February 2008
February 28, 2008
American Idol - the best part
Forgot to say - The best part of the competition has to be those fabulous back-up singers and the band - especially that older guy who plays blues guitar. Amazing how they handle multiple arrangements for all those singers, week after week and make each one shine. I just love...9:56 PM in Entertainment | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Victoria Secret: We're too sexy for our own good
Interesting news from the Wall Street Journal: Apparently, You Can Be Too Sexy By AMY MERRICK February 29, 2008 Victoria's Secret likes to ask in its marketing, "What is sexy?" Now the lingerie chain is trying to figure out, "What's too sexy?" The chief executive of the brand known for...9:44 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
American Idol - week 2
David Archeluta was AWESOME!!!! And I'm guessing he's a Christian - his jettisoning of the first verses of John Lennon's "Imagine" was telling. And made the song so much more positive and in keeping with a Christian worldview. And what a doll - so sweet and humble and filled...1:33 PM in Entertainment | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
My life - and diet update
This cast is driving me crazy!!!!! Still dreaming of getting out of it. . . . . Yesterday I was able to use a pair of gigantic toenail snippers to trim down another ½” on my thumb where the edge of the fiberglass was rubbing my skin raw. The fiberglass...1:27 PM in Diet, My life | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Planned Parenthood and black genocide
Planned Parenthood has such a grip on our culture. The truth needs to be heard. Check out Black Genocide (but not with your children around) or Klanned Parenthood. The watch this investigative report: Full story here: Planned Parenthood: Wanting fewer blacks "understandable" Today's young women are taught that Margaret Sanger...11:52 AM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Amazon shoppers: important note
Thanks to those of you who are shopping and saving money at Amazon while supporting this site. One thing you need to know is that you must click through to Amazon through this site each time you shop for MommyLife to receive credit. If you bookmark my link and use...8:50 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
February 27, 2008
Virginians: weigh in on Planned Parenthood 2/28
I'm on Planned Parenthood's email list. They just sent out marching orders to Virginia supporters: Planned Parenthood is prevention! Today Senator Ken Cuccinelli (R-37) offered an amendment to the budget that would prohibit Planned Parenthood from receiving state funding. Senator Janet Howell (D-32) spoke about the critical services Planned Parenthood...9:33 PM in Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
For liberals, censorship is a one-way street
Dr. Hatrick admitted he overstepped his authority at the School Board meeting last night. I had supported his decision until we learned that procedure had not been followed. If there is a procedure, it should be followed. If the procedure needs changing, we should change it. John Stevens wants to...3:32 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
And Tango makes activism
This isn't just about Loudoun, folks!! There's a lesson here for everyone. See also: Loudoun County Schools: What's the real story behind gay censorship charges? The Tango Tangle continues Propaganda in children's literature...2:21 PM in Homosexuality, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Book on motherhood: your input needed
My friend Ann Stewart - a writer who lives a few miles from me - is writing a book called Preparing My Heart for Motherhood: A Shower of Wisdom to Treasure - following on the heels of her Preparing My Heart for Advent and Preparing My Heart for Lent....1:09 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Books for toddler expecting new baby - your suggestions
From Kristina, who blogs at Christian Children's Book Review: Hi Barbara! As always, I'm enjoying your blog and your books. (I'm re-reading Mommy Teach Me To Read, now that my 2 year old knows her phonics :) ) I am expecting another baby in Oct., and I wonder if you...12:59 PM in Mothering, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Hattie and Josh update - and thanks for your prayers
Answered prayers: Josh just called from Georgetown Hospital. Hattie has come out of surgery and the new is very good. The tumor - which was the size of a plum - had not gotten involved with her circulatory system. They were able to remove it and leave her lung...11:43 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
How do you decide whom to marry - according to kids
Making the email rounds these days (thanks, Tripp!): HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY? ~according to kids~ You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming....8:15 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
February 26, 2008
Speaking in Redwood City, CA March 11
You are invited! If you can come, please RSVP for free childcare:...3:55 PM in Mothering, My life | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
What your preschooler needs to know
The Core Knowledge series is a well-respected, well-rounded and classical approach to what children should know at each grade level: What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know all the way through What Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know. These books have been around since I was homeschooling my kids and I...3:32 PM in Homeschooling, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
LCPS Board meeting tonight - penguins on parade?
My email to Loudoun School Board members, Dr. Hatrick, and the ubiquitous Wade Byard, public relations officer: I cannot attend tonight's meeting due to too many children with too many activities. Here are my thoughts, which may be worth considering. Propaganda in children's literature If Dr. Hatrick did step outside...3:10 PM in Homosexuality, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Propaganda in children's literature
Perhaps the greatest lesson for parents from conflicts about books like And Tango Makes Three is the need to develop a deeper understanding of children's literature. C. S. Lewis wrote, "It certainly is my opinion that a book worth reading only in childhood is not worth reading even then." So...12:44 PM in Books, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Loudoun County Schools: the Tango tangle continues
See also Propaganda in Children's Literature The other day, I asked "What's the real story behind gay censorship charges?" David/Daneen - who with School board member and champion-of-all-things-anti-traditional John Stevens - is leading the crusade to get And Tango Makes Three back on the Loudoun County school library shelves has...11:37 AM in Homosexuality, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - new and improved!
Yes, I know it's Tuesday, but I need to update you on my original announcement for Montessori Mondays. Thanks to TechnoWhiz/Geek/All-Knowledgeable Blogger Mommy Michelle - who blogs at usr-bin-mom.com, Montessori Mondays is going to be even better. Michelle suggested we do a meme and was kind enough to guide me...11:04 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Montessori Mondays, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Classics for Kids - The Whole Story Series
Although I can't see who is placing orders through my Amazon link, I do get a list of the things people order - Which I love because sometimes I discover things that are really worthwhile - in fact, I have to use a lot of self-discipline to keep from spending...8:32 AM in Books, Homeschooling, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 25, 2008
Montessori Mondays
Announcing! I've been receiving pictures from some of you who've read Mommy, Teach Me! and/or Mommy, Teach Me to Read! and instituted some of my ideas for Montessori at home. Here are some cute pictures of Amy's son using the Sound Canisters - a sensorial exercise which increases hearing discernment....10:53 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori Mondays, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Caring for your introvert
Hilarious article: Caring For Your Introvert which ran in the Atlantic Monthly in 2003. In this wry celebration of introversion, the author makes short shrift of extroverts: Extroverts are easy for introverts to understand, because extroverts spend so much of their time working out who they are in voluble,...3:03 PM in Humor, Personality types | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Who is Michelle Obama, really?
Michelle Obama recently stated on the campaign trail: "What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback. And let me tell you something -- for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country....1:59 PM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Louis Farrakhan endorses Obama
I wrote last month that Obamarama seems more like a cult than a political campaign. He's been drawing crowds up to 17,000 in venues filled with a religious feeling like revival meetings and people fainting (being slain in the spirit?). This America's Messiah phenomenon should be disturbing to anyone who...1:27 PM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Academy Awards - so what?
I guess I've passed a milestone of sorts. I remember how exciting it was when I was young to watch the Academy Awards. I really stopped watching years ago when it turned into such a coarse, narcissistic and consistently anti-American ordeal. Not to mention that the winners usually seemed...12:47 PM in Culture, Current Affairs, Movies | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Question for introverted moms
Here's a question from Adele which I can't answer: It's so interesting that you posted about personality types-- I've been thinking about them a lot lately. I actually have a question about temperament and big families: do you think that extroversion is a prerequisite of having a big family? I...12:27 PM in Big families, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (18) | TrackBack
Down syndrome - save lives, sign petition, please
From my friend Gloria in California: If you look around just about EVERYONE knows SOMEONE who has a child with special needs. Some of us knew before our child was born that there would be challenges, some of us gave birth to a typical child who later in life...9:59 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Sesame Street - not the same old neighborhood
From yesterday's Washington Times - which I didn't have time to read, but my hubby - who cares about my readers too! - wanted us to see: Nostalgia street February 24, 2008 By Karen Goldberg Goff Ah, the good old days, when children played in vacant lots, ate trans...6:31 AM in Culture, Entertainment, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Amazon 4-for-3 sale
Great 4-for-3 sale at Amazon on books, DVDs, and some Home and Garden items. If you were going to be shopping for any of these items, now is a great time to save some money. Simply go in through one of the links here and see if the items...6:03 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 24, 2008
Dreams
My dreams last night were like a set of Russian nesting dolls. Have you ever dreamed you were dreaming? I dreamed all night about somehow getting out of my cast. Remember how this week Tripp trimmed 1/2 inch around each of the edges - my arm, my hand, my...7:42 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Loudoun County Schools: what's the real story behind gay censorship charges?
[Though this is happening in my county, it has made national headlines. When I cover anything labeled Loudoun, it usually has political/educational overtones which affect families all over the country. As I mentioned, I used to cover California schools, lately I’ve been covering Massachusetts. That’s the work I do...9:10 AM in Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 23, 2008
Motherhood and personality types
A rerun from July 2006. With all the new readers here, I though there are sure to be some who will find it interesting: Sallie at A Gracious Home wrote a piece that got me thinking the other day - so I thought maybe you'd like to think along with...12:32 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
To my readers
Managing this blog is very much like being the mother of a big family – so many conversations going on at once. I find it all – as I find my daily life going in all directions with my kids – exhilarating and energizing. But then again, I am an...12:28 PM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (19) | TrackBack
When a child balks at work
Dear Barbara - What do you suggest for a preschooler (disabled or not, mine isn't) who balks at suggestions to work? Should I just wait for those times when she shows interest and make the most of that, or can I hold her to the expectation of regular (small, age-appropriate)...9:39 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
50 Ways to Do Everything Better and Faster
To show you how busy I've been, Tripp sent this link to me on February 1 and it's been languishing in my Inbox because I haven't had time to read all 50 Ways :) I was going to link, but since some of you might be too busy to hit...8:48 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Huffing - Dusting off - danger to teens/tweens
Patsyhikermama sent me an alert which was sent to all school staff where she lives about a phenomenon which has taken the lives of teens and 'tweens who've used DustOff or other inhalants to get high and ended up dying instead. Parents - you need to know....7:58 AM in Safety, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 22, 2008
What it means to be a Christian
Samantha sent me this: When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'" I'm whispering "I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven." When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to...10:24 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
When a child seems too needy
Readers, I'd really like to get your input on this one: My son just turned 3. He is a typical boy in some ways; active, curious, rough. He is also a bit timid, shy and takes a while to warm up to new situations and people. He was a delightful...8:56 PM in Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
More good press on Down syndrome
Life with Anthony Thanks, Andrea, for the link!...8:35 PM in Disabilities, Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Appreciating our military - and communicating too
How easily we forget as we go about our daily lives. A great site - for showing your support and learning about the everyday heroes our media steadfastly ignores: Military Messages: Your messages to the troops, their messages to you Honoring the Fallen: A tribute to U.S. soldiers killed...8:08 PM in Opportunities to give | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Soldiers' Angels - volunteer to support our troops!
Barbara, First off I wanted to thank you and all of your readers for the suggestions of how to entertain my children while my husband is deployed!! [note from Barbara: yes, you all did an AWESOMEjob on this!] I also wanted to make you aware of a program in case...7:58 PM in Opportunities to give | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Preschool worksheets, projects, forms
Hi, again, Barbara: Today I found a GOLDMINE of printables online that I wondered if you knew about: Free printable worksheets, projects and printable forms You have to dig a little to see how many are really there. For instance, I've been using the "Alphabet Coloring Books" under the heading...6:48 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Josh and Hattie - Update
This update is sooner than I thought. Hattie is at Georgetown Hospital this afternoon for scans. The medical team has determined that they need to surgically remove the tumor immediately as it is on her lung. She has been told that she may come out of surgery minus one lung....3:38 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Love That Song! Ezekiel Saw de Wheel
I think I'm going to institute a random Love That Song department to cover these times when a song pops into my mind and I track it down on YouTube to pull out the best versions (in my opinion) for you. Ezekiel Saw de Wheel music sheets should have a...11:47 AM in Music | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Josh and Hattie need your prayers
If you've been here since before last fall, you know that my oldest son Josh and his sweet wife Hattie have been through a great deal more than most couples married less than two years. Hattie lost the ability to walk last August - after suffering from back pain...9:40 AM in Family, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Grace and peace to you this morning!
Wow. That was luxurious - sleeping in and having my hubby bring me my lemon juice in bed (btw, one of the sweetest things: Greta had stocked a bowl of lemons for my visit and Chap squeezed them for me each morning I was there since I couldn't do that...9:12 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
February 21, 2008
American Idol - first thoughts on Season 7
Maddy, Jonny and I have been true blue fans of American Idol since it began, with other family members joining us here and there through the years. I think this season is looking pretty good. I appreciated that the auditions were much more family friendly this year. Lat year there...11:46 PM in Entertainment | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Humor: Evolution of a Mom
The following appeared in the February 1998 issue of Parenting. Yes, parenthood changes everything. But parenthood also changes with each baby. Here, some of the ways having a second and third child differs from having your first: The Evolution of Mom Your Clothes 1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes...11:28 PM in Humor, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic #19 - Sola Scriptura
[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...3:18 PM in Catholicism, My life | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Dove ads - give your girls security and love
Plowing through a few days' email. You all send me so much brilliant and thought-provoking amterial! Martha Sears passed this on - a true wake-up call for parents (remember I talked last week about how our kids are absorbing the images that are bombarding them each day?): Dove titled that...12:30 PM in Culture, Current Affairs, Girls, Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Autism - more than meets the eye
"It is hard to be autistic because no one understands me. People look at me and assume I am dumb because I can't talk or I act differently than them. I think people get scared with things that look or seem different than them." This was written by a 13-year-old...12:02 PM in Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Kids at their most hilarious
My only hesitation with passing on YouTube videos is that the comments often seem filled with the dregs of American culture. I try to ignore them and just watch the videos. This one - sent by oldest son Josh - was too cute. Did you get that last line? "We're...11:48 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Home from Seattle
I am home! On Sunday I flew to Seattle to spend a few days with Greta, who began reading my blog several years ago and has gone through some major life changes since - including changing her mind about having children :) And boy, did she change her mind -...9:41 AM in Blogging, My life | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 19, 2008
Homeschooling: Mike and Vickie Farris on Focus on the Family
I'm in Seatlle visiting a dear friend - Greta, who I met three years ago via this blog. The sun is shining, - and since everyone says that is not always the case, I'm particularly blessed. On our walk around her nighbrohood yesterday, I could see the Cascade Mountains and...12:33 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 16, 2008
Montessori at home - the best foundation is love
[This is the final installment in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Forever, the second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls, and the third The Best Lessons Don't...8:54 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
February 15, 2008
Montessori at home - the best lessons don't end at noon!
[This is third in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Foreverand second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls.] The Best Lessons Don’t End at Noon Some of my...3:35 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack