I'm really glad you've come to this conclusion. Each family is unique, and we need to decide for ourselves what is best for our kids. It's wonderful to be a part of such a huge community (homeschooling) but if you need to make a change for your child's sake (or even for the family's sake), by all means do it and don't feel guilty! But I do know what you mean, as I felt the same way when I was younger. Sometimes it takes living a while in the trenches to put things in perspective.

Fifiruth, can you hire a local college student to teach upper-level math? I don't think I could have done it myself!

Yes, I homeschooled all the way through, and... It all worked out! I outsourced high school math, which helped immensely. (And a few other classes along the way, e.g. French for DD1). It was a great ride (not every day was great, but looking back it was a great adventure). I am so glad I stuck it out. Each of my kids has thanked me for homeschooling them—and that's no lie. :D :party:

Just discovered this thread yesterday. I cannot imagine what you're going through, but I know the stress of having a son in a health crisis. I am praying fervently for you and your family—especially for peace and wisdom for you, and healing and comfort for your son. I am so sorry...

Tammy—So how many years will it be for you when you're finished? Any plans for post-homeschool?

Welp, that's it. Twenty-one years and I'm finished. My youngest DD just graduated high school. I'm not freaking out or anything; I'll still teach Spanish for our co-op and have plenty to keep me busy. It's just a strange, sad/happy feeling. No more home lessons to plan or assignment sheets to print out. And no more "did you finish your math?" Anyone else "retired" and still hanging out here? How did you handle the adjustment?

Thanks very much!

Thank you for the replies! I have checked out CAP but the local chapter meets on a night that is not available to DD as she has another commitment. She is not interested in the military, but it sounds like an excellent program in many ways! Thank you, sunnyca, for the ISBN for Jeppsen's...I think that's what I was looking for. (And please thank your son!). We are also in So. Cal. so I appreciate your perspective.

DD 16 is planning to be a bush pilot and I want to put together an aviation elective. Has anyone done this? Anyone familiar with specific curriculum, documentaries, etc. I know PA Homeschoolers used to offer Aviation Science, but I don't see it listed on their site anymore (I couldn't afford them anyway). Our CC offers Aviation, but high schoolers don't generally get in to those classes, so I think she'll have to wait until after she graduates to do that.

Wow—thank you so much! Lots to listen to this week...

Thank you! I don't think I've heard Miranda Lambert. I'll check it out.

Who are your favorite country music artists? I'm branching out and need recommendations.

This.

My DD and her four best friends have a "Writing Group": they take turns meeting at each other's houses socializing, reading aloud their short stories and doing fun writing activities (e.g. they each start a story with a paragraph, then pass the paper on to the next person to add to—I think they like this best). They also spend an inordinate amount of time chatting about Dr. Who and other geek-girl things. And oh, my—the opinions fly! :laugh:

Still trying to figure this out, too.

We bought our first house 2 years after we were married and intended to stay 5 years or so, then move to a larger place to have room for more kids. That was 26 years ago and we're still in the same house. :laugh: Our girls have always shared a room and it hasn't really been a problem. We LOVE our neighborhood and are friends with several of the neighbors. The more I talk with other people, the more I realize that's not something to take for granted. I would have loved to have some land when the kids were growing up (I still would love that) but I'm not sure when or if we'll ever move. Who knows what the future holds...?

Saxon has step by step solutions in the Solutions manual. (I have Algebra 2 for sale used, BTW).

Thanks so much for your helpful responses! Lots to look into. Of course we would be up front about my lack of experience, but the director just wants to give parents the option of having someone available to teach Latin. I'll be exploring all of these suggestions in the months to come. Thank you again for your help.

Help! I teach Spanish 1 and 2 for our homeschool co-op. Our director has asked me to teach Latin next year as well. I have no experience with Latin other than playing Rummy Roots with my kids and being in a word-nerd family. So, two things: 1. Do you think this is even doable? Can I familiarize myself with basic Latin over the summer and kind of stay one step ahead of the students? 2. Please tell me about your favorite beginning Latin program. I've heard of Wheelocks and Henle (from this board) and will check them out, but I'd love to hear from people who have actually used these or other programs. Thank you!

DS19: Economic Facts and Fallacies (he discovered an affinity for economics after reading Sowell his senior year) and A Year with C.S. Lewis: Daily Readings From His Works DD15: Jules Verne trilogy

Can you hire a local homeschooled teen to take him to a nearby park for the morning, while you work with your older kids? By the time he comes home and eats lunch, maybe he'll be tired enough to take a nap or at least sit and watch Mr. Rogers re-runs. :) Or, maybe that's the time that he gets your undivided attention, in a good way. I don't see how old your other kids are, but can they do some of their work independently while you play with your toddler? This is a tough situation, but as mentioned above, it will pass. Get him into sports at an early age, so he has something productive to do with all that energy!

I still can't post my avatar. I've used the shrinkpictures website to size it, but when I upload it to the forum nothing happens. I've also tried just posting the url of the properly-sized photo, but again, nothing happens. What am I doing wrong?

Chick-fil-a In 'n Out

Just the five of us this year. And a torn-up kitchen :glare: as we wait for our new sink and counter to be installed AFTER Thanksgiving. (Then why did you tell me to go ahead and demo the old tile??!). I suggested going out for dinner this year and was immediately out-voted. "We can do this!" So, with plastic sheeting on the exposed plywood and spices packed in boxes in the bathroom... Turkey (DH grills it on the Weber each year—yum!), gravy from drippings Mashed potatoes with carmelized shallots Stuffing Green Beans with toasted almonds Fresh Orange-Cranberry Sauce Biscuits (I've done homemade, but DD and DH prefer Pillsbury!) I'll probably add roasted brussels sprouts and a green salad We'll nix the sweet potatoes this year; no one eats them Pumpkin Cheesecake; maybe I'll put a splash of my homemade vanilla in the whipped cream (hope it doesn't still taste like vodka! :laugh: ) Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for adults Martinelli's for kids (and no knock-off will do for DD) Coffee My kids all love to cook and have chosen which items they want to make, so I will probably mostly be hovering and sampling.

Until recently, they didn't know who Beaver Cleaver was. Wha...?