{reflecting}

I have been in a reflection sort of mood. I've been reminiscing about when the kids were all smaller - when I had no idea what I was doing. And all of this reflecting has made me absolutely LOVE the season of life I am in now. Seasons are so interesting. I am thankful that God designed our lives that way. I definitely think it is one of His many mercies toward us. Seasons are especially interesting when you realize that you are in the middle of one and can view it from the outside. I am in the season of "getting a taste of the 'bigger years,' while still knee deep in the 'little years.'" 

Iris is 18 months old and quite the clown. And this is the age that has always made me a bit kooky. Like crazy-lady-gonna-run-away kooky. But this time it's different. There is more grace, more patience. I am constantly comparing how different it was when Reed was this age. When I tell Iris that she can't do something, she turns it into a game - usually running off, with a maniacal laughter, and leaving a mess in her wake. When I would tell Reed that he couldn't do something, he would throw a huge, raging fit. Full on, thrown down, ugly hissy-fit. He would get SO angry and it would blow me away, make me angry, and humble me all at the same time. I would just sit and cry in defeat. Because even though I would discipline him and correct him, I would think that it was futile and get so discouraged. But God is so good, because I can look back at the me-then and say with confidence to the me-now that "It gets better!" All the hard work, all the training, all the correction and discipline pays off in huge ways. Because although their personalities are very different, what has really changed is me. I am different. I am a different mom then I was. All the prayers, that God would change my heart and that I would display the fruit of the Spirit, are paying off. God has done a work in me (with a long way still to go, mind you) and for that I am thankful.

I am also remembering how hard it is to take a toddler anywhere and actually carry on a conversation. I mean seriously. Iris is a storm of food on face, dirt in nails, vaseline in hair, and cereal on floor. "It's time to go, Iris," I tell her and she goes completely boneless as I mop the floor with her thighs all the way down to her pink converse. It is exhausting. She is exhausting. But I can breathe, give thanks, and press on, because I know this madness will end, and I know the time put into training now is and will be completely worth it. 

Because I have 3 big kids to prove it. They are actually like little people now. Well-behaved. Respectful. Polite. And overall, they are a blessing to be around and I like them, I actually like them. I am not embarrassed or worried about an outburst or temper tantrum from one of them. But here's the thing. My husband and I have put in the time of sowing seeds and God has done the growing. We have prayed, we have laughed (I have cried), and we have spent hours training, correcting, and disciplining. They weren't born this way and we didn't "get lucky," as if we hit the parenting jackpot and were given better-than-average kids. What is really happening is that we are reaping the harvest. We are reaping the joys of having children that are a joy to be around, not just for us, but for others as well. We have always prayed that our children would bless others. That they would cause people to stop and consider the words in Psalms 127 that children are a blessing from the Lord. That they aren't just little consumers using up the earth's resources. That all kids don't spit in the face of their elders while they play on their smart phones. This blessing, this joy to be around is not just a sentiment that we wished for. It is one that we fought for. We have interceded for them and pleaded with God. And He has used our broken, sinful selves to bring about His grace in their lives, because He is a good and loving God that desires for us to be sanctified completely and thereby blessing our children. The seeds - the training, tears and prayers - were sown and we are reaping a harvest that is worth it all. 

Enjoying our children, liking our children, fostering a deep relationship with them is tough stuff. It is the work of plowing and digging up the soil even when the sun has set and we are bone-tired. It takes hard work, it takes dying to self. And it takes the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives to not get frustrated, angry and downright selfish. It takes remembering the grace of God and setting our eyes on Christ in order to extend that grace to little lives He has entrusted to us.

i've missed you

Well, hello there. Yes, I am still alive. But.just.barely. This first trimester took me by surprise. Like knock-the-wind-out-of-me surprised. I honestly believe God grants mothers amnesia when it comes to pregnancy, giving birth, and the first three months with a newborn. Because if not, I doubt many would willingly choose to keep going through it. Oh, and just to set the record straight, this fourth was planned - he/she was not a surprise. Which for this first trimester, I have found myself asking, "what was I thinking?" Because folks, it's all coming back to me now. And although, I know it's worth it because I have 3 precious little ones to prove it, it has still been hard. These have all made their debut these past 13 weeks:

• ridiculous exhaustion that just makes me angry,
• a complete lack of motivation, almost to the point to tears
• hormonal moodiness that's just plain ugly, 
• and I'm-going-to-eat-your-arm-off-if-I-don't-get-something-to-eat-right-now hunger (my personal favorite)

Those are the familiar things from the previous 3 pregnancies. But for this fourth one we have added a new one: I-want-to-just-put-my-head-in-a-toilet-because-that-would-feel-better-than-CONSTANT-nausea-without-any-relief. I was never this sick with my previous pregnancies and I am such a baby when I'm sick. I find it very difficult to maintain a good attitude. And as a mother, my attitude dictates the entire mood of the house, which unfortunately has been pretty pathetic lately. My husband has given me a lot of grace, and I could probably allow myself some more. But with that said, I have had absolutely NO motivation and blogging got put on the bottom of the list of things I wanted to do. But today I realized I need this outlet. It's not about blogging for stats or for comments. I was reminded that I need this for my sanity. I need to process my thoughts so I can get them out of my head. I also enjoy the platform to share my heart through various articles that I come across. So here's to me diving back in. I hope you've missed me. Because I've missed you.

Quatro at 9 weeks

Let the Craziness Continue

Oh blog, how I have neglected thee. I am without motivation or inspiration but there is a reason and I do believe you'll agree it's a pretty decent one.

