November 2011
November 30, 2011
Obama squeezes NYC, Occupiers nail hypocrisy
Wow, New York must be absolutely crazy tonight with traffic what with the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center and three - count 'em, three - fundraisers for Our Fearless Leader - plus the Occupy Crowd, which has to its credit become an equal opportunity critic.And, btw, does...11:26 PM in Government Corruption, Obama Nation | Permalink | Comments (0)
Steven Curtis Chapman: Do Everything
HT/Lisa Weird ad, but mercifully short. Love the video! And the sentiment! Steven Curtis Chapman - Do Everything Lyrics: Your picking up toys on the living room floor for the 15th time today Matching up socks Sweeping up lost cheerios that got away You put a baby on your hip...10:10 PM in Inspiration, Music | Permalink | Comments (1)
Doo Wop Test
Tripp sent me this, so okay, just for fun. I'm 63 and got 22 right (updated because I made a mistake and subtracted 6 from 25 9nstead of 28 - really!) If you take the time to answer these, please share your age and your score :) Click at the...9:46 PM in Fun Stuff, Music | Permalink | Comments (14)
15 giveaways ending tomorrow!
15 giveaways ending tomorrow!!! Some really great books and items to improve the quality of your life.Please scoot over to my giveaway page and leave comments there for anything you'd like a chance to win. Don't be shy - sign up for all 15 if you want! Tell your friends...9:14 AM in | Permalink
Leesburg - huge holiday consignment sale 12/3
My Child's Closet is well-known for its fall consignment sale - an opportunity to sell no longer needed (at your house, anyway) children's clothes and toys, and buy at great prices. You may be interested in this event - a first for My Child's Closet - which will focus on ...8:23 AM in Bargains, Virginia | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 29, 2011
Adoption: not so happy ever after, but worth it after all
Those of us called to share our stories via books, blogs, church pulpits or around our dining room tables know the challenge of being 100% honest vs. our fears of scaring other parents away from picking up the cross we have have been asked to pick up ourselves. We love...10:46 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (0)
iPhone Siri pro-life? Can't find abortion clinics
Having just finished the Steve Jobs biography - and having marveled at the fact that an untimely pregnancy which could have resulted in abortion resulted instead in the birth of a man who changed our lives forever, this news seems only fitting.It's hardly surprising that Jobs was not pro-abortion.I'd like...9:07 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
How to choose a Christmas tree
Tree Buying Guidelines1. Ask Where It Came From Some Christmas tree lots buy trucked-in trees before Thanksgiving, meaning they'll drop needles faster than airlines can raise their baggage fees. Weeks may have passed since those trees were originally cut, so always ask the vendor where and when they buy their...1:50 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (0)
Barbara Curtis at Our Lady of Hope, Potomac Falls 12/3
I'll be talking Saturday at Our Lady of Hope about how to keep your serenity through the Christmas rush. You're invited! To RSVP, contact Sherry at sgrasson@verizon.net or 703-430-2006...1:22 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Toddler w/Down syndrome modeling pro
Just received this story from three different readers - Carol, Kathie, and Susan: Little Girl With Down Syndrome Takes Modeling World by Storm by Steven Ertelt | London, England | LifeNews.com | 11/28/11 2:50 PMThe London Telegraph newspaper features a story on little Taya Kennedy, a 14-month-old girl who has...12:28 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0)
Down syndrome: Siblings' input needed
I've received an assignment to write about siblings of individuals with Down syndrome - their experience growing up, how their sibling shaped their lives, what it's like today: Study: Children With Down Syndrome Bring Joy to Home 99% of parents say they truly love their son or daughter with...11:05 AM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0)
John Lewis 2011 Christmas ad
John Lewis Christmas Advert 2011...10:19 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (0)
Vintage Christmas cards, images, clip art
If you like to use images - or want to teach your children to use images in their reports and essays, you will want to bookmark Karen's Whimsy, which offers thousands of public domain images free. Her left sidebar shows all the categories. It's a little tricky to navigate as...9:39 AM in Christmas, Resources | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Silcock Family - dozens of kids w/special needs
Speaking of changing our attitudes toward our own "drudgery" - and oh, my goodness, grab a kleenex first. All Our Boys The Belles-Silcock Family has a website, named appropriately All Our Boys. They are way over 23 boys now! Each boy's picture is linked to his own page, which also...8:52 AM in Adoption, Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (1)
Elisabeth Elliot on drudgery
Drudgery "I must admit I feel a lot of pressure with two children under two years of age. I am committed to do it until they are in school, however, and feel it is God's will. At times like this--when I wonder if I will even be able to finish...8:11 AM in Elisabeth Elliot, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 28, 2011
Facebook humor/inspiration stream #12
My Facebook News Feed is like a river streaming so much humor and inspiration, I plan to do roundups of the best whenever I have a minute. Except for the first, which got bumped to the top, In the random order they appeared: See all my facebook humor/Inspiration streams...7:29 PM in Facebook humor/inspiration stream | Permalink | Comments (1)
November 27, 2011
Looney Tunes - fun w/classical art and music
The kids were watching some modern Looney Tunes movie yesterday when Tripp called me in excitedly to see this scene: Looney Tunes Funny Painting Scene I especially like Bugs at the end, saying. "I think when you go to the movies, you should learn something." The thing is, Tripp had...8:14 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
