The Family Bed

Call it what you will: the family bed, co-sleeping, sleep sharing...we have taken it up. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this term, it is simply when parents and children sleep in one bed. And we, The Ingram Gang, have been practicing this method for over 2 weeks.

This is quite common in America, as well as across the world.

It works for millions of families.

Yet, we are NOT one of them!

The difference between our household and the many others who practice such habits is that neither my husband or I chose this. 

Our children did!

We have had re-occurring illnesses being shot back and forth like a pin-ball machine. From one child to the next and back again, they've even been gracious enough to include the parents a time or two. 

The problem: shared sleeping.

The solution: more shared sleeping.

Though both children begin the night in their bed of ownership, at some groggy point in the night they each make their way to our bed. 

Their tactics differ, the results do not. 

Noah simply calls out in a very, very loud that would bring even the heaviest sleeper to attention,  "Ashey, Ashey. Noah needs OUTTTTT!"

And yes, my son does call me by my first name. He always has, but that's another story.

I've ignored it. 

It does not go away.

I've responded.

He does not go back to sleep.

I've even yelled across the house "Noah, close your eyes and I will be there in a little while."

To which he replied "Oh-Tay!"

Of course, I thought he would fall alseep. Yeah right.

Fifteen minutes later I quietly peered in his room only to find him sitting up in bed, playing an air drum. I do have to give my compliant child credit though, he did have his eyes closed!

Kayt, on the other hand, just cries out. My sweet girl has not felt well. I've learned very quickly that she does not like to be in pain. At all. That, coupled with her new found mobility has caused many wakeful nights. She has began to turn herself ninety degrees and then gets upset with how she is positioned. As soon as we make eye contact, it's over. She will not go back to sleep alone once she has seen me. Forget it!

Our chaos bed has looked something like that of the 5 little monkeys. Only half of these monkeys are not so little, and no one has felt much like jumping.  Two pillows on the outside so Kayt cannot roll off, me-smashed in between my children, Noah and then Brad.  I think more children are out of the question. Where would we put them?

Many families partake in this voluntarily. To them I say, way to go! I would also throw in an "Are you crazy?" just for sanity's sake. Yet for the Ingrams, I think each monkey would be best fit to sleep in the bed purchased for them. 

There are times in life when you just need mamma or rather, Ashey. This, for my children, has been one of those weeks. Until they are feeling better, I'll do all I can to bring them rest and comfort. 

But I must say, I have very quickly found out that sleeping is one luxury I desire to do alone. 

Well...I guess I could make one exception.

Move over Brad!

The Votes Are In

Thank you to the 51 million voters who  took part in the hair cutting pole. Much like American Idol, I saw record breaking votes coming in.

Okay, okay so it was only 51, but who is counting? 

Anyway you look at it, big numbers or small, you won. My hair is now short, light weight, and healthy.

Mom, what did you do?

What hair cut wouldn't look good with that expression?

If your are wondering of my whereabouts lately(although you are probably not), I can tell you it is all succumbed to illness. Both of my children are sick and I'm not feeling too chipper myself.  I just have a cold, but my kids are legitimately sick.

I would appreciate all prayers for our family's wellness. 

I hope you like the new due...it's all for YOU!

Thank You for Loving

We are home!

I did not read a book this week like I had originally thought, but I made up for my reading in better ways.

I spent many minutes with Noah watching the squirrel chase one another up and down the trees through the living room wall-of-windows that overlook the golf course. We fed the ducks bread and more bread and more bread. We drove the golf cart around numerous times in the hopes of spotting dear. Several times, we watched them stare fondly at us from only a few feet away. I watched Noah follow my brothers and cousins around like he, too, was a college students. I also witnessed his love affair with Coke (or Toke, as he calls it) begin.  I looked at old photographs with my great-grandma as we talked about her 3 younger sisters who have all gone to be with Jesus.  I listened to my great-grandpa tell stories of the pranks he and his friends pulled off during WWII.  I also sat silently and listened as my Pa (great-grandpa) held Kayt in front of the bathroom mirror and talked to her. He told her just how much he loved her, and how she would always be 'his girl'.  He could not get enough of my sweet girl.  He hardly let her out of his sight.  I tear up just thinking of the beautiful picture that paints in my mind. A 90 year old great-great-grandfather loving on his 6 month old great-great granddaughter.  

How blessed I am to live in the presence of so many generations.  

We laughed a lot. 

We played a lot.

We ate a lot. 

I enjoyed my week A LOT!

 

One of my favorite aspects of having kids has been watching other people love my kids. 

I knew I would love them. 

I knew Brad would love them.

I also knew my parents would.  

But, there are so so many more people that truly love my kids. I'm not just talking about tolerating them, or even enjoying them from time to time, I mean really truly loving them.  My brothers loved Noah and Kayt this week. They always do!  They are fun uncles. But that is not all. They are patient and kind and sensitive and head-over-heels for my kids.  They change dirty diapers, give baths, hug, kiss and give their undivided attention even when it is apparent they could be focusing on many other things. I have always adored my brothers, but my love for them has deepened over the past two years. 

The same goes for my parents. After Noah was born, my mom told me she never thought she would feel the same encompassing love for a child that she felt for my brothers and I. That was before she had a grandchild. She swore she loved my kids from the moment they entered the world, just as she had loved her own. For a mother, that is a great feat. 

The rest of my family is no different. My aunts and uncles and grandparents and great-grandparents love my kids. My cousins even adore them. They scoop Noah up in their strong arms and care for him as their own. They love to kiss on Kayt and make her laugh and stare into her beautiful, big, blue eyes. 

Not only does my family love them, buy my husbands as well. I am still overcome with joy as I watch Brad's parents, grandparents and siblings delight in my babies.  I knew they loved me when I married Brad. They have always taken me in and loved me as their own, but they have shown that to me most through my children. To have someone be so crazy about something that is a part of you is beyond words.  I am so blessed by the family I married into, God gave me many wonderful things in them. 

It is amazing to me that (two) people who have captured my heart so fully can also capture the hearts of so many others. 

To my family and friends who love my kids, thank you! 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Through loving them, you are loving me better than I could have ever asked. You are loving the things I am most proud of.  And because of that, I love you more than ever!

Side Note:

My husband and the 70+ others that went to Mexico this week are on their way home. Eight or so students woke up early this morning throwing up violently. As the day went on, many more have fallen to sickness. They crossed the border and took many of them to the ER.  After leaving El Paso, they had a blow out on one vehicle.  Not long after being on the road, one sweet girl had a terrible asthma attack.  They spent many more hours at another hospital.  I say that to ask for those of you who read this while they are still on the road to pray for them. Getting home has been hard. Had things gone according to planed, they would have been home around 5 pm.  Now, they are hoping to be home by 2am.  I know satan is attacking since they had such a wonderful week of ministering. Please pray for them. I am so anxious to see my husband. I can't wait to kiss that sweet, sunburned face!

?...A Hairy Question...?

Should I cut my hair?

I have been debating this issue for some time. Let me give you a glimpse into my over-analytical way of thinking...

A year and a half ago, I decided I would cut my hair the following spring. I wanted to wait until the weather began to warm up and have a new style for summer. Then, I got pregnant. Judging from my previous pregnancy, I knew chopping my hair would not be in my best interest because I tend to inherit a chubby padding in my face. I decided to wait until the following spring. Which brings us to now. 

I could go into many other thoughts that have entered my mind as well as my list of pros and cons, but I will spare you the agony of reading my always-churning thoughts. 

I've been contemplating this longer than anyone should legally have the right to.

For peat's sake, IT'S HAIR!

It will grow.

Maybe not as fast as I would like, but it will grow.

What do you think? 

Should I cut it? 

If I do, I fully intend on donating what is cut to Locks of Love. 

How short?

Take the poll and then leave your feedback!

p.s. My sister-in-law started a blog. Yea!

 

Suggestions Please!

The kids and I will be taking a trip to visit family next week. Daddy will be in Mexico building houses so we are heading east on the rugged Texas highways.

With extra eyes and hands around, I am thinking hoping I will find time to read a new book. 

I need suggestions!

Please share.

I am really open to anything. It has been a few months since I've read a novel, but I always love a good one. Lately I've read mommy books and other Christian inspirational books. Anything is fair game.

What are your favorite books? 

Recent good reads?

Please give me your input and pass on your wealth of knowledge.

I am already giddy at the thought of having quiet time in the pines of east Texas to get lost in a good book.

Talk about a vacation, mmmmmm! :)

Mammas Misconceptions

I have a problem.

A BiG problem.

Often I think the tasks that await me will accomplish themselves.

 

For example: the laundry I continue to put off... I honestly have to say to myself "Self, this laundry will NOT wash itself. At that rate, it will not fold itself and put itself away."

That is my job.

As is the kitchen floor that needs mopping. Once agian..."Self, this floor will NOT mop itself." That, my friends, is my job as well. 

After cooking I must remind my stubborn self that the pans will not wash away their own food remains and find their sweet way to their reserved spot in the cabinet. 

You guessed it, mine also.

Most civilized adults are not foolish enough to think that housekeeping tasks will take care of themselves, but I tend to differ from most civilized adults. 

I have really been struggling with this recently. EVERYTHING seems more appealing than the tasks that need to be done. Everything!

Possibly it is because I am running on very little sleep due to a teething infant who also has a double ear infection.  Possibly it is because I have began blogging, and frankly, reading about stranger's lives is very alluring.  Possibly it is because if I am not extreemly careful I can slip into the sin of laziness. Possibly, possibly, possibly.

