January 2007
January 31, 2007
A trip to the opera at Liberty
Just got home from visiting Ben and Zach at Liberty University, where Ben performed Tuesday night in the opera Pagliacci as the hunchback Tonio. It was a great production and Ben was inspired! I didn't take pictures during the show, but here is a shot from after - Ben with...6:33 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (2)
Godspeed to my friend Spunky
I have made some dear friends since I've been blogging - women I've never seen but who mean a great deal to me. One of them is Spunky, a woman so much like me in temperament that in her words it's "almost scary." Maybe that's why when she suddenly said...4:46 PM in Blogging, Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 29, 2007
An unexpected Christmas gift from my dad
Something really sweet has taken place in my life over the last couple months. My dad - who left my mom when I was six years old and with whom I lived with for a year when I was ten but have only seen or heard from handful of...9:20 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (12)
January 28, 2007
Step baskets
Sometimes it's the little things that can really improve the quality of life. In one of those moments I call "Anointed Shopping," I found a basket similar to this one at Ross for only $15. I'd never been looking for one - but it was one of those things...7:15 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (4)
January 27, 2007
The National Down Syndrome Congress on prenatal testing
After careful review of ACOG Practice Bulletin 77, the NDSC has issued the following statement: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: David Tolleson 770/604-9500 January 23, 2007 ATLANTA – The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) condemns recent recommendations by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) that convey tacit approval for...6:35 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (9)
Further thoughts on aprons
I know the Apron Power! contest is over, but I hope it stirred up some thoughts about our calling - because that's what motherhood is, you know. Not a job, but a calling. In Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room, I recalled a day when I skipped homeschool...4:13 PM in Apron Power!, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5)
If you've read my books. . .
If any of my books have been a source of encouragement for you, I hope you will consider writing a short review - even just a sentence or two - and posting in the following places: •Online bookstores: Amazon Barnes and Noble Christian Books •Christian book review site: Faithful...1:58 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (1)
Regretting an abortion? You are already forgiven
A reader from a similar background wrote to me: Barbara, After our decision to try to have another baby, I started thinking and couldn't stop. I've never tried to have a baby before. There have been times when I didn't try not to have one, but that's not really the...12:47 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
Teaching kids to think for themselves: bringing abstinence education to Loudoun County and a school near you as well
Last fall I wrote about an award-winning former middle school teacher who'd been invited to speak on abstinence at Loudoun County High School. A local parent had decided that since Keith Deltano was a Christian he shouldn't be allowed to speak - discrimination against Christianity now being the only permissable...11:35 AM in Loudoun County, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 26, 2007
Why young people are turning pro-life
In my last newspaper column, I touched lightly on the uneasy feeling experienced by many young people who know their parents could have destroyed their lives before they began. Yes, their parents chose them, but still - what a creepy feeling. Finally someone has articluated what I - as...11:56 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (15)
Win a copy of The Mommy Survival Guide!
Remember the mom who wore the apron with the curvaceous bod - the one I (mistakenly)thought must be a newlywed but apparently just has a better sense of humor than I - the one who tied for 10th place with the Grandmother of the Apron Movement? Well, it turns out...11:13 AM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Why I don't ask my husband to share my housework
Our garbage disposal died the night before last. Not a cough or sputter. It left this world without warning. My husband discovered the loss after the kids and I had gone to bed. He spent a couple hours assessing the viability of our dear disposal - checking vital signs...9:15 AM in Family, Humor, Marriage | Permalink | Comments (9)
January 25, 2007
March for life videos
If a picture's worth a thousand words, a video's worth a million. God Uniting Students just sent me this video from March for Life 2007: You can find a bunch of March for Life videos at youtube....1:31 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
From a special reader
An honor to have this gentleman reading my blog: Dear Barbara: Loved your photos from the March! I have a bunch I took at previous Marches and other occasions, but as an old-time picture editor, I recognize first rate work when I see it -- plus the marvelous touch you...1:13 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
My column in this week's Loudoun Times Mirror - Why I March for Life
Keep in mind, I only have 500 words :) Why I March for Life When it comes to walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, I’m qualified indeed. In fact, I’ve walked thousands of miles in all different kinds – from Birkenstocks to strappy high heels to sequin-covered flats. I’ve...9:45 AM in Loudoun County, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
Book Sale! Final Day!
I posted this January 11 - a two week sale of all my books plus A Full Quiver by Rick and Jan Hess. For those who've postponed - today's the final day. Stock up for shower gifts too! Once again, I'm running a little short - Christmas happens! - and...9:41 AM in Books | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 22, 2007
March for Life 2007 - See it for yourself!
[This is my 2007 March for Life photo journal. For 2008 March for life photos, go here.] As a former radical leftist, I attended many demonstrations in Washington, DC. Now having attended the March for Life two years in a row, I'm amazed at how under-reported this event is -...9:19 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (33)
January 21, 2007
The continuing attack on babies with Down syndrome
George Will, the brilliant conservative columnist, whose son Jon has Down syndrome, wrote this piece (HT to Rebecca) for his regular page in Newsweek this week: Golly, What Did Jon Do? Jon, a sweet-tempered man, was born the year before Roe v. Wade inaugurated this era of the casual destruction...11:23 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (18)
Second chance for I Love Lucy apron
The irony of Connie winning the Apron Power! first prize - a retro I Love Lucy apron just like mine - is that to meet the clamor for that apron (the original manufacturer seems to have gone out of business), Connie bought up the exact same oilcloth and began taking...3:49 PM in Apron Power!, Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Barbara's Picks
Though these links have been down for a few days, they are now up and running again. For readers who haven't visited this part of my site, found in the upper left sidebar - these are products which I recommend for you and your children. Though they are linked to...3:29 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 20, 2007
Apron Power! And the winner is. . . .
First Place! "Love the vintage pattern. Very cute!" Second Place "Love the matching aprons!" "pink, pregnant, perfect!" "I see a visible closeness and joy in this Mommy and Daughter." Third Place "I’m partial to toile and honesty!" Fourth Place " The ever expanding belly swabbing everything on the counter...1:18 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (5)
In the left's twisted logic, abortion-promoters create a "culture of life"
My friend Robin, who still lives in Marin County and heads the Pregnancy Resource Center in the midst of a culture where parents buy kids BMWs and campaign against dress codes and abstinence education sent me a link this morning to one of the most twisted pieces of liberal logic...11:11 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (5)
Biloxi post-Katrina relief
Following my post of Ben doing relief work in Biloxi, Mississippi, Jarred posted this comment: Is there any chance you might get Ben to share some of his experiences doing the relief work? I'd love to hear more about it, putting a more personal image on the great work I...9:23 AM in Family, Post-Katrina | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 19, 2007
Bringing up boys to be gentlemen
I was wondering if you had any advice on building character values. My son that is 4, is not as respectful as we would like. He gets upset and then gets snippy with whom ever has aggravated him. He snatches toys from his sister and raises his voice. I just...4:02 PM in Boys | Permalink | Comments (5)
Hidden Treasure Blog Awards
From Jules at Everday Mommy: Announcing the First Annual Hidden Treasure Blog Awards . The idea is simple; to recognize blog authors of excellence, with deserving posts which may go unnoticed. All of us have our favorite blogs, the ones we read faithfully. They are dear friends, like a comfortable...2:45 PM in Blogging, Contest | Permalink | Comments (1)
How's Your News?
This little snippet from Youtube is from How's Your News? - a documentary by five people with disabilities who traveled around the United States conducting interviews. From Rotten Tomatoes (my favorite review site because it is a roundup of all reviews: This intriguing twist on news reportage offers five...2:31 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Movies | Permalink | Comments (0)
Contraception: where the slippery slope began
In a post at No room for Contraception, Always Room for Love, Ruben Obregon makes the same point I make in Reaching the Left from the Right; Talking about Social Issues with People Who Don't Think Like You: The Role of Contraception in Increasing Abortion It’s a common assumption that...1:34 PM in Big families, Church Issues, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (22)
See Ben work! Hear Ben sing!
Here is Ben (my #5) working on post-Katrina relief in Biloxi, Mississippi over his Christmas break.: Click below to hear Ben singing at Blue Ridge Bible Church last Sunday: Give Me Jesus Here is the poster for the opera in which Ben will be playing the role of the hunchback...1:05 PM in Family, Music | Permalink | Comments (2)
Eating problems in children - your input, please
You all have seen a small portion of everything I've wanted to write on since the New Year. The stomach flu (which my family is usually very resistant to) swept through our family knocking kids down like flies. Five of the eight at home got it. Mercifully, Tripp and I...7:50 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (19)
Apron Power! Voting closes at midnight!
Vote for your top ten NOW! (ranking not necessary, but must vote for 10) Winners announced tomorrow morning! Apron Power! Click on the image above to see all the entries. Click on the pictures or slideshow to make them bigger and to reveal the entire comment under each (I had...7:26 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 18, 2007
From radical left to radical right - in a blink of God's eye
While at the Christian Book convention last summer, Laura Christianson interviewed me for Today's Christian magazine. You can find the online version here: Credible Christianity. Here's a little excerpt: Barbara—now a Christian—doesn't hide her tattoo or her past. Nor does she flaunt them. Instead, she draws on what she's learned...11:21 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (6)
Marin County - home of hypocrisy
Though I don't often get political on my blog, I must comment on this: Crowd rips Habitat for Humanity Project. As a former Marin County resident (22 years), I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I read this from the Marin Independent Journal (a very liberal paper I...9:41 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (4)
January 17, 2007
Homeschool biography fair - ideas needed
From a reader: Help!!! Our homeschool group is planning a biography fair. I need ideas of what I should do? Creative ideas. Display ideas. Individual ideas..Help......10:08 AM in Books, Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (4)
January 16, 2007
Sometimes less is more
Dean Abbot at Inspired by a True Story has become one of my favorite writers, with such good insights and a winsome way of putting things. His writing resonates with me. Especially when I've written on the same theme. I love his Wandering the Aisles, a commentary on overstimulation...5:50 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2)
Hooray for Aprons!
You know you're onto something when you find your own idea resonating through the thoughts and writings of others. Especially when you find out about each other after the fact :) First there was Hillbilly Housewife and Apron Evangelism, which I came across after beginning my Apron Power! contest. She...11:49 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (4)
Apron Power! Voting continues thru Friday
Apron Power! Votes are pouring in! Click on the image above to see all the entries. Click on the pictures or slideshow to make them bigger and to reveal the entire comment under each (I had to condense some because of word limits). There are no criteria for voting -...11:14 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
When mom makes the most of each moment
This was my column in the Loudoun Times-Mirror last week: When Mom Makes the Most of Each Moment Little did my college guys know when they came home before Christmas that their five week semester break would be the vacation that was over before it was barely begun. Honestly, I...9:19 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (2)
The Mommy Survival Guide
For those of you who are curious about The Mommy Survival Guide - which is my latest book and one that's included in my Book Sale, here is the copy from the back cover: Sleep deprived? Overworked? Underappreciated? Overwhelmed? These survival tips will give you a new lease on...8:56 AM in Books, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 15, 2007
Happy Birthday to MommyLife!
Happy Birthday to MommyLife! Two years ago today I published the birth announcement for this baby: Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A Mommy's Life for Me!, which included my life in a nutshell and the following promise: But some things haven't changed at all: my commitment to children -- not...8:23 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (10)
January 14, 2007
Toys on the mission field
Hi Barbara, I have a question for you regarding your books, and the sale I want to take advantage of (yay! by the way). Our little family is moving to the mission field in a few weeks (end of February, Lord-willing), and we don't plan on returning to the States...6:55 PM in Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6)
Teaching toddlers
A reader writes: I was the excited recipient of Small Beginnings this Christmas! I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and I loved the concepts in your book. I have a couple questions for you. We tried the spooning beans exercise and went through all the steps you laid...4:05 PM in Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Down syndrome: thoughts on prenatal testing
From today's Washington Post: What's Lost in Prenatal Testing Why Encourage Testing for Down Syndrome By Patricia E. Bauer She was a fresh-faced young woman with a couple of adorable kids, whiling away an hour in the sandbox at the park near my home. So was I, or so I...3:40 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
Apron Power! #44
Sorry Christy. You submitted your entry in time and somehow I missed it. I am adding it right this minute. Voting continues until 1/19, so if anyone wants to change the votes they've already sent me, let me know! Apron Power! #44 Hi Barbara, I am a new mom of...8:32 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 12, 2007
Apron Power! Voting Begins!
Apron Power! Click on the image above to see all the entries. Click on the pictures or slideshow to make them bigger and to reveal the entire comment under each (I had to condense some because of word limits). Please email me your top ten by number. You don't have...10:30 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (4)
Apron Power! 9 more contest entries 35-43
Apron Power! #35 Praise God for naptime! Once I put an apron on in the kitchen, I usually wear it all day- so this is me "taking a break" with a book and a cup o' chai. I feel so feminine when I wear this one, it is my...8:08 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (2)
Anorexia - a mother/daughter view
Diane, who blogs at Praying for a Prodigal wanted me to pass this on to you: It is with great joy and gratitude that I email you to let you know about a very touching and important series that is currently going on in blogosphere. Kristen, from Mama's So Called...5:36 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (1)
Every life matters
Johnny Farese's story (click on the picture with his name underneath) will resonate with anyone whose lives have been touched by a family member or friend with a disability - as well as anyone who's wondered about so-called Quality of Life issues. As we approach the 30th Anniversary of Roe...3:55 PM in Current Affairs, Disabilities, Inspiration, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Diet Update
I haven't blogged about dieting for a while. Mostly because there's no news. So let me share where I am right now. I started the Fat Flush Fast Track Diet last year on February 2 - Hey! I just realized that was Groundhog Day, one of our family's favorite...8:57 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (8)
January 11, 2007
Book Sale!
Once again, I'm running a little short - Christmas happens! - and so I'm offering my books for sale - plus Rick and Jan Hess's A Full Quiver - at a better price than Amazon. If you've been wanting to buy a book or two and putting it off,...3:44 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (4)
Apron Power! Hurry! Contest Deadline 1/12!
(logo by MommyLife reader Tanisha) Go here to see all contestants so far in the Apron Power! Contest. Entries due January 12. Voting begins January 13. Final day of voting January 19. Winners announced January 20. Read details in the original Apron Power! announcement. I'm hoping you are feeling...8:42 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (1)
TV Violence - What Every Parent Should Know
The Parents Television Council works hard to keep parents informed about the relationship between families and TV. Here are excerpts from what I got in this week's email: PTC Finds Dramatic Increase of Violence on TV The Parents Television Council released a new study on television violence, Dying to Entertain,...7:38 AM in | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 10, 2007
Puppy Dog Blues - Part 2
Six weeks ago, in a post called Puppy Dog Blues , I shared Vida's dilemma after giving in to her young son's pleas for a puppy and his lack of consistent follow-through in caring for him. I gave her permission to admit she made a mistake and find a better...9:27 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Cowboy's Ten Commandments
For those who have trouble with that high-falutin' King James lingo) Cowboy's Ten Commandments posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Fairlie, Texas. (1) Just one God. (2) Honor yer Ma & Pa. (3) No telling tales or gossipin'. (4) Git yourself to Sunday meeting. (5) Put...9:02 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (1)
Apron Power! 11 New Entries
Apron Power! #23 Hi Barbara! I am a SAHM of 6 and I grew up in a family of wonderful Southern cooks (and seamstresses!) This Christmas my sister made aprons for me and my middle daughter as we work together in the kitchen. I can't put it on without...4:54 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (2)
January 9, 2007
Matt's Birthday
When Tripp and I married in 1983, I was pregnant with Joshua. Neither of us were believers at the time, and as I've told you before, God used that new life to pull us into a commitment. No matter how shaky our foundation, with that commitment God was able to...2:31 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (11)
Readers' Questions
I have a question for you: Is it helpful when I post questions from readers and ask for a round-up of replies? Is this something you enjoy about MommyLife or is it something that you could do with less of? Just letting you know because I'm busy answering email and...1:04 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (28)
January 8, 2007
Doug Phillips controversy - Take 2 - Recovering from spiritual abuse
As I’ve gone about my day, I’ve been flooded with further thoughts on the Doug Phillips/Jen Epstein situation – and to tell you the truth, though I’ve been told there are other controversies surrounding Doug’s ministry, I simply don’t have time to work on them. First of all, I feel...6:51 PM in Current Affairs, Religion, Spiritual abuse | Permalink | Comments (13)
Extracurricular activities - finding the balance
From a reader: Dear Barbara, First of all let me say thank you for your blog! It has been such a blessing to me for quite awhile now, and I feel so encouraged whenever I read it. I do have a question for you though. I wanted to ask someone...3:17 PM in Big families, Family, Homeschooling, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (6)
Blogs For Life
After 30 years on the Left Coast (Marin County, CA), I am so blessed to be back where the action is. Though I live in a somewhat rural area, I'm only an hour from DC, which means that I get to participate in the March for Life on January...2:37 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
Now - opera for everyone!
I grew up in a home where country was the only kind of music in the world. Now while I have nothing against country music, as a steady diet it's like eating only hot dogs. As an adult, I was eager to experience so much more of the arts than...2:20 PM in Culture, Homeschooling, Music | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 7, 2007
The Doug Phillips controversy
Since I published Doug Phillips' excellent New Year's piece on forgiveness, several people have emailed me asking about the controversy surrounding the excommunication and shunning of a couple from his church, as well as attempts to discredit them in the wider Christian community. How does that square with the wisdom...8:58 AM in Religion, Spiritual abuse | Permalink | Comments (23)
January 6, 2007
Apron Power! #22
KD at justabeachkat: Here I am (in green apron with red trim) along with my daughter, Aunt and Mom. Wearing silly head gear and aprons while cooking Christmas cookies has become a family tradition. Afterwards, we reward ourselves with a little vino. I love aprons! Wearing an apron makes...11:54 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (1)
Apron Power! #21
I am a SAHM of 4 great kids -- 1 boy and 3 girls. We are a homeschool family. My apron is very special to me because it was a Christmas gift from my oldest daughter, Sophie (8). Not only is special because she gave it to me, but,...11:49 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thanks for the postcards!
From Dot: Also, any update on the little dude who collected post cards from all over...I sent one in from Oregon. I'm curious to know how many he got and if his teacher was surprised! From Little Dude's Mom, Janet: You all, Thanks so much to the strangers who dropped...10:56 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)
Pioneer Parenting
My friend Mary deMuth, just returned to Texas from serving as a missionary in France, has relaunched her blog Pioneer Parenting: This blog is dedicated to those of you who don't want to duplicate your childhood home. Here at Pioneer Parenting, you'll find testimonials of fellow pioneer parents, helpful tips,...5:36 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
A funny challenge
My father forwarded this to me (okay, I know those of you who know my story are sitting up and going, "Her father???!!!???" Since he's been out of my life for 20some years and wasn't very involved before then - it's a long story and I might not get around...3:52 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)
What to call step children
Thought I'd throw this out there to see what advice you all might offer. We have had the same problem in our family, the opposite direction as Tripp is seven years younger than I and would have been only 14 when Samantha was born (it sounds so weird when I...3:44 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (11)
What's happening at my house - update on Mohs surgery and redecorating blitz
Started at 9am, posted at 11:10 after everyone woke up and came home. More later. . . I am sorry not to have updated you sooner. I have been so busy! Sometimes I wish you were all right here and we could just talk. As I told my kids at...11:11 AM in Family, Health | Permalink | Comments (2)
January 4, 2007
Adoption and Down syndrome - a special story
Just received this. There's a wonderful resource for parents looking for a baby with Down syndrome: Dear Barbara, I was doing a search on Adoption and Down syndrome and came across your blog. I have enjoyed reading some of your entries, and feel compelled to write to you. I am...3:08 PM in Adoption, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (2)
Blogging Basics 101
I give thanks every day for blogging, as I believe it has truly empowered mothers in a way that has little to do with what we used to think was empowerment. It has taken us out of the isolation that was the biggest downside of our calling and given...1:54 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 3, 2007
Apron Power! web page
I put together a webpage so you can see all the entries at the same time. You can click on them to enlarge them and also do a slideshow. This will make voting easier too! Go here to see Apron Power! Please spread the word! Our last photo contest -...11:02 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
Apron Power! #20
Hi, I am a forty year old stay at home mom of a four year old daughter and a one year old daughter. I was a radical seventies feminist, but God has used marriage and children to soften me and bring me back to appreciating my womanly heritage. I...10:01 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
Siblings sharing beds - advice, please
I don't have experience on this one - does anyone out there? Dear Barbara, I have a question for a mother-of-many and guessed you would be a great person to ask. I have just 2 little boys barely 2 & 4 years old. They're 21 months apart, and the 4...8:55 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (20)
Matisyahu - A different kind of rabbi
From my son Josh: This reggae rabbi speaks more scripture in his music than a lot of Christian bands. Listen to his words:...8:45 PM in Music, Religion | Permalink | Comments (2)
Adoption - too much a blessing to postpone
Some time ago, Shannon who blogs at Idylwild commented on one of my posts on adoption: I also have a quick question for you about adoption. Dh and I have always intended to adopt at some point. We have three small (under 5) children now and of course my heart...7:58 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (2)
Big Boyz busy tomorrow - Mohs surgery for me
I am really busy tonight getting ready for tomorrow. Ben and Zach are home from college until January 20 (though Ben is going on a mission trip to New Orleans 1/7-1/14), so I spent the afternoon running to Lowe's and Home Depot, gathering supplies so they can paint and wallpaper...7:22 PM in Big families, Family | Permalink | Comments (6)
January 2, 2007
Apron Power! #19
Barbara, After reading some of your entries about your Apron Power contest, I told my husband that I wanted an apron. I love the idea that putting on my apron symbolizes that I’m ready to do my work as a wife and mom. For Christmas my wonderful husband surprised...9:07 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (3)
Teaching virtues, good manners, and character
From Julie, who blogs at Raising Three Knights and a Princess: Hey Barbara, I'm searching for something to help me teach virtues, good manners, fruit of the Spirit etc to my kids (ages 8,7,5,2). I want something that gives me something to talk about each week PLUS practical application. Do...8:16 AM in Big families, Books, Fathers, Homeschooling, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3)
Apron Power! #18
From Susan: This apron is small, but it is special to me because it was my grandmother's. The elf in the pocket is just like one we had when I was growing up. I couldn't resist when I saw it at a garage sale! I'm a homeschool mom of...7:42 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 1, 2007
Mothering SOS
This reader has asked me to post our correspondence so she can get your input. Hi Barbara, I have been reading your blog on and off over the last few months and am always very encouraged by your writing. Thank you for sharing your experiences with raising your wonderful children....5:02 PM in Mothering, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (15)
Starting the year with forgiveness
Doug Phillips at the Vision Forum recently wrote Three of the Most Important Things You Can Do at this Time of Year. It's worth printing out for your husband to read to the family. I especially like what he says about forgiveness: In the course of a year, it is...3:38 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (4)
Retro I Love Lucy Apron
Remember the wonderful retro apron I found and surprised myself with last Christmas :)? Remember how the company and aprons disappeared before some of you who wanted the same apron were able to order one? Well, Connie - who is Apron Power contestent #2 and who made the apron she...3:07 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (1)
Apron question
From a reader: I have some fabric lying around the house, cotton I presume. Can I just make an apron with it or is something more substantial needed/more desirable? I have a pattern and it looks easy enough and I hope to make it this week yet and get...10:57 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (1)
Apron Power! #17
From Milehimama at Mama Says: Hi Barbara, Here is my entry in your contest! I made this apron with towels my mother sent me for Christmas - 3 years ago. I always thought they were "too nice to use", but I am trying to change my attitude towards the...10:33 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
Apron Power! #16
Aprons around the globe! Monica blogs at Small Things. Dear Barbara, My family work as missionaries in Romania and I want to thank you for the encouragement and inspiration you give me through your blog. Attached are two pictures of my friends and I on Christmas eve in our...10:21 AM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (0)
