Dds (8 and 10) train five times per week for about 2 hours each session (10.5h per week). They are on a very competitive track... Ds12 trains six times per week, each time about 2.5-3 hours (16.5h per week)... I understand your feelings, though, it took me some time to get used to this!:tongue_smilie:

Ds is taking four VP classes: Algebra I Biology Omnibus Latin I He took three over the summer... I do not find the classes excessive... Actually, I am quite happy with the pace and the number of assignments, and have to admit that I perceive it as a "really check" concerning the kind of work (quantity and quality) appropriate for a high-schooler. Ds is only 12, btw, but we need to adapt the rigour of his studies (yes, I used the word...:tongue_smilie:) to local standards (we do not live in the US). He is an average student, who needs to work hard to have success in these classes...but that is okay!:)

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Your post brought tears to my eyes...

Ds is about to start English I with TPS. I am a perfectionist who has trouble letting go, and need some advice about whether I should let ds do his class and call it a day, or add other LA activities. I am flirting with CW Diogenes, but think this is unrealistic, with his already very full schedule.:sad: Rod and Staff and/or WWS would take considerably less time, and are also programs I would very much like to keep up... Any thoughts on this...? Is TPS English sequence a complete curriculum, or would it benefit from being supplemented :confused: Thank you!

I regularly take 1000, but easily double up when preggo. We were at the pediatritian's yesterday, and she upped dds' dosage to 1000 every evening (they are 8 and 10) and ds to 2 times 1000 (he is 12). All three do a LOT of sport... The worst that can happen with an overdose is diarrhoea...

I would discuss this with a priest. In the Catholic church this might fall under the "intention to baptize" category... If this was the case, the child would be considered baptized until it can be done... I really am not sure, though, but simply can't imagine any priest supporting a "secret baptism":001_unsure:

Our kids are tri-lingual, and have been since the beginning... They are fluent in three languages, reading in all three, writing in two (starting the third these days). We never managed to stick to the one-language-per-parent-rule. At. All.;)

I wholeheartedly agree! ...but maybe other people find their ways for the protection/security of their family...:)

I believe establishing a relationship between the legal status of a couple and their seriousness (or lack therof) is a bit far-fetched...:001_huh: If marriage was a guarantee for successful (and "serious"...whatever it means) parenthood...well, wouldn't that be great...:tongue_smilie: Until then, to each his/her own, I guess!

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

Hi Lee, Congratulations!!! I was so set on a UWC for our kids (after both, myself and my brother, attended)...but am seriously considering THINK now... We have another 2-3 years to consider, but you're certainly giving UWCs serious competition!

Wow, I hadn't thought of this!! We'll give it a shot... Thanks!!

How do those that have their older student stay in the "public area" of the home, deal with noise, etc. from younger siblings? I would love to have ds in the living room (and am sure he would work more efficiently!), but can't seem to keep the noise level down, and avoir constant interruption by ds2.5... Let me in on your secret...:)

I use Numbers... ...an Apple girl through and through...:D

I don't want to sleep with kids - never could, even when they were smaller. The morning snuggle is essential, though! Generally, our bedroom is the only place at home not invaded by kids (books, toys,...mess). So, I am becoming quite protective of this serene environment. During the day our bedroom door is closed, and no kid goes in without telling/asking me first. We have the Playmobil under our bed and a DVD player in our room, so access is a real treat...;)

Yes, you really are describing the Catholic Church.:)

Us, too! Just sounded too good to resist...;)

Thank you for your replies!! It is good to know that bi-ocular is not a must... In case we went for one, they offer the AmScope 40X-2000X Biological Compound Microscope with Mechanical Stage at Amazon for $195... Does that sound like a good deal? Alternatively, I could get a NO monocular at Rainbowresource for about the same price.:confused: Thanks again! We are all getting excited about this!:)

We are in the market for a microscope. Ds will do Biology I with VP in the fall. He is probably (hopefully!) heading towards Biology AP in the long run... I don't want to buy more than we need, on the other hand I would rather not have to buy a second microscope in two or three years... Do you think ds will be better off with a bi-ocular? Also, we live in Europe, and I am hesitant about whether to buy the microscope in the US or here. The US would be significantly cheaper, but I am worried about transport (how fragile are microscopes???) and potential problems down the road - if we ever had the slightest trouble, we would be pretty much stuck... Thank you for sharing your thoughts - this is new territory for me.:)

I broke a toe for the fourth time just last week. In my exprience, the first 48 hours are the worst. I am usually fully functional (short of playing soccer) after these first two days or so... Did you ask what the doctor thought of when indicating there could be long-term effects of poor healing? I have never heard of such a thing before.:confused: Long story short, if he was my kid, he would definately go...

September 4th

:iagree: ...wholeheartedly! There are times when my kids' likes or dis-likes just don't matter. JMO

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

Thank you for your help! Actually, ds is signed up with an online class this fall (VP). He is doing their Pre-Algebra (Saxon) right now (Summer session). I am not at all convinced that ds is using the solution manual in an appropriate way (well, that is a very nice way of describing it:tongue_smilie:). He is good in math and consistently gets 95-98% on tests. BUT, his "homework attitude" is lacking. He gets LOTS of problems wrong, and then, once pointed out, solves them without difficulty... It is driving me crazy. Today I insisted on him submitting a 70% as a homework grade (he has to self-submit this every day). His teacher sure will be surprised. But I just don't think it is right to play catch-up every day to get the grade that would probably be a more accurate representation of his math-capabilities... I think I'll e-mail his teacher and ask him how to best handle this...

Oh, great! I love it already!:tongue_smilie: