December 2008
December 30, 2008
Curtis family Christmas update
We had a lovely Christmas - so quiet and stripped down of unnecessary stuff. So designed to help us appreciate the things that are most important. Tripp is still clomping around with his crutches and straight leg. I know he's uncomfortable, but honestly, when I hear him coming down the...9:00 PM in Family, My life | Permalink | Comments (2)
Question: Rosaries as jewelry
I have a question for my Catholic friends: how do you feel about wearing the rosary? I remember that 30 years ago I found a rosary in the dirt and I cleaned it and polished it and began to wear it around my neck with a collection of crystal pendants...2:38 PM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (24)
Diet Prep - Resources and encouragement
*Don't forget to take a photo!!!!! For once, try to look your fattest :) Though you will hate seeing what you once looked like, it may keep you scared enough to prevent regaining lost weight. And you may someday be someone's inspiration. I found Before and After photos very...12:44 PM in Diet | Permalink | Comments (36)
December 29, 2008
Why God Made Moms
Email from Tripp: WHY GOD MADE MOMS Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions: Why did God make mothers? 1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. 2. Mostly to clean the house. 3. To help us out of there when we...9:37 PM in Humor, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (4)
The Priests - heavenly sounds top the charts
Speaking of music, here's the latest singing sensation: three Irish priests: Great interview that gives the priests a chance to tell how it all came about: I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for beautiful male voices like these. I've already done my part to contribute to their...7:38 PM in Catholicism, Culture, Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
God gave us music to heal us
My daughter Sophia sent me this piece written on Facebook by one of her best friends. I asked permission to share it with my readers. Enjoy! Music the Healer To those who have felt like Music has changed their life- somehow. by Sarah Fletcher Have you ever wondered why music...7:26 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
An interview with God
Samantha sent me this - very inspirational:...5:32 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Diet prep
I know a lot of you are on board for joining me in bringing in a new year of becoming as fit as we can be by losing unnecessary weight and getting more exercise. Many of you have bought the Fat Flush Detox or the Fat Flush. I just want...11:03 AM in Diet, My life | Permalink | Comments (13)
December 24, 2008
For unto us a child is born
From Handel's Messiah - Isaiah 9:6 -...8:26 PM in Christmas, Music | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 23, 2008
Make-ahead Christmas breakfast
This is the Curtis traditional Christmas Breakfast Scramble. I make this on Christmas Eve afternoon so it's ready to pull out of the refrigerator on Christmas morning to cook while we unwrap presents. We usually have croissants and orange juice blended with strawberries and ginger ale. Brunch Casserole 12 eggs,...3:22 PM in Christmas, Recipes | Permalink | Comments (9)
It's still a wonderful life
A meditation on bailouts I published yesterday at the Christian Science Monitor (an excellent paper, by the way): Living through 'It's a Wonderful Life' By Barbara Curtis In the Year of the Bailout, some of us found our inner George Bailey. This year, as big corporations streamed to Washington for...1:22 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (3)
Family Update - especially Tripp
Let's just say it's been busy here, with Tripp still mending, the college kids coming and going - mostly going, it seems - visiting friends and moving in various directions with their lives. Benanna (Ben and Anna) went to scout out Philadelphia, where they have decided to locate after their...12:41 PM in Christmas, Family, My life | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 20, 2008
2009 Fat Flush update
I mentioned the other day that I am going back on my diet the first of the year and invited anyone who wanted to join me. Since then, I notice that 10 people have ordered the Fat Flush Detox - which I use, cycling over and over with a cranberry...1:44 PM in Diet, My life | Permalink | Comments (17)
December 19, 2008
Congress gives itself a raise
You and I may be tightening our belts, but the people who are spending our money bailing out corporations aren't sacrificing a thing: With economy in shambles, Congress gets a raise By Jordy Yager Posted: 12/17/08 A crumbling economy, more than 2 million constituents who have lost their jobs this...1:08 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (3)
The Mom Song - William Tell Overture - new version
You may have seen the original version - Anita Renfrow - of this hilarious send-up of motherhood, but this new one making the rounds has a more powerful voice: The Mom Song from Northland Video on Vimeo. The Mom Song Lyrics by Anita Renfrow: Get up now Get up now...10:23 AM in Humor, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 18, 2008
The Holly and the Ivy - 3 versions
Do you know this one? The vivid lyrics make this a good choice to teach children: The Holly and the Ivy The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown Of all the trees that are in the wood The holly bears the crown O the rising...10:14 PM in Christmas, Music | Permalink | Comments (2)
Mother+father+church = more success at school
From the Family Research Council A Home Remedy for America's Problems December 16, 2008 Church attendance is good for the soul, but a new study by FRC shows that it's also good for American schools. In a special edition of Dr. Pat Fagan's Mapping America, Drs. Nicholas Zill and Philip...9:17 PM in Culture, Current Affairs, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0)
Blogroll update and a tour of MommyLife
If you link to me through your blog, please check my blogroll to see if you are there and if the link is correct. My only requirement for adding you to my blogroll is that you add me to yours. Let me know if I need to update anything. My...10:38 AM in Blogging, Mothering, My life | Permalink | Comments (7)
Need info on RSS feeds
Hi Barbara! I have been reading your blog for about two months now, and I'm happy to say that I'm hooked! Your site is one of my daily stops on the internet. I particularly liked your commentaries on Christmas. At my house we love Jesus and we're proud to say...10:26 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (5)
December 17, 2008
The Fat Flush Diet: Does it work? And anyone want to join me 1/2/09?
I'm rerunning this entry for a couple reasons: * My post yesterday with the picture of the fat woman in the apron - me - promised a follow-up showing me minus all that extra weight. * I am currently up 10 pounds from my weight when the second picture was...9:19 PM in Diet, My life | Permalink | Comments (18)
Health Smoothies - a big difference and worth the time and effort
With 12 kids, including four with Down syndrome, I've spent way too much time in doctors' offices. The Downzers - especially when they were younger - had extremely weak immune systems, though they've gotten stronger with age. For a few years, their pediatrician and I kept them on Sulfatrim all...7:19 PM in Down syndrome, Health | Permalink | Comments (7)
Special Olympics feature - thank you, Sports Illustrated
Thanks to Maria, for the tip on this Sports Illustrated feature - and to Amy for supplying the link: [Click photo for slide show] Small Steps, Great Strides Jack McCallum December 8, 2008 On the 40th anniversary of the first Special Olympics, SI presents its first Sportsman of the Year...9:01 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (2)
Obama ducks question on Blagojevich/Emanuel
He sure is looking less Messiah-like these days. He looks tired already and not quite up to the job. But still condescending and arrogant. Can you imagine if a scandal of this magnitude had erupted during the transition of a Republican president-elect? What happened to change we can believe...5:33 AM in Campaign 2008, Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 16, 2008
Ben Stein: on Jewishness and Christmas
Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the...6:25 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 15, 2008
Apron Power 2009! A photo contest
Yes! To everyone who's asked me this year: I AM going to run another Apron Power! photo contest - and wanted to let you know in case your mother or mother-in-law were wondering what to give you for Christmas. For some of you, it might generate a lot of surprise...8:11 PM in Apron Power! | Permalink | Comments (6)
These days at our house - overflowing gratitude
With a big family, life changes as our on-their-way-to-grownup kids come and go. Zach and Sophia came home from college Thursday night. Kip and Samantha and six grandchildren brought dinner Saturday night. And Ben came home last night. Plus Tripp is finally able to join us at the table, so...8:15 AM in Family, My life | Permalink | Comments (8)
December 12, 2008
Melissa & Doug dollhouse only 47.99!
AMAZING DEAL!! List Price 159.99 at Amazon today for 47.99 Amazon is currently having a sale on selected Melissa & Doug items - this just struck me as the most outstanding bargain - it includes furniture too. Don't forget to click Super Saver shipping if it's available for free shipping....12:58 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (5)
DC Metro/Virginia/Maryland - truck and mover available
When I announced last spring that financial problems and our inability to sell had led us to the foreclosure of our home and move to a rental home, I was blessed to receive an offer of help with our move from a reader I'd never heard from before. Although...12:40 PM in | Permalink | Comments (1)
Moon gazers - tonight's the night!
I've been known to wake up my kids in the middle of the night for shooting star showers or the shuttle flyover. Good times! Your chance to make a family memory tonight:: Bundle up the kids, go out and look at the moon - miss it and you'll have to...10:52 AM in Current Affairs, Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 11, 2008
