Children Live What They Learn

Dorothy Law Nolte

If a child lives with criticism,
he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,
he learns to fight.

If a child lives with fear,
he learns to be apprehensive.

If a child lives with pity,
he learns to feel sorry for himself.

If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with jealousy,
he learns what envy is.

If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns to be confident.

If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with praise,
he learns to be appreciative.

If a child lives with acceptance,
he learns to love.

If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with recognition,
he learns that it is good to have a goal.

If a child lives with sharing,
he learns about generosity.

If a child lives with honesty and fairness,
he learns what truth and justice are.

If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith in himself and in those about him.

If a child lives with friendliness,
he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.

If you live with serenity,
your child will live with peace of mind.

With what is your child living?

Source: Canfield, J. & Wells, H. C. (1976). 100 ways to enhance self-concept in the classroom: A handbook for teachers and patents

If I Could Save Time In A Bottle...

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. ~Neil Postman

KEANE LYRIC SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW

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I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and i need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and i need somewhere to begin

I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love
Is this the place that i've been dreaming of

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and i need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and i need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute why don't we go
talk about it somewhere only we know
this could be the end of everything
so why don't we go
somewhere only we know

(Break)

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and i need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and i need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute why don't we go
talk about it somewhere only we know
this could be the end of everything
so why don't we go
somewhere only we know

(Instrumental)

this could be the end of everything
so why don't we go
somewhere only we know

My Baby!

My baby boy graduated PreK yesterday and on June 17th, another of my babies graduates high school. Where or where did the time go??

Perspective

I was traveling today. I was irritated. I was leaving Toronto and it was cold and raining. I didn't get much sleep last night. I was tired and cranky. We waited nearly and hour to check-in. I was muttering about lack of airline staff. We waited an hour in line for customs. We barely made our flight. I was ready to attack someone because I did not have enough time to get the Starbucks latte I had been dreaming about all morning. I don't drink coffee anymore, but I told myself, such a stressful day called for one!

After I settled down, I plugged in my earphones and began to surf the television conveniently located on the back of the seat in front of me. That's when God spoke to me. No, I did not hear a booming voice from the heavens. Rather, I "happened" upon a Discovery Channel special about a hosptial ship that travels to the most impoverished countries and gives hope and healing to the most needy people. Needless to say, I felt ashamed about the whole latte thing.

Anyway, I think I'm going to try and convince my favorite doctor to join me on this ship after Christopher flies the nest and heads to college. I'm thinking that is what God was trying to get at!! Of course I found a video about it on youtube and put it here below!

Mercy Ships

Ave Maria!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Easter

Homework...

My little guy is still loving school. He doesn't want to leave at the end of each day. I have really been getting into my volunteer position. I am getting attached to all of my new little friends. Christopher's teachers are a true inspiration to me. I am learning so much from them about patience, acceptance and how to manage a group of kids in a loving but firm way. It is definately a faith inspired enviornment and what I always had expected a Catholic school would be like, however, not found. I like their method of teaching to the individual student rather than forcing all the kids to be on the same track. If a child needs a little extra help, he/she is given more time. If a child is easily grasping a concept, he/she is moved ahead. Christopher has been advancing leaps and bounds. He is still in preK but working on addition and subtraction facts and alphabetical order and compound words with the K and 1st graders. He is so thrilled.

pH Balance - The Key To Vibrant Health - Acid Alkaline Diet

Preparing For Easter 2011

Reality Check

So, for like the last three years, Colin has been trying to get me to eat healthier. For some strange reason, I have been resistant to change. I just don't know why. I feel like a child who is being told "No more ice cream" or something.

Recently though, I seemed to have some sort of awakening if you will and now, I can't get enough information! I started reading this book and it is a reality check! Now, I want everyone that I care about to read this book!!

http://www.suzannesomers.com/knockout/

Today we enjoyed a little family time. After brunch at IHOP, we visited the flea market and brought Lola along. Afterward, Colin spent some much needed "Daddy time" with Christopher. We walked as he drove around the neighborhood in his Lightning McQueen car and after that the boys played a bit of tennis while I cheered them on. It was a nice, relaxing day. At one point Christopher said to Colin "Daddy, I am observing that you love me", to which both Colin and I busted out laughing. We are all looking forward to our visit wit Taylor next weekend.

Sad Day....

Yesterday, my daughter Taylor lost her beloved puppy, Goliath. He suffered from a condition called Megaesophagus. She has started a blog, which I have added to the right. He was simply darling and we are all just devastated.

To Blog, Or Not To Blog....

First let me say "Happy New Year" to anyone still reading my blog!!

With Britany now home from the Air Force Academy, I have been super busy running three kids in different directions. Not to mention, my five year old has suddenly been hit with major separation anxiety. It started the week before Christmas and I think he may have just been too overwhelmed with all the activities at school, tae kwon do, Chinese school and home. He got a major case of stage fright at his school's Christmas concert and the day before that he was scared at Mass when Saint Nicholas made a grand entrance and mommy wasn't there to explain this strange looking guy who did not look much like Santa. So, we are taking the situation one day at a time =) What can ya do????

So, things are pretty hectic these days. I am truly blessed though and I'm not complaining. Just wish Taylor was here and then things would feel complete.

Until next time...