November 2007
November 30, 2007
Kansas Milkmaid update
Somehow I forgot to announce that Christina is blogging again, so if you don't already know, you can catch up with her at Kansas Milkmaid. Her husband's trial starts December 17. Christina needs our prayers as she will face a grueling process on the witness stand. From all I know...6:25 AM in Domestic violence, KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 29, 2007
The Nativity Story
Our family dropped everything last year and went to see The Nativity Story when it was out in theaters. It was close to Christmas so I wrote only the briefest review: Our family went to see The Nativity Story tonight. It was very well done and showed some new...3:42 PM in Christmas, Movies | Permalink | Comments (4)
Elisabeth Elliot on drudgery
We all have those days when our focus on the work we do as moms tears at the edges of our nerves. There is a way to transform the work we do into an offering to the Lord - just as Mary poured out all she had when she broke...6:41 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (3)
November 28, 2007
Advent music - Messiah
If you've never gotten into classical music, I can't think if a better way to start than Handel's Messiah - nor a better time to start than now. Messiah is based on the foretelling of the life of Jesus, his birth, death, and resurrection. It is composed entirely of...10:29 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (2)
Advent
Over the years, Tripp and I have attended many different kinds of churches and found that each has something to offer. One of the things I particularly like about liturgical churches - those that celebrate Sunday with a certain order of service based on church seasons - is the focus...10:19 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (3)
November 27, 2007
Sweet Baby James finds a home
Remember the little baby from China with Down syndrome who needed a home? We called him Sweet Baby James: Barbara, Look under November 2007 at Reece's Rainbow and you will see Sweet Baby James. No details on him, just his smiling face. Brenda If you are interested in adopting...3:56 PM in Adoption, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (3)
November 26, 2007
Who Is This King of Glory?
We sang this at a Mass I went to last night. Though I didn't enjoy going to Mass with contemporary music - I'd rather keep it sacred - I was touched as always by this song. I've always loved it and it's taken me to a deeper level of...6:18 AM in Catholicism, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (11)
Montessori at home #12
I talk a lot about the importance of seeing the world through children's eyes in order to provide for their needs. That was one of the first principles I learned as a Montessori teacher. When you make this a practice, it will change the way you choose items for your...6:16 AM in Montessori, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6)
November 25, 2007
Great gift idea - digital photo key chain
We are pretty broke this Christmas - which I'm actually grateful for. For the past five years, I've just been feeling less and less connection to the materialistic holiday spirit. I mean, I know for years I professed not to enjoy it, but I still was given to overindulgence when...8:44 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (4)
November 24, 2007
Who are the real spiritual heroes?
One of the blessings of Thanksgiving is that it spurs the local news outlets to look for good news. Another story of a faithful pair of parents who took on more than most: Four Years Later: Twins found like caged animals now thriving November is National Adoption Awareness Month. And...8:01 AM in Adoption, Catholicism, Church Issues, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (13)
Cold snaps, deer hunting and change
I was talking about the weather here and our unseasonably warm Thanksgiving. Yesterday changed everything. You know that expression cold snap? Yesterday was the kind of day that makes you think snap is the only word that could describe what happened here weather-wise. It's 6:30 AM and 17 degrees here....6:44 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (2)
November 23, 2007
An empty legacy
More good news. This woman is not reproducing: Meet the women who won't have babies - because they're not eco friendly Had Toni Vernelli gone ahead with her pregnancy ten years ago, she would know at first hand what it is like to cradle her own baby, to have a...6:47 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (7)
20 adopted children - one amazing family
Twenty is enough Couple, their many adopted children thankful on 'our most special holiday' Thursday, Nov 22, 2007 By Bill Lohmand, Richmond Times-Dispatch Before they sit down to dinner today, Mike and Meg King will take a moment to give thanks for their children. Olivia, Claire, Sara-Grace, Natalie, Jessica, Jack,...6:40 PM in Adoption, Big families | Permalink | Comments (4)
Christmas jigsaw puzzle
One of our Christmas season traditions is jigsaw puzzles. We have a collection we've accumulated over the years and we always have one out on a table in the living room. Usually there is Christmas music playing in the background and although the living room is not a hands-off kind...2:38 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Enchanted - a movie worth seeing
My girls went to see Enchanted last week with some friends from church - and they loved it. Which may not sound like much of a recommendation, but they've been raised and educated to expect not only decency but high production values/quality in their entertainment choices. Then Frederica Mathewes-Green,...1:28 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (9)
Charity Navigator
My daughter Samantha told me about this site and so I'm passing it on. She says it's a great help - especially looking at overhead items like executive salaries:...12:12 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
Volunteers needed Monday - Loudoun County Salvation Army
From Kathryn Stephens, HomeSchoolNet: Hi everyone, The Salvation Army, in conjunction with Holiday Coalition, has an urgent need for volunteers to help give away 1600 coats on Monday, November 26, at their Leesburg facility. The Salvation Army agreed to help the Holiday Coalition with this project and it has...11:58 AM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0)
Black Friday shopping at home
I have never gone shopping on Black Friday. First of all, the name gives me the creeps. Second of all, I hate crowds. I like shopping to be a relaxing experience. and third of all, these days I do most of my shopping on the Internet. Saves time and money...11:01 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thanksgiving at our house
Over the last few years, we've added a piece to our Thanksgiving celebration - taking family pictures. Since these tend to end up in Christmas cards or emails, I asked everyone to wear red this year. I don't know what's going on weather-wise where you live, but here in northern...7:59 AM in My life, Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (9)
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #7
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic...7:50 AM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (3)
November 22, 2007
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #6
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic...7:38 AM in Catholicism, My life | Permalink | Comments (40)
November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving every day
If you are stopping by the day before Thanksgiving, my prayer for you today is that no matter how busy you are you will remember - if not each moment, then every moment you can - to offer what you are doing to your Heavenly Father. If anything could...4:26 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (8)
Giving Thanks for What I Never Had
See my latest article at Crosswalk - Giving Thanks for What I Never Had Barbara Curtis Crosswalk.com Contributor This year I won't just 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,...4:21 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (1)
November 20, 2007
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #5
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic...9:22 AM in Catholicism, My life | Permalink | Comments (43)
November 19, 2007
1994 unaired pilot for "24" - very funny
2:16 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (3)
Portrait of our marriage
A few months ago, Laura Christianson interviewed Tripp and me for an article for Marriage Partnership. It's up, and if you're not sick to death of reading what I've written about myself lately, here's someone else's take on my marriage - which is coming up on 25 years January 2:...11:54 AM in Marriage, My life | Permalink | Comments (5)
Need some inspiration?
A great song by Jeremy Camp - Give Me Jesus....11:11 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
Gay propaganda in public schools - need input from parents
I am working on an article about the impact of gay marriage on public schools in Massachusetts. I am particularly looking for parents whose children have been exposed to picture books like King & King or One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dads. The scary thing is that if...10:03 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2)
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #4 - more thoughts on Mass
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic...9:30 AM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (58)
November 17, 2007
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #3 - Barbara goes to Mass
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic...6:54 AM in Catholicism, My life | Permalink
November 16, 2007
Do mothers of big families and/or kids with special needs face more judgment? Take 2
A few weeks ago I posed the question: Do mothers of big families and/or kids with special needs face more judgment? Here is a response from a woman who grew up in a big family: Barbara, I do feel that mothers of large families are judged more. I am the...9:52 PM in Big families, Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (2)
Mr. Rogers on disabilities - and other wisdom
A reader named James emailed me and I was intrigued by his tagline: Part of the problem with the word disabilities is that it immediately suggests an inability to see or hear or walk or do other things that many of us take for granted. But what of people who...8:44 PM in Disabilities, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (3)
Reader input needed on hyperactivity, distractibility
Barbara, I have a 5 yr old daughter who is very smart, and she has been in a Montessori Children's house classroom for the past two years. She is in the class this year as a kindergartner. As a child I was diagnosed with ADHD, and was on ritalin from...7:43 PM in Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (9)
November 15, 2007
Thanksgiving means giving thanks
From my friend Ann Stewart: Last year we made a Thanksgiving banner for our dining room. Each of the 12 squares featured a letter from Thanksgiving and a picture to go with that letter. But when I hung the banner over our doorframe, I reversed the letters and deliberately spelled...9:31 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (2)
Why have children in an imperfect world?
