I don't know if this is similar to what you're talking about, but I always need some kind of challenge in my life. I want to learn more, do new things, see new places.

Well, I think my boys learned this from their dad!!! And my ds3 has used MY shirt to wipe his mouth. Actually my older boys are 8 and they're using napkins now, so there is hope....

I agree, I'd just get the text and workbook. Then get more if you feel you need it. I'm not familiar w/MCP so I don't know how the programs differ. My boys do really enjoy the CWP though.

Strawberry-banana milkshake? Strawberry lemonade?

Oh no, I truly can't remember the last movie I've watched. I used to watch a lot of movies! I need to get my kids in bed earlier.

Hi Vicki and welcome! Have you looked at http://www.livingmath.net ? It has lots of ideas and book suggestions for non-textbook learning.

My ds has to use the nebulizer sometimes. I let him watch a video that he chooses while he does it. Is it that he doesn't like it or setting/cleaning up is a hassle?

Has she spent any time away from home before? Maybe she could try spending a few nights w/a grandparent or someone first? I know that's not the same as camp. I first went to sleepover camp at about her age..I loved the camp but at night I got soooo homesick. For the first week. After the first week, I felt better and didn't want to leave! (It was a 2 wk session) Does she have a good friend that might want to go with her?

Bikes and scooters. Our garage can't hold any more! Some of have road and mtn bikes, so we have a lot of bikes.

When my dss were that age we weren't hs'ing, but they loved (and still do) things like growing plants, nature walks, nature shows. Trips to different parks and the beach. Going to the zoo and the science museum. Books on animals, weather, plants from the library. Observing bugs and creatures in our yard (I have boys!). Sorry I don't have any advice on specific programs.

I don't know what kind of work you'd be doing, but I work at home and the time of day I work doesn't matter. So I work in the evenings after the kids are in bed, or anytime dh is home (some eves, weekends) and he watches the kids. If I really need to get a job done I let the kids watch a movie (a treat for them). So my work doesn't really affect our homeschooling. Is the job flexible with the times you work?

I work out of my house. I do enjoy my work, but I find it impossible to do it 'all'. Dh doesn't want to hire anybody to help in the house, so about once a week everyone in the house pitches in for an hour or two to help clean. And I've learned to not let a bit of clutter bother me so much. And I have a lot of quick, easy meals I prepare. I understand your dilemma! My dhs income is very pedictable, but lately I've been taking on more work to help pay for extra stuff.

We do Lively Latin 3-4 days/week. About 20-30 minutes/day. I think she suggests 15min 5 days/week or 30min 3 days/week.

Sorry you're going through this! Hugs.

Hi Kris, and welcome! My dss were in ps until the end of last year. We had a bit of transition from ps to hs. They had a bad experience, so needed some time to 'decompress' from school-stuff. I needed some time to learn more about where they were in certain subjects and what would be a good starting place for us as far as scheduling and curriculum. It was a bit rough but after 5 months the boys tell me they like homeschooling and want to continue. I've just been taking on one subject at a time. I always try to download samples of programs before I buy. Don't forget to have fun too!

Do you mean the chemistry kogs? http://www.gravitaspublications.com/products/samples/

I have an '02 Sienna and haven't had a single problem. On long trips I use a cargo carrier on the roof for extra storage. I value safety and reliability the most (within our price range).

My ds had an IEP for speech (our insurance won't cover it at all). It took an entire year from the day I contacted the school system to the start of their speech therapy. Probably about 10 months until they got their IEP. We used a private speech therapist-well worth our money.

I guess it depends if you prefer Mac or PC. I have both laptops and I prefer my mac, but I'm a mac person. My mac is 7 yrs old, my pc much newer, and I still use my mac as much as possible. The only problems I've had w/my mac are ones that I caused. And I've been able to fix the problems myself. PC laptops are pretty inexpensive though, if that's a consideration. Just make sure to get an automatic virus protection for a pc. I use micro-trend.

Okay, I guess I should stop complaining about our library. Glad you found a nicer place!

Our pros: My kids really like it-they're always ready for Latin Can use for all my kids (pay once) I like it-I have no Latin experience We like the online audio and games We like the history stories And this may seem petty, but I like her voice on the audio. Our cons: printing it out-although this doesn't bother me too much. I prefer to print out a few pages at a time. We haven't been using it very long though.

Sometimes I use some baking soda with a damp rag to clean.

We're going to use RS4K Chem 1 this fall. I'm looking for other resources to use w/it right now. I found this, which has some ideas and internet links: http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/chemistry.htm I think our library also has a few related Bill Nye Dvds.

The Smithsonian Air & Space Museum's website has some educational stuff with free lessons. http://www.nasm.si.edu I think the Smithsonian's websites are great!

It's nice to have pets but it's hard to say goodbye to them. Having a burial for our small pets has helped my kids too.