Visit from the Duvalls

April and Chris were one of our precious families in California. We were thrilled with their visit and a chance to get to know their Ella.

Susannah's first swim

Aunt Jill comes for a visit

John's Aunt Jill came for a few days to visit John's parents and John and I. Her precious husband Uncle Robert Michael went to be with the Lord on January 31. We had some wonderful and tearful times remembering him and how much we all loved him. He lost his battle with a brain tumor at the young age of 65. 
Of course, our Susannah is always close by to bring joy to all of us. Don't you love the capris. Let me know if any of you see any my size. I would love to have a matching pair.

Rebecca comes to Camp Rantal

Our great niece, Rebecca, came and stayed with us for two days and three nights while her parents attended a home school conference in Arlington. She is just 3 years old (right between Jenna and Sophie). We had the time of our lives exploring Grapevine and looking at life from the prospective of a toddler.
Great Uncle John had great help grilling what Rebecca called "Fire Chicken" I love his aquarium bucket as a stool.
Cousins Elisabeth and Heather relaxing after dinner with babes of their own.
Snuggling after a bath was always one of my favorite times with my children.
I think Susannh was wondering why Rebecca was in her stroller. They were so cute together.

 Rebecca already has many of bible verses hymns memorized. It is such a reminder that our children are "wet cement" and that it is a blessing to help them hide God's Word in their hearts.

Way to go Steve and Elisabeth. You are doing a fabulous job.

If you want an example of this adorable child singing a hymn, click on the link below.

http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u169/cindyrantal/?action=view&current=FathersWorldBest.flv

Welcome Mom to Dallas

John and I took Mom to Park Cities Presbyterian Church.  It was fun to remember Heather and Troy's wedding two years ago.
We dressed Susannah up and did a photo shoot at the Gaylord Texan. This hotel is owned by the same people as the Broadmoor. It is here in Grapevine. It has a beautiful river walk indoors.
Heather and Susannah posing in front of the mock Alamo.

Four generations coming together for the pictures was so much fun. 

Mom and I shopped and never dropped. We hit Southlake(upscale) Grapevine Mills(Outlet Mall) Northpark(really upscale) Sam Moon's (Onilla's favorite), Collins Creek Mall, TJ Max, Ross, Marshalls, Target and Sam and Walmart. I now know where to buy anything your heart would desire. So come and visit us and I'll be at your service.

Southlake Art Show and Neighborhood Girls

Friday night "Papa" John and I took four of the girls in our apartment complex to an Art Show and Fair in Southlake, Texas.

They are third and fifth graders and they had a blast!

We got to meet Miss Teen Texas. She was as sweet as she looks and told them about her platform to not give up in adversity. Two of these girls have no father contact. All but one claims to know Jesus but their parents never take them to church.

This was Akelah's first time to bungee jump (child style)

Emily was much more daring. She jumped the highest as we all stood and cheered her on.

John and I are making good friends with the parents and the children. While we are waiting for God's next assignment, we love our invisible church that we see happening here in Texas.

Our Secret Garden has blooming azaleas!

Much to our delight the "dead" bushes are azaleas and are slightly blooming. Sophie the little white fuzz ball and Alexis on my lap, were new members yesterday.

The Easter rain has brought our rose garden into full bloom. The children are so excited and they now know the difference between a rose and an azalea. I am determined to finish reading"The Secret Garden". Some of the children and all of the dogs who come to the club would rather dig in the dirt.

Margarit discovers Texas Hospitality-Johnson Style

Our tour started at my Mom's home in El Campo. Margarit was greeted with a great meal and my niece Emily's 16th birthday party.

The next morning we went to my brother Pat's home, 10 minutes away in Louise. He was at the hospital seeing patients but Lisa ,my sister-in-law and Tommy,my nephew, gave her a chance to ride their tractor.

After almost crashing into the garage, she got the hang of it was ready to mow the back 40!

Next stop, Uncle Mike, my brother the greatest dentist in the world who did a little work on Margarit. Not her favorite stop.

We were greeted in Kemah, Texas by Mike's wife, Ellen. Margarit took us all out to dinner to celebrate. Ellen sent this beautiful rosebush home with us. It is the exact color of the bougainvillea I had in my yard in California. Thank you, Ellen. It looks great on my patio.

Mike wanted to take Margarit on her first sailing excusion. The wind was crazy and the water was too low. So we just got a great photo, including our awesome nephew Nathan, a junior in highschool at Clearcreek High.

The next day we stopped in at Greenway Plaza at Buckeye Partners where my brother Todd has a very impressive office.

Margarit had to get a quick picture in the boardroom where Todd makes all his important decisions. She just had to see how it felt to sit at a board table. Todd then took us out for a fabulous Mexican lunch at Papasitos.

We then got in the car and drove back to Grapevine. We stopped between Dallas and Fortworth and she got the red boots seen on my new blog banner picture. The next day we went to the Gaylord Texan which is owned by the Broadmoor Gaylords. It is only 15 minutes from us in Grapevine. She took all the pictures on her camera so you'll just have to imagine it.

So glad you came to Texas, Margarit. I know you and Bryon will come back someday.

Special visits from special friends

My dear friend from college and maiden of honor in my wedding is here for knee surgery. What a fine reunion we had talking about old times. She and her husband are known all around Dallas for for their fabulous work in the kingdom. Kathy, you are my treasure.

Onilla's sister Jeannie lives just 15 minutes from me. Onilla's granddaughter Melinda came for a spring break vacation. Jeannie had Heather and Susannah and me over for a birthday lunch for Heather. I love Texas hospitality.

My friend Paula, who decorated my adorable house in California came for a quick 24 hours. We rearranged furniture and rehung pictures. Now, our home has the most amazing Paula touch. What a friend, who has helped me decorate every house I have lived in.

That magical chandelier that has everyone gasping for air. I love you Paula, for always bringing color into my life.

Margarit, from California came for her spring break. She is getting married in August and John is doing the ceremony. We had a marvelous trip to Houston and worked on the wedding plans. These are the horses of Las Collinas!

New Name Winner

I'd like to congratulate my long time friend Lynn from right here in Texas for coming up with the new name for my blog. I so appreciate all of you who gave me ideas. I like this one the best because I feel like God has given John and I such a gift to be here. I get to see my precious Susannah almost every day. While we wait for our next church, we will love being in this wonderful state with most of our family on both sides. Lynn, I hope to see you soon.

Help me rename my blog!

After two months in Texas, I am finally not missing California so much anymore. The dear friends we met there will be with us forever. However,Susannah, the friendly Texans,being back in my home state after 34 years and spring time are all quite wonderful.

But I need a new name for my blog. I would love any suggestions.
If you'd like to think about it for a moment. I mighty even have a prize!!! I am just blank. Help me!

So on the way to Big Lots........

"John, I think I just saw a zebra!" He turns the car around and sure enough...

there she was grazing with the llamas! I love surprises!!!

Springtime in Texas

John and I found this beautiful park today and were blessed by a walk after church.

Denise is improving!!!!!

Corrie called last night to say that some of Denise's counts are improving. It was the most hopeful sign we have had since she went into the hospital. We are all just praising God for keeping her with us. Sean, Corrie, and the girls will be going back to Monterey to their own home on Saturday, after a month stay in Denver. They have been so loved and taken care of by Sean's family. The girls have been able to see "Gramma" on a regular basis. Even in her weak state, they have brought her so much joy. Grandchildren just do that. They will be happy to be back in their own beds. However, Sean and Corrie have been so instrumental in Denise's around the clock care. Please continue to pray for her. We all learn to live one day at a time.