July 2008
July 31, 2008
Children and theater - a win/win scenario
HI Barbara, I know that you are busy with moving and all, but if you ever get the time, I wanted to ask you how you got your children involved in theatre. I have four children, ages: 11, 9,9, and 7. The twins are shy and the other two...7:39 PM in Homeschooling, Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (8)
Maddy and Jonny in Godspell
Yes, Maddy and Jonny are both in Godspell! And Sophia is working fulltime for the Growing Stage staff this summer, directing the younger kids' productions and then running over to help with this one. If you come see the show, please say hi -...11:51 AM in Family, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
Obama plays the race card
This just disgusts me. It's not the Republicans who will use race to win the election - but the Obama camp which continues to deny anyone the opportunity to discuss issues. He's set himself up as untouchable. He whines over any criticism as "inappropriate." Who does he think he is?...11:42 AM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2)
Godspell - free performances in Loudoun
11:36 AM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
To share with the kids A couple weeks ago, Martha sent me this video which I never got around to posting. Now I hear these two guys were on The View with BabaWawa last week: Martha also sent me pictures of this Tiger Temple in Thailand (say that quick 10x!),...10:41 AM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)
#!/usr/bin/mom has #7!
I've written about mommy blogs being like backyard fences. There are so many moms I feel I know because of comments and emails we've shared over the years. If you read the comments, you may feel like you know them too :) Michelle Potter #!/usr/bin/mom (I still don't get...9:21 AM in Big families | Permalink | Comments (1)
Planned Parenthood's sleazy outreach to teens
Not for the kids: [This is not just alarmist - see comments and go to the site yourself to see!] I can't emphasize enough: Planned Parenthood masquerades as a non-profit while receiving millions in your tax dollars to fund programs like this - and to lobby against abstinence funding and...8:43 AM in Planned Parenthood | Permalink | Comments (4)
July 30, 2008
Moving update
I. Am. So. Tired. My toes and fingers are tired. But bright spots: my next-door neighbor came over yesterday with a pie! Another neighbor family left a box of goodies on our doorstep when we weren't there. And I found out that we know our other next-door neighbors from...8:41 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (4)
July 29, 2008
Loudoun Extra interview - thanks, Rachel!
Last week Rachel Dickson came out to Waterford and sat down among the packing boxes to ask me questions about my life. As usual I had a lot to say :) Click below to read how she made sense of it all: Up Close: Barbara Curtis This LoCo mother of...12:54 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (3)
July 28, 2008
Montessori Monday - prepared environment
No mother has to experience the Terrible Twos. All it takes is understanding and practicing a few Montessori principles to help your child sail gracefully through what can really be a thoroughly delightful and productive stage. Preparing an environment to meet the child's developmental needs is key. The most important...5:39 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Montessori Mondays, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (4)
Still moving - happiness bigtime
Still moving. I go to bed each night and wake up each morning aching all over - and can't imagine what Tripp is feeling since he is 53 and doing super-human wonderful lifting and carrying and getting big things through small doors. As I wrote once before in Why I...10:34 AM in Family, My life | Permalink | Comments (12)
July 27, 2008
How Are You Feeling Today?
I love this poster by Jim Borgman: I bought mine 17 years ago and had it laminated. It's been giving us a more objective perspective ever since. A great resource for developing emotional intelligence in your kids. Kids do better when they have a label to put on their feelings:...10:17 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (4)
July 26, 2008
Obama - overreaching, inauthentic, manipulative
To counterbalance the MSM's idolatrous coverage of Obamessiah overseas, here are a few more candid observations: Mixed metaphors and soggy logic July 25, 2008, David Frum An American presidential candidate travels to the very center of Europe and draws a huge cheering crowd. George W. Bush obviously could never do...9:01 AM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (9)
Obama: can he personally save the world?
He ventured forth to bring light to the world The anointed one's pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a miracle in action - and a blessing to all his faithful followers July 25, 2008 And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil...7:52 AM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
July 25, 2008
Overweight spouse - what can you do?
Hi Barbara, I was wondering if you had time to address a "weighty" issue. I have followed your weight loss story and admired it, as I'm sure many others have. It has been particularly encouraging to me because my husband is very overweight and I have hoped for a long...6:35 AM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (10)
How has Focus on the Family impacted your life?
You all know the role Dr. Dobson played in my finding a relationship with Jesus 21 years ago. I know there are many people like me who've found practical inspiration for strengthening marriages, raising children and finding God in our everyday lives through the Focus on the Family radio broadcast....6:23 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
As a child heads for college
Ben and Zach will both be seniors at Liberty this year. Sophia is leaving August 13 to live life away from home for the first time, but has chosen Liberty too - so she will have a year with her brothers. Von sent me this poem, reminding me we...6:05 AM in Family, Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1)
July 24, 2008
Moving -
Moving is one of those times when I am convinced that I am married to the best man in the whole world. I mean it! Tripp and I have been married 25 years and this is our ninth move. How in the world that happened, I do not know....5:11 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (4)
July 23, 2008
Maggie's mom: Maggie's smiling!
Remember Maggie - the newborn with Down syndrome we've been praying for? Here's the latest from her mom: Hello again! Just wanted to stop in and say hello. Maggie recovered so beautifully. She is now 8lbs 2oz at 2 1/2 months. It is amazing what the surgery did for her....6:59 PM in Babies, Down syndrome, Prayer needs | Permalink | Comments (3)
Gay activist Bradley Fowler sues Bible publishers
Remember the story a couple weeks ago about the gay man who is suing Bible publishers? For more about Bradley Fowler - who served 19 years in prison, renounced his Baptist heritage and found his salvation as a homosexual - read this book review: Bradley Fowler Turns Life Around...9:08 AM in Continuing chaos | Permalink | Comments (2)
July 21, 2008
Obamarama - media bias rampant
Is media playing fair in campaign coverage? By DAVID BAUDER, AP Television Writer Sun Jul 20, 1:06 PM ET NEW YORK - Television news' royalty will fly in to meet Barack Obama during this week's overseas trip: CBS chief anchor Katie Couric in Jordan on Tuesday, ABC's Charles Gibson in...1:09 PM in Campaign 2008, Media Bias | Permalink | Comments (0)
New York Times rejects McCain editorial, saying it should "mirror" Obama
Breaking news. How long will these people control our country's news? Oh, that's right - they don't anymore. . . . NYT REJECTS MCCAIN'S EDITORIAL; SHOULD 'MIRROR' OBAMA Mon Jul 21 2008 12:00:25 ET An editorial written by Republican presidential hopeful McCain has been rejected by the NEW YORK TIMES...1:05 PM in Media Bias | Permalink | Comments (3)
A father to the fatherless
This piece originally appeared in World magazine June 13, 1998 - my Father's Day tribute. His Little Girl I remember the day my dad left. He knelt and hugged me and cried. The skimpy dress of a five year old girl couldn't protect me from the chill that gathered...12:01 PM in Inspiration, My life | Permalink | Comments (1)
The Winds of Fate - Ella Wheeler Wilcox
In line with my last entry, about God's redemption of me from a dark and wretched background, I do like this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, which emphasizes our role ('Tis the set of a soul/That decides its goal) in receiving the help He offers. The Winds of Fate by...10:38 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
Beyond family skeletons: redemption and freedom
Follow-up to the story about my father sperm donor (SD) - after what just happened I just can't use that word in association with this vile man, so I'm grabbing Dr. Laura's epithet. I've shared here the long saga of my SD tracking me down through Classmates.com after 20 years...9:37 AM in Family, Inspiration, My life | Permalink | Comments (11)
Five things that might surprise you about me
Five Things That Might Surprise You About me: *I have not one, but three tattoos (circa 1970 or so). *I am terrified of roller coasters and ferris wheels. *I don’t like gardening or sushi. I've tried gardening and may give it another try someday. But the idea of sushi makes...9:12 AM in Fun Stuff, My life | Permalink | Comments (7)
July 20, 2008
Summer DVD round up - six new, one old
Movies are a favorite family activity around here, although our choices are more often off-the-beaten path and multi-cultural. I read a lot of reviews to come up with ideas on what to see – raning from Plugged In (for a bit of moral compass) to Rotten Tomatoes (for artistic merit)....11:16 AM in Family, Movies | Permalink | Comments (4)
Free books!! Paperback Swap
This is amazing!! At least for a household of book lovers like ours. Last year, Angie told me about PaperbackSwap - where you list your books (hardbacks too) and agree to send them free as people order them (usually 2.23 media mail). For every book you sell, you get...8:02 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1)
July 18, 2008
Dr. Dobson nominated to Radio Hall of Fame!
Dr. Dobson's Radio Program Wins Spot in National Radio Hall of Fame 'I want to thank all the friends across the nation who cast their votes for me. I love and appreciate them all.' The Focus on the Family radio program has been elected to the National Radio Hall...9:51 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2)
Baby's smile makes mom high
More on the science behind motherhood: Baby's smile gives mom a natural high NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A baby's smile does more than warm a mother's heart -- it also lights up the reward centers of her brain, according to the results of a brain imaging study. The...1:21 PM in Babies, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
CPAP for child with sensory issues - suggestions, anyone?
Hi Barbara, How are you doing? Hope you're having a fabulous summer. I'm writing to see if any of your boys wear a cpap for sleep apnea. If so, do you have any advice on HOW to get a 4 year old with downs plus lots of sensory issues to...12:59 PM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (2)
Homosexual propaganda in public schools
By 2002, gay activists had created such a juggernaut in the California public school system that "No Homophobia" signs were as ubiquitous as American flags used to be in California-style public school classrooms. Gay activists were free to pop into public high schools to distribute quizzes asking students in detail...12:52 PM in Public schools | Permalink | Comments (9)
Teens need freedom from pressure to choose gay labels - Part 1
PFOX Exposes Dangers Of Self-Identifying As ‘Gay’ Before Maturity Gay Straight Alliance clubs in high school work to exclude ex-gays from bullying and anti-discrimination policies. July 18, 2008 – The Washington Post recently ran a sympathetic article about a 15-year-old boy named Saro who described his homosexual feelings and how...11:59 AM in Media Bias, Public schools, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (0)
And you thought your public pool was crowded...
Families are returning to the Sichuan area of western China after May's devastating earthquake. Photo above from a pool in Penglai. Source: UK's Daily Mail. HT:Tripp...9:32 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (1)
Breastfeeding, oxytocin and love
In yet another scientific nod to the things we moms already knew, researchers have found the scientific explanation for the link between bonding and breastfeeding. From the BBC News: Breastfeeding trust hormone clue The government advises exclusive breastfeeding for first six months Scientists have for the first time shown...7:42 AM in Babies, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3)
July 17, 2008
JibJab - Campaign 2008
Remember JibJab? Here's their latest offering:...6:43 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2)
July 16, 2008
Our financial collapse - and starting over
[Warning: very long - you'll need to click below to get to the collapse part] Tripp and I have been married for 25 years. During that time we've made a fortune and lost it. When we got married, I brought two daughters into the marriage and we began having...9:43 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (26)
Add a MommyLife widget for news
A few of you have added MommyLife widgets to your blogs, so I thought I'd run this again: Too busy to post every day? Need a way to add more dimension to your blog and better serve your readers? Here's a widget you can post in your sidebar which will...5:38 PM in Shameless self-promotion | Permalink | Comments (0)
To be a mother
The Most Important Person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral - a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body… The angels have...4:41 PM in Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
Over air-conditioning - please give us a break
Having lived in northern/coastal California for 30 years, I must admit the weather was heavenly. Not many houses even had air-conditioning. And the humidity level was always perfect. Now back on the east coast - as much as I adore the wild weather fluctuations - I am constantly amazed...2:16 PM in Complaint Department, Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (3)
Memo to Loudoun County Public Schools - stop over-airconditioning! Please!
Speaking of over-air-conditioning, my kids are involved in a summer program held in Loudoun County Public Schools in which the director's letter to parents contained a warning to send a sweater with kids because the school's auditorium is so cold. Unfortunately, that's not the exception, but the rule. My...1:45 PM in Downsizing, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (2)
New Yorker Obama cover - what do you think?
I'm a little late posting this, but wondering what you think. As someone who was a flaming radical liberal back in the days when New York's elite were inviting members of the Symbionese Liberation Front to their dinner parties (Tom Wolfe wrote about it in Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing...1:41 PM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (3)
Obama and Planned Parenthood
Thanks for sending this link, Krystal -...1:21 PM in Campaign 2008, Planned Parenthood | Permalink | Comments (1)
Loving your crockpot - 365 days of recipes
For anyone who wants to get to know their crockpot better, here's an amazing site by a woman who's resolved to use her crockpot every day of 2008 - sharing the results with us: Click the banner above to get there. Here's her About Me: Crockpot Lady My name is...1:09 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (3)
July 14, 2008
Great gift idea: Memory bears
Running this again because I just realized I forgot to put Holly's link Duh. I'm really intrigued by this idea: Holly at Seeking Faithfulness can take a piece of fabric which holds special memories for someone and make a bear out of it. What a great gift idea - Mother's...6:00 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (3)
Montessori Monday - what about fantasy?
Dear Barbara, Could you please address fantasy in regards to children? Is it best to discourage things like fairies, purple dinosaurs, and the like? Should we only bring "life like" items into our homes for our children and allow them to only read books that are true to life?...5:35 PM in Montessori Mondays | Permalink | Comments (5)
Tony Snow, R.I.P.
Who could not like Tony Snow? He was one of the most warm, engaging news commentators ever. When - after successfully beating colon cancer - he took a cut in pay to work accept the position as the White House Press Secretary, I was hoping we might see a...4:07 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Down syndrome - the joy and beauty
The creation of Connie Wenk, whose photographs of children with Down syndrome capture something the geneticists urging abortion would never be able to tell prospective parents about. Please go see them now at her website! They are the most beautiful I've ever seen. Connie Wenk also has a blog...6:50 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (3)
Black Pro-lifers to NAACP: no more tax dollars for Planned Parenthood
Black pro-lifers to ask NAACP to oppose taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood Day Gardner: Planned Parenthood has basically bought off Barack Obama Cincinnati, Jul 10, 2008 / 06:06 pm (CNA).- A group of pro-life African-American pastors and other leaders plans this coming Monday to ask the National Association for...6:45 AM in Planned Parenthood, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (5)
July 13, 2008
Alex Barton - Florida wants to hear from other families
As I wrote in my article Including special needs children in class: Is it worth it?, what happened to Alex Barton the day his kindergarten teacher had his classmates vote him out of the class should never have happened. Our hearts ached for Alex and his mother - and...8:55 AM in Alex Barton, Autism, Disabilities, Inclusion, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (2)
July 12, 2008
Radio Hall of Fame: Vote for Dr. Dobson by July 15
On March 21, 1987 I became a Christian - thanks to Dr. Dobson's Focus on the Family radio show and the Barbara and Dennis Rainey's Weekend to Remember (see For He Is Our Peace). Tripp and I have been fortunate to have met all three of our spiritual godparents...7:05 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (4)
July 11, 2008
Kumon Workbooks - I like them!
