Joy Hakim's multi-volume 'History of US' is secular. I would consider Story of the World (4 volumes from ancients through modern times) to be secular. There is, however, some debate about that, so your opinion might be different. Intellego Unit Studies are secular. http://intellegounitstudies.com/

Actually, you can add them to a list called "restricted." Then they can't see much that is on your wall and they can't post on it. Go to their page, hover over the "Friends" rectangle, select "add to another list," cursor all the way down that list and you will find "restricted." Select that and it should be ok. You can test it by going back to your wall. Where it says "view activity log" look for the "..." to the right. Click on that and select "view as." Above your profile pic there will be white lettering that reads "View as Specific Person. Type in the person's name in the space at the top of the page.and you should see a difference. HTH

I'll be 56 in August. Hmmm. I've finally learned not to take my siblings' craziness personally. Even if it's directed at me, it isn't about me. I've also learned not to engage when DS (or my spouse, for that matter) whines. I'm learning more about my limits and that the world won't fall apart if I take a break from world news. I don't take for granted the health of my spouse (who is 66). It really is ok to take life more slowly. When in life, all the troubles seem to come one on top of the other, I am more apt to remember that it is a season of life and it too shall pass. Trite as it sounds, I can't do anything about the past, the future hasn't arrived yet, so I remember more often to enjoy the present. There is always more to learn.

Sending hugs your way, Rosie. Tell your daughter our house has a cement foundation and is made of wood, covered with shingles.

Thank you and bumping so that others see it.

W&R - my writing-phobic DS is finally writing. I even caught him looking ahead in the book.

I have to do something about geometry too. Oddly enough, I never took geometry. I got to take music theory in place of geometry (back in ancient times, when standardized tests were few and far between). I'm planning on using Patty Paper Geometry next year (DS will be in 6th and we'll use it as a fun math program during our January term), but that still doesn't solve my geometry problem for later.

I have a 42 page word document, organized by subject, with links to free online resources I've gleaned from the forum and a host of other places. If you feel it would help to peruse it, PM me your email and I'll send it on.

"My Incredible Body"

I like your 2nd option. We finally made our dining room into a dedicated homeschool room. I like that arrangement a lot. Our piano is in the living room though. Oddly enough, the happy family singalongs and recitals don't happen in our house either. Currently, I'm waiting until we move into a different house to solve that quandary.

The iPad app "My Incredible Body" is free today. It's a kid's app to learn about the human body. Seems to be a long download time, but I'm almost done downloading it.

iPad apps math games roku music lessons local natural history museum membership Professor G (from Homeschool Buyers Co-op - "G" stands for Garfield) supplemental books

NH has no income or sales tax. It probably would depend on which part of the state you lived in for COL.

For sure those days were less expensive days!

I like the fact that they are there. One of these days, I'll even pop in and post!

Another vocabulary program: Vocabulary from Classical Roots Elementary.

Thanks for this thread. My Mom died on December 1st, so this is my first Mother's Day without her.

Oh Rose. You've all been through so much. Hugs to you and wishes for the peace that passes all understanding.

Is there a particular brand that is better than another?

Your new venture sounds wonderful! Good for you for having the courage to think outside the box! Do you have a FaceBook page for your practice? If you don't, it might be worth thinking about. ETA I just saw the link to your website!

"Gang way! Mommy has to pee!"

Hugs and prayers.

We could make some questions up.

The exams were especially tough this year. I think they should be done away with as well.

Totally awesome, Dawn. That post would make a great GOE answer! (General Ordination Exam) I'm enjoying this thread immensely!