December 2006
December 31, 2006
Happy New Year!
Here is my column from this week's Loudoun Times-Mirror: Out with the old and in with the new! Nothing like a new year to get our attention. The custom of New Year’s Resolutions dates back to 153 B.C. when the Roman god Janus was chosen to head the calendar –...10:22 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (9)
Apron Power! #15
Hi Barbara, it's Lauren from mychoice-hislife. First, I'd like to say how THRILLED I am that you are doing this contest. I heard of the "apron ministry" through my husband's cousin, but didn't think much of it at that time. After reading your posts, and the original article itself,...6:38 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
Apron Power! #14
Dear Barbara, Here I am wearing my blueberry apron, serving up blueberry muffins to the kids for breakfast. I got this apron last summer, while blueberry-picking at a local patch. We love blueberries around here. There is a slight ultramarine hue to my hands in the picture; I had...6:33 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (1)
Apron Power! #13
Elena blogs at My Domestic Church and wrote an entry about aprons that begins: For as long as I could remember,my grandmother ALWAYS wore an apron. Every day, for as long as she was alive at home, she put on a housedress and an apron. It was how she...3:55 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (1)
Apron site
From a long-time reader: Barbara, Thought I'd pass on this great apron site I just found: Jessie Steel Aprons. Laura Here and Now P.S. My husband bought The Mommy Survival Guide for Christmas - I LOVE it!! :) Thanks, Laura!...3:41 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mother Teresa bracelet - jewelry with a purpose
A reader asked where I had found the Mother Teresa bracelets I got all the women in our family for Christmas, which looks like this: I got them from Signals. if you are interested, link here.[update - it looks like this is no longer avaialable, but you can try calling...11:04 AM in Family, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (4)
December 30, 2006
Apron Power! updated announcement
After years of never wearing an apron, I am rarely without my I Love Lucy retro apron - one of those from-me-to-me presents I splurged on last Christmas. Here I am wearing it while making enchiladas on Christmas Eve: I was 70 pounds heavier then. I'll take another soon...5:23 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (7)
Apron Power! logo
Yay! Still working my way through my Inbox, I found this wonderful logo, created for my Apron Power! contest - by a new reader at MommyLife - Tanisha, who blogs atFamily Renewal Ministries and For Busy Mothers. Tanisha - thank you so much!! Now all of you can add...5:05 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Cutting
Fifteen years ago the big topic among parents of teens was eating disorders. Now the trend in extreme teen behavior is cutting. A form of self-injury, cutting is purposely piercing the skin with a blade or any sharp object to cause bleeding. Often, kids who cut choose spots that they...4:32 PM in Current Affairs, Safety, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2)
Turning off the TV
I am seriously trying to make a dent in my Inbox today :) If any of you are waiting to hear from me, please know I am now only 10 days behind in email, but determined to start the New Year all caught up! The kids are watching a movie...3:26 PM in Current Affairs, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (10)
Apron Power! #12
Hi, Barbara! I'm a newer reader of your blog, and I love gleaning from your experience and wisdom! My name is Tammy, and I'm a 24-year-old wife and mama to two little boys ages 2.5 and 11 months. We're a second-generation homeschooling family (my two-year-old does projects that we...3:18 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Anyone else seen Rocky Balboa?
