Do you think that you could run tang through an He washing machine?? The afresh that we get for that to prevent the clothes and towels from smelling like mildew is crazy expensive...I wonder if Tang would work just as well. Or where would you get other citric acid "rinses" to clear things out??

We used Write at Home last school year and absolutely loved it. She had a great coach - and the feedback that we got from her was so helpful. We did not use it this year because of the expense. However, with the year off - I know we HAVE to go back to it - and it's now in the budget!

I got my first two weeks up on Wednesday...and I am behind again! http://sunshineandlemonade.blogspot.com/2009/08/homeschool-week-in-review-weeks-1-and-2.html

We used Write at Home this year - and I think it was my daughter's favorite thing. I really liked that I did not have to critique her writing - or have to figure out what should I expect from a 5th grader. I do think a huge part of the experience is to get a good coach. And we had a great one. I do agree that the initial outlay is alot. I am planning to sign up at the homeschool expo and get a discount. But...I have never heard of some of the other programs mentioned in this thread...might have to do some pretty quick research!

We have a similar schedule. And after living on drive thrus...my hips bear the evidence...we had to make a change. Some weeks I do a lot of cooking on the weekend - and I have the girls help. And then we just heat things up as left overs. We love breakfast for dinner. And eggs or pancakes are really quick to make. Other nights I have my husband in charge of grilling out. I rarely use the crockpot - I am sure it's an operator error issue...but I just don't care for what I create in there! No matter what it is...it all tastes the same!

We have a lady who comes in once a week. She does not do baseboards or windows or anything like that. And she is not responsible for cleaning up our clutter. She is not going to take all the stuff off the bookcase and deep clean. But she changes the sheets every other week. And every other week she does our basement, too. Another thing to take into consideration is the part of the country you are in...I am sure that geography has a lot to do with the expectations of pay! You are welcome to PM me if you want more details...like the size of our house and the exact amounts we pay...

What?? You are going on Saturday and not Friday?? How will I know what to buy without your influence? Then again...you have already influenced so much of what I have...

I am going on Friday...hoping to get another discount for Write at Home. And who knows what else "must haves" I'll find.

Awww...thanks Katherine! I love Library thing. It helps me keep track of what I have read already...especially when I tend to read a lot of smutty romances...they tend to run together. Did I just write that? :001_huh:

There is absolutely nothing to feel guilty about. People make choices all the time on how they want to spend their money. And this is a choice we make as well. I have someone come in weekly. But to prep for her, we have to clean up. I think this is the main motivation in our house to deal with our clutter!;) And even with my husband out on disability earlier this year...I would still have not given up that help. Even if it meant eating mac and cheese and ramen noodles!

"Summerland" is one of my all time favorite YA books. There is a lot of Native American lore. Viking lore. Fantasy. But...if you are a Conservative Christian family, I think you can find a lot to admire in it too. Including faith. And especially at the end...how just having the tiniest amount of belief is what can save you...

Mine is up. On our visit to see the King Tut exhibit and the Terracotta warriors.

I almost didn't see this! Mine is up. All about our visit with Santa. And my 7 year old's very strange assertations...

Mine is up. All about our partridge in a pear tree. Ooops. I mean about our kitty in a Christmas tree...

I don't think I did a WW last week. But then again, my WW posts are just like my other days. Wordy. Today's is about my daughter performing at the Fox Theatre last night.