Daphne's 1st Post - A Poem "wndrfl"

having life in this wrld just maks me happy.
(having life in th is world just makes me happy.)

all the clowds that glidrring are a sit.
(all the clouds that are glittering are a sight.)


isint it just duvin
(isn't it just divine?)

Summer Day at the Riddle Farm

Second Annual Block BBQ

This past Saturday me and my two great neighbor girlfriends held the second annual all block bbq. It was so fun with lots of yummy summer food and friendly conversation. I can't tell you enough how blessed I am with a great neighborhood. Right here on my street I have kid swapping, carpooling, daycare, borrowed grandparents, open cupboards, multiple friends, teen babysitters, and even our pastor and his family!

I feel so great about the relationships here, that I invited 5 of the kiddos to spend the night after the bbq! So along with my three, I had eight sleeping on the living room floor, eight popcorn bowls, eight juice boxes, eight right before bed potty breaks, and in the morning eight Mickey Mouse pancakes. It was a complete blast. They slept from 11pm til 6:30pm (with a round of throw up from Daphne in the middle of the night!) I even had them vacuum my floor in the morning - which they loved.

Needless to say, I skipped church in the morning and took a three hour nap with Ruby!

What a great memory!

Mommy Reward

I guess I've been resorted to the fact that this phase in Mommy~hood is a lot more work than reward. Of course that outlook is tied to my attitude and persective most of the time. But it is true that looking after three young children can be mostly a one sided service.

It's tiring, but I thrive on the "rewards". When received, they take me far above the thankless moments and let me sit on the clouds of love, pride, and joy.

Last night was one of those moments...it was unexpected and brilliantly fulfilling. (sorry if this is a bit boastful)

Maisie went from her skills on the hotwheels and three-wheeled scooter, right to big girl bike with no training wheels. She literally skipped the training wheel portion of bike progression. She asked to try it, and to my surprise was fully capable. I was pleasantly shocked.

For all of you that follow Ms. Maisie's and my life together you know that smooth transitions haven't really been a part of her existence. But in that very moment of sharing in her ease of a new skill, I had a glimpse into a very successful future that I have always hoped for.

It was a blessed night of much needed exercise for me, running next to her pedaling away, and helping her make the tricky turns. She was beaming and our whole family and many neighbors stayed out til after 9pm in complete 1950's sort of summer style.
We let her call every grandparent under the sun and just soaked in her excitement.

Then I ended the evening taking turns reading a brand new book with Daphne.

I fell asleep so content with my phase in life - and reminded that God really is growing my kids up well - sometimes when I am in complete union with His plans, and sometimes despite my complete failure. I'm so thankful, blessed and awed that He is in control and will sustain me as their mother.

My Three Girls

Just had to share this!

I am doing a 6 week Bible Study this summer with a great group of women. It's a Lifeway video series called "Deeper Still" covering the life of David. Last night was our first video segment featuring Priscilla Shirer. She is a passionate speaker. We all got goosebumps and shouted amen during one portion of her talk. I was so excited today when I googled her name and found this quote. Please read it outloud and enjoy!



He is the First the Last, the Beginning and the End.
He’s the Keeper of creation and the Creator of all.
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all time.
He always was, always is, always will be. . . unmoved, unchanged,undefeated and never undone.He was bruised, but brought healing;
He was pierced, but eased pain;
He was persecuted, but brought freedom;
He was dead, and brings life.He is risen to bring power and He reigns to bring peace.
The world can’t understand Him, armies can’t defeat Him, schools can’t explain Him and leaders- they can’t ignore Him.
Herod couldn’t kill Him; Nero couldn’t crush Him.
The New Age cannot replace Him and Oprah cannot explain Him away. one of my favorite parts!
You can remind yourself that: He is life, He is love, He is longevity, and He is the Lord.
He is goodness and kindness and faithfulness and He is God.
He is holy and righteous and powerful and pure.
His ways are right, His Word eternal, His will unchanging and His mind is on us.
He’s our Saviour, our Guide, our Peace, our Joy, our Comfort, our Lord, and He rules our lives.
I serve Him because:
His bond is love
His yoke is easy
His burden is light, and His goal for us is adundant life.
I follow Him because:
He’s the wisdom of the wise
the power of the powerful
the Ancient of Days
the Ruler of rulers
the Leader of all leaders.
His goal is a relationship with me.
He’ll never leave you, never forsake you, never mislead you, never forget you, never overlook you,and never cancel you appointment in His appointment book. . . .never.
When you fall,He’ll lift you up.
When you fail, He’ll forgive you.
When you’re weak, He’s strong.
When you’re lost, He is your Way
When you’re afraid, He’s your courage.
When you stumble, He will steady you.
When you’re afraid, He’s your courage.
When you stumble, He will mend you.
When you’re hurt, He’s going to heal you.
When you’re broken, He will feed you.
When you face trials, He is with you.
He’s everything for everyone, everywhere, every time and in every way.
He is your God and THAT, dear friend, is Who you belong to.

It's Summer!

I've never seen Daphne so excited for a trip! It's back to McCall for me on Saturday, but this time with my kids and husband. Yahoo.

If this writing sample isn't a perfect display of summer seen through the eyes of a child - - I don't know what is!!!




Daphne LOVES to write - lists, stories, journaling, songs, prayers and more!