Thankful for a good daddy

Todd came home for a couple of hours this afternoon in between work & Haven (BCM worship service). He & Jolie had a grand time playing while he was here. So tonight when it was her turn to pray her prayer went something like this, "Thank you God for this great day. Thank you for Daddy comin' to play with me & thank you for shoppin'." Sometimes her prayers are VERY random, but I'm always amazed when she actually thanks God for the events of the day. I'm so glad she loves her daddy so much.

Goodnight Moon

Survival

We survived Freshmen Survival yesterday. We were excited to see so many new faces at the BCM. We can't wait to get to know each one of them. I thought I'd share a couple of pictures from our day...

Our annual family picture...

Our returning students that helped make the day a success...

We are blessed to have these folks in our life. Jolie wouldn't know what to do without her college friends. She loves the attention they give her & is getting very good at bossing them around! I cannot believe we are at the beginning of our 7th year of collegiate ministry - time flies.

Life in the fastlane

Things are speeding up around the Strain house again. ULM starts back next Monday, but Todd is away tonight with his leadership team & this Saturday is Freshmen Survival. Our calendar is filled up pretty much until my due date. I'm looking forward to the last few weeks of pregnancy (I'm in my 34th week!) passing quickly, but the thought of having another child is a bit overwhelming. I know she'll be in our arms before we know it!

Speaking of our soon-to-be bundle of joy, we do plan to keep her name a secret as we did the first time around, however, this child is truly nameless right now. Feel free to send suggestions - we might actually like one of your ideas. Todd thinks it'll just hit us - whatever this means. I think about names at least once a day. She'll probably be "baby sister" no matter what we name her :)

My sister is getting married in a few weeks (Sept. 8th) in Birmingham, AL. Please pray that the end of my pregnancy will be uncomplicated & that I won't go into labor during our road trip or while I'm in Birmingham. I'd be really bummed if I didn't get to be there, but not so bummed if I didn't have to wear a bridesmaid dress. Needless to say, I'm getting my alterations done at the last minute since I'll be 37 weeks pregnant at her wedding. She told me that I'll be the cute pregnant bridesmaid, but I'm pretty sure I won't be cute by that point :)

I'm tired just thinking about the next few weeks & the heat!

My sweet girl

Todd has been out of town this week so Jolie & I have spent a lot of time together. I often share about my frustrations - no naps! - so I thought it would only be fair to share about how much I've enjoyed her company this week. She has been whine free almost all week (with a few minor exceptions) & has been fun to have around. God has really reminded me what a gift she is & what a joy it is to be her mother. Our life is definitely richer with her in it!

We went to see Joe, Jody & kiddos for a couple of nights. We had a great time hanging out with them. Jody took this sweet picture of Jolie. She doesn't have her usual smile, but she is still beautiful :)