December 2007
December 31, 2007
Avoiding criticism - and handling it when it comes
Wow. Via Randy Alcorn's blog Eternal Perspectives today - in which he grapples with the necessity to moderate comments to keep discussions from being hijacked - I discovered a man who enjoyed a brilliant way with words: Elbert Hubbard. (Found him simply by googling the quote above - and...1:55 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Happy Birthday, Sophia!
That's my girl! Sophia turned 18 on December 28. Like many Christmas babies, she's always been suspicious of neglect around her birthday. Probably rightly so. It's hard to get worked up about another birthday (especially in a family where not a month goes by without one or two or...8:50 AM in Family, Gender differences | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
December 29, 2007
Infidel - a Muslim woman shares her journey
I've been in Africa lately, immersed in Islamic culture. Such is the power of books today - to take us to places in the past we might have known only through newspaper stories of big picture politics or an outsider's agenda. Infidel is a brave book by a woman who's...3:04 PM in Books | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
December 27, 2007
How a young man with Down syndrome is making the world a better place
I ran this last spring, but a couple of people have sent me the link and so I guess it's time to run it again: A very sweet movie about a young man with Down syndrome who's found more purpose in his life - and could teach us all a...6:07 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Life at our house
Wow. It's been one of those times when my kids are being just perfect. Everyone is pulling their weight at home and the girls are getting along. Lots of laughter and quiet good times. Since it's not always like this - my family isn't perfect by a long shot and...4:43 PM in Family, My life | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Loudoun School Board Member John Stevens weighs in on Christmas
Since Loudoun County Public School officials and board members usually commit to a point of view only when necessary - and then work hard to please as broad a base of constituents as possible - I found John Stevens candor at his Our Loudoun Schools blog refreshing. Seems Stevens thinks...7:23 AM in Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 24, 2007
Christmas - Christ is born for you!
I'll never forget my first Christmas as a Christian. It was 1987 and I was 39 years old, on my second marriage, helping my husband build his business while raising five children - my first two daughters Samantha Sunshine and Jasmine Moondance - plus three boys Tripp and I...11:07 AM in Christmas, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
December 23, 2007
Santa's lap - who started this tradition, anyway?
Christa sent me these in an email:...3:24 PM in Christmas, Humor | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Albert Mohler on The Golden Compass
Samantha sent me this link to Albert Mohler's very thoughtful, reasoned analysis of The Golden Compass. For anyone considering whether or not to see the movie and how to discuss it with friends, I think this is a good starting point. Mohler's piece is quite lengthy and worth reading...3:12 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Update on Natalie's adoption
Very sad news from a family many of us have been supporting as they raised money to adopt Natalie, a girl from Ethiopia: Hello everyone. We have some sad news. Natalie's adoption has fallen through and we have decided not to seek another child to adopt. We have posted all...2:32 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 22, 2007
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #14 - the larger trend toward spiritual tradition
[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...5:57 PM in Catholicism, Church Issues, My life | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Hallelujah Chorus - four versions
I hope I converted at least some of you to the joys of Messiah. Here are three versions of The Hallelujah Chorus I've found on YouTube: And here is a three-woman rendition by The Roches (I saw them perform this in person): Asians love Handel too: And here is a...9:46 AM in Christmas, Music | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
My life - quick and random thoughts
Is anyone out there reading? Just wondering if you are as busy as I've been. A lot is going on with my kids and they come first. But I'm always thinking, "Oh, I'd like to blog about this.. . " Last night Jonny had a party with a bunch of...9:12 AM in Catholicism, Church Issues, Diet, Disabilities, Down syndrome, Inclusion, Loudoun County, My life, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
December 19, 2007
Lynn Spears steps down as mother of the year
When it comes to the news, do you sometimes feel like Alice in Wonderland? That's the kind of day it is for me. I posted a couple of things over at The Miz Report, but the Time Person of the Year story was just too much - I wanted everyone...3:40 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Time's Person of the Year 2007
You really gotta wonder what planet the editors of Time magazine are on. I stopped my subscription ten years ago. For anyone still depending on Time to keep up with the news, this oughta make you finally cancel for good: Time person of the year: Vladimir Putin His final year...3:32 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Humor: men & women
My husband Tripp forwarded this to me - very politically incorrect but way too true and funny! SHOPPING MATH A man will pay $20 for a $10 item he needs. A woman will pay $10 for a $20 item that she doesn't need. _____________________________ GENERAL EQUATIONS & STATISTICS A woman...2:21 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Season's greetings - men's a capella style
If you love men singing - especially a capella chorus - you will love this. Thanks to Jane and Joan for the link:...1:36 PM in Christmas, Music | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 18, 2007
Homeschool family video - funny!
Samantha forwarded this to me - very funny! Homeschool Family video This brought back so many memories!...4:58 PM in Homeschooling, Humor | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 17, 2007
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #13
[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 PM in Catholicism, My life | Permalink | Comments (25) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #12
[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...8:47 PM in Catholicism, My life | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Correct way to sneeze
The first time I saw my kids sneezing into their sleeves, I corrected them. Then they corrected me. Once they explained it, it made perfect sense. The elbow sneeze has caught on fast where I live. Have you all seen the new technique? Are people using it in your...7:28 PM in Health, Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Loudoun Valley High School has no power today
I got a cell phone call from my daughter Sophia who went back to school today after being ill. She wanted me to call the school to give her permission to leave. There is no power at LVHS today - no heat or light. Yet they are keeping the kids...11:55 AM in Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack
December 15, 2007
Say thank you to our armed forces
Thursday night I was leaving the "Winter Concert" (formerly known as Christmas Concerts before the current tyranny of the minority in in this country) at Harmony when I saw a serviceman and finally did something I've been wanting to do for a long time. I shook his hand and thanked...4:40 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Christmas, clementines, independence and pincer grasp
'Tis the season - for clementines! Which are not only delicious, but a great opportunity to encourage your little ones' independence and pincer grasp. From my archives: Montessori at home #11 This morning I was reminded how important it is for us moms to always be looking for ways to...10:46 AM in Christmas, Montessori, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Parenting Q & A: how to treat people with special needs
Barbara, I love reading what you write about your kids and I've learned a lot about Down syndrome through your blog, and about valuing all sorts of people. But, when I was talking to my husband recently, we agreed that we really didn't know how to act around people who...8:53 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Inclusion | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
December 14, 2007
Merry Christmas - laughing all the way
Merry Christmas from Tripp and me! Wait 'til the end and you can send your own. Put a link in my comments too! Merry Christmas from the Downzers!...3:39 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Parenting a child with Down syndrome
My article today at Crosswalk: The Gift of Parenting a Child with "A Little Extra" Barbara Curtis Crosswalk.com Contributor My son Jonathan has a little extra. A little extra enthusiasm, a little extra innocence, a little extra charm. Oh, and did I mention an extra chromosome? The one on the...1:39 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Inclusion: help for DC/northern Virginia parents
Optimizing Your Child’s Access to the Educational System When: Saturday, January 12, 2008 Time: 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. Place: Fairfax County Government Center 12000 Government Center Parkway; Room 7 Fairfax, VA 22035 This seminar will feature three separate “mini” seminars all in one day!! Please join us for one, two or...12:58 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Inclusion, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #11
[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...8:15 AM in Catholicism, My life | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Robopanda - for a Christmas splurge
The folks at Wowwee were generous enough to send me their new Robopanda for review. It is really, really cool! The Robopanda works without a remote, responding to voice and touch. I played with it for a while and it truly does all the unbelievable things it's supposed to...6:47 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
It's Christmas - but here's a new holiday for you
This will make you smile!...6:39 AM in Christmas, Current Affairs, Humor | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 13, 2007
Public schools and religious freedom: Can one person make a difference?
Apparently so - at least if you are a person who wants to get any references to Christianity out of public schools. I am hearing from parent after parent and teacher after teacher that all it took was one parent complaining for a school principal to completely cave and put...4:44 PM in Christmas, Current Affairs, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Christmas shut out at Waterford Elementary School?
I packed this in Justin's backpack this morning: December 13, 2007 Dear Friends at Waterford – Justin has now brought home stuff about Hanukah and Kwanza. I have not seen anything about Christmas. And I’m not talking about candy canes and trees. I’m talking about something representing the true basis...7:46 AM in Christmas, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
December 12, 2007
The reason for the season
My friend Ann Stewart - a writer with whose children go to school with my Justin - has been filling me in on the holiday wars at Waterford Elementary School. The last I heard, there had been representation of several religious traditions for this holiday season, but because of one...4:32 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Having kids later in life
Barbara, Just a quick question...I've been reading your blog for a couple of years now and enjoy your insights. I am 36. My husband is 46. We have 3 children (9, 6, and 2) who I thank God for everyday. My heart is ready for more! What would you tell...1:56 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Phone or text message our troops for Christmas
ARTISTS AND FANS SEND THEIR SUPPORT TO THE U.S. TROOPS USING NEW VOICE SERVICE FROM MOZES Palo Alto, CA – December 10, 2007 -- Major recording artists are joining forces to support the U.S. troops this holiday season. The Back Street Boys , Five for Fighting , Hinder, Jordin...1:21 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 11, 2007
Moms: when you know you need to change
One of the most touching and beautiful things about life on earth to me is the gift God has given us of being able to change. If you're a person who's been blessed to grow up in a stable home and have always stuck to the straight and narrow, you...8:15 PM in Mothering, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Saving those Damned Catholics - new book by Judie Brown
In 1999 after a number of my articles had appeared in the pro-life magazine Celebrate Life, I received the Rock Solid Pro-Life award from American Life League,a Catholic organization headed by Judie Brown, a woman who's been fighting the culture of death in this country for over thirty years -...12:24 PM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
A brave woman thanks God
The Colorado Springs gunman who began firing in the New Life Church foyer Sunday morning killed only a few people because of the courage and preparedness of one woman. Amazing. Hero guard: 'It was me, the gunman, and God' Woman who ended carnage: 'I knew what I had to do'...6:10 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Say thanks to our troops!
Here's a great way to say thanks to our troops who are sacrificing so much to defend us overseas: Let's Say Thanks in Support of Our Troops Xerox has a wonderful program enabling you to send a card of your choice - from a collection designed by children - to...5:44 AM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 10, 2007
Atheist Holiday Cheer
Jeff Miller posted this at The Curt Jester: Atheists display a picture of the Twin Towers on a sign that say "Imagine no Religion" VERNON - The sturdy white sign in Rockville’s Central Park asking passers-by to "Imagine No Religion" has generated some calls, a few of them angry, to...6:05 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 9, 2007
Christmas gift idea - family calendar
Great and inexpensive Christmas gift idea from my friend Ann: Click on Costco and go to Photo Department to create a personal calendar. From the warmth of your home, download your pictures and then pick a border theme and choose the appropriate picture for each month of the year and...7:10 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Elisabeth Elliott on the communion of saints
One of the stumbling blocks for evangelicals about respecting the Catholic faith is that we do ask for intercession from the saints who've preceded us into Heaven. A commenter here referred to this practice as praying to dead Christians. I hope that jolted you as it did me - those...6:55 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (21) | TrackBack
Update on Natalie's adoption
Remember Natalie - the Liberian girl with the sweet smile that the Tippet family has been raising funds to adopt? The Tippets are one of the many families with hearts to adopt but not the funds. Through the generosity of many donors making small donations, they have currently raised...6:38 PM in Adoption | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 7, 2007
Down syndrome children and moms - a slideshow
This was the album I did last Mother's Day: Our Little Extras: A Mother's Day Down Syndrome Celebration. If you go to the actual album, you can read the comments from the moms who shared their pictures here. Just thought I'd republish this because I've received many more pictures...3:31 PM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
How well do you know Roe v. Wade?
Hi Barbara— I’ve got something you might want to cover on the blog: The anniversary of Roe v. Wade is approaching again. We have found a massive discrepancy between “support” for upholding Roe and knowledge about what the decision actually did. Polls consistently show a contradiction: one on hand, a...1:51 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack
The Child King - new movie with Down syndrome star
Hi Barbara, Not sure if you heard of this new movie coming out on DVD this Christmas. It stars a boy with DS in it. It's about finding Santa, but looks very heartwarming. Santa isn't our thing....but I'm curious about the movie. Have you heard anything about it? The Child...11:24 AM in Christmas, Down syndrome, Movies | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Inclusive Schools Week
The brainstorming session I'd requested at Waterford Elementary School to discuss ways to increase school and community awareness of the benefits of inclusion - not just for those with special needs, but for everyone - hit some setbacks due to scheduling conflicts among the attendees, including a death in...10:50 AM in Disabilities, Inclusion, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Do we over accomodate for children with disabilities?
I attended a Wright's Law workshop in October and can't begin to tell you how much it improved my advocacy knowledge/skills/confidence on behalf of my four boys with Down syndrome. For years I trusted school professionals to plan my children's programs. With four IEPs to manage, I just felt overwhelmed...8:26 AM in Disabilities, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 6, 2007
How do you stay encouraged?
Hello there, I just finished reading The Mommy Manual last weekend, while on a getaway with my husband. We have two children (4 and 18 months) and a third one on the way in about 4 weeks. I was so excited after reading this book and had all these plans...7:30 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
A window into Mexico: kidnapping and personal safety
My friend Nilda - who's guest blogged here before - had a personal crisis this week when a good friend of hers in Mexico (Nilda's from a small village in Mexico but lives here now) was kidnapped. She sent out a prayer request, and thank God, our prayers were answered....1:00 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Meaningful gifts from World Vision
With six kids in public school - including four with special needs - the list of teachers, assistants, principals, coaches, specialists, therapists, and bus drivers I want to remember in a special way at Christmas can be overwhelming. Can you imagine the line up of little gift bags? I have...12:44 PM in Christmas | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Thinking about Direct TV?
When we have TV (because we sometimes turn it off completely for a few months), we use Direct TV. I really like it because we have a DVR and can record shows we like - like the whole Planet Earth Series - and watch them later, fast-forwarding through commercials. This...12:39 PM in | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Children with Disabilities? You need to plan ahead
Those of us with kids with disabilities have to work pretty hard - what with IEPs and doctors and specialists - but we also have to plan ahead more carefully for our kids, who may not be completely independent when it is time for us to leave. Planning ahead really...12:20 PM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Elisabeth Elliot on spanking
You will save your child a lot of heartache if you start teaching obedience early. I know obedience is a bad word in many circles. But it is strongly related to self-control. And it is very necessary to protect a child from danger. When I started as a mother, I...10:33 AM in Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (11)
Starry Starry Night - Vincent Van Gogh slideshow
This piece by Don McLean came out in the 70's but I hope that those of you much younger than I have heard it. Don is most famous for his cryptic song American Pie - and I guess he's still making music because I found a website for him....9:52 AM in Art, Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Godspell at Loudoun Valley High this weekend
LVHS Fall Musical December 7 and 8 at 7:30 PM and December 9 at 3:00 PM The structure of Godspell is a series of parables taken primarily from the Gospel of Matthew interspersed with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion...7:21 AM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack