Cook's Natural Science Museum

Good Thursday morning!

NOTE TO LEANNA - I EXPECT you to enter the contest, too. Everyone has a chance... some more than others, but I EXPECT my next comment from you to have the word "contest" somewhere in the text. (And by the way... no pressure!)

The new Gallery Pic is of the July/August issue of the Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade magazine I LOVE! Next week's recipe is coming out of this issue (and it's for all of you people who actually picked blueberries when I told you to a couple of weeks ago... LANA). It's a great book with tons of recipes AND ideas, so when you pick up a copy of Southern Lady, grab one of these off the newsstand, too. If you want. Again, no pressure!

It's Not An Option

I know I talk a good bit about calling people when they come to your mind, or encouraging others, or complimenting people when they cross your path. I really, really believe it's one of the "little" things we could/should do as Christians to try to live a Christ-centered life. (I really, really do.) You just never know what pain someone might be going through and a kind word or thoughtful comment would mean the world.

That being said, I will be the first to admit I fail miserably time and time again. It's not an automatic or necessarily easy thing to do sometimes. There's always the thought in the back of my mind, "What if I say the wrong thing?" In that sentence alone lies the problem. The word "I." When that thought goes through my head, it means I'm thinking more of me than the person I'm supposed to speak with. I've decided you can never go wrong with the following... "I love you." "I'm praying for you." "I'm so sorry." There is no way any of those three statements could be taken the wrong way. No way at all.

I met a two year-old little boy a couple of weeks ago. He was everything a two year-old boy should be... sturdy legs, big eyes, ready smile. I'm a sucker for two year-old little boys. "Now what is your name?" I asked as I bent down to smile at this beautiful little guy.

Before his mom could tell me his name, he looked me in the eyes, ran up to me and wrapped his two fat little arms around my knees. "I love you," he said.

To which I honestly replied, "I love you, too."

Several of the things "on my mind" that Sunday morning melted away, and I walked to my Sunday School Department smiling to myself. I doubt if my words have the same effect on people when I speak them, but you never know, do you?

I think one of the reasons this "topic" is ALWAYS in the back of my mind is because it isn't really an option. It's an obligation. An obligation that being too busy or too self-conscious or too "anything" doesn't really apply. If we truly believe that "life is but a vapor," and all we have is this one precious day because our future is unknown, what are we waiting for? What am I waiting for?

Call someone today... and then if we are given the precious gift of tomorrow, I think we should probably call someone then, too. It's that important!

Weekend Family Fun

The Birmingham Zoo - August 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., The Birmingham Zoo is having a special Wake Up With The Animals. Throughout the zoo, get ready to rise and shine with the animals! Every animal wakes up differently. Some stretch, some snack, and some ROAR! Learn how the animals get ready for each day at the zoo, eat breakfast, and then it’s off to see the rest of the other zoo animals wake up, too. Be an early bird this summer with Wake Up with the Animals!

This isn't a free activity, but if you have a special fund for "special fun things" this might be something you will want to try with your child or family. The cost is as follows:

Members: $9 adult, $6.50 child
Non-Members: $15 adult, $12 child
Registration required. Please call (205) 879-0409.

Also at The Birmingham Zoo, every Friday at 10:00 a.m. on Grandma's Back Porch you can enjoy a special storytime. This program is called Wild About Books. This year, in conjunction with the Books-A-Million “Wild About Books” program and the BAM Bookfair, BAM is offering zoo guests coupons for 10% off their entire purchase at the Brookwood Mall location. The coupon will expire on Saturday, August 15. Pick up your coupon at the zoo's front entrance.

Again, this isn't a free event, but if you are planning on going to the zoo anytime soon, plan it on a Friday morning to enjoy the storytime (and the 10% off coupon) as well as all the other things the zoo has to offer.

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic - The clinic is Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This weekend's project is a helicopter. All Lowe's participate in this program. And don't forget... The clinic is completely FREE.

Also, the first 50 kids to register and be present at the store at 10:00 a.m. will receive a kit, apron and goggles.

This is suited for children in 1st through 5th grades.

Argo Drive-In - Okay. The message on the Argo Drive-In machine said they were only opened Friday, Saturday and Sunday now instead of all week. This week, they will have a double feature Friday and Saturday. The first movie is G-Force and the second move is The Proposal (PG-13). G-Force is definitely family fare, but you need to read the review for The Proposal at the following website to see if you want your pre-teens or teens to watch this one (www.family.org). Sunday night they will only be showing G-Force. As always, it is $10 a carload. The movies are starting around 8:00 now. Don't forget to call first to make sure they haven't changed anything before you pack to go (467-3434).

Cook's Natural Science Museum

Located at 412 13th Street in Decatur, the Cook's Natural Science Museum is a perfect date for a parent and bug-lovin' child. It takes about an hour to go through the museum's exhibits of insects, butterflies, mounted animals, etc. If there is a group of 10 to 12 people present, animal films will be shown so you may want to call to see if there is a large group scheduled for the week you want to go and you could join them for the movies.

The museum is open 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are open from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.

The museum is only a few streets over from many fast food restaurants, so you can end your date with lunch or dinner before heading back to Gardendale. For more information, you can call (256) 350-9347.

Oh, and did I mention it was FREE! Yes, it is a fairly short date (1 hour more or less), but with the drive and the meal, it would be several hours well spent with your child talking, listening and enjoying each other.

Have a wonderful Thursday. Tomorrow I'll have the rules for the 200th Post Contest ONE MORE TIME, as well as Weekend Happenings and our Book of the Week.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.