My life
Family skeletons - breaking free
This is very heavy and very long. You will need to click below to read the entire story - which I think some of you may find worth it: In January 2007 I shared with readers how my father had contacted me after 20 years through Classmates.com in An Unexpected...June 30, 2008 - 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (24) | TrackBack
Coming home from Camp Easter Seals
I said I was driving down to Harrisonburg today to pick up the Downzers (my four sons with Down syndrome - see Why I Call Them the Downzers) from Camp Easter Seals. What was I thinking? Harrisonburg is only halfway there. The camp is 4 1/2 hours away from us....June 27, 2008 - 8:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Let It Go - keeping a tender heart
I had to drive to Alexandria this morning - about an hour and a half away in traffic time - to an office only half a mile from where I lived in 1969 when Samantha was born. I popped in a CD Zach had made for me. I LOVE...June 25, 2008 - 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Maddy confirmed as Catholic
From one big event to the next. Yesterday: Sophia's graduation. Today: Maddy's confirmation/First Communion Note the sweet white lace dress we found for her to wear. I wanted it to be special for her. Tripp bought her a Daily Missal. rosary, and a St. Cecelia medal. Melissa, her sponsor, who...June 20, 2008 - 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Sophia graduated today!
Sophia graduated from Loudoun Valley High today. It was a gorgeous day! Big sister Samantha came. Afterwards at lunch we reminisced about her high school graduation 21 - that's right! 21! - years ago. And to think I still have five more to go. Last one will be graduating class...June 19, 2008 - 11:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
My life - full speed ahead, but some CyberBumps
While my life is hurtling past at the speed of - well, at the speed of life - my CyberLife has slowed to a crawl. Maybe this sounds weird, but since you all are an important part of my life, this is very disturbing. It's like being sick and...June 18, 2008 - 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Where I've been
June 14, 2008 - 7:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
500 headaches/500 cures - book entries
Regarding my 500 headaches, Lori suggested soliciting ideas for a book. So how about it? What gives you a headache? But then, because my writing motto is "Say something simple and real, something with hope in it" (from the Frank Capra movie, Meet John Doe), let's also give the...June 13, 2008 - 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
500 headaches
As I contemplate taking the last two aspirins from this bottle, I'm wondering: What in the world possessed me to buy a bottle of 1000 aspirins? It's been so long ago, I can't remember. Was I so overcome with the per unit price at Costco (note the Kirkland brand)...June 13, 2008 - 8:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Going gray - on my way!
A couple years ago I announced on my blog that I was going to go gray. I never made good on that resolution. When my hair started growing out, I found that having the amount of gray I had at that point made my hair look very dull and unattractive....June 9, 2008 - 2:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Purcellville Gazette - home of my new column Family Matters
Loudoun readers who've been looking for my writing locally can now find it in The Purcellville Gazette, a free weekly which arrives in western Loudoun mailboxes each Friday. The Purcellville Gazette began publishing in May of 2004 and has a circulation of 16,500. My column there is titled Family...June 6, 2008 - 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Real Life in Loudoun - tangling with tornados
I am still sick so not much energy to post. Jonny's IEP/transition to Loudoun Valley High was yesterday and I had to pull myself together for that since it involved 10 people's schedules and postponing might mean waiting another six weeks for the empty spaces on our calendars to coincide....June 5, 2008 - 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Feed a cold? Starve a cold? What?
While blogging makes for a lot of transparency, a blogger may be keeping up with a few things, but one thing you won't know unless she says so is that she's sick. Which I am. Along with Justin, I missed the strep/sore throat epidemic that went around our house a...June 3, 2008 - 6:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | 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...May 26, 2008 - 8:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (22) | TrackBack
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...May 15, 2008 - 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
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....May 13, 2008 - 3:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Every Mother's a Working Mother
My article at Crosswalk.com for Mother's Day: Every Mother’s a Working Mother Barbara Curtis, Contributing Writer May 5, 2008 It was the kind of splendid September day when sending kids to school just feels wrong. Fortunately, that year I was homeschooling and calling the shots. Plus we were living in...May 9, 2008 - 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Sophia and Mom's Incredible Amazing Trip to New York
I'm back! It's taken a while - including five hours this morning to pull together the 270 photos we shot in New York. Yes, I know, it's a tough life being a parent. This past weekend I had to pick up my cross and go to New York once...May 6, 2008 - 1:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack
In New York for the weekend
Just a note to let you know I haven't dropped off the planet. I'm in New York - once again. Kind of a spontaneous trip with Sophia, my 18-year old daughter. Will explain when I get home!...May 3, 2008 - 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic #22 - Celebrating the Ascension
[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...May 1, 2008 - 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
The fox in my life
Last month I told you about the Fox in My Life. Caught him outside this morning, enjoying the wet greenery: And now, off to work. . . . ....April 21, 2008 - 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Celebrating birthdays at our house yesterday
I have so much to be grateful for! The downpour yesterday put the kibosh on sports (* kibosh - isn't that a great Yiddish word?) and meant that our house was filled with cheer. This means grandchildren are here: Yay! Here is Aunt Maddy with my youngest grandson Jeffrey: Maddy...April 21, 2008 - 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Proof that prayer works
We try to get our family together every Sunday. With try being the key word. But with my grandchildren very involved in soccer and baseball - spread out on four different teams - plus Tim has umpire jobs - sometimes it's not possible. On Thursday, facing my grandchildren's extremely...April 19, 2008 - 7:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Jennifer and me
It's always a blessing when I get to meet someone in person that I've only known online. Last Saturday, Jennifer Merkel was in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia with her kids - who were participating in a Civil War reenactment. For some reason, my children were very busy on their own....April 15, 2008 - 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Taking Daniel to Dr. Capone today
It's cold again today - glad I never found the time to do the big wardrobe switcheroo. I'm off to Baltimore this morning with Daniel to visit Dr. Capone at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, which is part of Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Daniel has Down syndrome, but he is really...April 14, 2008 - 7:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Jonny & Me: Our Amazing NYC adventure
Jonny's amazing New York adventure is now ready for viewing - along with my random commentary - just click below: NYC: Jonny's amazing adventure More random observations: * In our three days in New York City, I never saw another individual with Down syndrome - nor have I in my...April 11, 2008 - 3:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Barbara and Jonny's amazing adventure
I wan't expecting to post so soon, but since Jonny got up at 5 - I got up at 4, but I don't count :) - I am giving him a little break after checking into our room. He's watching a silly movie with Lucille Ball, Gene Kelly, and Red...April 8, 2008 - 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Jonny & Me: Counting down to NYC
If you have emailed me in the past week, chances are I haven't answered yet. Between Maddy's singing over the weekend and trying to get things in order for Jonny's trip to New York - plus selling a bunch of stuff on Ebay - I have been scrambling to leave...April 7, 2008 - 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
My life - full speed ahead!
Maddy and I drove down to Old Dominion University in Norfolk Friday morning for the second level of the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition. She had placed in the state competition and so was moving on to regionals. I am not a trained singer, but several of...April 6, 2008 - 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
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...March 25, 2008 - 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | 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...March 23, 2008 - 7:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Greetings from California
I am in Redwood City today - will be giving a talk to moms tomorrow at Peninsula Covenant Church. This is exciting because I'm going to see an old friend, Anne Gaddini, who I've known since before she was married - 20 years ago, I think? - and whom I...March 10, 2008 - 6:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
The Loudoun Times-Mirror has dropped my column
After four years of publishing a regular column for the Loudoun Times-Mirror, I have received my walking papers. My guess is that the GLBT activists and supporters - like sharks who've tasted blood after their penguin victory - were demanding "Off with Her Head!" Because I disagreed with them politically,...March 8, 2008 - 7:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
The Fat Flush Diet: how hard is it and did it work?
From the comments: I'm wondering whether you found the Fat Flush diet hard to stick to, and did you have a hard time breaking free from the sugar cravings? Yes, I found it hard to stick to the first few days!!! But that's not the point. I realized that one...March 8, 2008 - 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
My WaPo copyright issue follow-up
On Monday, after sharing my WaPo problem with you all, I wrote to the editor of the LoudounExtra section: Dear Mr. Bernstein - You printed an article of mine without my permission. See The Washington Post breaking copyright law? I'm not sure what you were thinking. I know most people...March 6, 2008 - 9:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Do I really need two blogs?
Posted at the MizReport this morning: I know there's nothing here to read lately. . . . please visit MommyLife instead Sorry I am not currently posting here. Although I must have been in a compartmentalized mood when I started this blog - trying to move politics off my MommyLife...March 6, 2008 - 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic #20 - Catholics Come Home video
[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...March 5, 2008 - 3:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Feminism - a quiz and a little personal history
How well do you know the history of feminism? To find out, take this quiz. I scored 9/10. But of course, I was one of the founding mothers of the second wave. Charter member of NOW, abortion rights activist - and so on and on. Actually, maybe you'd like...March 5, 2008 - 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
The Washington Post breaking copyright law?
Apparently the Washington Post printed something of mine without a contract, payment or permission today - you can read it here. As I never sent this to and never received any prior communication from them, this is a complete surprise. I do not donate my work to newspapers and have...March 2, 2008 - 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | 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...February 28, 2008 - 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Speaking in Redwood City, CA March 11
You are invited! If you can come, please RSVP for free childcare:...February 26, 2008 - 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
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...February 24, 2008 - 7:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | 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...February 22, 2008 - 9:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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...February 21, 2008 - 3:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | 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 -...February 21, 2008 - 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The fox in my life
We had another ice storm yesterday. The kids had off school and Tripp even stayed home from work and made pancakes for everyone. When he spotted a fox outside, he told me to grab my camera. I used my telephoto lens and waited a good ten minutes to get a...February 14, 2008 - 6:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
My broken wrist revisited
It's been two weeks since I broke my wrist and it seemed to be getting worse. The brace just wasn't immobilizing my arm and hand properly - trying to do anything hurt like crazy. So back to the doctor this morning. She said that in addition to the break, my...February 12, 2008 - 6:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
What a wonderful world - no matter what's broken
I'm back from the orthopedist for my break - officially "nondisplaced distal radial fracture." Great news! I do not have a cast, but a brace which locks my arm/wrist/thumb in rigid support, but frees my fingers completely (yes, that's it in the picture above - note the color coordination...February 5, 2008 - 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #18
[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...February 3, 2008 - 5:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
as my life comes to a screeching halt
my wrist is broken. spent the afternoon at the er -now home and ready to collapse. my right hand and arm are in a splint and sling. monday i will get a cast. will write more tomorrow (very s-l-o-w-l-y) your prayers appreciated :)...February 2, 2008 - 6:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBack
Loudoun County Public Schools closed
News flash: School - originally delayed two hours in Loudoun County - is now officially closed for today. There goes today's plans for catching up! Yo ho, yo ho a mommy's life for me! (sing a la Disneyland)...February 1, 2008 - 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Here I am, just a little broken but rarin' to go
It's Friday. I went to bed last night looking forward to having a whole day while the kids were at school to catch up on stuff. My office looks like a cyclone hit it - as much as writing might seem like a rather unmessy activity, I somehow seem to...February 1, 2008 - 7:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #17
In response to comments at #16 on how few people in the Catholic Church may or may not actually hold fast to Catholic doctrine - What you have in a Catholic church at Sunday Mass (actually all five or six or seven Sunday Masses in which the church is always...January 30, 2008 - 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #16
[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...January 28, 2008 - 2:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (42) | TrackBack
Moms: finding emotional freedom
One of the things I've realized along the way is that each of us is hurt in childhood. If I tell you the things that happened to me as a child - abandonment, foster home, abuse, inadequate mothering - it can sound pretty pitiful. Maybe you don't have such dramatic...January 26, 2008 - 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #15
For those of you following my spiritual journey - which was originally called WIBAWIB because my first post in the series was called Where I've Been and Where I'm Bound - a lot is going on. I have a notebook where I've been recording bits and pieces of ideas I...January 24, 2008 - 4:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
March for Life 2008 - photo journal
I did a mix of portraits with lots of crowd shots because I wanted you all to see what it is like to be there. To see larger photos with captions, go here. Please pass this link on!...January 23, 2008 - 4:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBack
Jonny and me
That's Jonny and me - Sophia took the picture. Tripp took my new picture last Sunday, btw. Sophia, Maddy, Jesse and I are on our way down to Lynchburg to see Ben in Die Fledermaus at Liberty. I'm always excited to see Ben sing and will share pictures when...January 18, 2008 - 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Keeping kids warm - inside and out
I'm so excited! Today we're finally going to see some snow. It's really only snowed once here this year - I was away in Boston covering a story and by the time I came home the next day, it was all gone. I did get to see snow in Boston,...January 17, 2008 - 6:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Deadlines, news, and what's ahead
I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by. - Doug Adams, author Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Can't talk for a few days. I have a 3000 word article due for Citizen magazine on David Parker, the Massachusetts dad who was arrested when...January 4, 2008 - 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | 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...December 27, 2007 - 4:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
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...December 22, 2007 - 5:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | 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...December 22, 2007 - 9:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
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...December 17, 2007 - 9:22 PM | 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...December 17, 2007 - 8:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack