just so that I could vote more on principles than trying to elect one or keep one from being elected. The Sarah Palin choice for VP has catulpulted me over to the McCain camp BIG TIME! I'm one of the "disgruntled" consertive base that has been unhappy with politics as usual from BOTH party establishments. I'm excited about the prospect of having someone who has braved the elite and the established of the political system and has triumphed, even if only for a short time. That shows character, courage, conviction, and determination---all qualities that I admire and that I think will make an excellent VP candidate (and possible future President).

I so totally agree. But it's only a "bad/sad" thing when the Republicans do it.

I think we'll just use the 10-cent notebooks I just found at Office Max. With 70 pages each, I can use a whole page for each day's words and use less than 3 notebooks for a total cost of .30 cents each! Lisa

Did you use the Student Response Books or improvise with your own form or use plain notebook paper? If you used the response books, did they work well? I'm trying to decide if it is truly beneficial to keep the spelling lists in the order that the book suggests, and if they are worth the money. (I need two.) Thanks! Lisa

and our favorites, by far, were the Wilderness Lodge and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Both were equally beautiful in their own unique ways. If I had to choose, I would probably say the Animal Kingdom Lodge IF you can get a room looking onto the animal safari. It was wondeful to wake up in the mornings and see all the animals grazing in the woodlands. The resort is beautiful by any standards, but the animals really made it special. When we were there with very young kids, we liked the zero depth entry to the pool. It was so nice for the little ones to play in. The Wilderness Lodge is beautiful in a totally different way, The huge totem poles and timbers used in the lobby are breathtaking. The swimming pool has a geyser that shoots up once each hour, and the kids really loved it. If you're planning on spending a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom, it is nice to be able to take the small boat ride over to the park instead of having to use buses or the train. Have a wonderful trip---wherever you decide to stay. When we go back again, we will always stay on one of the WDW resorts. It's a magical place, indeed!

Big, juicy, fresh-sliced tomato sandwich with mayonaise and LOTS of fresh ground pepper on old-fashioned soft, white bread. It's best to let it sit for about 1/2 an hour so the tomato juices start to mix with the mayonaise. I just had one for lunch----Yummm!

America: The Last Best Hope Volumes 1 and 2. Each highlights the most important events and people of United States History, and his writing is not dry at all. These were a good overview and review for me before starting American History with my kids in the fall. Here is the Amazon link to see more about them: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-2287821-0307012?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=%22last+best+hope%22+bennett Hope this helps!

Thanks for the input, ladies. I think we need to look at finding a music teacher soon. What about other teaching methods like Suzuki? I've never looked into these myself, but we do have friends whose daughters take Suzuki lessons, and she (the mother) loves it. There may be other methods of instruction out there besides traditional, and I'm not aware of them. Again, advice is greatly appreciated!

My 9yo daughter has recently begun to pick out and play a lot of tunes on piano, and she's really good at it. Just the other day, she was playing The Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful. She has even started to play some of her own tunes, and they have a surprisingly good melody! She sings all the time and sounds quite good. I have worked with her a little with the beginning series of Piano Adventure books, trying to teacher her the basics of proper hand positioning, fingering, reading notes on the scale, etc. (I had 7 years of piano lessons in middle/high school.) My desire was to teach her what I could before looking to hire a professional piano teacher (trying to be frugal here!). But I realize that she would rather pick out her own melodies than attend to structured lessons from me. I was a competent pianist when I played regularly years ago, but I am definitely not a piano teacher. I also developed my skill gradually and don't believe I ever had any "natural" talent. I do think, however, that my daughter does, and I'm not sure what the best thing to do to encourage her to develop that talent. Should I look for a teacher now? If so, what kind of a teacher should I be looking for? I learned the very traditional way of reading music, playing scales, and eventually learning chords enough to embelish pieces when I wanted to, but I would have loved to learn to play by ear more---if that is something that can be taught. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I had planned to use the workbook version of the Critical Thinking products, but I've recently come across the cd's for the same products in our library. I've taken a quick look at them on my computer, and they look really good. I'm sure my kids would prefer to "play a game" on the computer than complete a worksheet, but is this a good thing? I'm torn between trying to limit my kids' time on the computer and watching TV vs. using good products that will engage them and be more fun. What do ya'll think? Thanks!

from Busy Teachers Cafe. http://busyteacherscafe.com/printables/writing.htm I print off each month's calendar and post if for the kids to write in their journals each day. Most are light and fun, and the kids seem to enjoy them.

and I have made some pretty wonderful quilts as gifts for others----some hand-made and others done by machine. My mother taught my sister and me a few years ago, and we have worked together on quilts for each of us. It's been a great bonding experience and one I hope to do with my own children.

