Thank you for the advice. It looks like our offer just went through on the house and we do have a large room with bathroom for her own space. We hope to add a sitting area and make it a mini-home. Thank you again.

Due to some life changes (both my husband and I had to start working), we have asked my husband's mother to move in with us. She was in need of a place to stay and we are in need of a stable means to care for the children. I am very nervous. When you came to this decision, how did you outline expectations of each other? I feel strongly that if we don't lay everything (well, at least the most predictable of things) out upfront that we will face a major crisis. Is anyone willing to share what worked best for you?

I like it. It's as if they continue to focus in on the picture. Definitely better than the orignial two cups. By this point in time, the company no longer needs their name on the cup to be recognized. It's like Nike or Target. You know their brands and no where on it is the name. It's great marketing. Now for the coffee, well, never was a fan of their regular brews. Once I found out why--they put two tablespoons of coffee grains to one serving size when making their coffee. It's why its so bitter and strong. When making their same brands at home with regular coffee making servings of about 1 T, it's really good. But I love the mochas and sugary drinks even with all their calories and real whipped cream!!! Yum.

A variety of cut fruits or a few smoothies made with spinach, yogurt, mix of fruits. There's one my kids love: spinach, greek or plain yogurt, mango, and cashews. It's quite good and full of protein and good stuff!

I couldn't agree more. We've been on this board for close to 10 years now and I constantly give the advice that's share here to others. Rarely posting, but always eager to hear how the Hive handles all situations from dinner to the next stage of child rearing! Happy New Year!!!

Thank you for all the ideas and thoughts to ponder over the last few days. Especially thank you to those that expressed their experiences with close communion. This thread came at a time in which I've been quesitioning man's interpretation fo the Bible and how we can find the Truth in the mix of it all. It's definitely brought up more questions and concerns, but as always, the journey in faith is never as simple as our day to day routines. Lots to think about, question, learn and accomplish this new year. Thank you again for a great informative discussion on religion. Sincerely, Cindy

This is a very insightful discussion. Thank you for having it and asking the questions. I have one to add from a recent experience. We have moved and are seeking a new church. Is anyone familiar with the practice of close communion? In visiting a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, I was told that I could not take communion. It was on my second visit to the church and I was shocked. I couldn't stay for the service and felt a very deep sense of disappointment. Is this truly a practice from bible teachings or is it a manmade/denomination decision? Apparently this is the practice of LCMS churches, but it did not happen to my husband and I when we attended an LCMS church from our previous home town. We travel alot. Past military and have been a part of Episcopal Churches, Methodists and the other Lutheran church. It still bothers me (my husband said it shouldn't). What do you think? I too am seeking a church to grow and truly understand my faith and relationship with God and Jesus.

We're doing this right now. We are renting for 6 months to a year and will then decide if a home purchase is right for the town. We've explored most of the neighborhoods, but don't know the pulse of the community, where we want to go to church and where the kids are for a kid friendly neighborhood. We're looking forward to the breather room to explore and enjoy what the community has to offer before putting time into a home and making it feel like our home. Plus, we do need to sell the home we're moving out of before even thinking about buying. So if you already have a home, then definitely sell it before thinking about buying. 2 home mortgages can get stressful.

Nope not me. I'm not that creative. It's definitely time to invest in foil though. Must prepare the kids for the journey. They'll love it.

Keeping it light and fun are ya ladies?!!! We're moving there because I got a great job offer with Leprino foods (makes mozzarella cheese) and we need the stability. Hubbie will be taking over the homeschooling and running of the house. There is now a Sam's Club, office store and most of the main basics. We've relied on less when I was young. Since I came from a small TX town where the opening of a Taco Bell was all the buzz, Roswell seems to offer a bit more than that for the kiddos! Off to decluttering, Goodwillin', and tossing as much as possible out of the house to keep the move light. :auto:

Thanks for the laughs. I know, my husband was "Oh so cool. The aliens!!!" I think that I'm the only one that didn't know about Roswell. What I don't get is how all the little aliens are all the same little green guy! They have him everywhere by the KFC and as signs. Too Funny. :lol:

Hello, We are moving to Roswell, NM and am looking for a connection or two in the homeschool world. Is anyone familiar with the homeschool environment for this town? Are their homeschool support groups (IRL), Co-Ops or tutorials? We like to be socially active and plan on getting the kids involved in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church, etc. Thanks!

What a wonderful idea. I was expecting this large conference with all the time it takes to organize location, place, time, people, food, etc. But WOW--Quiet time, by yourself, at Panera Bread with the absolutely best Cinnamon Crunch Bagel and Honey Walnut Cream Cheese is my type of bliss! I love this and definitely plan to do something similar in the future. Right now, I'm all over the Filing System/Full Year Organization Kick and am quite busy. Thank you for sharing! Cindy

I just discovered this myself as I was reading George Washington's Letter of Proclamation on Thanksgiving. I realized that I had fallen into the Pilgram/Indian Image of Thanksgiving and rarely questioned what I was taught in school. American History can't be completely taught on a secular level. Too much of it was based on religious beliefs and freedoms to practice religion. http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/firsts/thanksgiving/thankstext.html The Founding Fathers held very strong beliefs in God and in leading the Country. It's humbling and enlightening to be learning our American History through primary sources and with our children.

Thanks. I was wondering too and completely lost on the connection to the discussion. Interesting discussion though.

I thought you were linking to an ONION article. Too funny. Sometimes the humor and reality of the Onion are a little closer to the truth than they should be! :lol:

I can't believe how the time flies!

I really like The Art of Teaching Art to Children in School and at Home by Nancy Beal. She touches on more than just drawing with ideas about what to cover for different ages. She hits on collage, drawing, painting, clay, printmaking and construction. She gives ideas on what supplies to provide. I thought she went into better detail than the Drawing with Children book. I'm not too crafty either!

Thanks Serabi, If you're in this area, the Nature Circle at Long Hunter State Park is perfect for 3-5 year olds. It'll start back up in August and goes through the school year on Mondays at 10AM. Ms. Liana does a wonderful job with the kiddos.

For anyone interested in a new co-op for the Donelson, Hermitage, Mt. Juliet, TN area, We are having a Information meeting for the 2010-2011 year on June 7th in Old Hickory. PM me for the flyer and details if you're interested. Our Main principles are to have a fun, enriching environment with flexibility but a little structure, and a social element for children and parents. Sincerely, Cindy

We picked up TWTM in 2002 at the library, well before having children. Dual military with sea duty assignments. My husband found the boards and he was lurking before I really started checking out the boards. It fit so perfectly with what we wanted in a family that we haven't pursued any other options!

I had to go check out my post listing and realized that I'm considered a newbie. I've lurked/rarely commented on these boards for close to 8 years?! I can't believe it. My husband and I picked up WTM, read it. He had to convince me that homeschooling would be great, and we started reading the forums ages ago when it was in it's other format. This is actually our first year of homeschooling, K, but this board has been my lifeline.

Thank you ladies! I have Carol Topps book and it was helpful to review her website. The unofficial nonprofit status was a little confusing, but I see where she's going with the line of thought. I'm familiar with the FEIN number, just wasn't sure that I could apply for one for checking account without having any other paperwork, but that looks to be okay too. I do want to keep simple and definitely did not want to incorporate, but also didn't want to get hit with taxes for collecting money. I also own a small business, so I didn't want it to be placed in a difficult situation with the Co-Op also getting started. Thanks you for the input.

Hello Ladies, I am in the process of starting a Homeschool Co-op, but am a little confused on how to explain our "nonprofit" approach. I understand to be an official Nonprofit, going through the governmental process is long and requires 3 year budget picture. There are approximately 8 to 10 families, but there will be fees associated with insurance coverage and possible facility use. Has anyone been in the process of just starting out? I'd rather not use a personal account for a variety of reasons, but will a bank let us open an account without nonprofit status? How did you handle the first year or two financially? I want to remain a small fee co-op (pay for basic necessities) to keep costs down for families. Every co-op that I've visited has steep costs and per class fees that I'd really like to avoid, but maybe it's because they're maintaining Fed. regulation status? I don' t know. Thank you, Cindy

Thank you Twigs. Great points. I do see the field developing more fully in a few years and probably headed for state licensing.