May 2008
May 31, 2008
Teaching a leftie? Here's the scoop.
Introduction Teaching a child to write with his or her left hand is not just the opposite from teaching how to write right-handed. Languages that are written left-to-right, like English, are more difficult to write with the left hand -- a right-hander writes away from his body and pulls the...3:41 PM in | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Alex Barton's classmates - 2 heroes
And by the way, wouldn't you be proud to be the parent of one of the two kids who voted for Alex to stay in the classroom? If there's a lesson we can all take away from this, it's how we can work in whatever capacity we have - as...2:56 PM in Alex Barton, Inclusion, Public schools, Special education | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Alex Barton card campaign update 2
29 cards today from: Lewiston, ME North Tonawanda, NY Bloomington, MN San Antonio, TX(2) Austin, TX Irvine, CA (2) Lombard, IL Miami Lakes, FL Tallahassee, FL Salisbury, MD Alexandria, VA Brockton,MA Ballston Lake, NY Auburn, CA Provo, UT Jacksonville, FL Albuquerque, NM Grafton, WI Lexington, KY (3) Denver, CO...2:45 PM in Alex Barton, Inclusion, Public schools, Special education | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 30, 2008
Alex Barton cards - update 1
If I get my son's class to make a card for Alex, will it really get to him?? My first grade son has AS and I am grateful to report that he is a LOVED, RESPECTED, ACCEPTED member of his class as well as his family. I guess I am...2:48 PM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Young@Heart - must-see movie!
While in Kansas this week, I had an interview fall through and decided to go see a movie. Everywhere I looked were the same five or six movies, two of which I'd seen in the last month (Prince Caspian and Iron Man - both worth seeing) and nothing else...2:03 PM in Movies | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Young man with Down syndrome rocks on So You Think You Can Dance
Thanks to my son Josh for sending this!...9:54 AM in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Entertainment | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Alex Barton: the whys and hows of inclusion
Tim Daly commented: It's unfortunate that this incident has fueled more debate on the sensation actions of the teacher, which we all agree are deplorable and unacceptable, rather than on the real issue of children with learning disabilities being integrated into the regular classroom. First, lets keep in mind that...8:19 AM in Alex Barton, Disabilities, Down syndrome, Public schools, Special education | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBack
May 28, 2008
From Melissa Barton - Alex's mom
I am still out of town - coming home tomorrow. This morning I went down to the lobby for coffee and as I walked in, saw Melissa Barton on CNN - what incredible timing. Melissa is reading comments here and sent this note: Our local high school voted a girl...9:15 PM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBack
May 26, 2008
Alex Barton - interview with his mom Melissa
It's 11:00 and I should be packing for my trip tomorrow, but I was fortunate to be able to talk to Melissa Barton, who's doing a bit of getting ready herself. Melissa and Alex are scheduled to be on the Morning Show (CBS) tomorrow. "It makes me nervous. But...11:11 PM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBack
Alex Barton and mom on CBS Morning Show Tuesday
News flash Alex Barton and his mom Melissa will be on the CBS Morning Show tomorrow....4:52 PM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Alex Barton - "Alex is Special" card campaign for kicked-out kindergartner
[6/30 update: When this campaign ended, we had mailed three boxes of cards and presents to Alex. Thanks for all you've done to make this a success! You can see pictures of Alex with his first box here.] Alex Barton's mom says that since the day his kindergarten teacher encouraged...2:56 PM in Alex Barton | Permalink | Comments (87) | TrackBack
Sophia in The Mikado
This weekend marked Sophia's last musical at Loudoun Valley High - Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado. She played Katisha, the Daughter-in-Law-Elect - a broad comedic role which required her being angry most of the time - while singing operetta - and wearing a heavy fat suit while physically covering...11:13 AM in Family | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
My birthday - unbelievably 60
I can hardly believe that I have lived this many years. But everything I could say sounds trite. I guess the important thing is that I still feel like I'm young - which is good, since I still have six kids at home to finish raising. Well, five after...8:24 AM in My life | Permalink | Comments (22) | TrackBack
May 25, 2008
Alex Barton voted out of kindergarten
Mom says teacher let classmates vote autistic son out of class By Colleen Wixon | Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers 2:31 PM EDT, May 25, 2008 PORT ST. LUCIE - Melissa Barton said she is considering legal action after her son's kindergarten teacher led his classmates to vote him out of...8:59 PM in Disabilities, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (18) | TrackBack
Governor Palin's choice:keeping her baby with Down syndrome
Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, recently gave birth to her fifth child - a baby with Down syndrome. Here's a little backstory: Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska is known for being attractive (a former pageant winner, she was featured in a Vogue photo shoot this year), forceful (her opponents...7:47 PM in Down syndrome, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Memorial Day 2008: In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short...9:09 AM in Memorial Day | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Memorial Day 2008 - tributes, ideas for you and your children
It's really up to parents to infuse meaning into these holidays that can get lost in the three-day-weekend mentality we've created. Family times and fun are wonderful, but let's carve out a little space to remind ourselves and teach our children what Memorial Day is all about. Lord, help us...8:32 AM in Memorial Day | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 24, 2008
Mother/daughter quiz - find out how close you really are
Sophia and I just took this quiz at Brio magazine: Can Mother and Daughter Make the Grade? by Shannon Caster Your mother knows your middle name and never forgets your birthday, but can you two make the grade on other fun trivia about each other? First, have your mom guess...1:59 PM in Mothering, Teens and Tweens | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Sometimes it's the little things. . . .
With 12 kids over 38 years, I've received my share of flowers. But I do have to say that Justin's offering this morning was the most humble and one of the most touching I've received: Thanks, Justin! And thanks for being you! Just remember, no matter how small the bouquet...12:10 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Best ever nail fortifier
This is not a paid endorsement, nor did I receive a free sample. It's just that I am so excited, I have to share my joy!!! Over the years, I've tried many products to help my pathetic nails - and wasted lots of money. This stuff works. My nails are...11:40 AM in Practical Info | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
12 Republicans boost Planned Parenthood profits, diss pregnancy support
From the Family Research Council - I've added the links. In a nutshell: Our government channels millions of tax dollars to Planned Parenthood - which makes huge profits year after year, even while presenting itself as a nonprofit organization. Meanwhile, pregnancy resource centers staffed by volunteers are turned down for...8:06 AM in Current Affairs, Planned Parenthood, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
May 23, 2008
For any mom who needs a lift today
In case anyone else needs a lift today: Dear Barbara, Yesterday was realllllly hard on me. I know every mother's days are hard but this is me and about my family and I had a hard day. Mondays are usually fine but when it comes to thurs and fri I...1:34 PM in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Resources for mothers of preschoolers
Here's a link with some great ideas: Preschool Mama...6:38 AM in Preschoolers | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus launched
Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers - who just last year gave birth to a baby with Down syndrome - has launched the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus. Read the mission and goals at her website. HT: Julana, Life in the Slow Lane....6:26 AM in Down syndrome | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
May 22, 2008
Preventing driveway deaths in children
I've been thinking. When we say that God will use all things for good, part of the resopnsibility then falls on us to do our part to make that happen. Our responsibility in the fact of the Chapman family tragedy - besides praying for comfort for their family - is...4:20 PM in Preschoolers, Safety, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Steven Curtis Chapman - his father/daughter tribute
Steven Curtis Chapman wrote the song Cinderella for his daughters. Following the music portion of htis video, he tells the story of how he came to write it: May our Heavenly Father bless this father's heart - and bring all fathers closer to their daughters through this song....3:57 PM in Current Affairs, Music | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Steven Curtis Chapman has lost a daughter
Singer Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter is struck, killed by car Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest child died Wednesday evening after being struck by a car driven by her teenage brother in the driveway of the family's Williamson County home. Maria, one of the Christian singer's six children, was taken by...9:49 AM in Adoption, Current Affairs, Death and dying | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
The power of stories in children's lives
I've been promising to do something on the value of fantasy in early childhood. I've taken this from my book, The Mommy Manual: Start early to help your child make the distinction between reality and fantasy. There are three kinds of books: • stories that really happened (history, biography) •...9:18 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Preschoolers, Reading, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Wives - how would you rate in 1939?
George W. Crane, MD, was a marriage counselor and wrote a syndicated national newspaper column called "The Worry Clinic." He developed a test in the late 1930s called the Marital Rating Scale -- Wife's Chart. Here's the fist page of the test. The test was designed to give couples...8:42 AM in Humor | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 21, 2008
Not fair! Why do men lose weight faster?
Ever wonder why it only takes your hubby a few days to get back in shape? Read on: Think the most infuriating thing a guy can say to you is, "Yeah, it does make your butt look big"? Wrong. The one phrase that can turn any relationship into a...3:21 PM in Diet, Gender differences | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
A mother looks different as children grow
One of those unattributed pieces of wisdom from the internet The Images of Mother 4 years ~ My Mommy can do anything! 8 years ~ My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot! 12 years ~ My Mother doesn't really know quite everything. 14 years ~ Naturally, Mother doesn't know...9:58 AM in Humor, Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Add a MommyLife widget to your blog!
Too busy to post every day? Need a way to add more dimension to your blog and better serve your readers? I've created a widget you can post in your sidebar which will present the latest headlines here at MommyLife. You can easily pick up the code and add it...9:43 AM in Blogging | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 20, 2008
Special Ed, IEPs, Wright's Law, and empowered parenting
A brief excerpt from a free newsletter for parents of kids with special needs, followed by my soapbox :) Spring is here and the end of the school year is fast approaching. Yes, it's IEP season. IEP meeting Do you understand what your role is at IEP meetings? Do you...4:19 PM in Autism, Disabilities, Down syndrome, Loudoun County, Public schools, Special education | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 19, 2008
Pregnant moms' cell phone use related to a host of problems in kids
This is alarming. Moms, I say you better put away your phonesWarning: Using a mobile phone while pregnant can seriously damage your baby Study of 13,000 children exposes link between use of handsets and later behavioural problems By Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor Sunday, 18 May 2008 Scientists found that mothers...10:42 AM in Pregnancy, birth and labor | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Church bars severely autisic boy from Mass
Tracy asked what I thought of this and I'd like to know what you think: Church bars severely autistic boy from Mass After reading the story, I have to say I side with the church. There is a point at which accommodating disabilities begins to infringe on the rights of...10:31 AM in Autism, Church Issues, Current Affairs, Disabilities | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - teaching kids to be careful
Most of us grew up with the idea that breakables should be kept away from kids. In my Montessori training I learned to think outside the box on this one; Maria Montessori believed the child should not be denied the privilege of caring for beautiful things -- otherwise, how could...9:22 AM in Homeschooling, Montessori, Montessori Mondays, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Seven Spiritual Weapons
Tripp came across this and passed it on to me, so I'm passing it on to you: Whoever wishes to carry the cross for his sake must take up the proper weapons for the contest, especially those mentioned here. First, diligence; second, distrust of self; third, confidence in God; fourth,...9:20 AM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 17, 2008
Elisabeth Elliot on distractions to prayer
Distractions to Prayer No one who has tried to pray for more than a few seconds at a time would claim that he is never distracted. It is astonishing to note how insistently and immediately irrelevant matters come to mind, noises occur, things to be attended to are remembered, people...5:27 PM in Elisabeth Elliot, Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
For the kids: Send your name to the moon!
Send Your Name to the Moon Aboard Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter! NASA invites people of all ages to join the lunar exploration journey with an opportunity to send their names to the moon aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, spacecraft. The Send Your Name to the Moon Web site...5:12 PM in Fun Stuff, Homeschooling | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Parental Rights - organizing to protect them
One could say that there are plenty of signs around us that the government is encroaching more and more into the once-secure area of parental rights. While we may not agree with the polygamist practices of some far-out sect, seeing the government come in an arbitrarily remove 400+ children to...4:19 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Christian meditation / Contemplative prayer
Remember when we were discussing the confusion going on with Oprah (The Church of Oprah and Oprah finds the New Age, ditches the Savior)? That discussion was very timely as one of the moms who's been reading here for years - a strong Christian - had become curious about the...3:24 PM in Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Teaching children compassion
Occasionally, I rerun important posts, especially when something a reader writes reminds me of a previous post - like this one. Also, a year has gone by since I published this and our economy is starting to take a downturn. We need to prepare our children for a future in...9:24 AM in Books, Homeschooling, Mothering, Spiritual education | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
How much is a mother's job worth?
Kari sent me the link to this very fun Mother's Salary Wizard Thanks, Kari!...9:14 AM in Fun Stuff, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
When Catholic in-laws keep a distance
I have actually heard of this situation from a few evangelical mothers I'm close to, who say their Catholic in-laws remain remote. Wondering if some Catholic readers could shed some light on this? Barbara- I appreciate you sharing your journey. I have felt in my heart for years that there...8:06 AM in Catholicism | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
May 16, 2008
Having a baby in your forties - revisited
Thanks to all the moms who comment here - you are changing lives and giving hope where sometimes in today's culture hope is hard to find. This mom read your comments at Having another baby in your forties and left this comment. I've moved it here for encouragement and prayers....4:20 PM in Babies, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Student/teacher ratio and how to choose a Montessori school
From my Inbox: My daughter's public school will probably have to increase class size next year due to state budget cuts. I'm looking at enrolling her into a montessori school in my city. I've visited the school a few times and observed. I'm very intrigued. I like the idea of...1:18 PM in Montessori, Preschoolers, Public schools | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Bless your children every morning
Yesterday got off to a great start for me. After putting my kids on the bus, I drove to the Lovettsville Library to share the Montessori approach to reading. One thing we touched on was the need not to feel overwhelmed by trying to implement a whole program, but just...7:52 AM in Family, Homeschooling, Inspiration, Mothering, Preschoolers, Teens and Tweens, Toddlers | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
China earthquake - you need to know
The villages/towns/cities most affected by the earthquake are difficult to reach and it is taking some time for journalists to get there, but reports are filtering back. This is the most compassionate account I've heard, as the writer recounts becoming involved - at least to a small extent -in the...6:52 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 15, 2008
My life in a nutshell
My friend Ann Stewart, a writer/mom who lives a few miles from me, is working on her third published book: Preparing My Heart for Motherhood. Each month she is posting an excerpt at her website. This month's is based on my life. So if you'd like to, please visit Ann...4:07 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Elisabeth Elliot on motherhood
If you are a mom who needs encouragement that your work has meaning - and if you only have time to read one thing today - please make it this. It's long, so you'll need to click below to read the most inspirational part. You might want to save this...5:33 AM in Inspiration, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
May 14, 2008
More than I wanted to know about ticks - but I guess we need to - *sigh*
I got a call from Daniel's teacher today because they found a tick behind his left ear. They wanted to let me know that they were sending it home in a ziploc bag inside a jar (now that's thorough!) and I should get it tested to see if it was...5:07 PM in Health, Loudoun County | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Martin Luther King - ditch the ugly statue
Panel Criticizes MLK Statue Design By STEPHEN MANNING,AP, May 11, 2008 WASHINGTON (May 10) - The centerpiece for the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial on the National Mall has drawn criticism from a federal arts panel, which says the proposed statue looks "confrontational" and resembles the head of a...4:53 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
2007 Top baby names for girls and boys
The Social Security Administration has just released these officially: Top 10 Boy Names for 2007: 1 Jacob 2 Michael 3 Ethan 4 Joshua 5 Daniel 6 Christopher 7 Anthony 8 William 9 Matthew 10 Andrew Top 10 Girl Names for 2007: 1 Emily 2 Isabella 3 Emma 4 Ava 5...3:27 PM in Fun Stuff | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
When the mom/teacher role doesn't work
I'm rushing out the door this morning, but there's a topic I've wanted to bring up for a while. It came up in a discussion I was having with another mom the other day, and I want us all to hear a variety of thoughts on this topic - When...8:36 AM in Homeschooling, Mothering | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack
World Vision Mother's Day salute
A segmented audio broadcast you might be interested in hearing - and sharing with your children: A World Vision Report One-Hour Mother's Day Special The World Vision Report celebrates Mother’s Day, May 11th, with an hour-long special focusing on women in the developing world. Women now work as mechanics in...8:18 AM in Mother's Day | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 13, 2008
Barbara Curtis - Lovettsville Library Thursday May 15
LIVE! Barbara Curtis, Author, Speaker Lovettsville Library Thursday, May. 15, 10:00 AM Register Online or call 540-822-5824. The Lovettsville Library has invited me to talk with moms on teaching children to read, book selection, and encouraging young readers. Hope to see some of you there! Come meet author, Barbara Curtis....3:36 PM in My life | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Hagee apologizes for anti-Catholic remarks
Breaking news: Pastor apologizes for anti-Catholic remarks By JIM KUHNHENN – 1 hour ago WASHINGTON (AP) — John Hagee, an influential televangelist who endorsed John McCain, is apologizing to Catholics for referring to the Roman Catholic Church as "the great whore" and calling it "the apostate church." Hagee's support for...2:53 PM in Catholicism, Church Issues | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack