March 2008
March 31, 2008
Montessori Monday - doing things quietly
This is just a simple thing that - quite honestly - can revolutionize your home and jumpstart your child's future. But that's the truth about anything you do with your children. Small beginnings eventually yield life-changing results. Try this: "Let's see how quietly we can put down the toilet seat."...7:11 PM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Montessori Mondays, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Myers- Briggs Personality Types - a humorous take
Just when you think you've spent enough time on Personality Types and how they affect your mothering style and family relationships: Negative Myers-Briggs Type Descriptions by Hal Dendurent ENFJ: "Busybody" Life's backseat drivers. They seem to know just what's wrong with everybody else's life and have a plan to fix...6:56 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Obama doesn't want his daughters "punished with a baby"
Words matter - don't you think so? What to make of Obama's statement: "When it comes specifically to HIV/AIDS, the most important prevention is education, which should include -- which should include abstinence education and teaching the children -- teaching children, you know, that sex is not something casual. But...1:59 PM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Book sale - last day!
Today is the last day of my book sale: Buy three, get one free! Click the banner above before midnight to take advantage of this offer....10:47 AM in Books | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Happy Birthday, Jonny - Sweet 16!
Sixteen years ago today something happened that changed my life forever. My son Jonny was born. Within five minutes, I knew he had Down syndrome. He was our eighth child, and I guess God had prepared my heart for this Great Adventure. That's the only way I can explain the...10:13 AM in Down syndrome, Family | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
World Down Syndrome Day - 3/21 - a belated greeting
I made a new friend recently - a lovely mom with a lovely family who participated in VSA's The Old Home Place. Pam has three daughters, and the youngest has Down syndrome Pam just emailed me yesterday to tell me she'd created a video in honor of World Down Syndrome...7:04 AM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
March 30, 2008
Maddy: "Put 'em up, pardner!"
Maddy and Sophia were invited to one of those mystery-themed parties tonight where the guests are given a character beforehand. Maddy's was a sheriff. I snapped these as she left: Her dad had given her one of his guns (minus the cylinder) and holster. She used my mascara for her...6:31 PM in Family | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
March 29, 2008
Thinking about marriage
Don't know why, but I woke up this morning thinking that it's just so cool to have woken up beside the same person every day for over 25 years. . . Love you, Tripp!...3:14 PM in Marriage | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
HSLDA: Homeschooling through High School report
On Friday, HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association - which is just five miles down the road from me) held an all-day symposium on homeschool/high school. My daughter Samantha - homeschooling mom of five of my grandchildren - went. When she told me there were 300 people there, I asked her...2:53 PM in Homeschooling, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 28, 2008
Homeschooling special needs kids - your input needed
Laura left this as a comment, but I want to get some input from you all for her: My daughter is three. She was recently diagnosed with autism. The school did the evaluation, wrote up an IEP and recommended (and will not budge) a full day, six hour, five day...6:55 PM in Disabilities, Homeschooling, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBack
Free downloadable flash cards, coloring pages, art
Here is a fabulous website with over 3,000 downloadable beautifully-illustrated alphabet cards, flash cards, coloring pages, murals, games, and even how-to-draw videos - whimsical child-friendly art from a very generous artist who has provided this all to us for free. Visit Jan Brett. This is one reason why I...6:25 PM in Bargains, Homeschooling, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Today's moms - under pressure
I had a meeting last week with some homeschool advocates to brainstorm ideas for a pamphlet they are doing for preschool moms. I was invited to participate because of my books - including Mommy, Teach Me! and Mommy, Teach Me to Read! - which are based on encouraging, empowering and...1:27 PM in Big families, Blogging, Homeschooling, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Loudoun County Public Schools and beyond: hyper-vigilant school nurses?
I am currently having a problem - ongoing for two years - with one of the five schools my six kids attend in Loudoun County. This has to do with hyper-scrutiny of one of my special needs kids and way-too-numerous calls generated by the school nurse. Last year, I had...12:43 PM in Disabilities, Loudoun County, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
March 26, 2008
Very funny - in an ironic way :)
I am completely indebted to Mrs. Wilt from A Sparrow's Nest for this: Need a giggle? * Go to www.google.com * Type in 'French military victories' * Hit "I’m Feeling Lucky"...5:51 PM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Great gift idea: Memory bears
I'm really intrigued by this idea: Holly at Seeking Faithfulness can take a piece of fabric which holds special memories for someone and make a bear out of it. What a great gift idea - Mother's Day or Father's Day, anyone? On my way to look around my house. ....4:19 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Cheap movie rentals
New competitor in the DVD rental business: DVD Play has planted kiosks in grocery stores - and who knows where else? I've rented new releases from one in a Safeway store for under $2 for one night. Oh, and they keep track, so after you rent 10 you get one...3:35 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
My call from Chelsea
Wow. We got a phone call from Chelsea Clinton last night. The pre-recorded kind, of course. Wondering where that came from as Tripp and I are registered Republicans. Maybe because I am on Planned Parenthood's mailing list - after all these years. While at first I sent back their stuff,...2:15 PM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
A tribute to aprons
Remember the Apron Contest? Knowing me as a late-to-the-party apron mama, Shannon - a mom of twins who blogs at Abigail and Porter - sent me this as it was passed on the her from her dad: The History of Aprons I don't think our kids know what an apron...2:03 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Elisabeth Elliot on Christ as the answer
What Was The Question? "Christ is the Answer" has been a wall motto, and, more recently, a bumper sticker. Somebody added, in small print, "What was the question?" In the final analysis, it does not matter what question we are asking. All questions come under one of three headings: 1....1:58 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
American Idol
I didn't comment on last week because I didn't find the show that interesting. The first Beatles songbook night (March 11) was so rich - and such a great reminder of the Fab Four's unmatchable creativity - that they decided to run it a second week. Big mistake. No...1:18 PM in Entertainment, Music | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Campaign 2008: Wouldn't it be nice to have a REAL choice?
You know, as hard for me to believe that Hillary and Obama are the best the Democrat party has to offer, it's equally hard for me to believe that McCain is the best the Republican party has to offer. What a shame that this election has devolved to this. But...1:11 PM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Loudoun County Women's Self-Defense Workshop
Just received this notice - already called in my daughters' and my registration: The Loudoun Sheriff’s Office will hold their 28th Women’s Self-Defense Workshop on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. The class is open to all female residents of Loudoun County over the age of fourteen. Participants will be taught basic...12:24 PM in Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 25, 2008
Easter at church and at home
We went to Easter Vigil at St Francis deSales Saturday night - a wonderful three-hour service in which traditionally new converts are received into the Catholic Church. Tripp, who had been baptized in a Protestant denomination as a baby, then wandered until 1987 when he became a born-again believer, was...2:37 PM in Catholicism, Family, My life | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Hillary and Obama - inauthentic, deeply flawed candidates
Of course, one wonders why the Mainstream media is suddenly waking up and doing investigative reporting..... Maybe they just wanted to get the public's mind off the Obama scandal. In case you've been sleeping the past week (I was at Mount Hermon so somewhat out of the loop myself),...1:40 PM in Campaign 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
What would you tell a mom considering homeschooling?
At this time of year, many moms are wondering what path to follow with their own children next September. In my last post, I shared the homeschooling journey of my daughter Samantha as she moved from reluctance to joy. I think it would help many of those wondering-about-homeschool moms...12:14 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Thinking about homeschool?
For anyone toying with the idea of homeschooling - even if it's just a glimmer on the horizon: First a personal anecdote: I remember a number of years ago my oldest daughter Samantha – back when she had four children – called me to say, “Mom, I think God’s calling...12:04 PM in Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Kansas Milkmaid update
I talked to Christina - who we know and love as the Kansas Milkmaid - yesterday. Many of us were following her story and praying for her family when charges of domestic violence were brought against her husband by the state of Kansas. Unfortunately, as often happens in such cases,...11:39 AM in Domestic violence, KS Milkmaid | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Muslim convert baptized by Pope at Easter explains why
Pope baptizes famous Muslim convert By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict led the world's Catholics into Easter on Saturday at a Vatican service where he baptized a Muslim-born convert who is one of Italy's most famous and controversial journalists. The German-born pontiff, marking the third Easter...10:56 AM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
A quick history of the Iraq conflict
Do you find yourself still confused about Iraq - the Kurds, the Sunnis and the Shiites? I know I do. It wasn't until I read The Kite Runner that I finally "got" the heart of the Sunni/Shiite conflict. Tripp sent me this link - a very helpful (and quick) audiovisual...10:23 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Kitchen fire safety
From Martha:...10:06 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Why do liberals hate abstinence education?
Isn't it weird how the "pro-choice" crowd does not want kids informed about abstinence - thereby eliminating that as a viable choice? Liberals Want Federal Abstinence Education Cut President Bush’s 2009 budget proposal includes $204 million to support Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE), but dozens of liberals in Congress want all...9:20 AM in Current Affairs, Pro-Life Issues, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Praising children's efforts - the Montessori approach
I was wondering what Montessori has to say about praising the child? I've just been reading some Alfie Kohn articles and am a bit confused, as what he says does make sense.. and I am one parent who has been brought up with 'good girl!' and all that, and...8:42 AM in Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
March 24, 2008
Montessori Mondays: teaching kids to sweep
Maria Montessori was the first person to truly key in on the importance of the preschool years for developing skills - but most importantly building a love of learning. When a three-year-old picks up a broom to sweep the floor, instead of responding with, "No, you're too little - I'll...12:50 PM in Montessori, Montessori Mondays, Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Children in the arts - balancing home and instruction - your input, please
I have been blessed by much of your blog over the past year. I have a question. My 8 yr.old daughter has been taking ballet for two years now. It turns out that she is incredibly gifted in ballet! She is in an excellent program only 5 minutes from...9:20 AM in Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Military Tributes - Gene Simmons and more serious stuff
Alison sent me this fun tribute by - surprise - Gene Simmons (KISS): Here's are two tributes with Nickelback in the background: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. ~John 15:13~...8:44 AM in Current Affairs, Military matters | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 23, 2008
Our National Parks
Breathtaking tour - may inspire you to get your family out for some traveling/camping: Our National Parks What a wonderful world God has created for us!...8:06 PM in Inspiration, Resources | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Personality and Multiple Intelligences test: I'm ENTJ
I am a consistent ENTJ. Note the small percentage of women with this personality type. No wonder I'm so weird :) This site is interesting because it also has a Multiple Intelligences test. You might want to take these too: Click on the box if you want to take the...7:13 PM in Fun Stuff, Mothering, My life | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Taylor, the Latte Boy by Kristen Chenoweth
To start your day with a smile, here is Kristen Chenoweth - another Broadway hero of Maddy's who happens to be a Christian. She was Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked. This has become a signature song for her:...6:45 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 22, 2008
Music for Easter morning
I will never forget hearing this for the first time as a new Christian - wanted you to have to celebrate on Easter morning!...2:20 PM in Easter, Music | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Easter snow!!!
I can't believe it's snowing here in Loudoun County!...11:27 AM in Easter, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 21, 2008
Christian pilgrims mark Good Friday in Holy City
Psalms and incense filled the air of the Holy City of Jerusalem on what is known as Good Friday, as thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world prayed along the traditional route Jesus took to his crucifixion. The faithful, several of them bearing large wooden crosses, walked in...11:14 PM in Easter, Lent | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Were you there? Jonny Cash and the Carter Family
Thanks to the person who posted this vintage Johnny Cash - perfect for Good Friday:...9:47 PM in Easter, Lent, Music | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic #21 - Tripp's story
[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...4:25 PM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
University of Virginia newspaper trashes Christianity during Holy Week
Student cartoons spark outrage at UVa Comics depicting Virgin Mary, crucifixion called offensive By Brian McNeill March 15, 2008 The comics page of the University of Virginia’s student newspaper has sparked yet another tempest, this time mocking God, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. In Thursday’s issue of the...3:55 PM in Current Affairs, Media Bias | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Stations of the Cross - what are they all about?
Evangelicals tend to be suspicious of Catholic symbols and rituals. Perhaps this needs to be revisited. There are symbols and rituals connected with honoring our country, for example - as well as personal traditions which bond family members and build a heritage. Why wouldn't it be okay to have symbols...2:02 PM in Catholicism, Easter, Inspiration, Lent | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
So important to remember. Christ also struggled with the path that lay before Him, but in the end He accepted God's will: Not my will, but yours be done. How much easier life would be if I could remember this each moment! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Painting info: by BASAITI, Marco Christ Praying...1:21 PM in Catholicism, Easter, Inspiration, Lent | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 20, 2008
Lea Salonga - Via Dolorosa
Lea Salonga is Maddy's personal hero. As a teen, the young Filipino woman won the Broadway role of Miss Saigon, and went on to play Eponine in Les Miz (which Maddy has played) and to sing the lead role in Disney's Mulan. Lea is a strong believer of the Catholic...9:03 PM in Easter, Inspiration, Lent, Music | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
5 Minute Videopedia - a little about everything
Shannon sent me a link to an interesting new site: 5 Minute Videopedia: About 5min 5min is a place to find short video solutions for practical questions and a place for people to share their knowledge. The idea behind 5min is very simple: any solution can be visually explained in...8:59 PM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Inflammatory breast cancer - you need to know about this
Lisa and Martha sent this to me to pass on. Important information for any woman - please discuss with teen daughters too:...8:34 PM in Health | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Choosing not to have children - your thoughts, please
Barbara: A friend recently told me that she and her husband were thinking about not having children. They have been married almost 3 years. Here is my response to her, but I would like to hear your response to this idea. Thank you for your time. Kristin "I'm assuming my...6:46 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Autism: the Musical - on HBO March 25
Autism: The Musical Charts the Emotional Journey of Five Autistic Children Who Star in Their Own Stage Show Debuting March 25th Exclusively On HBO Elaine Hall adopted Neal from an orphanage in Russia who after years of tantrums was diagnosed with autism. After the diagnosis Elaine realized she wasn’t...6:17 PM in Autism | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Elisabeth Elliot on Why Funerals Matter
Why Funerals Matter When a dear friend died recently I found myself unexplainably disappointed when I learned that there would be only a memorial service. I wanted a funeral, and I was not sure why. Even more unexplainably, I wished there had been a "viewing" or wake--a chance to see...6:05 PM in Death and dying | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Motherhood, sacrifice, monasticism
Jane sent me this wonderful ink at the beginning of Lent - sorry it's taken me a while to get around to sharing it: The Domestic Monastery Excerpts: What is a monastery? A monastery is not so much a place set apart for monks and nuns as it is a...5:56 PM in Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Down syndrome: an answer to prenatal screening
From Felecia in Nova Scotia - whose little guy is part of this film: Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com...5:50 PM in Babies, Down syndrome, Pregnancy, birth and labor, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Matt Costa "Mr. Pitiful"
My oldest son Josh sent me this video. I'd never heard of Matt Costa, but I loved watching this, especially because of the wonderful shots of San Francisco, where I lived for eight years - followed by 22 in Marin County just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is...8:37 AM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Postpartum depression stories sought
Kimberly Rogers is writing a book on postpartum mood disorders from the Christian perspective and would like to hear from Christian women who are willing to share their stories. Kimberly has a Master of Divinity degree and is a previous pastor and teacher. She is also co-coordinator of Northern California...8:32 AM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
March 19, 2008
History of Easter eggs
Passed on from Angie: History of the Easter Egg: To keep a Christian perspective of Easter in your home, please note the following research that can help you explain the history of the Easter egg to your children. The earliest Christian history of the Eater egg tradition is found...7:41 PM in Easter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Easter cookies
From Angie and Stacie last year - EASTER COOKIES To be made the evening before Easter. You need: 1C. whole pecans 1 tsp. Vinegar 3 egg whites pinch salt 1C. Sugar zipper bag wooden spoon tape Bible Preheat oven to 300 (this is important-don't wait till you're half done with...7:40 PM in Easter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Coloring Easter eggs
I remember when Samantha - my oldest daughter - first became interested in Kip. She'd known him since 5th grade when we moved to San Rafael from San Francisco and everyone in Mr. Kielty's fifth grade class was taken aback by the girl in less suburban garb - like the...7:37 PM in Easter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack