I have BTDT with the EKG, halter monitor, and heart ultrasound (echo) quite a few years ago, and everything showed fine. The one time when I went to the hospital the doctor suggested I close my mouth and pinch my nose closed, then bear down for several seconds (I usually do about 20 seconds, but I think fewer use to work). Try to think of something enjoyable that you did during the day, etc. After doing that, inhale deeply and try to relax - (I know, it's difficult.) Sometimes I have to do that a few times, but so far it has always worked. I am so grateful that the Lord allowed me to meet that doctor! There is a medical term for the "procedure", but I don't know what it is. (The bearing down is similiar to bearing down when using the toilet.) I am not saying you shouldn't go to the doctor. I just hope that this might help you get rid of the strange heartbeats until you get to meet with a doctor. All the best! :grouphug:

We have never used ETC, but my children have enjoyed Plaid Phonics. The pages are colourful. I don't require them to do all the writing though.

Brought tears to my eyes! How good He is!!

:iagree: Thanks for the reminder, and that is why I worded the op as "...what has worked best for your family" - understanding it will be different for each family. However, I appreciate hearing what has worked for others and I can learn from that. I realize now that I missed some key curriculum options from the poll. :glare: Sorry. Thanks to everyone who has shared what has worked for your family. :bigear: for more votes/experiences.

:grouphug: Praying for you and your family! Also praying that your son will find a friend who is a positive influence so they can encourage one another.

Question about spelling...What is your preferred spelling curriculum? I thought I'd post this here instead of the k-8 board in order to include votes from those that no longer have elementary & middle schoolers. There are so many options that I feel like a kid in a candy store with just one nickel. I want to make the best decision for my children because I feel it is an essential skill. Thanks for sharing what has worked for your family! I don't want to try out each curriculum to see which would work best...ok, some days I am tempted! Thank you!

Wow! The site is easy to use and carries a wide selection of books. Thank you so much for posting about this site!!

Will do! Thank you!

Thanks for the reply PookieMama! Sorry, I meant specifying the type of syllables (open, closed, r controlled, etc) with the phrase 'labeling the syllables'. :bigear: Do R&S, CLP and Mega Words cover syllables and spelling rules?

Hi, I have searched here and elsewhere online in regards to teaching spelling and have narrowed it down to a few options. The options that I thought looked good were Mega Words, Rod & Staff, HTTS, and Building Spelling Skills (by CLP). I would like something that teaches the students how to label the syllables and is rules based. Does the curriculum I listed teach that? I would love your opinions, suggestions or recommendations! We are currently using AAS, but I would love to have a worksheet available for my students in gr. 4 & 5. I did create worksheets for them based on AAS3, but I don't really want to take the time to do it for the remaining AAS books. :tongue_smilie: Thanks!

HSBC is offering a $25 coupon for Space Boards (an ipad app). I have looked at the site a bit, but am overwhelmed at the options. Any recommendations?

You will receive a code to access your lessons online. If I remember correctly the lessons will be available for three years. Each unit e.g. 'A', 'B', etc. covers several artists (5 or 6 I think). You view the lesson online. The lesson consists of a slideshow which talks about the artist and their work while showing you pictures of different art pieces the artist created. After viewing the lesson you "practice" a technique the artist was famous for. Then you create a project...I think this is where the different ages comes in. The younger student might draw hills and a tree for perspective, the middle student might add birds, clouds, etc. In the past my two students were close in age so we ordered different units for one age e.g. A, B, & C for middle ages. Or if you a dc6 and a dc14 you might want to order unit A for the younger & the older. Sorry, clear as mud? :tongue_smilie: If you have other questions, fire away - I'll try to explain. :)

A Norwex mop...just make the mop wet with water.

Thanks so much for the different feedback! Personal preference and experience is exactly what I was hoping to hear!!

I was thinking of venturing to different crayons than crayola. I was hoping to order from Rainbow Resources or Amazon. Anyone have a different crayon they would recommend (e.g. Faber-Castell beeswax, Colorix, etc.)? Or are crayola the best for children ages 5-10? TIA!

1 pail (4L or 16 cups) thinly sliced cucumbers 2 medium sliced onions (lay on top, the pail is now heaping full) 2 1/2 cups vinegar 5 cups sugar 2 1/2 tablespoons pickling salt 1 1/4 teaspoon celery seed, turmeric, dry mustard, alum. Slice cucumbers & onions, bring remaining ingredients to boil and pour over vegetables. Cool, store in fridge. Keeps all year. Dressing will be enough once vegetables have settled down.

Yes, thank you!

We started off sticking the index cards on the back of a closet door, but with two children it filled up part way through. We decided to tape them together accordion style (as was mentioned). What I liked about these two options was the way you could see the relationship of events through time.

I purchased from Sonlight - not sure if they ship internationally. (I purchased from there because it was the only curriculum I needed at the time and there was no fee to have it shipped within the U. S.)

My dd had a plantar's wart under her foot close to the size of a dime. The OTC meds did nothing. So this is what we tried, and it worked beautifully. (It took about two weeks.) Before bed she soaked her foot in water for about 5 minutes. Then I took a small piece of a cotton ball, close to the size of the wart, and put apple cider vinegar on it. We used duct tape to stick the wet cotton ball to her foot where it stayed (most of the time, minus bath time, etc.) until the following evening. All the best!

We invest so much of our time as homeschool moms/teachers into homeschooling that it is difficult to think of what life would be like without it. It will certainly be a lifestyle adjustment, and I pray you will continue to have peace. “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.†Psalm 119:114 If the Lord has given you peace about your dd going to school, I have to admit I'm curious/excited to see what He has in store for you next year. Thanks for being an example to us in letting go of "our" dream, to follow a much grander "schedule"! God bless you as you and your family follow His perfect leading!! We would love to hear how your year is going. P.S. And please don't be a stranger - we value your advice and experience! :001_smile:

Here's a link to the Rod & Staff books at Rainbow Resource: Rod & Staff Preschool. I think most people are referring to the books found in the packages Set of 6 (or 7) Preschool ABC books. I think they are called the ABC books because as the difficulty level increases, the book begins with the next letter of the alphabet. A - Adventures with Books, B - Bible Pictures to Color, C - Counting with Numbers...Hearing & Helping, Inside & Outside. Although the books A-F seem to be the more popular ones. (I hope that makes sense...)

Thank you BugsMama and MerryatHope! I love that you shared both the pros & cons of the program - very helpful!! I'm hoping the bad sound won't be a distraction when viewing a lesson. However, it's good to know in light of the sound quality, that the lessons are short. I was also glad to hear that the handouts were easy to print. (When handouts are difficult to match with the corresponding lesson it reminds me of my school teachers trying to synchronize the film strip with the film audio. ;)) MerryatHope: Wow, what a difference between the two paragraphs your son wrote! Nicely done!!:thumbup:

I would love to hear from someone who has purchased this program and either loved, or didn't like it. The price appeals to me, but I don't want to make a decision solely based on $. :tongue_smilie:

I came across the books Developing the Early Learner available at rainbow resource for $8.50 each. My son just turned 5, so should I purchase book 1 or start with another book instead? Would you recommend purchasing just the first one or two or all ... or none? I have never seen them in person, so I'm not sure where to go from here. (Or if any of you have one/some used, I would be interested in purchasing them to see them first hand.) Thanks for sharing your recommendations!