23:42:49.585-04:00

What comes to mind when you think of what a 10-year-old would wish for, if given three free wishes? Video games? Toys? Movies? Going on some awesome trip?When Joel, our almost-11-year-old son, told us his class had been given a writing assignment for St. Patrick's Day about what they'd do with three wishes, I imagined what his entailed: video games, a trip to Legoland in California, perhaps a

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-88528920885181756922009-03-20T09:11:00.003-04:002009-03-20T09:20:44.850-04:00

Our esteemed president comparing his bad bowling to the Special Olympics. I am not even going into this. I don't think I need to.Mr. President - don't try to be funny just because you're on Leno. Because that's not funny.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-31264012934269659672009-03-16T23:16:00.002-04:002009-03-16T23:18:16.615-04:00

Couldn't help but post this. I love it.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-46353366658544549862009-03-16T16:16:00.008-04:002009-03-26T00:01:33.099-04:00

So I'm not so much a phone person anymore. Ask anyone who knows me. I used do a lot of chipping away at my time talking on the phone. I used to start my day talking on the phone, punctuate my hours with phone calls, end my days saying to someone on the other end of the line, "I need to get to bed."Then there was mostly dead silence from my end, save for that occasional and inevitable, "Help me.

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-51841516530426527282009-03-12T16:27:00.008-04:002009-03-26T00:04:21.621-04:00

Woot! The new Special Needs Bliss channel over at Blissfully Domestic (of which I am the new editor) launched this morning.Fer Realz!I've got a super group of writers along with myself contributing to the channel. I'm so excited!So - here's what's new today at SN Bliss:Of His Autism: Recovering? Yes. Cured? No.Online Educational Resources for Special NeedsHigh Maintenance or ADHD?Parenting Your

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-68991030711114382582009-03-05T18:02:00.010-05:002009-03-26T00:05:00.552-04:00

We have been given by God an unlimited capacity to love. How much and how often we choose to show it is up to us, but limitless potential lies within each of us.However, I do believe that there is a limit to what we should worry ourselves with. As we journey through life, the things that come to our attention as issues to advocate for just grow and grow in number. How do we decide who needs our

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-64211741115569156152009-03-02T22:53:00.000-05:002009-03-02T22:55:00.250-05:00

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570829129764300877.post-67219119801777085832009-02-24T08:19:00.004-05:002009-02-24T22:29:10.884-05:00

Parenting is kicking my can all over the place lately. Specifically - special needs parenting. And it is giving me headaches ~ big ugly ones that laugh in the faces Aleve and Advil and hard liquor.Living with and being responsible for the growth and well being of one child with autism and another with a mood disorder can at times feel a little like trying to drive a tricycle up a mountain. I

Holly Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389360959621223506noreply@blogger.com4