I ordered pre-algebra from Alpha Omega's website on Monday 1/31/11 when they had the 20% off sale. I got an email last night saying is has been shipped via FedEx and I should have it the end of this week.

I checked with AOP last week about the Pre-algebra not being on the website. They told me the information had been sent to the marketing department to put on the web, but they are apparently running behind in getting the website updated. They confirmed that it is set for release this month. They are just waiting for it to get back from the printer.

FWIW, the reps at our homeschool expo weren't "supposed" to tell customers that the pre-algebra was coming. (This was just this past summer.) They did, however, tell some who were considering starting with Horizons that the pre-algebra would be out in the Spring. It was planned but not announced in case something fell through. Looks like it's coming out early.

Welcome -- from another newbie! It sounds like you have this well thought out. I have been HS 2 boys for 6 years. One thing I found works well for us is to do science 2 days a week and history 2 days a week. The 5th day is less "labor-intensive" without those two subjects. We do reading, math, and English every day, but they have more reading time on the days we don't do science or history, and I don't have as much hands-on to do with them. I like Apologia science, but the reading level can be an issue. We use Bob Jones science. My kids love it. The reading level is age-appropriate so my 2nd grader can read and understand his book, and my 4th grader is gaining a ton of science knowledge and understanding. Be prepared to do a lot of experiments with BJ. That is part of what makes it fun, though! Enjoy the time with your kids. You will be amazed at what you learn along with them.

I got a 12" one a Wal-Mart for around $5 after school started on the clearance rack. If you need one now, Amazon has 12"-16" inflatable ones in the $2-$3 range, but I wouldn't recommed inflatable as the permanent solution. I also found an electric one at Linens N Things that changes from an earth globe to a constellation globe when the lights are turned off. It was $20 with my 20% off coupon and their sale price. I have also found them at office supply stores like Office Max.

We have a lot of food allergies in our family -- MSG, soy, celery to name a few. This makes eating prepared foods or eating out very difficult. We have been able to adjust a recipe for Pasta E Fagioli soup that is free of all of our allergens, and we love it. It ends up being similar to soup served at Olive Garden. 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained 1 package fresh slivered carrots (we use Green Giant's 14-oz. bag) 3/4 c. chopped onion 2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) diced tomatoes (we use petite diced) 2 cans great northern beans 5 1/2 cups beef stock (We use the Kitchen Basics brand. It is low sodium and allergen-free) 1 1/4 tsp pepper 3/4 tsp Tabasco 1 24-oz. jar spaghetti sauce 8 oz. dry ditalini pasta (small shells or other small pasta will work) Mix beef, carrots, onions, and tomatoes in large stock pot and simmer about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the beans and add them to the pot, along with the beef stock, pepper, Tabasco, and spaghetti sauce. Simmer about 30 minutes. Add the pasta and simmer until the pasta and vegetables reach desired doneness. Yield: 4 1/2 quarts We like to sprinkle parmesian cheese on the soup in our bowls just before eating, and sop up the extra broth with garlic bread. Variation: Add 8 oz. mushrooms with the other vegetables.

I didn't get one, either. I called the number on the website, and it said to wait until April 12 and call back if you do not receive one by then.

I have been able to get dozens of film canisters free from Wal-Mart and Target at their 1-hour photo place. They usually have a drawer full and are happy to give you a bag of them.

The BJU reading curriculum has Mountain Born on their summer reading list for the summer between 4th and 5th grades. They have Adam of the Road on the summer reading list for the summer between 6th and 7th grades. If you want a good suggested reading list, check the back of the BJU Reading worktexts. Both the student and TE have the lists. I have found them very inexpensive at used book stores, and often pull one from the shelves to look at the list while I am in the store to help select books for my children.