I first heard of Kumon when our next door neighbors in Novato sent their children to Kumon classes after school to enhance their education. Kumon has an excellent reputation, so when they contacted me to review their new line or workbooks geared for younger learners, I was interested in seeing...6:54 PM in Homeschooling, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6)
Loving the Weirdo - Paige Ulrich
Paige Ulrich is a remarkable young woman whose open and analytical approach - as well as her ability to dialogue with people of many persuasions - suggest a wisdom beyond her 26 years. I first "met" Paige when she left a comment on MommyLife in November 2005. Since then, she...12:58 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (7)
Father of dead soldier enlists, deploys to Iraq
Fort Worth dad deploying to country that took his son By CHRIS VAUGHN FORT WORTH — In a few days, Francisco Martinez will land in Iraq. He is one of tens of thousands of men and women who, with various motivations, enlisted in the armed forces, knowing that they’d...12:41 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2)
Elisabeth Elliot on Family Peace
Elisabeth Elliot nails it again: The Arbiter is Peace When there are disputes or differences of any sort between people, there are four possible results: estrangement, an armed truce, compromise, or reconciliation. The first of these is the reason for a good many divorces. The second accounts for many unhappy...10:58 AM in Elisabeth Elliot, Family, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
For Christians in the entertainment industry
Got kids in the performing arts? Knowing I have a few, Judy sent me a link to InterMission: WHAT IS INTERMISSION? Founded in 1987, INTERMISSION is a dynamic and unique organization that has its finger on the pulse of the entertainment industry. It is comprised of more than 5000 entertainment...9:34 AM in Entertainment | Permalink | Comments (0)
Blue Ridge Leader / Patrick Henry College - yet another baseless attack
Two weeks ago the Blue Ridge Leader's cup of hatred ran over again with yet another front page attack on Patrick Henry College and Mike Farris. Did the Leader think this could pass for a news piece? It was just so embarrassing. As Mitch Turner wrote in a Letter to...8:53 AM in Homeschooling, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (4)
July 10, 2008
Critical thinking skills for elementary age kids
In response to my post on Critical Thinking with recommendations for older kids, some moms wanted to know how to help their younger kids develop critical thinking skills. I'm so glad you asked!! I homeschooled all my kids for eight years, and continued while releasing some as their needs and...9:20 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (1)
Critical thinking - teaching your kids to think for themselves
Funny how some nonbelievers think that Christians are mindless robots. I actually see evidence daily that it takes a lot of critical thinking skills to overcome the forces of social engineering (media, music, movies) that have convinced the masses that tradition is bad and that homosexuality, abortion, and promiscuity is...7:53 PM in Homeschooling, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (3)
Mozart - Concerto for harp and flute - treat yourself and your children
Moms, you have a wonderful resource for creating a serene and gentle atmosphere in your home: classical music. I've specifically mentioned the harp as an instrument that will bring out the peaceful nature of your children. If you don't know much about classical music, it's never too late to learn....7:29 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
Free Slurpees 7/11 from 7-Eleven
Slurpee Day 2008 Just a reminder: July 11th is once again Slurpee day. Hooray! As in years past, 7-Eleven stores will be handing out 1000 free 7.11oz Slurpees from 7am until 11pm (or until supplies last). Yay! Free Slurpee!!!!...7:13 PM in Bargains | Permalink | Comments (3)
Cut Planned Parenthood federral funding NOW!
From my Inbox: SBA List President, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) Call for De-Funding of Planned Parenthood, “Wal-Mart of big abortion†Washington – Yesterday Representatives Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) organized a special order on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to call for an end...6:17 PM in Current Affairs, Planned Parenthood, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Regina Spektor - I like her!
Zach continues to make me CDs of Indie music. I don't know whether it is because we think so much alike - we are both ENTJs - but I rarely dislike anything he puts on for me to hear. Also, I am amazed that my computer-geek/guru son knows SO MUCH...4:44 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
Pro-life feminists and liberals - can Obama hear their voices too?