Never say never. Never agree to be done with kids just so you can get a dog. Don't put God in a box and assume you know His plan for your life. And never say that you don't get morning sickness. Those are just a few lessons I have learned recently. I have been humbled and blessed all within in a matter of months. Because we found out that we are expecting Baby #4 in July.

Saige started spilling the beans right when we found out so I have been having to tell people a bit sooner than I had anticipated. She's a little chatty cathy and told my parents before I even had a chance to! :) But it's wonderful news and we couldn't more thrilled.

So welcome to Crazyville. Stay awhile. Because apparently we are. And here's to letting the craziness continue . . .








   

family pics

We attempted family photos this week for the annual Christmas card. 

I say attempt because we took them ourselves. And we took them in front of our garage. I'm not exactly sure why other than I wanted a neutral background. So here is a sneak peak.

This picture was salvaged from an overexposure fail (I accidentally moved the ISO and I am so annoyed). It's not my favorite in terms of photoshop magic, but it was such a good one of the kids, that I had to do something with it.

I'll post more later. 

Have a great Sunday!

friday favorites {instagram}

Do you use Instagram? I use it on my iPhone ALL. THE. Stinkin. TIME. I swear it makes any regular picture look fantastic. Here is a recap in instagram pics of the past few weeks. 



Our church meets in the evening on Sundays, so we usually spend the morning running errands as a family. I am always super insecure about people thinking we don't go to church. Not so much because I feel judged as much as I want people know it's important to me and a huge part of our lives. But I also don't want to get them dressed for church that early either because they might get dirty. I decided it's not worth worrying about what other people think. So here's to me letting go of what others think and letting them wear whatever they wanted to run to Lowe's last Sunday.
 

My sweet boy and I at the zoo

 

Meadow loves the merry-go-round and was especially excited that she got to ride on the dog.

Crazy and creative Saige looking beautiful no matter what she's wearing.

 

Super Reed and the mask I made quickly for his halloween costume. I was inspired by a friend who made them for her entire family. Hers looked a lot better. But as Patrick reminded me when I asked if I should start over - "It's going to just end up on the ground in the closet." I love that practical man of mine.

 

This one is for you, Mama Sharp! Meadow was super excited to open and find the cowgirl hat you sent for her birthday. She looks pretty cute, huh? 

 

And lastly, I want to tell you about my friend Blossom. She is amazing with the knitting needles and I mentioned this scarf to her after seeing it on pinterest.  Well, she made me this scarf and hat and put them in my mailbox this past week and totally surprised me. She rocks. If you're interested in purchasing one, let me know and I will get you her contact info. She has an etsy shop, Curly Giraffe, but right now she is just taking orders for the scarves so she can get specifics and not end up making ones that people don't want. Anyways, they're priced very reasonably as well and I think you would look fabulous in one!

In keeping with Wimberly tradition, we are off to the zoo again for miss Meadow's birthday WEEK.

 Happy Friday!

 

wordless wednesday {halloween}

  

 

 

 

 

 
A good time was had by all!

Happy Wednesday!

ten

Today's the day. Ten years ago today I married the love of my life.

10 years ago I had no idea what the Lord had in store for us. I could never have imagined all of the beauty or all of the struggle that we would face — together. 

I wouldn't have wanted to do this thing called life without you. You are my best friend, the one I love to wake up next to, the one that makes me laugh so hard that I pee, the one that inspires, leads and challenges our family. And you are the one that knows me better than I know myself — and still loves me anyway. Jesus knew what He was doing when He gave me you and for that I will be forever grateful. He knew I would need a man to speak Truth into my life. A man that wouldn't let me get away with selfish tantrums, but encouraged me to bring my struggles to our Father. A man that would love me, blemishes and all. You have shown me the love of Christ, Patrick. I am humbled greatly by your love for me and your family.

God loves the covenant of marriage, and He uses it to transform and mold us. And I am so thankful to be in this covenant with you. Because that's what it is. A covenant - a commitment. To love and to cherish in good times and bad. In times of date nights and sleepless nights. In times of warm feelings and in times of distance. I thank God daily for giving me a man that loves Him, that is committed to following after His own heart. Your faithfulness to the Lord is a blessing to me. Your understanding of gospel grace is a blessing to your children and it will be a heritage to your children's children. You are wise beyond your years, you are a man among men, you serve your family with the love of Christ and you ask for nothing in return.

I have enjoyed these past 10 years more than words could ever say. I love you for who you were, for who you are, and for the person that you are becoming in Christ.

I love YOU, Patrick. Happy Anniversary!

September 15, 2001

 

 

2003 (Vancouver)

2004

2005

2006 (first family photo)

2007

2008

2009

2009

2009

2009

2010

2010

2011

One of our earliest pictures together 1997

I love you, babe! Praying for another wonderful decade together!
Now let's go on our road trip, huh? It's about time!

miscellany monday

We have an eventful week ahead . . .

1. Thursday, the 15th will be our 10 year anniversary and we are in the throes of planning our big trip. More on that later.  

2. On Saturday we are having Reed's birthday party to celebrate his 2nd birthday which is Sunday, the 18th (9-18-09). This boy is going to be 2, are you kidding me?

Reed at 8 months

3. We have to stay on our toes, so that we aren't attacked by Spidergirl-panty-head, the red-maned Reederator, or a legit looking Saige-Tiger.

  
They're ready to pounce at a moments notice . . .

 . . . and possibly pull your eye out!

4. I need to find a place in my house for these awesome garage sale finds from this weekend, before Patrick tries to re-sale them on ebay.  

5. Oh, and I have to find one of these for the next baby shower I go to. 

True story, no?

source

What do you have planned this week? Anything more exciting than getting attacked by Spider-girl-panty-head? I seriously doubt it.