It rained all day Saturday.  When it rains like that, I begin to remember rainy days from my childhood. When I was about 5 years old, my sister got a book entitled Alexander and the Magic Mouse. In the book, an eccentric, old lady who has unique animals such as a magic mouse, an alligator, a yak, and a brindled-London squatting cat live through a time with 30 days of rain! I remember reading this as a child during rainy days and thinking what would happen if I lived in a house with such animals. What do you all think about on rainy days like those we’ve been having? You all take care and have a blessed Sunday.

Alexander and the Magic Mouse

Carter moment…last night as Carter was getting his pajamas (good ol’ footy p.js.) he said to me, “Kiss boo-boo!”.  I said, “Sure!” I leaned over and kissed the boo-boos he had on his left knee from falling on our sidewalk last Tuesday, and I said, “There you go!”. He then quickly replied, “No, I kiss your boo-boo.” I had forgotten about a scratch on my forehead that he and Ammon both had been “concerned” about for several days, and I said back to him, “Well, of course you can kiss my boo-boo, son! Thank you!”.  I then leaned over and let Carter kiss my boo-boo: Another blessed moment from my son. ;o)

That's my boy!

There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called.-Ephesians 4:4 (NIV)

 Happy Saturday! I am putting the link to this Upper Room Devotional with our blog. I enjoy using this devotional quite often. It was so ironic how the Spirit does move because the devotional from Friday March 25, 2011 was what  I believe the Spirit was encouraging me to do for Haven’s Ideals these past two weeks: stay in touch with friends and loved ones because we have the Spirit connection. I am also including the link to “They will know we are Christians” especially because of the words “We are one in the Spirit”.  I hope and pray everyone is doing well, and I am looking forward to continuing to blog with you all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugQwh-phnZY&feature=related

http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/

It wasn’t right I tell ya! Cold, windy, dark, and 48 degrees! It was 80 degrees earlier this week, and our grass (a combination of fescue, bermuda, and crab grass…and lordy, the wild garlic…peeeewwwww!) grew 2 inches since I cut it last Thursday! Oh, well, it happens at least once every spring…sitting bundled up on the tractor cutting the grass. Along about the 1st week of August, I will be sitting on the tractor begging for 48 degrees!  Enjoy your Friday, everyone!

When it works its heaven. When it doesn't it's hades!Carter and Ammon will be all over this yard in the morning! ;o)

I love this kind of morning. It is also so nostalgic and refreshing to hear the roosters cock-a-doodle-dooing here in the country (just 18 miles from downtown Chattanooga!) before sunrise. I hope and pray Ammon and Carter will continue to grow up here…Lord willing!

I wanted to share this poem with you all today. The rain from last night and all the spring flowers are what brought it to my mind. It is by Robert Loveman who lived in Dalton, Georgia.

The Rain Song

It isn’t raining rain to me,

It’s raining daffodils;

In every dimpled drop I see

Wild flowers on the hill.

 The clouds of grey engulf the day

And overwhelm the town;

It isn’t raining rain to me,

It’s raining roses down.

 It isn’t raining rain to me,

But fields of clover bloom,

Where any a buccaneering bee

May find a bed and room.

 A health unto the happy

A fig for him who frets.

It isn’t raining rain to me,

It’s raining violets.

Educator’s Tip

Happy Monday!

For some of you who do not know, I am a doctor of Education. I have been in education for over 20 years! I would like to share some teaching tips for future parents, already parents , or students who are going to be educators. Most of the time, I will share the ideas during the school year.  Here is one! ;o

Alphabet Circle: combination of verbal/bodily kinesthetic multiple intelligences

Sidewalk chalk is a MUST (Crayola ®, you can give me my gratuity later…LOL)

1. Make a Circular alphabet with chalk. BIG so everyone can see and walk on it.

2. Sing the Alphabet while you…

                A. Hop over the letters

                B. Ride a tricycle (like Carter if you are teaching at home/pre-school)

                C. Bounce a ball

                D. Design your own game

Carter sings the alphabet...Sophie our daschund looks on

Happy Spring

Getting ready for church, and we are late as usual. Everyone slept well (Did you all see the huge moon last night?). We hope everyone out there has a blessed Sunday. We will catch up later. Haven