With all of the possibilities I can conjure up, I still have many jobs that await me. 

So, bring it on! 

It is 10:38pm and I have another good hour and a half to give it my all.

My list of to-dos for the night include:

At least 2 more loads of laundry.

Filing the stack papers laying on my table.

Packing Noah's bag for our upcoming trip.

Packing the snack bag for our trip.

Putting away the laundry I've washed and folded. 

Making a game of finding all of the places in which Noah has chosen to leave his Legos.

And to top it off, I am hoping to escape to a place where I find only myself and the Lord. Isn't that a nice reward to a to-do list?

Here is to clean homes, happy hearts and sweet dreams!

Food for Thought

Here is my cheesy tip!

Every once in a while, nothing seems to sound quite as satisfying as a big bowl of Macaroni and Cheese.

I am the only person in my home that really cares for this sinful indulgence, so when hubby is gone for the evening and the kids and I have an odd mix of foods for dinner, I opt for my Mac-n-Cheese fix! 

Annie's Organic Macaroni and Cheese is my choice. 

Although I can hold my own while eating, I usually don't finish the pan of pasta (if you can classify this as pasta).

I know NO one who actually likes left over mac n cheese. 

So, this brings me to my recently discovered way of preserving this wonderful food.

Cook and strain the pasta as directed.  Pour the desired amount in your bowl (you must use a bowl, a plate would be an insult!) add the proportional amount of cheese, a bit of milk, stir and enjoy.

Now with the remaining pasta... 

Simply let it cool to room temperature, and store the pasta only in a plastic container.  Set the packet of powdered cheese aside.

When you are ready for your second helping in the days to follow, pour the desired amount of pasta into a bowl, add a few drops of water and microwave for 1 minute.  After warming, just add the proportional amount of cheese from the packet, a bit of milk and Voila! it's as fresh as can be. It tastes just as wonderful as the previous days 'off-the-stove' treat!

I know, I know this is a silly tip. But for those of us who do enjoy an indulging treat every now and then and don't like the single serving style like Easy Mac, it works. I am sure most people have solved the issue of preserving America's favorite food, but for me, this was a great discovery!

Find more great tips here.

My Chick-a-dees

My arms feel like wet noodles!

Seriously.

My hubby and I attended a Body Pump class at the gym tonight.

This was Brad's very first workout class to attend. I am very proud of him!

I think he handled the room full of women like a champ. I know he must have felt some sort of relief when he noticed that the other men taking the class were, well...ripped out!

This was my first weight training class post-baby. What was I thinking? If I feel this way tonight, I cannot imagine how tomorrow morning will feel.

Thank you to my new friend, Whitney, for helping the 'first timers' out. 

In a state of fatigue, I thought I would share some pictures of my cuties.

How would you feel if you were entrusted into the arms of a young boy who feels anything is fair game for throwing? Can't blame the poor girl...

We are so crazy about each other!

~giggle~

A little freaky, but look how those blue eyes shine.

Is this not the cutest outfit?

Blessings,

Noodle Lady

Ramblings...

Do you ever sit down to face the daunting computer screen without so much as a word on your mind?

This is where I am tonight. 

Blank.

Not even I know what will flow from my fingertips, so here goes...

Number 1:

I've always struggled with fear. 

Fear of failure. 

Fear of ridicule. 

Fear of sorrow. 

Fear of death. 

Fear of the unknown. 

Fear of fear. 

I can remember being young and crying myself to sleep over a fear that had not even come to pass. My parents divorcing, my mom having another baby, sickness, heartache, so many things. I truly believe my mind is a battlefield and my struggle is not against flesh and blood. Rather it is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph.6) 

With that knowledge, I know the Lord calls me to battle. To take hold of the victory which he has already conquered. 

When an event like sweet Lilly's passing happens, I am not only flooded by overwhelming sorrow, but also with fear. 

The devil begins to get a foothold in the vast array of thoughts that flood my mind.  

Fear shows its face. 

I can't sleep. 

I can't eat. 

I can't keep my thoughts focused. 

I can't enjoy what I have been given. 

I have to battle to take each thought captive. I have to forcefully declare the powerful name of Jesus. I have to cling so tightly to what I have come to know to be true. 

If my faith is not there in the hardest of times, is it really a faith at all? 

Of course I question, but who doesn't?

Questions do not mean that I disregard everything I have found to be true and right. 

My Jesus is my Jesus is my Jesus is my Jesus. 

Always.

My non-negotiable, remember?

But fear is my thorn in the flesh.

It is my sin that does not depart from me. The one I battle over and over again.

My thoughts that can churn with ideas of creativity, love, joy and excitement quickly slip into thoughts of darkness, sorrow, anxiety and fear. 

But I press on. 

I take hold of that which Christ Jesus has called me. 

Not to live in a spirit of fear, but rather one of power. 

One of love. 

One of a sound mind. 

Number 2:

Last Wednesday night as my husband finished up talking to the hundreds of high schoolers that had gathered, he began an illustration about my son.  

I had taken the kids to the service so that Noah could listen to the band play and daddy talk. As Brad began the illustration, he called for Noah to come up on stage. 

He showed off his lil' buddy. 

Brad spoke on worship. About following the father and imitating him. He began to tell how Noah mimics everything he does. From running and jumping to laughing and chewing, he wants to be just like his daddy!

As he spoke, my big boy (almost 2 now) just stood there.

Holding daddy's hand.

Gazing up at him. 

In awe of his big, strong, intelligent, super-star dad.

My eyes filled with tears as I watched the bond between my husband and my son grow stronger in that moment.

When did my baby grow into such a big boy? 

Precious memories.

Might I add that he was quite a stud up on that stage? Noah and Brad. What a combo!

Number 3:

I have to go to the doctor tomorrow. You know, THE doctor. Yep.

Number 4: 

The time change really has thrown me for a loop. 

It always does. 

Why can't every state be like Arizona and forego the time change. 

There are few things in life that should not change. 

Time being one of them.

Number 5:

Why is Easter so early this year? How does that work anyway? What are the rules for deciding when Easter Sunday falls? I know many holidays follow some type of rule, what is Easters? 

Number 6:

I'm finished and going to bed!

Applause!

Pondering Proverbs

Words of wisdom from my dear friend, King Solomon:

3:11

My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

10:6

Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

14:26

In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have refuge.

16:1

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

17:1

Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.

19:2

Desire without knowledge is not good

19:11

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

21:13

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

22:17

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you will keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.  That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to YOU.

31:25

Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come.  She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Thank you Sol for offering free wisdom. May it be written on my heart and ever on my tongue. 

Please, Please Pray

This has been a hard day in my circle of loved ones.

Mandy is one of my dearest friends. Her family is so precious to me, they have been such an important part of my life. Mandy's neice, Lilly, passed away yesterday.  Lilly was three and a half months old.

If this sounds familiar from my blog it is because a very similar situation happened to some sweet friends of ours less than two weeks ago. The same questions and aching rings true in my soul.

All I am asking right now is that you pray. 

Please, please pray.

Pray for Richard and Jennifer, Lilly's parents.

Pray for sweet Mandy and Sam.

Pray for the grandparents.

Pray that the Lord floods their hearts with peace and strength.

I am just at a loss for words and strength at this point.

Jesus, please be. Be I AM. 

 

iWorship

Worship is not an issue, it is THE issue.

We all worship. 

Christians and non-Christians.

We all worship.

The old testament talks mostly of external worship, serving the Lord.  

The new testament is directed at internal worship, reverencing the Lord.

Both are ways that we express the love we have toward our Father.  Both are important, necessary for worshiping God.

My husband meets with a great man of the Lord one morning a month. During their time together, my husband is encouraged and uplifted so much. It always shows in his words and demeanor.  One evening, while telling me of their time together, he said he was asked one question:

What are the non-negotiables in your life?

For many months this question has lingered in the back of my mind.

What are the 'things' in my life that are non-negotiable?  The things I cannot go without.  The 'items' that are so vital for my well-being that they simply are not disputable.  

My Savior. 

Every other person, thing, area, desire, hope, love, and on and on, are negotiable.  They can be taken from me, and if they are, I will survive.  Though some 'things' are held much much dearer to my heart, they are still not the very foundation of my being.

Jesus, on the other hand, is!

HE is my non-negotiable.

HE is the one I worship.  

I truly desire for each area of my life to be an outpouring of worship to my Father.  

Sometimes I don't worship the Lord. Many times I don't worship the Lord. 

I worship my spouse.

I worship my kids.

I worship our finances.

I worship myself. 

I worship my schedule.

I worship my expectations.

Worship is the organized center of my life, where I place my thoughts, my time, my affections, my abilities, and my sacrifice.  

The Lord has been awakening my heart to keep my worship in check.  With each thought, I am giving my worship to someone or something.  With each action I am reflecting the one I worship.  

My creator is to be worshiped.

His creation is to be enjoyed.

I pray I will always have a deep conviction when my worship is turned towards Jesus' creation rather than the person of Jesus.  

Mark Driscoll reminded me (in a podcast which I would link, but now I don't even know how I got to it...one click led to another and so on.) that God is not in need of me.  I am not made out of God's lacking, but rather out of his great love.  Because of that, we humbly come to God to receive. As God initiates and we respond, he gains glory and we find joy.  

As Jesus works in my heart, I respond to his workings. I respond to his grace.  In my response he is glorified!  His his glorification my heart and soul find joy!

Jesus be glorified in the response of this heart that is so desperate to know you more.  For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:36