November 2005
November 30, 2005
Blog of Beauty Awards
I woke up early and thought I'd tend to my blog before everyone else was up. Tripp and I decided yesterday to reinstitute a practice we used to have, but at some point slacked off about - morning devotions. Frankly, we needed a burst of second wind with these...6:09 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
November 29, 2005
Anne Rice
It is incredible, the work God can do in the human heart. I posted a few days ago about Anne Rice's recent spiritual revelation. Now World has published an excellent article on Rice by Lynn Vincent, as well as a review of her new book Christ the Lord by Gene...2:04 PM in Books, Culture, Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Husbands and spiritual leadership - a reader's experience
Nilda, who has been reading this blog for a while wrote a comment which was so powerful and authentic that I asked her if I could move it to this space. She said yes: "I’ m so thankful to be able to share what God has been teaching me lately,...10:13 AM in Marriage | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
November 28, 2005
No Mr. Rogers fans here
Note to Mr. Rogers fans - Please read comments below for the sake of balance :) And whatever you do, don't take it seriously! :) :) I recently bought Daniel a Mr. Rogers DVD. While in my old hippie days I thought Mr. Rogers was boring, since so much about...10:43 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Christmas IS legal in public schools
Since our kids started public school when we moved to Virginia (after years of mostly homeschooling), Tripp and I have taken a very proactive approach on a number of things. Virginia isn't as afraid of religion as California is - the schools here even have plaques in the hallways mandated...10:04 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Open forum - Husbands and spiritual leadership
A reader writes: I do have a question for you though.....about getting my husband to be the spritual leader. It is really hard for me to get him to do stuff like devotions or even to go look for a church (we recently moved), not because he is not a...9:49 AM in Family, Marriage, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
November 26, 2005
Parenting Q&A #10 New Baby Blues
Andrea wrote: On Oct 31st I welcomed our 4th child. Yay! He is an absolute joy. However~ as with each baby, there is always that adjustment period, which I always find so hard. My oldest seems to have the hardest time adjusting. She is 12, and I also have a...2:34 PM in Babies, Big families, Family, Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Parenting Q&A #9 Potty Training
A reader wrote: I think my 17 month old daughter is showing signs of being ready to potty-train. She started volunteering to take her own disposable diaper to the garbage, and she'll go and sit on the potty chair while I take care of the cloth diapers. If we spend...9:57 AM in Big families, Mothering, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
November 25, 2005
Post-Thanksgiving ponderings
As promised, yesterday's Thanksgiving picture. A smaller group than last year as Jasmine and her family went to Ohio to spend the day with her father and Matt didn't come either. I won't pretend that our family is perfect. Right now we are in the midst of a lot...9:54 AM in Blogging, Family, Mothering, Religion | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
November 23, 2005
Pride and Prejudice
Saw Pride and Prejudice with Sophia and Maddy this afternoon while big brothers babysat for little brothers (thanks, guys!). Sophia is an Austen devotee - has read all her books three times - and loves to discuss. Maddy's seen the older movie versions. So I couldn't have chosen better...7:45 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Happy Thanksgiving!
We Gather Together...10:27 AM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Giving Thanks for All I Never Had
This year I won’t be thanking God for all my blessings, but for all the things I haven’t had: I’m grateful for the full refrigerator we never had in my childhood, grateful for the meals we missed the last few days before my mother’s paycheck. These memories make it...10:17 AM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Yummy Yams
In case you've been wondering for years what is the difference between sweet potatoes and yams - and in case you care enough to take the time today to find out: Sweet Potatoes or Yams Here's a recipe I love - Toss cut-up sweet potatoes or yams with olive oil,...9:45 AM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Thanks for answered prayer - PS
Rereading this piece on Daniel's improvement and all the comments this morning, I realized I forgot to say that I never got the third prescription filled. Daniel's behavior change was strictly God's doing - unassisted by medication. Sheeeesh! That was the most important point!...7:35 AM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 22, 2005
Almost Thanksgiving
Two more days!...4:04 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Parenting Q&A #8 Destructive Behavior
Jenny wrote: I have 3 boys J - almost 5, D 3 1/2, and G 2 with Down Syndrome. D is, in this season, my greatest challenge. It seems he loves being destructive - taking bins of toys and throwing all of them all over the floor. Or, as he...3:46 PM in Big families, Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Thanks for answered prayers
It's been about six weeks since I wrote Motherhood is Risky Business, where I shared about some of the difficulties we were going through with Daniel - one of our adopted sons with Down syndrome. Though he's really gifted intellectually for a kid with DS (at 9 he can read...8:04 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Mothering, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
November 21, 2005
Parenting Q&A #7 Appropriate Consequences
Melanie, mother of 4 under 5 plus keeper of two kids 7 and 4, wrote: I think my 3 and 4 year olds are plenty old enough to keep their rooms clean. The problem is it is always a battle. Finally today I set the timer, like always, for 20...10:19 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Welcoming children
Paigeu commented today: I have learned a lot from your blog about making a house a rich learning environment for children, while previously I had thought that my house should be decorated for MY and my fellow adults pleasure, which meant everything matching and according to my own tastes. I...9:59 PM in Big families, Family, Life Lessons From My Kids, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Head Start on the Arts
This article first appeared in Christian Parenting Today. © Barbara Curtis 1999. I took the pictures in 1997 at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, an art museum in San Francisco with Rodin's The Thinker in front. GIVE YOUR CHILD A HEAD START ON THE ARTS “I didn’t...8:22 AM in Art, Culture, Family, Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
November 20, 2005
Family-Friendly Art - Norman Rockwell
As a former radical leftist, I am grateful to have been relieved of the lens of cynicism and scorn through which I used to see the world. It was truly quite a burden – our striving for sophistication built on embracing the dark and depraved while rejecting anything which appealed...9:43 PM in Art | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Mother Teresa's Simple Plan
Apropos of yesterday's thoughts on people misunderstanding confidence as arrogance, when it just might be the energy God gives us to do what we're supposed to do, I thought of something I've posted before: These words are engraved on a wall at the Children's Home founded by Mother Teresa in...9:35 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
November 18, 2005
More thoughts on self-esteem
As I've said before, I read Elisabeth Elliot in the morning and let her words percolate through the day, mixing with whatever is going on in my life and in my heart. Recently I made a remark about a purple dinosaur brainwashing kids into having self-esteem, and a dad wrote...5:49 PM in Blogging, Writing | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Elisabeth Elliot on self-esteem
Every once in a while, I remind readers that you can receive Elisabeth Elliot daily in your inbox. She always has some great stuff to say. Like today: Two Views One morning I received an article from a Christian magazine, written by a consulting physician at a well-known Christian clinic,...1:54 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Evangelical Blog Awards
The Evangelical Underground is also seeking nominatons in these categories: Best Evangelical Teen Blog Best Evangelical Group Blog Best Evangelical Youth Pastor Blog Best Evangelical Missionary Blog Best Evangelical Blog-Humor Best New Evangelical Blog Best Evangelical Blog-Pastor Best Evangelical Blog-Apologetics Best Domestic Evangelical Blog (U.S.) Best International Evangelical Blog Best...1:01 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
2005 Weblog Awards
MommyLife has been nominated for Best Parenting Blog - thanks to Sherry at Semicolon, who welcomed me to the blogosphere with a comment two days after my first entry on January 15, 2005! You all are welcome to join in the nomination process - for this or any other...12:44 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
$10 off Baby Stuff
I was just uploading some baby items under Barbara's Picks and noticed that amazon's Bay Store is offering $10 off all orders over $99. Just use this code at checkout: BRUSAVNGSCTB. Have you discovered the joys of online shopping? Did you know you can even order diapers, pull-ups and...11:23 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 16, 2005
For new visitors to MommyLife
Periodically I do a little update for readers new to this site: MommyLife began on January 15, 2005. Since then, there have been 402 entries and 1382 comments. On the left sidebar are features to help you find any information you need: Site tools which link you to other blogs,...10:04 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Very Special Book Pick
Been uploading more books under Barbara's Picks, and - as I go along - appreciating what a rich cultural world we can provide for our kids from the earliest days. Lots of these books are available in paperback for just the cost of a video rental. The library is great,...8:17 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Thanks for a hubby who cares
Life isn't always peachy-keen here, you know. At the farther end of motherhood, I am seeing the results of all my hard work bringing up these kids - and though I'm happy in many ways, there are a few things I'm not exactly thrilled about. Last night I saw to...3:30 PM in Family, Marriage, Mothering, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
November 15, 2005
Thanksgiving at our house
Here is a picture of last Thanksgiving: Key: The W's are grandchildren by our oldest daughter and wonderful son-in-law Kip; the R's are grandchildren by our second oldest daughter Jasmine and equally wonderful son-in-law Nathan: Patrick W (11), Andrew W (9), Trinity W (4), Katy R (4), Christian R (5),...7:52 AM in Big families, Holidays, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBack
Something to give thanks for
I don't know about you, but when I hear of a self-destructive person - especially one with a high profile and lots of influence - coming to their spiritual senses, I want to leap up and shout for joy. Like Anne Rice, the best-selling author of vampire novels, who now...6:15 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
November 14, 2005
Close encounters of the ER kind
Kristy wrote: a funny thing happened today, well not funny at the time, but hilarious now....we had our first "something is stuck up the nose ER visit" today! (it was my 2 year old with a fake pearl...) all is well now and thankfully it was an easy 5...12:16 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Thanksgiving Aprons
I was googling around for a Thanksgiving apron and came up with these and this one, which is made of stretchy courdoroy and looks perfect: Also, this great idea for making a gift apron for Grandma. Still, I'm hoping someone will tell my hubby I want this retro oilcloth one...11:24 AM in Holidays, Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
November 13, 2005
More on prenatal tests
I'm moving Kathy's comment up here so everyone can read it: I'm also one of those folks who had a prenatal diagnosis and chose to keep my son. I let it be known to reinforce the fact that these children are not discardable or avoidable mistakes. Whenever I hear about...2:55 PM in Current Affairs, Disabilities, Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
More on Raising Kids with Hearts to Serve
Good News On a Paper Route Once upon a time - when we lived where houses were in walking distance - my four boys had paper routes. Their entrepreneurial dad and I were grateful for the opportunity to help them learn about keeping commitments, working for wages, and handling accounts....2:23 PM in Big families, Family, Inspiration, Life Lessons From My Kids, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 11, 2005
New test for Down syndrome - good news or bad?
Down Syndrome Now Detectable In 1st Trimester Earlier Diagnosis Allows More Time for Decisions Washington Post, Thursday, November 10, 2005 While this may be hailed as good news on the first page of the Post, I must admit I'm a little sad to see it. In a better world,...2:57 PM in Babies, Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Children at Work
A child engaged in his work is a beautiful thing. In the earliest years, a child longs for meaningful activity - something that will demonstrate his belonging in the group of people who make up his family. Parents who are in tune to this desire and go out of their...9:51 AM in Big families, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Raising kids with hearts to serve
From Angela (hey, Angela, how's that new baby?): Hey Barbara, I was struck by what you said about having teens that think of others before themselves. Did you point out to them that they need to think of others or was it a natural transition from having them help around...8:54 AM in Big families, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 10, 2005
New mothers: something to look forward to!
At one time I had 7 kids under 10 - although I was blessed to have older sister Jasmine (then 18 - now 30 with 4 1/2 of her own) around to help. Our dinner table was a funny sight - think Mom and Dad and Snow White and the...9:32 PM in Big families, Family, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Random thoughts
I often get mail from moms who are desperately unhappy. It makes me want to cry with sadness and joy: Sadness because I've been in painful places myself; and joy because the first step to becoming a better mother is being uncomfortable with the mother you are. I had been...2:19 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Reunion update
Okay, for those of you who've been waiting breathlessly for the report on my weekend. First of all, I have never seen anyone from high school since I graduated in 1965 - yes I am old as the hills, but because I'm still raising kids I tend to forget :)...12:02 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
November 9, 2005
Loudoun celebrates Veterans Day
Especially for Loudoun veterans and homeschoolers - following is my column in today's Loudoun Times-Mirror: What? No school holiday on Veterans’ Day? For those scratching their heads at Loudoun County Public Schools’ unusual policy – are we dissing our vets? – really, the truth is just the opposite. It...2:55 PM in Holidays, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Thanksgiving Banner
This family project will produce a special Thanksgiving decoration to hang every year - and some wonderful memories of making it together. You need: Bowls of dried beans, peas, corn, and wild rice Small glue containers When our family made this, I had found a big poster of a turkey...11:59 AM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
God's greatest gift: Children
In an amazing step-by-step story of how God changed her heart about children, a senior associate editor at Christianity Today - writes first of her love affair with the Pill and then of the seed of discontent God planted - without her knowing - because of a job assignment:...11:12 AM in Babies, Big families, Family, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Smile
Don't know if you're a cat person or a dog person. Since our family has both, we have a cat and a dog. Although the funny thing is that our dog acts a lot like a cat and our cat acts like a dog (she actually obeys Sophia and follows...6:13 AM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
November 8, 2005
Publishing opportunity!
