He Knows Us

Yesterday when Maia woke up, there was a spot on her left cheek that was a few shades darker pink than her normal skin tone. Upon first glance, it just looked like she'd slept a bit harder on that side of her face. But it was still there when I picked her up from school yesterday, and still there this morning. It isn't raised or anything, just a little more pink. So I'm not concerned yet, but rest assured (grandparents) I am keeping on eye on it.

As I was walking home after taking her to school, I felt thankful that I know her face so well, I can tell immediately when something is even the slightest bit different. This is true with both my daughters and with pretty much their whole bodies. I know every square inch of them. I know when they get a new freckle or mole. I recognize any new bruises, scrapes or bumps. I haven't necessarily tried to become this familiar with them. It's come from years of changing diapers, bathing them, helping change in and out of clothes, etc. Each time I look at them, I memorize them without even realizing it. Because I'm their mother. Because I love them as only a mother could.

So thinking about this on my walk home, I thought, "How much more does the Father know me?" How can I fully grasp that while I'm on this earth? I don't think I can. But I do know that not only does He know me outwardly, He knows me inwardly. The New Testament is full of verse after verse with words that tell us that only God knows our hearts. He knows my every thought, every emotion, every hair. I find so much comfort in this. The book of Psalm 139 says it best:
"O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD."



I sometimes struggle with the thought that there isn't anyone who truly knows me - my thoughts, my motivations, good or bad. But He does, and that brings me peace.

Sovereign Lord, I do praise you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And so are my daughters. Thank You for choosing them to be my daughters and thank You for choosing me to be Yours.

Kinder Kid

We knew this day would come. We didn't think it would come so fast. Today, Maia began kindergarten. Cue: racing heart, stinging eyes, tears streaming down face. And I don't mean Maia.

She was super excited and we were excited for her. But yes, as soon as I exited the building, bring on the water-works.
Why, you ask? I've pondered the same thought many times over the past several weeks. Yes, it's a milestone. Yes, she's my first-born. But the truth is, her world of influence just suddenly grew exponentially. That's hard as a parent. Especially as a parent who is a believer. I know we live in a sin-cursed world and I can't shield that from her. Nor am I supposed too. I'm trying to teach her to show Jesus to a world that is dying. But the selfish part of me wants to hide her from the evil she will be exposed to for the first time, such as racism or bullying, or who knows what else. I'm having to rest in my God's sovereignty right now, in a different way than ever before. He's in control of her little life. Not me. As she begins this new journey, I pray He will use her life for His glory, and that He will show her parents how to best equip her for that task.





I bought this Jansport backpack for $4 last December. Regular price - $40! Not too shabby.



Patiently waiting



Understand why I might be a little nervous???!!

In the classroom and already hard at work.




Notice all the colors in her hand are a shade of pink or purple. Not a coincidence.




This is Maia's teacher, Mrs. Meador. She's telling the students about the breakfast, which they serve them each morning in the classroom.

Grammie-Maia Day

Before school started, Grammie wanted to take Maia to get a few school clothes. So these two got to spend some fun time with just the two of them, lunching and shopping. Maia had a great time and for sure will be the best dressed Kindergartner in school. Thank you Grammie!

Generations

This is a special picture indeed. At Josie's party, I noticed it was the first time that all of my grandmother's 6 great-grandchildren were in the same place as she. Not knowing when this would happen again, I seized the moment. So here is my dear
grandmother with all six of great-grandchildren and her two oldest sons, the grandpa's.

L to R bottom: Maia Jeanette Reed, Josephine Rose Reed, Margaret Josephine Penson Rydell, Maddison Kate Rydell, Dawson Jakob Rydell.
L to R top: Timothy Carl Rydell holding Hunter Timothy Robinson, David Todd Rydell holding Ella Grace Rydell.

What a blessing!!!

Big 2 Year Old

I may be unintentionally starting a tradition here, but I thought in likeness of what I wrote about Maia turning 5, I would share two of my favorite things about Josie right now. Again, this will be difficult since there are so many things I love about that little toot.
But here are two that happen to immediately come to mind:

1. I love that every morning and every nap, the first thing she says every time she gets up is, "Where's Maia?"
2. I love that any time she hears anything that even resembles a beat, she is shaking her hips and bopping her head.


Holy Father, I'm ever thankful to You for giving me little Josie. She is a joy to me and a precious gift that could only come from You. I praise You, that You knew her before I did and still chose me as her mother. Help me to raise her in a way that brings You alone glory and that she would grow to be a woman that is completely surrendered to Your will for her life.

Happy 2nd Birthday Josephine!

Time flies when you're super-cute! Hard to believe, but our little Josie turned 2 on July 30th. Grammie and Granddaddy graciously offered their home for us to party in. Josie didn't really know everyone was there in her honor, but we knew and we are so grateful to all our family for coming and celebrating this precious life with us.
And thanks again to Grammie and Granddaddy for letting us use their casa!


Cake time!



Getting ready to blow out those candles.


She did it all on her own, with a little boost from mom. :)

Hello Goodbye

In June, my mom and my sister and her crew came to stay. My mom, Janna, was here for almost a month and my sister and her family were here for a week of that month. Needless to say, we had a houseful!

My sister and her husband Brandon, both serve our country in the Army. For the past 3 years they've been stationed in Fort Polk, LA. They saved up their time and took a 30 day leave, and we were lucky enough to be one of their stops. They are now stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany. A LONG WAY AWAY! Sniff. And my mom is with them. Double sniff.

I miss them all sooooo much already. We've been able to talk several times on the phone and a couple times on Skype.

But, I'm so excited for this great opportunity and pray they make the best of it. Love you Mordens! Miss you all.

The Morden's



Sisters :)


All the girls left to right: Josie, Mar, Braelynn, Lindsey, Alise, Maia


My mom and her girls

Family Vacation

I guess you could say that we are creatures of habit. It seems anytime we're looking to get away for a bit, we tend to gravitate toward DFW. It has good food, good art, and IKEA! It was just a long weekend, but it was just the four of us and it was wonderful.
The girls were troopers as we tried to get in some culture, and Maia had her first ice skating adventure. Hopefully we can get away again soon.


These pictures were taken at the Kimbell Art Museum, one of our ultimate faves in Fort Worth. The last time we came here Maia was a year old and we took a picture of her in this same location.


Josie following in big sister's steps.



Then trotted over to the Botanic Gardens of Fort Worth.

Father's Day Pool Party

This year Robert celebrated his 5th Father's Day. We got to have lunch with Rob's dad, Sammy. Then that evening went to my dad's house and went swimming. Overall, a very fun and blessed day.

I feel grateful that Robert is the father of Maia and Josie. I say to people all the time that Robert is the perfect dad for little girls, and it's true. Even though he wasn't raised with girls, he has learned pretty quickly how to deal with all the mood swings and drama that comes from parenting daughters. As we continue to raise them, I know he'll continue to be a source of strength for me and a calming presence. He's very laid back and patient, and I'm not. (thought the Lord is dealing with me about that and I'm trying!)

Thanks Rob, for being a godly father to our daughters. I couldn't ask for a better man to lead our family.





My dad with four of his five kiddos (my bro Sam not pictured)

In addition to my husband, I'm also grateful for my dad, David. He's so funny and honestly a little quirky! Amy and I crack up all the time at little things he does that are funny and odd and just "David."

He's also one of the most godly men I know. He is so faithful to our Lord, and is someone who is in constant fellowship with Him. A few years ago, he saw some of the darkest days in his life as a believer, and not once did he blame God or turn from Him or become bitter. It was such a huge testament as to what kind of follower of Christ he really is.

Daddy, thank you for being such a godly influence in the lives of your children, and grandchildren, and everyone you come in contact with. I love you dearly.

Ella Grace Rydell

There is a new baby in town, and her name is Ella Grace...

Ella is Johnny and Amber's (Mar's brother and sis-in-law) newest little bundle. Ella was born in the afternoon of May 20, 2010. This blonde beauty is a little clone of her big brother Dawson and big sister Maddi.
We already love her so much and are looking forward to watching her grow.
Merciful Lord, thank you for giving us another child to love. Please protect her as she grows and matures, and give her a heart that will thirst for you.

Tennessee Line

Well first let me say, I'm still playing catch up. So bear with me...

Back in May I did what every good mother does; leaves the hubby and kids at home to go drool over the most talented former contestant American Idol ever had. And I don't mean Chris Sligh.
That's all true but there is more to this story.


In May, for my 33rd (yes you read that correctly) birthday, I headed on a plane to Nashville to see my dearest bud Marty. Sweet Robert stayed behind with the girls, so she and I could get our girl time on, and I will be forever grateful. I did miss them of course. But I admit, it was a nice break. Maia is 5 and Josie 2, and I have never left them for more than a day for something that wasn't ministry related. So, I think I did my time!

Anyway, in February, Marty told me that Daughtry was going to be in TN on May 30th and she would by my ticket for my birthday if I would come. Long-short, booked me a ticket to Nash and 3 months later, we're sitting a mere 40 yards away from the stage in Bridgestone Arena. May I just take a moment to say - BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!!!

I promise I'm not just saying this, but it was truly one of the best concerts I've ever been too. Cavo and Lifehouse opened for Daughtry. Oh, and did I mention Kelly Clarkson comes out to do a little duet with Chris? Four words: Acoustic, center stage, fabulous.
To see for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbtJzcpl0DU



Here are a few pics from the concert.


I'm so grateful to Rob for watching our girls so I could have some quality time with my dear friend. And it really was a great visit. Marty is my friend because she gets me, she knows me, she accepts me in all my weirdness and offensive ways. I really hate that we can't live closer to each other, and thereby preventing us from seeing each other as often as we'd like. But it really makes the time that much sweeter when we are together.
I love you dear friend. Thanks for being you and for loving me.