September 2005
September 30, 2005
Hello from the Outer Banks
No, Julana, we didn't run away to join the circus! But wouldn't that be fun? Instead, we left early Sunday for North Carolina. If you look at a map, there's a 60-mile long island/series of islands off the shore of North Carolina known collectively as the Outer Banks. We rented...9:25 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (4)
September 24, 2005
Big Apple Circus
So excited! We are going to The Big Apple Circus today! This is our fourth year in a row and the kids look forward to it. The Big Apple Circus is a traveling circus from New York that comes and sets up shop here for a couple weeks in the...10:35 AM in | Permalink | Comments (2)
September 23, 2005
Four Day School Week
Jackson County, Kentucky has cut the school week to four days. Isn't this a great idea? I mean, having had kids in public, private, and home school, I can tell you the dirty little secret is that you can get through the curriculum in about 1/3 to 1/4 the time...10:49 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (4)
Mrs. Grossman and stewardship
Mrs. Grossman is a businesswoman who truly walks the walk. If you read her story, which I just posted, you can see her conversion was real. But it's how she's lived her life since that sets the standard for anyone who wants to see their faith reflected in their daily...7:36 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
Hooray for Gideon Bibles!
I remember once when we were involved in the New Age - chanting and meditating every morning, having visions of our past lives, creating our own reality - Tripp and I started going to an Episcopal church full of old people who made a big fuss over us and our...4:48 PM in Religion | Permalink | Comments (1)
Mrs. Grossman, the Sticker Lady
When I moved from San Francisco to San Rafael in 1980, it was a smallish-on-the-way-to-medium town with one main street about six blocks long with a really old Macy's, an old-fashoined movie theater, a couple of jewelry stores and bookstores, and a few banks and restaurants. The downtown area was...2:25 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Elisabeth Elliot on Judy Squier
Remember my friend Judy Squier - who guestblogged on MommyLife here and here? She is the subject of Elisabeth Elliot's devotional today You can subscribe to EE's daily devotions here. They're short but pack a powerful punch....8:40 AM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (2)
September 22, 2005
Yessssssssss!
Having a third baby really pays off for French women...12:33 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (9)
September 21, 2005
Parenting Q&A #3 Activities, Toys, Montessori
A reader writes with Three Questions: Question 1: How do you develop a routine with a breastfeeding 8 month old child? What kinds of activities would you recommend for an older baby/toddler to fill up the day? My reply: By the time a baby's 8 months, there's usually some routine...5:43 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
September 20, 2005
Advice on teen/tween blogging?
Okay, now I'm asking you all for advice. Does anyone out there have a very young blogger? If so, can you tell me what blog type is hip and friendly and safe? What special safeguards did you put in place? Tell me everything I need to take into consideration...11:29 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (3)
Legalism and Christian Cults
Early in our Christian journey, Tripp and I stumbled into a legalistic, cult-like church. We were fortunate to stay there just long enough to get badly burned, but not so long as to be destroyed spiritually. And there were so many lessons to learn: on Christian leadership, self-righteousness, and...10:17 PM in Spiritual abuse | Permalink | Comments (28)
Consumer Proof your teens
Someone’s out to get your kids – and they mean business. A special PBS Frontline report named them “The Merchants of Cool†in their in-depth look at the aggressive marketing used to control how American teens spend their money. At 33 million strong, today’s generation of American teens represents...11:25 AM in Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (4)
Dirty Dancing at the Prom
Okay, for those of you who are wondering what exactly my new book Dirty Dancing at the Prom is all about, it started when two of my sons - then a junior and senior in high school decided not to go to their prom because of the embarassing behavior of...10:24 AM in Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 19, 2005
To my oldest on her birthday
I wrote this letter for my oldest daughter,Samantha Sunshine, on her birthday September 17: To my daughter Samantha, You are 36 today! You were my firstborn. Now that you are a mother yourself, you know that is part blessing, part burden. I hope you’ve arrived at the conclusion that you...8:55 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
September 16, 2005
Dressing kids with disabilities
Those with kids with disabilities will appreciate this site on teaching our kids to dress themselves. And there's probably some useful tips for new moms who grew up - as one reader here recently mentioned - without younger brothers and sisters to help care for....11:38 PM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (1)
Montessori at Home #9
“No, lemme doowit myseff!†Sound familiar? It’s the rallying cry of toddlers everywhere. At this very moment, throughout the world – in thousands of languages – children are telling their parents they want to do it themselves. Every child is born with a God-given potential (Maria Montessori called these...11:04 PM in Montessori | Permalink | Comments (5)
September 15, 2005
Legalism at work
Here's an example of legalism: I taught for a few years at the CHEA (California Homeschool Educators Association) annual Bay Area Conference. These were the workshops I taught: Small Beginnings: First Steps to Prepare Your Child For Lifelong Learning Make the most of your child’s early years! Barbara Curtis, AMI...10:58 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (7)
No more sacred cows
I'm beginning to think that one of the most important character qualities a Christian should develop is intellectual flexibility - the ability to think outside the box. And mothers - charged with raising the next generation - may need it more than most. Of course, I'm not talking about revealed...10:12 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
Anything else they'd like to know?
Gosh, aren't you glad to know our federal government is spending tax dollars to track citizen sex? (not for the faint of heart)...8:14 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
Dobson on motherhood and boys
These are excerpts from Dr. James Dobson's August newsletter:I have the highest respect and admiration for those who are blessed to be called mothers. There are few assignments in human experience that require the array of skills and wisdom needed by a mom in fulfilling her everyday duties. She...7:17 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 14, 2005
Worn out welcome
Ever had a guest you wish you hadn't invited? Maybe you were looking forward to a little fun and found a lot of wasted time instead. If so, maybe you'll tune right in to this picture of an ungracious guest. He dominates the room, grabbing attention whenever he can....3:32 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
RethinkingTV
Among today's comments, one mom said, " I'm surprised by the number of moms I meet who leave the tv on all day (so their kids won't bug them too much?)... " Please, moms, think ahead. By using the tv as a pacifier/entertainer for your kids, you may be gaining...3:01 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
Mothering by personality type
The other day I mentioned the Jungian Typology test, which divides people into 16 personality types. I was always impressed with the test because my results were accurate and it wasn't as though I could fit any of the other descriptions. I think the test can help you understand your...7:32 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (6)
September 13, 2005
Parenting Q&A #2 Finding time for housework
A reader writes: How do you or did you when they were all little find time to properly care for and supervise your children and get your housework done? I really struggle with this one. It is either one or the other. If I have all my children with me...7:43 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3)
Call for Questions
Two weeks ago I launched No Frills Q & A, which two readers said was a good idea (and I'm thinking there may have been a couple more who thought so too). Then Katrina happened - inspiring me to get my house in shape to receive evacuees who never came...2:23 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1)
And you thought ironing was boring
Not for the faint of heart: Extreme Ironing HT to Grapevine...2:17 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 11, 2005
Elisabeth Elliot for today
Able to Receive Elisabeth Elliot A young woman asked recently why it is that godly professors in her seminary are on opposite sides of certain doctrinal fences. A partial answer is that we know only in part. None of us sees the whole truth, and what we do see is...9:28 AM in | Permalink | Comments (1)
Keeping our eyes on the prize and off our own agendas
[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1Corinthians 13:7 So for those like me: *Who are Cockeyed Optimists - Remember? South Pacific, Nelly Forbush, a Kansas native (I was born in Kansas City!) and army field nurse who falls in love with an older, French plantation owner/father of...12:46 AM in Current Affairs, Movies | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 10, 2005
Blog housekeeping and reader update
Tonight is the night for me to take care of some blogging odds and ends. Tripp is watching Crash - on my hearty recommendation - and I am dropping in now and then, but I need to catch up on some blog stuff. First of all, I have entered...11:39 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (6)
And they think motherhood isn't rocket science
The first winter after I moved here from California, I was speaking at a women's Christmas luncheon when the waiter came to our big round table and asked each one of us if we'd like iced tea. "Iced tea in the winter?" I asked, looking at all the proper,...8:08 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (5)
A writer's economic reality
Just to bring you up to speed on the reality of writers and their books: Contracts for writers like me who aren't superstars typically pay 12-14 percent of the publisher's net sales. That means when someone pays the list price of $12.99 at a bookstore, I make approximately 78...6:46 PM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (1)
Crash - a primer on race relations
You think you know who you are. You have no idea. . . . I watched Crash last night - on my laptop in my bedroom. After reading the reviews, I thought it was a must-see for someone like me, who likes my entertainment heavy (meaning it's a must-not-see for...5:57 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (3)
Second Hand Rose
I was in a second hand store today checking out books, when I edged over to the parenting section and - lo, and behold - there were my first two books. Right there with Dr. Sears (did you know Dr. Sears wrote the foreward to my first book? He is...3:40 PM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (2)
September 9, 2005
Personality types
For those who've been wondering about my reference to being an ENTJ: This is from the Myers-Briggs Typology Test, which I came across in the 80's, but it's been around since 1956. Sometimes it's referred to as Jungian typology and it sorts out personality types according to four paired sets...10:49 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (3)
September 8, 2005
Something to celebrate
If you want to appreciate the incredible generosity of the American people and how much everyone cares about the people of New Orleans, try this: Go to www.hurricanehousing.org Click on any city Type in your zip code and 25 mile radius Be amazed!. Since we are registered here - though...11:50 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
Back to Basics for Mommies
Good news for those who thought my blog would never return to normal (and who wanted it to): I am off to have a good cry, to clean my house, to hug my kids, and maybe later to answer my email. Anyone who wants to continue commenting on my Katrina...1:46 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
No more Cockeyed Optimist for me
I am feeling throughly depressed and hopeless- not a place I usually spend much time. But still. I guess I'm way too idealistic and way too optimistic. I always see the upside and my enthusiasm sometimes bouys me along until a brush with reality drops me flat. When that happens,...1:08 PM in Culture | Permalink | Comments (1)
Katrina aftermath: a frank discussion (extended version)
I'm lifting my reply to Mrs. Jones' comments here. You can see her full remarks under The Ugliest Aftermath comments. Mrs. Jones, thanks again for your thoughtful remarks. We don't know each other, so I appreciate that we can have this discussion without rancor: You said: But many of these...12:52 PM in Post-Katrina | Permalink | Comments (6)
Signs of the times
Heard this morning at my house: Hubby Tripp: There's a movie here that says two-day rental. It must be overdue. Me: Honey, they don't charge late fees at Blockbuster anymore. Tripp: Well, that doesn't do much to promote personal responsibility, does it?...8:21 AM in Culture | Permalink | Comments (3)
September 7, 2005
The Real Post-Katrina Challenge for Christians
A comment left on my entry The Ugly Aftermath of Katrina today: Heard on Dobson this a.m. (9/7) that "Katrina" means "cleansing"...if that's true, I can say most appropriate for Katrina's work -- not just in opening a great reservoir of compassion in America, but cleansing ME of attitudes. Without...10:36 AM in Post-Katrina | Permalink | Comments (9)
September 6, 2005
Missing comments
If you left a comment in the last 24 hours and do not see it, it's because my publishing platform decided it didn't want comments anymore and so stopped taking them without letting me know. My techno-guru has now gotten everything under control again. I really value comments and would...7:51 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (0)
Inside the Astrodome
I have been so anxious to hear some real first-person accounts of what is going on at the Astrodome in Houston. Something real - not just a pretty face (or a tired one) with a microphone and photo-ops. And now I have. Turns out my friend and techno-guardian of this...5:00 PM in Post-Katrina | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mopsy tells it like it was
Today my friend Mopsy, at Lifenut, is remembering the night before her wedding nine years ago. If you are a wife, I suggest you check it out. Can't wait 'til tomorrow to read about the wedding!...4:51 PM in Marriage | Permalink | Comments (1)
September 5, 2005
Overcoming the past
Choosing Home has a new member, Lydia, whose testimony will surely give you a lift this morning and remind you that with God all things are possible. Read it here: I also loved Donna's comment: I'm always telling my kids, "if you don't make a right decision, make the decision...10:42 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
The ugliest aftermath of Katrina
For the past week, I've been astonished at the events in New Orleans. No, not the hurricane - natural disasters happen, devastating landscapes and those who dwell in them. And not the breaking of the levee - the overhead shots only leave me wondering how in the world anyone could...7:57 AM in Post-Katrina | Permalink | Comments (4)
September 3, 2005
The past and post-Katrina
Tulip Girl has blessed us with a journey through her childhood in New Orleans: Old Times There Are Not Forgotten. Thank you Tulip Girl. We weep with you. HSLDA is trying to find homes for Katrina-displaced member families. I got their email last night after we came home from seeing...9:50 AM in Post-Katrina | Permalink | Comments (4)
September 2, 2005
Why Mothers Matter
I got up early this morning to catch up on things - laundry, blogging - before my family is up. Before I went to bed last night, I had watched some news about the situation in Louisiana - our satellite service had been disconnected all summer, but I had it...6:10 AM in Mothering, Post-Katrina | Permalink | Comments (6)
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Is The Hand That Rules The World Blessings on the hand of women! Angels guard its strength and grace, In the palace, cottage, hovel, Oh, no matter where the place; Would that never storms assailed it, Rainbows ever gently curled; For the hand that...5:36 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 1, 2005
Planned Parenthood Cares - Or Didn't You Know?
Yep, that's right. Even as we speak, they're rushing along with all the other relief agencies like the Red Cross and Salvation Army to help those caught up in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Trucking in desperately-needed water, food and medicine contraceptives, these brave souls send out press releases to...5:46 PM in Post-Katrina, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
A Young Hero
Remember the 10-year-old boy who was arrested, handcuffed and taken to jail for trying to bring a glass of water to Terri Schiavo as she lay dying from dehydration? Joshua Heldreth appeared in court August 26, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 25 days of community service and ordered to...4:23 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
Starting Over
Molly, at Choosing Home, just posted an interview we did via email a couple weeks ago. (If you're new to blogs, click on the bold letters to be linked to the source.) Great timing, as I am getting mail from mothers with a couple years experience who worry they've blown...8:24 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5)
