Visiting Jimmy the Flying Squirrel

(After Chuck-E-Cheese's)

I had several things that I needed to get to our daughter Deb, so this seemed like a good time to introduce the children to Jimmy Doolittle the Flying Squirrel.

They were so fascinated by this little, one ounce critter.

He and several siblings were rescued when their mother died shortly after giving birth to them. The "rescuer" could not take care of all of them, so Roy and Deb were excited to get him.

After about an hour we headed toward home - stopping at K-Mart along the way to do some shopping for Gloria's birthday.

I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God.

Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery.

Colossians 2:2-4 (The Message)

Celebrating Gloria's Birthday

At Chuck-E-Cheeses

She had a choice of going alone or taking the three boys (Ian, Jared, and Jesse) along. She chose to have the boys along.

Jesse

Jared trying to stack blocks.

Cheesy Bread Sticks and Cinnamon Pizza.

Jared and Ian learned to follow the case that held 50 tickets when it moved around the screen in the beginning of the game - and won everytime! I tried, but always lost the case as it got mixed in with the others.

Ian decided to give all his tickets to Gloria as a birthday present.

She cashed them all in, but did tell Ian to choose a few things.

After two hours we are ready to move on to the next place.

Christ is not only God-like, He is God in human flesh.

Colossians 2:9 (New Life Version)

Bird Watching & A Sunset

This guy keeps my suet feeder empty.

Or either he has friends who look just like him.

The other day I was watching this European starling at another suet feeder.

He noticed me and flew up into the dogwood tree.

Then it came back, keeping a watchful eye on me.

Then I captured this strange picture.

It must have been shaking its head when I snapped the photo. I did not touch it up with photoshop - other than crop it so you can see it close up.

A cold, cloudy evening created a pretty sunset.

It was an interesting day.

Growing strong in body is all right but growing in God-like living is more important.

1 Timothy 4:8 (New Life Version)

A Red Sky At Night

A Sailor's Delight

I don't know if this saying holds true, but I thought of it at sunset on December 12 when I saw this sky.

Your faithful love is higher
than the highest clouds in the sky!

Psalm 57:10 (Easy-to-Read Version)

Wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere.

James 3:17 (Contemporary English Version)

Holiday Concert

Fifth and Sixth Grade - Band, Orchestra and Chorus

Tuesday, December 11

When I got there Chris said she was surprised that it was so full when she arrived at 6:30 that we had to sit on the balcony.

I was glad that I had my long lens (55 - 300) along.

I was also quite pleased with my new Nikon D7000. These photos were all taken without flash.

When taking pictures of the Jazz Rock Band, I was surprised to see my brother's grandson Andrew (royal blue).

This is why I was there - to see our granddaughter Gloria (in pink) singing in the chorus.

The girls are smiling because...

...the boys were doing turkey movements when singing Turkeys United.

I liked the shadows as the Jazz Rock Band played while the chorus left the room and the band came on stage.

While using my camera as binoculars, I found Charlotte (left) daughter of friends from our church - Jerry and Jenny.

Then I found Elsie in percussion (red & black dress) daughter of friends Kraig and Janet - also from our church.

The Christmas Stomp was a cute song played on upside down trash cans...

...and the lids.

There was also lots of clapping.

 The directors - Sara (chorus), Shenna (orchestra - yes, she is pregnant), and James (band).

Time for photos of Gloria - these by her mom.

Our pretty Gloria

~~~

Thanks for inviting us, Gloria

~~~

Above all,

you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.

Philippians 1:27 (New Living Translation)