February 2008
February 28, 2008
American Idol - the best part
Forgot to say - The best part of the competition has to be those fabulous back-up singers and the band - especially that older guy who plays blues guitar. Amazing how they handle multiple arrangements for all those singers, week after week and make each one shine. I just love...9:56 PM in Entertainment | Permalink | Comments (1)
Victoria Secret: We're too sexy for our own good
Interesting news from the Wall Street Journal: Apparently, You Can Be Too Sexy By AMY MERRICK February 29, 2008 Victoria's Secret likes to ask in its marketing, "What is sexy?" Now the lingerie chain is trying to figure out, "What's too sexy?" The chief executive of the brand known for...9:44 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (10)
American Idol - week 2
David Archeluta was AWESOME!!!! And I'm guessing he's a Christian - his jettisoning of the first verses of John Lennon's "Imagine" was telling. And made the song so much more positive and in keeping with a Christian worldview. And what a doll - so sweet and humble and filled...1:33 PM in Entertainment | Permalink | Comments (11)
My life - and diet update
This cast is driving me crazy!!!!! Still dreaming of getting out of it. . . . . Yesterday I was able to use a pair of gigantic toenail snippers to trim down another ½†on my thumb where the edge of the fiberglass was rubbing my skin raw. The fiberglass...1:27 PM in Diet, My life | Permalink | Comments (5)
Planned Parenthood and black genocide
Planned Parenthood has such a grip on our culture. The truth needs to be heard. Check out Black Genocide (but not with your children around) or Klanned Parenthood. The watch this investigative report: Full story here: Planned Parenthood: Wanting fewer blacks "understandable" Today's young women are taught that Margaret Sanger...11:52 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (4)
Amazon shoppers: important note
Thanks to those of you who are shopping and saving money at Amazon while supporting this site. One thing you need to know is that you must click through to Amazon through this site each time you shop for MommyLife to receive credit. If you bookmark my link and use...8:50 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 27, 2008
Virginians: weigh in on Planned Parenthood 2/28
I'm on Planned Parenthood's email list. They just sent out marching orders to Virginia supporters: Planned Parenthood is prevention! Today Senator Ken Cuccinelli (R-37) offered an amendment to the budget that would prohibit Planned Parenthood from receiving state funding. Senator Janet Howell (D-32) spoke about the critical services Planned Parenthood...9:33 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
For liberals, censorship is a one-way street
Dr. Hatrick admitted he overstepped his authority at the School Board meeting last night. I had supported his decision until we learned that procedure had not been followed. If there is a procedure, it should be followed. If the procedure needs changing, we should change it. John Stevens wants to...3:32 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
And Tango makes activism
This isn't just about Loudoun, folks!! There's a lesson here for everyone. See also: Loudoun County Schools: What's the real story behind gay censorship charges? The Tango Tangle continues Propaganda in children's literature...2:21 PM in Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0)
Book on motherhood: your input needed
My friend Ann Stewart - a writer who lives a few miles from me - is writing a book called Preparing My Heart for Motherhood: A Shower of Wisdom to Treasure - following on the heels of her Preparing My Heart for Advent and Preparing My Heart for Lent....1:09 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (6)
Hattie and Josh update - and thanks for your prayers
Answered prayers: Josh just called from Georgetown Hospital. Hattie has come out of surgery and the new is very good. The tumor - which was the size of a plum - had not gotten involved with her circulatory system. They were able to remove it and leave her lung...11:43 AM in Hattie and Josh | Permalink | Comments (3)
How do you decide whom to marry - according to kids
Making the email rounds these days (thanks, Tripp!): HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY? ~according to kids~ You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming....8:15 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (4)
February 26, 2008
Speaking in Redwood City, CA March 11
You are invited! If you can come, please RSVP for free childcare:...3:55 PM in Mothering, My life | Permalink | Comments (0)
What your preschooler needs to know
The Core Knowledge series is a well-respected, well-rounded and classical approach to what children should know at each grade level: What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know all the way through What Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know. These books have been around since I was homeschooling my kids and I...3:32 PM in Homeschooling, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1)
LCPS Board meeting tonight - penguins on parade?
My email to Loudoun School Board members, Dr. Hatrick, and the ubiquitous Wade Byard, public relations officer: I cannot attend tonight's meeting due to too many children with too many activities. Here are my thoughts, which may be worth considering. Propaganda in children's literature If Dr. Hatrick did step outside...3:10 PM in Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (1)
Propaganda in children's literature
Perhaps the greatest lesson for parents from conflicts about books like And Tango Makes Three is the need to develop a deeper understanding of children's literature. C. S. Lewis wrote, "It certainly is my opinion that a book worth reading only in childhood is not worth reading even then." So...12:44 PM in Books, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (10)
Loudoun County Schools: the Tango tangle continues
See also Propaganda in Children's Literature The other day, I asked "What's the real story behind gay censorship charges?" David/Daneen - who with School board member and champion-of-all-things-anti-traditional John Stevens - is leading the crusade to get And Tango Makes Three back on the Loudoun County school library shelves has...11:37 AM in Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0)
Montessori Mondays - new and improved!
Yes, I know it's Tuesday, but I need to update you on my original announcement for Montessori Mondays. Thanks to TechnoWhiz/Geek/All-Knowledgeable Blogger Mommy Michelle - who blogs at usr-bin-mom.com, Montessori Mondays is going to be even better. Michelle suggested we do a meme and was kind enough to guide me...11:04 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Montessori Mondays, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1)
Classics for Kids - The Whole Story Series
Although I can't see who is placing orders through my Amazon link, I do get a list of the things people order - Which I love because sometimes I discover things that are really worthwhile - in fact, I have to use a lot of self-discipline to keep from spending...8:32 AM in Books, Homeschooling, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2)
February 25, 2008
Montessori Mondays
Announcing! I've been receiving pictures from some of you who've read Mommy, Teach Me! and/or Mommy, Teach Me to Read! and instituted some of my ideas for Montessori at home. Here are some cute pictures of Amy's son using the Sound Canisters - a sensorial exercise which increases hearing discernment....10:53 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori Mondays, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (2)
Caring for your introvert
Hilarious article: Caring For Your Introvert which ran in the Atlantic Monthly in 2003. In this wry celebration of introversion, the author makes short shrift of extroverts: Extroverts are easy for introverts to understand, because extroverts spend so much of their time working out who they are in voluble,...3:03 PM in Humor, Personality types | Permalink | Comments (2)
Who is Michelle Obama, really?
Michelle Obama recently stated on the campaign trail: "What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback. And let me tell you something -- for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country....1:59 PM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2)
Louis Farrakhan endorses Obama
I wrote last month that Obamarama seems more like a cult than a political campaign. He's been drawing crowds up to 17,000 in venues filled with a religious feeling like revival meetings and people fainting (being slain in the spirit?). This America's Messiah phenomenon should be disturbing to anyone who...1:27 PM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1)
Academy Awards - so what?
