with my middle child. My oldest goes to the public high school, so next year will be my first venture into high school in our homeschool. We will begin again with the ancients, which I love, and I am looking forward to reading the literature with him. I am also excited to do SOTW again with my youngest one. We finished the four volumes 2 years ago and began studying US history in depth. However, I may buy the audio version of SOTW for her, because she's not the strongest reader, and I don't know how I'm going to fit in reading it aloud to her, along with everything else. I am looking forward to being done with this year, because I want to start working in my yard, and I want to go canoing and camping and, of course, hiking! Kim

When my daughter has had friends over, I simply made grilled cheese for lunch and cut the sandwhiches from corner to corner, making four small triangles. Then I put some cookies on a small plate, served tea in a teapot with teacups, and they thought it was great. If they don't like tea, put lemonade or hot chocolate in the teapot. Have a fun girls' weekend! Kim

she didn't sleep much at night either. Her problem, though, was colick (spelling ?). My first one slept well at night, but just didn't require long naps. He also awoke very early in the morning. My advice to you: wait until he starts going through puberty. Then he will sleep! He even voluntarily takes a nap now and again. Until then, you have my sympathy. ;) Kim

I finally put a rubber band around all of them and stuck them in a pocket of my big purse. They don't fit into my wallet, so they were always at home when I needed them. I usually always have my big purse with me in the car, even if I don't carry it into the store. I am like you, Battlemaiden, I just don't want to miss that opportunity to use my gift card, or to amass points on a frequent buyer card. I like the free stuff! Kim

I was looking it over and it seems like they take out alot of fees, but it looks pretty simple (compared to ebay, which seems complicated to me). I am very technologically challenged. Give me a piece of paper and a pencil over a PDA anyday. :tongue_smilie: Thanks! Kim

I've saved them, and I'm going to try to shake things up a bit in my routine. Kim

nt

In Jan. I began a strength training routine using free weights, the sole purpose being to keep my bones strong. I don't want to lose weight, but I wouldn't mind some extra tone. ;) I have been reading that you need to "trick" your muscles by altering your routine. Would anyone like to share their routine that doesn't require a gym? (I do currently do my weights at a gym, but I only planned on going for the year just to get myself in the habit of doing it.) Thank you! Kim

is because my spell checker kept correcting my "homeschool" and telling me that it was "home school." Pam, your explanation makes perfect sense to me, and I will apply it from now on. :001_smile: Kim

nt

What I especially liked about it was the approach to history. As I began homeschooling, I knew there had to be a good systematic way to study history, I just hadn't figured it out for myself. When I read about the chronological 4-year cycles, I said, "Yes! That makes perfect sense!" I also use several of SWB's and JW's other suggestions. And SOTW is a perfect fit for us. Kim

Do you spell it as all one word, homeschool, or as two separate words, hoe school. Thanks! Kim

The book I'm about to order is Western Civilization, Comprehensive Volume, with Infotrac. There is no edition number listed. Will this get me what I need for high school history? Thanks! Kim, who is not feeling confident about home schooling high school, but is very excited to learn this stuff with my son

I use it alot. I especially love the plastic scraper that comes with the stonewear. I use it for oh so many more things than just cleaning my stonewear. I also have the batter bowl, oil mister sprayer thing (don't know the technical term :D), and the one of their scoops. I know those weren't on your list, but I do like their products. I do, however, agree with the other poster who said that you can usually find the same stuff cheaper. I think alot of their stuff is overpriced. Pampered Chef is, however, the only home party I will go to, because it is actually stuff I will use. Kim

I can't believe I'm trying to encourage you, because I always admired your wisdom and advice to other posters on the old board, but here goes... (My words are in blue, because I don't know how to correctly quote).

Neither my dad nor my brother have cavities, and so far my kids are cavity free (10, 13, 16). My mom on the other hand has tons. The dentist told her she has soft enamel, while my dad has hard enamel, and that is why his teeth are much more resistant to cavities. We are pretty good about brushing, but I've eaten my share of candy. :D When I was younger I regularly got up in the middle of the night and ate something sweet, then went back to bed without brushing. I think I just got lucky and got good teeth. Kim

in order to support their small company as much as possible. Same reason I bought all the SOTW's from Peace Hill Press. Kim

When the kids were younger (much younger) he said I used to recite Goodnight Moon in my sleep. Oh how I love that book, and so did my kids! Kim

Kevin Leman books. I also like Parenting with Love and Logic. Kim

Our limit is 50 books per card, and in the past we regularly had that 50 in our possession. Sometimes I would have one of the kids use their card because mine was at its max. I was told that the librarians like it when people check out books because they want their circulation numbers to be high. If I understand correctly, the higher the circulation numbers, the more money they might get. That is one of the reasons for programs like summer reading. As far as making the librarians go get 50 books for me, I wouldn't do it. I sometimes put a book or two on hold, but I would feel guilty about asking that they retrieve my entire list. And I do know that getting library books with little ones along can be taxing; I once had three little ones. Now they are all ten and up. :) I've always loved going to the library, but I can actually enjoy it now, if you know what I mean. Just my 2 coppers. Kim

Yes, I loved it to, and I am recommending it to someone who is just starting out. I wish I still had it to give to her. Kim

I used to have it, but sold it, and now I need the name of it to give to someone else. Memory, memory, wherefore art thou? Thanks! Kim

Neither of my parents went to college, but they taught me everything I needed to know, and they are still teaching me. And I'm not talking academics. They are two of the wisest people I know. My dad is a poor speller and grammarian, but he is a great provider, husband, and an excellent dad. We still spend time together on a regular basis. I feel so blessed to have the parents I do! In case this doesn't come across right, this is meant to encourage any parents here who feel lacking because they didn't go to college. Have a beautiful evening and enjoy your kiddos! Kim

I'm glad it worked out for your family! I absolutely love camping; it is the most relaxing vacation (for me :)), even though it does require work. Happy camping, Kim