If Mary and Joseph had facebook
If Mary and Joseph had facebook...3:16 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Sarah Palin on Thanksgiving and Trig
Exclusive: Sarah Palin's Thanksgiving Message Sarah Palin has sent The Brody File some personal Thanksgiving reflections. She talks movingly about her young son Trig. It is truly a heartfelt letter that gives God all the glory. As for Trig, Palin is showing that while there are some people who...8:53 AM in Down syndrome, Sarah Palin | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 26, 2011
Advent/Christmas family spiritual preparation
This is an absolutely beautiful Advent/Christmas preparation for the family. Very simple language, concrete images which will make the concepts real for children - but profound spiritual work. I am using it myself, and hope some of you like it too!It's published as a PDF file with illustrations. If you...8:52 AM in Advent | Permalink | Comments (2)
Advent: books, music, calendars, puzzle
This round-up of Advent resources contains some real gems. I was stunned a few years ago when a friend gave us a brand new copy of Jotham's Journey as I had wanted this book for some time but they were so hard to come by that used copies were...8:44 AM in Advent | Permalink | Comments (1)
Gratitude
HT/Becky "Let the gratefulness flow into blessing all around you."...8:26 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 25, 2011
Curtis Family Thanksgiving picture
You all shared the pre-Thanksgiving build-up about out annual family photo - the angsting over the color, the absence of a couple of sons and their wives (Anna and Ben could not make the trip down because of work schedules and Josh and Hattie ate with her family before coming...8:53 PM in Family, Hattie and Josh | Permalink | Comments (4)
November 23, 2011
GA owner: "Not hiring until Obama is gone"
Georgia business owner: 'We are not hiring until Obama is gone' Spokane Conservative Examiner November 23, 2011 Business owner scrutinized by Secret Service. Thanks to Obama's economic policies, a west Georgia business owner says he isn't hiring until the current President is gone. Jon Shirek of News Channel 11 writes...8:32 PM in Obama Nation | Permalink | Comments (0)
Happy Thanksgiving from TMLC
From the desk of... Richard Thompson, TMLC President & Chief Counsel HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Give Thanks to God for this Great Nation "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his...10:40 AM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (1)
Thanksgiving - our family traditions
I never liked Thanksgiving growing up. I grew up in a home where Bloody Marys for the adults began a day of nonstop drinking, arguing, and possibly a fight tumbling out the front door and onto the lawn. It was a day I didn't look forward to. [Okay, there...10:29 AM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (1)
Phishing
Of all the phishing emails I've received from "google" or "Amazon" or "Ebay" or "Paypal," this one has to be the dumbest:Due to the congestion of all users of Google Mail ®, the server encountered some errors. In an effort to protect your privacy and keep your...8:56 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 22, 2011
Walking through doorways causes forgetting
This explains a lot:Walking through doorways causes forgetting, new research shows Susan Guibert • Date: November 16, 2011 We've all experienced it: The frustration of entering a room and forgetting what we were going to do. Or get. Or find. New research from University of Notre Dame Psychology Professor Gabriel...11:06 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tebow: 'Christ comes first in my life'
What a guy!Tim Tebow responds to Jake Plummer's comments on his faithBy Nate Davis, USA TODAY A day after former Broncos QB Jake Plummer said in a radio interview that he wished the man currently taking the snaps in Denver, Tim Tebow, would curb his references to Jesus Christ and...10:56 PM in Inspiration, Tebow | Permalink | Comments (0)
15 new MommyLife Giveaways
I'd gotten way behind in my giveaways, but decided today to not stop until they were all posted - 15 new giveaways!!! Some really great books and items to improve the quality of your life.Please scoot over to my giveaway page and leave a comment for anything you'd like a...10:38 PM in | Permalink | Comments (4)
Obama to Occupy: "You are the reason I ran for office"
I don't know - this looks seriously scripted/staged. What do you think? Obama heckled Obama heckled by protesters at New Hampshire speech By Bernie Becker and Alicia Cohn - 11/22/11 12:53 PM ET President Obama was heckled on Tuesday during an appearance at a New Hampshire high school.Obama had traveled...10:23 PM in Propaganda | Permalink | Comments (0)
2 toddlers + 5 lb flour = destroyed house
Now viral with 1,200,000 hits in 5 days - HT/ Wendy K: FAMILY HOME DESTROYED BY AVALANCHE - CHILDREN TO BLAME Mommy was not feeling well and had to stay in the bathroom longer than usual during which my two boys, ages 1 and 3 took my new bag of...7:26 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (12)
Nov. 22: Kennedy assassinated in Dallas
Most of my readers are probably too young to remember this. If you do remember, please share what this meant to you in the comments. I was 15, a sophomore at Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High in Arlington, VA. Though I'd been baptized Catholic, I hadn't been raised as a...8:37 AM in History | Permalink | Comments (2)
November 21, 2011
Pelosi disses Catholics for "this conscience thing"
Pelosi's Dismissive Taunt to Catholics: "They Have This Conscience Thing" by Thomas Peters The Washington Post's Lifestyle section caught up with Democrat minority leader Nancy Pelosi for an interview published today. When questioned about Catholics who have asked to have conscience clause protections honored that would allow them to refuse...11:28 PM in Catholicism, Liberal Hypocrisy, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1)
10 Misconceptions about Adoption
November is National Adoption Awareness Month. This is something I received from the Gladney Center for Adoption, a place that supports pregnant women interested in adoption. It's good to know about a place like Gladney - you never know when someone may need that kind of information:Top 10 Misconceptions about...9:27 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (0)
