I have been researching HOD for my kiddos and I really need to make a decision. A sample of just one week isnt enough for me to do so. I was going to drive 2 hours to the convention this upcoming weekend to check it out, but there is nothing else I really need to go for. I could just order the Bigger guide by the time I spend the $$$ on gas! :lol: Anyway, is it really as amazing as I have read and seen? The only thing hat may hold me back is sometimes I want to finish school in 4 days and it's set up for 5. I know that's silly, but I'm also a stickler for making sure everything is done for the week or I lose sleep! :001_huh: I'm thinking of starting out with Bigger for my 8 and 9 year old. I literally dream about a curriculum set up the way HOD is set up. I'm a organizer and a box checker with everything else, but I hate to plan school. My only planning consists of the big filing box from a tread a couple years ago.

Actually, I didn't even think about it until last night for a short time since my brain is on meltdown. I didn't think about it again until the PP mentioned focus and organization issues. I'm going to definitely research this.

I discussed this with DH last night actually because I'm seriously about to have a breakdown if something doesn't change. Organization and focus issues are generally caused by ADHD. I dont want this to turn into a debate but I don't want to go through this with another child. I had horrible experiences with "experimenting" with meds with my oldest such as violence towards her siblings brought on by meds. I won't go there again. I would much rather find another solution even if I end up having to mostly unschool him which is always something I said I would never do. I just want to make my child happy without altering who he is.

I did the buddy math. He wanted me to do everything!!! :lol:

That's the thing! He is NOT purposely misbehaving. It's definitely not a behavior issue on his part. I have tried everything! I have offered candy or video games which he would do ANYTHING for! The outcome is still the same.

My DS8 drags everything on! It takes 2 hours or more to do a CLE Math lesson. I have already cut the lessons and crossed out everything he knows how to do...still 2-2.5 hours! It's not just math...it's anything he isn't interested in! Science and History he loves and it gets done. He loves when I read aloud to him and pays complete attention. I can't figure out if it's boredom! He is my brightest child and the only one who doesn't struggle with his studies, but won't do it in a timely manner. The other day he needed to read aloud to me. After reminding him numerous times that he still had to read prior to leaving for swimming class, everything else was more important. He ended up having to do it in the car. It took (I'm not exaggerating) 17 minutes to open the book, find his page, and read the first word! :confused: I am contemplating switching to something like HOD since he loves when I read to him and does very well with narration. Maybe start doing most things verbally for him? I don't know! Just talking out loud here! Even if I switch to another curriculum, we need to finish the year. I just ordered CLE 3rd grade which I'm starting to regret spending the money since he may not use it. I just don't know what to do. I would love suggestions! I would love to think I'm not the only one with a child like this. I'm honestly ready to pull my hair out. I hate being on top of him all day reminding him....you need to do this or that....2 hours to clean up a small mess in his room. I have thought about sending him to public school, but what message am I sending him by doing that? Not a good one since I've homeschooled for over 10 years, but my first 2 are girls and nothing like this. Even my younger son Who is 5 and not yet started K brings me his books to do school! My two older girls have struggled immensely. I have the patience for even that which most don't. I never lose my cool with my girls that have struggled to the point of tears, frustration, or slamming doors (my oldest in middle and high school), but this....I can't do anymore! :(

My DD is using WWW3 and she is really learning a lot! She is learning how to write different types of paragraphs with step by step directions. She has learned a ton and will be ready for a formal writing class in the Fall. She loves it. My DS, on the other hand, is using WWW2 and it is much more basic. I think he is just getting good at filling in blanks. There is a huge difference between WWW2 and WWW3. If I had known, I probably would had kept my DS in WWE.

Or is it just review? We just completed 210 and i need to order For 3rd grade. Need to place this order tonight.

My DS and DD have both used McRuffy K and 1st. I used it with my DD because she was a struggling reader. It helped immensely! My DS learned to read with it and has a great foundation.

I've told my friend all the same things as you just stated. I think he has "the grass is greener" thing going on right now since he has never dated anyone else before meeting her. I'm not sure about the counseling before calling it quits. In the last 48 hours so much has happened, so many nasty names have been called, and a ton of hurtful things have been done that would be very hard to be forgiven. He already moved out last night. As he walked out the door, he yelled back at his 19 year old daughter "to kiss his ass" which is very out of character for him. She was yelling and screaming at him for walking out on their family. It's very very sad. I believe the decision to be apart has already been made and at this point, they are probably all better off that way.

I know exactly what you mean. It's hard when it hits so close to home. It really makes you rethink the way you have been doing things.

or just assume that it will always be? My best friend of 18 years called me two days ago hysterical and in tears. Her husband came to her and said, "I'm not happy anymore." She was in shock (I was in shock as well). What immediately came to my mind is that there was another woman he was involved with in some way after everything she told me. Come to find out, my theory was correct. I feel so bad for her and this has really gotten me thinking. Of all the people I would have ever thought would be together forever, it was this couple! They met at 15 years old and have raised one child to adulthood, but still have a 5 year old at home. They have spent 22 years together which is more then half of her life. I have sometimes wondered what she would do if he ever up and left her because she has always depended upon him and knows nothing else. She doesn't really have any skills to fall back on to be able to support herself either which is scary. Anyway, she recorded him and heard him telling another woman that he met on Facebook (that is also married) that he loves her. When she questioned him about it, of course he said it meant nothing and it's just a friendship. He is blaming the whole entire situation on her when he is the one that did wrong. Her self-esteem is dwindling down to nothing in all of 48 hours. They just had a house built on land they already had and moved into it literally THREE WEEKS AGO! The whole situation is just a mess. His 19 year old daughter will not even speak to him. The woman on FB isn't even someone he ever met. It's someone that he has spent hours on the phone with which is how he got so emotionally involved. I'm on my second marriage and our 9 year anniversary is Wednesday. I guess I just always assume that this will never happen to me again. I guess what I'm wondering is if I am the only one who assumes it will last forever!

I will definitely try the buddy math on Monday. :001_smile:

The thing is that its not 2.5 hours of continuous math. I do cross out several problems. He is just sitting and staring at it, getting up to play (even with me sitting at the desk) like its no big deal, getting distracted by anything around him including his brother or sister, whinning, etc. It takes 2.5 hours by the time he has the problems done after all the interruptions. If he would just apply himself, it could be done in 30 minutes. He is extremely mathy. I only have to explain something one time (if I do have to explain it) and he just gets it. I'm thinking I need to switch curriculums, but I just love CLE so much. It's a very solid program.

I have not even looked at Abeka. I tried MM and he hated it. He LOVED MUS, but I though MUS was holding him back and I didn't want him in the same situation as my DD who ended up behind because of MUS and still never understanding it after going through Alpha and Beta twice. I guess I should start researching other math curriculums that are "short, sweet, and to the point".

Im at my wits end. My DS will just sit and stare, play, get distracted, leave the desk to play with toys......ANYTHING so he doesn't have to do math!!! Today it was 2.5 hours. For weeks now, it's been hours to complete a lesson. There was one day last week that he finished in 45 minutes so I know he can do it. My DD finishes in 30-40 minutes and she is the one that struggles with math. My DS is mathy and "gets it". I really don't want to switch math programs. I mean, I guess I could since he is on book 209 so he is almost done with 2nd grade....ugh! I really don't know what to do, but I need some idea because I'm ready to pull my hair out! He blazes through all his other schoolwork. It's just math where we have this issue. I have tried everything including setting a timer....nothing works.

You are AWESOME! I wouldn't even try to do this because I KNOW I CANT! :lol::lol::lol::lol: Yes, I admit having a spending problem! :001_smile::001_smile::001_smile::001_smile:

I will be leaving a tip again next time. I am embarrassed! I really never though to leave a tip for laser hair removal. I'm not sure why it never crossed my mind, but I do leave a tip when I go get my eyebrows waxed and they are both forms of hair removal and a service....Hmmm. This really left me something to think about. I'm glad I posted here. I do feel much better now, but I feel bad now because I never left a tip prior.

This is how I feel. I spent $1400 for a package deal and I am sure the technicians make a fairly decent salary. I have never thought to leave a tip because, to me, it is considered a medical treatment.

The results have been amazing so far. In the past they have always been great as well.

Today I went for laser hair removal. This is my third treatment. I have never left a tip prior. Before I made my appointment, the receptionist says, "Would you like to leave a tip for _______?" I just paused for a second. It was awkward. I said, "Hmm..I don't think I have any cash on me..." as I waffle through my purse to grab my wallet. She responds, "You can leave it on a debit or credit card...". :001_huh: I did leave a tip, but was confused and astonished that she was so blunt. I have never been asked before on the way out. This is a medical spa where they actually have a doctor on the premises. I don't tip my dermatologist or medical doctor. This has baffled me since I left. I'm now wondering if I was wrong to not leave a tip after any other laser hair removal appointment. I have had other laser done at other medical spas in the past and have never left a tip. Does laser hair removal fall under the same category now as getting your hair and nails done? Or even getting your eyebrows waxed? I would love to hear your opinions!

If the main thing that's making her so upset is the fact that she can't brush her hair, then let her brush the dolls hair? My DD has 4 AG dolls. She brushes their hair constantly. The only one we have an issue with the hair falling out is Julie because her hair is so pin straight. I'm not sure if you know this, but AG sells a special brush specifically for the AG doll's hair. I think I paid $7 for it. You can also call the AG store and ask them for tips on taking care of the dolls hair. If your still concerned that she may mess up the doll, then put it aside until she is older. Maybe another year or so? I know, with my DD, a year made a huge difference. You can buy her a doll that looks just like AG for around $30 So that it's okay if it gets messed up. Target had Our Generation. There are also Madame Alexander. Even Walmart has their own version as well as Toys R Us. So, if the doll is causing your DD that much unneeded stress, put it aside and get her a $20/$30 doll that will still fit into all the clothes she received for Christmas.

I had planned on going to Sally's. I don't ever use drugstore products anymore. The difference in my hair since I have used the Sally's products over the last year is huge. I just need to know what to buy, but I'm also scared of ruining my hair.

She is amazing! Good for her! I would had been scared to death!

Oh my goodness! Your scaring me! :lol: