Its too good to be true, like a whole new you.

Well now I know for sure that my daughter takes almost all of her features from her father, with her "prominent" ears being the only exception. My best estimation is that Erin and I are roughly the same age in these pics and I couldn't resist cutting and pasting... now if I can only find one of Caleb :-)

Don't you put me on the back burner...

After more than seven months in our townhouse, we're finally replacing the "unique" cabinets, countertops, and sink that are probably original to the place. Not only are they ugly, but falling apart as well. One of the drawer faces fell off within one week of us moving in. To save money, we are disassembling the old cabinets ourselves which means dividing up the work. Caleb got to wield the manly saw and hack through the countertops, and I was left sweeping up sawdust. Not that I mind - hey, I'm getting a new kitchen. And my sweet husband already replaced my stove and dishwasher. What more could a girl want?

To one thing constant never.

I'm a last minute person. Several months ago I had highlights added to my dull brown hair and now they're grown out and I'm tired of them.... So for some insane reason I decided that Sunday morning (when we were already running late and there was no time for anything unnecessary) would be the perfect time to dye my hair. I had a box of plain brown that looked about my color, so I grabbed it and headed to the shower where I took more than my share of hot water waiting for the dye to take hold. Upon rinsing, towel-drying and brushing, I came to realize that the brown was much TOO brown and a whole lot darker than I had intended. But I'm an optimist, so I decided to use this as a teaching moment for my beloved husband. I promptly dried and styled my hair, trimmed my bangs and went in search of the poor soul who had no idea that he was beat before he even opened his mouth. The following conversation ensued:

Anne: "Do you notice anything different about me, honey?"
Caleb (glancing all over, but mostly at my clothes): "Hmmm...."
Anne (only slightly impatient): "No honey, above the neck."
Caleb (with mild trepidation showing through and looking intently at my face): "Hmmmm..."
Anne (really impatient): "No honey, AROUND my face!"
Caleb (just downright scared and frantically scanning my hair): "Oh, did you cut your hair?"
Anne (deflated, and knowing that he was partially right but choosing to ignore it, because its the principle that counts): "NO, I DYED IT - ITS DARKER!!!"
Caleb (just relieved that its over): "Oh yes it looks good!"

Caleb marched straight into the bathroom to brush his teeth and discovered my hair clippings in the trash... At that point my lesson was lost as he rejoiced (foolishly) over having guessed the "right" answer.

So much for optimism.

The rings of saturn.

This is my Saturn. She has been faithful to me for three years, and now we're getting her ready to sell. As I was taking pictures of her yesterday to post on the web, I was reminded again of how the Lord provided so much through my father when I was single. Dad went with me car shopping, test drove it for me because I didn't know a manual transmission yet, gave me the confidence to get a loan on my own (why in the world someone wanted to loan ME money at that time still baffles me), and sat with me while I signed all the papers and whatnot. What should've been a daunting and stressful experience was made so much easier - Dad never made me feel like I was on my own because I was an "adult". And I know that if I had been single at 35, he would still be doing the same for me. Its just a silly car, I know, but the significance is worth way more than anything we'll get for the car on autotrader.... Now Caleb is taking care of me (and my transportation needs), and now HE is my reminder of God's providence. How blessed I am to have men in my life who take their responsibilities seriously.

Come on babe, why don't we paint the town?

Caleb, Catie and I took Erin to her first football game last weekend - Virginia Tech hosting Marshall. In accordance, Tech cleaned up nicely and enjoyed a festive Homecoming weekend. We couldn't resist buying a VT sweatshirt for Erin... she says "my colors are maroon and orange" (no, papa, not agent orange). We also had a good visit with the Borgquists and Andersons in Charlottsville where we dined on wonderful italian food and played quite a bit of Texas Hold 'Em. How thankful we are for good friends and great fellowship!

Take my picture by the pool 'cause I'm the next big thing.

This pic courtesy of Shane Kyle and his fancy schmancy paint program. If you ask real nice, he'll edit pictures for you and help your kids become movie stars. This is Erin's latest head shot, and she has her first audition next week.