September 2007
September 30, 2007
Who reads MommyLife?
Every once in a while, I check out the sitemeter list to see where visits are coming from. It's always a treat - especially at night when a majority are from the other side of the globe. In case you're curious, here's the last half hour here (numbers are mileages...4:13 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (3)
Down Syndrome Story Call Out
This is a new book planned as a . . . collection of heartwarming and inspirational stories of families and individuals who have been positively touched by Down syndrome. We are currently seeking stories to include in this book from mothers, fathers, friends, and relatives of individuals with Down syndrome...1:51 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0)
Full Quiver photo album so far
Sometime next week my article will go live on families who have somewhere along the way made the decision to scrap birth control. I will link to it when it does. I only had 1500 words, so there is not a lot I could say considering how many poignant stories...9:58 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
September 29, 2007
The War on PBS - anyone watching?
Shannon wrote to ask if our family is watching the new Ken Burns' series on PBS: I don't suppose you and your husband are watching the PBS series The War? Wow is it powerful and so informative. I'm learning all over again. And I thought I was having bad...8:14 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (0)
The William Tell Overture for Moms
More laughs c/o my friend Beth: Just sitting here wondering what percentage of these things I've actually said myself to my kids :)...6:15 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (1)
Bill seeks support for parents of children with Down syndrome
Over ninety percent of parents abort their children after receiving a pre-natal diagnosis of Trisomy 21.1 In an effort to remedy this, the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act has been introduced to "increase the provision of scientifically sound information and support services to parents who receive a positive...2:36 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
Why men should not take messages
Making the email rounds and passed on to me from my dear hubby, who must not be too busy at work today :)...1:31 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2)
We're back!
Sorry to have dropped out so suddenly and with no notice. But it was for a good cause, as we were on vacation in North Carolina last week. Got home at 1:00 this morning, so I have massive amounts of laundry, grocery shopping (we rented a house and so took...9:16 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (8)
Special Needs Cheerleading Team on Good Morning America October 1
Back to the story on the Gaithersburg, MD very special cheerleading team Destiny, I just received the following message: Hi, I wanted to let you know that Good Morning America (ABC) will be running a story on Monday, Oct. 1 about the cheerleading team "Destiny" that my daughter Clare...8:52 AM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (1)
September 22, 2007
Disabilities and prejudice - working through it
I thought of this picture the other day. It's Norman Rockwell's The Problem We All Live With. I know when I posted a while ago that Justin was the first MR (the mentally retarded label used in Loudoun County) student to be enrolled at our local school, someone expressed...10:31 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Inclusion, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (3)
September 21, 2007
My beautiful America
Tripp sent me a link to this cyber tour of the United States: My Beautiful America...9:10 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (2)
Update on KS Milkmaid
The preliminary hearing was completed on September 11and Christina's husband Brian has been bound over on all charges for a criminal trial before a jury. The prosecution was effective and successful in making its case that serious crimes have been committed. The defense stacked the courtroom with over thirty members...6:46 PM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (13)
Ushpizin - must-see movie
In the midst of all those Netflix coupons flying around (Holly still has some at A Woman Seeking Grace), my cyberfriend Deb recommended this movie and I put if next on my own Netflix queue. It looks terrific - and scored 93% at Rotten Tomatoes (100% from Cream of...6:35 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (7)
I Went to the Party in Kalamazoo
An endearing romp in the tradition of Dr. Seuss - lots of alliteration, rhythm and rhyme tying together the things children love most. The kind of book parents love to read- which is great because your kids will want to hear it again and again! This book was self-published...4:27 PM in Books, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sacred music in public schools - yes, you can!
One of the joys of moving away from northern California was getting away from that oppressive atmosphere where excellence in education was sacrificed for so many political reasons - including the censorship of anything smacking of Christianity in the public schools. How I love Loudoun County schools, which have managed...3:12 PM in Loudoun County, Music, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (4)
Special Needs Cheerleading Teams bring out the best in all
From the Washington Post this morning: Girls Bask in Their Destiny - Cheerleading. Click to read the full story and see videos of two cheerleading teams performing and receiving awards. Who knew? There are now 160 special needs cheerleading squads in 34 states. Breakthrough in Socialization That cheerleading in particular...8:45 AM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (6)
September 20, 2007
Brian Regan - this guy will make you laugh
My son Josh turned us on to Brian Regan. He is hilarious, and his humor is clean, so the whole family can enjoy. Here's one about pop tarts: This is an appearance on the Letterman show - it's five minutes long, but the funniest part is at the end and...7:44 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (10)
What's going on with me this week
This is a personal note to all my readers who care about what is going on in my personal life. Let me tell you, there has been A LOT going on - a lot of stuff around educational issues with the public schools and on behalf of my kids with...12:38 PM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (5)
Another reason to join Netflix
From the person who got the fourth free one-month Netflix trial I offered yesterday: Thank you! We went to Blockbuster last week to get Miss Potter (exclusive outlet) and I was appalled, and sad, and angry at the violence and filth populating our rental store. I am very glad not...12:30 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (1)
September 19, 2007
Netflix - one month free trial
I have four coupons for a free one-month trial membership in Netflix. If you've been wanting to try it, please email me at megamommy12(at)gmail(dot)com and I will send you the instructions and code for the free month. No strings attached! Our family has used Netflix for six or seven...9:15 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (2)
September 16, 2007
Be inspired: The Invisible Woman
This beautiful article has been making the rounds in email and the blogworld - without credit to the author. I researched to find out that Nicole Johnson wrote this piece, which every mother will appreciate: Perspective: The Invisible Woman As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen...10:06 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (12)
Girls prefer pink, boys blue - study shows
From the UK Telegraph (thanks, Tripp!) - the actual page also has a short video clip, if you want to watch: Girls really do prefer pink, study shows By Roger Highfield Girls really do prefer pink - or at least a redder shade of blue - and boys prefer blue,...8:55 AM in Gender differences | Permalink | Comments (2)
September 15, 2007
Project Cuddle in Loudoun County
Hello, Barbara: I, too, was deeply affected by the recent news of the baby boy found dead in the trash truck. I live in Round Hill and am a new volunteer with Project Cuddle, which exists to save babies from being abandoned. I feel if I’d done a better...9:40 PM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (1)
The trendy set decides overpopulating is cool - for them
Well, well, well. According to San Francisco magazine, when it comes to kids three is the new two - and the real trendsetters are having - gasp! - four. Somehow, with all the nannies and rural jet-setting, this just doesn't sound like our kind of big family. (HT to Jane)...9:31 PM in Big families | Permalink | Comments (7)
Teen-friendly news sites without liberal bias
Barbara, I am a homeschool mom of 8. I'm wanting my teens and preteens to read the daily news as part of their curriculum so that we can discuss current events and things going on in our world. Can you suggest some teen-friendly news sites that aren't liberally slanted that...9:09 PM in Current Affairs, Homeschooling, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2)
September 14, 2007
Toddlers and pool safety
Not exactly the right season - unless you live in California :) - but evidently drown-proofing toddlers is possible with the proper training. Stacie sent me this link: Child Drowning Prevention Absolutely amazing....8:44 PM in Preschoolers, Safety, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1)
Power to the People #1 on Amazon - Unabashedly pro-life!
Way to go, Laura! I got my copy yesterday and I can assure you that Laura Ingraham's new book is not just any political rant. This is a woman who feels the way we feel about the state of the culture today. Laura is convinced that the family is the...2:41 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mary Winkler on Oprah
Our TV is currently turned off - if you have Direct TV you can go on vacation mode and stop paying the monthly charge. It seemed like a good idea for this time of year, with the kids starting school and all. We don't watch TV that much anyway. Sophia...1:37 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (7)
Full Quiver Families - 2nd call for pictures
My editor said yes, they would like some pictures to accompany the article I'm doing on evangelicals who've stopped using birth control. I've received only three pictures so far - none of families with more than four children! Now folks, I know I said that just because you scrap birth...1:10 PM in Big families, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (5)
Becoming pro-life - one woman's story
Letitia who blogs at Causa Nostrae Laetitiae has an article published at Celebrate Life this month: True Love is Pro-Life: How I found happiness Thanks, Letitia!...12:58 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Hyper Kids? Check their diet
From Time magazine: Parents have long observed that some kids go bonkers after eating foods with a lot of artificial ingredients or neon-bright colors. Medical researchers--not to mention the food industry--have been skeptical; there was no proof of this effect, at least nothing like a double-blind, controlled study. As so...11:47 AM in Health | Permalink | Comments (3)
Learn Something New Every Day
My friend Martha forwarded this to me. I thought homeschoolers especially - but really any families - would love going over these amazing facts. I'm going to print this out and bring it to the dinner table tonight: Learn Something New Every Day Alaska More than half of the coastline...11:25 AM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)
Boys being boys
If you haven't visited my friend Carol at Parenting Decisions, today's a good time as she has some great pictures up of her boys "sword"-fighting. I'm already on my way to Amazon to try to find some swords like these for my little guys! Carol has some great information up...11:04 AM in Boys | Permalink | Comments (4)
Why I'm glad this isn't a one-woman show - more on teasing
I have the best readers in the world! I mean it! Whenever I post something, I can count on you all to fill in the gaps, add more info, question my sanity (remember that lapse when I reviewed the Leap Frog learning system for babies and had to recant? Thank...10:15 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
Where the Wild Things Are - an enthusiastic review for a misunderstood classic
A few years ago, in his Breakpoint column Chuck Colson blasted Maurice Sendak's 1964 classic Where the Wild Things Are as emblematic of the "unfettered rebellion" which eventually gave rise to the counterculture. Pretty heavy, huh? (Sometimes it's just a little too easy to see why people have a...8:56 AM in Books | Permalink | Comments (4)
Teasing and bullying - a story can help
A reader asked me some time ago about dealing with teasing and bullying. As a parent (and back in my old days as a teacher), I know it hurts to see one child picked on. It hurts just as much to see the child who is teasing, not sharing, bullying...8:23 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
September 13, 2007
Square watermelons
From the Strange but True Department: Check it out yourself at Snopes....6:02 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (2)
The perfect stepstool
Isn't this the best stepstool ever? For years, I've been encouraging parents to have a stepstool in the kitchen to enable/encourage your child to be part of your work - so much better than plugging them into TV while you make meals. This one is super-pricey, but from a...2:41 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (3)
Saved from Suicide - an incredible testimony
I feel truly privileged to have stumbled upon a brand new blog by a man who - well, I'm not going to say any more - you must go NOW and read the third and latest entry at Cliff's Lost and Found Then back up and read the first two....9:45 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (4)
September 12, 2007
Call for photos - "Full Quiver" Families
I'm working on my article on evangelicals and birth control - and by the way, you all submitted some dynamite comments!! The hard part for me will be picking out a small number of quotes from all that great material - but I plan to link to the blog entry...11:30 AM in Big families, Mothering, Pro-Life Issues, Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)
Russians rewarded for having more babies
I reported at The MizReport 8/15 on this push by the Russian government to boost their fertility rate. In case you missed it, here's the latest: Skip work, make babies, says Russian governor Wed Sep 12, 6:02 AM ET The governor of a central Russian province urged couples to skip...11:21 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Just say no to Baby Einstein - and rethink TV
From the Los Angeles Times: 'Baby Einstein': a bright idea? Infants shown such educational series end up with poorer vocabularies, study finds. Researcher says 'American Idol' is better. Parents hoping to raise baby Einsteins by using infant educational videos are actually creating baby Homer Simpsons, according to a new study...9:30 AM in Babies, Mothering, Practical Info, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (4)
September 11, 2007
Beach Boys dig good vibrations of Down syndrome
Catching up on email - still avoiding my writing deadline:) but getting SO much accomplished! Thanks to Negar for linking me to the following article in the Cape Cod Times: GOOD DEEDS By Johanna Crosby August 20, 2007 Stephen Clinton, 32, of South Dennis got to be a Beach Boy...3:54 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (3)
A Summary of the World
A Summary of the World If we could shrink the Earth's population to a village of precisely I00 people and with all existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look like this: There would be 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 from the Western Hemisphere (North and South), and 8...2:00 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2)
Updating my blogroll
Yes, you can tell I'm supposed to be working on an article - this time the one on evangelicals who've given up birth control - There is some kind of mental mechanism that I get into when I'm supposed to produce a piece of writing - an assignment, in other...12:46 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (5)
Pictures from Maine
I spoke at a Pro-Life Awards Banquet in Maine Saturday - sponsored by PLEA - ProLife Educators Association. It was my first time in Maine and I really enjoyed getting to know people there and learning more about the state's history and politics. Everyone was very hospitable and I came...11:57 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
Freebies! Hurry!
Kari at Healed Waters has just posted a bunch of freebies, including: *free refill of printer cartridge at Walgreen's 9/12 only *free laminating (for teachers, but if you're registered as a school, this should work) *free admission to Busch Gardens and other places for military personnel Sound too good to...11:42 AM in Bargains | Permalink | Comments (0)
Rachel's Legacy at Loudoun Valley High School - part 2
Here is the flyer and the opt-out form so you can see just how ridiculous this situation is where Loudoun anti-Christians are "protecting" their children from a message of hope and compassion because the presenters happen to be Christians in their private lives: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...11:02 AM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
Rachel's Legacy at Loudoun Valley High School 9/13
Rachel's Challenge is a non-religious, non-political, non-profit organization established in memory of Rachel Scott, the first person killed at Columbine High School ion April 20, 1999. They offer presentations at high schools encouraging students to recognize their full potential and significance in life while motivating them to treat others...10:29 AM in Inspiration, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
Laura Ingraham and Power to the People
I've been waiting for this book for a while and it's out today. You can get an autographed copy here. Here's the description: If you're like most Americans, you've had enough. You're fed up with sell-out politicians who won't defend our borders; a Hollywood that peddles profanity, pornography, and Al...9:43 AM in Books, Culture, Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
September 9, 2007
Readers: your wisdom and encouragement needed
A mom recently wrote me: I just wanted to say hi and let you know how much I still love your blog(s)! : ) I didn't come around for awhile because we had another miscarriage, then another, currently going through my 3rd this year. Anyway, it was just hard for...12:39 PM in Mothering, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (8)
Elisabeth Elliot on materialism
It Is Hard to Enter The kingdom of god stands over against all other kingdoms--that is, against all other authorities, sources of power, objects of trust. It is hard to enter the kingdom of God--not because an angel is set to keep us out, not because God would surround...11:49 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Cross too heavy to bear?
Justin's other mother sent me this: Thanks, Carol - this is so true! In fact, that was part of what I said yesterday at the PLEA pro-life banquet in Maine: I wouldn't change a single hardship I went through in my life because they are so much part of who...9:50 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (3)
Abandoned baby's body found in Loudoun County
So sad. I don't know that this has ever happened so close to home for me. Loudoun County, Virginia- The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Fairfax County Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the mother of a deceased newborn baby boy found in a trash truck...9:35 AM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (1)
Beth Moore Bible studies
A reader asked me where to find the Beth Moore series a group of women from our church recently did - Breaking Free. Searching for them, I realized that though the books are easy to find, the Bible Studies they are a little out of the way, so for anyone...9:06 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (4)
September 6, 2007
Zappos - the BEST place to buy shoes
I was amazed Tuesday morning when I opened my garage door and found a box from Zappo's with a pair of shoes for Justin and a pair of Vans for Jonny I'd ordered the night before. I did not think it was possible to order something and receive it in...11:12 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (5)
Family updates
Our family needs your prayers for several things. I'm trying to get ready to leave tomorrow morning, so will just give you the bare minimum update I sent out on our church prayer line: On Josh and Hattie (son and daughter-in-law): Hattie's surgery Tuesday went as expected: her thyroid and...11:07 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (3)
Luciano Pavarotti RIP
He was so gifted. Perhaps his greatest legacy is that with his vibrant personality, he was able to make opera accessible to the masses. Pavarotti contracted cancer a year ago and died today at the age of 71. You can see him sing La Dona E Mobile in a...10:34 AM in Current Affairs, Music | Permalink | Comments (1)
September 5, 2007
Caesareans up, surrender down
In Alcoholics Anonymous - where I learned a lot about the evils of selfishness years before I became a Christian - we shared one of those catch-phrases that saved us loads of time by helping us tune in quickly to a phenomenon we were all struggling to overcome, a phenomenon...4:09 PM in Current Affairs, Health, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (18)
A mother whose life has been renewed and radically changed - and even more good news!
Greta sent this as a comment, but I'm going to run it here - not only because I'm always grateful to hear that God has used my writing to help someone see something HE wanted them to see - but mostly to make sure we can all share in her...3:51 PM in Inspiration, Mothering, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
Hillary can bring out the worst in people
Somebody signed my up for Team Hillary. How juvenile. Plus, it only makes me realize how bloated her reported numbers must be if her true believers use stupid tactics like that to annoy their opponents. Did I mention how much I hate her voice and her strident tone? Some of...8:14 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (7)
September 4, 2007
School daze / Back to blogging
Here's now my morning looked at 7:09 AM: It's 2:07 now and I've made some progress toward catching up - but somehow it's never as much as I planned. I know you know the feeling :) I started writing this one morning last week and never finished: These are busy...2:07 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (3)
Need recommendation for a good pencil sharpener
Re: my post on Dover coloring books and prismacolor pencils the other day, Bonnie asked: I might be too late for a response, but what kind of sharpener do you use? The Crayola pencils are so hard to use because they don't sharpen well with any of the sharpeners we've...1:53 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (6)
Navigating the Internet with teens
Last week, I received a review copy of Logged On and Tuned Out: a nontechie's guide to parenting a tech-savvy generation by Vicki Courtney: This book did not go on my stack of stuff to review because I sat down immediately to read it. This is an excellent resource for...12:35 PM in Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2)
Graphic abortion images - what do you think?
As a pro-lifer, a mom, and an advocate for children, I would like to know what you think about the extremely graphic anti-abortion displays that some organizations have been placing on billboards and the sides of roaming trucks (ie, in very public places where anyone would see them, not just...12:24 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (15)
Raising compassionate and aware children
At The MizReport today, I'm running a piece on the state of our nation as compared to Rome in the days leading up to the fall on September 4, 476 BC: The fall of Rome - a lesson for today. I really don't like to drop bad news without offering...11:35 AM in Culture, Current Affairs, Homeschooling, Mothering, Movies, Spiritual education | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 1, 2007
When a victim of domestic violence has to go to court
My last post on this subject started a discussion which produced a comment I thought everyone should read. When I referred to an abused woman being subjected to a second round of abuse in court, I was assuming that everyone already knew what I was talking about. But maybe not....10:59 PM in Domestic violence, KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (7)