Pictured above are Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, founding mothers of the women's suffrage movement, whose never-give-up passion for politics won women the right to vote. Did you know they were anti-abortion? In her publication The Revolution, Susan wrote: "Guilty? Yes. No matter what the motive, love...1:17 PM in Campaign 2008, Current Affairs, Feminism, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (6)
July 9, 2008
American Heritage Girls - need interviews
One of my upcoming assignments is an article on American Heritage Girls, "a nonprofit scouting organization dedicated to building women of integrity through service to God, family, country, and community. Just reading the order of priorities resonates with me - I'm glad to hear that there is an organization...5:30 PM in Girls | Permalink | Comments (4)
Chicken Soup for the Soul College stories needed
Okay, I know some of you out there have some great stories from your college days - or have kids or know someone else who might want to give this a try. This is a great way to get published - plus earn $200 for your writing. Chicken Soup...5:15 PM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)
Gay man sues Bible publishers
'Gay' man sues Bible publishers $70 million for emotional distress because homosexuality cast as sin Posted: July 09, 2008 © 2008 WorldNetDaily A homosexual man who has a blog on Sen. Barack Obama's campaign website is suing two major Christian publishers for violating his constitutional rights and causing emotional...5:01 PM in Continuing chaos, Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (5)
July 8, 2008
Sign language for kids
Years ago, therapists started using sign language to help kids with disabilities communicate. Nowadays, signing is fun and helpful for everyone. But kids LOVE it: This is just one of the 33 short videos available for free at Signing Time on YouTube. Be sure to bookmark and share these with...9:27 PM in Babies, Disabilities, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6)
Alex Barton - update 7
I shipped our last Care Package to Alex last week. His mom Melissa wrote: Alex says THANK YOU! I am very appreciative of the support that everyone has provided thus far. It has been a long road and we have a far journey ahead of us. We are taking...8:01 PM in Alex Barton, Autism | Permalink | Comments (1)
Beautiful harp music for baby
I have lots of appeals for product plugs at MommyLife, but I pass on most. Here's one I'm very impressed with because it is harp music for babies and I think harp music is exceptionally soothing and sets a tone for the entire household. Last winter I wrote: This is...1:39 PM in Babies, Music | Permalink | Comments (1)
Fenway Park Disability Awareness Day - Autistic man sings anthem
From Laura - Barbara, I just watched this video and through teary eyes, I am sending it to you. It was BEAUTIFUL and so fun and great to watch!...1:22 PM in Autism, Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (1)
Anglicans may return to Catholic Church
Interesting news. . . Anglicans to Catholics: Ready or Not, Here we Come Church of England General Synod to touch off an exodus by approving women bishops By Hilary White YORK, England, July 7, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - "There can be no future for Christianity in Europe without Rome," an Anglican...1:01 PM in Catholicism, Church Issues | Permalink | Comments (4)
Kids by the Dozen - big family pros and cons
When Kids by the Dozen first aired, I had every intention of watching it. But the thing is, I don't like TV very much and find it hard to sit down and watch stuff. Though I've never reviewed or seen the show, my entry linking to the schedule has...9:54 AM in Big families | Permalink | Comments (7)
July 7, 2008
Right to dry - count me in!
As I was putting together Clothesline Wars - the Right to Dry I began to actually yearn to hang up some clothes outside. No kidding! I even thought of Emily Dickinson's line: "The soul should always stand ajar, waiting for the ecstatic experience." Maybe hanging clothes doesn't sound so...8:17 PM in Current Affairs, Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (17)
Clothesline wars - Right to Dry
A local story, which seems to be popping up everywhere: Homeowners fight for right to dry laundry outside July 6, 2008 - 1:58pm GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) - "Jill" is not her real name. She wants to remain anonymous. For years, Jill has been violating the rules of the Montgomery...5:39 PM in Current Affairs, Practical Info, Saving money | Permalink | Comments (1)
Montessori Mondays - set the example
When I took my Montessori training, there was a strong emphasis on the way the teacher moved about in the classroom. I was taught to walk and to sit and to present lessons in a calm and serene manner. It was so cool. It changed me. And then as...3:14 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Montessori Mondays, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (3)
July 5, 2008
WALL-E - Pixar does it again!
Having raised kids in the 80s and still raising them today, I'm here to tell you that one of the major perks of being a parent now is kids' movies. Every parent I know looks forward to the next Pixar film, holding our breaths: Bugs? Fish? Cars? Robots? Can they...10:24 PM in Entertainment, Movies | Permalink | Comments (16)
Boys' haircuts - save $$$$
It's been a long time since I ran this - just thought some new readers might be brave enough to give this a whirl - especially with summer weather here. The best $25 I ever invested was in a Wahl hair clipper kit seventeen years ago when I had four...10:22 PM in Practical Info, Saving money | Permalink | Comments (11)
July 4th at our house - Maddy off to Walpole Island
Awesome July 4th at our house with 26 people and complete chaos - but happy chaos - all day. Sam and Kip, my five grandchildren, Josh and Hattie, Zach and the six Curtis kids still at home, a couple of Sophia's friends and a family with five kids we've been...9:14 PM in Family, My life | Permalink | Comments (4)
Blood donor blues
So I hear this frantic ad on the radio - that blood is urgently needed before July 4th - and all the potential accidents - that blood supplies are extremely low, that there is a critical need for O+. I memorize the number and as soon as I can...2:14 PM in Opportunities to give | Permalink | Comments (6)
Twins? Chicken Soup for the Soul needs stories
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: Twins and More Whether you are a twin, the parent of twins, related to twins,...11:56 AM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (2)
For mothers of grown-up sons - Sam Beam sings it for real
Iron and Wine (Sam Beam) performing at Messiah College. A rough video, but the best one I could find of his voice: Upward Over The Mountain Mother don't worry, I killed the last snake that lived in the creek bed Mother don't worry, I've got some money I saved for...11:38 AM in Boys, Mothering, Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
July 4, 2008
A Marine Mother's July 4 reflection
From a writer/mom of 6/friend of mine who lives in California: Freedom’s Price by Marci Seither Sand blew across the parking lot. It seemed we had found the edge of the world, but for our oldest son, Nathan and the other Marines stationed there, the colorless landscape of 29...11:33 AM in July 4 | Permalink | Comments (3)
July 4 - the price they paid
American Minute with Bill Federer July 4 The Declaration of Independence was approved JULY 4, 1776. John Hancock signed first, saying "the price on my head has just doubled." Benjamin Franklin said "We must hang together or most assuredly we shall hang separately." Of the 56 signers: 17 lost...9:37 AM in July 4 | Permalink | Comments (1)
July 3, 2008
Extreme Ironing
You can see hundreds of pictures at the Extreme Ironing Bureau Welcome to the home of extreme ironing - the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt. Next stop, the Olympics....4:28 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (1)
Lost your camera? Your memory card?
These smiling VT girls would probably be even happier - if this picture could find its way home. I Found Your Camera is in the business - free - of reuniting orphan pictures and lost cameras with their owners. You can even browse through the pictures - search by...4:05 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (2)
July 1, 2008
Compassion International - looking for blog support team
Have any of you adopted children through Compassion International? Our family did this for years when the kids were little and we were homeschooling. My oldest daughter Samantha has allowed her children to each adopt a child and they learn a lot about each country as well as supporting...7:25 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (7)
Starry Starry Night - Van Gogh's art slideshow
[Ran this last year, but the song ran through my mind today when I saw the print in the doctor's office - thought new readers might enjoy it.] This piece by Don McLean came out in the 70's but I hope that those of you much younger than I have...1:39 PM in Art | Permalink | Comments (2)
Stewardship and recycling - a natural fit
You know I'm a big scoffer at the newest Chicken Little Worry Hype called Global Warming - maybe because I'm old enough to have experienced the media hype 30 years go about The Coming Ice Age (Yep, that's right folks - read about it here). And I'm very skeptical...8:39 AM in Current Affairs, Downsizing | Permalink | Comments (11)
Rescue Squad Special needs registry - Purcellville
This is a local call-out from a town close to me (thanks, Suzanne) - but it got me thinking that all of us parents with family members with special needs should see if our local rescue department has a similar program. If not, you might want to get one started,...8:18 AM in Disabilities, Loudoun County, Opportunities to give | Permalink | Comments (1)
