He Leadeth Me

My niece Jenny featured a Mother/Son Dance and a Father/Daughter Dance at her wedding a few weeks ago. What a great idea! I don't often get the opportunity to dance with my son. Isn't he a handsome guy? And let me tell you, he's the BEST son in the whole wide world. Photos by the Rolletts

Hi! My name is David and I am Nana and Ducca's Dallas grandson. I have been video chatting with my Nana and Ducca for several months now and seeing them as often as I can, but it's just not the same as living in the same city and seeing them anytime I want. Here is my EXCITING news! My Nana and Ducca (and many others) have been praying for a long time that God would find my dad a job in Colorado. Those prayers have been answered. My family will be moving in less than 2 weeks. Just so you know, I am doing most of the packing while my mom and dad sit around relaxing! NOTE FROM NANA: All I can say is "God is good!"

Did you enjoy the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik? If you haven't read it, you really need to. It's a children's books, but really a book for all ages. Selznik's new book Wonderstruck follows a similar format. Catch a Sneak Peek at Selznick's 'Wonderstruck' Cover Book Cover Courtesy of Follett.org

The Hello, Goodbye Window is a wonderful Caldecott winning book about a child who sees her grandparents in the Hello, Goodbye Window each time she visits. book cover courtesy of Titlewave This picture wasn't designed to be a reenactment of the book but I just couldn't help but compare. David in the window with Nana looking out at his great grandmother, Sweetie. One of those sweet moments in life.

It's big news in Colorado Springs! We now have Blue Bell ice cream. Mandy first alerted me that she had found some at WalMart and then I found it myself today. They have even introduced a special flavor that will only be sold in Colorado! So to all our Colorado friends-- You've just gotta try it to see what your Texas friends have been talking about! And to all our Texas friends-- It looks like you will have to come and visit us if you want to try the newest flavor, Rocky Mountain Road. Click on the link above to learn more about this Colorado only Blue Bell Flavor.

Kelly, one of our "official" family decorators, decided to use books as part of the decoration for Jenny's Bridal Luncheon. Jenny's wedding colors were green and purple so she used books in that color scheme. I thought the colors were interesting, but also the variety of titles. You gotta love The Purpose Driven Life right along with Runny Babbit and Harry Potter . And then there's Stupid White Men . Books are always fun, whether you read them or decorate with them. And I must voice my personal prejudice here-- although e-books have their place, you certainly could never use them as decor. And they don't smell like a good book. Don't you just love that smell?

When David and I lived in Houston, we were part of a very special Bible Study group. Our good friend, Lance White, took the picture above which the group gave to us as a going away present. When I was in Houston for Jenny's wedding, I visited the group. It is amazing how quickly you fit back in with people you love. We talked, laughed, sang, and studied together just as we always had. Thank you Moses Life Group for being the greatest!

People often ask me how long I am going to continue to go back to Houston to teach at UHCL. After all, they think, I must get tired of traveling. The pictures below might help explain one of the reasons I like to keep my Texas job. It enables me to visit my Houston family. The middle child in the picture above is my grandson David. The other two cuties are my two great nephews Andrew and Nathan. Gail (the other grandmother pictured here) and I raised our children together and now we get to enjoy each other's grandchildren. So far, the only grandchildren on my side of the family are little boys--5 of them. These three sure had a good time today. You just gotta love cousin time.

Just taking a little break from Fun Wedding Week in Houston to say I miss these little guys!

For those of you who have nieces, you can relate to the special time I am going to have over the next few days. My niece, Jenny, is marrying, Fili on March 13th. I have loved this precious girl since she was a tiny baby (and even before) and now I get the joy of helping her celebrate one of life's most joyous occasions. I will be out of pocket for several days so will not be posting, but you can be sure that I will have some special pictures and stories of this wonderful time in our family's life when I return. May you find joy in those you love as Jenny and Fili find joy in each other.

I am so happy that all of my grandchildren love books. Take a close look at this picture and you will see that David is a speed reader.

One of the ways I choose children's books is to read as many of the Award Winning books as possible each year. A great way to find award winners for you and your children is by visiting the American Library Association Website. Heart of a Samurai written by Margi Preus is one of four 2011 Newbery Honor Books. I wasn't sure how I was going to like it because much of the book is set on a whaling ship. I still have very vivid and bad memories of having to read Moby Dick in high school (and over Christmas vacation at that). I list it as my least favorite book of all time. Heart of a Samurai is different. It has heart! Give it a try--I think you might just like it as much as I did.