June 2007
June 29, 2007
KS Milkmaid Update
Christina is okay. Cannot share anything really as her use of the Internet has become a weapon to be used against her by the defense. When they got to the last scheduled hearing, it was once again postponed. New date:July 6 at 9:00. Keep praying. She needs us all....8:07 PM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (8)
Be back soon
I am temporarily out of service. No kidding. I went back on the Fat Flush Diet yesterday - determined to lose this last 30 pounds (for those new here, I lost 75 pounds between February and September 2006 and have been maintaining since). This is the strictest diet in the...7:54 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (7)
June 28, 2007
Update on Lady Lovas
A while ago I asked you all to pray for Lady Lovas and her new baby boy: I heard right away that Aaron's tests had come back okay, but I was kinda waiting to hear the part of the story about LL before posting. Then her results were inconclusive and...10:17 AM in | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 27, 2007
Baby woodpeckers
Grab your kids and check out the woodpeckers at Wavelit. I heard the babies have just hatched, though only one of the parents was evident when I looked today. You have to watch a short commercial, but the two I've seen were entertaining in an ironic sort of way....6:15 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 26, 2007
California's continuing crusade to make homosexuals a protected class
Apropos of the last entry, I still subscribe to updates on California's "cutting edge" legislation. As the state that led the nation on "hate crimes" and bringing homosexual indoctrination into school curriculum beginning in kindergarten, California is a state any thinking American would want to keep up with - kinda...10:42 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2)
Snopes has it wrong on hate crime legislation
I've always relied on Snopes to check out whether something forwarded to me is true or not. I will no longer be able to trust Snopes, though. Their liberal bias is showing. Here's the scoop, beginning with an email I received last week from a reader: Barbara, I received this...3:58 PM in Current Affairs, Media Bias | Permalink | Comments (6)
Blogroll
If you link to me, would you please take a minute to check to see if you're on mine - then let me know by comment or email if you're not so I can add you? My blogroll is strictly reciprocal: if you link to me, I'll link to you...1:00 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (21)
June 24, 2007
Boy Scout camp, weekend guests, rugby injury, sunflower seeds, and - oh, yes - writing
Jonny left for Boy Scout Camp last Sunday. I was so proud of him. When he asked to join the Boy Scouts last year, the troop at our church had never had a kid with disabilities before and they were just a little hesitant - said they had to...11:49 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (8)
June 23, 2007
The Cheerios Play Book - perfect for toddlers!
This is such a cute book - and a fabulous way to encourage even the youngest child to develop pincer grasp and hand control - which both lead to better writing skills later on. The pages have recessed circles where the child can oh-so-carefully place Cheerios one by one....8:38 PM in Books, Montessori, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (2)
Judge rules on Lisa Miller/ Janet Jenkins custody battle
Update on Lisa Miller/Janet Jenkins Custody Battle: Can a child have two mothers?: The Vermont Family Court judge on June 19, finalized the dissolution of the Lisa Miller/Janet Jenkins civil union, giving Lisa full custody of Isabella and granting Janet visitation rights every other weekend - alternating in Vermont and...8:23 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 21, 2007
A mom expecting twins needs encouragement
Before you read this, I just want to ask you to understand that it takes a lot of courage to bare your emotions in this way - knowing that they may sound horrible to people who may judge you on this little part of yourself. But the tricky thing is...7:36 AM in Big families | Permalink | Comments (36)
June 20, 2007
Divorce hurts kids - marriages can mend
When it comes to expressing what we find wrong with same-sex marriage, Christians have lost a lot of moral high ground because we have not held marriage as sacred as we should have. Did you know that the divorce rates are pretty much the same inside the church and out?...8:51 PM in Marriage | Permalink | Comments (4)
June 19, 2007
Elisabeth Elliot on on how we respond to pain
I so love this woman and her insights. For me personally, forgiving people who were supposed to love me and protect me has not been difficult, especially since I became a Christian and realized how far short of perfect I fall myself. Because I suffered terrible abuse as a child,...3:28 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (3)
Rising illegitimacy rate tied to legalized abortion
Illegitimacy is not a politically correct or popular term nowadays. In fact, with one third babies in our country born to single women, I guess most folks think anyone who raises the term is just plain mean-spirited. C'mon folks. As someone who grew up without a father I can tell...1:48 PM in Fathers, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
