August 2007
August 31, 2007
Update from KS Milkmaid - Domestic violence in Christian homes
I talked to KS Milkmaid last weekend for an hour. Things are rough for her, and we need to remember to pray. It is terrible the way our criminal justice system places the victim on trial in cases of abuse or rape - it's truly like a second round of...11:07 PM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (9)
Free coloring pages - top quality
With school starting up, I'm rerunning this so new readers can sign up for this resource too: Hi Barbara, I just wanted share something with you that I came across today. I have been on the lookout for some Dover coloring books since seeing them in your Barbara's Picks' section....9:59 PM in Fun Stuff, Homeschooling, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (2)
Homeschooling Today reviews of Mommy, Teach Me!
I was so surprised and extremely grateful for these reviews of my books. I couldn't have written a clearer summary myself - and so for those of you who may wonder exactly what's in the two most recent, I am printing them here: Mommy, Teach Me! Preparing Your Preschool Child...8:17 AM in Books, Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1)
More about my books - and last day of sale
I price my books under list price - at 9.99 each - and charge only 3.00 shipping no matter how many books you buy - from this site or Mommy, Teach Me or BarbaraCurtis.com. But for the month of August I've been offering a special Back-to-School promotion - just click...7:45 AM in Books, Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 30, 2007
Wrong twin killed in Down syndrome abortion
Here's one you'll never see in the American Mainstream Media: Vatican ire over botched twin abortion Herald Sun, Australia, August 30, 2007 A BOTCHED abortion of a fetus instead of its Down syndrome twin has prompted the Vatican to compare abortion to the Nazis' selective breeding practices. Italy was embroiled...5:32 PM in Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (16)
Guerrilla Parenting
It's been a year since I ran this series. There is so much stuff buried in my archives and I have so many new readers - and especially since we're on the subject of big families - I thought I ought to give you these links: Guerrilla Parenting When...7:21 AM in Big families, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Evangelicals birth control free - your input needed
This email came in just as I was getting ready to announce that I need input for an article I'm planning on Evangelicals who've given up birth control: Hi, I found your web site when I did a search for Yes to Carrots, which I also love. I also was...6:47 AM in Big families | Permalink | Comments (41)
August 29, 2007
Miss you!
Just want to say - I am bursting with things I want to write about! Just busy with the kids' last week at home before school starts next week. Things will get a little more interesting around here then - promise! Two bloggers have been very kind in nominating...7:57 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (1)
Elisabeth Elliot on earthly loss
Nothing is lost Paul was a man who suffered the loss of everything, according to his own claim. Yet any loss he counted pure gain. The key to this transforming of earthly losses into heavenly gains is love. What do we love? If our hearts are set on people...7:46 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (4)
August 26, 2007
Maddy sings!
Maddy's friend sent her an announcement the other day about a singing opportunity for Broadway-type singers, but it required a demo. Within an hour, Maddy had enlisted the help of a friend from church to accompany her and our choir director to tape and produced this song from Les Miserables:...9:07 PM in Family, Music | Permalink | Comments (14)
Spiritual growth is painful - but worth it
I am not perfect. In fact, I am so far from perfect that I have to work very hard sometimes to forget how far from perfect I am. But God loves me enough to remind me now and then of all the ways in which I fall short. Then I...6:32 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (8)
August 25, 2007
Update on adopting Natalie
Remember the Tippetts? The family working toward adopting a third child from Liberia? (see here and here) Jennie Lou Tippet sent me this update: Hello Barbara, I thought I'd send you a little update on our efforts to adopt Natalie. If you check our fundraising thermometer you'll see that we've...9:53 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (2)
Wisdom from a mother of twins
How has God used twins to reshape your life? I don't mean the obvious changes in the amount of work - and I can only imagine the work involved! My closest birth kids were 54 weeks apart, not 54 seconds - but I mean how was your life transformed into...9:21 PM in Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3)
Supporting this site - revised information
I am sorry to run another blurb about supporting this site so soon after the last, but Amazon just notified me that I had it wrong about my readers bookmarking my link and placing regular orders through their own bookmark. It doesn't really work that way. In order for MommyLife...1:31 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 24, 2007
Releasing your child's learning potential
I have an article posted at Crosswalk.com today - Releasing your child's learning potential. Check out the wonderful pictures - all supplied by my readers. Except the handsome fellow with the red sweater vest carrying the bell - that's my youngest, Justin. Please feel free to rate and comment on...9:04 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (2)
August 23, 2007
Hattie thanks you for your prayers
They still need our prayers, though!! Mama C, Thank you so much for you thoughts and prayers, and the thoughts and prayers from all of your readers. I have written something that I was hoping you could post on your blog to thank them and to let them know what...8:32 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (4)
World's oldest father has 21st child at 90
From the UK Mail: World's oldest father has 21st child at 90 The world's oldest father has done it again, fathering a child for at least the 21st time, at the age of 90. Indian farmer Nanu Ram Jogi, who is married to his fourth wife, boasts he does not...7:47 AM in Big families, Current Affairs, Fathers | Permalink | Comments (4)
August 22, 2007
For Jonny, Down syndrome rocks!
This has been a great - and very independent - summer for Jonny! For those of you new here, Jonny is my 15-year-old son with Down syndrome. My 8th child. His summer started with a week away at Boy Scout camp - completely unsupported. I remember when he first wanted...7:44 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (8)
August 20, 2007
And the winner is:
The winner of today's drawing is receiving Tasra Dawson's awesome tome (say that five times fast :) on scrapbooking. As promised, the judging was impartial. Here is Maddy with my old business cards, writing a name on the back of each one (note my statue of Joan of Arc...3:42 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 19, 2007
Mary Winkler free after 67 days - what an injustice!
I wrote about it here....12:39 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
The best walking/running shoe for women
When I decided to get serious about my exercise, I wanted to find the best shoe - within my budget - to protect my feet, ankles, knees and legs. I'd been wearing a pair of primeval athletic shoes and I could see that better technology was available. since I was...11:56 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (5)
Making back-to-school - and everything else - easy at Amazon
Someone just emailed me to tell me she'd ordered all her homeschooling books for this year on amazon - remembering to click through the ad on my sidebar. Thanks so much! Do you know you can get so much more than books and records at amazon - things like fertility...11:53 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 18, 2007
Arthur Miller had a son with Down syndrome - part 2
Read Part One first. I had many more comments I wanted to make on this article, but I wanted to make sure you read it first because I so appreciated the skill with which the author took us on the journey and I wanted to leave you in her capable...8:34 AM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (8)
August 17, 2007
Arthur Miller had a son with Down syndrome
We never knew that did we? We only knew what we learned of Arthur Miller in high school and college or our further pursuit of theater. He was touted by many as America's greatest playwright. And his life didn't lack for fascination: the intellectual who married Marilyn Monroe. His greatest...7:44 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (7)
Prenatal diagnosis - raising public awareness and eliminating fear
Dear Barbara, I am the mother of 11 children, the last has trisomy 18. Peter is 21/2 and a great joy and blessing to his family. After my experience I felt called by the Lord to help others who receive an adverse diagnosis choose life. I run a 5013c non...1:47 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
Potty Training - when? How?
Barbara~ My daughter turns 2 this weekend, and while I definitely don't want to rush her, I am thinking about potty training. I don't believe she's shown any signs of potty-training readiness, but I wondered if you'd mind posting what you believe are the signs of readiness? Thanks! Kristina Christian...1:06 PM in Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (13)
August 16, 2007
Is Islam a religion of peace?
Just reminding you about my other blog - today's thoughts: Is Islam a religion of peace?...6:56 PM in Current Affairs, Religion | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 15, 2007
Russians rewarded with time off for procreating
Russians get day off to procreate, then win prizes By The Denver Post Moscow - A Russian region of Ulyanovsk has found a novel way to fight the nation's birth-rate crisis: It has declared Sept. 12 the Day of Conception and for the third year running is giving couples time...4:27 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (6)
Even my toes are thinner!
I have to say the final stretch is somewhat harder than the beginning. I really find myself wishing I could eat what I like when I like. But I am determined to reach my goal of losing 100 pounds. When I started my diet in February 2006, at 252 I...12:06 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (16)
Quote for the day
"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle." ~~~Albert Einstein~~~~ HT Michelle at Morgan's Miracles...9:40 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (3)
When God doesn't answer our prayers
Dear Barbara- What a beautiful gift you are giving to moms and to our country. We have six children. I am 46 years old and my husband and I have longed in a way that words could never express for more children since I miscarried twins at 40 (our...9:29 AM in Big families, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (4)
Josh and Hattie update
Hattie is recovering from her surgery at Georgetown. She has been able to walk around and the doctors are pleased with her rapid recovery. When she is released, she will live at her parents' house for a couple weeks while receiving in-home physical therapy so that she won't have to...9:12 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (1)
August 14, 2007
A prodigal comes home
You know, sometimes when God answers prayers quickly it takes us by surprise, doesn't it? Remember that plea from a mother I published July 14 as Loving Our Prodigals? Here is the happy ending already. I have to confess that even as I prayed, I never expected God would answer...9:36 PM in Prodigals | Permalink | Comments (3)
I will be in Augusta, Maine September 8
Here is the announcement for my September 8 appearance in Augusta, Maine: PRO-LIFE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (PLEA) ANNUAL AWARDS BRUNCH SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2007 10:00 AM – 12:00 NOON at THE SENATOR in Augusta (off Interstate 95) Registration begins at 9:15 AM Cost: $15.00 per person AWARD RECIPIENTS: CHARLA BANSLEY –...8:39 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
How do you know when it's right to adopt?
Dear Barbara - Hello! I was introduced to your site by a friend ____. We had a 'chance' meeting recently (God knew I needed some encouragement/direction) after being acquainted in High School. I am reading Mommy, Teach Me and Mommy, Teach Me to Read and I am delighted and...5:05 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (3)
Encouragement for families blessed with children with Down syndrome
A reader sent me this YouTube special - a combination of Emily Kingsley's famous poem Welcome to Holland and Bruce Carroll's Sometimes Miracles Hide:...4:41 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (2)
The beauty of people with Down syndrome
I've told you all about my friend Gloria from Sonoma County,CA - she's the one with a grown-up daughter with Down syndrome who shares her mother's name. She's the one who wrote the Mother's Day reflection on her daughter with Down syndrome I published last May. Those Glorias are really...3:48 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mommy, Teach Me! - one reader's thoughts and a few of my own
I just received your books (Mommy Teach Me and Mommy Teach Me to Read). I started with Mommy Teach Me and I am so excited to get started on some of the exercises. You’ve really given me the confidence boost to take the initiative to teach my daughter so many...1:30 PM in Books, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)
KS Milkmaid Update
Christina's son testified yesterday at the hearing. Her own testimony has been put off (again): Part two of the preliminary hearing is September 11 at 9:00. The judge set aside the whole day for this. You can update readers. I am back to blogging but have to be very careful...1:09 PM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (0)
When a child dies
I came across this poem on a Christian greeting card, which said "anonymous" where the author's name should have been. I researched it a little to find that the author is Edgar Guest who was considered the "People's Poet" and Michigan's only poet laureate. It is something you might want...9:17 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (2)
Win prizes at the end-of-summer Blog-Abration!
My friend Tasra at Real Women Scrap has organized this special contest with prizes galore. You can sign in to enter the contest or contribute a prize by clicking on the Blog-abration button above. Have fun!...9:05 AM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Real Women Scrap! Win a free book!
I met an amazing woman at the Mt. Hermon Writers' Conference last year. Well, there are always amazing people at that conference, but when I'm mixed in with 400+ people who all have stories to tell, I'm grateful for those "divine appointments" like the one last spring where I decided...8:32 AM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (25)
August 13, 2007
In case anyone wonders what really turns women on
Someone sent me these - from a book called P*rn for Women. Absolutely hilarious - and evidently the authors thought of a whole bunch more since there's a book full of them here....6:03 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (17)
Hattie and Josh Update
Thanks to everyone for your prayers - which I can say with confidence made all the difference in the world. The doctors have assured Josh and Hattie that the tumor, though large and aggressive, was absolutely benign. It had probably been growing since Hattie was a young teenager. The surgeon...9:43 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (8)
KS Milkmaid is blogging again!
KS Milkmaid is back! She is blogging - her usually great stuff! Visit her and rejoice with me that she has her voice back. I love her byline: Simply living a full life: Turning hearts toward Christ through abundant daily living. Remember, her court date is today at 3:30...9:35 AM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (0)
Parenthood as a rollercoaster ride
Ann's comment about finding out she's pregnant at 48 reminded me of this story I told at the end of Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room - about motherhood being a rollercoaster: Just the other our night, our family watched an old favorite of ours, Parenthood, which never...9:16 AM in Mothering, Movies | Permalink | Comments (5)
Having another baby in your forties - revisited
This comment came in this morning on a March post Having another baby in your forties. I just thought there would be a few readers out there who would want to encourage Ann: I am in a total quandary.. I am now 48 and have just found that I am...9:05 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
August 12, 2007
In case anyone still had any doubts about the credibility of the Washington Post
I ran this at The Miz Report this morning - but decided I wanted everyone to read it. Are y'all remembering to check there once in a while? I know it's been slow, but life's been hurrying by at the speed of - well, at the speed of life. If...6:52 PM in Media Bias | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 10, 2007
Natalie's adoption update
Thank you, readers, for responding to the post this morning about the Tippetts' adoption need. Barbara, I just wanted to thank you for posting our link on your blog and for your personal donation. Just to update you we have had over 20 donations since you posted, bringing in around...5:43 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (3)
Contributions needed for adoption
Hello Barbara, I have your new books and I subscribe to your blog with Bloglines. I have been praying for Hattie and I love the links you provide for us. I feel like I know you! And I wanted to ask you a favor - even though you don't...7:10 AM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (2)
Josh and Hattie update
Hattie's surgery was a success in terms of removing the tumor. It lasted eight hours. Although the first biopsy ruled the cells benign, the surgeon has sent another sample as the tumor has done such aggressive damage, he wants to make sure. The name of the type of tumor is...6:50 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (8)
August 8, 2007
The American Legion challenges the ACLU
Remember the story I covered for Citizen magazine over Memorial Day? The one the Washington Post was too busy to cover because three million veterans vowing to preserve national symbols doesn't fit their agenda (otherwise how to explain ignoring a press conference a few blocks from their office when they...7:57 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Adoption and Reactive Attachment Disorder
Two and a half years ago when MommyLife was a typepad account attracting a handful of visits a day, I was blessed to find a TechnoWhiz who was able to help me as it grew. You have probably heard me refer to him as my BlogGuru, who blogs as King...7:33 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (3)
Hattie's surgery tomorrow at 8 AM
It's been a waiting game at the hospital for Hattie, Josh and Hattie's family. This morning doctors used a scope procedure to determine the amount of circulation to the tumor and to contain it before the operation. As it turned out, there was quite a bit, and so this precaution...7:20 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (6)
August 7, 2007
Josh and Hattie update
It's almost 8. Josh just called. The results from the biopsy were benign! Hallelujah! Thank you God and than you for your prayers. However, even though benign, the tumor has been very aggressive - wrapping itself around the spinal cord and actually causing some damage to the bones. Hattie will...7:51 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (25)
Josh and Hattie update
Tuesday morning, 6AM They did not operate last night. The neurosurgeon at Georgetown decided to wait until this morning to draw some cells out first to biopsy so they would have a better idea what they are looking at before going into the operation. So they will use a long...6:13 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (22)
August 6, 2007
Josh and Hattie update
It's 9:30 and Josh just called. Hattie has been taken by helicopter to Georgetown University where an excellent neurosurgeon will operate on her tonight. The mass has surrounded her spinal cord and has evidently destroyed some of the bone already. Her future mobility is at risk, so they are going...9:31 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (14)
Josh and Hattie update
They will be operating tonight to see what is going on - whether the mass on Hattie's spine is benign or malignant. This is hard news. Hattie's parents and Josh are in the room with her and they really only allow two visitors, so Tripp is coming home. Josh doesn't...7:01 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (3)
Josh and Hattie need your prayers
Some of my readers know my son and his wife personally. And some of you don't, but I know I can count on you to pray for them Hattie has been having back pain for the past six weeks. She saw a chiropractor, but that didn't help. Another doctor gave...4:35 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (8)
August 5, 2007
Maddy and I in DC
Summer's been just a whirlwind as I've been taking advantage of all the extra time to spend with my kids. Last Monday the only one home was Maddy, so we got up early and drove into DC. It's an hour drive and we went during rush hour, but it wasn't...8:17 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (9)
Elisabeth Elliot on life's trials
Difficulties are Proof Contexts Repeatedly I am asked variations of this question: Did the Lord comfort you or were you sometimes lonely or sad? It is not an either-or thing. If I had not been lonely and sad at times, how could I have needed, received, or appreciated comfort?...8:14 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (3)
August 4, 2007
email for kids
Barbara, Our 12 yr. old daughter would like her own email address. Do you know of any family friendly free accounts out there? I have a yahoo account but not always happy about the spam and ads -- any suggestions for my daughter? Thanks! Beth I'm throwing this out for...11:18 PM in Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (3)
Too much media makes kids fat
Did you know that the rate of childhood obesity for kids ages 6 to 11 has tripled in the past three decades? Physical Health What Is It? Media immersion absolutely affects our kids' physical health. It contributes to obesity, eating disorders, attention deficit disorders, addictive behaviors, and declining levels of...9:32 PM in Health | Permalink | Comments (3)
Reading delays
Hi Barbara, I have 7 year old boy/girl twins and they are struggling with reading. I have tried Teach your child to read in 100 lessons and Ordinary Parents Teach your child to read and it just seems they are either memorizing the words or just struggling. I realize...9:16 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (5)
Sunshine helps in the fight against breast cancer
As reported in Times Online: Women who stay out of the sun are increasing their risk of developing breast cancer, a new study suggests. The safe-tanning messages that are drummed into women each year may help to reduce their risk of skin cancer – but at the cost of increasing...2:02 PM in Health | Permalink | Comments (5)
August 2, 2007
Book Sale -Buy 3, get 1 free!
*sigh* These books aren't doing anyone any good sitting on my shelf - or tucked away in boxes in closets. I really want you all to have them. The problem is - and I never knew this before being published - authors have to buy their own books. I...8:44 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (3)
Safety Alert: Fisher Price recalls nearly a million toys
967,000 to be exact. WASHINGTON (AP) -- Toy-maker Fisher-Price is recalling 83 types of toys -- including the popular Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and Diego characters -- because their paint contains excessive amounts of lead. The recall being announced Thursday involves 967,000 plastic preschool toys made by a Chinese vendor...12:42 AM in Safety | Permalink | Comments (2)
It's a rough job, but someone has to do it (I guess)
Thanks to Martha for the pictures. I hardly know what to say about this endeavor. What about you?...12:15 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (5)
Humor for grandmothers
Martha sent me these, and I'm passing them on to give you (and your mother?) a chuckle or two: She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to...12:06 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 1, 2007
Prenatal testing for Down syndrome demands better information for parents
The push for prenatal testing for Down syndrome for women of all ages is very worrisome to mothers of kids like mine. currently 90% of babies diagnosed prenatally are aborted. The feeling is that this is due in large part to pressure from professionals - or at the very...11:14 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (3)
Dishwasher Magic
My Loudoun Times-Mirror column 8/1: My spend-and-save philosophy "Nice dress, honey. Is it new?" My usual answer to Tripp these days is, "Oh, no, I've had it for a long time." That's because I probably have. Since I've been on a losing streak, I've been buying smaller sizes on sale...4:17 PM in Humor, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
My new blog - The Miz Report
Well, it's been a long time comin' but my new blog - The Miz Report - is now up and running. MommyLife will continue - as a place where I hope to bring hope to moms, as well as lots of practical advice - but Miz will be the...3:55 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
Homeschooling little boys
Hi Barbara- I sure do appreciate you and all that you do! I am preparing to begin my 2nd year of homeschooling my 3 boys, who are 6 and under. I'm a bit nervous, because I know how wiggly they can get, and how it can sometimes be difficult...12:07 PM in Boys, Homeschooling, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (3)
Down syndrome news: Very special twins
From the London Daily Mail last week: The twins who are one in a million You don't even need to read the words to see the story written on the faces of this brother and sister!...11:32 AM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (5)
Christian music for kids
Hi Barbara, Thanks for blogging! I am looking for some good quality Christian kids' music. We love Raffi but I want our kids to also learn songs to help them in their faith. Any suggestions from you or possibly your readers? Love, Melissa If you scroll down Barbara's Picks -...11:09 AM in Music, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (9)
Guest Blogger: KS Milkmaid
Seeking to devour Dear Friends of the Kansas Milkmaid and children: Do you have a link to the Kansas Milkmaid? Are you praying for the Kansas Milkmaid and children? Perhaps, you have a comment made by the Kansas Milkmaid on your site sitting in your archives. Please know your site...10:32 AM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (1)
Guest blogger: KS Milkmaid
I fell down The cursor blinks methodically as I drum my fingers on the desk. Patiently I wait for Outlook to download emails from my server. A few email messages trickle in, just a handful compared to the oodles of emails I used to receive a few months ago. Shutting...7:18 AM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (3)
