[Before the course begins...]

Thank you for starting this group!

 

My only fear for this course is that we are already stretched pretty thin.....is everyone planning to do this full steam or do you think there is an option to be more....."casual" with it? Just keeping it real ya'll, keeping it real.:001_smile: I'm trying to be more realistic about my limitations with scheduling another activity.

 

I love the idea but I'm longing for a break after a busy spring semester! Watching lectures sounds great, deadlines with assignments, hoping to avoid if possible! I don't mind doing the assignments, just hope it is possible to do on our schedule.

 

:001_smile: Thanks again for doing the group!

[Favorite math facts app for iPad?]

Math Blaster!

[Can Apple/Ipad/Ipod people answer a quick question for me?]

I've been searching online all morning but found lots of conflicting information, so thought someone at the hive might be able to help.

 

My son has an ipod, synced to one computer (PC) and one itunes account. He downloaded some apps with our itunes account on his friend's ipad.

 

Is there a way to sync the ipad to another computer so we can save those apps for later use if we get our own ipad? I've already made the mistake of plugging it in to charge on our ipod synced computer--now I'm confused!

 

Thanks so much for your help. I am Mac-baffled!:bigear:

[Help! LONG road trip with littles who get carsick--ideas??]

THANK YOU so much for all the suggestions.

 

I feel much more optimistic about this!:001_smile:

[Help! LONG road trip with littles who get carsick--ideas??]

Not sure if you saw my post, but my daughter hangs a blanket on her window.

 

I am able to read in the car at night, but not during the day. It's all about the movement in my peripheral vision, not the actual motion/movement of the car.

 

Yes, thanks! I'm going to experiment with this. I would be thrilled if just keeping the motion out of sight was a solution. I hadn't ever thought of that--thinking that the physical movement was the obstacle.

[Help! LONG road trip with littles who get carsick--ideas??]

I have a child who also gets car sick...we use the dramime approach...but even with that, if she is reading or looking at books, she gets sick....I second the DVD's...but also, she can play with magnetic toys like magnetix on a cookie sheet. Or making things with pipe cleaners is another good one.

 

How old is your child who gets car sick, I might be able to come up with more ideas after I know that.

 

Love these ideas, thanks!

It is for a 4 and 6 year old.

[Help! LONG road trip with littles who get carsick--ideas??]

Yes, movies helped my motion-sick ds when he was younger. It helped keep his attention off the moving scenery outside the window.

 

Hmmmm, you guys have me thinking.

 

In the past for our guys, movies always cause motion sickness--every time. We always played them where they could see the moving scenery in the peripheral vision. So.....if you were in a little 'tent' with outside view blocked off--might that be a fix?

 

The neurologist told me something to the effect of: the issue is that the body is moving, but when fixed on the TV the brain thinks it isn't. This 'disconnect' is what would cause the nausea.

 

It seems like for us, once it is 'triggered' there is no turning back--so I'm afraid to experiment. But before the trip, maybe we can do it with some short drives.

 

Would love to hear some more thoughts on this!! Having not had this problem myself, it is hard for me to catch even the obvious things--like cool air. Great ideas! Keep 'em comin'!

THANK YOU!

[Help! LONG road trip with littles who get carsick--ideas??]

I would love to hear ideas for long road trip 'helps' for littles. The obvious choices-- workbooks, reading, movies--will not work because looking at such things is a certain recipe for puking.:ack2:

 

Thanks for giving me some ideas, aside from audiobooks and read-alouds I'm at a loss. I'm thinking about some road/sign games, watching the road is what keeps the nausea under control. We are under a tight deadline so I'm going to have to have lots of tools in my belt!

 

I'd also love to hear ANY ideas to keep the nausea under control--like timing meals, medicines, any tips at all!! :bigear:

 

My older children thank you in advance. :001_smile:

[no parent allowed in room for orthodontic assessment]

I would not allow this. Especially under the circumstances you stated.

We have been for half a dozen consults, all orthos wanted me (and my littles) in the room.

I would be looking around for other options.

:001_smile:

[What is considered a low post count?]

 

One of my first Ambien rambles (I try not to do that anymore) came after a six month board break. So a bunch of newbies didn't know me. One in particular said it was a good thing I had more than 5000 posts because I sounded like a troll. Not that I was trying to be harmful - I was just mostly incoherent.

 

 

Just had to say---I am SO glad I stopped taking Ambien before I started using message boards. I shudder to think at what I may have posted!! :tongue_smilie::tongue_smilie::tongue_smilie:

 

Although I read the boards daily, my comments/questions are sporadic depending on what is happening in our homeschool--or how my energy levels are at that time.

 

I actually don't consider myself that active here, only a step above lurking-status---but I've still managed to rack up a decent post count. If I was thinking of red-flags on post count, I think it wouldn't ever occur to me unless someone was under 30 posts and asking strange questions.

[Could someone please read the review of A.C.E over at Homeschool Reviews....]

After reading this:

 

 

We recommend ACE for these 12 very tight and succinct reasons:

1. ACE is taught using THIN booklets…as in… easy to haul on errands.

2. ACE is comprehensive…as in… nothing will fall through the cracks.

3. ACE is spiritual…as in… you won’t produce an intelligent drunk.

4. ACE is engaging, uplifting and KEEPS their interest both academically and spiritually…as in…children end up LOVING God THROUGH their subjects.

5. ACE is self-taught…as in…not mommy dependent…as in… it actually HAPPENS every day regardless of the chaos mom is embroiled in at the moment.

6. ACE is self-corrected…as in…the student has instant feedback.

7. ACE is the curriculum for tear reduction…as in ...momma doesn’t burn out…she actually likes her children AND gets dinner on the table…and wants to continue homeschooling next year.

8. ACE is priced at the low end of curriculums…as in… you don’t have to rob a bank or incur debt to buy it. The entire year costs less than one month’s tuition at any private Christian school. It is so inexpensive, the grandparents can purchase it for you. You won’t grow bitter halfway through the year because you sank 2 grand into a curriculum and now you hate the stuff but can’t possibly switch because you mortgaged the house to get it.

9. ACE trains OUTSTANDING character, woven into the full page text of every subject…as in…not tacked on as a token at the end of the entire day just to make it LOOK spiritual.

10. Employers love to hire ACE graduates for any type of work, because they have found year after year that these students’ cheerful work-ethic is second to none.

11. ACE is in 135 countries and currently educates well over 3 million children…as in…tried and true…kids actually graduate…they actually score high on standardized tests…they actually get scholarships at colleges.

12. ACE is guilt free…school happens.

 

I think CLE fits this description as well. If you are looking for these qualities in a curriculum, you'd likely be happy with CLE.

 

Treading lightly here because I know it is a great fit for some families, but (before my WTM conversion!) my kids faked their way through ACE. They could fill in the blanks, but couldn't transfer it outside of the PACES. CLE is quite different--using English as a example--you can't get by with short term memorization.

 

And :lol: about the intelligent drunk comment. Adding that to my list of outcomes to avoid.

[sellers, do you leave when your house is being shown]

Always left, and I've never been to a showing with owners present. It would be a deterrent to me--even if I was interested in the house.

 

I might also question the wisdom of a realtor who would show a home with owners present. Unless the owners outright refuse, I think the realtor should be accountable because surely they know buyers are less likely to buy with owners present.

 

People want to be able to see themselves living in the home--difficult with family pictures posted all over, impossible (imo) with owners hanging around.

[I am going to vent about ignorant high school guidance counselors!]

Can he be persuaded to call the college himself to confirm what is needed?

 

:iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree:

 

I was going to suggest this as well.

 

I'm sorry to hear this, I would be equally frustrated if this were happening in our family.

 

Hope you're able to help--I too wish I'd taken my senior year more seriously. My student loans would agree.:glare:

[Antibiotics for acne]

Topical antibiotics have been very helpful at our house--If I could do it again, I'd do this before using oral antibiotics.

[WWYD, co-op teacher used the "F" word to my daugther]

Ok, came back and spit out my drink when I read the tag here.

 

Returning because I'm really puzzled on this--is it that unusual that I consider the F word in a different category than other curse words? I'm very surprised how many responses are of the 'no big deal' variety.

 

A grown woman should not say the F word to another person's child. Perhaps if the moms were friendly enough and knew that the child was already exposed to the F word--but under these conditions? Absolutely not.

 

If another parent said the F word, which I consider vulgar, to my 11 year old child--it would not be pretty.

[WWYD, co-op teacher used the "F" word to my daugther]

 

 

I think WTF is a great example to use. Its common usage is a swear word. If ones children decide to make that mean We're Team Friends, hopefully the parents is going to clue them in before they start plastering that all over their notebook pages at co-op.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

Ok, this was funny.

 

I do agree that it could have been a teaching moment, and addressing it was fine--she crossed the line when she actually said the F word in making her point.

[WWYD, co-op teacher used the "F" word to my daugther]

I mean this in a totally non-snarky way--if the only true meaning of "what the" is WTF, why is it said in Disney movies and other children's programming?

 

There are really some of us out there who say "what the heck" or even "what the he*l" instead of the F word.

 

I'm not terribly uptight about cussing, but the F word is in a whole different category. I don't consider this line of thinking to be extreme.

 

I'm surprised the OP isn't getting more support from the board on this. I think it was in very poor taste if the lady actually said the word vs the perfectly suitable alternative of saying 'the F word' or something along those lines. She would be hearing from me in a hurry.

 

FWIW, among the dozens of other homeschoolers we know IRL, I can only think of a few who would not be upset about this.

[WWYD, co-op teacher used the "F" word to my daugther]

They use the 'what the' expression in movies aimed at kids heavily now. I can't say for sure if they are G or PG because our kids are allowed to watch both--but I hear it frequently on the relatively innocent movies we allow our kids to rent.

 

I think it is perfectly reasonable to assume it means 'what the heck' or in some cases I'm sure the kids (in our sheltered homeschool community at least) who don't realize there is anything beyond 'what the' in the phrase. I hear kids from fairly conservative families saying it all. the. time.

 

For an adult to say the F word to your child in that scenario---is unacceptable on so many levels. If she wanted to share her concern, she could have easily explained it without uttering the expletive.

 

I would be furious.

[good news]

:001_smile::001_smile::001_smile::001_smile::001_smile::001_smile::001_smile:

Thank you so much for sharing this!!!

 

I needed it today!

 

Any tips on how you got there? Do you think the intensive grammar was key?

 

:bigear:

 

Thanks so much!

[Do you care what your child(ren) grow up to do (work-wise)??]

I shortened the quote somewhat for length, but I do agree with you in a sense. Unfortunately, we are all restrained by our abilities. I want my dc to do the best they can do with what they've been given. I don't want them to struggle as badly as we have. You have to tailor the talks to the child. My 8yo plans to operate a bulldozer during the day, work his farm at night, and play violin for people on the weekends. I can support that for him, even though it may not pay the best.;)

 

Yes, I'm with you on this. A good example we've pointed out to the kids -- the family who did some grading for us recently. They'd been very successful--no college required. Many of the subcontractors we know (until recently, and I'm hoping it will bounce back) have done very well--electricians, plumbers. The potential is there for someone with strong people-skills and a good work ethic. I'm not fixated on a professional career by any means.

[Do you care what your child(ren) grow up to do (work-wise)??]

It may be unpopular in some circles, but yes--I do care what my kids do for a career and I begin conversations about it early. I regularly point out things we are able to do--and not do--based on our financial situation and time restraints imposed by my husband's work schedule.

 

My thought process is--and I'm speaking for myself only, no judgment toward those who feel differently--I don't want them to be boxed into dead-end jobs and the resulting financial hardship. I want them to be able to enjoy the same, or better, lifestyle they've had while under our roof. I want them to be able to homeschool their own children if they wish.

 

Even with college degrees and good salary/benefits--we have had to make hard choices due to financial constraints. I don't believe that money leads to happiness, but I do know from experience that it is hard to enjoy your family when you are consumed by money worries and crummy bosses.

 

I also think that our kids will need to make more $$ to keep the same standard of living in the future. One look at our rising grocery bill and college tuition is enough to convince me that unless something drastic happens, they'll need to make more $$ than their father and I do to live comfortably. I hope I'm wrong, but I couldn't forgive myself if I didn't steer them in that direction.

 

I also want them to be happy going to work. Happy employees make happy spouses and parents. I want my grandkids to live in a cheerful home. I've worked enough crummy jobs in my lifetime to get past the fantasy that you can leave work stress at work and that you don't need a decent job to have an abundant family life. I don't mean wealth, just enough so that the bills can be paid and mom and dad aren't laying awake at night wondering how to pay for an unexpected emergency, or whether they'll be a burden on their kids because they haven't saved enough for retirement or end-of-life care. I'm a planner--I can't help but consider these things, even though they are far from happy thoughts.

 

I know I probably sound like a real downer--but this is a sore spot for me. Yes, I want my kids to follow their dreams, but I'm also well aware of what a starving artist or a homeless dreamer is because of circles I traveled in prior to marriage and kids. I think it is my responsibility to tell them, 'yes, it would be wonderful to be a pro ballerina, but you should have a fallback and while you're under my authority I will guide you and give you the tools to do that'.

 

I'm also careful to remind my kids just how much things cost, and what percentage of our salaries go toward that item. For example, the kids joked around about our 'beater' truck for a while. I pointed out that my ds would have to work 6 months at his dream comic store clerk job to buy that clunker truck.

 

I know I've rambled, but I have some pretty strong convictions on this issue when it comes to our kids. I didn't get that kind of guidance as a teen--and looking back it would have been very helpful to know that hey, that dream job teaching ballet to preschoolers might be fun--but it wasn't going to make a house payment. Some of us need that kind of reality spelled out for us.

 

Hope my approach doesn't burn me someday--but until God leads me differently, I will encourage our kids to go into a career that will support a one-income family at a decent standard of living or provide worthwhile part-time options for a working parent. As far a what specific job, I don't care--I just want it to be an in demand, reasonably recession proof, decent paying one.

 

Please excuse the typos, taken some sinus medication and I'm foggy tonight.

[SWB? Please read! Homeschool and SOTW PAYOFF!!]

Love love love this story!!!!!!:D

 

Thank you for sharing.

[Would any grammar lovers mind taking a look?]

I think you were clear, and I misread.

 

I was all, "Oh, no she didn't disrespect the comma!" :lol:

 

:lol::lol::lol:

 

This is a perfect example of why I love these boards. I know few people in real life who would crack a smile at that statement and I find it hilarious. :cheers2::cheers2:

 

Thanks for the chuckle, and thanks again for the grammar advice.

[Would any grammar lovers mind taking a look?]

Thanks everyone!

 

I pulled out Essay Voyage (MCT) and On Writing (Steven King) because I was sure we'd learned to omit those commas from either of those texts--but can't find that exact issue. King does mention not putting a comma if you could say the sentence in one breath--but the example he uses isn't compound. I love the idea of omitting any punctuation possible so maybe I took the idea too far.

 

Soooo, for future reference--the comma after a short introductory phrase is up for debate, but in a compound sentence with two independent clauses you need a comma regardless of their brevity? At least for the sake of this class?

 

I appreciate the input. Now, off to show DD the grade. :ack2::ack2: Feel a freakout coming on! She thought this class would be an easy A.

 

Thanks again Hive!

[Please tell me it is okay for my 1st grader...]

...to do his math under the dining room table! That just seems to be his "spot." So, far I am okay with it, because he is getting his math done. Does he need to sit at a table?:001_smile:

Thank you for the :001_smile:. I hadn't thought of this in some time--but one of my kiddos did this for years. Another favorite spot was in a corner between the couch and wall. I wouldn't worry about it a bit! I just provided a clipboard and called it a day.