I should be making snacks for tomorrow, folding laundry, cleaning the kitchen and prepping dinner but my BRAND NEW PRINTER decided to stop duplexing and I've wasted the last 2 hours trying to fix it.

Thank you to everyone who shared Tina's website. So much great stuff there! And I love the cheapest homeschool planner. Not what I'm doing this year but very cute. I'm off to go print and punch now. :)

I'm in!

I haven't read a LaVyrle Spencer. Off to go look. Thanks PS Don't you wish Judith McNaught would write another book? I'm past, long past hoping for another historical, I'll take anything.

Bumping you because I want to know. Btw we were given a diffuser from Pottery Barn. It's basically a wide apothecary jar and reeds. I don't know what the oil mix is in it but it's very relaxing. I plan to make some more with clove, lavender and citrus oils (each in their own jar, own room). The thrifty couple had a blog about how to make these: http://thethriftycouple.com/2014/05/17/diy-natural-homemade-fragrance-diffuser-with-therapeutic-benefits-too/ Hth

What's another good romance novel author? I'm horrible at picking out new authors. :( The last one I chose was a kindle bundle of The Grayson Brothers. It was bad. Any suggestions? Thanks!

That sounds great. Was it a homemade study?

Me neither. How much were the state stamps? I'll have 3 kids I'm teaching next fall: 10, 7, and 6. I just don't know if it's worth the time to use these worksheets. You should post an update once you've completed Elemental History. :) Thanks for the replies everyone! I think I'm going to go the song, game puzzle route. If I can find that cookbook at the library we'll try that too. I really liked the idea of posters. We're they collages? I think having each child make a collage throughout the year (one does bird, one does flower, one does...I like mottos instead of trees) would be a fun way to review and be visually appealing as well. Not to mention I have a bird crazy 1st grader.

I hate FedEx too. I've had drivers lie about delivering stuff (once for a Marine's memorial -it was awful). I hope your package arrives before Wednesday. :)

It's encouraging to see that quiet time works through the teen years. Thank you!!!

When our friends lived in Mali (right before and during the coup in fact) she learned that in that culture breasts are utilitarian. Backs are sexy. :)

Ok. If you want to free up some of that 45 minutes each day you could try prepping for the week on one day, or a whole year using the 36 week file folder system and post its (or notebooks for book notes like Kfamily), or just try prepping for 6 weeks at a time to see if that method works for you first. Forty-five minutes really isn't that bad compared to the two hours I had misread. :) I've had two babies since starting the homeschool journey so I can tell you learning can be accomplished without someone feeling neglected. We have worked on lessons while nursing, pacing, doing the bounce-pat-walk, during the baby's naps and while I struggled to stay awake during reading lessons. :) Someone once told me the baby is the lesson. Your child will learn more from watching you (and helping you) nurture your baby than high schoolers get from a health class and a 5lb sack of flour. It's all part of the fun. ;)

My kids are 7 and under so I do a lot of the reading. The teacher planner has all subjects laid out for the year (things like math, phonics and spelling are just estimates of where the student will be) and then I copy the areas they are responsible for in their student planners. Merry at Hope for Homeschooling has great posts about the teacher binder, etc. and it's that method I follow. I also use the teacher planner for notes about enrichment activities or books for the lessons and materials needed. http://www.hopeforhomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/08/organization-teacher-binder.html Hth

Wait, we're supposed to clean the house too? That's it! I quit! ;) Seriously it can all be accomplished without neglecting the baby. I am confused though, I read your post that it takes you two hours of prep a day for school. Is that right?

Neither am I and I'm good with that. I wish we had the choice to turn that feature off.

I like to stay old public school traditional- Tuesday after Labor Day. Last year my kids wanted to start back so badly I think we started a week after public school in August sometime. Oh and it wasn't because they're all eager for some learnin'. They wanted to wear their new clothes and backpacks (from my mom who was a school teacher).

Usually at a fancy pants restaurant, if they're worth the prices on the menu, the servers do provide more service and are better informed about the specials, wine, etc. Though not all pricey restaurants are equal, the service I've received at them have been, on average, better than Coco's or our local Swami's.

I tip 20% unless service is subpar.

I've got these worksheets for the 50 states. You know, the ones with fill in the blank capitals, motto, color the flag, bird, and flower, etc. Are these worthwhile? I'd appreciate your input. Thanks!

May I join in? I've got a cup of coffee and a few moments of quiet before the hoards storm downstairs. ;) Kids laundry Downstairs floor Finish history plans Bake muffins Make dinner Clean master bathroom Take kids to swim lessons Welcome Hubby home. ;)

You peaked my interest too. Here's a link to the blog with the plan. It was moved from the page originally linked in the above mentioned WTM thread. http://www.zealouszebra.net/homeschool-typing-lesson-plans/

Oops wrong thread! Although I guess it doesn't hurt to post an updated link: http://www.zealouszebra.net/homeschool-typing-lesson-plans/

Do the laundry detergent recipes work in an HE washer? And what if you have a water softener? Also, can anyone recommend a good degreaser recipe? There's this film building up on my upper cupboard doors and it's not coming off with vinegar, soap and water.

Replying so I can find this later