When a reader recommends something to me, I definitely want to check it out. This in from Linda: Barbara, I wanted to bravely recommend Rocky Balboa, too. My husband really wanted us to see it. I was laughing on the way to see it and crying on the way...2:30 PM in Boys, Movies | Permalink | Comments (5)
Apron Power! #11
Jessica at Farm Fresh Iowa: Here I am with my sidekicks--Aviana, 2, and Brielle, 4 months, making macaroni tuna casserole. I started wearing vintage aprons because they are free from older women in the family. I am wearing my husband's great-grandmother's and Aviana is wearing one that belonged to...2:25 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 29, 2006
A picture of Matt
I really didn't think Matt would come home for Christmas. He didn't last year. And though we saw him in September when we went to see him in Cats and in October when he came to see his Sophia and Maddy in Into the Woods. He didn't come home for...4:42 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (4)
All in the life of a mother
Hello everyone! This must be some kind of record for my not blogging (coming up on my two year anniversary 1/15!). My last entry was 12/23 - two days before Christmas. Things got pretty busy around here and I just couldn't get near my computer with all the kids...1:16 PM in Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (9)
Server Relocation
Just wanted to post an update here to let people know what is going on. You probably noticed that Barbara's site has been ailing for much of the week and completely down on Wednesday and Thursday. The good news is that she has been relocated to a new (and much...11:48 AM in | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 23, 2006
Apron Power! #10
Barbara--I ran across your blog while checking out another, and saw your apron contest. I LOVE your apron! I wasn't sure how to go about entering the contest, then I saw your email link, and thought I would try that. I am a stay home mom and homeschool teacher...9:00 AM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (4)
Apron Power! #9
You can tell this came in from a newlywed :) Hi Barbara~ I didn't make this apron, as so many others seem to have done, but I do wear this every Christmas. My husband gets a big bang out of it, and it does make a messy kitchen a bit...8:49 AM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 22, 2006
The Nativity Story controversy
I was hoping to bypass the controversy, but the following comment on my strong recommendation of The Nativity Story (you really need to take your family to see it!) opened the door: I have to ask...what do you think of the fact that they are using a 16 y/o girl...11:49 AM in Christmas, Church Issues, Movies, Religion | Permalink | Comments (20)
The Nativity Story - Part 2
I wrote my brief review last night before I went to bed. But this morning my mind is so filled with beautiful images - and I don't mean beautiful in a sappy Christianese way, but beautifully realistic and thought-provoking - I can't think of a more fitting way to...8:34 AM in Christmas, Movies | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 21, 2006
The Nativity Story
Our family went to see The Nativity Story tonight. It was very well done and showed some new perspectives I hadn't thought of before - like how Mary and Joseph must have felt to have all those shepherds suddenly showing up to see the Messiah. Their relationship was beautifully...9:03 PM in Christmas, Movies | Permalink | Comments (7)
Apron Power! site link
I didn't know about this site when I started our Apron Power! contest. Thanks to Shanon of Rocks in My Dryer for discovering and sharing it: Tie One On - About all things aprony make aprons to show and tell! every month there is a different theme. you make the...3:18 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Feeling stressed? Try holding your husband's hand
Isn't it funny how science likes to "discover" things most people already know? Feeling stressed? Try holding your husband's hand by Belinda Goldsmith NEW YORK (Reuters) - Women feeling stressed this holiday season could find help is closer than they think - by holding their husband's hand. A study by...3:01 PM in Marriage | Permalink | Comments (1)
Grab-your-hankie Russian adoption story
Here's an antidote for Christmas commercialism (HT to Kristy from England who recently had her #3): Nadia's Story Grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and a box of kleenex - it takes about 15-20 minutes, but will remind you that God can do anything - especially when people are...2:10 PM in Adoption, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 20, 2006
Facing Life - TV show about Down syndrome
Remember a few months ago, I showed you how my living room was transformed into a TV studio for an interview I did with a TV show? Well, the show is scheduled to air next week. It's called Facing Life and you can check out the air times where you...9:07 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (2)
Shoes and socks - helping your toddler do it himself
Hi Barbara, My two year old is dying to put on his own shoes and socks. He tries and tries and often gets frustrated when the attempt fails. Its getting to be a struggle when "idooitmyself" takes a bit too long and we really have to go. Of course, I...7:37 PM in Montessori, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (4)
Apron Power! #8
Hi Barbara, I couldn't resist sending in this picture. It isn't a full shot, because I had to take it of myself! My son and I were baking Christmas cookies and candies this morning and having such a good time - as you can see! (If you want to...6:57 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Have yourself a merry LITTLE Christmas
Something I received from my friend Ann, who lives about ten minutes away and is a writer too - author of Preparing My Heart for Advent and Preparing My Heart for Lent. Ann is mother to two young daughters - and very purposeful about the way she brings them up....6:39 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Apron Power! #7
Hi Barbara, My oldest daughter (6) is such a wonderful helper around the house and she loves to wear her craft apron all the time. The other day she was sweeping with her apron on and I just had to take a picture to send you. I know the...3:49 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Apron Power! #6
Hi Barbara! This apron says “Love Mongolia” underneath the picture of the ger. My dad brought it back to me from his trip there a year or so ago. It’s a good reminder to my kids and me to pray for the people there (where it’s -28C today!). Blessings!...3:34 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Apron Contest links
From Elizabeth, who blogs at The Leone Family: Have you seen these aprons? I love them!!! Bella Pamella From another reader: Hi, Barbara! My name is Beth Byler. My husband Dean and I are the blessed parents of 8 awesome children (4 bio and 4 adopted). I have been reading...1:12 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Being a mom is the most important job in the world
"Money is the root of all evil." That's actually a misquote, you know. What the Bible actually says is "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1...9:03 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (4)
December 19, 2006
Crime in the boonies
Yesterday I was coming home from a cookie party at the kids' school when I noticed all the mailboxes in our neighborhood were hanging open - and empty. It was past time for the mail. But I had too many other things on my mind to spend much time...10:27 PM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (4)
Les Miz
Sophia as Madame Thenardier! Go here to see more. Don't know why, but there are no pictures of Maddy as Eponine on Friday and Sunday. The Eponine pictured is Sage, who played the part on Saturday and with whom Maddy became good friends while preparing for the show. I...7:56 AM in Family, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 16, 2006
Dove - evolution of beauty ad
If a picture says a thousand words, this little clip says a million: No wonder American women battle depression. Here's something I wrote in Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room: The push for mothers to be glamorous has been a serious setback for American moms, just another impossible...5:50 PM in Culture, Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (5)
Apron Power! #5
From Jema at My So-Called Homeschool: I'm going to have to get hubby to take a picture of me in my apron, I tend to be the picture-taker and don't have many. But I do have some of my sweet daughters in theirs -- beginning a new generation of apron-wearers!...12:28 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Apron Power! #4
From Lora at Vita Familiae: Barbara, Thanks for your blog. I sure do enjoy it. Looking forward to seeing you at my MOPS group in May! This apron was made for me by my step-mom and little sister last Christmas. I didn't know how much use I would get out...11:51 AM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 14, 2006
Please send a postcard
Janet has been reading MommyLife for as long as I can remember. She lives about 90 minutes away from me, so when she invited me to her house to talk with women from her church last year, I did. She's blessed me by showing up at a couple of my...3:13 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (3)
Apron Power! #3
Here is my blogger friend Kansas Milkmaid: Barbara: Here is the photo I posted on my blog. This apron was sent to me by a customer. She made it for me knowing I was having a hard time finding aprons. She also sent it with a lovely note praying for...2:52 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (1)
Apron Power! #2
Hi Barbara, Here are some photos of an apron I made with some vintage fabric and a vintage pattern this past summer. I love wearing it! I don't have a blog, but I have enjoyed yours for a long time. (I even won The Mommy Manual from you just...2:31 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (6)
Apron Power! #1
Kicking off the Apron Power! photo contest is Maggie from Roanoke. Especially fitting as she has been called The Grandmother of the Internet Apron Movement: Hi Barbara. One of my readers sent me your contest, and I couldn't resist offering my picture. It's not exactly a holiday picture, although it...1:37 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (3)
Kristy's Baby - PS
Well, now I really feel connected to this little guy! Kristy commented: Awwww shucks Barbara, *blushes* I didn't know you were going to blog my blog lol! ( I feel honored though, btw!) It was important to me I announced Joey's arrival to you, as before I stumbled upon Mommylife...12:11 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
Welcome to Kristy's baby!
Kristy from England, one of MommyLife's most faithful readers, had her third baby (first son) 11/25 at home in a planned water birth: After two hospital-epidural births with my girls, I chose to try a home-birth with this baby...and a water birth at that! This was quite a change...8:54 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (9)
December 13, 2006
More on kids' tables and chairs
After my last post on the importance of child-sized furniture, Heather reminded me of a folding table and chair set (which I recommended last summer) that enables even the most-cramped-for-space family to give their children a comfortable place of their own to color and do puzzles. This link is just...10:46 AM in Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Apron Power! contest update
Okay, I'm gonna do a little tweaking here because like everything else about me, my blog is always a work in progress. While I admire women who do things in a well-thought-out way, my own let's-do-this-now! mentality - which has enough advantages that I've stuck with it - means...9:46 AM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Interview on writing
Maryann Diorio has posted an interview with me - wearing my writer's hat - at her blog today. If you are interested in writing or communicating better with those who don't think like you, see Interview with Barbara Curtis....9:29 AM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (1)
Les Miz premiers in Loudoun!
Okay, to say that I'm excited does not even convey the feeling of anticipation I have - knowing that this weekend I will be in the audience at Loudoun Valley High School watching my two daughters in our family's all-time favorite musical Les Miserables: Sophia as the wonderfully wicked...8:19 AM in Family, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (3)
The continuing laundry crisis
Sears is finally coming today to fix my washer. I've been to busy to share the aftermath of my trip to the laundromat with a week's worth of clothes for eight people. Yikes! Those washers are so teensy - and so expensive! It cost me almost $30 in quarters just...8:14 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 12, 2006
Apron Power!
More notes: First of all, yes it's a shame that the company that was making the retro oilcloth aprons like mine seems to be no longer making them. I will continue to try to track them down. In the meantime, I discovered that the same company - Dakat Studio Goods...1:08 PM in Contest, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (8)
Google's art spin today
I usually love it when Google does some cutesy thing with its logo - you know on holidays and stuff. But today? because it's Edward Munch's birthday - who painted The Scream: I dunno. Sunflowers on VanGogh's birthday was one thing, but this I could have done without. . ....12:38 PM in Culture | Permalink | Comments (1)
Children's table and chairs
One of the most frequent search items which land people on this site is people who love kids - parents, grandparents, teachers - looking for a child-sized table and chairs. Remember a month ago I ran See the world through children's eyes with this picture to remind you of the...8:48 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 11, 2006
Apron Power! a photo contest
After years of never wearing an apron, I am rarely without my I Love Lucy retro apron - one of those from-me-to-me presents I splurged on last Chritmas. Here I am wearing it while making enchiladas on Christmas Eve: I was 70 pounds heavier then. I'll take another this Christmas...4:40 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (16)
Looking for a meaningful gift?
How about a goat? Or a blanket or a fishing kit or a well? Seriously, aren't we all getting a little tired of buying things for each other when there is so little we need? If you're looking for something for someone who already has everything, try the World...3:44 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (2)
The meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas
Make sure The Twelve Days of Christmas is part of your family's Christmas traditions - children love its repetition and musically it is several cuts above a lot of children's Christmas music. Words and music here. Also, since many say The Twelve Days of Christmas is symbolic of our faith,...3:09 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Surprise a friend with the 12 Days of Christmas
I love passing on stuff from my readers! Hi Barbara, We did this last year with our kids and we had a BLAST surprising 2 of our neighbors! SO I thought I'd share it with you and if you want to share it with your readers, please do. :)...2:39 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 8, 2006
Elisabeth Elliot on Too Many Children
I couldn't resist reprinting this - I know many of you will love it. Too bad all moms aren't like Elisabeth Elliot in taking their concerns to the Lord and overcoming their fears. But we can all learn from her example - and take our concerns about people who don't...3:34 PM in Big families, Mothering, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (14)
My so-called life
My washer broke Wednesday. Anyone who remembers all the praise I heaped on Sears because of their maintenance agreements, forget what I said. I thought it was worth it to pay a set amount and then have all the repairs you needed - and when it works, it works....8:12 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (6)
The downside of the gathering impulse
Two nights ago while Tripp had the kids at basketball practice, I vowed to clear my van of all the miscellaneous plastic bags containing items that needed to be returned to stores. I made the rounds of five places - with a Costco run sandwiched in between. Didn't get home...7:16 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 7, 2006
Review of The Mommy Manual
I just found this review of The Mommy Manual at Christian Book Distributors. Since some of you've been asking about the contents, I thought I'd just run it verbatim: “Mommy, quit hiding in the laundry room. Ben is ‘watering’ the carpet, Johnny has a bean up his nose, and Sally...3:59 PM in Books, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1)
The future of my guys with Down syndrome
See why I call them the Downzers? Such awkward construction. The disability community has commanded that we are not allowed to say "Down syndrome baby" but rather "baby with Down syndrome" - they call that People First language. I get what they're trying to do is have people focus on...3:34 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (4)
The scoop on my books
Laurie and Celebrian asked me to explain the difference between my books. Thanks for asking about this. Let me try to explain: The Mommy Manual is specifically aimed at helping moms establish a pattern of mothering that will allow the potential for joy to be released in themselves, their children...9:52 AM in Babies, Big families, Books, Family, Inspiration, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (2)
The busy lives of my guys with Down syndrome
Our family has been going in so many different directions it seems I am more like a train station master – just making sure schedules and meals and transportation are all on time. Some of you probably know what I mean. The Downzers (our affectionate name for Jonny, Jesse, Daniel...8:50 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (4)
December 6, 2006
A man worth reading
I guess there are a few men who read MommyLife. I'm honored, really. Since Dean mentioned he and his wife had had their first baby less than two weeks ago, I visited his blog Inspired by a True Story for the first time in a while (I really don't get...4:01 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (1)
My #1 Christmas recommendation - hymns for kids
A while ago we were having a discussion about the importance of teaching our children hymns as part of our spiritual heritage. A reader's request for suggestions for a CD of hymns pulled in this comment from Nikki of Living in My Mind(and do be sure to click on her...12:16 PM in Christmas, Homeschooling, Music | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 5, 2006
My new book is here!
I am so excited! My new book is in stock at Amazon! Though I haven't seen an actual copy yet myself, you can actually have one in your hands in just a few days if you order now. What is The Mommy Survival Guide about? Here is the description at...2:10 PM in Books, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
December 4, 2006
Part 2 - Christmas IS legal in public schools - and so is everything else
In my entry about the legality of Christmas in public schools, Cathy commented on the down side: Barbara, as always you have offered wonderful advice. I have been exposed to the flip side of the coin, though. The school board in my county -- here in Virginia -- voted to...9:43 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (6)
Christmas IS legal in public schools
From the archives: Since our kids started public school when we moved to Virginia (after years of mostly homeschooling), Tripp and I have taken a very proactive approach on a number of things. Virginia isn't as afraid of religion as California is - the schools here even have plaques in...10:12 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 3, 2006
Advent books for children
My friend Ann just sent me these suggestions for Advent books for children: Jotham's Journey - Though I haven't seen this myself yet, judging by the ranking and customer review at Amazon, it looks like a worthy addition to any family's Christmas celebration. (Our family has books collected over the...2:50 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Having a baby with Down syndrome can bring out the best
Kendra sent me this article (I was going to link, but it had one of those annoying you-must-register formats and I didn't want anyone to miss a good article). Please notice the wonderfully kind and encouraging role played by the doctor - that's how my pediatrician was, too! Also a...2:33 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 2, 2006
Montessori at home #11
This morning I was reminded how important it is for us moms to always be looking for ways to challenge our kids and how we can limit their potential by automatically doing things for them. The reason I started writing in the first place was to pass on some...7:43 AM in Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (5)
Brrrrr!
It was 75 degrees yesterday in northern Virginia. This morning it's 34. Don't you love weather? It always reminds me how not-in-control I am!...7:08 AM in | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 1, 2006
Thank you for supporting this site!
I just checked my amazon associates account and I am so excited! Some of you have obviously been doing Christmas shopping, shopping for new baby - not to mention buying my books! Those percentages have added up and this month for the first time, MommyLife is paying for itself! Yippee!...8:53 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (0)
Preparing for a new sibling
Barbara, I am due to bring our new baby boy home in three weeks from the hospital and I'm wondering what the best way to go about this would be, keeping our 2 year old daughter with some special needs in mind. Is there anything we can do to prepare...4:50 PM in Babies, Family, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6)
