If Not You, Then Who?

As a mother, as a wife, as a friend, as a daughter, as an attender, as a leader, as a member, as a follower...

I have a calling.

I pray for my husband and children in ongoing, raw, needy ways.  I ask the Lord for the small details of their life to be worked out.  I ask the Lord for the big, obstacles to fade in light of him.  I ask for clarity. I ask the Lord for friendships and relationships that will build them up.  I ask for their healing.  I ask for their hearts and eyes to be protected.  I ask for Jesus to speak in radical ways during their days.  I ask for their hearts to be drawn to him.  I ask for their rest to be good.  I ask that their dreams would be from Him.  I ask for their laughter to be plentiful.  I ask for future events.  I ask for everything.

I ask, because if not me, then who?

That's why I petition.

I pray for my husband as a pastor, a shepherd, an employee.  I ask that the Lord would work through him.  If not me asking, then who?

Who else has my husband and children on their hearts as often as me?

This life is tough and this world is mean.  Satan is prowling.  Our battles are NOT against flesh and blood.  They are bigger. They are spiritual.  Just read Ephesians 6.  If our battle is in the spiritual realm, than our defense must be, as well.  How do we battle in the spiritual?  We pray. We wage war.  We speak truth.  We claim scripture.  We trust Jesus.

Knowing this, I want life for my family.  I want Jesus to be powerful in them.  I want unity among us.  I want to make an impact in the lives of people, everyone we encounter.  People matter to Jesus.  I pray for them.  I ask for hearts of stone to be replaced with new hearts.  I ask for days of bitterness to be redeemed with joy.  I ask for marriages to be restored. I ask for healing, knowing that it is a mere glimpse of the power that we will one day experience in heaven.

But I pray most for my family.
Brad
Noah
Kayt
Emery

If I don't fight for them in the spiritual, then who will?
It's my calling as a wife and mother.  It's my joy as a lover of Jesus.
I pray short prayers.  I speak one word prayers.  I pray lengthy prayers coupled with tears.  I pray repetitive prayers.

It's not the format that matters,  it's the heart of one that knows their calling, understands that our struggles and battles are real, and realizes that victory lies in Jesus.  My prayers may not be answered as I would choose, but I never want it to be for a lack of asking.  And through my prayers, my heart is drawn to the Lord's faithfulness and the fact that he hears me.  "But as for me, the NEARNESS of God is MY GOOD." 

Who prays for your husband everyday?
Who prays for you everyday?
Who prays for your children everyday?
Your mother? Your father?
Your grandparents? Your friends?
Your church? Your leaders?  Your students?

If not you, then who?

Changes Birthed

I am not the same person that I was years ago, even just a few short years ago.  I am a different person.  Aside from Jesus doing radical transformations inside of me, I have three little people and one dark haired guy to thank.

I had a color coordinated closet and was not even satisfied with the second highest grade.  I laid my clothes out the night before and I had my jewelry organized.

I was a perfectionist by nature. My first-born tendencies encouraged me to be a leader and to take initiative.

Somewhere after the birth of my oldest and the latest diaper of my youngest, I have become a changed woman.

My color coordinated  closet is now a place that I am thankful to have laundry free and all the articles hanging up.

My drive to achieve the best has been traded for the simple things in life and a love for the ordinary, mundane and beautiful.

My initiative to lay out clothing, plan for each day, need to have a schedule and enjoyment of planning my weeks out has turned into a basic layout: breakfast comes first, lunch is in the middle and dinner is the finale.  Naps come in between and I give myself one task per day.  Literally.  It is all about setting one's self up for success, right?

My jewelry is in one drawer, in a tangled mess. And some of it is in Kayt's room and is now considered princess accessories.

I am less likely to place myself in any leadership role because I don't know who may come down with a sickness, what type of shape my house will be in or who may be long overdue for a nap at any given time.

I am more uncomfortable in group settings and I enjoy reserving my time for my four favorite people.  I am less of a people pleaser and more concerned about allowing my actions to be in response to what Jesus has given me and done for me.  I am slower to judge or criticize because I know how deeply I desire not to have judgement or criticism attached to me by others.

The most reassuring thing is that none of me is lost.  I have learned to lay down some of the things inside of me that stifled the work of the Holy Spirit.  I am a person who keeps most things personal.  Being an "open book" takes conscious intent.  I am learning who I was really created to be, at least in this stage of life.  And I am enjoying it deeply.

Isn't it lovely how giving life to people can change you to the core? Even without being intentional about opening my heart to the ways Jesus wants to change me, he chooses his little ones to open it up and usher in sweet changes.

I Will Just Give You the Highlights

We had Noah's birthday party Monday at a fire station. It was super cool and super cute. I will post pictures soon. He had a great time with a few of his closest friends.

EmmyGirl has an ear infection. I took her to our lovely pediatrician on Monday RIGHT before the party.  In fact, she had to miss the party and stay home with Meme.  Lots of holding and loving has gone on in our home this week.  Currently, she is back to my sweet, happy, laid-back baby!

Yesterday was kind of a rough day.  Nothing major happened, but the kids were wild and by the end of play group I felt like I was failing at my job.  That is not including Noah's wrestling stint with the red-head boy at the gym and the two outfits that Emmy went through while at play group. After twenty minutes of sitting on the couch in complete silence, my mom came to the rescue by just listening to me.  She is so encouraging and guess what she said... she felt the same way at times. What?  So it is not just me?  PTL!

Around 9:30 last night, I found Noah in his bed eating an apple.  I thought everyone was asleep and I wanted to sneak a hot shower.  After I got out, I went to check on the kids and found Noah eating an apple that he had cut himself with the apple corer. All I could do was be thankful that he did not cut his finger.

The night ended by Noah and I curling up in my bed and calling it a night.  I figured that if he was in my reach, I would rest better. :)

I skipped an early morning workout and had a waffle with strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast.  Now, all was well...

Family Favorites

This is a BIG week for our family.

Baby girl will be four months old on Thursday.

Big boy will be four years old on Friday. 

Middle girl is having a blast celebrating with everyone else and has no clue this is not all about her.

In honor of our big week, I thought it would be fun to share with you one favorite thing from each person in our family.

Granted, I have chosen this thing without their help. I will venture to say that I am pretty right on though.  After all, Momma knows best. Right?

Let's start with the youngest....

Emmy LOVES her Nap Nanny.  From my understanding, this is a relatively new thing.  I had never heard of it before she received hers.  I love it! In fact, I wish that I had it with the other two. I put it in her Pack-n-Play (with the infant part in so that it sits up high) and lay her in it at night.  She sleeps so soundly and it just looks comfortable.  I wouldn't mind an extra large Nap Nanny for me! It has a safety belt so after they start maneuvering, you can secure them in place, it is firm, but so soft. The cover comes off for easy washing. 

When we have traveled it is so convenient to only tote this light weight (3 lbs), smaller-than-a-pack-n-play item. I toss it in the back and off we go. No more folding and unfolding of the Pack-n- Play. 

I have sat it on the floor and in our bed.  If you do the co-sleeping thing, it would be a safer option than having to worry about rolling over on your child.    

She has had one stuffy episode in her four months and it was great not having to take an extra step to elevate her.  She is already elevated!

Em is a SUPER FABULOUS sleeper. I don't know how much of it is accredited to the Nap Nanny, but I would highly recommend it to anyone.  It seems that it would be especially good for babies with colic or tummy issues.  

Most cities have a local retailer, but you can also find them here.  

Disclaimer: This is NOT my baby sleeping in this Nap Nanny. 

Disclaimer #2: That was only in case you were curious. :)

Miss Kayt loves her Fisher Price dollhouse that she got for Christmas.  It is super cute. All of the pieces are plastic.  Hers came fully furnished and with the family.  She and Noah will play with it for hours.  It really is fun to play with, I play with them a lot!  The most genius part is that all of the pieces fit inside and then you can close it up. It is easy to tote, easy to store, and doesn't take up too much space.  Plus, it provides its own storage for the pieces. 

You can find it here.

Noah ABSOLUTELY LOVES, LOVES, LOVES his football and baseball guys.

Yes, that is what they are called: football guys.  I met an awesome girl last year from OK whose son is a few years older than Noah.  As I talked about Noah, she said how much he reminded her of her own son.  Noah is a sports f.a.n.a.t.i.c.  And i am NOT exaggerating.  Ask anyone who knows him. He is knows for his love of sports, playing sports all day, and ALWAYS sporting some type of sports attire. This may seem a bit passionate and over zealous, but if you know Noah, you know that I am not exaggerating in the least.  

Back to the story... this sweet friend told me about this product. They are similar to army men, but they are sports figurines. They have football, baseball, hockey and soccer.  Noah has football and baseball, but he is getting the soccer guys for his birthday. Shhhhh, it's a secret.  

They come in a cute little carrying case.  It includes players, referees and something else particular to the sport (i.e. field goals, score boards, goals, etc).  

Noah got his first set just after he turned 3 and it was a great age.  If I had known about this earlier, I would have ordered it sooner.  Before this, we purchased the expensive collectors item sports figurines and he would break off the stand and play with them.  This item cost what only two of those cost.  

You can order them here, from Kaskey Kids.  This genius couple created them for their son, who was much like my Noah.  It is hard to find sports items for the avid youngster and I am forever grateful to the people at Kaskey Kids for the hours of sheer pleasure they have brought into my home!

If you are interested in ordering these, let me know.  I have a 20% off discount code that I will email you. I believe a set is $24.99.  Score! 

It would also make a great gift for your special little boy.  If you order the football guys, you can choose solid colors or from several college teams. Cool, huh?

As for me...

I dig this shampoo.  It is from the John Frieda collection and I get it at Target. I love the smell and I love what it does for my hair. 

I've done the expensive shampoo route and the cheap shampoo route.  This is by far my favorite.  It is kind of a middle of the road shampoo as far as expense goes.  I think it's somewhere around $8.  I had used it for a while and at one point I ran out and went back to my I won't name any names old shampoo and quickly confirmed my thoughts on how great this particular shampoo is.  

Did I mention that I L-O-V-E the way it smells? 

I did? 

Oh. 

Well, I do.

As for the Mister, he is cheating on me with his Kindle.  Not really. But he does love it and uses it quite often. Brad loves to read and this has been great for both of us.

Perks for him: 1. all of his books are easily accessed  2. all of the cool features 3. it is slim and trim and easy to carry  4. it just looks cool

Perk for me: 1. no more books to have to find another place for. Can I get a Hallelujah?  Don't get me wrong, I love that he reads. But. Come. On.  A house can only hold so many books. 

There you have it, folks.  The favorite things of the Ingram Gang! 

What are your families' favorite things?

The Weekend 10

Ten things I did this weekend...

1. Spent too much money at Target.

2. Ate out three times, only paying once.

3. Spent two afternoons at the park.

4. Played with our favorite cousin.

5. Laughed with two college friends that I do not see enough.

6. Waited for the laundry to wash itself.

7. Took one shower.

8. Went to the $2 theatre.

9. Touched a lobster.

10. Wore flip flops.



p.s. I am having a hard time with things to blog about. Any ideas? Any questions?  I'm just stuck.

It's That Time

I wait all year for this

and this.

Neither of which should be a part of my post-pregnancy diet,

but they are oh-so-good!

Speaking of post pregnancy, I want a pair of skinny jeans. Not now, but when I am skinnier. In the past I said that I wouldn't do the skinny jean thing because I did not think that they would look good on me, but I'm ready to eat my words and try them. It will be so much more convenient with my boots plus styles are much cuter now than when they first came out.

Any suggestions on places to look for a great pair? I'm sure it will take several stops to find the perfect fit, but after I loose my pregnancy weight this is going to be my reward to myself.

I'm all about self rewards.

Our Year in Review

It is hard to believe that 2009 is already coming to a close. This time last year, I knew of very little that awaited our family in the coming year, now I look back at 2009 with fondness, for it held so many special events in my life.

In January, I spent two weeks ministering to the women and orphans of India. They left a lasting imprint on my heart and I think regularly about the things that I learned during my two weeks on the opposite side of the world.

April 4, 2009 my brother-in-law was married. We spent the weekend in Oklahoma City where Brad performed the wedding of his little brother and lovely bride.

April 7, 2009 we found out baby #3 would be entering our lives.

At the same time, we felt the Lord had placed a wonderful opportunity in front of our family by providing us with a new home. We put our sweet little house on the market and two weeks later were negotiating a contract.

In May we left our house on Charles Street and moved in with my in-laws to begin turning this

into this!

At the end of July we moved into our newly updated and renovated home.

In between moves, we spent a week in Colorado at High School youth camp. While there, we informed everyone of our decision for Brad to take a new job within the church. He began the week as the High School pastor and ended the week as the College/Young Adults pastor.

Brad made the news when he and a friend found

a signed Tony Hawk skateboard left in a dumpster by Tony himself.

This stud muffin turned three, began Kinder Tots basketball and has blossomed into a smart and gifted little boy. He left toddler-hood behind and has astonished us with his logical way of thinking, intelligence, discernment and natural talents and giftings.

In July, I spent a long weekend with five of my closest friends lounging at a lakehouse in east Texas. I left encouraged and grateful.

And we found out that our baby was a she!

In August I witnessed this beauty become Mrs. Bo Faulds.

And in September Brad and I spent a week at a couple's spiritual getaway and made new friends.

It was full of vision and encouraged love.

This little entertainer turned two, got her ears pierced and was potty trained. She has blossomed into a funny, creative, smart and charming little princess. She woes my heart.

In October, I turned the big 2-7.

We also traveled with our dear friends to watch U2 in concert.

Since April, we watched this little bump

grow and grow and

grow into this!

And on December 15, 2009 our year was made right when Emery Claire entered our lives. We spent our first Christmas as a family of five and relished in God's goodness in our lives.

So here is looking forward to another year full of surprises and gifts. God was faithful to us in 2009 and he we have full confidence in all he will do in our hearts and lives this coming year.

A heart that is greatful...

Extra! Extra!

I have done a lot of reading over the past month and a half. I enjoy reading, but I go in spurts. I tend to get engrossed in a book and therefore I only want to read during my free time (and my not-so-free time).

Something about pregnancy makes me feel the need to read more. I've done it all three times. I think that I subconsciously know that my reading time will be soon become non-existent and therefore, I cram my reading into my months before the baby arrives.

All four leisure books that I have read are good;

The Time Travelers Wife

and I saw the movie. It was okay, not my favorite.

Rebecca

a classic. Very good.

The Alchemist

an easy read that has a lot of wisdom.

And my personal favorite:

The Glass Castle

Read it! It shifted my outlook.

What are your favorite reads lately?

And my favorite cd of the fall is Needtobreathe, The Outsiders. It's so good. I can listen to the entire cd and I love all of the songs. That is rare for me. Check it out... even if you don't know who they are.

Isn't this

just the cutest backpack? 

My aunt bought it for me; she is so thoughtful. 

It made me thankful that I am not gearing up to kick off another school year or packing my bags to be teaching in a classroom, but it will be so fun to carry when I travel. 

Heck, with the backaches that I have been having, I may start carrying it instead of a purse.  Bad idea? It's like the bigger, cuter version of a fanny pack... right?

Transparent through the Transitions

Why does summer seem to come in with such great expectation and then it leaves with much hesitation? 

We've spent many summer days working on our house. Remodeling always takes much more work than anticipated, but we are happy with our progress. We still have many projects ahead of us and things that we would like to do, but we are living in our home and looking forward to many traditions and memories we will make here.  I'm realizing more and more that life is just one project after another. It keeps things interesting.  

We found out that our third child will be another precious GIRL! Brad and I are both so thrilled. Noah knew it all along. He called the 'it' his baby sister from day one and  I should have known better than to doubt the innocence of my child who hears from the Lord. 

To answer your question: she does NOT have a name yet. And she may not until she arrives. We feel no urgency to give her a name and will just wait to hear from the Lord. Plus, I'll just add it to my list of things that need to be done before the baby arrives.  It's growing  by the day. My list, that is. And myself, if we are going to get technical. 

We have traveled some and Brad and I spent a great week of spiritual retreat together.  My hubby took a new position at our church, so he has been learning the ropes of the college/young adult ministry and transitioning into an exciting role. 

Overall, this summer has been one of transition. I've learned several hard lessons through the clashing of my planned personality and the all of the unexpected, unplanned days that this summer held.  I have began to weed out all of the non-essentials in my life in order to focus on and devote more time to the things that mean the most to me and I have seen how God meets not only the needs, but also the desires of the hearts of his people.  He has shown that to me through my own life and his goodness poured out. Yet I have also realized, now more than ever, how undeserving I am of anything good.  It truly is... amazing grace.  

A little pigment

**Answers to a few questions: The tan I used is not mystic tan, but I'm not sure what it is called. I had it done at Awaken Spa, which is a fancy medical spa.  It cost $45. It looked really great and very natural. I wasn't orange or splotchy. I would recommend doing it about one or two days before an even. It looked the best the day that I took a shower. Now, six days later, I still have some color, but it has faded in places. It lasts between 7 and 10 days, but I think ten days is pushing it. Hope this helps.**

No need to call the authorities and file a missing person report, I  am here. Just busy.

It has been a whirlwind of a week and we have a longly anticipated, action-packed weekend ahead of us. My brother-in-law is getting married! I know that it is a very exciting time, but I am oddly excited about this weekend. We are so excited for the couple. And I like seeing my husband in a tuxedo. 

This, coupled with a few other things makes for one busy week and one tired lady.  

I loved all the magazine comments. It appears that Real Simple (which I do love and sometimes I take my friends old issues) is a popular one.  I am going to look into some of the home decor suggestions that you left. I am on a kick to completely re-do my house. The spring does the "all things new" stuff to me. Which, the only way that I know spring is brewing is by looking at my calendar. There has been no hint of spring in our weather. Oh well. Soon enough (I hope). 

Notice anything different?

...besides the fact that I have on no make-up. 

I had the spray tan thing done. It's the fancy kind, the one used by all the stars. And me.  So far, I am pretty impressed. I didn't tell my hubby. I wanted to see his reaction without knowing that I was doing it.  I will let you know what his face looks like when he sees his white, WHITE wife with an instant tan. 

He never seems to get as excited about my silly surprises. It's fun for me anyway. It's the little things that keep life exciting, right? 

Are you a

Magazine Junkie?

I'm really not.

I only receive a few magazines each month and I often never even get to them. It is alluring  to curl up on the couch in a quiet house with a drink and a good magazine. I  do it from time to time, but not regularly.

The few magazines that I receive are...

The Mr. gets Relevant and he loves it; that's his thing. Sometimes I sneak a peek, it's good.

Are you a magazine junkie? What magazines do you order/receive?  Are you into food, decorating, clothing, current events or Hollywood gossip? Any suggestions on good home decor magazines? 

Luck of the Irish

Your Shamrock Says You Are Ambitious

You are good at making decisions and getting things done. You don't procrastinate. At times, people are put off by your ambition. You don't really take a lot of time to relax. You don't really consider yourself a lucky person. In your view, people create their own luck. You are creative, innovative, and complicated. You definitely have a unique spin on the world.

The Shamrock Personality Test

This might explain why I am up at 12:30am working and I have so many things going on that I am beginning to become scatterbrained. Just ask Sarah or Brad.  I even missed an important call tonight. Dang it. 

L-lysine is Cool

Remember when I posted about this issue that I have with mouth sores?

You gave me many useful suggestions and I had good results with some of them. Shortly after the post, I was at the cool little mom and pops pharmacy near our pediatrician's office and the pharmacist recommended L-lysine.

Lysine is an amino acid used in helping repair tissue and vitamin C absorption. It has several other useful causes, but I won't bore you with those. 

Bottom line: it helps speed the recovery of mouth sores. 

Since that time, I have been taking L-lysine. I don't take it regularly, just when I feel like I am about to get a sore or if I bite my cheek (which used to be a sure sign that I would get a sore). 

Thus far, I have yet to have the hint-of-a-sore turn into a real sore like the disgusting ones in my mouth at the time of my post. 

If you, too, get mouth sores, I would recommend L-lysine. It's proved to be a pretty beneficial product in my life!

You love my...what?

Oh, my blog. 

A friend, Tiffany, gave me this award. Nice of her, isn't it?

 Along with the award, there is a set of questions to answer. Each question can only have a one-word answer. Yikes. I am not really a 'one word' type of girl. Does it count as one word if you just run all of the words together?

1. Where is your cell phone? Who.knows

2. Where is your significant other? gym

3. Your hair color? blonde  

4. Your mother? giving

5. Your father? successful

6. Your favorite thing? beautiful.days

7. Your dream last night? unmemorable

8. Your goal? packing

9. The room you are in? clean

10. Your hobby? this

11. Your fear? not.seeing.my.kids.grow.up

12. Where do you want to be in six years? no.plans

13. Where were you last night? hosting.friends

14. What you are not? boy

15. One of your wish list items? kenmore

16. Where you grew up? Tejas

17. The last thing you did? nighttime.kisses

18. What you are wearing? new.jeans

19. Your TV? scrubs

20. Your pet? nada

21. Your computer? b.f.f.

22. Your mood? stable

23. Missing someone? nah

24. Your car? gone

25. Something you are not wearing? suspenders

26. Favorite story? love.you.forever

27. Your Summer? busy

28. Love someone? lots

29. Your favorite color? changes

30. When was the last time you laughed? when.noah.thought.he.met.the.man.Jesus

31. Last time you cried? felt.better

I told you I wasn't a one-word girl. 

I pass this kindness along to:

Megan

Mandy

Sarah

Magen

Darci

Ashley

Reflecting...does a soul good

Looking back over a year brings a mix of emotions. As I think back on 2008, my first realization is how quickly one year passes. It seems like just weeks ago that Brad and I were talking about our goals and prayers for 2008. God has been so faithful to answer our cries. 

Growing up, I remember my mom saying that no matter how old she was, she still felt 16. 

Now, I can understand what she was saying. 

Time passes, things change, kids grow and responsibilities pile up, yet I still feel like I am 16 years old living under my parents roof.

Thankfully, I am not 16 anymore. 

Gosh, I was awkward. 

And my husband would have never given me the time-of-day at 16. 

Trust me, I wanted him to. 

Thankfully, baby fat disappears, braces come off, bangs go out of style and hormones regulate. 

In years to come, the things I want to remember from my life in 2008 include:

Spending countless hours at the park.

Watching every air plane that flew overhead. 

Sitting and not being able speak as I watched my very own children play together and love on one another.

Kayt's sqeals of glee as Noah chases her around the house. 

Laying in our bed on Friday and Saturday mornings as we all four snuggle together.

Date nights with my husband.

Our small group.

Finding out my husband was whisking me away for a romantic adventure for my birthday.

Girls weekend with my college friends and the countless pictures we took on the Tech campus.

The beginning of my new job.

Dudes and Donuts.

Noah's second birthday and his joy at watching Jody play the guitar and sing happy birthday.

Kayt's first birthday and how she loved her cupcake. She moaned and grunted until she had seconds.

Brad's Ordination.

Kayt blowing kisses.

Noah's reaction to his new guitar and drum set and the number of drum sticks he has broken in one year's time. 

Teaching at the Women's retreat and the timidity I felt. God used that to teach me.

The way the Lord provided for our family. 

Moving Noah into a big boy bed and how much he loves to show his room off, even months later.

Watching Kayt walk. And run. And the way she lights up when I walk into the room.

Hearing Noah say, "sure, Mom" when I ask him to do anything. His cheerful spirit and the joy he finds in everything. He is such a thankful little guy.

Spending three months not pregnant and not nursing. It feels liberating.

The overwhelming and all-encompassing love I feel for my husband and children. Sometimes I think about my life and cannot help but cry at the contentment and joy I feel during this season. 

I'm getting carried away. 

I am so thankful for the memories, moments and milestones that the Lord brought to my life in 2008. Thank you, Lord for years and months and days and ways to measure your goodness!

8+8+8+8=Lots of Info about Me

**Ooops, I forgot to tag others**

I tag:

Tara

Lori

Amy

Amber

Thank you for tagging me, Magen.

Eight things about me as we end a wonderful, wonderful year, 2008!

8 TV Shows I watch:

1. The Office

2. 30 Rock

3. Kath and Kim

4. The Hills (I always wonder why I keep watching it)

5. The City- It's just starting, but I might as well keep up with what I have already started.

6. Barney

7. Word World

8. The Soup

---and I plan to watch American Idol in 2009!---

8 Things that happened to me today:

1. I was a guest at Dudes and Donuts for the very first time ever. This is a big day, people.

2. Did a home study for a nice couple that want to adopt.

3. Wrapped the remainder of the Christmas presents. It's about time, hugh?

4. I didn't feel sick after any meal I ate. Hallelujah!

5. Brad's dad took him to the airport so I didn't have to wake the kids up from their naps.

6. Ate dinner with my in-laws. I always love a meal that I do not have to cook. And then, Noah stayed the night with them!

7. Put one coat of Polyurethane on Noah's book shelf.

8. Dusted the house, put away maternity clothes that a friend had borrowed. I was looking through my clothes realizing how much styles change in less than three years, and cleaned ALL of my kids toys.

8 Things that I look forward to:

1. Christmas Eve dinner after all the kids are peacefully sleeping.

2. Watching my kids on Christmas morning.

3. Spending the evening with the Sesslers, the Cherrys and the Wilsons. Our annual New Year's Eve celebration has been canceled, so we are going to substitute it with a night out. Who knows, we might like this tradition even more.

4. Seeing my mom on Christmas Eve.

5. As much as I am excited to go to India, I am even more excited to get home. I cannot wait to have experienced a great time of ministry and return home to my family!

6. Being able to set my table with beautiful Christmas dishes and not fearing that they will be shattered by a ball or someone climbing onto the table. 

7. Potty training Kayt. I am not sure why I look forward to this. Noah was so easy, I am anxious to see if she will be just as easy.

8. Morning coffee with my husband while he is off of work for almost two entire weeks!

8 Things that I wish for:

1. That our front yard would landscape itself. Or, that I would automatically inherit a green thumb.

2. An endless supply of paper towels that aren't destructive to the environment. I like paper towels.

3. An iPhone. In a bad way. Yes, I am materialistic. 

4. A monthly allowance for a house keeper. I promise, I could keep her busy for hours upon hours. 

5. Whole Foods 

6. My children to grow up and love Jesus above all else. (I wish/hope for this above all)

7. A large Jacuzzi tub. 

8. A fancy, shmancy camera and Photoshop. 

You So Ugly

Friday night our small group hosted an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party. It was a blast!

I could not believe the terrible sweaters everyone wore. I don't even have pictures of half of the couples. I'm hoping we make this a yearly tradition.

I went with my fierce candy cane red nail polish for fullest affect. I borrowed Kayt's hair bow. The joys of having another girl in the house.

 Brad was proud to sport a homemade sweater, lovingly crafted by his Meme. She wore it many years ago and now the family fashion trend continues. Maybe one day we can pass our fashions onto our children. I put a shiny new penny in each of his penny loafers. And he wore my stripped Christmas socks. There were paper thin on his feet, seeing as how I wear a six and he wears a twelve (or thirteen). 

Our super, stylin' husbands.

Hillside's finest. What church wouldn't be proud to employ these fellas?

A few pictures I have of couples at their ugliest:

Sparkmans

Ingrams

Murphrees

Andrews

Attaways

Bunches

Soon-to-be Melugins

This is my cousin, Brenna. She is marrying one of our friends on the 19th of December. Aren't they cute? 

Ugliest Sweater Winners...the Beukelmans!

I wanted to show pictures of the CUTE ornament that I stole during the exchange, but blogger isn't cooperating. Maybe later. 

We had such a great time playing games and hanging out. Anyone want to come next year? :)