December 2005
December 31, 2005
New Years Resolutions
This year we're planning to keep a New Years tradition we kept every year when the kids were younger, now a little more sporadically. On New Years Day, we'll gather round the table as a family. pray, and then spend a while individually making our resolutions. We'll have heavyweight...9:15 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (3)
MommyLife's new look
Giving credit where credit is due - I'd like to thank my BlogCommando, aka The King of Fools, aka Blogrescue for putting together the new look for my blog. He's also been the mastermind behind the holiday sections and any other bells and whistles at this site. My son Ben...6:57 PM in Blogging, Writing | Permalink | Comments (8)
Blogs for Life
I love living in the country, out a dirt road where I can sometimes ride five miles home from the highway without seeing another car. But as much as I love living in the country, I also love living an hour away from Washington, DC. For those of you...6:19 PM in Pro-Life Issues, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
Hold the mayo? Not if you're pro-life!
At Things We Said Today – thanks for the reminder of a Beatles song I’d forgotten was one of my favorites! – Marie also recently remembered something I’d have blogged on in a heartbeat had I had my own little space back in the summer of 2004. On July...4:23 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (18)
Maddy's picture surprise
If you've followed much of what I've had to say here about Maddy, you will know that she is my Number Nine, my youngest birth child, incurable optimist, lover of Doris Day, Narnia, and lions. She is also very much the center of universe, but in an upbeat manner...10:56 AM in Big families, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 28, 2005
Thirty minute update
There's so much catching up I need to do here! And I keep putting off even starting because I’ve only been able to grab a couple minutes here and there – just enough to post your comments, which I appreciate so much and hope you understand I haven’t had time...1:27 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (5)
December 25, 2005
President Bush's 2005 Christmas message
'Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel' which means, God with us. — Matthew 1:23 More than 2,000 years ago, a virgin gave birth to a Son, and the God of heaven came to Earth. Mankind had received its Savior, and...8:46 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (0)
How I spent Christmas Eve
Since big families arouse so much curiosity, I thought you might get a kick out of seeing what it looks like to make enchiladas for our crowd: Note the humongous skillet, which has been my faithful companion for years and years! And my retro I Love Lucy apron - a...8:23 PM in Big families, Christmas, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (10)
December 24, 2005
Christmas greetings and thoughts on traditions
Since November, I've been sharing a lot about the importance of traditions in building a family - as well as the need to be flexible when something comes up that makes it difficult to see one through for a certain holiday. Though our tradition has been to cut down...8:07 AM in Big families, Christmas, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (8)
December 23, 2005
Nilda on authentic Chrisitianity
Nilda left such a passionate and thought-provoking comment yesterday, that - as happened once before - I asked permission to publish it as an entry so all my readers would be sure to read it. It was on Sharing the Good News: Thanks for sharing your testimony Barbara. I'm ashamed...8:11 AM in Church Issues, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 22, 2005
I Can Only Imagine
Turn off anything that's playing, take some deep breaths, relax and spend a few minutes here. Maddy came in as I was watching this and said, "Mom, how do we know heaven is real?" and I said "Because God told us." And she said, "Yeah, but how do we really...4:00 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (2)
Sharing the good news
There's one thing I really want to share before things get too busy for blogging around here. It starts with an excerpt from a book of mine to be published next August: Reaching the Left from the Right: Would you have wanted to know me? I was that crazy acid-dropping...3:47 PM in Christmas, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (7)
December 21, 2005
Churches closed on Christmas
Just wondering what you all have decided about church on Sunday. I understand that some churches are closed because it's Christmas - which seems ironic. I don't think it should be a legalistic thing - Lord knows, we have had home church many Sundays ourselves. There may be some families...8:30 PM in Christmas, Church Issues, Current Affairs, Family | Permalink | Comments (9)
My newspaper column - Christmas 2005
One of the best gifts I received this year was seeing this on the today's editorial page in the Loudoun Times-Mirror, where for two years I've written a regular biweekly column: The Greatest Gift Want your kids to get the most out of Christmas? Go easy on gifts. Emphasize meaning....3:01 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Family conflict at Christmas?
Christmas is the most joyous season of all, right? Then how come since Thanksgiving I've been getting mail from people experiencing anxiety and pain in their family relationships? And it's not like my own have been perfect, either. First of all, I think our expectation level runs pretty high during...11:35 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Need help? Blog Rescue is here!
You've often heard me refer to my BlogGuru or - more recently my BlogCommando. He is the very gifted person who took my blog from its very tentative beginnings on WordPad and shaped it into what it was supposed to be. He worked on my template and sidebars and...10:43 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 20, 2005
Another blog thing
Cheri suggested this blog thing, at which I failed miserably. Your Observation Skills Get A D+ You know that you remembered to put on underwear today... But really, that's about it! How Observant Are You? That's pretty bad news for a writer/observer of the human condition! I guess I've got...10:15 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (5)
Three hours driving around 15 square miles
Tonight I had to drop Maddy off in town at 6, pick up Jonny at 7:30, and pick up Maddy at 8:15. When you live out in the country this becomes problematic, because if you drive home, you have just enough time to put in a load of laundry and...9:31 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (1)
Just a detour on the way to Christmas
My day began at 4 a.m. when I woke up with the realization that I just couldn't go on with all the runny noses, eyes, and swollen sinuses in my house - including my own. At 5, I called the school bus people to tell them my kids would not...4:12 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (4)
December 19, 2005
How I just wasted 30 minutes while on hold to order hubbie's present
You Are Mexican Food Spicy yet dependable. You pull punches, but people still love you. What Kind of Food Are You? Your Brain's Pattern You have a tempered, reasonable way of thinking. You tend to take every new idea in, and meld it with your world view. For you,...9:28 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (9)
December 17, 2005
On teachability
One of the greatest disabilities a person can have is defensiveness - the tendency to immediately throw up a wall when confronted with the idea that a change in character may be in order. With 12 kids, I've seen the whole spectrum of reaction to correction. It's very difficult when...5:23 PM in Inspiration, Montessori, Mothering, Writing | Permalink | Comments (9)
Christmas Books
If you haven't done it yet, check out the Christmas book recommendations under Barbara's Picks on the left sidebar. Amazon has some great bargains in used books. If you can buy just one book this Christmas, make it Norman Rockwell's Christmas (Those Search Inside symbols indicate that on amazon if...9:48 AM in Books, Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 15, 2005
Back on Track
I just can't stay sick very long! And all your prayers helped immensely. Yesterday I got up and did my radio interview. It was live, which is always more challenging than taped when you know all your bloopers can be edited out. And it was 45 minutes, including taking phone...8:45 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (6)
December 13, 2005
Fighting off flu
Tuesday: A quiet day as I battle the flu. A day that lasted too long - you know those days that seem to stretch on and on and you just want to get it over with and get moving again? Oddly enough, my computer has also come down with a...9:25 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (8)
December 12, 2005
Why Go to Church?
Here's C. S. Lewis on the subject: "When I first became a Christian, about fourteen years ago, I thought that I could do it on my own, by retiring to my rooms and reading theology, and I wouldn't go to the churches and Gospel Halls;... I disliked very much their...8:22 AM in Church Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
Congratulations to Some Dear Friends
Just want to add my belated but hearty congratulations for Blogs of Beauty Awards won by some very dear friends: Best Frugality: Like Merchant Ships Best Homeschool: Spunky Homeschool Best Humor and Best Variety: Amy's Humble Musings Best Motherhood and Best Discussion: Choosing Home There were many other wonderful blogs...7:55 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (4)
December 11, 2005
Blogroll update
I just did something long overdue - updated my blogroll, which is linked at my left sidebar. I've included everyone who I know links to me. If I missed you, let me know and I will add you!...11:07 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 10, 2005
Speaking of Christmas Nativities. . . .
Need a few laughs today? Try A Cavalcade of Bad Nativities to see how varied the paths of Christian creativity. Not for the faint of heart....3:36 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (4)
Zach has a blog
My #4 Son (#6 child) - a 17-year-old college freshman - just started a blog: Random Thoughts. I'm announcing it here because I know I have a few teen readers - and also for those of you who know teen readers who might be interested in meeting a kindred spirit....2:37 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (0)
What I've been putting off for a week
This has been the scene on my dining room table for over a week: Notice the chair propped open engagingly, as if to say, "C'mon, Barbara, sit down - it'll just take a little while." On the left is my original manuscript for Reaching the Left from the Right: Talking...1:41 PM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (6)
Family Christmas Album
Since 1992, I've kept a Family Christmas album: It has two pages for each Christmas, with spaces for a special photo, the card you send that Christmas, the festivities and a summary of the year. The kids really love when this album comes out in December, reflecting on each year's...1:19 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Missing Comments
If you have left a comment and it has not been published, it's because there is something wrong with the stuff going on behind the magic curtain - which I don't know anything about, but which my Blog Comando (I used to all him my BloGuru, but have since decided...11:44 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (0)
Hot Artichoke Dip
Everyone loves this - and it is so easy! Hot Artichoke Dip 2 8-oz. cans artichokes drained and chopped 1 c. mayonnaise 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 c. grated Parmesan Mix all ingredients together. Place in buttered casserole and bake at 350 for 30...11:28 AM in Christmas, Recipes | Permalink | Comments (1)
Another Curtis Christmas Tradition: Good King Wenceslas
I'm entering Christmas books at Barbara's Picks this morning, but this one's special so I wanted to share it here: A beautful Christmas melody with a challenging message. Tripp and I use this book to perform a duet each year as a gift to our children. I know it's hokey,...10:09 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 8, 2005
Elisabeth Elliot on welcoming grandchildren
I subscribe to a daily dose of Elisabeth Elliot. Every once in a while what she says is so relevant to the things we talk about here, I run the entire column - sort of a teaser to encourage you to subscribe too. Last month, in response to readers on...7:21 AM in Babies, Big families, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5)
December 7, 2005
Richard Scarry's Evolution
Did you grow up reading his Best Word Book Ever? Didn't everyone? Now, one highly observant parent with time to spare has collected documentation of the evolution from the 1963 edition to 1991. Check it out here. Kinda scary. What next? Goodnight, Laptop?...3:01 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (7)
My Christmas present to you
Julana asked where I found the graphic on the last post. Well, I guess I just have to give you all an early Christmas present, something I found just this morning and was planning to wrap up for my readers! Dore's Classic Engravings You can click on these to enlarge...12:46 PM in Art, Christmas | Permalink | Comments (5)
Yet Another Stupid Attack on Christmas
Why do we continue bowing to the tyranny of the minority? Things like this embolden me to do all I can to preserve our cultural traditions. School's Giving Tree Turns Into Giving Counter They also remind me that the instigators are people in darkness and pain. By reflex, I will...8:15 AM in Christmas, Culture | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 6, 2005
Rethinking Veggie Tales - The time Has Come
I almost had to end my Nativity Set post on a sour note, but decided to start a fresh discussion here. Can you believe this? I'm a little hesitant to say anything negative, because my cynicism about Mr. Rogers landed me in some hot water - well, not boiling, but...4:51 PM in Christmas, Family, Montessori, Mothering, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (17)
Looking For a Nativity Set - Your Help Needed
Allie wrote: Barbara, This is probably a little off topic, but you've been giving us so many wonderful Christmas ideas... do you have any idea of where I might find (online) a nice nativity set? (Besides the Fontanini figures, which is all I've found.) Something not too super-stylized, but a...3:57 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (15)
The Christmas That Made Us Rethink Traditions
“Remember the year Mom was too pregnant to make Christmas dinner?†I picture my kids in 20 years chuckling as they celebrate their own family feasts – whatever they turn out to be. I hope they’ll laugh remembering that particular Christmas – the one that brought me face-to-face with...11:44 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (6)
Make-Ahead Christmas Brunch
Christmas Scramble Serves 8 12 eggs 1 pt. half and half 3/4 t. Beau Monde seasoning 1/2 t. garlic salt 1/4 t. pepper 1 lb. bacon, diced, cooked, and drained 1 lb. grated cheddar (or less, dpepnding on how cheesy you like stuff) 1 lb sliced mushrooms, sauteed lightly...10:52 AM in Christmas | Permalink
Blogs of Beauty Deadline: 8:00 PM EST
Just want to remind you of the Blogs of Beauty Awards. MommyLife is a finalist - thanks to anyone who had a hand in that! Sallie at Two Talent Living writes this morning: Remember that Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. EST is the deadline for voting! I’ve caught up on...10:29 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (0)
Christmas Gift Basket Idea
From a reader: Dear Ms. Curtis, I recently purchased a set of "huggable hangers" off of Home Shopping Network. To justify the expense, I decided to give some as gifts (with a pretty bow around a set of five). I also purchased some "Clean Cotton" scented candles and thought that...10:16 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (0)
Christmas Puzzles
One of my favorite traditions is Christmas puzzles. Over the years we've accumulated a collection of them. Last year we added "The Twelve Days of Christmas." It's one of my favorites because it has 1000 pieces but the composition and colors make it easy to do: White Mountain makes wonderful...8:12 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 5, 2005
Dickens' Christmas Carol: What makes a story "Christian"?
Sophia and Madeleine - for the second year in a row, but with a different theater company - are privileged to be involved in a production of Dickens' Christmas Carol. They wrapped up three performances this weekend - with six more over the next two weeks at the Cramer...8:08 AM in Art, Books, Christmas, Culture | Permalink | Comments (5)
December 4, 2005
Christmas: Meditations on Mary
In our quest for authentic prayer and worship Evangelicals have marginalized many vibrant and wonderful aspects of our faith and traditions. The de-emphasis of Advent and Lent are examples. The relegation of Mary to a place of unimportance is another. While in the beginning, I went along with the...11:57 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (3)
Christmas Traditions: Ornaments
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care And fit us for heaven to live with thee there from the Christmas carol “Away in a Manger†Every year I give each of my children a special Christmas ornament. Each child also has a special box to hold his ornament...11:08 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (4)
December 3, 2005
Christmas at Mid-Motherhood
There's something really special about family traditions - something special about hauling out the boxes of things that come out only once a year. They bring back so many memories, so many longings that set them in motion. Tonight as the younger children and I scrambled through the Christmas...9:47 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (7)
Blog of Beauty, Flickr, Frappr, Coming Attractions
Don't forget to visit Two Talent Living to become acquainted with the finalists for the Blog of Beauty Awards! MommyLife is a finalist in the Best Motherhood category - thanks so much to whoever nominated this site! Also, I'm still looking for pictures of my readers' families for my...8:48 AM in Blogging, Family | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 2, 2005
Seven Sevens
Spunky and Julana both tagged me for the Seven Sevens. I hope that doesn’t mean I have to do 14! After my answers, I’ll tag 7 more – and hope they’ve not been tagged yet. 1. Seven things to do before I die 1. Learn to love unconditionally. 2. Travel...2:33 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (3)
Teen Driving Joke
We are now teaching our seventh child to drive - well, I should say Tripp is teaching our seventh to drive. I think I confessed once that I'm terrified of ferris wheels and roller coasters. Ditto student drivers. And for you parents of younger children, even Tripp would say this...1:44 PM in | Permalink | Comments (2)
Free Holiday Concerts
Besides being brave, many of our armed forces are quite talented - especially musically. Here in Washington DC (well, actually an hour away from our family), we are blessed to have many opportunities to enjoy free music for example The Air Force Band's free Holiday Concerts. But I guess you...12:01 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 1, 2005
Have Yourself a Merry *little* Christmas
Be sure to visit my friend Wendy at Create A Home today - Going Head to Head with the CCC. CCC meaning Crazy Collective Consumerism. A few years ago I began doing as much shopping as possible online - even using Peapod for groceries. Online shopping can save a lot...7:41 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (4)
