Thank you for all the replies! I know I could just get both, but after making my "dream" curriculum list for next year I am trying to get my total down a little. ;)

Preschool tends to start at 3 here. If you start at 4, you are definitely the exception. Not doing preschool at all is very rare. And then there is MDO, which many people start by 18 months.

Thanks for all the links! I was planning to go with History Pockets, but then noticed that Famous Figures of Ancient Times is recommended on Peace Hill Press.

Should I supplement with History Pockets or Famous Figures of Ancient Times?

What is the difference between the Activity Guide and the Student Pages? Would you consider it a disadvantage to buy either of these in PDF format? I would buy the actual text but otherwise am considering PDF's. *nevermind - I figured it out!

Loving all these great ideas! http://pinterest.com/danielandsara/ - I have boards for math, art/crafts, preschool, printables etc...

My dd loves these too. We were lucky and found a few at a library sale.

Just wondering if anyone is blogging their experiences with Core B?

I came to post the same question, though I do know I want to use it for photo editing.

Thanks again! I did spend some time last night looking more closely at the samples and had wondered if much of it would be too easy/boring. I may keep looking around at other options. I know he doesn't need much at this age, we are just new at this because DD was already reading and had different needs.

Thanks!

Would you consider this "open and go"? More or less open and go than AAS? How much writing does it have? My DS will be 4 this fall and I need something for him that does not take a lot of prep work. I tried HOD with DD and we didn't care for it. I have looked at the monthly kit programs but that is not really what I need. He knows most of his letter sounds and rarely picks up a crayon or pencil, if that gives any indication of where he is.

DD6 is getting a set of little Disney princess dolls from us, plus stocking stuff. We also have two joint gifts for all the kids - Twig blocks and a mini air hockey table. Stuff that I know she is getting from grandparents - a Groovy Girls doll (they are on Amazon - very cute for not a "baby" doll but not the weird Bratz etc stuff), butterfly Pillow Pet, books, craft sets.

I got an Otterbox Defender for mine. It is bulky and cost about $30, but I am clumsy and was nervous about getting a nice phone. That said, for my old ipod touch I had a very cheap TPU case from Amazon and it has been great. The touch usually stayed at home though.

I have one from Lands End, but they aren't currently selling a diaper backpack. (I have 2 in diapers, but only the baby uses cloth out of the house) This past year I ditched the backpack in favor of a Vera Bradley Miller bag. I was just in the mood for a pretty bag after 4+ years of the grey backpack, but I have found that I prefer it. It seems to hold more than the backpack, which I now only take to places like the zoo. It has 6 interior pockets and then a big space in the middle. My diaper wetbag has a little snapping loop and I will take it out of the bag if things get too crowded. VB does have a backpack that is on special today only. I'm not sure how big it is though.

Hilarious! I thought it was apple, seeds, blossom, tree, basket, pie. Dh thought it was completely different, but I don't remember his suggestion after reading everything here. I think my idea came from the little poem "eat an apple, save the core, plant some seeds and grow some more". I already printed this and I'm pretty sure it's going to just go in the coloring basket at this point. lol

link How would YOU order the sequencing activity (3rd picture down) if you were doing this? There is a disagreement in this house as to how it goes. ;)

Thank you!

I'm going to order a few items but was thinking of trying to hit the free shipping level ;) - what do you recommend?

You could also add your own vinyl letters/labels to plain canisters.

I also discovered that the first day of the coupon period is not a good day.

I would agree with the volume suggestions. If you are hearing that a lot, it probably needs to come down a little. Another thought would be to find a trustworthy person or two with a music background and ask them for constructive criticism - perhaps someone who does not regularly attend your church. I think a lot of times people get used to something and resist change. They will miss your Dh when the next worship leader is there. ;)

Thanks, I will give it a try!

I will confess to giving up on homemade play dough because the texture drives me crazy. I've tried several that claim to be smooth but they are always slightly gritty. (shudder) I have another one to try that has koolaid, but that won't work well if I want to make other scents. (we are wanting to make apple pie play dough this month)

Yes, I think it is perfect. We have several treasured gifts in memory of our daughter, but no ornaments. Maybe I will find something this year.....