August 2011
August 31, 2011
Rubio at Reagan Library on the role of government
From Generation America, the healthy alternative to the AARP, which has become just another once-respected institution now sold out to the Democrat Party: Marco Rubio Hits it Out of the Park Senator Rubio at The Reagan Library At none other than the Reagan Library, Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio wowed...4:24 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Boehner to Obama: postpone jobs speech
In regards to Obama's attempt to grandstand (which will still occur as he is giving an address that should be from the Oval Office with all the pomp and ceremony of a State of the Union) and usurp the Republican debates, a swift resonse from the House Speaker. According to...3:53 PM in 2012 Campaign | Permalink | Comments (0)
Obama speech conflicts w/GOP debates
More arrogance! First, that Mr. Big is demanding a joint session of Congress as backdrop for his campaign jobs speech. Second that just today the White House announced the date and time - the same evening as the Republican debates. Third that the White House gives "permission" for NBC to...12:17 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mike Tompkins a capella Firework
Not a Katy Perry fan, but this cover by Mike Tompkins is amazing. Show your kids - they may be inspired to experiment musically too: Katy Perry Firework - A Capella Cover - Mike Tompkins - Beatbox...8:47 AM in Music | Permalink | Comments (1)
Dog mourns at Navy Seal's funeral
From Click2Houston, via Becky:Dog Mourns At Navy SEAL's FuneralDog Displays Loyalty To The EndPOSTED: Thursday, August 25, 2011ROCKFORD, Iowa -- A touching moment was seen at a funeral for a Navy SEAL killed in action.Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson, 35, was killed was one of 30 American troops, including 22 Navy...6:27 AM in Military matters | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 30, 2011
Hillsdale: Free Introduction to the Constituition
In these days when our Constitution is under attack from the very positions of power we might reasonably expect to protect it, we all need to ratchet up our knowledge and skills to depend our great nation. Here is a wonderful opportunity for our families to learn more - a...1:44 PM in Patriotism | Permalink | Comments (1)
August 29, 2011
How many families are like yours?
Jen sent this interactive from the New York Times - just click the image to get started: Published: June 17, 2011How Many Households Are Like Yours?>...12:30 PM in | Permalink | Comments (15)
Media, Obama exploit Irene for campaign
Following up on my initial post with a view from across the pond. You'll never hear the truth from our Propaganda Press, which is intent on one thing and one thing only: keeping Obama in office. Check the UK Telegraph for a more realistic perspective: Perfect Storm of Hype: Politicians,...11:23 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2)
Obama exploits Irene as campaign stop
Would someone please explain to me why Obama is making this grandiose effort to be involved in the "aftermath" of Hurricane Irene - which is essentially just another storm - when in the past three years he completely IGNORED the Tennessee floods, Arizona and Texas wildfires, and numerous Midwest flooding...10:49 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (4)
Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne
What do you think of this ad? It came in a package I received the other day, with a sample of the cologne. I thought it was hideous - an emaciated corpse surrounded by beautiful flowers and *bunnies?* No matter what I thought of the cologne, I doubt if...7:40 AM in Art | Permalink | Comments (8)
Elisabeth Elliot: the lust for security
The Lust for Security Once we have set ourselves to be pilgrims and strangers on the earth, which is what Christians are meant to be, it is incongruous for us to continue to insist upon the sort of security the world tries to guarantee. Our security lies not in...7:32 AM in Elisabeth Elliot | Permalink | Comments (2)
August 27, 2011
May you sing like no one is listening
If you can endure an obnoxious but mercifully short commercial: May You sing Like No One Is Listening HT: Tripp...8:13 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2)
Jonny the Bagger
Dorothy Vining (Musings at 88) sent this - something I've published before, but good enough to publish over and over:...8:06 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0)
Northern VA: Women's Self-Defense
This summer, Tripp researched and signed our daughters up for the best women's self-defense course he could find. We required them to go twice a week - even though they were sometimes exhausted after putting in a day working at summer camp. It was well worth the time and money...7:56 PM in Safety | Permalink | Comments (0)
Men believe discussing problems a waste of time
Boy, does this explain a lot. As so often happens in our post-feminist culture, women have been deemed the norm and men the aberration from that norm. So women's compulsion to talk things over has been labeled healthy and men's reluctance unhealthy.Glad someone has shifted the cultural paradigm to take...7:41 PM in Gender Differences | Permalink | Comments (3)
I hate homework - what about you?
