I checked the guidebook out of the library, read it once, returned it, and only bought the workbook.

1.5 weeks into the school year, we're having the same issues here. My kids are liking all the pictures in the Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of the Ancient World, and I'm going to start trying to focus on that first with each new topic to grab the kids' attention so the reading in SOTW will make more sense to them (rather than reading SOTW first, then looking at the encyclopedia). If that doesn't work, I think I'm going to shelve SOTW, do a year of world geography, and try again next year.

For now, I let my sons pick what order they want to do their subjects. My 6 year old usually chooses math, and my 5 year old usually chooses phonics.

My 1st grader is continuing in Phonics Pathways (we started it in K).

My 6.5 year old/1st grader is absolutely loving Elemental Science Biology.

I usually use Ivory instead of Fels Naptha.

Burlington Coat Factory sells boy dress clothes at reasonable prices.

Gwinnett County gives the option of emailing attendance each month using their form:http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/web-homeschool.nsf/53F6C7836AE041FA85256D4A004428EA/$file/gcps-attendance-fi.pdf

For K I use Phonics Pathways, Bob books, Math U See Primer, Handwriting without Tears, and lots of Lego and outside time!

My K and 1st grader are loving the Kingfisher First Animal Encyclopedia. We're using Janice Van Cleave's Animals for experiments. The Elemental Science Biology lesson plans tie it all together beautifully.

Sams's Club has a fabulous deal on Bob Books right now. Each collection (which contains 2 sets of the books, plus stickers and other extras) is $10.xx.

This past year for K my oldest used Phonics Pathways coupled with Bob Books, HWT, and MUS Primer/Alpha. I plan on using the same with my 2nd child who will be in K this fall, plus he will likely listen in on SOTW 1 and biology with his older brother.

My rising 1st grader just started reading set 3 of Bob books. We're still working our way through Phonics Pathways.

finishing Phonics Pathways First Language Lessons 1 Writing with Ease 1 Handwriting without Tears Math U See Alpha Story of the World 1 with activity guide science is still to be determined

MUS definitely emphasizes place value. We have used MUS Primer and part of Alpha for Kindergarten this year, and my son and I have both been happy with the program.

King Philip Crossed the Ocean for Good Sushi.

We pay $14.95/month for the lowest speed DSL from AT&T.

A new baby. Maybe some homemade fudge for him to take to work if the baby waits until after the 14th to show up.

We're putting ours towards upcoming hospital bills.

I started my oldest with Math U See Primer back in August, and he has just recently finished it and moved into MUS Alpha. He and I have both really liked it.

I'm currently using Phonics Pathways with my K son, and he is definitely making progress. I plan on adding Explode the Code in the very near future, now that he's more comfortable with writing.

Our minivan's battery had to be replaced at about 4.5 years and over 50k miles.

My older two boys have shared a room for the past 2.5 years, and boy #3 just moved in with them in preparation for the new baby coming in February. They are all very happy with the arrangement.

NO-CHILL SUGAR COOKIES 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla or lemon extract 2 tsp baking powder 3 cups flour preheat oven to 375. cream butter and sugar with electric mixer. beat in egg and vanilla. add baking powder and flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. blend the last of the flour by hand. do not chill. roll out as needed and use cookie cutters dipped in sugar. sprinkle colored sugar on if desired. bake on ungreased sheet for 7-12 mnutes, or until cookies are lightly browned. remove to wire rack.

Everything I've ordered from Amazon in the past month or two has arrived a lot quicker than anticipated.