KS Milkmaid update
Today’s hearing has been rescheduled for Wednesday June 27th, at 2:30. Please keep us in prayer during that time. We also have another hearing on June 25th for the divorce. I would appreciate any prayers for peace. Thanks!!!...1:46 PM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (3)
Ten Commandments for parents of kids with special needs
My dear friend Gloria - who wrote A Mother's Reflections on Her Daughter with Down Syndrome for MommyLife on Mother's Day - sent me this this morning. The Ten Commandments for Parents of Kids with Special Needs 1. Take one day at a time, and take that day positively. You...11:14 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (3)
June 18, 2007
Grocery rebates and sale prices at Amazon
Did you know there are lots of groceries you can buy at discount at Amazon? Check out this page for special sales and rebates including $10 for Lipton Tea: Sales and Special Offers at Amazon What about these prices for Huggies? I wouldn't recommend shopping at Amazon if I didn't...5:39 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
Bible curriculum
Barbara~ Curiousity is killing this cat...what Bible curriculum did you use that is now out of print???sss> Love, Beth Although when I posted on the texts and workbooks I had used when I homeschooled my kids, I mentioned that the Bible curriculum was out of print, Beth's email pressed me...12:15 PM in Homeschooling, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2)
KS Milkmaid needs our prayers for tomorrow
From Christina: The preliminary trial is now upon us. It is scheduled for June 19th at 2:00 p.m. Please pray that God will protect us from ruthless cruelty from the defense. God has given us immense peace over the past two weeks. We are praying for courage and ask that...9:49 AM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (8)
Teens and chores - keeping a good work ethic as your child grows
Barbara, I was looking at your site and saw: No More Chore Wars – How to Build a Work Ethic in Your Kids You can’t do it all yourself! Start early – using Montessori principles – to instill a team spirit in your kids so everyone can enjoy a happier...8:59 AM in Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2)
Stain removal
Tripp was barbecuing fajitas yesterday - yes, I know it was Father's Day, but that's what he wanted to do - and somehow while using the blender ended up spattered with the marinade which is heavy on the vegetable oil. I mean, really splattered - his clothes were drenched. What...7:12 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 16, 2007
Montessori for every mom
I have to confess that I don't know much about Montessori. Is there a book that is "Montessori for Dummies?" :) I'd like a book that explains the basics of Montessori. Thanks. I read your blog every day and appreciate it so much. I've read your Lord, Please Meet Me...11:50 AM in Montessori | Permalink | Comments (0)
Finding more joy in life
I received some beautiful pictures and a very special email from a reader this morning. Linda wrote: You inspired me a few months back to press through "feeling blue" and to get busy. I thank the Lord for how He lives in you. Since that talk...I have painted a kitchen,...10:57 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (4)
Teasing, bullying, rejection
I am so behind with email and reading through it this morning while I wait for my flight out of Boston, I feel terrible because some of these were pressing problems. I don't know whether it's because I'm getting older, but my heart is growing more tender every day and...10:49 AM in Boys, Mothering, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (9)
Writing resources
Dear Barbara, Do you have any gift suggestions for an aspiring author? Also, please add me to your mailing list. :) Thanks, Jen I am so sorry this has languished at the bottom of my Inbox for a couple weeks, Jen - I kept thinking I'd answer it here so...8:38 AM in Books, Writing | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 15, 2007
Biblical art
While I was gone, Tripp did a little tripping around the 'Net and came up with this wonderful site for Rembrandt's biblical paintings - and actually, lots of other artists' works. Love this one of the writing on the wall at Belschazzar's Feast. Web Gallery of Art Check it...9:00 PM in Art | Permalink | Comments (1)
Hello from Boston
I've been here since Wednesday on assignment from Focus on the Family covering the vote on the marriage amendment which I am too tired to explain right now. But you can find the background - mixed in with my own personal photo journal of my first trip to Boston by...8:41 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2)
June 13, 2007
Zach on the Air Force Academy
This is what Zach wrote about the recent series of events in his life. He said I could share it here and I will because I am so proud of him. Although I was proud of him for obtaining an appointment to the Air Force Academy, today I am proud...5:30 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (13)
June 12, 2007
What I've been up to
I don't have time to figure out if my cup is half full or half empty - no matter what's inside, it always feels more like a shaken up bottle of diet Pepsi with lime threatening to blow its top. How I thanked God for Kohl's opening at 8am when...3:06 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (1)
What the world eats
Thought-provoking and beautiful photo essay from Time: What the world eats Share this one with your kids....2:55 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (4)
Update from KS Milkmaid
We are deeply moved by the outpouring of gifts, prayers, kind emails and donations of clothing sent to our farm. We are still in the thick of the greatest battle we have ever faced as a family. It is not over yet. For that reason, we continue to request steadfast...11:43 AM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (0)
Planned Parenthood: predators, profits, and black genocide
Picking up from my last entry, which linked to the story of middle schoolers being taken on a field trip to an abortion clinic as an example of a non-profit, I just want to provide you with a few links to bring you up-to-speed on the blight on our country...5:55 AM in Current Affairs, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (3)
June 11, 2007
Middle school students field trip to Planned Parenthood abortion clinic
Yet another incident of deliberate sabotage of family rights . . . I am a California transplant living in New Hampshire, pretty close to Amherst where the school had a Middle Eastern theme evening, and I thought NH was conservative! Well, I thought you would be interested in knowing that...6:56 PM in Current Affairs, Media Bias, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (2)
June 8, 2007
20 ways to encourage reading
Visit the library. Then read books together with a picnic lunch on a blanket somewhere special. Invest in books. Look for lightly-used books at garage sales. Buy inexpensive paperbacks from discount stores. Care for books. Teach children to handle books as though they had great value. They do. Create...3:39 PM in Homeschooling, Public schools, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (8)
The ACLU and secular cleansing
American Legion serves notice to ACLU: no more attacks on war memorials! Click above to see Fox News's take on the story I was covering right before Memorial Day for Citizen magazine (to be published in August). (You may need to click on the link to ACLU sues....)I think Fox...3:20 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mainstream Loudoun and censorship
Mainstream Loudoun - who fought valiantly to remove Internet filters from Loudoun County's public libraries - does have one thing they like to censor: any public criticism of Mainstream Loudoun. Evidently someone keeps a sharp eye out for any negative press about Mainstream Loudoun and then sees to having it...8:09 AM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (4)
June 6, 2007
American Idol Jordin Sparks is pro-abstinence and pro-life!
This news is a little old (and thank you to Becky for reminding me - even though it took me a while to plow through my Inbox), but in case anyone has missed it, 17-year-old American Idol winner Jordin Sparks is 100% pro-life and 100% outspoken about it. Read...8:21 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (5)
Angels in Adoption - nomination time
Three years ago, Tripp and I received the Angels in Adoption award. We met some incredible people from all different states who have made a difference in the lives of children through foster care and adoption - particularly of difficult cases or large numbers of kids. It's nomination time for...5:42 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (1)
Danielle Bean's online raffle
Danielle Bean is hosting an online raffle. This is the first one I've ever heard of. It is for the benefit of St. Gianna Maternity Home in Warsaw, ND. For a $5 donation through paypal you get a chance to win one of 45 different gifts....5:18 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
Lady Lovas needs our prayers
This is a picture of Lady Lovas's new baby - and third son - Aaron who was born a month ago. Many of you are familiar with LL- she comments here frequently and her comments are sometimes so important that I move them to guest blogger status. When I've...4:12 PM in | Permalink | Comments (7)
A new take on fire safety for children
Shannon of Abigail and Porter brought this to my attention. Parents who noticed that their children would sleep through anything - including a fire alarm - created one that works with voice. You can find the story here: Smoke alarm promises to get kids out of harm's way Read more...3:25 PM in Practical Info, Preschoolers, Safety, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Find the cheapest gas in your area
Martha passed this on to me. Type in your zip code to find the cheapest gas prices in your area. Updated nightly. Local Gas Prices...2:44 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 5, 2007
Kid-friendly art - at home
Kid Friendly Art One simple way to enrich the lives of your children is to bring art into your home. You don't have to know much to get started - I didn't! - but the key for moms is to see things through a child's eyes. Kids are so responsive...3:41 PM in Art, Homeschooling, Montessori, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6)
Mainstream Loudoun supporter/ACLU attorney pleads guilty to child porn charges
