Who’s Who? The Ninja Tag Expert

If you read what I said about Tandy inside the CD cover, you might be a little puzzled about “Ninja Tag Expert.” So, just a few words about Tandy. I have known Tandy for every one of her almost 21 years. She grew up alongside my son Casey, who is about to return from his mission. He found her frequently annoying, as he thought of her as somewhat of a sister. I always thought she was cute and fun, but in her teen years when she started singing, I have to admit I did not love her voice.

Her diction was not the best… and I have never been a big fan of style over quality. But then Tandy grew up. Okay, maybe not very far. She is a little on the miniature side. But I have to say… I am a devoted fan. I love her voice. She has an amazing retro quality, and a gentleness when she sings that is almost heartbreaking. I trust her musical taste implicitly, and she came through for me on this Christmas music in a very big way. I am in awe of her talent. I knew that no one else could sing “Mary, the Mother” for me, and I am still sure that I was right.

But Tandy’s musical talent is only the least of why I am a fan. She is just one of the most exemplary women I know. She is always putting the needs of others ahead of her own, and I have seldom seen someone who cares more for her younger brothers and sister. I remember once my son Dillon told me that Tandy was taking all the boys out to play ninja tag. She makes sure they are safe and doing what they are supposed to do. How can you help but be impressed by a girl who would look out for a mob of 15- and 16-year-old boys? She already has a mother’s heart. I love Tandy for so many reasons.

She is completing her paperwork this week to serve an eighteen-month volunteer mission for our church. I will miss her, and I know there will be times when I will be very annoyed that she is not here to sing a song for me. But it is a wonderful, selfless thing that she wants to do, and I know that somewhere in the world, there are some people waiting to feel the spirit that she brings, and the music that surrounds her wherever she goes. Love you, Tandy!

Mary, may I hold your little baby?

Mary, may I hold your little baby?
Let me rock him while you sleep awhile...
I will keep him safe from harm.
Wrap my poor cloak around your shoulders
I know that it is worn and old
But at least you will be warm.

Rest now
When you wake I will still be here
Kneeling at the manger bed
Watching o'er your little baby dear
Mary, I heard you sing to your little one.
Even angels and shepherds wept
At your lullaby to God’s holy son.
Mary, may I hold your little baby?
I believe that when he fills my arms
My heart will be full too.

I know that you must be so weary
There was not an inn in Bethlehem
That would take you for the night.
I came to see the little Savior.
I felt the Spirit whispering
To come and feel his light.

Rest now
When you wake I will still be here
Kneeling at the manger bed
Watching o'er your little baby dear
Mary, I heard you sing to your little one.
Even angels and shepherds wept
At your lullaby to God’s holy son.
Mary, may I hold your little baby?
I believe that when he fills my arms
My heart will be full too.

Prophets have waited for a new star
To shine up in the heavens
To guide them to their king.
Look how it shines upon the stable
Bringing rich and poor to worship him.
See the wondrous gifts they bring.

Rest now
When you wake I will still be here
Kneeling at the manger bed
Watching o'er your little baby dear
Mary, I heard you sing to your little one.
Even angels and shepherds wept
At your lullaby to God’s holy son.
Mary, may I hold your little baby?
I believe that when he fills my arms
My heart will be full too.

On the album, this song is sung by my friend Michelle Noval.

Some Nights are Just Holier than Others

So everyone teases that I bought this Christmas painting (by Liz Lemon Swindle) because Mary looks like me. First of all, you can only see her from mid-nose up, so she could look like any number of people. Judge for yourself.


And by the way, may I say that it is eighty degrees here in lovely Southern California, and I just finished recording cello with Shelley Johnson, and basically, it rocked. I’m putting up “O Holy Night” so you can hear it. This is the one song where I got to just totally have fun on the piano. Happy happy happy

About a Mother

Mary, the Mother

Mary, the mother
Rocked her tiny baby
And kissed his tender little lips.
What will his lips speak
When he’s the Savior?
What will he say when he is grown?
As I have loved you, love one another.
That’s what he’ll say when he is grown.

Mary, the mother
Rocked her tiny baby
And held one perfect little hand.
What will his hands touch
When he’s the Savior?
What will he do when he is grown?
He’ll bless the weary, lift them and comfort them.
That’s what he’ll do when he is grown.

Mary, the mother
Rocked her tiny baby
And wrapped a blanket ‘round his feet.
Where will his feet tread
When he’s the Savior?
Where will he go when he is grown?

He’ll climb dusty mountains,
And walk on glassy seas.
Rough nails will tear his flesh
As Mary falls upon her knees.
He’ll leave behind an empty tomb
To soothe the ones who grieve.
His feet… bathed by grateful tears
Of all those who believe.

Mary, the mother
Rocked her tiny baby
And listened to his beating heart.
Who will he care for
When he’s the Savior?
Who will he love when he is grown?
He’ll love the children
We are all his children.
That’s who he’ll love when he is grown.

He’ll love the children
We are all his children.
That’s who he’ll love when he is grown.

The gorgeous painting of Mary and Jesus is by Liz Lemon Swindle.