From my inbox - I asked the writer if I could pose her question here for readers to answer: Hello. I ran across your article on challenging the norms of the culture concerning the number of children to bear. I have only been married for 5 years and and now...3:50 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (8)
New movies about siblings with special needs
I want to thank the creators of the following two independent films for sending me review copies. It was a privilege to share such personal journeys with two people - now grown up - whose lives were shaped in many ways by the existence of a sibling with special needs....2:16 PM in Disabilities, Movies | Permalink | Comments (4)
For mothers of kids with special needs
This was written for mothers of kids with autism, but any mother of a child with special needs will relate - or for that matter, probably any mother :) Found at Different Worlds: Online support for parents of children with Asperger's syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders I am for mothers...2:00 PM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (0)
Elisabeth Elliot on work
Anyone who's read me for a while could easily guess that my love language is service. So of course I love this piece by Elisabeth Elliot: The Gift of Work The principal cause of boredom is the hatred of work. People are trained from childhood to hate it. Parents often...1:47 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1)
Study guides for my books
I'm the leader of a small group / Mom's Bible study at our church, and we've chosen "The Mommy Manual" to use in the coming months to focus on our "momability". However, I'm not really sure how to go about it. Any hints or helpful tips -- or have you...12:57 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 14, 2007
Mommy, Teach Me interview on TV
Last month when I was in South Bend to tape a segment for The Harvest Show on Reaching the Left from the Right, they also had me tape a show on Mommy, Teach Me for future use. They just notified me that the show will run this Friday 11/16 in...7:54 PM in Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thanksgiving picture books
I have several books about Thanksgiving listed under Barbara's Picks - Holidays. But someone asked me some time ago about books for younger readers. With just a week 'til Thanksgiving, I know this is a little late, but here are a few I've come up with that emphasize giving thanks...7:44 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (2)
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #2
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic...7:18 PM in Catholicism, My life | Permalink | Comments (20)
November 12, 2007
More to come - eventually
I know I have left you hanging with the story of my conversion - but I've been travelling all day and just arrived at my hotel in Columbus, Georgia where I will be picked up for dinner in 10 minutes. Tomorrow morning I'm speaking to a MOPS group for two...6:11 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (10)
November 11, 2007
freak dancing at Loudoun Valley High School and elsewhere
From a Los Angeles parent: Hi, I just got home from volunteering at my son's Los Angeles high school homecoming, where the room was pitch black, the dj played rap music and wonder of wonders--the kids were freak dancing. The teachers and administrative staff working at the dance seemed resigned...1:31 PM in Loudoun County, Public schools, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (5)
November 10, 2007
Meet the Robinsons
My Close to Home column from the Loudoun Times-Mirror this week (I publish there the first Wednesday of each month in the Go! section) was about a movie Tripp and I saw in the theater with our kids and loved. Tripp actually had the date it was to come out...9:05 AM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (1)
The Golden Compass - Take 2
Because I forgot to highlight the email I received, it may have looked as though I wrote the warning about The Golden Compass and suggested boycotting it. I did not write it as I have neither seen the movie nor read the books. I've gone back to fix the highlighting...7:00 AM in Culture, Entertainment, Movies | Permalink | Comments (4)
November 9, 2007
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #1
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic...5:25 PM in Catholicism, My life | Permalink | Comments (60)
Save $25 on groceries at Amazon - plus free shipping
I was on Amazon to order my kids' vitamins - my doctor recommends Schiff's for my kids with Down syndrome - and noticed that there is a special on: Save $25 today--plus get FREE Super Saver Shipping--when you spend $59 or more on any combination of select Planters, Kool-Aid, Jell-O,...10:44 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0)
Elisaeth Elliot on hearing when God speaks
Loved this one from Elisabeth Elliot, especially because I also love that image of Samuel responding to God's call and strive to be as eager and obedient - in a trusting, childlike way - as Samuel: Discerning the Call of God As a little girl I especially loved the story...10:03 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 8, 2007
Virginia Special Ed regulations - proposed changes
If you have a child who receives Special Ed services in the state of Virginia, you need to attend this meeting to hear how the proposed changes to the state regulations would impact your family. In a nutshell, Virginia currently offers more parental rights than the federal regulations. Legislators have...8:00 PM in Disabilities, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Golden Compass
I've received warnings about this new movie - coming out in December - from at least a dozen people. Here's one I'm passing on for your consideration: A new children's movie out in December - The Golden Compass - has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on...4:29 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (6)
Sengalese nativity sets
My friend Deb linked me to Malika Monkeys: a practical Christian ministry empowering boys and young men to rise out of poverty and become self-sustaining. The focus is on the teaching of trades, basic math, and Bible study. Malika is a big village in Senegal, West Africa. The Monkeys are...4:21 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1)
Bill Gates vs. GM - too funny!
Samantha sent me this - I am laughing out loud! Gates vs. GM For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on. At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the...4:16 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2)
What Not to Wear and a couple other TV favorites
Our TV was turned off for the last five months, but we just had it turned back on. We don't watch the major networks or sitcoms or dramas. I did watch House for a while, but got tired of the same old schtick. I don't let my kids watch sitcoms...3:13 PM in Entertainment, My life | Permalink | Comments (4)
Thanksgiving - another holiday lost to PC panic?
I was really dismayed to receive a notice from one of my kids' teachers about her classroom's annual "Harvest celebration" November 16. We were invited to sign up to contribute turkey. cranberries, green beans, etc. I wrote back: Are we not allowed to call it Thanksgiving anymore? I really don't...2:34 PM in Thanksgiving | Permalink | Comments (4)
Mommy, Teach Me! at Columbus, Georgia MOPS 11/13
I am speaking next Tuesday 11/13 at a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting in Columbus, Georgia from 9-11. Anyone in the area who'd like to hear me talk about using Montessori techniques to help your preschoolers reach their God-given potential is invited to come as long as space is...2:05 PM in My life, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (1)
Special education in Loudoun - one battle won
[This is very long, so you will need to click at the bottom to read it all] I had two meetings yesterday with two different sets of Loudoun County Public Schools staff/teachers/administrators to talk about two different issues I'm working on with two different kids. The first one involved some...1:00 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family, Loudoun County, My life, Special education | Permalink | Comments (9)
Six sisters seeking a brother
Beth Lambdin has been a good friend of MommyLife for as long as I can remember. She is proud mom of six - count 'em at the Quiverfull album - six daughters. Here is an email I received from those daughters the other day: Hello from the Lambdin sisters,...10:23 AM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (2)
November 7, 2007
Big blogging day tomorrow
Just want you to know that I have a dream come true tomorrow: nothing on my calendar. Finally! Once my children are off to school and the kitchen is clean and the laundry is in, I plan to spend six uninterrupted hours blogging and answering emails. Can you tell that...7:24 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (2)
Hooking your kids on XBox games
From the At Least They're Honest department: ''We do a lot of testing to make sure that it's easy to pick up, easy to play, and, hopefully, easy to get addicted to,'' says designer Paul Bertone Jr. ''Some games, after you die, a box saying 'Do you want to...3:15 PM in Boys, Culture, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (0)
Australia hostile to adoption?
Tracy posted this as a comment on National Adoption Awareness Month, but I thought I'd move it up to start a conversation in case there's anyone from Australia out there in a similar situation: Well you asked for info on other countries. So here is my little rant about the...5:28 AM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (2)
November 6, 2007
Guest blog: Baby Sign Language
When I met Becky at Starbuck's last summer, she mentioned how helpful sign language had been in mellowing out her daughter's frustration level. I asked her to do a guest blog on the subject. It just came in and so I'm happy to share it - and to round...12:07 PM in Babies | Permalink | Comments (10)
November is National Adoption Awareness Month
Hi Barbara, I am looking for a National Adoption Awareness Button for my web-site. You are an incredible wealth of knowledge, have you come across one? Thank you for blog-ministry! I love reading your posts! Amy I did a search but couldn't find one - anyone out there know of...7:34 AM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (2)
November 5, 2007
Busy day, but will get back with more
Another one of those days when my spirit is spinning with ideas and thoughts, but God has lined up other priorities. The kids have off school today so I got up early in my usual modern twist on Proverbs 31 to mail all my ebay packages, trying to rid our...8:29 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (2)
November 4, 2007
Maternity wear - Newsweek reporter wants your input
This came in as a comment - I checked out the reporter and he's legit - and actually a really good writer. Forgive my intrusion, but I'm a Newsweek reporter working on a maternity-wear story and I have a quick question for moms and moms-to-be. Now that maternity clothes mirror...8:15 PM in Pregnancy, birth and labor | Permalink | Comments (1)
What does it mean to be pro-life?
I spoke yesterday at Maryland United for Life's annual conference. Maddy snapped this picture and also took care of selling books. What a sweetie! The talk I gave is “Mother of 12 (and Former Radical Leftist) Lives to Tell About It!” Besides my personal history, which includes years in...10:06 AM in My life, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (100)
An opportunity to share your birth or adoption story
Click on the button above to find out more about this carnival sponsored by MamaLady at Can't Leave Well Enough Alone....8:18 AM in Adoption, Babies, Birth, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 3, 2007
Sexual fidelity - its meaning and purpose
What a breath of fresh air! "Sex is not a private matter, though it is certainly personal. Sexual intercourse is the ultimate creaturely gesture of promise. If we behave as if sexual intercourse is something less than a mutual promise of man and woman to be completely and wholly present...7:42 AM in Marriage | Permalink | Comments (4)
November 1, 2007
Children's Christian Book Giveaway
Click above to find out more about winning a free book this month. Thanks Kris for creating this giveaway and letting me know so I could share it with my readers....3:34 PM in Contest | Permalink | Comments (0)
