Honestly, I would retake first year. My dd had a similar thing happen. She got an A in German 1 in 8th. I moved her to a different teacher(who used a different test book--THIS was the main issue for her) and she struggled in German 2. We bumped her back and she has absolutely excelled. She's in German 2 now. All this happened last year. Changing teachers and books REALLY can matter as the material can vary and the order taught can really matter too.

DS is loving animal science this year. We did a semester of MP Mammals. This semester is MP Birds.

If you are already a good brusher and flosser, there is no need. By good, I mean brushing for 2-3 minutes without scrubbing hard. Electric TBs are great for training yourself in plaque control. I recommend Sonicare, but I like the Oral B as well.

We got it at Christmas. Very fun and easy to learn.

I also created my own schedule. I learned that most providers have zero experience with a delayed schedule. One office wanted me to start everything all over because it had been more than the MINIMUM interval between vaccines! I called and talked to the CDC.(2 times) A series never needs to be restarted due to delay. The CDC was very helpful and I follow their catch up schedule.

We have found the word "chore" to have a severe negative meaning in our house. LOL My oldest(21) likes to say that he has never had chores. It's because I don't have a system in place. It's just as easy for me to assign jobs daily. Early on in the day I will say that certain things need done. The kids ask me to check their school schedules(sometimes I make a note on their schedule for the day). They have to ask me if they are ready for free time. This is where I insert whatever job needs done. I try to pick things the kids won't hate. And honestly, DH and I do most things(lawns, laundry, cooking, cleaning...) The older kids keep their space clean(including their bathroom). Oldest DD makes dinner once a week when I'm at work. Kids do dishes 2-3 times per week. We all work together.

Dh made a display kind of like this but with feet. DS keeps his in the corner of the room and piles blankets and clothes on it. LOL

We have a prison in our area that has angel trees. If the parent(s) is incarcerated, they can make a request for their kids. There are SO MANY requests.

I make a variation that are German chocolate with coconut added. They are excellent!! Edited to Add: We have dates at Aldi(produce aisle-$3.99, I think). So, depending on how many you need to make, it can be pretty inexpensive...

My kid was the one who always had something someone else needed in his dorm. And Pepto(bottle)was sought after often. LOL Hand warmers-His school is in a cold climate Duck Tape-really He got most of the things recommended on this thread. EmergenC is a favorite. I give it to him before the year starts and in his stocking.:)

Stocking stuffers at our house are just fancy versions of things I would normally buy. LOL Like, each kid gets bandaids(even the BIG kid) but they are fun ones. DH said last night that it's a good thing Christmas is close because the kids are almost out of toothpaste.:) I get fun(maybe more than I would usually spend) school things like sticky notes, pens, etc. Nailpolishes and facemasks. Etc. We probably spend $20-30/stocking for the kids.

DS 21 is a gamer. He built his PC and is very particular about it. I am getting him this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SI67YRU/ref=crt_ewc_title_huc_15?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ADNX9ROI3ZJ11 I am always buying canned air. At least it will save money in the end!:)

I have given coupons to people in grocery lines. Especially diaper coupons. :)

I have a friend who goes to the grocery store and spies on people to see who she can bestow $20 to. How can you even tell? I've asked her. She looks at the kids' shoes and clothes. She looks at the types of foods they have in their cart. She looks to see what kind of electronics, etc. they have. That just seems icky to me.(and maybe a bit judgmental and presumptive...) I must be in a bad mood. Sorry. It can be a sweet thing. And an older person would probably make me cry. LOL I have not had grandparents for 25 years.

College kid gets the packages of single use hand warmers Air Fresheners Craft supplies(scissors, markers, glitter glue,beads) Specialty Sodas or Yoo-Hoo(kids love it, I never buy it!) Tiny boxes of sugared cereal(kids love these and again I never buy them) Socks Straws Lip gloss Makeup sponges, brushes Nailpolish Face Masks Popcorn Seasonings

Big River has at least one as I remember.

We are mid year German 2 with Frau Cruz. DD is doing well. The workload is a good fit. DD loves German, so much of it doesn't feel like work to her. I will get a German tutor for twice a week next semester. I am hoping Frau Cruz will continue with German 3 next year. If not, we will transition to Frau Gleason. I have a nephew in German 3 at the PS. I have been keeping track of their progress. They seem to be pacing closely, although they are 1 year apart. I am very happy with our choice.

DD took one this semester from Big River. It was excellent. They won't offer it again until fall.

A little late, but we are really enjoying Bob Ross quotes.:) He could make anything inspirational. :)

When we were house shopping, the realtor showed us a beautiful home(more than we could afford normally). I mean, it had woods and land and was 1000 ftr bigger than anything else we had seen. There wasn't another house near. It looked perfect(too good to be true!) What was wrong? Had the basement flooded? Was it a fire waiting to happen? Did it need a new roof,siding? Then we looked a little distance. A prison. That was it. $50,000 under value. This was in Illinois. We chose to pass. Mainly because of the property value. But, honestly, I couldn't have raised children there. I would scurry them in at dark. Not sure how much I would have relaxed about that over time.

I bought several of these this year. For kids' best friends and my niece: https://www.amazon.com/Hohner-38N-Mini-Harmonica-Necklace/dp/B0002F4WCU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1512049868&sr=8-2&keywords=harmonica+necklace

DD15 has just begun her obsession with the theatre. I ordered charms from that seller last week! LOL We see Wicked next week. And she will see Hamilton early 2018, then Waitress, the HOPEFULLY Dear Evan Hansen in the summer! I will get her a playbill charm for each show:)

I have used every level of MM. The kids and I like it. It gets the job done. It is very independent. Very little use of manipulatives.

DD has one on her list. I have been looking at them. Would love to hear if anyone has one.

And there is a 40% coupon code for Rocks and Dirt. :thumbup: