I've been using it for the past 2 months or so. I love it SO much. Its really fits how *we* homeschool. I don't need to keep track of grades and I need flexibility. I thought that there was quite a learning curve at first. It certainly has its limitations and I've been able to work around them. For example, we use Sonlight for history and sometimes certain books should be done together. It can be tricky. Anyway, I find it very freeing to just start the morning by printing out what needs to be done. There is no guilt about not finishing something and having to rearrange the schedule. I also love the "worked on" and "finished" feature.

You could also try The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. It's dystopic and has zombies, too. Though, I love the Hunger games the best....

We're Catholic but we aren't currently using much Catholic material. Honestly, I try and keep things as secular as possible and then add in religion/catechism. I never thought I'd use a Protestant curriculum, but actually this year we are using Sonlight and I couldn't be happier so far. I don't do the bible part, missionary stories etc.

I'm pretty new to Frontierville. I love it, addicting. But, what I do like about it is that you can only do so much and then you have to quit because you have no more energy. PM, me too! I'll be your neighbor.

You guys are wonderful! Thanks for all the information. I think we might just go with Core 3. I'm so excited to start this program!

I never expected to use Sonlight but I've just read so many wonderful things about it. Last year Dd was doing a half public school/half homeschool program so I didn't have to worry about history. This year we are doing homeschool full-time so I need to find a history program. We did use SOTW 1 in 2nd grade. For us, it was just okay. I was thinking of using SL Core 2 because we missed the middle ages. But, I'm thinking it might be too easy. Should I just skip on to Core 3 or even Core 3+4?? I've spent hours on the Sonlight site and just can't make up my mind. Here's her stats: Age: 9 Grade: going into 4th Reading Level: average 4th grade level. Could anyone help me? Thanks so much!

I love WWE. My Dd is just about to finish WWE2. It's so simple, but challenging. I also really like the reading selections, it's really gotten Dd interested in reading the entire books just from small passages in the workbook. I also have to wonder if kids like this program because they know what to expect? I mean, they really have to listen or read carefully. Anyway, just wanted to say that we are big fans too.

We use SWO and like it quite a bit. It's a no-frills program. I don't know but I think it would be similar to a ps spelling program. Each lesson is 4 pages long. The first page contains a few paragraphs with the spelling words. At the top of the second page is a rule which all of the spelling words have in common. At level C we have 20 words. The 2nd pages is usually a phonics type exercise to group the words. Page 3 can be various types of exercises. Page 4 is proofreading and then a writing exercise (which we totally ignore). I think that if you don't like workbook-y type programs and/or if you have a struggling speller you might not like this program. I tend to not like workbook-y progams, generally. One thing I really like about this, though is that it is one of the few subjects Dd can totally do independently. :001_smile:

Oooh great! I'll check at CVS!

I've had the book for about a year or so but have only begun to try it out this month. So far our favorite is the Light Whole Wheat. I tried to make pita bread but it was a fail. The first time I tried it I rolled it out too thick, the second time too thin. Has anyone tried the bagels or bialys? I'm really intrigued! I just received the second book (healthy breads) last week and it looks just as good.

I've used Paula's Choice and DHC (both need to be ordered). They are good, but I'd like to find something less pricey. I've heard good things about Blue Lizard, but I've never seen it in stores. Let us know how you like it. I can only use physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens burn my face like crazy.

Hits: WWE FLL MUS Love these! So-So: SWO - but like it enough to do next year Misses: Prima Latina - I dumped this and moved on to CLAA Classical Grammar I, which we haven't had time to formulate an opinion on.

I'm so sorry.

You might consider donating them to your local library if they are in good condition. I work at the public library and we go through them like crazy!

Paws crossed for a great outcome!

I admit, I've really gotten addicted to it. I stumbled across one day when I was sick and watching TV. I think it's a great show for teens to watch because it really doesn't glorify teen pregnancy. The few episodes that featured a couple that chose adoption were especially good. I just feel so bad for the babies!

So you all are saying I'm doomed? ;) I have to say, I was cracking up reading about all these other children.:lol:

My daughter is a great kid. She's kind and sweet. I love her with all my heart. But, she talks constantly and loudly. Her mouth is always moving. She loves to talk and talk and talk..... It seems like everything that pops into her head must come out of her mouth. She talks to herself while in the bath, she talks to the dogs, she talks to ALL the neighbors, she talks to the TV etc..... Any hints to reign this in. Is this a lost cause?:D

This is an awesome thread. I have always wondered the same thing. Now, I'm off to try these things.:)

Yes I do! I've analyzed them over and over (and over). Some of these things just make me cringe to think of them. But, now I can look back of at some of these things and see where I went wrong. You know how kids do things and can't tell you why? Well, I think my some of my decisions where like that. Now I can see it! Anyway, you have to remember that all those decisions (both good and bad) made you who you are today. Don't get bogged down in the bad, though. We have to make bad decisions to learn.

I am down to one cup of coffee in the morning. I also have several mugs of black tea throughout the day. I usually switch to decaf in the late afternoon. In the summer I drink several glasses of iced tea. I usually try and do a half caf/half decaf blend. I have a huge weakness for Coca-Cola Classic:glare:. I love it but I really try to limit myself to one maybe two cans a week. I do drink lots of plain water from my Pur water pitcher all day.

I was going to suggest The Teaching Co. courses on the middle ages. Check out your library or use interlibrary loan. I also watched a really good documentary on netflix (instant) just called "The Dark Ages".

My Dd just had her ears pierced earlier this year (at 8 years old). I didn't want to do it as a baby. I let her decide when she wanted it done. I didn't have any problem with her having them at any age, I just wanted her to be able to choose for herself.

I was browsing around on Amazon and saw that she is coming out with another book in May 2010. Nomad: From Islam to America: A Personal Journey Through the Clash of Civilizations. Another similar book I loved was Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women by Geraldine Brooks.

It's Saint Scholastica. I've loved her since I read the children's book The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica by Kathleen Norris and Tomie dePaola.:001_smile: