A Step Back in Time

In my last blog I talked of our pending visit with dinosaurs. I promised to share the experience with everyone but, as you can tell by the laps in entries, I have yet to do just that! It was an incredible evening and a wonderful educational opportunity.

We traveled over millions of years in two hours! We witnessed volcanic eruptions, the massive ice age, and battles among the numerous species of dinosaurs. We discovered how loud dinosaurs can be, how they protect their young ones and what each species eats. It was truly amazing. One of my granddaughters watched the entire show with her eyes large and her hands over her ears!

I can't wait till it returns. It is worth seeing again and again, if you love the study of dinosaurs. My grandson summed up the evening when he said, "O'Ma, this is better than a hockey game"!

A Step Back in Time

I am so excited because tonight we are going to walk with the dinosaurs! We are taking all the grand kids and their parents to walk among the dinosaurs and I think I am as excited as the kids. I almost hesitate to tell this, but I have always been infatuated with dinosaurs and their existence. I love going to the museum and chatting with the big fellow through the window of the elevator! Oh well, it doesn't take much to amuse me, and Phil will say I will talk to anyone that will listen!!

Breaking Points

Today I had the privilege of speaking at an Ovarian Cancer Support Group. The topic was Spirituality and the Cancer Journey. As you may guess, this topic is very dear to me but I struggled with what I should say that would help other cancer patients. Ultimately, I decided to tell my story and share scriptures that have been my strength.

Well, I was ready and had more than enough to say but something happened that completely threw me off. Updates on members were given. It was reported that one lady had been struggling with treatments but this past week had been told the cancer had metastasized in her brain and she had 4 to 6 weeks to live. A few minutes later we were in shock when she walked slowly into the room!

I quickly adjusted my talk and began with the insight of the words of Isaiah. In chapter 40:28-31 he writes to a nation in exile in Babylon. In their despair they ask if or why God had forgotten them completely. In reply Isaiah, the prophet reminds them of the greatness of God. I spoke of the same greatness of God to women who need HOPE.

The powerful words of Isaiah help each of us today. God's strength is constant, and those who hope in the Lord will have their strength renewed . Each of us has a breaking point but with our Lord walking with us, we will have the strength to continue. Our journey, whether it is cancer, or marital problems makes us stronger if we will turn to our Lord; "We will soar on wings like eagles, we will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not be faint."

Merry Christmas!

The wonder and magic of Christmas is so contagious when children are in the picture. Our Christmas was exactily what Santa would have ordered...bowls of smiles, plates of giggles, and glasses filled to the brim with contentment. Our grandchildren were so delighted with Santa's gifts and they were so much fun to watch. One moment I was in Tinkerbell's garden helping her prepare a feast for the other faries, and the next moment I was "wii..ing" with James Bond and 007. I even had to help the "Nanny" take care of the baby on the Nintendo DS!

As you can tell, I had so much fun with the kids and one of the funniest moments was when the two little girls highjacked some electronic drumsticks from our grandson and used them for microphones! We were entertained in the finest rendention of the Polar Express theme and then, with an audience, the girls continued to sing and dance around the den. I can't think of a better way to end a magical day.

I wish for each of you a little bit of Christmas magic as you go about your daily routines. Who knows, Santa just might be listening! Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve with Grandkids

I spent the day with two of my grandkids and we had quite a time decorating cookies and playing games. The cookie sprinkles are scattered all over the kitchen and decorator's icing is stuck to almost everything. We decorated cookies, ate icing by the spoons full and scattered sprinkles like we were feeding the birds

There was also a strange game of chessckers! For those of you who don't know what chessckers is, it is a combination of chess and checkers, neither of which is played by the rules! I have a Civil War chess set and the players are Confederate and Union soldiers so you can imagine how the game went! We had men attacking, jumping and eliminating one another while the "queen" strolled across the playing field untouched! You can't say we don't have an imagination can you!

Throughout the day we had to stop to get information on Santa's progress. We even had an opportunity to make a call, (cell phone of course) and give him our best wishes and directions to the kids houses.

By the way, I have to share something my other grandaughter said to her mother a few days ago. After watching The Santa Clause, with Tim Allen, she asked if she could call Santa, Uncle Scott! You just think they don't pay attention. To close, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope Uncle Scott stops by for a visit.

Bread is baking in the oven, there is a fire in the fireplace and Christmas music is drifting through the house...you just can't beat it for getting in the Christmas spirit. And to add to that wonderful spirit, I have a poem to share. I am sure many of you have seen this but I think it reflects just what we should be thinking about. I do not know the author but I know he/she must be singing praise.

The Song of the Stable Mouse

'Twas the very first Christmas and throughout the house

There was no room to share - even for one small mouse.

So he went to the stable where the oxen were fed

To get straw from the manger to fashion a bed.

But alas the small creature found Someone sleeping

On the straw where the oxen and donkeys and sheep

Would come for their food - yet stranger indeed

Was the fact shepherds knelt right where animals feed.

The voices of angels danced on the night air,

The mouse knew heaven's music, though he'd never been there -

And though his mouse heart was incredibly small

It filled with such joy it could not hold it all.

The mouse had to join Nature's glorious song

And his wholehearted "squeak" could be heard right along

With the chorus of angels, the cows gentle "moos",

And the wonder of shepherds who sang the Good News.

For it doesn't matter if you're big or small,

If you're born to sing solo or can't sing at all,

As Christmas draws near it is your time to sing

From the heart filled with praise for our Savior, our King!

I wish each one of you a Merry Christmas filled with the song of our Savior.

Shoe Shopping Spree

I can't believe it has been 2 months since I have written a word! Life has been hectic, fun and a bit challenging. I don't think I have ever mentioned that I broke my foot in May. Well, it is still in a boot but I do see an end in sight.

I have spent the last week seeing doctors and hopefully in a week I will be able to take off the boot, (for a short time throughout the day) and walk in a normal shoe...with an orthotic! I have been promised that I will not have to wear the "old lady" shoes so I am looking forward to the change! It has been ages since I have been shopping for shoes! Get ready guys, I am heading for the mall as soon as the boot comes off!