Most homeschoolers I know do not use online schools. A few do one or two classes online, but most seem to do weekly or twice a week co-ops/tutorials. The ones at co-ops use a wide variety of curriculum at home. After 10+ years of homeschooling, I only know one homeschooling family who doesn’t do some type of in-person classes. (Though, I suppose that simply may be because that’s where I’ve often met homeschooling families).

Maybe Native brand? Years ago I made our own deodorant out of coconut oil and baking soda (I think maybe with arrowroot powder too). It was a recipe I found online. Worked really well, and our family has sensitive skin/ eczema issues.

Oh no! I was coming on here to suggest felsnaptha, is it really worse than other products? It’s my go-to for stains.

Nevermind

I’m sorry. Hope he (and you all) make some friends in the area soon.

Those look fantastic! I’m not a young mom- but would have loved those back when I was, and I think today’s young moms would too! I agree with the others about not using button eyes, and more subdued colors. I don’t have many things from my kids baby years, but did save the handmade items I received. They just seem so much more special that someone took the time to make them.

I like this perspective!

@Heartstrings and @prairiewindmomma I’m sorry you’re going through this too. Will pray for your families.

Thanks for sharing this…I’ve been thinking a lot about the impact this would have on our older vs younger kids. I think there are a lot of potential positives for everyone- especially my younger two…but am heartbroken to think of friends the older ones would leave behind.

Considering relocating to another state after job loss. Never planned to move…but wondering if it’s worth it to pursue a really good job opportunity, or if the potential impact of moving the kids away from their friends & starting the whole family over somewhere new would be unwise. Ideally we’d stay here…but it’s not easy to find a job, and passing this up seems risky. The new state seems like a great place to live. Did moving your family during the teen years prove to be more positive or negative? Any tips on helping teens adjust and get plugged in- especially as homeschoolers. Thanks!

I’d cut: Amazon prime, paper towels, paper napkins, paper plates (better for the environment anyway). Use Castile soap super diluted in foaming soap dispensers instead of buying liquid soap. Less frequent haircuts. Buy whatever food brand is cheapest. Menu plan better not to waste any food, and not eat out. Library for books instead of buying. Lately I’ve been intentional about energy usage- I didn’t realize the cost difference to run appliances at different times of day.

This is why I switched from plastic to wood. I have found solid boards (without glue) at HomeGoods, and also on Amazon.

Is it accurate that homeschooled students can participate in public school sports/extra curricular activities and their career & tech programs?

Considering a move to PA, outside of Philadelphia. What is it like homeschooling there? Are there many homeschooling communities? Drop off tutorial programs? How are the community colleges there? Any insight on what living in that area would be like is also appreciated! Best places to live? Thanks!

Mine has leaked a small bit a couple of times…I read it could be from overfilling. I’ve been careful not to overload it and it hasn’t happened since.

I love my cordless Dyson. It does a great job and is easy to maneuver and bring up and down stairs. The one downside is that it has to be emptied before vacuuming our whole house. (But, to be fair, we do have a dog and creative kids who leave a lot messes to be vacuumed) (okay…and I also don’t vacuum as often as I could). Also, I have no idea what the cost is, but I do know that there are Dyson service centers (depending on where you live).

Oh, thank you! This makes me feel better about it! Thanks everyone, for the input!

Oh- I should add, when I said “barely hearing up”, the oven did get up to around 150 (I have an oven thermometer). So I don’t know if that changes opinions on this- since it wasn’t at room temperature.

Okay, it’s in the instant pot while I consider if I should eat it or not. (I won’t let the kids, just cause I’m not sure about it).

Had chicken in the oven for about 50 minutes…it was still raw when the timer went off. Realized the oven is barely heating up. Would the chicken be safe to eat if I transferred it to a frying pan…or was it in the danger zone too long?

I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this, it is so painful to lose close friends. I agree with the others, that if they aren’t trustworthy I’d not let my kids go over to their house. I’d talk about it somewhat openly with your daughter to explain why she can’t go to their house. However, hearts can change, and it’s possible these former friends will realize they’ve wronged you. If you’d be open to reconciliation in the future, I’d be careful about what you say about them to your daughter now.

I think this would be the perfect thing! Thank you! I’ll do this with some coffee/tea. Love the idea too of doing a lunch instead!

Love these ideas!

Thank you for the suggestions! I agree that I’d prefer a gift card myself, but I wasn’t sure if that would be allowable, and hadn’t even considered what @TechWife said, about it becoming taxable income. Thank you for pointing that out! I’ve done Costco gift baskets in the past, but already have a local item to include, so thought I’d make my own bags.

What would you include in holiday gift bags for a group of employees? (If it matters, average age is late 20’s- 30’s) I was thinking maybe gourmet coffee, some type of baked good/specialty candy. I’d like to include non-food items too. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!