I guess I've passed a milestone of sorts. I remember how exciting it was when I was young to watch the Academy Awards. I really stopped watching years ago when it turned into such a coarse, narcissistic and consistently anti-American ordeal. Not to mention that the winners usually seemed...12:47 PM in Culture, Current Affairs, Movies | Permalink | Comments (6)
Question for introverted moms
Here's a question from Adele which I can't answer: It's so interesting that you posted about personality types-- I've been thinking about them a lot lately. I actually have a question about temperament and big families: do you think that extroversion is a prerequisite of having a big family? I...12:27 PM in Big families, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (18)
Down syndrome - save lives, sign petition, please
From my friend Gloria in California: If you look around just about EVERYONE knows SOMEONE who has a child with special needs. Some of us knew before our child was born that there would be challenges, some of us gave birth to a typical child who later in life...9:59 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sesame Street - not the same old neighborhood
From yesterday's Washington Times - which I didn't have time to read, but my hubby - who cares about my readers too! - wanted us to see: Nostalgia street February 24, 2008 By Karen Goldberg Goff Ah, the good old days, when children played in vacant lots, ate trans...6:31 AM in Culture, Entertainment, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1)
Amazon 4-for-3 sale
Great 4-for-3 sale at Amazon on books, DVDs, and some Home and Garden items. If you were going to be shopping for any of these items, now is a great time to save some money. Simply go in through one of the links here and see if the items...6:03 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 24, 2008
Dreams
My dreams last night were like a set of Russian nesting dolls. Have you ever dreamed you were dreaming? I dreamed all night about somehow getting out of my cast. Remember how this week Tripp trimmed 1/2 inch around each of the edges - my arm, my hand, my...7:42 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (7)
February 23, 2008
Motherhood and personality types
A rerun from July 2006. With all the new readers here, I though there are sure to be some who will find it interesting: Sallie at A Gracious Home wrote a piece that got me thinking the other day - so I thought maybe you'd like to think along with...12:32 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (11)
To my readers
Managing this blog is very much like being the mother of a big family – so many conversations going on at once. I find it all – as I find my daily life going in all directions with my kids – exhilarating and energizing. But then again, I am an...12:28 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (19)
When a child balks at work
Dear Barbara - What do you suggest for a preschooler (disabled or not, mine isn't) who balks at suggestions to work? Should I just wait for those times when she shows interest and make the most of that, or can I hold her to the expectation of regular (small, age-appropriate)...9:39 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (2)
50 Ways to Do Everything Better and Faster
To show you how busy I've been, Tripp sent this link to me on February 1 and it's been languishing in my Inbox because I haven't had time to read all 50 Ways :) I was going to link, but since some of you might be too busy to hit...8:48 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (2)
Huffing - Dusting off - danger to teens/tweens
Patsyhikermama sent me an alert which was sent to all school staff where she lives about a phenomenon which has taken the lives of teens and 'tweens who've used DustOff or other inhalants to get high and ended up dying instead. Parents - you need to know....7:58 AM in Safety, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 22, 2008
What it means to be a Christian
Samantha sent me this: When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'" I'm whispering "I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven." When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to...10:24 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
When a child seems too needy
Readers, I'd really like to get your input on this one: My son just turned 3. He is a typical boy in some ways; active, curious, rough. He is also a bit timid, shy and takes a while to warm up to new situations and people. He was a delightful...8:56 PM in Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (7)
More good press on Down syndrome
Life with Anthony Thanks, Andrea, for the link!...8:35 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0)
Appreciating our military - and communicating too
How easily we forget as we go about our daily lives. A great site - for showing your support and learning about the everyday heroes our media steadfastly ignores: Military Messages: Your messages to the troops, their messages to you Honoring the Fallen: A tribute to U.S. soldiers killed...8:08 PM in Opportunities to give | Permalink | Comments (0)
Soldiers' Angels - volunteer to support our troops!
Barbara, First off I wanted to thank you and all of your readers for the suggestions of how to entertain my children while my husband is deployed!! [note from Barbara: yes, you all did an AWESOMEjob on this!] I also wanted to make you aware of a program in case...7:58 PM in Opportunities to give | Permalink | Comments (0)
Preschool worksheets, projects, forms
Hi, again, Barbara: Today I found a GOLDMINE of printables online that I wondered if you knew about: Free printable worksheets, projects and printable forms You have to dig a little to see how many are really there. For instance, I've been using the "Alphabet Coloring Books" under the heading...6:48 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (1)
Josh and Hattie - Update
This update is sooner than I thought. Hattie is at Georgetown Hospital this afternoon for scans. The medical team has determined that they need to surgically remove the tumor immediately as it is on her lung. She has been told that she may come out of surgery minus one lung....3:38 PM in Hattie and Josh | Permalink | Comments (7)
Love That Song! Ezekiel Saw de Wheel
I think I'm going to institute a random Love That Song department to cover these times when a song pops into my mind and I track it down on YouTube to pull out the best versions (in my opinion) for you. Ezekiel Saw de Wheel music sheets should have a...11:47 AM in Music | Permalink | Comments (3)
Josh and Hattie need your prayers
If you've been here since before last fall, you know that my oldest son Josh and his sweet wife Hattie have been through a great deal more than most couples married less than two years. Hattie lost the ability to walk last August - after suffering from back pain...9:40 AM in Hattie and Josh, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (8)
Grace and peace to you this morning!
Wow. That was luxurious - sleeping in and having my hubby bring me my lemon juice in bed (btw, one of the sweetest things: Greta had stocked a bowl of lemons for my visit and Chap squeezed them for me each morning I was there since I couldn't do that...9:12 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 21, 2008
American Idol - first thoughts on Season 7
Maddy, Jonny and I have been true blue fans of American Idol since it began, with other family members joining us here and there through the years. I think this season is looking pretty good. I appreciated that the auditions were much more family friendly this year. Lat year there...11:46 PM in Entertainment | Permalink | Comments (3)
Humor: Evolution of a Mom
The following appeared in the February 1998 issue of Parenting. Yes, parenthood changes everything. But parenthood also changes with each baby. Here, some of the ways having a second and third child differs from having your first: The Evolution of Mom Your Clothes 1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes...11:28 PM in Humor, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
Evangelical to Catholic #19 - Sola Scriptura
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic...3:18 PM in Evangelical to Catholic, My life | Permalink | Comments (6)
Dove ads - give your girls security and love
Plowing through a few days' email. You all send me so much brilliant and thought-provoking amterial! Martha Sears passed this on - a true wake-up call for parents (remember I talked last week about how our kids are absorbing the images that are bombarding them each day?): Dove titled that...12:30 PM in Culture, Current Affairs, Girls, Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (4)
Autism - more than meets the eye
"It is hard to be autistic because no one understands me. People look at me and assume I am dumb because I can't talk or I act differently than them. I think people get scared with things that look or seem different than them." This was written by a 13-year-old...12:02 PM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (1)
Kids at their most hilarious
My only hesitation with passing on YouTube videos is that the comments often seem filled with the dregs of American culture. I try to ignore them and just watch the videos. This one - sent by oldest son Josh - was too cute. Did you get that last line? "We're...11:48 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2)
Home from Seattle
I am home! On Sunday I flew to Seattle to spend a few days with Greta, who began reading my blog several years ago and has gone through some major life changes since - including changing her mind about having children :) And boy, did she change her mind -...9:41 AM in Blogging, My life | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 19, 2008
Homeschooling: Mike and Vickie Farris on Focus on the Family
[9/28/09 - If you are looking for information on Vickie Farris's health challenge, see Mike and Vickie Farris need our prayers.] 'm in Seattle visiting a dear friend - Greta, who I met three years ago via this blog. The sun is shining, - and since everyone says that...12:33 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (2)
February 16, 2008
Montessori at home - the best foundation is love
[This is the final installment in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Forever, the second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls, and the third The Best Lessons Don't...8:54 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (4)
February 15, 2008
Montessori at home - the best lessons don't end at noon!
[This is third in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Foreverand second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls.] The Best Lessons Don’t End at Noon Some of my...3:35 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1)
Amazon rocks - and keeps me blogging, thanks to you!
