Ellie the crazy purse lady, can you see Anna climbing over the couch in the background?

  

Our rainy day at Brookfield Zoo

  

A little ice cream anyone?

  

Anna's first day of preschool

  

Running to Stand Still

I feel like I run around all day long and accomplish nothing but what is necessary to keep my household going.

Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it! Ferris was so right. I can't believe how fast time is flying by. I can already see August even when we just started July... June filled up with a trip to a fancy beach house thanks to one of Karl's co workers letting us use it for free, the Women of Faith Conference in the sweet box suite thanks to the owner of the Falcons, with some great women turning into great friends, other gatherings with the small group and a visit from my dad.

Now July has Karl's sister and her husband coming tomorrow for a few days, if you want to watch the Cardinals/Braves game on Wednesday we will be between the screen and 3rd base duggout a few rows up. Then Saturday, the trek to "the farm" 9+ hours to Pittsburgh where we meet up with my dad, brother and his girlfriend and another 8+ to upstate New York. My mom, 3 brothers and one girlfriend will be meeting us there. In addition to the large family, there will be 4 dogs visiting as well. Luckily we are able to be gone 11 days so all the traveling will be worth it. When we get home, my mom is coming for a short week, there is the MOPS Steering Committee Retreat and Falcons training camp starts. And its August.

So yeah its a little rambling, but I felt some updating was in order. In other news, I am fully enjoying the World Cup, but am very disappointed that England lost. I guess I will have to root harder for Alex's Italia!

Two Things... One Funny and One Guarded

The funny thing... We are finally have a patio poured under our 2nd story deck. This is mostly being done to save our dogs' lives. They, especially Rocky, like to wallow in the mud that is under there and then track that beautiful red clay all over the house. The funny thing is that the guys doing the patio are "the others" on Lost. I am pretty freaked out everytime I talk to them.

The guarded thing... this week at church I became reconnected with a song that I think will be my theme song for awhile. I can't share any details why for now, but will as soon as I can....It may be months. Anyway here is the part of the song that is resonating in my heart:

As I wait, you make me strong.
As I long, you draw to your arms.
As I stand, and sing your praise.
You come, you come and fill this place.

*I always feel a responsibility to update and then feel guilt when I don't. And now I feel kinda bad for being cryptic.

This is your life... Are you who you want to be?

So the current theme in my life is about embracing where I am or making changes. On a funny note, now that I am 30, I don't mind when the teenagers at the grocery store call me ma'am. In fact I kind of like it, maybe it is adjusting to southern life too.

My current verse from the Message:
"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." Galations 6:4-5.

I know my current position as mommy is the most important thing I can be doing, but I am looking outward as well and two points that keep coming back to me over my life are hitting me once more.

1) I need to show God's goodness to my family (inlaws and blood). Mostly I think that means how I am with them, letting the transforming work of God show through my actions, but I am also praying consistently for them, and I need to be prepared to speak specifically when the right situation arises. I need to be aware and confident to act on the Holy Spirit's promptings.

2) International Adoption. For more than 6 years, this is a recurring question. At this point in my life I am in a position to find out more information about it (A family who has adopted 4 children and works for an agency live in our neighborhood). It really is kind of scary to me, but I know I need to really get into it with God to figure out what is next.

There's nothing like waiting to the last minute

Because my Illinois driver's license expires tomorrow, we spent some family time this morning getting Georgia licenses today. I'm not sure what freaks me out most: having a GA driver's license or turning 30.

Brain dump...

I sit here, listening to the Cubs, thinking I probably should go to bed. The girls are asleep, Karl is at work, bonding or working or something. I know there are many more long days coming as the draft looms this weekend. The weekend really will be the worst as Karl will stay as long as the decision makers stay or maybe next week will be the worst as there is no break for me, no chance to breathe. It really will be ok....This is my 4th draft as a wife of the NFL.

My 4 inch plus curling tail? bug bite has shruken with the help of serious antibiotics. (there are some strange bugs here)

My 16 year old brother's 40+ stitches from a car accident are out and he should be able to play lacrosse again soon.

It is hot in Atlanta, we were near 90 today again. I am so stubborn and will not turn the air on until May. Come on now. It will be running for at least 4 months, lets not start it too soon.

Anna's favorite Bible story is about the sneaky snake. I'm not sure if this worries me or not.

My family is weighing heavily on me, as there will be some extended visits this summer with all sides of the family. I am trying to pray everytime I think of them. I know I need to be a light to them and it is so hard. They know your junk, and have seen you at your worst, and it is really easy to revert to old behavior when with family.

And now I am going to let my mind veg out...