April 2006
April 30, 2006
Be part of my next book!
Heather's wonderful pictures of her daughter concentrating on the pegboard really inspired me! Sometimes my best ideas come from my readers :) Remember I told you I'm signing a contract for two books on teaching preschoolers at home? And remember the old bit of wisdom A picture's worth a thousand...7:51 PM in Books, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (3)
More on Lefties
Heather wrote: Barbara, I thought you might enjoy these pictures. I call them: "Pegboard + Creativity + Concentration = 1 Happy 2-year-old." By the way, it's not evident in these pictures, but my daughter definitely shows a preference for her left hand. I've re-read your blog post on lefties and...7:36 PM in Montessori, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 29, 2006
5:55 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (13)
Learning can be fun!
This is a fun geography game for your kids - and you too! Place the State My score: 84% 42 out of 50 - Average error 28 miles. 307 seconds. Go th the Sheppard Software homepage for lots of other fun educational games!...4:52 PM in Fun Stuff, Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (1)
Randy Alcorn on Grace and Truth
A Lesbian Responds to Grace & Truth by Randy Alcorn Some churches today embrace truth, but need a heavy dose of grace. Other churches talk about grace, but cry out for a heavy dose of truth. I invited an outspoken lesbian activist, who was also a prominent abortion activist, to...11:57 AM in Church Issues, Inspiration, Religion | Permalink | Comments (4)
Quit Complaining About Your Job
Deb sent me these: I'd rather change diapers and cook and clean any day! Not to mention having a loyal following of little children who think I'm the most wonderful woman in the world!...11:34 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2)
Quality Time
I am blessed to have a biweekly column in my local paper, the Loudoun Times Mirror. I like to reprint these columns here so you know what I'm up to in other parts of my work. Keep in mind that these are very limited as I have a 500 word...8:52 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (1)
My Mission Statement
When I teach other writers I always emphasize the importance of having a mission statement to avoid veering off target from God's particular purpose in your writing. I thought it might be helpful for readers to know mine. I wrote this originally in 1997 and it has never changed:...8:30 AM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (1)
Wife Swap Part 4
Dear Readers - Thanks again, everyone for your caring and taking the time to comment here on this subject. Mrs. S and Jamie - both your comments indicated that I might be interested in this idea to get myself on TV. People who've been reading here for a while might...7:51 AM in Culture, Current Affairs, Family, Religion | Permalink | Comments (7)
April 28, 2006
Let's lighten up!
My daughter Samantha just sent me this and it made me laught out loud! ~ Tough Love vs. Spanking ~ Most of America's populace think it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of "those moments." One that I...3:45 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (5)
April 27, 2006
Wife Swap Part 3
Nickey wrote: Adultery doesn't just occur when sex is in the picture. God requires you to submit to *your* own husband. The idea of switching places with the wife of some other mans youth is completely out of place for a Christian woman and you should have no part of...3:36 PM in Culture, Family, Religion | Permalink | Comments (19)
Where Mommylife readers come from
In case you ever wondered, I pulled these 60 consecutive locations off my sitemeter Sunday night: San Jose, California Tarpon Springs, Florida Warrenton, Virginia Australia Crystal Lake, Illinois Lagrangeville, New York Flushing, New York Salisbury, Maryland Birmingham, Alabama Proctorville, Ohio Fort Monroe, Virginia Thurmont, Maryland Southfield, Michigan Gays, Illinois Minot,...8:17 AM in | Permalink | Comments (10)
Wife Swap - Part 2
Wow. This Wife Swap invitation has stirred up a lot of good comments from all of you. I am so grateful to have you all as a resource. I have to give this a lot of prayer and thought. I'll start the thought process by responding to the comments here:...7:41 AM in Culture, Family | Permalink | Comments (24)
April 26, 2006
Invitation to be on Wife Swap
Just received this letter from ABC: Hi Barbara- My name is Jodi and I am a casting producer for ABC's hit show Wife Swap. I wanted to write to you after I came across your blog. Your story is incredible! The life you've lived is unique and inspiring. I am...6:59 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (15)
Update on writing/speaking - and an invitation 5/3 for nearby friends
Here is what is going on with me writing- and speaking-wise: I am signing a contract with Broadman and Holman for two books on teaching preschoolers at home. These will be based on my first two books (almost 10 years old) Small Beginnings and Ready, Set, Read! (you can find...1:24 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (4)
Fat and frugality
Tying together two recent themes here at MommyLife, Meredith at Like Merchant Ships (remember I told you about her a few days ago?), writes today Fat Isn't Frugal. And check out this article: Accomodating Obesity. It's things like this that keep me motivated to stick with it and become a...11:14 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (1)
Size 16!
I never told anyone - even my family - how much I weighed or what size my clothes were. As though that could stop them from seeing it with their own eyes. Yesterday I got into a pair of size 16 jeans I couldn't get into last week! Remember...8:18 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (18)
Eagle's nest - live cam
Here's something to share with the kids today: Stacie alerted me to this site - Eagle Eye . It’s a live cam on an eagle’s nest. Two eggs are due to hatch today! If there is not much activity, click on Forum and then Pictures and Screenshots for clips...5:30 AM in Fun Stuff, Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 24, 2006
Down syndrome babies deserve a better welcome
Rebecca P. of Always Chaos at Our House forwarded this to me: Grad Student Inspires New Bill HMS/KSG student calls for sensitivity regarding Down syndrome Published On 3/17/2005 12:00:00 AM By KRISTIN E. BLAGG, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Pregnant mothers of babies with Down syndrome will be told about the condition in...12:42 PM in Babies, Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (13)
Please pray for Emily
As I said earlier, I don't have much time for visiting, but I did do a little this morning and was very sad to learn that a MommyLife reader has been struggling for a couple months and I am just now finding out. Crystal, who blogs at Save the...10:35 AM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (4)
Speaking of gifts. .
I received an unexpected present last week. *heart flutters* First, you’ve got to know that I didn’t get many presents growing up – my family was poor and pretty dysfunctional. I’m not saying that to make anyone feel sorry for me or because I feel sorry for myself – just...10:15 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (13)
Mothers Day Gifts
Over the years, I've collected pictures of mothers with children, framed them inexpensively (thank God for Target!), and grouped them like this: These two groups frame the door to the playroom off my office and I just have to turn my head slightly to the left to be uplifted by...9:23 AM in Holidays, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
Mother's Day ideas
Y'all have heard me say I don't have a lot of time to visit blogs, but I did spend some time this morning and found a new MommyLife reader who lives less than ten miles from me. We've never met, but I guess we will on May 3 because...9:05 AM in Blogging, Holidays | Permalink | Comments (2)
April 23, 2006
Advice for Writers
I've been going to the Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference since 1995. It's where I learned - and continue to learn - how to perfect my craft and to make connections to get it published - not to mention the deep spiritual sustenance I receive there as a writer....9:57 AM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (3)
April 22, 2006
New York PS
There was more I wanted to say about New York than I had time to write yesterday. But for more of my thoughts see Our Trip to New York - which I wrote after Tripp's and my whirlwind visit last July....9:17 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 21, 2006
Easter sermon tidbits
Do you take notes during sermons? I do. And I always joke about using my pastor's material. :) But really, sometimes pastors just say things that knock your socks off and I like to be ready with pen and paper when they do. We go to Blue Ridge Bible Church...7:50 PM in Religion | Permalink | Comments (4)
Links for frugal living
I don't know about that title - it sounds so unattractive. I mean, saving money is attractive, but the word frugal - for those new to the concept - can conjure up visions of tatters, ugly surroundings, Ebeneezer Scrooge. One visit to Like Merchant Ships will convince you otherwise....5:58 PM in Big families, Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (7)
With Maddy in New York
Maddy and I got up at 4am Tuesday to drive into DC to catch the 7:30 train at Union Station. We arrived in New York at 10:30, took the subway to our hotel, dropped our bags, and left immediately to begin our adventure in the Big Apple Here is Maddy...1:36 PM in Art, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
The birds and the bees and NYC
Maddy and I just returned from New York where we celebrated her 13th birthday/passage into young womanhood. Tripp decided long ago to make the 13th birthday a more significant life passage for our kids by taking each of the boys for a one-on-one camping trip during which they talked about...10:14 AM in Family, Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (7)
April 17, 2006
California unclaimed property
California has had a campaign lately to return unclaimed property to people. Amazing, but we do forget things. DH Tripp - aka The Big Man - found a check for almost $200 from a credit union he'd forgotten about. One of my sons has a check for 169.02 from an...6:09 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (8)
Teaching kids about money
What kid couldn't use a Money Savvy Pig? I was looking around for a good system to teach my younger kids about money - since four of them have Down syndrome, I was looking for something very visual and very concrete. I found it at Money Savvy Generation. The...5:00 PM in Family, Practical Info, Resources, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (3)
Don't Waste Those Easter Eggs
Okay, so how many hard-boiled eggs can your family consume? I found some new ways to use mine at Top Ten Ways to Use up Hard-Boiled Eggs. I'm thinking the Hindoo Eggs -similar to something we made in Home Ec. many years ago. Eggs cut up in a white...2:34 PM in Family, Holidays, Recipes | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday Greetings to you!
My oldest daughter Samantha sent me this e-card this morning. Now I'm sending it to you! Listen to the whole message: Click here....10:08 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
Are You a Compulsive Overeater?
Are You a Compulsive Overeater? [reprinted from Overeaters Anonymous] This series of questions may help you determine if you are a compulsive overeater. 1. Do you eat when you're not hungry? 2. Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? 3. Do you have feelings of guilt...8:22 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (2)
Taking responsibility for overweight
It's now been ten weeks since I began my diet journey. I look at it as a journey because I'm learning so much on the way. For those who are chronically overweight - who complain of being tired, that their metabolism is slow - all I can say is...7:31 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (3)
April 15, 2006
Easter Greetings - A Card for You!
May tomorrow and all your days ahead be filled with joy! Click here for my Easter card for you!...1:54 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (1)
Media and Kids - Choosing Wisely
Anyone who's been visiting my site for more than a little while knows I am a strong advocate of parents making wise media choices. Since my oldest daughters are 36 and 30, and I still have teenagers at home, I have really raised two generations of kids. Samantha and Jasmine...8:30 AM in Culture, Family, Mothering, Movies | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 12, 2006
Story Call Out
Just received this in my email and thought I'd pass it on. I've had a few stories printed in the Chicken Soup books and know there are lots of readers here who just might want to give this a try: Chicken Soup for the New Mom''s Soul From the moment...10:12 PM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (1)
Sweet and Sour
My column in last week's Loudoun Times-Mirror: Sweet and Sour – The Ultimate Driving Test When my kids were younger – and to tell you the truth, still once in a while when they’re in a nostalgic childish mood – they played a game called Sweet and Sour. Remember? You’re...7:03 PM in Family, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2)
Readers' thoughts on dieting
I managed to maintain my weight loss while away last week - even though it seems like all they do is feed you at Mount Hermon :) - and they serve great food! But that's not for me right now. I just ate lots of vegetables, apples, grapefruit, and small...6:25 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (0)
Interesting Site
If you have time on your hands and you'd like to put things in perspective, you might want to check out The Age Gauge. Just type your birthday in at the prompt. There are a couple other gauges at the bottom - for music, tv and movies. I'm the same...6:17 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)
Where to find my books in Australia
Home again! Unpacking, reconnecting with my kids, cleaning up my inbox. This is for readers in Australia: Hi Barbara I received your Lord, Please Meet me in the Laundry Room book today. Yay! I am hoping to go and soak in the bath for a while after sending you this...6:09 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 6, 2006
Natural Moms Talk Radio
Hi everyone! I am at Mount Hermon and checking in - If you want to hear what I sound like, visit Natural Moms Talk Radio for an interview I did Monday night! Will write more later....3:31 PM in Big families, Family, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (8)
April 3, 2006
Throwing up all over
Okay, so this has to be one of the most challenging parts of being a parent. Yesterday, Jonny threw up in the middle of church - I mean A LOT. I was home with Daniel who'd been ill - we thought he'd eaten somthing bad because everyone else was fine....10:33 AM in Big families, Family | Permalink | Comments (19)
Elisabeth Elliot on Obedience
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. Hidden Work Few of us accomplish without...9:28 AM in Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
Family Worship
I saw this at Angela's new blog Trusting Daily and had to lift it for you to see too! Thanks Angela for this reminder/motivator! ~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~ Is Family Worship Practiced in Your Home? By Steve Brandon I distinctly remember the place. I also remember the time. About nine years ago I...8:12 AM in Big families, Family, Mothering, Religion | Permalink | Comments (2)
April 2, 2006
Easter Cookies
Angie emailed this to me and Stacie posted this as a comment, but I'm going to move it right up here where it belongs - thanks Angie and Stacie! I'm going to try this recipe this year for Easter with my 2 and 5 year olds. EASTER COOKIES To be...8:34 PM in Holidays | Permalink | Comments (5)
Two Dozen Easter Traditions
I am a little late in posting this, since some of the ideas are for the beginning of Lent, but there are still a lot of useful ideas. I particularly recommend getting a copy of The Messiah and bathing your family in it. Also visiting art museums to see the...12:44 PM in Holidays | Permalink | Comments (6)
More diet discussion
I promised that I would not get one-track about dieting - some of you don't need to hear it and some of you are probably offended. Sally was offended and wrote this comment, which I am moving up here because it may resonate with some readers: Barbara, this is such...7:24 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (20)
April 1, 2006
The truth about being fat
Sticking to my diet in spite of the fact that the results are slower and less dramatic in this phase. I've lost more than a third of what I need to lose. Just putting it in terms of fractions rather than pounds adds more motivation. Working on the proposal...11:37 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (11)
