Wow! That's a hard one. I had a similar situation with my oldest when he was about 9 months old, but he couldn't climb out of his crib, so I had to let him cry it out, and he had to learn to put himself to sleep. Does she still use a crib at all?? Best of luck, Rachel

I like to take the summer to train the kids with new chores I may need them to help with during the school year. They are also taking time to help me cook and prepare some of the meals. Sounds like you're trying to make it fun, and be purposeful:) Have fun!! Rachel

Our family rule of thumb is....if you're not talking to God, or talking about Him, then we don't need to mis-use his name. I feel it's like taking his name in vain when we just loosely throw it around. Good luck:) Rachel

Sorry for your loss. That's a hard decision, and may just take you trying it, to see if her getting back into a routine will be beneficial right now. I always seem to function better with a schedule. Best of luck! Rachel

I used Explode the code with my first grader last year, who did Heart of Dakota. This year with my K I did a phonics dance approach, and it worked beautiful. Good luck! Rachel

I'm more of an uptight person too. I wish I would have had parents who tried to help me with it, and teach myself to think through things. Keep up the great work:) Rachel

I am happy in my life. I feel blessed!!

Thanks for the idea. I'm going to go request it from the library right now!!

Ya, it definately gets challenging. We just gotta keep em reading:P

I used Rod and Staff 2 this year, and loved it for my 2nd grader. I've not had any experience with the other 2:) You can't go wrong with R&S though. I use it with my 6 grader also!! Rachel

Me too! Just getting started on it:)

I guess it's good that we've taken a break this year. We're usually so into it, but just no time right now to watch~

We're coffee too:)

Institute for Excellence in Writing, IEW, is a great writing program. If you buy the student writing intensive, it's really taught with the dvd's, by Andrew Pudewa. Here's the website for them http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/swi Depending on how old, will determine if you do A, B, or C. You can call IEW and they will help you with it. Rachel

Next week is National turn tv off week. http://www.turnoffyourtv.com/turnoffweek/TV.turnoff.week.html Our library has a book they are offering free to families, and it gives them ideas of what families can do with their time. Maybe you could have a tv, internet, and video game turn off week?? Good luck:) Rachel

Sorry, no good suggestions:( My family loves Little House on the Prairie. Good luck! Rachel

Prayers are going up.

We just started on fish oil recently, and I buy the Carlson brand at Vitaminshoppe.com and it's around $21 for a 16.9 fl oz bottle. I also ordered Carlson orange flavored fish oil that can be chewed. I don't have my boys chew it because they can swallow. I've called Carlson, and they helped me dose it, the liquid one too. The great thing about this brand is that there's no nasty after taste, and you don't burp up a fishy taste at all.;) Good luck. Rachel

I know, I can totally relate. I taught my 5 year old phonics this year, and he's taken off reading. It's such an awesome feeling knowing that WE taught them. My other 2 boys went to public school for Kindergarten, so I love this special time w/him. What a joy it is to teach them:) Good job mom!! Rachel

You sound like you are very wise, and what a blessing that your husband is on board with you, with these new ventures:) I deal with anxiety/depression, so I can somewhat relate. I just went off effexor less than a week ago, and dealing with some nasty side effects from it (I'll never do effexor again) Best of luck with these new decisions you and your hubby have to make:) Rachel

too funny :)

I use Bank of America. We put groceries, gas, pretty much anything on it. come Christmas we should be able to earn enough points to get around $300 which helps sooo much! Rachel

Beautiful. Congratulations!! Rachel

I think it's fine to go back to a younger grade, just get the basics and get them strong. I had to do the same with my 6th grader:) Rachel

Wow, that sounds really awesome. I'll have to look into it! Thanks~ Rachel