I stumbled across a website this a.m., and I noticed that they have "Natural Science Through the Seasons" by James A. Partridge listed as a book they are currently working on reprinting. The website states it will be available sometime in the Fall. I'm in no way affiliated with the website, so I cannot vouch for print quality. I can't wait to get my hands on this book. It looks wonderful! http://hillsideblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-titles-this-spring.html

One thing my son (who hates having to write anything) is loving is "Educreations Virtual Whiteboard." I was amazed at how clearly you can write on it! My son is loving this for spelling, etc. It seems a little crazy as it's really no different than a whiteboard/paper, but I guess it's the novelty. Hey, novelty or not, I'm enjoying having him write his spelling without complaining. :) My oldest, is playing "Words With Friends" against his Dad... fun, but also some spelling practice.

A few years ago, my hubby's Aunt taught me the knit stitch (on vacation out of state). When I got home, I didn't have anyone to ask about my knitting questions or help me progress with other stitches. I found a local yarn shop with a free knitting get-together each week. Those ladies have been more than happy to share their knowledge! Another resource I have used is this video series: Learn to Knit with Tracie Wunderlich. Each video takes you through a specific project... if I remember correctly the first lesson is a dishcloth. It is helpful that you can rewind and pause the video until you master the technique. I'm sure there are other similar videos available. This is what I found at my local library. My grandmother taught me to crochet as a little girl. I do agree with other posters that crocheting seems to be easier. However, I now prefer knitting... and speaking of knitting... I need to go finish up a Christmas gift! I have all boys, but I think my 8-year old could handle knitting. My 6-year old--no way would I even attempt to teach him! So, I guess it really depends on the child.

Hi Sue! I too sent you an email with my email address. Would you consider sharing the comparative review with me as well? Thanks!

Could someone compare FLL (I'm looking at 3 or 4) and ILL? We've used PLL, and I'm not sure it's "enough" for 3rd grade. I'm just wondering if FLL keeps the things I like but adds a bit more "meat." Thanks in advance!

:lurk5:

I thought there was some independent reading on the "Reading Comprehension" section of the test. I found this, which seems to confirm: http://www.education.uiowa.edu/itp/itbs/itbs_about_5-8.aspx

I've noticed that it seems many people on this forum like CLE for math. I'm wondering has anyone used Abeka and CLE for math? Could you compare the two? Just curious I guess...

Our dishwasher died back in August, and we just got around to replacing it this past week (yesterday in fact!). I didn't mind doing dishes by hand when it was just me and my dh. However, now with 3 kiddos, I find myself constantly doing dishes. UGH! I honestly think our dishwasher (old and new) get dishes cleaner than hand washing. We don't pre-rinse unless there are large bits of food left on the dishes. (We just use our napkins to wipe leftover food into the trashcan after meals.) We specifically bought a model with a food grinder for this reason. They aren't as quiet, but I like the convenience of not pre-rinsing everything. After all, if I have to pre-rinse it, why not just hand wash it! I don't mind doing dishes by hand occasionally, but I love my dishwasher!

I had an emergency c-section with my first... his heart rate continued to drop during labor. One second I was in labor the next I was on my knees being wheeled into emergency. I was very anxious and nervous throughout the surgery, but I did get to see my ds as soon as he was born and I nursed him in recovery. My second and third children were born by planned c-section at my dr.'s insistence. I felt somewhat more at ease during these surgeries, because I knew what was going to happen and because I was not as worried about the babies. However, I didn't get to hold or even see them until 6-10 hours later. They had some issues and were removed to a high-risk nursery. I was very concerned about not being able to nurse them right away. And, actually, both of them were given bottles in the nursery. However, I had absolutely no problems with nursing once I was able to hold them. During my first two pregnancies I took hormones throughout the first half of the pregnancy. During my third, I took a blood thinner all the way up to the week of delivery. And... all my deliveries were different. Please don't blame yourself for something you did during the pregnancy. That is a heavy weight to carry. Have you discussed this with your dr.? I would encourage you to do so.

I too signed up for the 30-day trial via your link! Thanks... this looks like it could be a great organizational tool! And, I'm also off to check and see if our library has "Saving Dinner." Thank you ladies!

:bigear: I too was thinking of purchasing this... anyone use it?

After 12 years of shift work (evenings or midnights with rotating days off) my dh is moving to M-F days! Yea! However, I'm in real need of some meal ideas. The kids and I usually just ate sandwiches/soup in the evenings because he was working. I love to cook, but I'm drawing a blank on meal planning. I'm looking for ideas about meals as well as how you organize your meal planning. Can you help me out?

Just downloaded MM too! I've tried FlyLady in the past, but I too got sucked into "dawdling" on the computer! I'm a list kind of girl, so I think this will be a better fit!

We're using MFW K this year. We started it in the fall when my ds had just turned 5. I have moved slowly and allowed him to work as long as he's interested. The next day, I simply pick back up where we left off. I like MFW K because it is very "tweakable." IMO, you could water it down and use it as a Pre-K program, or follow it as written for K. For what it's worth, my ds has really enjoyed it!