Linders, That's a sobering thought. We have a 529 plan which covers tuition. It's the housing/food costs that have me stumped. At some point, living off campus the last two years will allow for monthly budgeting but after homeschooling for so many years she wants the on-campus experience which is costing much more that I anticipated. So with that, do you have any ideas?

So when its all said and done we still have to come up with $3000+ for the first semester. Any creative fundraising ideas to make this a go without taking out a loan? Sell my car? Yard sale? Any 2nd job ideas? I don't want to empty my DD bank account as she needs $$ for incidentals. You all always help me figure things out. Thanks, Sherri

Does anyone have a document they send similar to the common app's mid year grade report that they use? Any direction as far as a printable download (free resource) I can use to send to colleges? thanks

Is there a proper way to invite graduation guests to celebrate with the graduate at a local restaurant after the ceremony and be clear that it is on your own (paying dutch)? Here's what I have thus far; Please join us in celebrating our graduate at "x" restaurant from 6 - 8 pm. You can view their menu at " website address"

interesting...I tried to go to tinyprint.com and the website redirects to smartbuy.com. It doesn't seem to be the right site. Thanks for your suggestions.

Any one have a thrifty resource for nice graduation invitations? Thanks,

I just put A :laugh:

Are there warnings on the board to begin the common app months in advance? My goodness so much information. Can anyone answer this question? What does this question mean under the counselor's log-in? School's passing mark under the GPA section. Thanks for any help.

Well this thread has been really sobering, depressing, but yet encouraging all at the same time. It let's me know I'm not the only one going through stuff. I homeschooled 2010-2014 but recently went back to work. Previoiusly, I worked as a full-time real estate agent but when the market tanked in 2008, I was out. My homeschooling years helped me to brush up on grammar, writting, blogging, editing, etc. I was also a member of TOS crew which taught me a lot about social media marketing. Those skills have translated nicely into a job I got with the public school system in the Public Information Office (writting press releases, doing electronic newsletters, etc.) Working after being self-employed as a Realtor and homeschooling, I find it extremely difficult to interact with co-workers day in and day out that don't share my worldview or values. However, my husband helps me cope with that and gives me great advice since he's been in the traditional workforce a lot longer than me. I think you can definitely translate homeschooling skills into certain industries (obviously education as a teacher, TA, newspaper or social media company, etc.) My husband was laid off in summer 2013. We lived off of some savings but he decided to open his own business. He got his car dealer license and we moved to another town to rent a small lot. It's been almost a year. His idea was to get from under our mortgage which was quickly depleting our savings. Because we lived in DC Metro it wasn't hard to find a renter. We sold a lot of furniture and moved into a 1,000 sq ft. house (down from 3,000 sq ft.) and cut our monthly expenses in half. The only downside at the time was I was a little resentful that I had to go to work and put my teens back into traditional school. After much prayer, it hasn't been that bad. They are getting straight As. Although there are a few culture/value clashes, they have made good friendships which has been an answer to prayer. The car business is OK and at time fun, but not enough for my husband to take a salary. We have totally lived off my salary and he is looking into working the overnight shift at one of those min wage jobs. I don't know when he will sleep but we are in our mid 40s so I just pray for continual good health. Moving from DC Metro to where we are (in the same state) is a bit of a cost of living shock. Wages are significantly lower. My high school senior, who is technically still a homeschooler (lots of independent study and CC dual enrolled) works part-time and has more disposable income than her parents. I feel bad asking her for $20 but that's reality. She worked at Taco Bell for a few months when the Yankee Candle store manager she waited on told her if she ever wants to leave Taco Bell she has a job waiting for her in the same mall b/c she recognizes good customer service when she sees it. I always told my kids if you exceed people's expectations by giving outstanding customer service, smile, and be courteous (give Chick Fil A style service at Taco Bell) you will always rise above your peers. Hubby and I joke that our 17 year has two jobs and we are scrambling to find one! LucyStoner...thanks for sharing your advice on upgrading skills. I'm a little reluctant to incur the debt of an advanced agree but all the jobs in this area seem to require it just to make above $40,000/year. Being in business for yourself can be recession proof but someone has to make the predicatable income until things take off. This is my way of ensuring my husband can continue to pursue self-employment for our long term sustainability while I make the predictable income. I wish everyone well. I haven't heard much advice in the way of trusting God through these unpredictable times (I know everyone here does not adhere to the same belief system, that's what makes this board great). However, my best advice is to pray, trust, and believe. We always survive and make it, albeit, with a little help.

Does anyone know of any curriculum for this topic that can be done at home? Otherwise we may dual enroll at CC. Thanks.

I've been substitute teaching in the public school system for about 2 weeks now. Everyday approx 8 am - 3 or 4 pm. My kids are 16, 14, 12. I also work on Saturdays bookkeeping in my husband's business. On occassion I have to leave with him during the week to make deliveries. What makes it work: Independent nature of my girls' curriculum and their ages. I check their math in the afternoons which is taught online. I correct any issues regarding their understanding of concepts. Look over any other independent work, administer tests/quizzes, ask lots of questions so they can narrate what they've learned, edit papers, etc. Challenges: Feeling guilty that I'm not there like I used to be. I text them throughout the day. Management: Girls are more responsible for making dinner. They text me any grocery items we need so that I can go by the store when I leave work. They do their own laundry and rotate kitchen cleaning. I do laundry for husband and myself on weekends or a load here/there during the week. It's real life. They understand we are at a different place than where we were in the past. It is everyone's responsiblility in the family to make things work and keep it going. Blogged about my first week in the public school here.

Thanks. Now why didn't I think to google it? :crying:

I'm sure the answer to my question is borrowed in the forums somewhere. Can anyone quickly tell me the homeschool code? I need to register for the next date. Thanks!

Laurie4B you are right on point! This is exactly my perspective. Some one has asked if we had made up our minds. YES! We had decided to go a long time ago, I just wondered how others would handle it. Others asked if we interact at other family functions - YES. It is so unnatural to ignore people b/c you aren't comfortable. Actually I AM comfortable but I'm forced not to speak to him b/c he doesn't make eye contact and he gives my husband a half-hearted handshake barely making eye contact (you know just enough for other family members to think he's playing nice but then when away from family make a smart comment to my husband). I fear my husband is at a point of a fist fight if another of these comments go unanswered. However, I think he is growing in the way he is handling it (you know "turn the other cheek," ignore not confront, etc. etc.) And since his oldest brother, father, and mother know the real situation they will jump into any altercation. The short of the issue is BIL, DH, myself, and SIL were in business together. enough said right? Business went under we lost our shirts. WE lost the most $$ and actually paid BIL his original investment back! So we are really trying to figure out what his problem is...if anything WE should be mad. However, I know its PRIDE. Runs like blood in husband's family (5 boys, 1 girl, patriarchial mentality...PRIDE galore).

oh Catwoman... I welcome your response. Many times advice is based on right/wrong as defined by judeo-Christian values and can be biblical even if it wasn't intentional. :) I just didn't want advice that was outright vicious or vindictive..that's all.