July 2006
July 30, 2006
Caring for Your Introvert
All you introverts need to read Please, Shush by my daughter Jasmine at Between the Rinse and the Spin Cycle . Jasmine doesn't post often anymore due to a lack of broadband in their new neighborhood, but she just linked to an article called Caring For Your Introvert which...9:36 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (7)
July 29, 2006
Diet Update
I've lost 63 pounds. I am wearing size 14 capris. Is it worth not eating everything I'd like to eat? You bet it is! My only question is why did I wait so long? It's a great feeling not to be a slave to food anymore! Remember to send...9:29 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (9)
For mothers who need a fresh start
I received an email from a mom who'd just read The Mommy Manual and was feeling broken-hearted because she's realizing she's done a lot of things wrong so far with her kids. Now I want all of you to listen up! I do not write to make moms feel inadequate...8:52 AM in Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3)
July 28, 2006
Reaching the Left from the Right
If you go here, you can read the first review of Reaching the Left from the Right, Talking About Social Issues with People Who Don't Think Like You. Also, if you click on the icon of the book cover, you can read a whole chapter - for free! Pretty cool....7:44 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (1)
July 27, 2006
More on the mom who's bored by her kids
I sent those of you who had time off yesterday to skim the article by the Mom Who Is Bored By Her Children. I have so many things I want to talk about lately and limited time because I am hard at work finishing The Books. (Won't you be glad...11:57 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (14)
July 26, 2006
Andrea Yates - Take 2
I anticipated the comments to my post about Andrea Yates - the old knee-jerk "the Bible tells us to have mercy" response. One commenter said I was not after justice, but vengeance. Not true. Justice is my middle name - or could be :) Some thinkers realize there is a...8:11 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (10)
68% Dixie Mama
According to this test - Are you a Rebel or a Yankee? - my speech is 68% Dixie - just south of the Mason-Dixon line. Which is pretty much where I live....5:04 PM in Culture | Permalink | Comments (5)
Andrea Yates found not guilty
In the retrial of Andrea Yates, a Texas jury has found her not guilty. I feel the same way today I felt five years ago when I published No Mercy for Murdering Moms at WorldNetDaily. It's not just the Yates children who are victims in this case, but children throughout...3:05 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (15)
Mommy motivator of the day
If you have time, skim Sorry, but my children bore me to death! - a glimpse into the mind of a mother who probably should never have had children to begin with. The only positive thing I can see in this woman is that she is intellectually honest. Rather than...11:47 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (4)
Diet motivator of the day
I'm sorry, but there just is nothing sexy about fat. I think I'm going to make a collage of pictures like this and put them on my refrigerator door to remind me that no matter how hungry or bored or restless I get during the day, no detours from...7:19 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (5)
July 25, 2006
Parental notification upheld by House
From tomorrow's Washington Post: The Senate voted yesterday to make it a crime to take a pregnant girl across state lines to obtain an abortion without her parents' knowledge, handing a long-sought victory to the Bush administration and abortion opponents. The bill would help about three dozen states enforce laws...10:01 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
Seen around my kitchen
So many things around us have a story! As I was cooking dinner tonight - well, I made the rice and veggies while Tripp grilled the meat - I saw a couple things I wanted to share with you. This, quite simply, is the best rice in the world. Now,...8:54 PM in Family, Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (10)
Christian materialism and greed
My latest article in Plain Truth magazine: (PDF format here) Spiritual Survival in the Land of Plenty: Materialism, greed, and the gospel On our first trip to New York City last summer, my husband Tripp and I ducked into one of the 167 Starbucks within five miles of our hotel...6:34 PM in Church Issues | Permalink | Comments (12)
Teen has right to refuse chemotherapy
Have you heard about the 16 year old boy who after undergoing one round of chemotherapy and having his cancer reappear has declined a second round - preferring to try an alternative therapy? Story here. Cal Thomas, always a voice of reason, weighs in here. I can hardly believe that...2:45 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (3)
July 24, 2006
Movies to Talk About
A movie doesn't have to be specifically Christian to have a Christian worldview. And the plot can contain sadness and sin - after all, the Bible portrays plenty of that, too. It's how the sadness and sin are resolved that defines whether a movie has the potential to remind us...8:06 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (5)
July 23, 2006
How my living room became a TV studio
The taping for the TV show was yesterday. It was one of those things that was a bigger deal than I anticipated. Olivia, the executive producer who had contacted me for the interview, had told me they would be arriving in DC Tuesday for some other events, and that the...7:45 AM in Down syndrome, Family, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (8)
July 22, 2006
Recommended reading
Just finished reading Love in the Driest Season, an exciting and tender memoir by Neely Tucker, who currently writes for The Washington Post. Love chronicles Tucker's coming of age as a white boy in Mississippi - including his growing awareness of racism -his move north to work for The...7:52 AM in Books | Permalink | Comments (1)
July 20, 2006
Sweet news: Down syndrome wedding
Time magazine recently featured the story of two young people with Down syndrome who married a couple weeks ago. Both are exceptionally high-functioning individuals (no matter how parents of kids with special needs frown on labels, there is simply no other way to describe this extraordinary couple). Read their story...2:20 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (3)
Frustratingly stupid news
These were forwarded to me by readers: An appeals court has ruled that a woman may sue because her child was born with Down syndrome and the doctor didn't inform her in time for an abortion that she would be responsible for financially supporting her child for many years: Gynocologist...2:06 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (3)
Working parents selling kids short
This article is based on research with UK working parents. Scroll to bottom for my comments. 19 minutes - how long working parents give their children By BECKY BARROW, Daily Mail 22:00pm 19th July 2006 A typical working parent spends just 19 minutes a day looking after their children, official...12:50 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (10)
July 19, 2006
Diet Update
My friend Mel who has been blogging at Actual Unretouched Photo for a long time, recently started a diet blog at The Amazing Shrinking Mom. Mel and I live 3000 miles apart and have never laid eyes on each other, but I love the woman dearly. Besides similarities like...1:45 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (6)
Motherhood and personality types
Sallie at A Gracious Home wrote a piece that got me thinking the other day - so I thought maybe you'd like to think along with me :) It's about the Personality Types and mothering style. Sallie had come across an article on this subject, which I've never heard anyone...12:07 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (9)
July 18, 2006
MommyLife Weigh In
Margaret, from The Cappuccino Life made this comment: Also, I wanted to quickly add that Barbara, you are a real help to me with my own weight problems. I'm out of denial, at least. Thank you for being so blunt and straightforward about this issue. I have lost 1...2:11 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (10)
Hey, look at this!
Well, this certainly makes my day - which got off to a bad start with some flare-ups with my kids over chores and my feelings of being disrespected and under-appreciated. How's that for transparency? No, I am not perfect and my kids sure aren't either. So it's nice to know...11:11 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (10)
Parenting Q&A - distractibility in older children
A reader writes: I have a question about older children...My middle two are a 11yob and 9yog. The boy is very highly distractable. He can hardly get a lesson done without getting up, commenting on the dogs, etc. My daughter concentrates better than that, but she is, well, very "blonde"...10:39 AM in Homeschooling, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (6)
Down syndrome entrepreneur
Here's an article about a 25-year-old Texan with Down syndrome who's started his own company: Disabled Man Is Sure He Can Cut It in Business Thanks, Kendra!...10:24 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (2)
July 17, 2006
What you should know about Trisomy 18
One of the greatest benefits of blogging is meeting new people I would never have had the privilege of meeting otherwise. It's like having a steady stream of gifts coming your way, isn't it? Actually, the lady I want to introduce you to heard me on the radio while I...10:22 AM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (6)
July 15, 2006
TV taping next Saturday
Next Saturday a film crew is coming to our house to tape a show on Down syndrome, abortion, adoption - plus whatever else they want to talk about. It is a new show that will premier in the fall called Facing Life Today - Head On. I checked out their...10:42 AM in Current Affairs, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (6)
Kids and Movies
This was my standing column for the Loudoun Times-Mirror this week. Having that space is a real blessing - and a discipline to me as a writer as my columns have to come in with under 500 words, which means I must make every word count. As Mark Twain once...9:41 AM in | Permalink | Comments (0)
Blogs of Beauty voting
Don't forget to vote in the Blogs of Beauty awards. As of yesterday, Sallie had recieved almost 650 votes. Votes are due by Monday at 8:00 EST. Sallie is most interested in generating interest and introducing us to blogs we may not have visited. But it's the weekend, so...9:12 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (1)
July 14, 2006
I hate to do this . . .
Diet Update Deb asked me to blog about my feelings about my weight loss before attending ICRS this year. I can't tell you how much it costs me in terms of personal embarrassment to post this picture from last year . . . But for the sake of anyone out...12:58 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (14)
July 13, 2006
Fan Mail
Okay, I don't want it to seem like I'm a complete egomaniac :) I take all those pictures at ICRS because I know it is a thrill for my kids. And I manage it because when I say to Jars of Clay "I have 12 kids and they would love...5:55 PM in Books, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (4)
For those waiting for prodigals
I have a prodigal - my son Matt who left three years ago to explore the world away from the limits he would have living at home. It has been an ache in my heart for over a thousand days. I'm grateful for a large family and so many...9:30 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (6)
July 12, 2006
New to this site? Welcome!
Periodically I do a little update for readers new to this site and with the interview I did yesterday for American Family Radio plus being nominated for Blogs of Beauty , I thought this would be a good time. And again, thanks and a big hug for the nomination. Did...9:02 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (0)
Parenting Q&A - delegating diapering
Here's something we need to discuss. I'm going to be offline for eight hours or so as I make my way home from Denver today, but will post all your comments when I get home. A reader writes: I really just wanted to know your opinion on having a pre-adolescent...8:26 AM in Babies, Big families, Boys, Mothering, Teens and Tweens, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (12)
Spending Less at the Grocery Store
This was on my AOL browser this morning and I thought it might be useful - although I don't think you should "bribe" kids with a lollipop: Five Ways Grocery Stores Trick You. This is why I heartily recommend Peapod delivery if you have it where you live. Read more...8:17 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1)
July 11, 2006
Blog of Beauty Finals
Someone loves me! What a wonderful feeling to rate the beautiful logo above. I am a finalist in the Blogs of Beauty awards in the category Best Meet for a Mocha:The blogger you have never met and would most like to meet in person for a mocha. If we...10:44 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (2)
Live from Denver at ICRS - even more
Did my interview. Ran into the guy who does the voice for Larry of Veggie Tales. I asked him to leave a message on the answering machine at home for my kids and he did: "Hi Curtis Kids, this is Larry. I'm here with your mommy in Denver. . ....10:16 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (8)
Live from Denver at ICRS - continued
There are LOTS of pictures, so if you want to see them all, be sure to click the link to continue. I decided to wear the flats I flew in with today so I was able to keep going like an Energizer bunny. The best pictures are at the end....9:29 PM in | Permalink | Comments (1)
Real Beauty
Deb sent me this link to a 51 second spot on Real Beauty from Jewish Impact Films. How lovely to see modesty promoted! Show your girls - and boys. I've been so dismayed this year by the cleavage situation. I breathed a sigh of relief when short skirts were replaced...8:49 AM in Books, Culture, Feminism, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (7)
July 10, 2006
Live from Denver at ICRS
I'm in Denver at the International Christian Retailers show. Got here yesterday. Love my room, which is lovely and quiet. Got settled and wrote my column for the Times- Mirror last night. This morning I had a pre-interview (on film) for a possible spot on the LifeToday (James Robison) show....7:21 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (15)
July 8, 2006
My modern day Huck Finns
The big boys - meaning Ben and Zach (the remaining half of the former Four Musketeers) - have developed a new passion: the Shenandoah River. Last week they went tubing with a friend. This week, they've decided to build a raft. I think that may have been inspired because I...12:25 PM in | Permalink | Comments (3)
Biker guys and chicks - senior style
I mentioned that our trip home on Skyline Drive was perfect for lack of traffic. But the funny thing was that everyone out there seemed like senior citizens - and many, many of them on motorcycles. I snapped these pictures at an overlook: Three couples from Kentucky out for a...11:10 AM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (1)
Skyline Drive
I decided to take Skyline Drive home with the boys yesterday. It runs along the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains here in Virginia. Absolutely gorgeous - and strikingly different from the high and rugged Sierras in California. Here's what we saw: I want to go back in the fall...10:47 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (4)
Camp Easter Seals
Easter Seals was an organization founded in 1934 as a means to raise funds to help children with disabilities. In the original founding statement, “Easter means Resurrection and New Life, and the rehabilitation of crippled children means new life and activity . . . physically, mentally, spiritually.†Today, Easter Seals...8:57 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family | Permalink | Comments (7)
July 5, 2006
More on my book. . . .
Oh, I see Amazon won't have the books until late August. If you want one sooner, I have a limited number of copies I can send for $11, which will include postage. Just go to Paypal and send it care of my email address, or email me for my snail...12:28 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (5)
My new book is here!
They're here! I received my first copies of Reaching the Left from the Right on Monday! I'm a little ahead of Amazon, I guess, but you can preorder them here. If you knew how long I worked on this book, you'd understand why I'm walking on clouds today. It was...8:54 AM in Books, Current Affairs, Writing | Permalink | Comments (19)
July 4, 2006
A few thoughts on the "Mommy Wars"
Recently Laura at Adventures in Juggling took me to task for voicing my opinions - and publishing research - on the down side of daycare. You can read her comment and my reply in the comments here. But I have some further thoughts on this kind of misunderstanding and...8:30 AM in Current Affairs, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (19)
July 3, 2006
More on daycare
I probably wouldn't have had much more to say about daycare, but since the first comment on my link to What's wrong with Daycare was an all-too-obvious agenda-driven drive-by sniper, let me take the opportunity to fire back. This is an excerpt from my latest book, Reaching the Left...8:35 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (19)
July 2, 2006
What's wrong with daycare?
Maybe a better question: "What isn't wrong with daycare?" For SAHMs: In case you ever feel like you've made the wrong choice, you need to read this insider's view of daycare by Erin at Unfolding Moments. Certainly none of us moms is perfect, but the worst day of motherhood is...4:10 PM in Current Affairs, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5)
July 1, 2006
How Are You Feeling Today?
I love this poster by Jim Borgman: I bought mine 17 years ago and had it laminated. It's been giving us a more objective perspective ever since. A great resource for developing emotional intelligence in your kids. Kids do better when they have a label to put on their feelings:...3:22 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (2)
