Take My Word

Read this article on Matt Chandler. It is compelling on so many levels. Seriously, read it. May the name of Jesus be glorified!

Oh, Snow!

This is for my mom who wanted to see pictures of her favorite people playing in the snow.

All of the pictures were taken from the front door because that is as far as I went. I'm sorry there are no action shots, Mom. I do plan to take part in the snowman building later this afternoon though.

I'm not completely sure where this 1980s snowsuit came from. It just appeared in our coat closet one day. This way-too-big suit swallowed Kayt and I couldn't stop laughing at her because she reminded me of the little boy on A Christmas Story.

If you stick your tongue out while working, more gets accomplished. Right, Noah boy? The shoveling wore this boy out. He was very ready for a nap today.

Then everyone came back inside to have a warm drink, eat pigs in a blanket, wrap up like pigs in blankets and thaw out. We are loving snow day number two!

Try, Try and Try Again

I'm not good at this. This blog-thing, that is. I used to be and I still want to be, but there are too many other important things pulling for my time and affection.

I've considered doing away with it since few people still read and since I am so unfaithful, but I just cannot part with it, not yet anyways. I get too much joy from re-visiting old posts and the details of our life's past to call it quits. Plus, my goal in starting it was to document our lives, my thoughts, our memories and taking life slower. I was reminded of that as I read my very first post (which will be exactly two years ago in two days).

On this almost-blogiversary, I want to pull myself back to this place and hold myself accountable to something that I love, my life. I want to share our highs and lows. Even if only for me to re-visit in the future.

The month of January has been one of many emotions for me. Shortly after the holidays, our Emery Claire was put in the hospital with a low fever. It was a hard time for me even after we realized that Emery's problem was easily treatable. The pediatric ward is not a fun place to visit. It lacks the excitement and charm (if you can call it that) of the labor and delivery floor. Seeing many children who would stay longer than our 48-hour visit broke my heart. So many mothers and fathers worry about far more than an ear infection or reflux.

But today, this cute girl is doing so well. After a short hospital stay, a sonogram and testing, we found out that she has urinary reflux. It is a fairly common problem that she takes a daily antibiotic to combat.

At six weeks, Emery is sleeping 7 hours at night, happy most all the time, loves her swing and laying on the floor and adjusting to her antibiotic. Life with three is full and fun!

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...

Introducing...

On our way to the hospital,

to meet this little miracle.

Our sweet girl, Emery Claire

met her VERY proud big brother and sister

8 lbs. 9.5 oz

20 inches

2:09 pm

My sweet three-some:

Noah

Kayt

Emery Claire

Emery Claire looks so much like her big brother and sister did when they were born

and has been pure joy since the moment she arrived.

Thank you for your love and prayers.

We are in awe of our baby and could not be more thankful for ALL that the Lord has done.

The Ingram Gang grows again...

December 15th...

...will be our daughter's birthday!

I will be induced at 7:30 in the morning and am asking the Lord for a quick, easy delivery.

This sweet girl wasn't coming as quickly as we had hoped and the progress was slow so we, along with our doctor, decided to induce since we are quickly approaching Christmas and just days short of the actual due date.

Your prayers will be most appreciated.

We cannot wait to introduce you to our DAUGHTER!

Sometimes...

Sometimes I drink from a water bottle with backwash in it.

Sometimes I roll over in bed and feel a Matchbox car under my back.

Sometimes I sing the Clean Up song while mopping the floors.

Sometimes I wish that people would understand that two-year-olds touch the entire toilet and would think about this when they skimp on cleaning them well.

Sometimes I read scripture and re-interpret it into three-year-old lingo in my head.

Sometimes I save ice cream and the 'good' snacks for after my children are sleeping.

Sometimes I pick up clothes off the floor of Noah's room and smell them to see if they can be put away without washing.

Sometimes I ask for advice from my children.

Sometimes I forget that there are restaurant options other than the ones that offer children eat free nights.

Sometimes the reality of my life just brings a smile to my face.

All the time, I think that this is the best life I could have ever asked for.

:)

Are you all on pins and needles to know whether or not we have had a baby? Well, the answer is NO, not yet. No baby for us. I am feeling great this week and wondering if this little girl is going to hang until Christmas. I have had a few episodes of pre-labor stuff, but nothing to warrant a trip to the hospital.

I do appreciate having this week to get Christmas presents wrapped, bathrooms cleaned, floors mopped and my car cleaned out. Noah and Kayt are so excited for their baby sister to arrive. Noah talks to her through my bellybutton because he thinks it is a microphone. My belly receives lots and lots of kisses and rubs.

We can't wait to introduce you to our girl!

It's Finally December

Since April, our household has patiently waited for December. It's here and soon SHE will be also. I keep telling Noah that his new baby sister will come out whenever she is ready. This morning he said, "It sure does take my baby sister a looooong time to get ready." I'm afraid this may be all too true for the older brother of TWO sisters. This is the first of may times that we will be waiting on one of our girls to get ready.

Welcome, December. You are wanted in this home!

Check This Out! Spread the News!

My friend, Lezlie Andrew, is one of the most talented photographers. Her work is phenomenal and she is so great to work with. In my opinion she is the best in the area, but I am a bit partial.

I wanted to fill anyone in the Amarillo-area in on a great givaway she is offering. She will be GIVING AWAY one wedding photography session for a couple that is marrying in 2010. Completely FREE!

Tell every engaged (or soon to be engaged) couple that you know. Spread the word, this is too good to be true.

Go HERE for details.

You must enter by December 1st. Only a few days left, but I had to put the word out. I would have loved this, even though I got engaged on December 21st so we would have missed the deadline, but that is beside the point.

Now, go! Read the details, spread the greatness, win the session!