Town North Presbyterian Church- Richardson, Texas

John will start officially as the interim pastor at Town North PCA. September 1. It is about 35 minutes from where we live in Grapevine. We have already started attending. We will not move so we can be by Troy, Heather and Susannah. It is good to finally have a church home again.

Susannah wants to be President

Many of you know, that as a teacher, the presidents were my passion. She is starting her research.

So far her approval rating is excellent. Afterall, isn't that all that is important these days?

Enjoy her campaign speech. We would appreciate your votes!

The Cheese stands alone!

Today, while Susannah was at my house, she stood alone for almost a minute. When Heather and Troy came to pick her up, we were able to get this video.

Happy First Birthday Susannah

She woke up early from a nap today, while Heather was picking up Troy from the airport. More will be coming of her real sunshine smile.

Celebrating our 35th Anniversary in NYC

Of course, you have to take the free Staten Island Ferry for the NYC picture of the Statue of Liberty. It was my first time to see it.
I cried through the first half. It was so precious. I so wish I could give each of you a "spoonful of sugar" to help the medicine go down easier.
Our room was on the top in the dormers of this iconic brownstone. The Hepzibah House just a block from Central Park on 75nd street, is a boarding house for pastors and missionaries staying in New York. It is very very cheap to stay there. There is not an elevator and the bathroom is down the hall. We got lots of exercise daily. It also has an International Student ministry. Each night when we returned home there were students in the living room praying.
Griffin Park next to the New York Public Library.
Sean and Corrie gave us a boat ride in Central Park for our anniversary. The weather was perfect and it was amazing to see the swans and turtles. Very romantic!
Our boarding house was right behind that twin building. Central Park was my favorite part of the city.
John loved the remote control boats in Central Park. It was so relaxing.
Joseph, the young man at the dock was fresh from Brasil. He was a believer. John took the time to pray for him. He had not found a church yet. We are hoping that he will go to Redeemer. John and I went there and it was wonderful. Tim Keller spoke and it was great to finally hear him in person.

Surprising Emily in NYC

Emily, another graduating niece, living in Atlanta, is a wonderful bassoon player. Her youth symphony was invited to play in Carnegie Hall. We surprised her by showing up at a pizza place the day before her concert. She will attend the University of Michigan in the fall.
I loved NYC ,taxi rides, flower shops and concerts.
After the concert.
Aunt Jill and John's sister were chaperones for the trip. We surprised them also. Susan actually made all the arrangements for 60 students and their parents to come to NYC for the concert. It was quite an amazing experience for us all.

More June favorite moments

Katherine graduated Valedictorian of Louise High. She will be attending Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton,Texas.
Christina, her older sister and our niece came in from South Florida where she attends the university.
John hung Christmas lights on my brother's gazebo. We had an open mic. About 50 attended a great celebration in their back yard in Louise.
Lisa, Pat's new wife of 4 years did an amazing job of pulling it all together. Pat lost his first wife to cancer almost 6 years ago. Lisa has taken on the mothering of seven children. Four of her own and 3 of Pat's. We praise God for her everyday.
I couldn't resist this American Gothic Johnson style. We all worked hard to pull off Katherine's celebration.

A few more of my favorite June Moments

My brother Mike, son Nathan, graduating senior Katherine and sister-in-law, Ellen all gathering in Louise, Texas outside of Houston for the graduation celebration.

My Mom's gorgeous yard in her new home outside of Houston. She is ordering square dancing shoes and is back on the dance floor.

Susannah is picking out her first car. She celebrates her first birthday, June 18th.

John preached in Paris last weekend. Texas that is! Yes, they do have an Eiffel Tower with a red cowboy hat on top. Afterall, this is Texas.

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.