Books we read before Katie's morning nap

• Elmo's Animal Adventures
• Olivia's Opposites
• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
• My Very First Book of Shapes
• My Very First Book of Colors
• Bear Loves Bedtime
• Bright Baby First Words
• Bright Baby Colors
• The Pigeon Loves Things That Go
• From Head to Toe
• Honey Bunny
• Big Enough for Bed

Little theologian

Cooper in his new Red Sox T-shirt. (His last name is on the back!) It was a gift from Matthew & Gretchen, who we'll see over spring break. We're all going to a Boston-Detroit spring training game! Cooper's been a huge Red Sox fan since our trip last spring.

Cooper has been interested in theology for about as long as he could talk. (Our friend Berta has called him a future preacher since he was 2.) We have all kinds of discussions, prompted by his questions and musings -- why Jesus had to die, why God loves even robbers and other bad guys, how God is like infinity, why God can't bring Emma back to life. Apparently he and his friends talk about such weighty matters at school, too.

Recently, one of his friends, "Lyle*," told Cooper that we're not God's children. Cooper has been upset about it ever since. He wants to talk about it at least once a day. I'm trying to explain that people have different beliefs about God and religion, and that's OK. You don't have to change what you believe, but you should be respectful of others' beliefs. (And I have no idea what Lyle and his family believe. He could have just been argumentative that day at the cafeteria table.)

We were having that Lyle discussion in the carpool lane this morning (it was much too cold to walk) when he asked about "Harnia." I had no idea what he was talking about. Narnia? I finally figured out that he meant Hanukkah. We had read a couple of books about the holiday in December, and his class learned about it, too. So, I reminded him about the miracle of the oil lasting eight days. And he wanted to know if we, meaning Christians, believe in that miracle, too.
It was certainly more involved than the next 90 seconds would allow, but I've been thinking about it since. I think my answer should have been that Christians don't celebrate it in the same way, but some may believe in the miracle and can certainly honor the occasion by learning more about the holiday and their fellow children of God. I'm certain the subject will come up again -- I'll at least be better prepared.

* not his real name

A comfy robe and more

Greg

Mel

As promised, here are photos from the Woodbury Christmas celebration. Melane received a plush purple robe, which all the adults felt compelled to model. When you wear it, you actually feels as if you're getting a hug. She's lucky she was able to pry it out of our hands to take it home!

Greg, a bear and me

Cousins enjoying gifts and one another

Molli and Steve

Prayers for Alex

One of Steve's fraternity brothers from Michigan, Dave Podeszwa, is an orthopedic surgeon at Children's Medical Center. (Small world!) He and his wife, Ann, have three beautiful children. The oldest, Alex, is 6 and has been fighting stage 4 neuroblastoma for more than a year. After multiple treatments, they've learned that the cancer is back in his bone marrow.

You can read about him here.

Christmas with the Woodburys

We also celebrated Christmas with Melane, Greg, Brooke & Molli. I think she's a bit sad that I haven't posted about it yet. I will! Soon! With photos!

Last Religion section

Jeff Weiss writes about the last Religion section on the staff blog.

Family makeover

The family makeover story I worked on for weeks late last year ran today. There's a nice Web package on DallasNews.com, including video.

(Special thanks to Melane for her comments and advice on my first draft!)

Our sweet Emma, 1994-2007

A very shaggy Emma last January

It's a sad night at our house. We unexpectedly had to say goodbye to Emma today. She got very ill this afternoon, and the vet recommended we let her go. We had the pleasure of her company for almost as long as we've been married. In fact, she was born just 10 days after our wedding.

Extended family

We love to stretch out celebrations around here! We were honored to celebrate Christmas with dear friends before and after the real day, including Jackie & Sydney; the Smith family; Will, Holly & Conor; and Andy, Julie & Adam.

Cooper, Sydney & Jackie

Noe

Holly, Katie and her beloved new singing Elmo

Happy Conor

Will, Katie and her new Scottie book



Adam on his speedy new train