June 2008
June 30, 2008
Family skeletons - breaking free
This is very heavy and very long. You will need to click below to read the entire story - which I think some of you may find worth it: In January 2007 I shared with readers how my father had contacted me after 20 years through Classmates.com in An Unexpected...10:10 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (27)
Alex Barton cards - update 7
Sending the last shipment to Alex tomorrow - 29 pieces of mail, from San Diego, CA Lawrenceville, GA (2) Somerville, NJ Martinsburg, WV 25405 Clermont, FL 34711 Spring Lake, MI Carrollton, TX Bethlehem, CT Danielson, CT S. Houston, TX West Orange, NC Saskatoon, SK Pittsburgh. PA Palestine Alberta, Canada...5:58 PM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 28, 2008
Heart for Africa necklace - adoption fundraiser
[updated 2/28/10] Stumbled on this today: This fine silver pendant I created in the shape of Africa and added a cut out of a Heart. I hand finished this pendant and added a medium patina. The pendant measures about 1 inch. I paired this with an 18 inch sterling silver...1:56 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (1)
Norman Rockwell on vacations
Thought this would make you smile in the midst of summer outings and vacations. It's called Going and Coming. Norman Rockwell portrayed so many situations that resonate with families. If he was left out of your education - which he may have been as the emphasis in art has...8:43 AM in Art | Permalink | Comments (5)
The Baby Borrowers - your thoughts
Barbara, I wondered what you think of this show. I've looked all over, and haven't seen anyone who shares my concern, so maybe I'm crazy, I don't know. Mom Houston, a mommy blog in the Houston Chronicle, has been going on and on about how she loves the show...8:16 AM in Entertainment | Permalink | Comments (17)
Inspiration - short but sweet!
In my Inbox, from Martha: To all the prayerful women in my life - keep the faith!! Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says "Oh, no! She's awake!...7:50 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Dennis and Barbara Rainey - on losing a grandchild
Dennis and Barbara Rainey of Family Life Ministries are very dear to Tripp and me - along with Dr. Dobson, we consider them our spiritual godparents as it was through them 21 years ago that we came to understand Jesus as the Son of God rather than just another spiritual...7:23 AM in Prayer needs | Permalink | Comments (1)
Elisabeth Elliot on leaving self-will and going to God's
I woke today knowing that I need to break my attachment to food - again. After losing 90 of the 100 pounds (pictures here) which was my original goal, I put on 10 at Christmas and have made several false starts at losing them. C'mon, woman, it's been six months!...6:56 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
Praying for Maggie - update
From Michelle - mother to a newborn with Down syndrome we've been praying for: Hello again! Just wanted to stop in to let you know how well Maggie is doing. Since her surgery she is gaining weight beautifully. She went from 5lbs 10oz before to now 6lbs 8oz! She...6:45 AM in Down syndrome, Prayer needs | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 27, 2008
Coming home from Camp Easter Seals
I said I was driving down to Harrisonburg today to pick up the Downzers (my four sons with Down syndrome - see Why I Call Them the Downzers) from Camp Easter Seals. What was I thinking? Harrisonburg is only halfway there. The camp is 4 1/2 hours away from us....8:08 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Mothering, Music, My life | Permalink | Comments (2)
Question for Obama: When does life begin?
From Family Research Council, which offers a free daily email update on issues affecting the family....5:26 PM in Campaign 2008, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
June 26, 2008
Obama and change
At the risk of alienating any of you who may be Obama supporters - which I'm not, although I also find the idea of a McCain presidency scary - I have to share this humorous poster my daughter Samantha sent me: I dread going through the next four months in...10:33 AM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (15)
Great sorurce for pro-life news
Interested in pro-life news? Click below: Plus you can subscribe to subscribe to a daily email roundup from Life News - which is actually much more attractively formatted than the web page and which you can skim for news specifically of interest to you....10:29 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Down syndrome dolls - what do you think?
Sheena, from the UK, sent me this from The Times (London): June 25, 2008 Disability dolls become more popular Are Down's syndrome, blind and chemotherapy dolls a blessing or just a sick joke? Supporters say they help children by Carol Midgley Take a look at the doll in the picture....10:06 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (7)
Saving Gas
This is a MUST-READ: How to Save Money on Gas - 29 Tips Print it out and share it with your hubby and teens too. And if you have one of those hubbies who is a good ol' boy like many of the men around where I live who...9:41 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (2)
Thank you for supporting this site
Thank you to whoever ordered their new stroller through the MommyLife link. While I used to write for paying publications, I cut back purposely when I found I loved blogging more. But since a blog like this incurs expenses, I had to figure out a way that my hubby wouldn't...8:47 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Call by Regina Spektor
Thanking God this morning for my wonderful children who by sharing their music with me open so many windows. Love this one Zach put on my custom CD - the final song in Prince Caspian:...8:07 AM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 25, 2008
Let It Go - keeping a tender heart
I had to drive to Alexandria this morning - about an hour and a half away in traffic time - to an office only half a mile from where I lived in 1969 when Samantha was born. I popped in a CD Zach had made for me. I LOVE...6:35 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (8)
June 24, 2008
Praying for Maggie and her family
Here is Maggie! Her mom Michelle sent her photo to us with thanks for your prayers, support and helpful suggestions. I wrote: My first son Jonny stayed three weeks in the hospital after he was born because he needed surgery on his intestines. It was so hard. Please keep...9:34 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (6)
Looking for a pro-life speaker? Consider Rev. Luke Robinson
If you are looking for a speaker for a pro-life event, please consider the Rev. Luke Robinson, whom I first saw at the 2007 March for Life: You've got to hear this clip of the speech he gave - which I covered under Abortion and African-American genocide. Click to listen:...8:29 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 23, 2008
Man-Babies
Here's one for the dads: GET MORE AT ManBabies.com!...7:29 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (6)
Montessori Mondays - Who was Maria Montessori?
Adapted from the introduction to my book Mommy, Teach Me! My study of children began with my own . . . In 1969 my first daughter Samantha was born. I was madly in love with my baby and anxious to do everything I could to be a good mom....12:30 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Montessori Mondays, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1)
Siblings co-sleeping
From the If There Were Only One Thing I Could Do Differently Department: You know, I'm still learning too. With kids 8-38 (gulp! - but keep in mind my birth kids are 15-38 and my last three are adopted), I've raised two generations of kids. This has given me...7:51 AM in Babies, Big families, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (16)
June 22, 2008
Chicken Soup for the Soul - Story Call Out
Okay, I know some of you out there have some great stories in you. This is a great way to get published - plus earn $200 for your writing. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms Subtitle: 101 Stories Celebrating the Power of Choice for Stay at Home and...6:39 PM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (1)
From mother of newborn with Down syndrome
Hello. My name is Michelle. I am 27 and have 2 children from a previous marriage. My daughter Maggie is 1 month old. After a week in the hospital from my c-section and a week of being home we were told our daughter has Down syndrome. I have come to...6:11 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (4)
Cardboard testimony - what's yours?
My friend Denise sent this to me. Several brought me to tears. (Note: YouTube is a mixed bag - this is a very spiritual clip, but unfortunately, there are some objectionable images in the sidebar.) My cardboard testimony: Tried it all / Only God matters What's yours?...5:54 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (6)
Elisabeth Elliot on doing a job you don't like
I know this wisdom from Elisabeth Elliot will resonate with moms! When I do the humblest tasks for my family, I think of Mary breaking her alabaster jar and using her riches to anoint Jesus. God doesn't look at the kind of work we do, but at our hearts as...4:18 PM in Elisabeth Elliot, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 20, 2008
Maddy confirmed as Catholic
From one big event to the next. Yesterday: Sophia's graduation. Today: Maddy's confirmation/First Communion Note the sweet white lace dress we found for her to wear. I wanted it to be special for her. Tripp bought her a Daily Missal. rosary, and a St. Cecelia medal. Melissa, her sponsor, who...5:00 PM in Catholicism, Family, My life | Permalink | Comments (10)
June 19, 2008
Sophia graduated today!
Sophia graduated from Loudoun Valley High today. It was a gorgeous day! Big sister Samantha came. Afterwards at lunch we reminisced about her high school graduation 21 - that's right! 21! - years ago. And to think I still have five more to go. Last one will be graduating class...11:16 PM in Family, Loudoun County, My life | Permalink | Comments (8)
June 18, 2008
Alex Barton card campaign - gotta love that smile!
From Melissa Barton This last box of letters was a very emotional one for me. The moment I opened the first card I started to cry. Alex said mom, do not cry, I told him I was happy. I could feel every prayer that has been prayed for our family....11:59 AM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (0)
My life - full speed ahead, but some CyberBumps
While my life is hurtling past at the speed of - well, at the speed of life - my CyberLife has slowed to a crawl. Maybe this sounds weird, but since you all are an important part of my life, this is very disturbing. It's like being sick and...10:13 AM in Family, My life | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 16, 2008
Another Down syndrome prom king
If you're wondering "another?" - Just Google Down syndrome and prom king to come up with more. Here's the latest: All hail Morris' king for a day Prom-goers cast votes for student with Down syndrome June 8, 2008 Tim Sullivan had vacillated about his high school prom. First, he said...6:47 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Inclusion, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (3)
June 15, 2008
Self-Injury. . . . What parents need to know
My friend Jan Kern has written a book called Scars That Wound, Scars That Heal: A Journey Out of Self-Injury. I asked her to write a guest blog for MommyLife on this important subject. Responding to a Child’s Self-Injury “Those are burns?” “Why would you do that?” “You don’t just...3:25 PM in Health, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (6)
Birth order and motherhood
Thanks to Lisa for sending this! BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN 1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy. 2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible. 3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Preparing for the...3:04 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2)
June 14, 2008
Where I've been
7:48 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (3)
June 13, 2008
Tim Russert, Rest in Peace
Breaking news: NBC's Tim Russert Dies at 58 Host of 'Meet the Press' Stricken While at Office By Howard Kurtz and William Branigin Washington Post Staff Writers Friday, June 13, 2008; 5:14 PM Tim Russert, the Democratic operative turned NBC commentator who revolutionized Sunday morning television and infused journalism with...5:43 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (4)
500 headaches/500 cures - book entries
Regarding my 500 headaches, Lori suggested soliciting ideas for a book. So how about it? What gives you a headache? But then, because my writing motto is "Say something simple and real, something with hope in it" (from the Frank Capra movie, Meet John Doe), let's also give the...10:33 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (5)
9th circuit judge a lover of porn
In one of those stories straight out of That Hideous Strength (third in the C. S. Lewis Space Trilogy) - one of those real-life nightmares that make you wonder whether we're fighting a losing battle - the judge presiding over an case poised to push the envelope on the free...10:23 AM in Continuing chaos | Permalink | Comments (6)
Why the Saints? - Part 2
In response to my musings on Why the Saints, Julana - who writes at Life in the Slow Lane - sent this as a comment, but it deserves an entry of its own: G. K. Chesterton on the Saints- "Tradition means giving a vote to most obscure of all classes,...9:44 AM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (3)
500 headaches
As I contemplate taking the last two aspirins from this bottle, I'm wondering: What in the world possessed me to buy a bottle of 1000 aspirins? It's been so long ago, I can't remember. Was I so overcome with the per unit price at Costco (note the Kirkland brand)...8:23 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (1)
Heat, hail, hello summer in metro DC
Still enjoy the freaky weather ups and downs since my tornado tangle last week. Last weekend began four days of what we in the DC metro area call unbearable heat - though since we're bearing it, I guess that's rather hyperbolic. It was so hot that our boys' Challenger Little...7:54 AM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (2)
Alex Barton cards - update 6
So many of you have contributed to the Alex is Special card campaign. It's been a busy week. Since Jonny and I mailed Alex's first box of cheer on 6/4, this much more had accumulated on my dining room table, including cards and packages from Wyoming, MI Orlando, FL (2)...6:47 AM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 11, 2008
Evangelical to Catholic #23 - Why the Saints?
[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...8:17 AM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (18)
June 9, 2008
Alex Barton and public school inclusion
Shortly after the Alex Barton story broke, I had to interrupt my blogging for a trip to Kansas on assignment for another story. After four hours of sleep, I was tired. But also inspired by the window of opportunity that had opened by Alex's story making national headlines. Since it's...4:26 PM in Alex Barton, Autism, Down syndrome, Inclusion, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (13)
My reading odyssey through Africa
I am still not feeling 100%. You know it's bad when I lie around for hours reading - which I did yesterday. Of course, I'd love to do that more often, but normally I'm way too busy to read - even when sick - until bedtime. And then I'm usually...3:16 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (3)
Going gray - on my way!
A couple years ago I announced on my blog that I was going to go gray. I never made good on that resolution. When my hair started growing out, I found that having the amount of gray I had at that point made my hair look very dull and unattractive....2:27 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (8)
Adopting children with Down syndrome
Since our family has adopted children with Down syndrome, I'm often asked how other interested families can begin the process themselves. It's like any other adoption in terms of enlisting the help of an agency and getting a home study. Catholic Charities helped us with two of our adoptions -...10:56 AM in Adoption, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (5)
June 8, 2008
Loudoun: Athlete 2 Athlete kickball clinic
My kids love Athlete 2 Athlete - a sports clinic that pairs differently-abled kids up with high school team players and cheerleaders for a day of individualized attention. It is really cool! See Something to Cheer About: Athlete 2 Athlete - and then, if you have someone in your life...11:14 AM in Disabilities, Inclusion, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 7, 2008
From Alex Barton: Thank you!
Yesterday, Alex got the box we sent Wednesday: His mom Melissa writes: WOW! Alex got all the cards from the first batch today! AMAZING, I am sure he felt a little like it was Christmas in June. The look on his face was priceless, as you see in the video...6:33 AM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (5)
June 6, 2008
Toddler sings the Lord's Prayer
From my Inbox and I almost passed it up - you don't want to miss this: HT to Kris. And if you like Zoei, check out a bunch of videos of her at the Zoeitoh channel....4:46 PM in Inspiration, Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
One hilarious commercial: Hoveround
I must have been sick too many days. I finally stopped doing laundry and trying to pretend I'm okay and surrendered to daytime TV. This was the best thing I saw - who woulda thought the Beach Boys' "I Get Around" would ever be put to use like this?...2:14 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (3)
Teacher appreciation - Unity Poem
Unity I dreamed I stood in a studio And watched two sculptors there, The clay they used was a young child's mind And they fashioned it with care. One was a teacher; the tools she used were books and music and art; One was a parent with a guiding...1:04 PM in Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0)
Purcellville Gazette - home of my new column Family Matters
Loudoun readers who've been looking for my writing locally can now find it in The Purcellville Gazette, a free weekly which arrives in western Loudoun mailboxes each Friday. The Purcellville Gazette began publishing in May of 2004 and has a circulation of 16,500. My column there is titled Family...12:36 PM in Loudoun County, My life | Permalink | Comments (1)
Loudoun Schools: Hats off to Harmony Intermediate!
I'd gotten a heads-up that Jonny and Maddy would both be receiving awards at Harmony Intermediate on Tuesday, so you can bet I was there. What I liked the most was hearing Principal Sherron Gladden - who's done an admirable job and is right up there on my School...12:31 PM in Inclusion, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 5, 2008
Real Life in Loudoun - tangling with tornados
I am still sick so not much energy to post. Jonny's IEP/transition to Loudoun Valley High was yesterday and I had to pull myself together for that since it involved 10 people's schedules and postponing might mean waiting another six weeks for the empty spaces on our calendars to coincide....3:53 PM in Loudoun County, My life | Permalink | Comments (9)
Alex Barton cards - update 5
Alex is special! This batch of mail for Alex is from yesterday and today - 36 pieces in all from: Woodland Hills, CA Enfield, CT Waco, TX Monroeville, PA Charlton, MA Westminster, CO (2) Jacksonville, FL Fontana, CA Marion, OH (3) Claremore, OK Jamaica, VT Medford, MA Port Charlotte,...3:37 PM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 4, 2008
Being "special" and self-esteem
I, like so many others, was outraged and saddened to read about the terrible behavior of Alex's kindergarten teacher, not to mention the potential lasting effects on the child. However, it occurred to me that because he has an IEP, indicating Special Education, it is possible that he doesn't want...2:04 PM in Alex Barton, Autism, Disabilities, Down syndrome, Special education | Permalink | Comments (2)
Alex Barton card campaign update 4
27 pieces of mail arrived for Alex on Tuesday. I took a picture, but forgot to write down where they were from. Jonny and I wrapped and packed up the box and mailed it today: Alex's mom, Melissa will take a picture when it arrives. I am feeling so...1:29 PM in Alex Barton, Autism | Permalink | Comments (0)
Lisa Miller Update - urgent - prayer needed!
Remember Lisa Miller - mom of Isabella and former lesbian who is now defending her claim as her daughter's only mother? She still needs our prayers. Her case was her before the Virginia Supreme Court and she and Isabella are awaiting that ruling. In the meantime, the Vermont Family...8:54 AM in Current Affairs, Parental Rights, Prayer needs | Permalink | Comments (8)
June 3, 2008
Teacher gifts - with heart and soul
What with six kids in five schools on three buses - and four with IEP teams too - plus voice/piano/sports teachers/coaches, I am completely overwhelmed at all times with even trying to remember the cast of thousands involved in helping my kids reach their potential. The end of the year...8:45 AM in Opportunities to give, Practical Info, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (10)
Feed a cold? Starve a cold? What?
While blogging makes for a lot of transparency, a blogger may be keeping up with a few things, but one thing you won't know unless she says so is that she's sick. Which I am. Along with Justin, I missed the strep/sore throat epidemic that went around our house a...6:47 AM in Health, My life | Permalink | Comments (7)
June 2, 2008
Giving away 12 books
Got the 12 recipes - which y'all can read in the comments, except for one super-duper family secret one that was emailed to me - so this give-away is over. Thanks! Ladies - please email me and tell me which book you want - I may need to make adjustments...5:22 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (16)
Alex Barton card campaign update 3
47 pieces of mail received today for Alex, from: Glenwood City, WI St. Charles, MO Northhampton, MA Amherst, NH Rocky Point, NY Huntington, NY Bonner Springs, KS Taos, NM Laguna Vista, TX Port St. Lucie, FL North Bend, WA Salina, KS Carlsbad, CA Woodland, CA Detroit, MI Plano, TX...4:56 PM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (1)
