Please share any distance learning options for 8th graders that you know of. My dd needs to have some accountability to someone other than me for at least one class next year. We are open to all types of classes except math. (We are currently using Lial's algebra and it is going well.) She is interested in exploring on line/distance learning classes in science, history, Spanish, and/or language arts. thanks, LauraD in MN

I try to buy used, if the price is right (including shipping), otherwise I will buy new. I will always buy consumable workbooks new, I don't like any writing in those, even if it has been erased and is "like new". LauraD in MN

fans, here, too. The first and second cds are better than the third, in my opinion, and it is great fun for my violinist son to learn some of the pieces from the cds. LauraD in MN

well, as I laughingly told my family when we saw the preview for this movie, it has all the elements of a movie that I will just "love" (not!) Jack Black and animation, all rolled into one. I think I will skip this one, even if the reviews say it is great! LauraD in MN

about two weeks ago Target had the Wii on the front page of its ad. I walked into our store late on s Sunday afternoon, not really thinking I would be able to get one, but headed back to the electronics dept just in case. Well, they had so many Wiis that they couldn't fit them all on the shelf and had them stacked up behind the cash register. So, my advice, watch the ads, and then head to Target. Good luck! LauraD in MN

I check places like http://www.campusi.com to see what the item is currently selling for, including shipping, at places like half.com, etc. Then I price my things at a dollar or two less than the lowest price I see. I am selling my books to get rid of them and clear off the shelves, and I know I will only accomplish those goals if the items are priced to move! HTH, LauraD in MN

now, that was just hilarious!!! I can't wait to send it to DH! LauraD in MN

My dd was in school through 2nd grade, so she was used to having a summer break. And, so many of my kids' friends are in school with summer off, so if we want to see them and do fun activities, we need to have summer off, too. And, there are a lot of fun, semi educational camps offered around here, so we participate in some of those, too. LauraD in MN

this looks like a great cookbook. I just put a hold on it at the library, and through links was led to 200+ "quick and easy" cookbooks. I think I'll be busy for a while! LauraD in MN

I think it depends on who is teaching the class. The co-op we belong to hires professional teachers, and I expect to pay accordingly for those classes. We really do get what we pay for, which is high quality classes taught by professionals, who are teaching to make a living. We also participate in some informal classes that we do with other homeschooling families, and we only pay for supplies for those. In a sense we are bartering because we each teach sessions. To me, $50 per month may or may not be a lot, it depends on who is teaching the class, what their background is, and how many hours of classtime I get for that amount. LauraD in MN

a lot of the skateboarder/snowboarder guys knit their own hats, and I've seen some of those hats for sale for big bucks! There are lots of cool patterns out there that guys might like, such as the alligator scarf. And my DS loves knitted, stuffed toys, so I have thought about teaching him to make his own! LauraD in MN

could you carpool with another family? We started carpooling to our once a week co-op this year which is 25 minutes from our house, probably about 20 miles each way. It took a bit to get used to adjusting the schedule, but now it is working great. An extra 5 minutes each way every other week, and I am saving at least $7 on gas twice a month. There are a lot of activities that my kids want to do, but I really work to find a carpooling partner now to share the costs. LauraD in MN

Well, the Janet Evanovich books are laugh out loud funny, but a little bit PG-13, even PG-16. They are definitely fluff, and I would be embarrassed to be seen reading one in public, but good for a light hearted laugh! LauraD in MN

on my left arm, born in 1963. It is very small, much smaller than the one my dh has, and he was born in '57. LauraD in MN

I have to say thanks for posting this. I haven't heard about the free downloads from this site, and I have been downloading lots of Spanish titles for my kids to translate. (and the English version so I will know if they are getting it correct!) LauraD in MN

I enjoy both Top Chef and Project Runway. I have gotten to the point where I also like to read blogs about the shows, too, and I am now printing out recipes from Top Chef! LauraD in MN

at 10 my dd became more interested in crafts instead of playing with toys. (She still has several stuffed toys, but those are more for sentimental reasons than to play with.) Does your dd have any hobbies like knitting, scrapbooking, embroidery, photography? I got my dd supplies for her interests, and she really took off. LauraD in MN

After reading your initial post, I was going to suggest you contact the U of MN raptor center, even if you didn't live in MN. We have toured their facilities several times, and they do amazing things with injured raptors. I hope they will be able to help. LauraD in MN

My MIL loved to tell the story of my DH bringing her a bouquet of flowers around age 8 or 9 and saying, "my heart's waiting for you, mama." And my kids and I loved hearing it. You may be telling this story for a long time to come, so he had better get used to hearing it! LauraD in MN

DH is out of town, so I need to do all of the running around myself instead of our usual divide and conquer. So, it is off to bell choir practice for me, then run DS to violin lessons, quick run to the grocery store, then home to get DD and and make a dessert. Next it's off to a b-day party, then we go to another friend's home for dinner. However, it is so nice to be invited over for dinner, since we probably would have eaten junk at home since DH isn't home! LauraD in MN

hmm... I think our Goodwill prices things way too high, but after reading this thread, I may need to go and check it out again. LauraD in MN

great poster, and a great idea. I think my kids will enjoy doing something similar. LauraD in MN

thanks so much for posting this. We love Discovering Great Artists, and this book looks great, too. LauraD in MN

this certainly applies to my garden! thanks for sharing. LauraD in MN

Congratulations to both you and your daughter. What a great day for both of you! LauraD in MN