If the allergens are from outside (pollen, molds, etc.) then your dog will bring them in on its coat - even if it is a poodle. (Trust me, I have a LARGE poodle mix with poodle hair. He brings stuff in.) Keeping the dog out of your son's bedroom (all the time) will keep his sleeping place clean. If that is not possible, or you just want to keep the allergens down in the rest of the house, you will need to shampoo the dog weekly during your allergy season. You'll need a special shampoo so your poodle's skin doesn't get dry, ask your vet or at the pet store. You may want to try to determine what your ds's allergies are. Allergy testing is covered by most insurance. Alternatively, you can keep a log of which days are problematic, and then compare those to the outdoor allergen levels. Also track when you vacuum and other tasks that might stir allergens in the house up into the air. Good luck & keep sudafed on hand,:001_smile: Sandra

While I don't have littles, I do have highly distractable special needs kids. When I take the time to plan our meals by week, making heavy use of the crockpot and planned leftovers, it pays me back big time. If you don't already do this, give it a try. I'd also suggest giving your 4 year old and 1 year old "school.". I have seen a ds1 do fun color matching games, scribbling with chunky crayons, etc. Ds4 could practice letters, numbers, and coloring. Ds 7 might enjoy "work" that he can proud of that the others can't. A special job or tool only he can use? Not btdt but having observed others who successfully navigate this stage, Sandra P.s. don't be too hard on yourself

My dd has been using MM for a few years. We are on 5A now. We are attempting to "catch up" lost ground from LD's and math hatred. We do at least 2 pages per day, 4 days per week. If the lesson is 3 pages, she does three. If it is four pages, she does two - except where much of the page is filled with explanations. Where the topics are more challenging for her, we slow it down. I have even added extra review pages where necessary to "remind" her of what she has already learned. Doing this we are slowly catching up so that she will be ready (I hope) for Algebra in 8th grade. I do tend to go into summer until we complete a book (e.g. 5A). Sandra

Fluids- how about fruit juice or watered fruit juice. Grape and water taste good. Avoid citrus/water mixes unless making lemonade. Does she like fizzy drinks? You could add fizzy waters to juice. Or make homemade ginger ale. It isn't difficult and ginger is good for digestion. Fiber- you are right to be cautious adding fiber without the fluids. Can you do smoothies with yogurt and whole frozen fruit? Fat- Fat is really helpful here. My niece's doctor had her taking olive oil to help with constipation. Just add more good fats to everything. I believe Alton Brown has a recipe for avocado based chocolate "ice cream" if dairy is a problem. Butter and cream are good. Pasture-raised meats and eggs too. Forgot- I forgot exercise is also useful. Nothing strenuous, just a walk. Sandra

:iagree: Just eat as if you had GD for the duration of your trip. Think low-carb. Meats, veggies, limited fruits, really limited sweets and only with a full meal. I had GD diagnosed with dd, but I disagreed with the testing - they didn't tell me to eat carbs leading into the testing. I'm naturally low-carb so my reaction was high. Anyway, I figured the GD eating plan is pretty healthy so why not? Sandra

We have actually been using the Argument scene on ds. He lives to disagree and argue. We say, " I didn't pay for an argument." That sketch also nicely defines a real argument as being entirely different from simple disagreement. One of ds's teachers cited it! Sandra

:bigear: Sandra

Thanks for your replies. It looks like ds will be able to take science at Co-op after all, so I don't need to worry about teaching high school level science next year. Sandra

Anyone know what the asterisk means in Saxon Geometry, when it is next to a problem in the problem set? I just did a quick look through the book and can't find the information. Thanks! Sandra

Does anyone know of a high school level bio curriculum or textbook which I can also use (though somewhat simplified) for my 7th grader? I'd love to be able to do lectures, discussion, and labs together. But expect ds to do more and perform at a higher level than dd. I'm hopeful that someone has some suggestions =) Sandra

Where do you keep your epi's ? If the stay next to you, I don't think you have to worry too much about the temp. Unless you are outside in the cold for hours at a time. I have a neoprene case. I think it works great. I do think neoprene is more insulating than fleece. Sandra

We had sOme problems here too. MM is beginning to think about un-doing multiplication in a concrete way. In your example, rephrase it: if there are 24 feet, and 1 yard is 3 feet, how many yards are in 24 feet. Draw it out on graph paper if necessary and let him figure it out that way. Sandra

Zinc deficiency can cause decreased appetite. It can also reduce his ability to taste and smell. If it is bad enough, it will stunt his growth. Zinc deficiency can be caused by not eating enough zinc foods or by diminished ability to use the zinc. You might try a daily zinc supplement which dissolves under the tongue. Btw I learned this from reading, "What's Eating Your Child?". A good book on nutrition. Sandra

When I'm trying to get breakfast for my two kids, I think high protein but I also think high fat. I'm striving for even levels of blood sugar until lunch. Fat digests the most slowly, then protein, then carbs. DS frequently has 2 or 3 eggs with cheese and salsa. I'll let him have toast with that if he wants. DD can't have gluten or eggs, so we frequently go with oatmeal to which I have added vanilla protein powder, or plain oatmeal with sausage on the side. I'd add some cream to it if I could, but she doesn't like it. I also try to add dried fruits (raisins, berries, etc.) and/or fresh, chopped apples. If you don't have allergies to worry about, nuts are fantastic sources of protein, fats, fiber, and some minerals. Peanuts are not true nuts and are rather starchy. You could make a sandwich with nut butter, banana, and honey or jelly. You could also try McDonald's style breakfast burritos: Flour tortilla, filled with scrambled egg, sausage, salsa and cheese. Mc D's makes them ahead of time and then nukes them - you can too. That makes them really quick. ETA: I tend to cook everything but eggs ahead of time (night before or weekend) and in large quantities (enough for a couple of days) Sandra

Making cottage cheese just takes vinegar. Google Alton Brown's cottage cheese recipe. I have used the dry curds in scrambled eggs and in tacos. Yummy! Sandra

My son's BS Troop has done 3 cold weather campouts so far this year with one more to go. The guy at REI said that the ratings are "you won't freeze to death" rather than comfort. Also ds forgot his sleeping pad which goes under the bag one time. He froze. Came home coughing. That layer of air and padding between you and the ground is very important. Ds' bag is rated 0 degrees. He will be at Valley Forge in a couple of weeks so that will be the real test. Sandra

Check out http://www.farmtoconsumer.net for this handbook. Explains safe handling practices for raw milk. Sandra

We're in Northern Va - the DC suburbs. Yes, we have all four seasons - but it does depend on what you are used to. My Chicago-bred DH insists we don't really have winter most years. If you are wanting to get into Virginia's top public colleges- don't come to Northern VA. Choose elsewhere in VA. I have been told that there are so many excellent applicants to UVA, William and Mary, etc. from Northern Virginia that it is really, really difficult to get accepted. Apparently they alot slots in Freshman classes, somewhat, by geography. Since I only had a 9th grader, this is all hearsay, but....... Other information: We were just upgraded to USDA zone 7. That means it is getting warmer here. The access to the Smithsonian museums downtown is nice (they are free). Tons of civil war field trips available within an hour's drive, or less. The traffic in DC metro area stinks. It is not problem for me, but DH has had to deal with some awful commutes. Homeschool laws are pretty easy. Notify of your intention to homeschool annually with a very brief description of what you plan to cover. Then provide "proof of progress." You can used a test (we use CAT) or an evaluation. All other things being equal, I'd move within Virginia somewhat farther south. Maybe around Richmond. The southwest corner of the state is BEAUTIFUL! Lots of farms. The Shenandoah Valley is also lovely. But I don't know about job opportunities in any of these places. Employment and family keep us up here. Sandra

We have been to Chicago in April for Easter a number of times. It almost always snowed, but just flurries. For indoor activities I think you will be fine. OTOH the lakefront is beautiful in summer. Sandra

I have not heard of this one, but I have heard of an ap for iPod or iPhone that tracks your sleep. You might want to check it out. I believe it works by tracking your body movement during sleep. Sandra

Please give us more information about the child who will be pursuing this activity. You may also want to do a search on CogMed. There have been previous discussions which might give you some insight. Sandra

For tomorrow, she's stuck with ibuprofen and maybe one of those stick-on heat pads. But next month try taking Cod Liver Oil, two capsules a day. I find it really reduces cramping and heavy flow. Note that heavy flow can be a symptom of low thyroid. If she has any other low thyroid symptoms, you might want to have it checked. Sandra

Toothbrushing: I am brushing my teeth with salt and baking soda. Just dissolve in water and brush. It's very effective. Cheap, too. Consider allergens ON food, not just in the food: I have two kids that get a rash around their mouths when they eat certain bananas. I eventually tracked it to an anti fungal agent applied to some bananas - we only had a problem with those from Shoppers Food Warehouse. I also know someone who is allergic to the residue of a commercial cleaning product. Have you switched dish soaps, d/w detergent, or countertop cleaner recently? I hope you figure it all out soon! Sandra

If the leaders will not give you an accounting, contact the Service Unit that your troop belongs to. The SU will have a money manager that checks every troop's accounting at the end of each school year. The MM should be able to help you and, frankly, she needs to know that something is up with your troop. Of course this won't make you any friends among your current leaders. Sandra

:bigear: Only mine eats slowly, too. Diagnosed ADHD, suspecting sensory distractions. Sandra