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.

I've been away all day and couldn't wait to get back to read all of your responses. 1. Yes. It is DH's brother 2. I've been wondering myself why my MIL & FIL didn't insist upon having it their house - a neutral location. 3. The rift happened in 2008 and we stayed away from all family events for 2 years. We just couldn't handle it. 4. We've done a lot of healing on our own and can now handle it but BIL does sneaky things that no one seems to see. 5. DH had a candid conversation with his parents about their other son's behavior and they claimed they would keep a closer watch on his behavoir to see what my DH was speaking of. The were under the impression that he was being nice. :001_huh: 6. I made it known to two family members today (DH husband's sister who is the oldest and the wife of oldest son) that we do not know the address. This way they are clear on the "goings on." 7. The whole family is extremely passive agressive which so isn't my family of origins style so calling BIL and asking directly any question would never due! 8. My children are old enough to now understand what is going on. They love and want to see their cousins which is the whole reason we even go to these events but my oldest child (DD 16) said if my parents aren't accepted then I'm not accepted :001_tt1: 9. We do feel as though they hold us hostage and have control when we decide not to attend family events. 10. The drive is about 3 hours. We plan only to stay for the day. 11. The whole reason for asking for a Christian perspective was to understand the biblical reasons behind your answers. One responder did just that - "when it is in your power to do so to live @ peace with all people." Recently I heard a sermon about Christ giving us the ministry of reconciliation and the ministry has been given to us. We can not force others to reconcile with us but we can extend an invitation. By us attending I feel like we are saying "we are willing to reconcile." I know technically they extended an invitation but it's obvious to all that his hands were tied if he truly wanted to have Christmas at his house. I believe his wife (my SIL) is truly more open to forgiving and forgetting but he is a little harder to win over. I can't respond any more until tomorrow so hope this update clears up a lot of confusion. Thank you guys! I like the zabasearch idea.

My family has been on the outskirts of husband's family for a few years as a result of a dispute between us and another family in the family (6 families from husband's parents). All the family have tried to remain neutral not picking sides. :glare: However, this year the family we are not in agreement with has decided to host Christmas at thier house :crying: My inlaws and one other family within the family said is was OK as long as he extended an invitation to us. He did call and invite us but didn't give us his address. He said he would call back with that invitation but hasn't. Here is my perspective: That tactic (which I believe it is) was intentional. You met the letter of the law but extending the invite but left out the information that we need to get there. It's important to my inlaws that we come. I told them what difference does it make that we're there if we know from his heart he really won't be welcoming nor does he really want us there? He's just meeting the requirement they set for having Christmas there. Would you go & why or why not?

Does anyone know if BJU offers their $99 speial every year? I was about to purchase the Spanish 1 when I remembered the special usually coming out in December. Have they offered this every year?

Hi Guys, If you follow blogs and believe I offer content you enjoy reading please follow me over at www.oureducationaljourney.blogspot.com I review curriculum for the OldSchoolhouse magazine and need 50 followers to continue (a little mercy plea :) I'm not far so thank you. I have two high scholers so perhaps there is content there of interest to you all. Thanks!

We are using MFW AHL this year. Love it! Two years ago we used MFW WHL with my oldest child. My 9th grader says she likes how everything is scheduled out for her and when she is learning about something in one subject it is also talked about in another. She is also "owning" her work. I don't have to get on her at all. She wakes up and works sitting in the family room with a stack of her books alongside her. I jump in to edit papers, do math, and look over review questions. We discuss Bible. I love the Writing Supplement and the grading suggestions.

I hear you guys and thank you for your candor. We did MFW WHL for 9th grade and Lightning Lit for 10th grade which included reading good literature and writing papers which I outsourced grading to someone hear on these boards. Currently, my 11th grader is working on the research paper she never completed as part of MFW WHL and I see that her ability to organize this paper around a thesis and good topic sentences is great but she lacks a strong foundation in grammar to include goog sentence structure. I can see this being a hindrance with PSAT/SAT which are coming up. My approach to fixing these weaknesses have focused on teaching grammar topics as it related to her paper writing - showing her through example better word choices, parrallelism, etc. I just don't think its been enough. I've given her 6 weeks to complete her current research paper which thereafter I was going to have her do Part 2 of the Lightning Lit course but instead I was thinking of maybe planning out 6 weeks of pure SAT prep in the Language Arts portion only Thanks!. Perhaps with this explanation you guys have some suggestions or agree that my plan may be a good one.

I am thinking of doing this but not sure how to schedule it daily for maximum effectiveness. Anyone ever done this can offer me any suggestions?

This is what I have on my resume. I always keep it updated for some odd reason: Private Tutor – 1/10 to present Plan and implement weekly curriculum plans for middle & high school students in Math, Language Arts, Science, and History. Coordinate extracurricular activities for physical education, Music and Art. Facilitate a monthly class for school aged children at local church. Blogger – maintain online presence through networked blog and social media to relate the most current trends in the education industry. Research products and publish product reviews for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine of various curriculum providers.

What I love about the College forum is I am encouraged that homeschoolers actually get into colleges I've heard of so if they can do it, I can do it too! They also get their student into college following different paths.

OKay so if you are in the grocery store aisle and someone is trying to cart through should they wait for you to notice them or should they say "excuse me" so you know they are there and then they proceed?