Pulse oximeter monitors check your oxygen saturation rate, not heart rate. Not sure if they newer ones also do heart rate.

She is in 4H with several projects. We've looked at Latin. What are your favorite Classical Writing & Latin programs?

She's doing Sonlight Core 7, R&S grammar, LOF Algebra I, Apologia Physical Science (middle school version), Wordly Wise...piano & dance, coop speech (only 7 weeks). I'm not sure what to add, she's always looking for something to do.

Two of my dd's are in their 3rd cores, (between them we've done 5, 6, 7, 100 & now 300). Others have criticized the IG's, but, it's my favorite part. I can keep all kids on the same 36 week schedule, we use some option Sonlight materials that are also scheduled. It was worth it to me to buy the Apologia Sonlight schedule because my kids are used to it. My youngest is 9, and I don't think SL will work for her. Reading is still such a struggle, but she sits & listens to older sisters read alouds just fine. We love the read aloud time; my favorite part of our homeschooling day.

I'm right there with you. Hormones, YAZ specifically, took care of all the symptoms & makes me a much happier momma. Started at 38...

We brought home 2 children from Ethiopia this May. We had previously waited for a year in a domestic program, waiting for a birthmom to choose our family. We had, at the time, 4 children in our home. The social workers warned us in domestic programs, birthmoms tend to choose families with 0-1 children. When we switched to International adoption, there are many, many agenices out there, each with different fee schedules. Travel costs vary greatly by season. We ended up traveling during peak travel times & our tickets cost significantly more than if we were traveling now. Waiting children often have reduced fees. 'Rainbowkids.org' is a great adoption website, with LOTS of information. Older children, or special needs also often have grants. There are many organizations that have grants & 0% interest loans to help with costs. If I'd have seen the total cost when we started, I might have said, no way & ruled it out. But, by working on it over time...much more doable.

I hate my Asko...it's very energy efficient, but very finicky.

Our Samson will be turning 7 right about the time your puppy is born :)

I've had a Cabrio since last spring. I didn't think I wanted this machine at all. We'd had mold issues on our front loader, Maytag bought it back...severe allergy issues, so I can understand you not wanting a front loader. I'll NEVER have another in our house (3 developed asthma while we had it). I like the Cabrio. Was surprised how well it cleans, even lambing yuck out of barn towels this winter. We did buy the warranty on the electronics, but if we don't use it, the store will give us 50% of our money back in 3 years. The reviews I read weren't great, but with 8 in the family, we needed large capacity & we've been pleased.

In our house, it's ME who has had the crying fits :) Looking forward to week 4 & 5, as this is middle of week 3 for us.

How long does it take to settle into a routine? For some reason, it feels really hard this year. Maybe I've felt this way every year & just don't remember!!

My guide is 2009, I believe. Usborne has a 'condensed' version, wasn't sure if that would match. Didn't want to repeat my error!! Thanks!

Does anyone have the Book of Knowledge that goes with this? I bought one, but ours must be a drastically different edition & I want to make certain I get the right one. Or, I have everything for Science 3 & could just move to that. Advice anyone?

We bought the Abeka art book, it's divided by month/date range for season appropriate things & so far, 9 year old has been able to do without much help from me.

I did try really hard to not give away the answers with my inflections. Thanks for the input!

LA sentence yesterday, when she read them to herself (sentence vs. phrase) Today, I read them to her...she got every single one right. Should I be concerned? She does very much struggle with reading.

Both of my daughters are in Faber & are enjoying it.

THANK YOU!! I just ordered Algebra I WITH the free shipping & it worked. WOOHOO!! We need all the help with math around here we can get. Katrina

And are there some that are better than others to apply for? Feeling a bit overwhelmed on this subject. He's our first senior.

I'm interested in responses also.

Math does not come easily to my dd. She struggled with TT, Saxon & is enjoying LOF more than any other math. BUT, I'm concerned she's still struggling with some concepts. Anyone know if these DVD's would help fill in holes, explain in a different way?

I really like my forged German steel Pampered Chef knives. Do have the honing tool also. Agree with those who says only get the sizes you'll use...I like the 5" & 7" santuko blades & the 5" utility. Could never get the hang of the small paring knife.

We loved the zoo. 4 kids, zoo 4-5 hours. We walked from our hotel; we stayed at the Hilton where Reagan was shot. It was a walk...but all 6 of us enjoyed the day.

We're in a rural area & our one supplier says the $175 foot is on indefinate backorder. Was looking online, for a walking foot for a Bernina activa 145 S...and there are several options. I really appreciate all your help/advice!!

Beautiful quilts!! Any advice to a newbie, other than straight lines? I also saw a wide variety of walking feet, from $54 to $175 for my machine. How do you know which one?