May 2006
May 31, 2006
Maddy's singing
One last thing today - some of you have asked how Maddy's singing competition went. Right before the second round last Friday, we realized that Maddy would not be able to participate in the third round - nor the part of the first prize which was singing the National Anthem...9:17 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (0)
Kids' stories on CD - Bible, too!
Do you have kids who are audio learners? I've had a couple. But even among the ones who aren't, all my kids have loved stories and books on tape/CD. All children can benefit from cultivating the listening habit as it encourages imagination, but also trains them to be attentive. My...8:31 PM in Resources | Permalink | Comments (3)
Women in Dresses
I came across a deligtful blog today called Just Enjoy the Journey, where I found a fascinating challenge Lindsey had taken up: wearing dresses for a week. Scroll down he page to read about it and see her pictures (she doesn't have permalinks and I still haven't figured out trackbacks)....8:09 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (16)
8th Grade Curriculum
As you all know, Maddy and I homeschooled this year. I used the same curriculum I'd used with my older kids back in the early 90's. How unimaginative! And with such an imaginative girl...... Maddy loves Shakespeare and all literature - as well as history (even though we used A...2:53 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (5)
My newspaper column today
This was my biweekly column Close to Home in today's Loudoun Times-Mirror: Mad, Hot Ballroom' in Loudoun County Moving back home to Virginia four years ago with my family of 22 native Californians, I was eager to introduce everyone to opportunities you just don’t find on the Left Coast. Which...1:00 PM in Movies, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2)
Capote - Movie Review
Watched Capote the other night. As a writer, I found it very interesting. It's a very, very heavy movie - so unless you like your entertainment on the somber side, you probably don't want to see it. Truman Capote was author of Breakfast at Tiffany's and the toast of New...12:34 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (4)
Juggling being a mother and writer
Lexie recently asked me how I find the time to write so much. I have to tell you that learning to write professionally must be a lot like learning to play a musical instrument. In the beginning it is very, very hard work and not so rewarding. I used...9:50 AM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (3)
Another reason to subscribe to Elisabeth Elliot daily
In case any of you are still not subscribed to Elisabeth Elliot, I must run today's - it is so good for workaday mommies. Spiritual Transport Most of us experience from time to time happy feelings that we think are somehow religious. We feel that we are in a special...9:28 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
May 30, 2006
Journalism award
Just wanted to share with you that I received this award for this article, called "Rethinking My Views About Homosexuality."...10:46 AM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (7)
Warning on kids in cars
Each year we read the tragic stories of kids left in cars by their parents - some intentionally and some by mistake. It is never safe to leave a child alone in a car. Interior temperatures can rise very quickly to 40 degrees more than outside - and children's temperature-regulating...10:25 AM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (0)
When it comes to Down syndrome, who's teaching whom?
Received this in the mail recently and got permission to share it here: This was in a little booklet form that my friend's daughter Kaitlyn received from her 4th grade teacher and all her 4th grade classmates yesterday, the 2nd to the last day of school. The teacher had let...8:07 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (8)
May 29, 2006
Bye-Bye Boredom!
Here is a must-read for any mommy facing the lazy days of summer with kids - just in case they use the B-word. 100 More Things To Do When You're Bored: Summer Edition by Sherry at SemiColon. Be sure to click on the links. Thanks for all that hard work,...2:34 PM in Fun Stuff, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
My comment policy
This rarely happens, but I have recently deleted two comments I consider on the same level as drive-by shootings. I have emailed both people to let them know why I wasn't publishing their comments. One was a person named Angela who set up a hotmail account as smurfyland. Her comments...1:34 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (4)
What about Montessori school?
A reader writes: Dear Barbara, I was wondering if you could offer me your valued opinion. I am considering sending my 2 year old to school (infant/toddler program) 2 mornings a week at an Independent Montessori school. At this stage it would be mostly for social reasons and I do...9:59 AM in Montessori, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 28, 2006
Vasectomy reversals
Someone asked in a previous comment what I thought of vasectomy reversals. I know three couples that had vasectomy reversals. One couple had five children and has in the six years since had three more. Another couple had six children and when I last heard had had two more. The...9:26 PM in Big families, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
May 27, 2006
Never tired of Elisabeth Elliot
From Elisabeth Elliot today: 'If you really love me you will keep the commandments I have given you." It is perilously easy to imagine that we love God because we like the idea of God, or because we feel drawn to Him. The only valid test of love is obedience....11:18 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (2)
Why I am Pro-Life
This is a follow-up to the Mohler piece I posted yesterday - and the comments some of you made there. I want to tell the story of my evolving thoughts on birth control and children. As anyone who's been around here for a while knows, I come from a very...8:29 AM in Church Issues, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (47)
May 26, 2006
We're in good company!
MommyLife is now averaging 1400 visits per day. That means a lot of people - I mean, a LOT of people - read without commenting. That's okay - and I want you to know I appreciate your stopping by! But what intrigues me are some of the names of towns...10:10 AM in Blogging, Family | Permalink | Comments (17)
Rethinking birth control
Food for thought: Can Christians Use Birth Control? Keeping in mind that we are not to be conformed to the world.........8:40 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (8)
Navigating the 'Tween and Teen Years
Thinking this morning about TV's effect on children brought to mind this excerpt from my book Dirty Dancing at the Prom and Other Challenges Your Christian Teens Face: How Parents Can Help: That me-first! mentality certainly doesn’t need to be nurtured to thrive. From the get-go, we humans are completely...7:52 AM in Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (1)
Kids and TV
A third (32%) of children ages 6 months to 6 years live in homes where the television is on all (13%) or most (19%) of the time and a similar proportion (30%) live in homes where the TV is on during meals all (16%) or most (14%) of the...6:30 AM in Culture, Current Affairs, Family, Preschoolers, Teens and Tweens, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (4)
Elisabeth Elliot - again
Another priceless gem from Elisabeth Elliot: Philippians 2:2 Philippians 2:15 Stars in a Dark World One of the letters the apostle Paul wrote from prison begs his friends to think and feel alike, to love, to have the "same turn of mind, and a common care for unity" (Phil 2:2...6:19 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 25, 2006
Kids' Books
I've added a new spot on my right sidebar called Reading to Kids. I will highlight books my kids love and I love reading to them. But you can still find the larger collection under Barbara's Picks....6:17 PM in Books, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Uncle Jonny
Jonny may be a 14 year old guy, but he is all mush when it comes to babies. Here he is with Jasmine's #5 (and my 10th grandchild - but I'm not bragging :). Her name is Melissa, but we call her Missy. However, like a lot of 14 year...8:11 AM in Babies, Family | Permalink | Comments (8)
Baby Names
There are a lot of sites out there for baby names, but this one is my favorite: Baby Name Wizard: Name Voyager Amazing visuals that show you not only today's ranking, but all the way back to the 1880's in graph format. Here are the 2004 ranks for my...7:26 AM in Babies, Family, Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (13)
Not to Be Served but to Serve
I subscribe to a daily dose of Elisabeth Elliot. She is a great way to jumpstart every day! Loved today's and wanted to share it with you - sort of a teaser to encourage you to subscribe too. Not to Be Served but to Serve It is the mark of...7:19 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
May 24, 2006
27 Kids
Did anyone see this show on the Discovery Health channel last night? It's about a family with four biological children who have adopted 23 kids with special needs. Jasmine called me to say it was on, but I was already on my way to bed. It will be repeated May...10:26 AM in Adoption, Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (6)
Time to get to work
Okay, I mean it - I'm buckling down and going to work on the preschool books this morning. Yesterday I actually cleaned the refrigerator and the pantry instead of writing. Would appreciate your prayers. But let me just clear these post-it reminders of tidbits that came up while we were...10:10 AM in | Permalink | Comments (2)
Read-Aloud Bible Stories
I have recommended these books here before, but after Tripp read this story to our kids at our morning devotions, I thought it might help if you had a taste of the author's ability to translate the Bible into child-friendly prose, while maintaining the truth of the passage. This is...9:14 AM in Books, Religion, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Locks of Love - pros and cons
I've come across a few blogs with stories and pictures of little girls who cut their hair to donate to Locks of Love, an organization that claims to "provide hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children 18 years and younger suffering from long-term medical hair loss." That's what I wanted to write...7:38 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
Diet Buddies
You know how when you're pregnant, all of a sudden it seems like there are just so many pregnant women around? I kinda feel that way now about dieting. Since I've started, it seems like the whole world is on a diet too. Well, at least those of us...6:46 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (3)
May 22, 2006
Josh and Hattie's Wedding
Josh and Hattie were married Saturday. Highlights for me included: *Seeing five of my ten grandchildren dressed to the nines - white gowns and long gloves for the three girls, tuxes for the two boys - as ringbearers and flower girls. *Josh and Hattie's strong and steady gaze -...3:31 PM in Hattie and Josh | Permalink | Comments (6)
Diet Update
15 1/2 weeks. Down 53 pounds. Feeling so thin - though in reality I have at least 47 more pounds to lose. But I am halfway there! Made it through the wedding weekend without ever eating more than I should while trying to lose weight. Didn't stick to the...2:58 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (3)
School recess under siege
Kristy asked what I thought of the trend toward eliminating recess in public schools, as described in "Some Schools Are Leaving Recess Behind.". I think it's horrid. Children need fresh air and free play. Their lives are already way overstructured with too many hours in school and then structured sports...2:17 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (7)
May 20, 2006
Blogger reviews of my books
You can find reader reviews of all my books at Amazon by clicking on the book titles below. You can also find reader reviews at the following blogs: Dirty Dancing at the Prom and Other Challenges Christian Teens Face: How Parents Can Help - Broken Materpieces Releasing the Artist Within...6:12 AM in Books | Permalink | Comments (3)
May 18, 2006
The Da Vinci Code - Sweet Justice!
The Da Vinci Code premiered last night at Cannes and the verdict is in: The Da Vinci Code is a colossal flop! Rotten Tomatoes, the site that rounds up every imagineable review, ranks it at 21%. 21%!!! See the reviews for yourself here. Though this doesn't speak to how...11:06 AM in Culture, Current Affairs, Movies | Permalink | Comments (2)
The Da Vinci Code
This is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, Reaching the Left from the Right: Talking About Social Issues with People Who Don't Think Like You. When The Da Vinci Code was first published, like many Christians, after reading several reviews, I put it on my “Books I’ll Never Read†list....10:31 AM in Culture, Current Affairs, Movies | Permalink | Comments (2)
Welcome Loudoun Times Mirror readers/ Diet update
Week 15. Down 50 pounds!! The weight is coming off more slowly now - 5 pounds in the last 3 weeks - but that's okay because it is easy to stay motivated because I'm experiencing the benefits of losing 20% of my weight. That's right - I weighed 250...7:44 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (7)
May 14, 2006
More Mothers Day
In case you are wondering why I'm celebrating Mothers Day by posting all this, it's because Tripp and the children are just getting home from a trip to Virginia Beach for the Challenger Little League tournament, Samantha and Kip and grandkids are on their way over after soccer games,...4:41 PM in Holidays, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
Mother's Day Devotion
I received this from a friend of mine this morning and she has given me permission to share it with you: Meditations on Psalm 146 by Liesl Garner, Mother’s Day, May 14, 2006 Praise the Lord - - ( Hallelu Yah ) Praise the Lord, O my soul. I...1:34 PM in Holidays, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1)
Every mother is a working mother!
It was the kind of splendid September day when sending kids to school just feels wrong. Fortunately, that year I was homeschooling and calling the shots. Plus we were living in California, an hour from the Pacific Ocean. For all I knew, it could be the last day of...12:07 PM in Holidays, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
Happy Mothers Day!
From a painting by Charles Edward Wilson. I love the gaze between mother and child - and the expression on the mother's face, which seems full of understanding that raising a child is a responsibility beyond measure....11:44 AM in Holidays, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 13, 2006
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...4:34 AM in Holidays, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
What's a mom worth?
Salary.com has the answer: Are you wondering what mom should be paid for her work as mom? Salary.com has now valuated the "mom job" of both the Working and Stay at Home Mom! We consulted Stay at Home and Working Moms to determine the top 10 jobs that make up...4:07 AM in Holidays, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1)
May 12, 2006
What about a strong-willed child?
A reader writes: I've been reading your blog for awhile now, and I enjoyed Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room and Small Beginnings very much. I wanted to write and ask for some advice on my very strong-willed and difficult 3yr old son. He's very smart (at age...10:31 PM in Mothering, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (9)
May 11, 2006
Bright lights, who needs them?
This was my Loudoun Times-Mirror column for May 3: Bright Lights, Who Needs Them? This is the time of year when I’m more mindful than ever what a unique place I live in. Loudoun in the spring – with flowers and shades of green busting out all over –...8:09 AM in Culture | Permalink | Comments (5)
May 10, 2006
A wife gives thanks
This Award is for my dear husband Tripp, who recently completed teaching our seventh child to drive. Go, Sophia! Go, Dad! Tripp has been very merciful in taking on this task because he knows I don't handle it well. I think God must keep a hand of protection over...9:56 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (0)
A young adult with Down syndrome
This is the kind of thing that makes our country so great - if kids with Down syndrome make it safely through the womb (the most dangerous part of the journey for them since so many are aborted), a world of kindness and acceptance awaits them. This is a real...9:13 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (4)
Diet update
*blushing* You know, I didn't put that picture up to elicit all this affirmation, but thank you all so much! It is looking - and feeling - better every day that keeps me motivated. I was at the doctor last week for a check up and couldn't help but...6:59 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (5)
May 9, 2006
Toddler climbing out of crib
A reader wrote: I read your blog and love it. I've seen you post questions that people have emailed you, so I have one that I can't find a good answer for. I have a 2 1/2 year old girl who is climbing out of her crib. I don't know...7:21 PM in Mothering, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (20)
May 8, 2006
My rose tattoo
Someone asked the story of my tattoo. Here it is: I got my first tattoo in 1969 - a rose on my left ankle. Barefoot - I never wore shoes in my hippie days - even to my classes at George Mason University) - I stumbled off the dirty sidewalk...12:37 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (8)
My Extreme Makeover - Halfway There
I had to come up with a new picture for the back cover of Reaching the Left with the Right so Tripp took this yesterday: I am about halfway to where I want to be weight-wise. But feeling very confident I can finish this!...10:47 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (30)
Children at Work - a beautiful thing!
Last week I asked for pictures of preschoolers which illustrated the principles I've explained here at MommyLife - and in my books - for helping your preschoolers reach their potential (and you to reach yours!). I will need pictures for my next two books (due 8/1) and would love to...8:49 AM in Homeschooling, KS Milkmaid, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (3)
In times of trouble
A friend sent this to me yesterday. Any time you think times are tough, here is something to hang on to. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Refiner’s Fire “He shall sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver†Malachi 3:3 He sat by the fire of seven-fold heat As He watched by...7:52 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (2)
May 5, 2006
Being a mommy in a Me- First! world
Motherhood is not easy - I think we're all agreed on that. From the get-go it involves sacrificing your own needs for another. Marriage should do that too, but because marriage involves another adult, it's far less intense and we can get by with just giving in a little. But...11:43 AM in Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
May 3, 2006
Bypass recordings and talk to a human being!
Ever been frustrated when calling a company that you can't get routed to a real live human being? Chances are, Get Human can help! Check out their database for secret ways to bypass recordings and reach human beings. You can also rate your experience with holding time and customer satisfaction....6:11 PM in Practical Info, Resources | Permalink | Comments (1)
Eagle Update
Sad news. It appears that the eggs were infertile and we will not see any baby eagles in this nest. For update and information, click here. I enjoyed this part of the commentary: The pair are very used to human disturbance, constantly perching near houses and human activity with no...7:23 AM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (1)
May 2, 2006
Perfect Mother's Day gift
I was just replacing the batteries in the Bird Clock I've enjoyed marking time by for seven years when I realized some of you might be looking for ideas for presents for your own mom. I can't imagine a mom who wouldn't love this! Every hour is represented by a...9:10 AM in Holidays, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5)
Eagle Cam
Remember I mentioned a few days ago the Eagle Cam which is waiting for the hatching of two eggs? If you tried to go there, it might have been frustrating because they are receiving a whopping 3.3 million visits a day. And the eggs are way overdue! Six days -...5:58 AM in Fun Stuff, Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (2)
Anyone from Atascadero, CA?
A reader writes:I don't know if this e-mail will be "published" on the general site. I was given the Mommy Manual when I was pregnant with my fourth. I started reading it, just after I gave birth and it encouraged me greatly. I have 4, ages 6, 4, 2 and...5:30 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (10)
May 1, 2006
Parenting Q & A - Accepting Change
A reader wrote: My husband and I are parents of three great kids - 12, 8, and 6. Lately we have not been happy with our church. We have been there for five years and we were both baptized three years ago. My children love the church and my middle...3:14 PM in Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5)
Another frugal living resource
Allie sent me this one - Counting the Cost, a biweekly e-zine with lots of helpful information you can sign up to received for free....2:57 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
Maddy update
Maddy is going on to the next level, which will be May 26 (nice birthday present for Mama). Thanks you all. I'll let you know what happens....2:06 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (4)
The other side of motherhood
It is always amazing to me to learn the things that other moms have walked through. As I've written before (see About that Extra Chromosome. . .), when Jonny was born and I could see he had Down syndrome, my first thought was that God must love me very much....8:29 AM in Disabilities, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (6)
Diet update
Week 12. Have lost 45 pounds. March was slow because of the trips to Mount Hermon and to New York, where I allowed myself some leeway - having some salad dressing and sauces on my meats. A reader asked the other day what I ate. The Fat Flush Diet,...7:50 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (13)