Catholic Straw Poll: Republican candidates
This looks interesting - a Catholic Straw Poll. They will be revealing the results 11/26: Dear CV Friend, Which presidential candidate do Catholics support? That's the question I was asked repeatedly while visiting Des Moines, Iowa, over the weekend to watch six presidential candidates participate in a forum on faith,...9:10 PM in 2012 Campaign | Permalink | Comments (0)
Portraits of Down syndrome
Shifting Perspectives at the Dublin Arts Council HT: Dan...9:06 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (1)
Loudoun Supes revenge: attack on Christmas 2011
On November 8, Loudoun voters sent a resounding "No More!" message by sweeping out the current radical/liberal Board of Supervisors and replacing it with a conservative board. (Well, except for the curious case of Scott York who served on the board as a Republican, then ran as an Independent with...11:34 AM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 20, 2011
Maddy in Suor Angelica
We're on our way to see Maddy's first college opera this afternoon. She was the only freshman cast - a real honor. Can't wait to hear how much her voice has developed in the past month - and hopefully to meet her teachers!...11:31 AM in Maddy | Permalink | Comments (3)
November 19, 2011
Family Update
Sophia's Home!!!!!!!!!!!! for Thanksgiving break! The house was quiet when she got here because Tripp and the boys were at Swim Night. We rummaged through the fridge and pantry to make dinner for ourselves - not as well stocked as usual. Then curled up in a comforter to watch The...9:09 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (5)
November 17, 2011
Social Security - not so secure at all
I have not "vetted" this. so if you disagree, please research and comment. Otherwise, be wise to the chaos we are dealing with: History Lesson on Your Social Security Card Dick Kantenberger, Gifted Education Writer Examiner.com Just in case some of you young whippersnappers (& some older ones) didn't know...9:43 PM in Continuing chaos | Permalink | Comments (2)
Maddy Curtis: her first opera at CUA this weekend
Maddy's first opera at Catholic University! Fans of Maddy know her as the Season 9 American Idol contestant whose personal story brought hope and light to families of children with Down syndrome across the nation, the local star who parlayed her five minutes of fame to raise funds for...8:58 PM in Maddy | Permalink | Comments (2)
Obama disses American students
Can't wait until this sad and sorry example of an un-leader is gone: Obama To Aussie Students: Our Kids are Behindby Keith Koffler on November 17, 2011, 9:28 amThere's an unwritten rule in politics that politicians must not criticize the president when they are overseas. How about adding America's school...12:20 PM in Obama Nation | Permalink | Comments (1)
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipe
One of the best things about Christmas for me is the reappearance of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars - the only sweet I ever eat. But they're so expensive! Anyone else there glad to know you can make your own? Powered by: ifood.tv Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipe Video...12:00 PM in Recipes | Permalink | Comments (1)
Starbucks BOGO Free
Starbucks will be offering Buy One Get One Free Holiday Drinks from 2-5PM on 11/17 - 11/20/11 at participating Starbucks locations. (Call ahead to make sure yours is participating) A perfect way to take a friend out for a drink and some conversation. And to not feel guilty about...11:49 AM in Bargains | Permalink | Comments (2)
Obama economic record at a glance
HT: MOTUSPass it on....11:36 AM in Obama Nation, Oppression | Permalink | Comments (0)
Abortion through a grandmother's eyes
This family is working through some real heartaches with grace. Kelly Clinger is a performer.former backup singer for Britney Spears who had two abortions in her early 20s and is now a prolife speaker for Silent No More:Abortion through a grandmother's eyes: shame, fear, failure...and grace by Kelly Clinger Since...10:34 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Kids' see-through umbrella
A reader ordered a couple of these through my Amazon link and they seem like a great idea, giving kids protection PLUS the ability to see. A great solution to an awkward problem - thought you might like to know what's out there:...8:45 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1)
DIY School/Christmas portraits - save $$$
One thing being a megamom will do is bring out the I-Can-Do-This-Myself in you! From learning to make hash from leftovers to giving haircuts (With a husband and 8 sons, I've probably saved my family over $25,000) to - creating your own studio portraits? This mom did and shows us...8:22 AM in Saving money | Permalink | Comments (1)
November 16, 2011
Attacks on Christmas: Fight back and win
Someone tried to get an early start on killing Christmas, but public outcry rescued this small celebration. My advice, whenever you see attacks on Christmas, PUSH BACK!!!Cancer center's Santa gets boot Volunteer wanted to spread cheer By Renee Dudley rdudley@postandcourier.com Originally published 12:00 a.m., November 16, 2011 Updated 01:22 p.m.,...5:48 PM in Christian Persecution, Christmas | Permalink | Comments (0)
Yale "sex week" faces axe
Who would have imagined? This is an institution of higher learning - one regarded as prestigious. Who would lust after acceptance at such a place? Between two months of Occupy Wall Street depravity and the Penn State scandal, I'm feeling like we live in an absolute cesspool, with our media...3:45 PM in Continuing chaos | Permalink | Comments (0)
Children with disabilities: a very special song
You will need a kleenex: Collin Raye - She's With Me Hope you listened all the way through.Here's more:Country Music Star Collin Raye Strikes a Chord for Life and Hope By Terence P. JeffreyNovember 7, 2011 Country singer Collin Raye with his granddaughter, Haley Marie Bell. (CNSNews.com) - "I would...3:14 PM in Disasters, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
Catholics: Why a crucifix instead of a cross?
As an Evangelical, I remember scoffing at Catholics who "kept Jesus on the Cross" when we all knew he was resurrected. As I new Catholic I once attended a Baptist Easter service because Maddy had been hired to sing. When the pastor spotted me in the congregation, he launched into...2:59 PM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tea Party / Occupy Wall Street - statistics don't lie
HT: Tito Edwards, The American CatholicActually, the Tea Party paid for permits for their demonstrations - which entailed renting a police-prescribed amount of porta-potties too. I remember how hard they worked to raise the money from a gress roots movement. And let's not forget the open drug sales, unbridled...2:53 PM in Occupy Wall Street, Tea Party USA | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thanksgiving: family photo tradition
In 2009, I posted A Very Curtis Thanksgiving, which showed our family photos taken that day and explained that we have a tradition of taking our yearly family photos on Thanksgiving Day. While this has gotten a little more tricky as kids have grown up and left home - and...12:36 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (4)
The Duggars and 4 more BIG families
ABC features an article on the Duggars - in the news for expecting Baby #20 - and four other large families. I seem to be sensing a more respectful tone from the media lately - and some recognition that the bitter feminist line doesn't stack up well next to the...11:11 AM in Big families, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (6)
November 15, 2011
Free Thanksgiving Fun Book
Simply Schooling Thanksgiving Free Fun Book Simple Schooling Thanksgiving FREE Fun Book is just the perfect little activity for the upcoming holiday season. This fun book has lots of coloring mixed in with fun facts about Pilgrims and Native Americans - plus several following directions and copywork activities. 23 pages...7:51 PM in Free stuff, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0)
Michelle Duggar - feminist?
Found this at Jill Stanek's: Posted at 09:59 AM ET, 11/10/2011 Michelle Duggar, feminist? By Ashley McGuire Then-Arkansas state Rep. Jim Bob Duggar of Springdale front center, and his wife Michelle, right, lead twelve of their thirteen children to a polling place in Springdale, Ark., in this Tuesday, May 21,...7:30 PM in Big families, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
Adventures in Odyssey: the truth about Thanksgiving
Several times in the past, I've highlighted Focus on the Family's wonderful audio series for families: Expand your child's imagination: Adventures in Odyssey and Radio Classic Theater But Maddy put one in the car CD player shortly before last Thanksgiving - yes, even grown up, she still LOVES Adventures in...6:23 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (2)
Nigerian Muslims bomb churches, kill 150
Another day, another layer of corpses, chaos and confusion from the "religion of peace." It is not bigotry to know who your enemies are. And btw, I remember when I was growing up, this would be on the front page of the Washington Post. Now there's no room because "journalists"...11:25 AM in Islam issues, Terrorism | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tim Hawkins: Pretty Pink Tractor
For Tim Hawkins fans and people who are proud to love rednecks:: Tim Hawkins - Pretty Pink Tractor - Official Music Video...11:15 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (0)
12 Ways to Mess Up Your Kids
Not a bad article from The Atlantic - secular, but good common sense: 12 Ways to Mess Up Your Kids By Alice G. Walton Oct 20 2011, 12:57 PM ET 11 Child psychologists, psychiatrists, and other experts tell us the dozen things you should avoid doing to help your child...10:21 AM in Parenting | Permalink | Comments (1)
Here and Heaven - Goat Road Sessions
For your listening pleasure: Here and Heaven (Live) - Goat Rodeo Sessions ~ Sony 2011 (c) HT: Meredith...10:14 AM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 14, 2011
Thanksgiving: Hattie's Cornbread Pudding
My dear DIL Hattie has brought this dish for every Thanksgiving dinner since she and Josh were married. It is sinfully delicious - and from the ingredients you can see why I say sinfully :) Cornbread pudding 1 egg 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 1 can cream corn...4:53 PM in Recipes, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thanksgiving: Five Kernels of Corn
A part of history I didn't learn until I was an adult: The year following the first Thanksgiving brought greater hardship than the first. During the Starving Time, according to tradition, the Pilgrims had only a daily ration of five kernels of corn apiece. Still, they did not give in...4:52 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thanksgiving Bible Verses
1 Chronicles 29:11-13 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you...4:47 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (1)
Thanksgiving quotations
The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer So once in every year we throng Upon a day apart, To praise the Lord with feast and song In thankfulness of...4:46 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0)
Brining your turkey
The first Thanksgiving after I started blogging, we had a discussion here at MommyLife on how people cooked their turkeys. You may have a tried and true method, but if you're still trying to perfect your Thanksgiving dinner, you might want to glance at Your Turkey Experience - especially the...4:43 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (3)
Thanksgiving - cranberry sauce and kids
Another rerun for Thanksgiving - this is something simple which will resonate in your children's memories: Thanksgiving is coming up. It's a holiday that became much more special after Tripp and I became Christians in 1987. And each year, it seems to mean even more. In the midst of the...4:38 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thanksgiving hymns
This is another rerun. To update, we now have 12 children, 2 sons-in-law, 2 daughters-in-law and 13 grandchildren (though Jasmine's family has once again estranged themselves from the rest of the family - we continue to pray and ask you to too). That still leaves us with a lot of...4:20 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thanksgiving: passing the legacy on to your children
Each year I run my Thanksgiving series for new readers - and to remind old readers too. I am posting everything today so you can have plenty of time to figure out what's useful for your family. For many of us with grown-up or college kids coming home and...4:18 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thanksgiving books, films, activities, crafts
You know how you have Christmas decorations and books that you get out each year? Well, it's also great to have a Thanksgiving collection. These are materials I've used with my own children to help them understand the spiritual foundation and significance of this special day in our nation's...4:06 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (2)
Joan Baez - folk music icon
Oh no. I just had one of those Oh, No! moments. I was talking to Matt about the Steve Jobs biography I'm caught up in (which I talk about with anyone who will listen - what a great read!) and said, "Did you know Steve Jobs was involved with Joan...10:13 AM in Music, Music greats | Permalink | Comments (21)
Twin Spin - Music CD for twins!
I check my Amazon sales each day to look for good ideas from my readers. While I can't see who buys what, I can see everything - from toolbelts to futons to chandeliers (really!). I say a prayer of thanks each time that you all remember to order through...9:49 AM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 13, 2011
Home School bundles 75% off
Lisa sent this for anyone interested in saving a bundle of money on homeschool bundles: Are you stepping out in faith this year and homeschooling your children? Gain new confidence with homeschooling tools that will enable you to build a firm foundation. Tools that will help you as the teacher...3:59 PM in Bargains, Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (1)
Boycott Black Friday spreading
Longtime reader/blogger Michele sent me her latest: BOYCOTT BLACK FRIDAY. I am single-handedly trying to start a grass roots movement to opt out of the madness that Black Friday has become. If you also think that it's just a ploy by merchants to get people out and spending, it's the...3:41 PM in Activism | Permalink | Comments (15)
Making Down syndrome extinct
What a shame to think that our culture is trying to make Down syndrome people extinct: The end of Down syndrome A controversial new test means disorder will become extinct from 'eugenics,' doctors say By MAYRAV SAAR Last Updated: 12:29 PM, November 13, 2011A new, simple way to detect Down...2:27 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (4)
The problem with American culture - ed. cartoon
Find more Micael Ramirez at Creators Syndicate...1:42 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (0)
Newsweek: Obama green rewards to donors
Here's another great piece of editorial art you could teach your children to analyze:And by the way, how blatantly corrupt is Obama's behavior when even Newsweek and The Daily Beast go after him? It seems to me he has committed several impeachable offenses. If history records the Obama Regime with...1:28 PM in Government Corruption, Liberal Hypocrisy, Obama Nation | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 12, 2011
Facebook humor/inspiration stream #11
My Facebook News Feed is like a river streaming so much humor and inspiration, I plan to do roundups of the best whenever I have a minute. Except for the first, which got bumped to the top, In the random order they appeared: See all my facebook humor/Inspiration streams...10:51 PM in Facebook humor/inspiration stream | Permalink | Comments (0)
World: Thanksgiving editorial art
Great cover on the current issue of World magazine. They have the consistently best editorial art I've ever seen. You could hand this to your teen and ask them to write a 600-1000 word essay on what it means and have yourself a great writing/social scince lesson for the day:...12:32 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0)
Glee: working to eradicate virginity
I don't know if your family watches Glee. I know Michelle Obama's does - I shuddered when I thought of an 11-year-old watching this sex-laden show. Maddy and I watched the first few episodes of Glee. For a family of music/theater enthusiasts, we were truly looking forward to what promised...11:27 AM in Entertainment, Propaganda, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (4)
Four MommyLife Giveaways!
I posted four giveaways last week, but think I forgot to tell you to look on my giveaway page. So I've extended the deadline for comments until Monday. Please click through my far right sidebar to get to the giveaway page,leave a comment under each item you're interested in...11:08 AM in | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 11, 2011
Obama, Michelle off to Hawaii, Asia
Obama heads to Asia, putting budget fray at arm's length White House officials call his trips job producers, but acknowledge that it's smart political strategy for the president to stay out of the congressional battles. Republicans criticize his timing. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama depart the White House....9:33 PM in Liberal Hypocrisy, Michelle Obama, Obama Nation | Permalink | Comments (0)
Breitbart: poser Michael Moore's Massive Mansion
Pictured is poser extraordinaire Michael Moore mingling with his peeps at Occupy Wall Street. Which makes this Breitbart scoop even more delicious:Exclusive Photos: Michael Moore's Massive Michigan Vacation Mansion Beyond 99 Percent's Wildest Dreams by Andrew Breitbart Left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore has been touring Occupy Wall Street demonstrations across the...9:18 PM in Liberal Hypocrisy | Permalink | Comments (0)
11/11/11 11:11 baby
Born after 11 hours of labor, here she is: Read Baby Celine's story at ABC Cleveland...9:08 PM in Good news | Permalink | Comments (3)
Girl Scouts out, American Heritage Girls in
Re the preceding story of Girl Scout Leadership mandating that a boy who identifies as a girl may join the Girl Scouts:American Heritage Girls (AHG) founder, Patti Garibay's father once said, "Why curse the darkness, when you can light a candle?" Help make that light shine brighter by sharing the...8:05 PM in Activism | Permalink | Comments (0)
Transgendered Girl Scouts - yes, really
Transgendered Girl ScoutsBy Chuck Colson | Christian Post Guest Columnist"What are little boys made of?" the old-fashioned rhyme asks. "Snakes and snails, and puppy-dogs' tails." And what are little girls made of? "Sugar and spice and everything nice."I know it's not exactly scientific, and there are wide ranges of personality...7:33 PM in Gender Differences | Permalink | Comments (0)
Wallis/Brooks debate: "Is capitalism moral?" (updated)
I drove up to Messiah College in Gratham, Pennsylvania Wednesday night to cover this event: Ideological opponents argue Capitalism's morality Barbara Curtis Jim Wallis says it's not; Arthur Brooks says it's not supposed to be From left: JIm Wallis, moderator Peter Greer, and Arthur Brooks (Photo by Rebecca Wood, The...7:24 PM in Social Justice | Permalink | Comments (3)
Veterans Day tribute - grab a kleenex
I Fought For You...2:13 PM in Military matters, Veterans Day | Permalink | Comments (1)
Conservative victories in Virginia - hallelujah!
I've had several assignments this week, so haven't been able to mention some major news. First of all, can I say once more how proud and happy I am to be a Virginian? To live under a state government that is fiscally responsible and actually has a budget surplus rather...1:53 PM in Good news, Virginia | Permalink | Comments (1)
Poem: The ABCs of Thanksgiving
My daughter Samantha posted this on facebook:The ABCs of ThanksgivingAlthough things are not perfect Because of trial or pain, Continue in thanksgiving Do not begin to blame. Even when the times are hard-- Fierce winds are bound to blow-- God is forever able; Hold on to what you know. Imagine...1:24 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 10, 2011
Loudoun 11/12 Dinner/Dance for disabilities 14-25
These are lots of fun!!! My boys always go and have a great time! Capernaum is THIS Saturday, November 12, 2011from 5:30-7:30 at Cornerstone Chapel! Dinner and Dessert will be served.We will enjoy singing, hearing about Jesus and His desire to be our friend, playing games, participating in ridiculous skits,...8:31 PM in Disabilities, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
Lovettsville Veterans Day ceremony
We live in a small town called Lovettsville now - population about 1400, so larger than the other towns we've lived in since moving to Virginia. But we still live on a dirt road and can travel the last 10 minutes to our house at night without seeing another car....8:08 PM in Veterans Day, Virginia | Permalink | Comments (0)
11/11/11 - great day for Palindromes!
Tomorrow is 11/11/11 - a great day to teach your kids about Palindromes: Palindromes Palindromes are words or phrases that read the same in both directions, e.g. EYE,or RACECAR, or MADAM I'M ADAM. Here are a few good ones: Do geese see God? Was it Eliot's toilet I saw? Murder...3:59 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (3)
Veterans Day - free stuff for vets
Finding ways to say thank you to our vets. Be sure to call your local franchise to make sure they are participating and bring your military ID: 1. Cabela's Outdoor Store Employee discount of 5% to 50% - Nov. 11 to 12 Applies to: Veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law...3:19 PM in Free stuff, Military matters, Veterans Day | Permalink | Comments (0)
Marines' 236th birthday - Zach to OCS soon
United States Marine Corps 236th Birthday And our family is proud that we will have a Marine!! Zachary is scheduled to enter Officers Candidate School in January - finally after a motorcycle accident/broken ankle two years ago delayed his going in as scheduled after college. Can't wait to see...3:11 PM in Family, Military matters | Permalink | Comments (1)
Mother Teresa inspiration
"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love." ~Mother TeresaHT: Maddy's Facebook...3:02 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Duggars announce Baby #20
20 kids and counting! Michelle Duggar announces she's pregnant again...2:58 PM in Big families | Permalink | Comments (3)
Opportunites to give: Dig4Hattie
Dig4Hattie has raised 2500. for Josh and Hattie Curtis, who have been battling her thyroid cancer together for over four years and who are on the cusp of her beginning a new bone therapy and chemotherapy. If you have wanted to contribute to their help. but have wondered how, please...12:12 AM in | Permalink | Comments (0)
Opportunites to give: Internaitonal
Dig4Hattie has raised 2500. for Josh and Hattie Curtis, who have been battling her thyroid cancer together for over four years and who are on the cusp of her beginning a new bone therapy and chemotherapy. If you have wanted to contribute to their help. but have wondered how, please...12:12 AM in Opportunities to give | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 9, 2011
Elections 2011 - proud to be a Virginian!
Our entire family - expatriate matriarch plus 24 native Californians(husband, children, sons-in-law, grandchildren) - fled oppressive California for our sweet Virginia home in 2002. We have never been disappointed. Thanks to the 2011 elections, we now have the highest number of Republicans in the statehouse ever - 66! Plus a...11:57 PM in Virginia | Permalink | Comments (0)
Children in church: teaching good behavior
A rerun - just because I noticed a lot of recent traffic to this link. Please keep in mind that teaching children self-control is the key to our country finding its way back to sanity: A couple weeks ago a young mother came up to me after Mass and thanked...11:48 PM in Montessori | Permalink | Comments (1)
November 8, 2011
Obama taxing Christmas trees - starting NOW!
[Update: the Christmas Tree Tax has already been rescinded - thanks to the Drudge Report stirring up an outcry. Go, Drudge!] .Unbelievable. Starting a whole new government agency paid for with your tax dollars and staffed with government workers who will presumably vote Democrat. This guy is a mastermind: Obama Couldn't...9:51 PM in Obama Nation, Oppression | Permalink | Comments (3)
November 7, 2011
Loudoun Adaptive Rec - free swim night 11/18
For families with kids with disabilities, Loudoun is the best place in the world to live. There is always something opportunity to give our kids a little extra fun. Coming up soon - a free swim event. But you have to register in advance: For community members of all abilities,...6:04 PM in Disabilities, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
West Side Story 50th - 4 tickets Cobb Theater giveaway
One night only - West Side Story on the big screen. What a treat this will be: Fathom Events sent me four tickets to see it at the Cobb Theater and I was so looking forward to going. This movie came out when I was 13 years old and I...4:54 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (2)
Ultimate fetch
Matt took this picture outside this afternoon of our black lab, Willy - who loves lives to play fetch - and the ultimate stick he came up with today:...4:49 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (1)
Veterans Day: I Vow to Thee, My Country
This is a British hymn, but seems appropriate for Veterans Day: I Vow to Thee My Country I vow to thee, my country--all earthly things above-- Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, That...2:29 PM in Veterans Day | Permalink | Comments (0)
Veterans Day: In Flanders Field
In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short...2:27 PM in Veterans Day | Permalink | Comments (1)
History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day is next Thursday, November 11. Posting early so you can teach your kids: American Minute for November 11th: The 11th hour of the 11TH DAY OF THE 11TH MONTH of 1918, World War I ended. Though the Armistice was signed at 5:00 AM, fighting continued till 11:00 AM,...2:25 PM in Veterans Day | Permalink | Comments (0)
Loudoun Valley High: Veterans Day program 11/11 7pm
A great community tradition and opportunity for families to focus on the meaning of Veterans Day. Bring your family members who have served our country for special recognition. Homeschooling families, don't miss this wonderful opportunity! Everyone welcome!...2:13 PM in Loudoun County, Purcellville, Veterans Day | Permalink | Comments (0)
Nationwide Emergency Alert test 11/9 2pm
On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. This nationwide test will kick off at 2:00 p.m. (EST) and run concurrently across all time zones. This system test is the first of its kind designed...1:05 PM in Safety | Permalink | Comments (0)
Dying boy shares his faith in Christ
Garvan Byrne Shares His Child Like Faith...12:27 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 6, 2011
Get involved: campaign training
In case you've been feeling like getting involved, but haven't known where to start, here's where to find fellowship and training: Get Ready for 2012 Grassroots Campaign Training Do you remember where you were on Election Night, November 2, 2010? Do you remember the feeling of accomplishment you felt as...11:17 PM in 2012 Campaign | Permalink | Comments (0)
Leona Choy: Poems for autumn
14.00 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} Any poetry lovers out there? I am so privileged to present these poems...9:54 PM in Aging, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sting: Medicaid abortion, 30-week Down syndrome baby
$16,000 Tax Funded 30 Wk Down Syndrome Abortion HT: Creative Minority Report, via Maeana...8:29 PM in Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2)
Michele Bachmann live webcast 11/7 10:30
Watch the live webcast at 10:30 a.m. EST Monday of Rep. Michele Bachmann's Values Speech at FRC Headquarters November 05, 2011 Dear Barbara, I'd like to invite you to watch a special webcast this Monday morning, November 7, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. EST. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) will be...8:12 PM in 2012 Campaign | Permalink | Comments (0)
Britney Spears exposes photoshop
Missed this in April 2010, when Britney Spears released unretouched photos of a Candies photo shoot before the photoshopping that resulted in one teen girls would see in the ad. This is so worth sharing with your daughters - and a great discussion starter. Moms need to play a proactive...12:51 PM in Girls, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2)
Can canned prayers be spiritual?
Food for thought: Can Canned Prayers be Spiritual? . . . Lord, teach us to pray . . . (Luke 11:1) I don't know how I lived in such embarrassing ignorance about prayer for so long. For the first thirty-two years of my Christian walk I believed the only prayers God...9:50 AM in Prayer | Permalink | Comments (2)
Jaeson Ma - Love
Your kids will enjoy this too: Jaeson Ma - Love...9:42 AM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
Facebook humor/inspiration stream #10
My Facebook News Feed is like a river streaming so much humor and inspiration, I plan to do roundups of the best whenever I have a minute. Except for the first, which got bumped to the top, In the random order they appeared: See all my facebook humor/Inspiration streams...9:21 AM in Facebook humor/inspiration stream, Humor, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Daylight Savings - humor
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS When told the reason for daylight savings time the Old Indian said, "Only the government would believe that you could cut a foot off the top of a blanket, sew it to the bottom, and have a longer blanket."...8:01 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 5, 2011
Paul McCartney: Golden Slumbers/ The Weight
Paul McCartney (with Linda) and Wings on the 1989/1990 comeback tour. Can you even imagine the electricity being there live? Paul McCartney - Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/End LIVE...9:26 PM in Music, Music greats | Permalink | Comments (1)
Turn clocks back
Daylight savings time ends at 2am tomorrow. Remember before you go to bed to turn clocks back an hour. Remember: Spring forward, fall back. And enjoy your extra hour!...7:44 PM in | Permalink | Comments (0)
Who makes what?
8:48 AM in Government Corruption | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 4, 2011
Sorry for the wasted moments. . . . .
I really want to apologize for all the wasted time my readers have been dealing with as I have blissfully added this, that, and whatever to my sidebars.I have definitely put my blog on a diet, cutting out all unnecessary and relatively unproductive advertising. Also material that is seriously...4:17 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (16)
Looking for feedback
Hi Barbara,Been reading your blog for quite a while now and do appreciate your digest of news, cartoons, and music. I do have a question though. Is there anyway you can reduce the amount of material on your homepage? Maybe make it so not so many days entries have to...10:13 AM in | Permalink | Comments (20)
Star Wars: Having the talk with your kids
Tina sent this - so funny. Send it to your dearest Star Wars fanatic: Star Wars Talk to Your Kids PSA...9:55 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (1)
November 3, 2011
Oppression - a matter of perspective
Food for thought:...4:41 PM in Islam issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Litany of the Saints
I forgot to run this on All Saints Day. But Sue's comment that after watching the Mike Wallace/Margaret Sanger interview she needed a mental life, brought this to mind. Actually, this would be a good place to bookmark for anytime you need spiritual help: On special holy days, we sing...11:04 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 2, 2011
Mike Tompkins - Forever and Firework
Mike Tompkins' latest. Be sure to watch through the end, where he shows you how he did it: Forever Chris Brown A Capella Cover Mike Tompkins The funny thing is that I am not interested in the songs he covers at all - until he covers them. As witness his...8:43 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (1)
Margaret Sanger: 1957 Mike Wallace interview
The Mike Wallace Interview with Margaret Sanger, 9/21/57 Margaret Sanger, the leader of the birth control movement in America, talks to Wallace about why she became an advocate for birth control, and a warrior against over-population, the Catholic Church, and morality. Watch the interview. Read the transcript. Incredible history...8:37 PM in Planned Parenthood, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (4)
Margaret Sanger - racist, eugenicist
Here is the hero of Planned Parenthood - the side they are careful not to advertise: Margaret Sanger Founder of Planned Parenthood In Her Own Words "The most merciful thing that a large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it." Women and the New Race...8:24 PM in Planned Parenthood | Permalink | Comments (3)
Peanut butter prices rise 40%
Peanut Shortage Sending Peanut Butter Prices UpThursday, 13 Oct 2011 ATLANTA - Consumers should be prepared to shell out a bit more for peanut butter soon. Another hot, dry summer in key producing states and competition from more profitable crops like cotton have significantly shrunk the U.S. peanut crop this...12:17 PM in Continuing chaos | Permalink | Comments (0)
Abraham Lincoln on prayer
I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. ~ Abraham Lincoln...10:28 AM in Quotes to live by | Permalink | Comments (1)
"Americans for Herman Cain" not affiliated with Cain
On Tuesday, Americans for Herman Cain, a super PAC that is unaffiliated with his campaign, sent out a fundraising letter that called the allegations a "high-tech lynching" to "take down any black man who stands up for conservative values." Do not contribute to Americans for Herman Cain - this is...9:08 AM in Herman Cain | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 1, 2011
Facebook humor/inspiration stream #9
My Facebook News Feed is like a river streaming so much humor and inspiration, I plan to do roundups of the best whenever I have a minute. Except for the first, which got bumped to the top, In the random order they appeared: See all my facebook humor/Inspiration streams...6:36 PM in Facebook humor/inspiration stream | Permalink | Comments (1)
All Saints Day
Found this at YouTube - food for thought for today. Helps me remember to always be willing to give my life for Christ. Note to nonCatholics: We do not worship the saints, but they are role models and reminders - as well as part of the biblical "communion of...10:51 AM in All Saints Day | Permalink | Comments (0)
Hepatitis B - adverse reaction claimed Ian's life
I know this is shocking, but imagine how it felt to be Ian Gromowski's parents, watching him die from a reaction to his Hepatitis B vaccine. This picture was taken on Day 9. Ian died 6 days later.You can read his story and find out more about the pros...10:41 AM in Vaccines | Permalink | Comments (8)
Down syndrome: "I am the 10%"
Several people have sent me this picture connected with articles all over the Internet. This is the kind of thing we love to see go viral:Dad behind viral 'I am the 10%' Down syndrome image speaks out by John Jalsevac October 27, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In the past week a...8:37 AM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (2)
Critical thinking for elementary children
This isn't just for homeschooling families, but all parents who want to raise children who think for themselves. In response to my archived 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...7:14 AM in 2012 Campaign, Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (0)
