Hearing God's Voice

Chloe is attending a seminar today for kids that teaches children to hear His voice. When I told Chloe about it, her eyes got huge. She was so excited, she couldn't sit still and asked if she really was going to hear Him speak to her. I told her we need to learn and practice listening to our Father.

WOW, I am really far behind

Here is a quick catch up for weeks 25, 26 and 27:

Week 25

Mon: jog 3 miles

Tues: jog 3 miles

Fri: jog 3 miles

Week 26

Mon: jog 3 miles

Fri: jog 3 miles

Week 27

Mon: jog 3 miles

Fri: jog 3 miles

Notice how the run has turned to jog? Weight gain for this pregnancy is currently at 31 pounds. Amazing, isn't it! I still have 12 more weeks to go. I won't be the least surprised to gain my usual 50 pounds like the other two. I must admit that I am not being oh so restrictive on my diet but on the other hand, I am not eating everything in front of me either. Scratch that, I am eating everything in front of me and then some. My appetite is HUGE.

A Shout Out to All the Parent Helpers


I don’t know how anyone can raise a child without family, including a church family, there to help. It seems like every week there some situation where I need to ask for assistance from someone. Take yesterday for example. Grammie went to pick up Chloe and Elijah from childcare and take Chloe to swimming lessons. Ben and I were busy working. When Helen got in her car, she realized she was driving the car without the car seats. She called Aunt Jenny to go and check Chloe and Elijah out of childcare so they would be waiting there, ready. Helen went to the mechanic to grab the car seats from her other car and when she arrived, had no key to open it. She called the day care and asked them to leave a message for Aunt Jenny telling her to only check out Chloe and then take her to swimming. Grammie had to run back to the office, grab the key, go back to the mechanic, grab the car seats, pick up Elijah at childcare and then go to swimming lessons.

Big Summer Project

We decided it was time to finish the basement with the third babe soon arriving. Without our friends, we would never be able to accomplish this monstrous task. Ben is so grateful for his friends willingness to commit time, talent and tools. He mentioned last night that he has only had to buy 1 - $20 tool. I am grateful to all of my pregnant friends who are "allowing" their husbands to come over for hours on end. What a sacrifice for them as well!

Craig framing a bathroom and laundry room.
Justin and Aaron doing a little demo work.

Ben punching down a few boards.

Week 23 and Week 24

Life is getting very hectic in the Strait household. We started the major task of finishing our basement. Not only will this require time and effort but it will also require quite a bit of finances during these unsure economic times. Currently we live in the upper floor of our condo in a 2 bedroom, one bath home and really need the extra finished space. Ben and I feel like this is one of those times where you get to trust in the Lord's provision and go for it. If you are ever looking for something to do on a Saturday and want to burn some extra calories, give us a call. We can use lots of help!

Week 23 exercise
Sat: 3 miles
Mon: 3 miles
Tues: 3 miles
Fri: 3 miles

Week 24 exercise
Mon: 3 miles
Thurs: 3 miles
Fri: moving boxes around in the basement
and taking loads up and down the stairs.

I was off this week with the kids and decided to take advantage of an actual week off of work. To prove my point, I just polished off an entire milk chocolate bunny with a caramel center. Yes, I did find this in the basement while going through junk. No, it did not bother me that this has been in the basement since Easter. On the bright side, at least I am not eating paint chips.