I am thinking about trying TOG 2 this year. I am uncertain whether I need the redesigned version or if the classic will work. What are the differences? I will only being using it for the history portion. Thanks!!!!

I discovered after a year of having my frontloader and the water pump breaking that there is a filter in the front bottom area of my machine. If it gets clogged with money, paper ect. it may start to smell. I had to take of the bottom panel and clean out the filter in mine. This could be part of your problem. Good luck.

I don't normally click on these links, but cats are so funny. This is hilarious. Thanks.

I had a Chow Australian Shepherd mix. We found her as a stray and raised her since she was a puppy. She was an incredible and sweet dog. I think she had the nature of the Australian Shepherd, but the vet was sure that she was part Chow. I thought that this thread seemed extremely anti chow and I would like for you to be optimistic about your dog. Ours lived to be 14 year old and we felt very blessed to have her. It took a few years for her to grow up and not act like a puppy, but she did and was a great, loyal dog with no problems. Good luck. She also liked our cat.

I just discovered that I'll be teaching a Spanish class for 3-6th graders this year at our homeschool co-op. I am having a difficult time choosing a curriculum mainly due to the cost. We would like to have each family pay as little as possible(less than $5 would be ideal). I have power glide spanish which I've heard poor reviews on. I was wondering if it would work if I added grammar with another workbook(any ideas?). I was also looking at Espanol para chicos y grandes. The price seems reasonable, but would it be necessary for each family to have their own books/cds? I would love any advice. Thanks.

Thanks for the input. I had thought of purchasing the old student book only from MUS clearance area, but I think I'll go ahead and buy the new book that includes the honors section.

I am using Math U See Pre Algebra this year. I haven't purchased the workbooks yet and I'm unsure whether I need the honors book. Is it just more pages similar to the workbook or is it extra special and necessary? I'd love to hear the opinion of anyone who has used it.

Funny, I've decided to do the same thing with my two. I'm curious to hear comments on this one.

The reason I am considering 7th grade physical science is that my co-op is using it this year. It sounds like some of you would try something else. If you could do middle school over, what would you use?

I am considering placing a 7th grader in Apologia's Physical Science. Has anyone had good/bad experiences with this.

I think I'd try Teaching Textbooks. However, I don't know if it's any cheaper than MUS.

My son is 9 and he just got a compound bow. My husband found it on ebay. It's a Mini-Magnum 20lb bow. It's pretty nice, but 20lbs is a little much for him. We were planning on buying a new one, but discovered that we could get a much better one for less money. I think he paid under $40 with shipping. Good luck.

My friend is very strict in her diet and switched to Artichoke pasta. I wonder if that would work for you. I tried some angel hair myself and was pleasantly surprised how great it tasted.

Jiffy Lube.

Cool sight. I think we'll wait for a clean version also. Do these come out at the same time as the regular DVDs?

My family drinks it and I think is very good for you. I haven't seen any miracles, however, as some have boasted.

If your city has a Fashion Bug, they have nice clothes. They carry plus and misses sizes. I also received an e-mail ad from them today and they are having a big sale through Sunday with dresses for $15. Sounds good! I especially like their jewelry department. Good luck.

We've never had a homeschooling room. We do school at our bar in the kitchen. This seems to work well for me, since I can do dishes and cook while the kids are working. We move to the living room during history to relax a little. This is especially nice during the winter when we sit by the fire.

I discovered with my children, especially my oldest, that I needed a spelling program. She learned phonics easily and is an amazing reader, reading constantly. However she is not a natural speller. I didn't try dictation and I may this year. But I made the mistake of thinking that if she read well she would also be able to spell. Now we're struggling to catch up with spelling. This is probably my biggest homeschooling regret so far.

I think it's always been BLUE.

I often find good large binders at yard sales. I can usually get the large 3 ring for $1 or less.

My daughter and I enjoy jewelry making. There are some great books, at least at our library, that have simple projects. My daughter is now chiming in and suggests projects using clay. She enjoys making all kind of crazy creatures and things.

A great series is Sisters in Time. They are Christian books that are similar to American Girls. My daughter and niece enjoyed these very much. I know CBD and Amazon both sell them.

We make pretzel sticks for the 4th. You just purchase the pretzel rods, dip them in melted chocolate (I usually use the white almond bark). The kids then sprinkle them with 4th of July sprinkles. I just recently discovered that most bakeries will sell you a bowl of the holiday sprinkles at a great price.

We use a sturdy shoe box that my husband had. I think they were the box for a pair of hiking boot. Works fine and it's free.