I am working on transitioning Barbara's Picks in the upper left sidebar into being completely incorporated into my Amazon store. This is because Amazon has made it possible to have a more friendly layout than the one my BlogGuru and I dreamed up three years ago. As I've always said,...8:51 AM in Blogging, Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 14, 2008
Montessori at home - the best classroom has no walls
[This is the second in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter from my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first The Best Teacher is Forever.] The Best Classroom Has No Walls I mentioned how the modern approach to education – compartmentalization...1:11 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1)
NYC's contribution to romance: free condoms
Who knew? All these years we've been going about our business and contributing taxes and paying our own way, New York City has been giving away 3 million condoms a year. But today they begin a new campaign based on the slogan "Get Some." How tasteful. How romantic. And...12:19 PM in Culture, Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (8)
Love conquers all
Wow. I guess any kind of enmity - whether natural or man0made - can be overcome through kindness:...12:15 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
The fox in my life
We had another ice storm yesterday. The kids had off school and Tripp even stayed home from work and made pancakes for everyone. When he spotted a fox outside, he told me to grab my camera. I used my telephoto lens and waited a good ten minutes to get a...6:50 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 13, 2008
TV marketing of presidents 1952-2004
You gotta see this: Click above for TV ads for presidential candidates dating back to Eisenhower and up through 2004. The Introduction begins: "The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal is the ultimate indignity to the democratic process." -Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson, 1956 "Television...10:02 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Happy Valentine's Day!
A Valentine for you! Click above, then for more thoughts on the origins and significance of Valentine's Day, see The Heart of Valentine's Day Also, see my Movies for Valentine's Day...7:39 PM in Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)
Montessori at home - the best teacher is forever
It's that time of year when some of you may be wondering about preschool. There's so much cultural hype and social pressure - with many states actually considering mandatory preschool - that even moms who love having their kids at home wonder if they're doing the right thing. Mothers...5:37 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (2)
Your input needed
Dean Abbott is a husband/father/writer whose work I have admired for as long as we've both been blogging. If you haven't visited him before, today would be a great time to check in - just click below: Inspired by a True Story Old-Fashioned Blog Posts, Just Like Grandpa Used to...12:48 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 12, 2008
Special Ed in Loudoun County: overcoming the bigotry of low expectations
This phrase came to mind as we were finally began dealing with the aftermath of Daniel's last year and a half in school: The soft bigotry of low expectations. My research revealed it was popularized when President Bush used it in a speech on No Child Left Behind. I...6:22 PM in Disabilities, Inclusion, Loudoun County, Public schools, Special education | Permalink | Comments (4)
My broken wrist revisited
It's been two weeks since I broke my wrist and it seemed to be getting worse. The brace just wasn't immobilizing my arm and hand properly - trying to do anything hurt like crazy. So back to the doctor this morning. She said that in addition to the break, my...6:03 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (6)
February 11, 2008
Patrick Henry College - above all, a good neighbor
When I moved to Purcellville in 2002, I was dismayed by the prejudice I heard against Patrick Henry College - much of it perpetuated by the local press (which I've touched on here and there over the years at this blog). On January 18 an opinion piece in our local...2:24 PM in Loudoun County, Media Bias | Permalink | Comments (2)
Your input needed: preschool aggression
My son will be 4 in October and is having a lot of problems at his 2 day a week preschool. He has never been unusually aggressive before but now he is hitting and trying to bite kids at school. He has only been at the school for one month...1:21 PM in Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6)
Valentine's Day - hype and reality
I overheard on the radio this morning that when it comes to going out for dinner for Valentine's Day, 2 out of 3 men love the idea, but only 1 out of 3 women do. As your faithful reporter, I tried to track down the source for this important...9:58 AM in Holidays | Permalink | Comments (3)
Is College for everyone?
[It's been almost two years since I ran this. I've gotten a lot of new readers in that time - some of you may find it interesting]: I had mentioned on the Q&A about grandparents that my oldest daughters chose not to pursue college - the first after a year...9:28 AM in Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (6)
Elisabeth Elliot: No Love without Grief
Sometimes the best advice comes in a small package: No Love Without Grief Tell us, fool, who knows more of love--the one who has joys from it or the one who has trials and griefs? He answered: There cannot be any knowledge of love without both of them. (Ramon Lull,...9:23 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Obama as Messiah - Part 2
Tripp sent me this link this morning - I really owe that man a lot in terms of information flow! - with the subject line "Did these folks read your column?" (see my February 8 Obama as Messiah). I'm just glad others have noticed that this has become less a...9:15 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (3)
February 10, 2008
Sophia and Maddy in Godspell
This is kinda old news, but I never got around to posting pictures of Sophia and Maddy in Godspell at Loudoun Valley High in December: Sophia sang "Turn Back, O Man" Maddy sang "O Bless the Lord, My Soul" Maddy's jacket is something I bought vintage when I was a...1:37 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (6)
February 9, 2008
Housekeeping tips
Tripp's Aunt Mary Jane sent these. They're pretty random, but maybe there were a few that made me hope I'd remember to use them: DID YOU KNOW? -Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little "stringy things" off of it. That's how the primates...9:50 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (3)
Brave New World - scientists create baby from three parents
THREE PARENT BABIES 11:59:54 06/02/2008 Gene therapy could cure hereditary diseases Scientists at Newcastle University have succeeded in creating human embryos with DNA from three different parents – two women and one man. The achievement, they say, could potentially prevent a whole host of hereditary diseases. The project has been...12:41 PM in Current Affairs, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
Letting go of an angry daughter
Some of you probably know that my second daughter has not spoken to me - nor to any other member of our family (except Josh, who works with her husband) for well over a year. It has been heartbreaking and I ask for your continued prayers. I have apologized endlessly...9:04 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (26)
February 8, 2008
Obama as Messiah
Tripp forwarded this to me with the subject line "I don't think Hillary can overcome this." While this is a powerful piece of footage, I'm struck by the fact that it is devoid of substance. Completely emotion-driven - appealing to a place deep inside each of us that longs for...8:23 PM in Current Affairs, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (15)
Montessori at home - building a science foundation
I wrote Mommy, Teach Me! to encourage moms in developing the teacher aspect of their role. Reading it will help you understand the process and show you how easy it is to build the foundation for your child's future learning success. Here is an excerpt: Science As I mentioned before,...6:34 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Montessori at home - growing carrot tops
From Mommy, Teach Me! , one of the simple science projects for preschoolers. A simple project is enriched when mom or teacher understand the purpose and use language to guide the learning experience: Growing carrot tops Purpose: To model the scientific approach – asking questions and using observation to...6:34 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 7, 2008
Abortion victims and families - find help
A couple weeks ago I met a courageous woman from California - Michaelene Fredenburg - who's launched a website for individuals whose lives have been impacted by abortion. What is unique about this site is that not only does it address the needs of fathers, grandparents, siblings, and friends -...6:27 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 6, 2008
Terms of endearment - what do you call your kids?
I call mine Darlin' or Sweetheart. What do you call yours?...7:32 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (38)
Singing with preschoolers and toddlers
In an earlier post I mentioned singing as a way of relieving stress with kids. But I want to urge you all to make music and song part of your everyday lives when things are going well too. Singing together will build bonds that will last a lifetime. You...7:09 PM in Mothering, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (3)
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
In The Mommy Manual, I suggest choosing a hymn that becomes your family signature. The one you sing at the close of every family worship. The one your children will use at their weddings. This is ours: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune...7:03 PM in Family, Music | Permalink | Comments (3)
Meet my grandson, the artist
When you're a mom whose youngest children are the same age as some of your grandchildren, you tend not to be the stereotypical bragging grandma. If I had any regrets about having such a spread in children (7-38), that would be the one - although I hope that it is...4:20 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (3)
Reader: Turning into a psycho mom. . . help!!
This was the subject line on an email from a reader - who gave me her permission to publish. Since we've all had these days (sometimes weeks or months :) I think it's wonderful to face it honestly and use this as a place to encourage each other: hi! i...1:36 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (14)
Montessori at home: best coloring supplies
I've written before on the benefits of coloring books for developing concentration and fine motor coordination. While in a Montessori classroom this is done with Metal Insets, at home you can accomplish the same results with coloring books. There are many gorgeous and educational coloring books available - browse Amazon...11:48 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6)
Montessori at home: encouraging a work ethic in children with Down syndrome - or any children, for that matter
Another rerun from 2/14/07. Sometimes we can get complacent - I am constantly humbled by own need to maintain vigilance in calling myself to a higher standard, especially knowing how much the future of my kids with disabilities depends on it. Let's all consider today - myself included - what...8:55 AM in Down syndrome, Montessori, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
Kids with disabilities need responsibilities too!
I ran this over a year ago - rerunning now for new readers and a reminder to lod ones :): Dear Barbara, I thought you might like this photo of my son who is nine and suffers from autism washing down the walls of our porch. I think you have...8:49 AM in Disabilities, Inclusion, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1)
Prayers for Daniel still needed - and for a teacher MIA
I was just getting ready to write about the happy ending there was to Daniel's story, when the tale took a not-so-happy twist. On January 15 - after months of my complaints had been ignored - Daniel's case was assigned to a teacher he had had until 3rd grade. Though...8:13 AM in Family, Inclusion, Loudoun County, Special education | Permalink | Comments (2)
Loudoun County Public Schools: an open letter
Dear Loudoun County Public Schools: Let’s face it: no matter how outstanding the overall group of teachers you’ve assembled to serve the children of our district, among 4500 or so of them, there will certainly be a few bad apples. This happened with my son – a fifth grade student...6:54 AM in Inclusion, Loudoun County, Special education | Permalink | Comments (2)
February 5, 2008
What a wonderful world - no matter what's broken
I'm back from the orthopedist for my break - officially "nondisplaced distal radial fracture." Great news! I do not have a cast, but a brace which locks my arm/wrist/thumb in rigid support, but frees my fingers completely (yes, that's it in the picture above - note the color coordination...1:44 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (6)
February 4, 2008
10 Lenten Traditions to Enrich Your Family's Easter
Lent begins February 6. That's Wednesday, folks! Easter is early this year. You may belong to a denomination that marks the seasons of the church calendar - perhaps you even receive ashes as an outer symbol on the first day of Lent. No matter where you worship, there are traditions...5:01 PM in Easter | Permalink | Comments (2)
Mom awaits lung transplant, infant in NICU, Dad tells the story
You know, I've always preferred non-fiction to fiction. Yes, I do like a good story - well-told - now and then and my second favorite book in the world is Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. Still, I am constantly amazed at true life and the stories of those who rise above...8:29 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
February 3, 2008
Special needs kids - model search
From Parents magazine - looking for special kid models not just for articles on special needs, btw: Looking For Models Our photo editors asked us to reach out to you: We love that kids come in all different shapes, sizes, and abilities and it’s important to us to celebrate...7:14 PM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (9)
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #18
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic...5:49 PM in Evangelical to Catholic, My life | Permalink | Comments (7)
What about when playmates are mean?
From my inbox - and since I'm typing with my left hand and right forefinger and using the mouse with my left hand (now that's hard!), maybe you all can jump in with some wisdom here: Hi Barbara, I have a question that I need a little wise advice about....5:42 PM in Mothering, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (2)
Adoption opport unity: Korean baby with Down syndrome
From Bethany Adoption Services: Ha Jin-wu (2/07) is a one-year-old Korean infant born with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease. In April 2007, he had surgery to correct his heart defects. This adorable child needs a nurturing family to help him grow and mature. If you’re wondering about adopting a...4:53 PM in Adoption, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0)
Abercrombie & Fitch porn pitch must end
Breaking news: Virginia Beach police seize photos from Abercrombie store By Steve Stone The Virginian-Pilot © February 3, 2008 Police, saying they were responding to citizen complaints, carted away two large promotional photographs from the Abercrombie & Fitch store in Lynnhaven Mall on Saturday and cited the manager on obscenity...12:38 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (4)
March for Life 2008 prayer vigil
Old news - from the night before the March for Life, but I just opened up this link Tripp sent me and wanted to share this account of an awe-inspiring event: Pro-Life Mass Packed to the Rafters with over 8000+, 400+ Priests, 34 Bishops, 6 Cardinals WASHINGTON, DC, January 22,...12:22 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
A look at the Sixties
I am typing with my left hand and right forefinger - not sure how long I can do this each day :) Thanks for your prayers, y'all. Tripp sent me this link - which may be nostalgic for some of my readers, but for most might give you a short,...8:32 AM in Nostalgia | Permalink | Comments (1)
Destroying people with Down Syndrome
What does Al Qaida and our "Civilized Nation" have in common? Both believe the lives of individuals with Down syndrome are expendable when those with more typical genetic patterns think so. By now you've probably heard that terrorists strapped explosives to two women with Down syndrome and detonated their human...8:06 AM in Current Affairs, Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
February 2, 2008
as my life comes to a screeching halt
my wrist is broken. spent the afternoon at the er -now home and ready to collapse. my right hand and arm are in a splint and sling. monday i will get a cast. will write more tomorrow (very s-l-o-w-l-y) your prayers appreciated :)...6:23 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (14)
February 1, 2008
Loudoun ice storm
It certainly wasn't as spectacular as the unforgettable ice storm of 2002, but for someone who lived in California for 30 years, it still strikes me as strikingly beautiful:...2:26 PM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (1)
Eating disorders
I am blessed with a readership which includes many women willing to share their experience and wisdom to help others. I want to thank Anna for providing this information for anyone who needs to get honest/get help about an eating disorder: I am a 26 year old social worker from...12:21 PM in Health | Permalink | Comments (4)
Struggling with homework - and it's only first grade
I am sharing part of a lengthy email I received because I think answering it together may be of help to Shauna and to other readers here: Good Morning, Barbara, It's been about six months since I e-mailed you . . . I would like to pick your brain on...11:57 AM in Homeschooling, Mothering, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (4)
Free pocket Constitution
Sign up to receive a weekly email from the Heritage Foundation - based on their questions What Would Reagan Do? - and they will send you a free pocket constitution. Go to The Heritage Foundation and click on Free Pocket Constitution....11:02 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Elisabeth Elliot on joy
I think Elisabeth Elliot nails it in this passage from All That Was Ever Ours: Joy is not a word we use much nowadays. We think of it poetically as the opposite of sorrow, another word that does not often come into conversation. Both words represent experiences one does not...10:50 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Men's brains, women's brains - very funny
Tripp sent me this - it explains a lot:...10:41 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2)
Beautiful free wallpaper - computer variety
I just downloaded this for my desktop - you can find lots of beautiful and inspirational designs at Crosscards....10:21 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1)
Loudoun County Public Schools closed
No, this isn't the official site for LCPS school closing - this is just the most frequent blogger in Loudoun County - Megamom Barbara Curtis, mother of 12.But, since you asked, LCPS just released word:Loudoun County Public Schools are closed today, March 2, 2009LCPS has withdrawn from the School's Out...9:25 AM in Loudoun County, My life | Permalink | Comments (3)
Changing bad habits in kids - part one
I love the idea of teaching your children to treat books with respect. My only problem is that I have not done that as of yet and my 5, 3, and almost 2 year old children tend to toss, step and rip books. How do I reteach them? Is it...8:13 AM in Books, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (2)
Here I am, just a little broken but rarin' to go
It's Friday. I went to bed last night looking forward to having a whole day while the kids were at school to catch up on stuff. My office looks like a cyclone hit it - as much as writing might seem like a rather unmessy activity, I somehow seem to...7:19 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (3)