650 Scientists deny Global warming - where's the media?
Y'all know my thoughts on this subject - or if not, check out Global Warming - What a Crock, posted 4/22/07. I see The Global Warming Scam as another midlife crisis of career politician Al Gore, who just couldn't ride off into the sunset when he lost his last campaign...2:17 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
Gift idea - architectural blocks for kids
I saw this on a catalog cover (I never open them these days) - and wished they'd had this around when I had enough young children around to splurge on something like this for The One Big Family Christmas Gift. Carried by such dependable classic catalogs as Hearthsong and Back...2:02 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (3)
Jon Williams - Star Wars - tribute
Forgot who I need to thank for sending me this. Taking Tripp to the doctor for check-up - update to come....9:22 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (1)
Ugly Couch Contest
This is one of the couch finalists in the Worldwide Ugly Couch Contest. See other contestants and vote for your favorite before January 1. Also check out previous winners....8:16 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 10, 2008
Stand by Me - like you've never heard it before
I love music, don't you? A big thank you to Tripp for brightening my day with this!...7:38 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (2)
Evangelical to Catholic - 13 months later
I write a lot. There are currently 3941 entries here at MommyLife - and 15,033 comments as well. I've gone through many journeys with you here - losing lots of weight, taking on the school system when they were falling short with my kids, dealing with the ups and downs...10:25 AM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (11)
Memorized prayer - an evangelical/Catholic discussion
When I became a Catholic after 20 years of evangelicalism, I realized that many prejudices I had about Catholicism were based on misunderstandings and proof-texts which had been drummed into me to make me feel that somehow as an evangelical my relationship was more authentic than that of a Catholic...7:23 AM in Catholicism, Religion | Permalink | Comments (28)
December 9, 2008
Prayer for passing ambulance
Barbara, Whenever I see an ambulance or a firetruck, I always want to say a prayer for the person sick or injured and the emergency workers on their way to help. But I am not good at coming up with words on the spot, and my prayers end up...7:12 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (17)
Down syndrome and homeschooling - your input, please
Hi Barbara, I have never e-mailed anyone with a blog before, but I feel as though I have gotten to know you over the last 3 years :) I have a 3 year old son, Andrew, who has Down Syndrome. He is such a joy to our family!! We are...6:55 PM in Down syndrome, Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (11)
Advent Conspiracy - Rethinking Christmas
From the Advent Conspiracy site: What is Rethinking Christmas? This is a community site for you to share your stories and ideas for the season of advent. To particpate, contribute your gift ideas, and post questions and comments in the forum. HT: Sheryl...6:41 PM in Advent, Christmas, Downsizing | Permalink | Comments (2)
Get your children gifts that last - books for Christmas!
If you haven't already, this Christmas can be the time you begin to seriously work on building a library for your children. While I am a fan of the public library, with 12 children 8-39, I can honestly say that one of the greatest delights for me as a mom...11:14 AM in Books, Christmas | Permalink | Comments (4)
Teaching children compassion: book ideas
I've recommended these books before, but as a follow-up on yesterday's post on Raising children to let go of selfishness, I want to highlight them again. I am all about investing money wisely these days, but in the picture-says-a-thousand-words spirit, these books will go a long way to opening your...10:36 AM in Books, Homeschooling, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
Focus on the Family - Truth Project
Barbara, The "Truth Project" from Focus on the Family talks about how history is being re-written like this. If you get the opportunity in your area to watch this series, jump at the chance, _you_ especially would LOVE it. Becky Grateful Peaceful This does look very intriguing! For more...10:17 AM in Culture, Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (3)
Living with Autism LiveStream Event 12/16
Easter Seals' Living with Autism Study Tuesday, December 16, 2008 / 9:30-10:30 AM EST Register Now Location: Online in 2 convenient formats: * Live, one-way streamed audio/video * Archived (viewed online after the event) Join EPLiveOnline and Easter Seals Autism is one of the most pervasive and perplexing developmental...9:35 AM in Autism | Permalink | Comments (1)
Save money: join a food co-op - or form your own
Do you have a food co-op - also known as a grocery buying club - where you live? If you have, please share your experience here. If so, you can cut your food costs by a third. It is well worth the time and effort to find one and participate...8:48 AM in Downsizing, Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 8, 2008
Raising children to let go of selfishness
Keep that image in mind as I share some thoughts on helping your children understand their place in the world. The most essential thing we need to teach them - and to keep reminding ourselves - is that we are not the center of the universe. In fact, I...12:30 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5)
New Capitol Building Visitors' Center deconstructs history
Downplaying important historical events and rewriting history at taxpayer expense is now big business in Washington, D.C. Those who do not live near our nation's Capitol may not be aware at how much 1984 Ministry of Truth-type censorship is going on in museums and monuments and new construction in Washington,...11:12 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
Elisabeth Elliot on Homeschooling
Homeschooling When my daughter Valerie Shepard was homeschooling three of her five children (the other two were preschool age), I asked her what she had discovered about the advantages of homeschooling. Here is her answer: 1. The children have more time: to read (aloud and silently); to learn responsibility by...9:34 AM in Elisabeth Elliot, Homeschooling, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1)
Remembering Pearl Harbor
Yesterday marked the 67th anniversary of the Japanese attack on our forces at Pearl Harbor: Please let us not forget that we are not as invulnerable as some want us to believe. A short remembrance follows - and a reminder that more and more it is becoming our responsibility as...9:12 AM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 6, 2008
Husbands in the doghouse - hysterical!!!
Go to the Beware the Doghouse site for more adventures - you can even send your husband an official warning! (I/m not endorsing Penny's diamonds - especially at this frugal Christmas - but who could resist the humor?)...7:51 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (16)
December 5, 2008
Margaret Sanger, the Negro Project and black genocide
Obama, you said you were going to listen to ALL voices. I'm just not seeing that, as you stack your appointments with vociferously pro-abortion career politicians. Obama, don't you see that this is hurting a large group of people who put you in power?...8:42 AM in Planned Parenthood, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
Humanist Metro ads spark believers' campaign: "I Believe Too"
Isn't that inspirational? Sometimes the most beautiful things come about because of the pressure of the unbeautiful. Like a light shining in darkness. Keep this image in mind as you read how it came about that this divinely-inspired detail from Michelangelos' The Creation of Adam - painted on the...7:34 AM in Culture, Religion | Permalink | Comments (5)
Cough cure: Vicks on feet
One of my most popular entries - at least by way of Google referrals - is the one I did asking the effectiveness of curing coughs by rubbing Vicks on feet. If you go there and read the comments, you will find much affirmation - including skeptics who became believers...7:18 AM in Health | Permalink | Comments (7)
December 4, 2008
It's called Christmas with a capital "C"
Your kids will like this - from Martha:...7:25 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (0)
Nativity sets for kids
[2009 Update- many more children's nativity sets!] Look what I found - a nativity set kids can play with! Amazon has this for only 17.99 - plus a Noah's Ark ( a little more pricey - but maybe a good gift from the grandparents? Also, suggested by many readers and...2:57 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (6)
Christmas light shows
Another Curtis tradition: hot chocolate and a ride around town to look at the Christmas lights. Do you do this too? Martha sent me the first one below, which led to the discovery that there are a bunch of these on youtube - so I guess we could all save...1:53 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (2)
It's the small things
Good morning! My first brave deed of the day was to open the oven door and find out what was going on last night when I heated up the chicken a very kind mother had brought for our family - and blasted our kitchen with a terrible chemical smell. The...7:59 AM in Humor, Mothering, Safety | Permalink | Comments (8)
December 3, 2008
Tripp's corner
This is Tripp's little corner of the world for now. We are so blessed to have moved to this house. Our bedroom is on the ground floor and seemed so inexplicably grand when we moved in - with a fireplace and much more room than we needed. Now it...2:17 PM in Family, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (11)
Odetta R.I.P.
Odetta died yesterday in New York City. She was 77 - and a musical icon who profoundly influenced the world of folk music, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Janis Joplin. With a background of classical voice training, she was one of those singers who truly understood how to use...8:09 AM in Music | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 2, 2008
Margaret Sanger - Planned Parenthood's racist founder
See also: Rev. Luke Robinson's speech at the 2007 March for Life Planned Parenthood: predators, profits and black genocide Abortion and African-American genocide...11:01 PM in Planned Parenthood, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (4)
Believers are called to suffering, not comfort
From Judy: From the Preface of Conceived Without Sin by Bud MacFarlane Jr. There is a poet and singer named Jim Carroll. I saw him on the old Tom Snyder show. Snyder asked Carroll why he named his first album "Catholic Boy." Carroll replied that he was a Catholic. "A...10:49 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (5)
YouTube online orchestra competition
From YouTube: Join the world's first collaborative online orchestra. We invite musicians from around the world to audition for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra. Your video entries will be combined into the first ever collaborative virtual performance, and the world will select the best of you to perform at New...9:47 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
A woman's work is never done
5:25 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2)
Keeping Infants with Down Syndrome - March for Life 2009
FAMILES WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME TO MARCH TOGETHER IN THE 2009 MARCH FOR LIFE in D.C. TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF ABORTING BABIES WITH DOWN SYNDROME Leticia Velasquez and Eileen Haupt, two mothers who each have a daughter with Down syndrome are organizing a...4:45 PM in Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
Discovering Saint Nicholas
This is our first Advent/Christmas as a Catholic family and I am blessed beyond words that families are sending us feasts-in-a-box to help us remember and teach our children about the saints. I remember last spring when I spoke at St. Andrew's looking at the statues of saints and...4:28 PM in Catholicism, Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Christmas Traditions: Ornaments
Every year I give each of my children a special Christmas ornament. Each child also has a special box to hold his ornament collection for eleven months between Christmas trees. Some years I look far and wide to come up with individual ornaments. Some years I get a certain ornament...3:34 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (6)
Advent Music - Handel's Messiah
If you've never gotten into classical music, I can't think if a better way to start than Handel's Messiah - nor a better time to start than now. Messiah is based on the foretelling of the life of Jesus, his birth, death, and resurrection. It is composed entirely of...3:14 PM in Christmas, Music | Permalink | Comments (1)
Meaningful Christmas gifts - from World Vision
With five kids in public school - including four with special needs - the list of teachers, assistants, principals, coaches, specialists, therapists, and bus drivers I want to remember in a special way at Christmas can be overwhelming. Can you imagine the line up of little gift bags? I have...3:00 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (0)