Well, the Washington Post has finally seen fit to pay some attention to a story they tried to ignore until the pervert - who wasn't someone they'd love to report on, but rather the past president of the Virginia ACLU - pled guilty and they had to write something -...1:11 PM in Current Affairs, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (5)
Teaching your kids to think for themselves
Funny how some nonbelievers think that Christians are mindless robots. I actually see evidence daily that it takes a lot of critical thinking skills to overcome the forces of social engineering (media, music, movies) that have convinced the masses that tradition is bad and that homosexuality, abortion, and promiscuity is...12:17 PM in Homeschooling, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2)
June 4, 2007
Teaching kids to make good media choices
I have an article in this month's Plugged In called What I've Learned from 20 Years of Raising Teens. Unfortunately, it's not available online, but those of you who subscribe, be sure to look for it. If you don't subscribe to Plugged In, it's available through Focus on the Family....2:26 PM in Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (3)
Bridal shower gifts - any suggestions
Hi Barbara! Love your site! I have a bridal shower coming up for my son and future daughter in law. What I wanted to get them is unavailable now. I am having trouble thinking of a unique gift! You always have wonderful ideas and was wondering if you could...11:52 AM in Marriage | Permalink | Comments (28)
Crazy times
Has our country gone mad? If this were a blog completely dedicated to politics, I could spend my days filling it with information on signs that we are hurtling ourselves down a path of self-destruction. Not only is patriotism considered politically incorrect, but we are indoctrinating our children to believe...9:59 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (8)
June 3, 2007
KS Milkmaid update
As I mentioned before, for legal reasons KS Milkmaid's blog must remain down. Christina will stay in touch with me and we have a system so that I know what is okay for me to share here. It is extremely limited. Brian is out on bond. The preliminary hearing...3:59 PM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (4)
My Waterford Boys
I've told you about Waterford, the little village a mile down the road from us. It's a historic monument and so one of the rites of passage of Loudoun County elementary school kids is a trip to Waterford dressed in traditional-looking clothing for a morning in the one room...10:14 AM in Down syndrome, Family | Permalink | Comments (6)
June 2, 2007
Hamas kindergarten
Here's some food for thought: I can't tell you how important it is as parents to be intentional - to have a plan for the kind of adults you want to launch into the world. They need to prepared for a world that may be very different than the one...9:34 PM in Current Affairs, Religion | Permalink | Comments (7)
June 1, 2007
Montessori at home: teaching kids to fasten
Hi Barbara~ If you have time, could you recommend a good book or product to help teach toddlers to use buttons, snaps, zippers, et al? Thanks! Kristina Montessori classrooms have dressing frames to enable kids to learn more easily how to cope with fasteners from buttons to zippers to buckles....7:12 PM in Montessori, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (2)
Reaching the Left from the Right - Evangelical Outpost review
Joe Carter reviewed Reaching the Left from the Right: Talking about Social Issues with People Who Don't Think Like You (for more info check out Barbara's Books in right sidebar) at his Evangelical Outpost. Read Joe's review here. The Verdict: Whether discussing homosexuality, abortion, or feminism, Curtis provides a model...2:59 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (3)
KS Milkmaid update
I just talked to Christine and she and the children are still at the farm. The next hearing is on June 19. Bond has not been posted, so they are safe. She was advised to remove her blog for legal reasons, but promised to keep me posted on what is...2:52 PM in KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (14)
Mommy, Teach Me! Montessori in the home review
Spotted this review by Danielle Hanley of Mommy, Teach Me! and Mommy, Teach Me to Read!: I think the biggest difference between Barbara's books and other Montessori books is the fact that Barbara is a writer who happens to be a Montessori teacher, not a Montessori teacher who wants to...2:34 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1)
Dr. Dobson on O"Reilly tonight to discuss Boulder High sex talk
As a follow up to Wake Up Call for Parents Part 1 and Part 2, this press release just in from Focus on the Family: Dobson Angered by Boulder's New "Sex-Ed" Program Leaders tell kids to have sex and do drugs May 31, 2007 Colorado Springs, Colo. – Focus on...1:05 PM in Current Affairs, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (1)
Mel published in print today!
My buddy Mel at Actual Unretouched Photo has a piece published in the Christian Science Monitor today which you can view online at: Suburbia's Fortress Mentality Parent's fears are robbing children of their childhood This was a blog entry - I think from a couple years ago - that Mel...5:57 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (4)