For those of you with aspirations of being published, a good way to start is to get something into an anthology. From time to time, I get notices about these story call-outs. Here's one I received today. Deadline has been extended to December 5, so you CAN do this!...8:08 PM in Writing | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Open Forum: How many children?
A reader asks: I’m the mother of two precious little boys ages 3 and 15 months; my question to you is: how do I know for sure how many kids I want? Let me elaborate: when I was pregnant with my first son I developed rheumatoid arthritis; the whole pregnancy...3:06 PM in Babies, Big families, Family, Mothering, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Teens are terrific!
Every mom should read this: I love teenagers Chewymom has done a great job sharing something we don't often get to hear. As my teenagers are growing up and leaving, it's been a revelation how we work so hard to bring them up to be pleasant and kind people, get...11:26 AM in Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 7, 2005
Thanksgiving art
I've been slipping in some Thanksgiving pictures lately - hope you've enjoyed them as much as I have. Here is my favorite: The original is an oil painting by Jennie Brownscombe called The First Thanksgiving. This year I splurged and ordered it to add to our Thansgiving collection. It's available...9:27 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 6, 2005
Thanksgiving Hymns
First of all, I have to admit I am prejudiced when it comes to hymns. Praise songs are okay, but to me they seem more based on feelings. Hymns have feelings too ;) - but they are so packed with the tenets of our faith that for me they pack...2:33 PM in Big families, Family, Holidays, Music, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
November 5, 2005
Thanksgiving: Pass It On
This article appeared in Focus on the Family magazine in 2000 Thanksgiving: The Whole Story by Barbara Curtis Ever hear the story about the young bride who caused a stir when her new husband found her preparing their first Thanksgiving turkey by cutting it in half? "That's how Mama always...5:47 PM in Holidays, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 4, 2005
Open forum: Small Thanksgiving
For every reader's question posted here, the comments of other readers have provided a wealth of insights and ideas. And so I'm thinking for some questions that I don't have a lot to offer, I'll use the header Open Forum. That's your signal we need your help! This morning a...7:54 AM in Holidays, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
November 3, 2005
Fire safety
Justin attends an early intervention preschool in the morning to get the little extra help he needs. The other day the firemen came to visit and I didn't really think twice about it until later his teacher told me that this is a safety program with a specific purpose: to...8:23 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Peapod, Upromise, online discounts
Peapod is a dream-come-true for moms - if you're lucky enough to have it where you live. Peapod went live in our corner of the world about a year ago and I think I might have been their first customer! With Peapod - which works in conjunction with Giant Food...7:27 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Parenting Q&A #6 Keeping Kids Busy
This question from a reader: I have 3 very young children. A 3yr old (who is delayed), 2yr old, and 4mo old. I having difficulty figuring out how our day should be scheduled so as to meet all their needs, keep them entertained, and be able to get my way-too-numerous...5:31 PM in Babies, Big families, Family, Mothering, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Missing comments
I just found out today that some MommyLife comments are automatically diverted into a "Junk Comment" file. Unfortuantely, I have not been in the habit of checking this file as it is often filled with spam as unappetizing as last week's garbage. Upon checking it this morning, I was surprised...5:22 PM in | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 2, 2005
Thanksgiving ideas
And now, on to a holiday that since I became a Christian means so much more! Rather than do a long post, I'll be dishing (no pun intended) ideas out here and there over the next couple weeks. But you need to know, I'm no Martha Stewart - just...12:41 PM in Holidays, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack