I don't have a set budget, but I probably spend about $2000 on five kids, kindergarten though ninth grade, for the main curriculum. I also probably spend $50 a month on books, art supplies, experiment stuff.

I do the same thing! I love childrens chapter books especially historical fiction.

Thanks for some book suggestions, guys! I feel much better knowing I'm not alone in my love of light reading and fun mysteries.

My 9 year old daughter, Mercie, is very bright. She can read extremely well, but she doesn't like to read on her own. I do have a daily silent reading time, and she will read during that but not on her own accord (unless it's an easy to read book). She is having some comprehension issues. She has a hard time answering questions about what she has read or what I have to her. She has difficulty with word problems in math, difficulty understanding written and oral directions, and is very forgetful. This seems like it has just come on in the past six months to a year. Is this normal for her age? My older two children never went through this but I know all children are vastly different. My husband thinks she is being mentally lazy, but I know that's not the case. I see her trying and struggling to understand and come up with an answer. I just don't know what I can do. I have been explaining everything to her even directions on her math page that shouldn't have to be explained. If I need to keep this up I will but I don't want her to be dependent on me to explain every little thing. (I'm not talking about ready information or confusing instructions, I'm talking review stuff and basic instructions.)

I am a bookworm, and I always have a book I'm reading. However, with five kids and all of my household duties, I usually can read in twenty to thirty minute spirits and sometimes not that long. I often choose simple books to read, books that don't require much brain energy, and I was wondering if any of you do the same? Currently, I've been hooked on Murder She Wrote books and Nancy Drew. Books that aren't deep, emotional, or difficult to read. Am I alone? The librarian laughed when I checked out the Nancy Drew's, but she did say she was glad someone was reading them.

LOVE this idea.

I went to tons of VBSs as a child and loved them. The songs and motions, the crafts, the games, the friends...it was a fun thing for me and my sisters. I think the purpose of VBS is to provide a free, fun, Christ-centered week for kids. The salvation message is presented, Bible stories are told in fun and creative ways (costumes, props, skits), crafts often tie in with the lesson, snacks are usually neat, and the kids get to hang out with friends and meet new ones. Definitely a community outreach where we are from, not just trying to "save" people, but minister to the community.

I just made some yummy and thick cream cheese icing yesterday for my boys birthday party. 1 8 oz cream cheese 1 stick salted butter 3-4 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla Mix cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer until blended. Add vanilla and powdered sugar in increments until thickness and sweetness is what you desire. Everyone loves the cream cheese icing, and it's so easy! It was very humid here yesterday, too, and it had no trouble thickening.

My husband and I got married at the justice of the peace in Florida. Our three month old daughter was the only guest. I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, he was wearing his work clothes and boots, and our daughter looked stunning in a Gymboree dress. No, I don't regret not having a wedding. Our life is so much more than a wedding.

My sister was driving with her son a few years ago and WASPS started flying out of her air conditioning vent! She pulled over quickly and for them all out or killed them all. Terrifying. (I have a phobia of flying insects that sting).

We had baked ziti, swedish meatballs and noodles, beef burritos, chicken salad on homemade bread, spaghetti, and baked chicken and roasted potatoes this past week.

http://www.delightfullearning.net/search?q=Prairie+primer&updated-max=2016-05-22T14:10:00-06:00&max-results=20&start=3&by-date=false&m=1

I'd say 6-7 years.

Michelle at Delightful Learning did this with her children, boys and a girl. She has tons of helpful posts! http://www.delightfullearning.net/?m=0

I love this!

I love to play outside with my kids. We will play corn hole, basketball, baseball, whiffle ball, football, swim if we are near a pool. I don't play with toys with my kids. We do play board games and build puzzles, do arts and crafts, bake, and watch movies together. Occasionally I will build Legos. I'm a good mom and my kids don't ask me to play with them. If they asked, I probably would. Of course they are 14, 12, 9, 7 and 4. The little ones play together or alone.

Homemade Mac and cheese

Any books by Frank Asch, particularly "Just Like Daddy", "Popcorn", and "Happy Birthday, Moon!". https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s?k=frank+asch "Jessie Bear, What Will You Wear?" Is also a favorite of my sons. "Grandfather's Journey" My kids love the Berenstain Bear books.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_0_8?k=chris+lynch+vietnam+series&sprefix=chris+ly My 12 year old son picked up a few of these books from Goodwill store. They are good, interesting and factual books about young men who fight in Vietnam. There are a few graphic scenes, nothing more than they see on movies or video games, no bad language, and lots of action. I plan to get the rest of the series for my son. If you search Chris Lynch on Amazon, many books come up. He has different series for different wars, and a few non-war books. I'm definitely checking them out for my son. And myself because I really enjoyed the book I read! (It was #2).

Thank you all for your replies, suggestions, and experiences! It has helped me a lot. In reading these replies, I feel like I'm not a "teen" dresser, just trendy, and as long as it's age appropriate, I can continue. My kids think I'm cool, have never complained or been embarrassed by my clothes, and my husband approves. So I guess I'm good! Although I am going to start shopping in the woman's section, and at different stores, too. I am also checking out the links y'all provided me.

I do not wear any of this either, except shorts with a 3.5 inch inseam and skinny jeans, but not super tight.

I do need to expand to the women's! Thanks for this encouragement. I do find the Juniors clothing today to be tackier and cheaper looking than it used to be. I do like Maurice's, which is for all ages.

Yes, no cleavage here either! No belly shirts or super tight clothes. However, skinny jeans, ripped jeans, shorts...these I'm thinking should be dropped. I just need opinions! I do dress to flatter my shape, and I never look tacky (IMO).

I do, too but I always dressed trendy, and I guess I still do. I've always loved to dress up, but I'm just afraid it's time to move from Juniors to women's....

Yes, I feel the same way! I don't want to dress too old, but I don't want to embarrass my kids by dressing too young. I love maxi skirts, and I've been wearing more of them lately, but I think it is time to hang up the short shorts? Maybe? (Not SHORT like butt cheeks hanging out, but above mid thigh. What do you think?)