tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44112561635331010582011-11-27T19:03:23.401-05:00The benefits and rewards of raising a family are so great that it is well worth the hard work that goes along with it! I believe that parents can encourage each other and learn from each other. On this page I'll post articles that I've found during my search for parenting ideas and issues. I will try to have a variety or topics that have interested me. I'll also try to post my own thoughts once in a while, time permitting! ;-)Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.comBlogger551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-69412286820345377172009-04-01T21:47:00.002-05:002009-04-01T21:55:03.290-05:00

Check these out:http://people.howstuffworks.com/animated-tattoo.htm , http://www.smellr.com/ , & http://www.expedia.com/daily/mars/flights-to-mars/Funny stuff!

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-4854883264375232462009-03-21T10:43:00.000-05:002009-03-21T13:43:59.685-05:00

Life changes are definitely a good thing because they set the stage for achievement and growth. As with all beginnings, I will face setbacks and frustrations and not everything I set my hand to do will be the all in all. But I know for a fact that as long as I am striving to learn something new every day, what I experience will enhance my life. I feel like I am on my way to becoming the person

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-80910987918719942722009-02-19T09:16:00.001-05:002009-02-19T09:19:15.667-05:00

I never cease to be amazed by a child’s world. So often it is something that I take for granted. A child grows, a child learns, a child grows, a child learns…a child lives! Life is an exciting experience for children because every day they learn so much! We are also continuously learning as adults but the process for us is more tedious and difficult. Yet a child practically absorbs all the

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-74917044789227563042009-02-14T14:08:00.003-05:002009-02-14T14:15:03.608-05:00

When God made the earth He could have finished it. But He didn't. He left it as raw material--to tease us, to tantalize us, to set us thinking and experimenting and risking and adventuring. And therein we find our supreme interest in living. He gave us the challenge of raw materials, not the satisfaction of perfect, finished things.He left the music unsung, the dramas unplayed. He left the poetry

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-26863180889252929622009-01-30T22:59:00.003-05:002009-01-30T23:41:35.563-05:00

Well, as parents, we're qualified managers. I'm sure of it. I know I am. I might not have a sheet of paper stating that I passed a multilevel management course, but I know full well that I have the skills to pull the job off. Just the fact that I am a mother of five children, ages ranging from 6 to 14, and we manage to keep a daily schedule, get three meals on the table, keep the house clean,

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-71566758199362383892009-01-06T23:19:00.004-05:002009-01-06T23:28:30.334-05:00

I have a feeling that my teen boy is relieved when I skip the "lecture" and say it in a word. I don't know why I never noticed this before...hmmm. It's all coming to me now.I suppose his imagination is active enough to know what to do when I say, "your bed"! And if I can keep myself from yielding to the temptation of elaboration, I will be giving him an opportunity to exercise his own initiative

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-35702478450035791312009-01-05T22:50:00.002-05:002009-01-05T22:52:03.090-05:00

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-55934422767650877502008-12-08T01:03:00.001-05:002008-12-08T01:05:57.181-05:00

Our Little World: I've joined the blogging crowdOk, if you want to get to know a super mom, then keep an eye on that link. She might just keep me motivated enough to post more often on my own blog! Anyhow, she is a wonderful and beautiful mom, not just to her own kids, but mine as well. I love you and truly appreciate you Abi. Keep up the good work!

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-33079820022261631502008-12-08T00:51:00.003-05:002008-12-08T01:00:07.222-05:00

Of course there is a whole lot more about life that I love and look forward to, but when it comes to the crunch, those times when I feel like my heart is broken for one reason or another(like now), I look to my kids and see that God has given me an amazing mission. And determined that I am, I do not want to fail that mission.I want them to become the best originals they can be, not modeled after

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-86140459051562958582008-10-03T00:58:00.002-05:002008-10-03T01:05:45.825-05:00

I've found some interesting sites to enhance the kids' school.I'll post a few here...I won't describe to much because it's way to late for me to be up (insomnia has hit) and I'm going to have some vigil time as I try to sleep. So, here they are:InteractivesCybrarian Kids' Educational Curriculum Sitefree art lessons from www.artyfactory.comThe Periodic Table of Videos - University of

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-77886774417979576202008-09-27T00:52:00.005-05:002008-09-27T01:02:23.547-05:00

Hiking in the woods with my kids...That's one thing I love about apartment living, heh. Well, we happen to have one of the Don Rivers flowing nearby and the area is full of exciting hiking and walking trails. It's quite rugged and lots of fun. Today it was easy to forget that we've moved out of the suburbs to the city.What else?Gorgeous sunsets...our apartment faces west and today we saw the sky

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-88692056737528261322008-09-17T22:40:00.007-05:002008-09-17T23:10:24.720-05:00

May was my most active month. While you're waiting for me to post some new stuff, go ahead and review interesting tidbits you may have missed ;-)http://thevivacious7.blogspot.com/2007_05_01_archive.html

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-4561481613933332942008-09-17T22:40:00.004-05:002008-09-17T22:48:28.975-05:00

It's been over four months since I've posted. I've never been very consistent with this blog...though I get excited about my ideas for it. This is why I have never kept a diary.But things may change.We have moved and started a new chapter in our lives. We've got our own apartment and I am having so much more time with the kids. Since this blog is supposed to be a parenting blog...I hope this will

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-58463902044978276062008-05-07T12:54:00.005-05:002008-05-07T13:23:48.633-05:00

My oldest is now 13 and I am finding out that my communication with him has had to evolve a bit. He is not the child of a few years back. All of a sudden he is taller than me. Boy, time has flown by; it seems like just yesterday he was the animated two year-old running around everywhere.I've had to make a shift in my attitude towards him and treat him as a team player in our family. Now, when an

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-14742904830158397202008-04-03T13:21:00.004-05:002008-04-03T13:44:05.463-05:00

I am fascinated by neural connections. In fact, the human brain is an amazing creation that never ceases to amaze me. As a mother and teacher, knowing what's going on in my kids' heads and in my own head, for that matter, helps me to understand the "why" and "how" of our personalities.Knowing about the brain also keeps me motivated to make each minute in my kids' lives as well as my own life,

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-29982178615706645262008-02-03T13:57:00.000-05:002008-02-03T14:04:15.335-05:00

Note: I found the following snippets while looking through old files on my computer. These are from back in the day in Africa...aah the simple life! ;-)Funny Things That Our Kids Blurt Out The other day I was telling Brandon (4 years old) a bit about all the relatives that he hasn't met yet. I told him that I would get out some photos and show him his uncles, aunties, and grandparents

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-82015596341726855292008-01-15T15:17:00.000-05:002008-01-15T17:06:23.124-05:00

They grow so fast...when I think back over the years, I smile. We've been to Heaven and back together; they've always been my angels. Life has been really good, even through the hurricanes in my life and I have to say that my children have played a big part in pulling me though.Anika and Ryan, turned 8 years old last week. I still remember when I was holding my little cherubs in my arms. They

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-1319896610702523692007-12-11T16:52:00.000-05:002007-12-13T22:02:03.015-05:00

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-1645946349739728992007-11-28T01:22:00.000-05:002007-12-13T22:03:40.300-05:00

I've never been much of a game player. I grew up on nature walks, arts and crafts, playing with animals, and lots of reading. But recently, I've discovered the joy of playing games; especially with good company.I recently wrote that mommies need to stop once in a while to get beautiful and have some fun. Well, I think that getting together with friends for a good game night is also a good way to

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-87073949486019278312007-11-27T12:40:00.001-05:002007-11-27T12:48:12.660-05:00

Parenting is definitely and exciting journey. As I reflect on past years, I see that I've learned a lot from my mistakes and experiences. I've cried and I've laughed; I've taught and I've learned. And it's not over yet.As I start a new year of life, my prayer is that I will continue to take everything that life is offering me, not to miss a moment in time, and that I will be all that my kids,

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-33354146766259028382007-11-27T11:48:00.000-05:002007-12-13T22:02:33.918-05:00

It snowed.The first snow of the season. It was symbolic...starting a new year of my life as white as snow, all past mistakes forgotten. :-)P.S. just a little clarification...in an earlier post I mentioned snow. I supposed that was sort of like the first snow except that its chemical constitution more resembled slush! Definitely not

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-32372332837461373812007-11-12T12:27:00.000-05:002007-12-13T22:03:17.595-05:00

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-37693456827206018792007-11-09T00:11:00.000-05:002007-12-13T22:04:20.564-05:00

We also got to tumble about in the hay a bit with the kiddos, after picking apples. Fun, fun!I'll post the photos tomorrow.:-)

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-5316148585825801962007-11-08T23:56:00.001-05:002007-12-13T22:10:54.749-05:00

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-7201106740735377002007-11-08T23:19:00.000-05:002007-12-13T22:11:20.204-05:00

I suppose apple picking is just one of those things that is a tradition up north. I remember doing it often as a kid...but my kids had never experienced it. Having grown up in Africa and Brazil, such activities were only read about in books. So when Steve and I met up with some other families in the area to pick apples, I was excited for them!!Here are some pics from that fun day. I have to warn

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-46248516155452677602007-11-08T23:02:00.000-05:002007-12-13T22:11:54.747-05:00

We are well into Autumn now, though I have to admit it seems the change-over happened quickly! Time has gone by so fast it seems that summer was only a few weeks ago. And now, the cold weather is creeping up on us.It snowed today, not the nice fluffy "white Christmas" kind of snow, but the cold, wet stuff. The kids ended up practicing dancing for their Christmas singing instead of braving the

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-81832897919406119702007-11-07T14:21:00.000-05:002007-12-13T22:12:26.193-05:00

Ok, I've been a stranger for too long. At this moment, I'm quite determined to start posting at least once a week. More than that would be miraculous at this point. Life is full of things to do! Sometimes I wish I could bend time and space (Hiro...where are you??) and then maybe I could finish all of my projects.For all you expert Bloggers out there: How do you do it?? Tips and tricks are

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-31302912057993461462007-09-23T13:33:00.000-05:002007-09-23T14:01:37.234-05:00

Once in a while, we moms need to get away from the hustle and bustle of home life and have some fun. Let's face it, we are beautiful in our own unique way, so we should get out and "let our light shine!" Take some time off away from home from time to time.--It's great fun!This photo was taken at The Brunswick House, a college pub here in Toronto during a fund-raising event. We had tons of fun

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-24478692749127850612007-07-30T20:17:00.001-05:002007-07-30T20:22:17.083-05:00

In case anyone is wondering why I haven't posted in so long: TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES!!!My computer need some serious repair before I can resume my usual enthusiastic posting habits...which I suppose have not been all that consistent to begin with but at least were regular enough to keep someone out there interested...Lots of cool stuff happening with the kids though. We recently came back from a

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-68008275298364488692007-07-03T10:10:00.000-05:002007-07-03T10:29:19.856-05:00

The kids ready for action:On stage:A sampling of the fireworks we watched:

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-48993102646527266042007-06-20T12:20:00.000-05:002007-06-20T14:16:08.438-05:00

By Mike Farris, News reprint History is filled with famous homeschooling kids who have grown up to amazing things. Here are a few examples… John and Charles Wesley No account of modern church history would be complete without the stories of John and Charles Wesley. Born to Samuel and Susanna Wesley of Lincolnshire, England, John and Charles were the 15th and 18th of 19 children. Susanna

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-59720349015177434712007-06-20T10:59:00.000-05:002007-06-20T11:00:12.235-05:00

Children have the ability to mold and make the parents as much as the parents do to mold and make the child.

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-79405656303278186922007-06-09T22:16:00.001-05:002007-06-09T22:18:32.004-05:00

Ok, I finally updated the Africa page at my Wordpress blog, here's the link if you want to read some of the stories.

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-6794798436170929402007-06-04T21:46:00.000-05:002007-06-04T21:58:21.974-05:00

I wrote the following tidbit 5 years ago when I was living in Africa...We all want a "perfect" world, though deep inside we know it doesn't exist. I'm one of those people that is constantly moving misplaced things a hairline back to where they are "supposed" to be. My idea of a clean room is spotless surfaces, no clutter.Before I became a mommy to 4 energetic boys and an even more

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-61553562358690557172007-05-30T20:05:00.000-05:002007-05-30T20:07:25.892-05:00

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-90848863352992075682007-05-28T15:50:00.000-05:002007-05-28T15:55:17.880-05:00

"The best teachers and parents are the ones who are able to think outside the box and put themselves in the mind-set of the children they teach. They are able to find what works and are willing to try many different techniques until they discover the best solution to helping their children learn."excerpt from The Excellent 11, Ron Clark

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-61868943941969875832007-05-25T22:29:00.001-05:002007-05-25T22:50:32.441-05:00

I realise that I'm being a tad negligent of my blogging duties. Life as a busy mom seems to have gotten even busier of late! Well, here's a little something to keep things going.Things I've learned from my kids over the past week:1. Kids learn better through play; especially when they play outdoors.--When they get to have more outside time, they are happier during school time, their creativity

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-23986789075996648402007-05-16T00:00:00.000-05:002007-05-16T00:06:08.661-05:00

Check out these pages of mine from time to time:African Adventures--Here you'll find all of the stories I've written about our time in Africa (as soon as I can find them all). Eventually I will have all my Gambia Logs linked to this page too!Quotes for Parents and Teachers--I'll add quotes and anecdotes, poems, etc. as I find them.XO

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-86535424005145203892007-05-15T23:06:00.000-05:002007-05-15T23:07:45.256-05:00

I’ve never been good at keeping a diary and my journals were limited to two or three entries a year. But I really would like to try to say a little something about our family antics at least a few days each week. Hopefully that “little something” could be useful to someone! With all that said, I will start with the highlight of today: Making whole wheat biscuits for breakfast with my kids.

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-36064606005381953752007-05-15T21:30:00.000-05:002007-05-15T21:52:08.336-05:00

by Janice Fletcher, Associate Professor Child, Family, and Consumer StudiesUniversity of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho The first years of life hold the most critical periods for brain development. A hundred billion brain cells develop in the nine months that a mother's womb nurtures a developing person. When the child is born, these billions of brain cells, called neurons, begin to connect to help a

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-17809427616399598512007-05-13T09:58:00.000-05:002007-05-13T10:04:29.584-05:00

Your masterpiece Raising a child is like painting a masterpiece. As the painter applies layer upon layer to her canvas, day by day you shape the life of your little one. The artist doesn’t begin with the smallest details, but uses broad strokes to map the basic shapes of her painting. Then, with patience and great care, she adds new tones and a little more detail each day, until finally she

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-42399627340088168772007-05-12T22:08:00.000-05:002007-05-12T22:21:23.233-05:00

Author unknown Before I was a mom…I made and ate hot meals.I had unstained clothing.I had quiet conversations on the phone.Before I was a mom…I slept as late as I wanted on weekendsAnd never worried about how late I got into bed.Before I was a mom…I cleaned the house each day.I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies. Before I was a mom…I didn't worry whether or not my

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-40867548361927995292007-05-11T23:43:00.000-05:002007-05-12T00:04:16.986-05:00

I'm on a push right now to continue to motivate my kids to become professional happy helpers. The goal is that they will eventually be self-motivated to work and help out around the house. This means tuning into their work habits and putting in the time to teach and train them. I was just realizing that though they are usually enthusiastic helpers, there is so much more they could be doing and

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-1887513562143505402007-05-10T20:59:00.000-05:002007-05-10T21:21:53.437-05:00

I'm learning to take the time to meditate and pray about my kids' personalities and individual needs. I see that I can't compare them to each other or other kids. A method that works for one might not work for the other. Each is unique and has their own way of learning from life and it's imperative that I understand this! When it comes to the kids' work habits I sometimes run a bit short of

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-25114814317273364022007-05-10T20:49:00.000-05:002007-05-13T01:03:09.428-05:00