I'm in northeast Atlanta suburbs as well----Buford to be exact. Anybody planning to go the the Georgia Homeschool Trade Show in July? I know I am! Lisa

I sent two separate packages on the same day about a month ago, and because the value of each of them was $50 on one and $100 on the other, I did get delivery confirmation. My buyers did get their packages but both were missing items. The smallest package was missing about 4 out of 9 items that were inside. The second package was a large box of about 50+ children's I Can Read hardback books and other children's books. This box had been opened and resealed by USPS with ONLY 2 BOOKS INSIDE!!! Unfortunately, having delivery confirmation didn't hold any weight with USPS because they "delivered" the package. The only way to have any true recourse is to insure packages----a lesson that my purchaser and I have learned the hard way. I've started asking my purchasers if they wish to pay to have their packages insured. I don't want to go through the frustration and heartbreak of losing items like this ever again without having a way to make it good for the buyer. In this circumstance, she and I have both filed complaints with USPS and they are still looking for the books in their recovery center. I hope they are able to locate at least some of them. I really don't see the usefulness of having delivery confirmation if the USPS can bang up a package, reseal it, and be off the hook when it's delivered. I know that if they package arrives undamaged, that you have proof of delivery, but that's just not helped me in my situation. I really think that USPS needs a shake-up of some sort to fix some of these problems. I've also been on the receiving end of lost packages, delayed packaged, damaged packages. What's up with them? Good luck to you on finding your packages delivered---soon and in good shape, I hope. Lisa

were Stella and Ora Lee

were named Foy and Lacy

We have 6-7 sets, and my kids have enjoyed them since they were 5-6 years old. Among our favorites: Ancient History Medieval Times Earth Science Countries of the World For our US History study next year, I just bought Explorers and American Revolution. They are a sure winner in our household!

I'm an INTJ married to an INTP. You'd think we'd get along well being alike on three factors, but the one we are different on is a doozy!

My dh and I both want to start exercising and eating healthier to get our bodies in shape. We know we need to make some changes in what we eat as well as how much. Having done many "diets" in the past, I really want something that will gradually move us and our family to healthier eating that we can sustain for the long haul. Perhaps something that has us focusing each week on cutting out a "bad" food. With that in mind, here are some ideas for an ideal diet for us . . . 1. Something relatively simple and "normal" to follow that doesn't require buying a lot of odd food or tons of vitamins and herb supplements. 2. Something that won't require my fixing a whole separate meal for the kids (7, 9, 16). 3. Something with an eye-catching chart to keep track of our progress (printable or online). 4. Something with meal plans that are easy to read and printable. Even better if it has a printable grocery list. 5. Something with spiritual encouragement to motivate and help us stay on track. I'm a sucker for checklists, charts, colorful posters, etc.---anything that "looks" cool. I'm just looking for something to get me excited where I want to start. We're also trying to work on an exercise plan for us, so any advice there will be appreciated as well! Thanks!

Love, Love, Love Casting Crowns, that is! Wonderful, real-life lyrics that can make you cry when you need to and encourage you when you need that. All three CD's are awsome. Happy shopping!

Something I'm going to use next year with my 2nd and 4th graders is McGraw-Hill's The Giant Book of Geography. It's not really a "curriculum", but for daily practice with map reading skills and learning U.S. geography, I think it's an excellent, inexpensive book. (I bought mine at Sam's for about $6.00.) Both my kids have looked at it already, and they both want to start on it right now! And it IS "pick-up-and-go"! Blessings,

I loved Carly's performance last night. It's the only one I've watched more than twice, and I'm not usually a big fan of hers either. David C is my favorite, and I thought he did a wonderful job, too. I also liked Syesha, though she was not my favorite last night. I've been a fan of Brooke's but her stopping during her performances twice now make me think she's not going to make it. I've never "gotten" Jason any time, and I didn't again last night either. I think David A. has a terrific voice, but he's boring. All his songs sound the same. I really hope he doesn't win over David C. I'll be heartbroken!

I'm so sorry, Linda. We just adopted a border collie in December, and we all love her. They are wonderful, smart dogs, and I know you're going to miss yours. Blessings,

My 16dd makes $7-8 an hour for babysitting and parents LOVE her, because she is so good with the children. I, personally, wouldn't put up with slackness at all. I'm just a demanding, no-slacker, no-nonsense type of mom.

Congratulations to your son and to you for a job well done!