Ok, I did a quick Google and that is indeed what the glass ones are used for. I have no idea about the plastic. I don't think I have ever noticed them, I avoid the gas station/convenience store! Just thought it an interesting tidbit, particularly in light of this discussion. Crazy world we live in, huh?

Ok, so on the gas station roses, I just had a conversation with someone this weekend and they told me the glass vile is used to smoke c r a c k. :confused1: I prefer the very sweet stories I am reading here! I have no idea if there is any truth in that, but when I saw those brought up in this thread, I just had to throw that out there since it was a just a topic of recent conversation.

Always breakfast for dinner on Halloween night. It is easy, a guarantee the kids will eat and lots of protein before the great candy gorge.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney (such a beautiful story and message!) I also love Roxaboxen and Ox-Cart Man both illustrated by Barbara Cooney. Roxaboxen is based on a true story and is so lovely! I think you've gotten some really great, classic recommendations, so I'll stop, but I had to mention the above three.

Here's mine: Cream: 1 stick of softened butter 1/2 c. white sugar 1/2 c. brown sugar (this is a half a cup less than most back of the bag recipes call for, we don't notice the missing sugar, but you may) Add 1 egg and mix well, then add another egg mix well 1 tsp. vanilla, I eyeball and probably add more Mix well Add: 2 1/4 c. flour 1 t. baking soda 1/2 t. salt When almost all mixed, add a bag of chocolate chips (we are loving Ghiradelli bittersweet lately...mmmm! or milk chocolate chips...more mmm!) Sometimes I put the dough in the fridge to chill for about 10-15 minutes. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees. This does not make a ton of cookies, but this is my tried and true recipe. I always get compliments on my cookies. :) Enjoy!!

Verra nice, I'll take those as well. (and now I am thinking I may need a Jamie and Claire re-read, at least Outlander) I dearly love those books. I would also love for her deliver The Rhythm of the Home by Amanda Blake Soule, Sew Liberated by Meg McEltee and she can surprise with the last! :)

Yes, in all subjects. We don't use Saxon (MM), but I rarely let him skip problems. If you didn't get it right the first go 'round, you likely didn't understand, so I reteach and we try again. ETA: I should say, I can often tell if it is a calculation problem that caused the mistake or a true misunderstanding of the concept. I reteach when the latter is the case, otherwise I ask him to check his work and try again on his own before stepping in.

*love* our planetboxes. Little lunch containers are the bane of my existence, planetbox has the organization I want, with the simplicity I need. I totally sound like an infomercial or something. LOL Not getting paid for my opinion, I just really love this lunchbox!

I would love to hear from those with spouses who are opposite in social needs. How do you balance being social with other families with your spouse's desire to be home (or not in a social setting w/ others)? How can you be fair to a more introverted spouse who likes quiet while honoring a more extroverted spouse's desire to connect with families/groups as a family unit? :bigear:

I have tried a number of ways to make history and science work simultaneously and have always ended up frustrated. This year I blocked the two subjects. We started school with an 8 week block of history beginning with pre-history and working through the ancient civilizations of Sumer, Egypt, Indus River and ending in China. We are using K12s HO and STOW. Then we took a week break and started a 6 week block of science. We have a break for a family trip and Thanksgiving and then spend some time on history. After the new year we will spend most of January wrapping up history and then after a winter break will start back on science. (I think this is how I remember planning the year...my notebook isn't in front of me!) We spend 4-5 days on the subject in focus each week. It has allowed us to get a little deeper into the subject and definitely helped me not feel as stressed about 'getting it done'. We have been reviewing the first block's learning orally during random times. STOW is available to them for to listen to. We make history notebooks that we will review before we start the next block. Also, when we review, I typically hit the general 'big idea'. So, when we talk about ancient civilizations we talk about what was needed for those civilizations to thrive, features that made it possible for people to settle etc. I do not know what their retention will look like, but this is working for us this year and I am enjoying it much more! :)

I bought mine from US Markerboard a couple of months ago. Mine is quite large 7 ft. x 4 ft., I think. It is magnetic, wood trimmed and has a chalk railing. It was not cheap, kudos on the the $20 score posted earlier...I wish! Anyway, not cheap, but we really love our chalkboard. It is used everyday and makes me very happy! :) HTH

I think the message was loud and clear, "Stay away from your crazy parents!" Poor kid. :(

We have been using WWE with my oldest since about half way through 3rd grade. We are finishing up our 8th week of school (5th grade for him, we just finished WWE3) and I am really pleased with his writing progress. It has been a slow, diligent process but I can say I have seen some amazing gains! I am not sure how he would measure up to the public school counterparts, BUT he doesn't hate writing and I can see that if we continue this diligent process, he will be fine. I definitely did not feel that way in 2nd grade! Hang in there! :)

I just wanted to say that I was the "This is an interesting read, but disheartening." It has been an invaluable discussion and I really have appreciated it. I know there is a lot of truth in what has been shared. All of that can be true and present, but it can still be disheartening for me personally. I don't think that is reason for concern or alarm. I personally am struggling with the "Why I am doing this?" question and in a lot of ways this thread affirmed much of that for me. Joanne and a number of others have shared their seasoned experiences. Many of those experiences share a common thread. Is seeing many of the fears and worries come to fruition in these shared experiences ever easy for someone? In my first post on this thread I was merely making a personal observation. I find it rather amusing that people are taking issue with those of who found these words disheartening or in any way discouraging. We are all looking at things through the lens of our own autobiography, is it so surprising that to some those words would land that way? Does that mean I can't see truth in them? Or that I am unable or unwilling to hear them objectively and apply them to my personal situation? Not for me. But I can still be disheartened, because I do want the best for my children and I am constantly wondering if I am the person who can provide the best. Sorry if this a rambly mess, it is why I do more reading than replying.

This has been an interesting read, although somewhat disheartening. I have spent most of the day thinking about this thread and future plans.

Just bought one from Amazon made by Sierra Designs. I think they discount their colors from last season, so you may be able to find one at a reasonable price. It really is a lovely coat. My dd did a test drive in some recent rainy weather and said, "It really does keep the rain out Mom!" It has a nice lining inside that doesn't seem to have that uncomfortable raincoat feeling. HTH!

I know this is a really old thread, but just wanted to update. I think I am supposed to do that in the original post, but I could not figure it out...sorry! I sent an e-mail asking that it be removed ASAP and she sent me back a nice e-mail apologizing and took it down immediately. Pretty non eventful. :) I know some people don't understand why people care about this. For me, the main issue is that these are my children and I feel like I should be the one deciding if pictures of them are posted or not. It's not really some one else's prerogative, even if there are children all over the 'net. I have no idea what the tech future holds, what type of software will be available or how this landscape will look. I don't want to assume that my children want their photos out in tech land. Once it is out there, it doesn't go away. If, as adults, they make that choice then it will be their choice and not mine.

:iagree: Yes, I think Audrey hit the nail on the head. It sounds more like general household management is what is overwhelming. I know money is an issue, but I have had a professional organizer come to my house a couple of times and while my time was gift, I know it was very reasonable. It may be some thing to think about and plan for in the future as you readjust and figure out what works for you. For me, it was nice to have that focused, accountable time. I probably would not have made it if it wasn't paid for and a clear block of dedicated time. Just a thought. Best!

Is there any way you could slowly take over those duties a bit at a time before letting her go? I am guessing she is already gone, but I think it would be an easier transition on you if you did a little at a time, especially since it sounds like you have a bit of a learning curve. On my forever things to do list, I have create a seasonal rotating menu. I would start w/ what foods your family usually eats and likes. I would think easy and quick as you re acclimate. I like to buy a cookbook or two every year for inspiration. I really like Avi Goldfarb's Six O'Clock Scramble books. We like most of the recipes and they give suggestions for sides, which is something I always need. I would love, love to have an "Alice"! That is sort of my dream. Best as you transition to your new normal! In a few months you'll be amazed at how you manage it all! :)

My dh says the open ones, with no one working or monitoring, open all the time, seem to attract the less desirable crowd in his experience. He and our oldest have been to a couple park. He saw the language and shady activity play out in parks that were not monitored. Our local park, which is monitored and attended, may still have some of that, but not to the extent of the open ones. My dh is a pretty open, go with the flow type of guy. After a recent visit to a new, unmonitored park he came home a bit disappointed in the behavior and attitude of some of the kids. He said you could tell these kids were just using the park as a gathering, hang out place, not to actually skate. He now opts to visit those types of parks when school is in session. :) We do not and would not allow our son to go to a skate park unattended at his age. He did do a summer camp through the rec department this summer at the skate park, but he and the other campers were skating in the morning before the park was open to the public. It was a great price and a great way for him to gain a little more comfort on the ramps without the intimidation and pressure of older, more experienced skaters.

Ahh, you are correct, it is finding no results. Hmmm

I just placed an order and it was fine.

I am seriously considering Chalean. One major hold-up is running Cross in high school did my poor knees no favors and I am worried it will too hard on my knees. All those jumping jacks in 30 Shred were too much for me after a couple of days. The other hold up is that we have a trip to the mouse ears scheduled in November and I would not be able to get quite through the 90 days. It has been a while since I was actively working out and I am not sure if I'll even be able to get through the workout! I *really* need and want to get back on the exercise train. The whole 4 kids sort of did me in in that department, but I know it is essential to my mental health. I have maybe 15 pounds that I've accumulated the last 10 years having babies and I would love to banish them. As it is I look pretty good (thank you genetics!), but I would love to push it over the top to WOW! So, I am a strong, strong maybe. Somebody talk me into it! :)

That's why I put her book on my 'to read' list! I love that school room, it makes me want to re-do mine. I figured if she had a room that evoked such emotion from me, then maybe her book would too.

Uh huh!! :iagree: My dh always teases me when I re-read those books. "Ah, Claire, my Sassenach" (Yes, he did listen to the first book on tape!)