I remember when my kids started school after many years of homeschool. I hated that they were gone nearly 8 hours - and then so frustrated that they brought home homework. What in the world were they doing all day? Anyone who's spent at least a year homeschooling knows that...7:24 PM in Public schools | Permalink | Comments (15)
My latest PalinTracker at PajamasMedia
My job for Pajamas Media is to read all things Sarah Palin and publish a brief narrative every 2-4 weeks. Here's the latest: PalinTracker: What's Happening on September 3? All signs point to "yes." August 27, 2011 - by Barbara Curtis July 13 Rotten Tomatoes Lists Palin Film as "Science...11:14 AM in Sarah Palin | Permalink | Comments (0)
Morgan's Wonderland theme park for special needs families
In March 2010, I covered the opening of Morgan's Wonderland, a theme park designed for children and families with special needs. Now it is another family attraction included in packages sent to travel agents, which is how longtime MommyLife reader/friend/contributor Joani Glasgow came across it: I started a travel...7:37 AM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (1)
August 26, 2011
Power Line debt problem contest winner
Here's the winner of the Power Line contest for art in any medium that would best educate the public about our national debt problem. A modern-day Aesop's Fable using squirrels and nuts to make it's point, the video is by Justin Folk, who earned $100,000 for his efforts: The Spending...9:52 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Finances, Dating and Marriage
Thought-provoking Q&A - with which I happen to agree. Great conversation-starter with your teens, and a way to make your values clear:Can I Afford to Date?August 25th, 2011 by Anthony Buono Print This Article ·ShareThisDear Anthony,I only make $35,000, and the woman I just started dating makes about the same. ...6:43 PM in Marriage | Permalink | Comments (7)
August 25, 2011
Chris Medina: What Are Words
Most of you know my first son Josh had been married to Hattie for just a year when they discovered she had cancer. For four years, he has stood by her as she has gone through innumerable surgeries, treatments, procedures. Right now they are waiting for her to recover from...4:52 PM in Family, Music | Permalink | Comments (2)
Statue of Liberty costume
Great costume idea!...10:56 AM in Patriotism | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tea Party Terrorist Training Camp in Waco
In response to Joe Biden calling Tea Party Patriots terrorists, Accuracy in Media's Ben Johnson reports: EXCLUSIVE! PROOF OF TEA PARTY TERRORISM!! Younger readers may not know the whole story behind our Bill Clinton and Janet Reno's massacre of citizens - citizens guilty of nothing other than religious fanaticism -...10:14 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (0)
Loudoun: Hurricane Preparedness
Courtesy Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management. Although we're not in the zone where we need to evacuate or even board up our windows, we can sustain some heavy damage in northern Virginia. And when the power goes out, those of us who live in the country have no water...9:50 AM in Loudoun County, Safety, Virginia, Washington DC | Permalink | Comments (3)
August 24, 2011
Bloomberg bans clergy from 9/11 ceremony
Contrast courtesy Fox News: Bloomberg Bans Clergy From 9/11 Ceremony but Ground Zero Mosque OK FNC/AP Clergy Banned From 9/11 Ceremony Religious leaders are calling on Mayor Michael Bloomberg to reverse course and offer clergy a role in the ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the...4:10 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (4)
August 23, 2011
Quotations for sending kids off to college
How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon? ~Dr. Seuss Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. ~Frederick...9:04 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (11)
Earthquakes: educational resources
Anyone feel a study of earthquakes coming on? Nothing like feeling the earth move beneath your feet to get your kids in the mood for science! Here are some links: USGS: Earthquakes for Kids USGS: The Science of Earthquakes How Stuff Works: How Earthquakes Work National Geographic: Earthquakes 101 Teacher...3:40 PM in Disasters | Permalink | Comments (1)
Yes, Virginia, there was an earthquake
Having lived 30 years in San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma, I felt many earthquakes - in many types of situations. Some were among the scariest moments in my life - like the one where I was on the 4th floor of a glass-windowed office building and my co-workers immediately ran...2:16 PM in Virginia | Permalink | Comments (11)
August 21, 2011
Mommy Matters: Back-to-School
Available at my Constant Contact archives. This was pretty much the same as last year's because of our recent move and getting Sophia and Maddy off to college. But I did add a few things and I hope there are some tiomely reminders here.Receive my eblast every month for free...10:47 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (0)
Giant Wooden Xylophone
森ã®æœ¨ç´ Amazing that this turns out to be a commercial. The following video shows the excruciating care with which it was executed: Making of the Touch Wood commercial - 森ã®æœ¨ç´...10:18 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (2)
Who Is Rick Perry?
This does not mean I am endorsing Rick Perry. I haven't yet decided whom I will be supporting. Just want to give you some clear background - passed on to me by my friend Ann: Who Is Rick Perry? He is a fifth generation Texan, the son of hardscrabble west...7:45 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (13)
August 20, 2011
Raising our Ebeneezer on Josh's Birthday
I mentioned I would share the story of why Tripp and I call Joshua - our first child - the Cornerstone of our family. Here is an excerpt from Dirty Dancing at the Prom and Other Challenges Christian Teens Face: How Parents Can Help: Our family's favorite hymn is "Come...9:32 AM in Family, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (2)
Josh is 28! Happy Birthday
I must admit I marvel at the combination of Tripp's and my genes - in the hands of God, the Greatest Artist: Part of God's artistry involved marrying Josh to Hattie so his picture is now not complete without her - and we have another daughter to love. As my...9:26 AM in Family, Hattie and Josh | Permalink | Comments (1)
Martin Luther King Memorial made in China - and looks it
On August 28, the new Martin Luther King Memorial - located between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials in Washington DC - will be dedicated and open to the public. When I think of MLK, I think of devotion and courage - qualities I don't see reflected in the 30'...6:18 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 19, 2011
Jonny minus the lump
This was the scene in the next room while I made dinner last night. Jonny had the surgery yesterday to remove the benign cyst from the back of his head. On the way to the surgery center - before the sun was even up - I was making a...2:27 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (1)
Beyond Leftovers
In my ongoing effort to become a better steward, I've discovered that you can make masterpieces with leftovers just by starting with butter, onions and garlic. Last night's creation was really gorgeous, so I had to take a picture. Started with the sauteed onion and garlic. Added chopped up...2:05 PM in Recipes | Permalink | Comments (5)
August 17, 2011
Prayer to start the day
My daughter Samantha - mother of six - just sent this. Thought you would like it too: Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an...8:41 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
August 16, 2011
Canon Powershot - 55% off at Amazon
Great camera at a great price. List $109, now 55% off now at Amazon in blue only: I bought four of these for my sons with Down syndrome with plans to teach them how to shoot pictures, upload and print. Great way to stimulate communication and creativity. So wonderful how...7:24 AM in Bargains | Permalink | Comments (1)
August 15, 2011
Yellow Balloons pro-life rosary takes to Chicago sky
The latest of a series of spontaneous acts of joy across the United States involving the yellow LIFE balloons: Chicago's Rosary in the Sky - Judi McLeod Monday, August 15, 2011 The courage of 20 elementary-school aged girls and their counselors participating in a summer camp endeavor at a Chicago...11:48 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
100 Famous Guitar Riffs
Jonny - who is now using an iPad2 to enhance his communication (more on this later) - turned me on to this incredible YouTube; 100 Famous Rock Guitar Riffs - one take Amazing. I had so much fun listening for the ones I knew - and there were a lot!...11:42 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mega-family blogs
Click below for links to blogs by families with 7-37 children:...11:38 PM in Big families, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Marc Tootle RIP
I just found out today that during the all-consuming days of our move, I missed the passing of Marc Tootle, husband and father to family friends of nine years - Dolly Stevens and Matt, Rose and Bobby Tootle. Of the whole family, I was least acquainted with Marc. Dolly...10:49 PM in Purcellville, RIP | Permalink | Comments (0)
Josh and Hattie update - more surgery
Josh and Hattie were here on Saturday to see Ben and Anna. Hattie looks very frail but is determined as ever. On Sunday they finally moved back to their own home from her parents (where they stay after major surgeries so more people can help her recover and so that...3:33 PM in Hattie and Josh | Permalink | Comments (7)
Family update
Tripp has been out of town and was supposed to catch a plane home from Nantucket at 8:30 am. Bad weather delayed all flights and so he missed his connection in Boston - by hours. Was on the waiting list for 1:00 pm - but so were 20 others. Ended...2:46 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (1)
Losing a child: grief and hope
As I mentioned, Maddy was asked to sing at a funeral on Saturday, and so we left our family gathering to go. I believe - and am trying to teach Maddy - that this is a singer's responsibility in a situation like this, to put her own agenda aside for...6:58 AM in Catholicism, Death and dying, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7)
Elisabeth Elliot on God's transforming power
Transforming Power If God is almighty, there can be no evil so great as to be beyond his power to transform. That transforming power brings light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, gain out of loss, life out of death. Sometimes we boggle at the evil in the...6:28 AM in Elisabeth Elliot | Permalink | Comments (3)
August 14, 2011
Shuttle cockpit - 360 degree view
Click the image below for a 360 degree view of the Shuttle cockpit. Just click and move your mouse in any direction to scan. Zoom in and out. Don't forget to look at the ceiling. Your kids will love it: HT: A Mac and a Mug o' Joe...7:18 AM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 13, 2011
Life back to normal - whatever that is
I'm in a heavenly place - having finally unpacked enough boxes and hung enough pictures that I feel like it's home. Ben and Anna came down from Rochester at 11:00 last night - making it in just six hours after Anna got off work - and so it helped to...9:21 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (2)
The Catholicism Project - documentary
The Catholicism Project oin Fr. Robert Barron on a journey across the planet and deep into the faith. CATHOLICISM is a breakthrough documentary series presenting the true story of Christianity and the Catholic faith. For More Information Please Visit: www.thecatholicismproject.org...8:33 AM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 12, 2011
MSM defends Durbin from Washington Times reporter
Orwellian. The Propaganda Press gangs up on Washington Times reporter William J. Kelly to protect Democrat Senator Dick Durbin. DURBIN DISSES REPORTER'S DOWNGRADE QUESTION Reporter Wiliam J. Kelly asks Sen. Dick Durbin if he takes any responsibility for the downgrade. Another Chicago "reporter" - Jim Anderson from the Illinois Radio...10:29 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)
August 10, 2011
Moving blues - almost normal!
Okay, I'd say pour a cup of coffee and we'll chat, but it's almost bedtime (I'll have to stop to put the kids to bed, but will be right back). so instead I'll say pour yourself a cup of tea - or glass of wine - whatever your inclination....6:46 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (22)
August 9, 2011
Philly mayor berates black teens for flash mobs
Bill Cosby started taking the black community to task in 2004 - telling them to stop blaming white people, but his remarks were not taken well by the Black Establishment. With last week's racial violence in Wisconsin and similar incidents - large and small - throughout the country, I hope Mayor...10:01 AM in Current Affairs, Fathers | Permalink | Comments (2)
August 4, 2011
Moving: unpacking, waiting for the Angel of the Internet
We are in our new house. No permanent Internet connection yet. The first installer - Wild Blue - couldn't get a signal. They suggested I call Hughes. Hughes was supposed to come today, but postponed until NEXT THURSDAY because they said their equipment is on backorder, When I asked...11:50 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (7)