Positive statements that encourageWhat a worker!Fantastic effort!That looks like it's going to be a great job!You must be pleased with the work you are doing!I appreciate your helpfulness!Now you've got the hang of it!This is much better!Keep up the good work!You are learning so much!Wow, you really stick to your job!You catch on real fast!You've just about got it!You're getting better at _____

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-9346104899983279642007-05-05T22:09:00.000-05:002007-05-05T22:17:48.104-05:00

Guess what? Ever since I tried the visual spelling activity (see the April 25th post in case you missed it) with my son Ryan (7), he's gotten 100% on the two spelling tests he took. This is really exciting because before I decided to try a new method of learning words with him, we was averaging between 70 and 80 % on his tests. I think he's really excited about using his ability to visualize

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-2618577587181828262007-05-04T20:33:00.001-05:002007-05-13T01:05:32.651-05:00

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-1164304505903866282007-05-02T12:45:00.000-05:002007-05-13T01:05:57.588-05:00

Our most recent area kids activity was a Masquerade Ball which included lots of dancing games and other fun stuff. This doubled up as a birthday party for Laura, 8 (of Reuben and Sarai).Before starting the party, the kids had a word class focused on fighting the good fight (John Paul Jones), and taking time with Jesus.

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-21225616966631682007-04-29T21:28:00.000-05:002007-05-02T13:38:03.951-05:00

Here are some excerpts that I really like from a book called School Proof, by Mary Pride: What can we give each child that is special? Recognize children's different learning styles. Adjust the content of teaching to their roles & talents, &, to a lesser extent, their interests. Adjust the speed of teaching. Not penalize children for their legitimate difference, e.g., by grades &

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-66782634487553535572007-04-25T15:11:00.000-05:002007-05-13T01:10:35.146-05:00

Here's to Steve and Abi, fun co-workers and fellow parents! I think they are tops as far as parenting goes and I'm quite happy to be working side by side with them. Their wee ones are a source of constant joy and amusement to all of us. My youngest is five now...so I really enjoy their one and two year-old antics!

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-62430930256632992672007-04-25T12:06:00.000-05:002007-05-05T22:21:26.286-05:00

I've been quite interested in learning styles lately. I'm already fascinated by the human psyche, the "why's" and "how's" of life, etc. So learning to tune in to my kids so that I can understand what they need has been a rewarding experience. Of course, having a direct link with Heaven and all its wisdom has enhanced the experience!Anyhow, recently I tried a little experiment with Ryan, 7 years

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-57688120450843440592007-04-19T23:02:00.000-05:002007-05-13T01:11:20.942-05:00

This is a quote that really stood out to me. It's from a book called Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey."Follow the face of a little girl who doesn't read very well and is told to try harder; who tends to daydream and is told she better pay attention; who talks out in class when she sees something fascinating, like a butterfly on the windowpane, and is told to leave

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-51327403577937786442007-04-16T13:17:00.000-05:002007-05-13T01:11:44.121-05:00

Indian Girls: My daughter Anika (7) with MellowRecently, we had a cowboy/Indian fair for all the kids in the area ages 6 - 11, planned by our area Kids Club committee. Stalls were set up with a variety of challenging games and we also had a food booth. The kids were given a certain amount of tickets at the entrance which they used to pay for the games and buy food. Each time they won a game they

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-46392603723307632242007-04-15T15:34:00.000-05:002007-05-13T01:12:18.584-05:00

There are so many parenting sites, books, and organizations offering all sort of advice for us parents, not to mention well-meaning relatives and friends. In fact, often we will be faced with contradictory advice!What to do??The most important thing to remember is that each child is unique, an individual, that can't be compared to another and we, the parents, are also unique! Each human being on

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411256163533101058.post-44015139305939955162007-04-15T01:44:00.000-05:002007-05-05T22:25:46.393-05:00

Parenting is not easy but it's got to be the funnest, most fulfilling job in the world! If all you do is care for your kids and pour into them, you are doing one of the most important jobs that exist! Why? Because you are molding their lives for the future. You are preparing them for the "big world out there". They are

Petra Lailahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09024063459173901636noreply@blogger.com