My oldest will be 11 this fall, and so far we hve nevered used them. (We have used Saxon the whole time...) I haven't the heart to tell my MIL, who bought them, that we don't use them! I should just bring them out for the 4 yo to play with...(something different than the counting bears!)

We are in year 6 of homeschooling and I have learned to keep it simple. If soemone is sincerely interested in what we do then I share. But other than that, I do not care what anyone thinks! It is a waste of time presenting your reasons and proving that your choices are logical! Usually the ones who have a problem with homeschooling are ignorant, feel guilty about their own decisions or are on a power trip (usually academics!) There is not much you can say to those types. Most of the time people are mildly interested but really don't give it a second thought, or think they can't do it for whatever reason, or they truly think that homeschooling is really cool. Now there is a welcome conversation!

Wow! that is so wierd! She was the first character I thought of. That scene at the end where she breaks down into tears and loses all self-control gets me very time!!! You are Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see

Isn't the shopping only open on Saturday?? I love that restaurant!!! Yum! Maybe we'll go there for lunch! I so can't wait to explore the vendors!!!!! it is almost like Heaven for me (hell for the kids though!!!) Caroline

It is all we have used. My kids like to have things mixed up a bit and don't enjoy repetition! I did not grow up seeing the "whole" picture when it came to math. I very much appreciate how Saxon builds the lessons up, even from the beginning. It reminds me of how my girls are learning gymnastics. It seems simple and tedious at first, but those muscles are growing with each lesson. (Including my own!) There are a few methods that Saxon uses that I learned a different way, and so I do teach the kids the only way I learned if I find it too confusing their way. But for the most part, I stick to the scripted versions. As a side note, we do not do every problem. I have been letting them do all odds or evens. Whatever they get wrong, I have them correct and do an extra problem. I love Saxon and won't fix or replace what ain't broken!

Just wondering who is going to INCH in Lansing, Mi. I am planning on just doing the shopping on the Saturday. The workshops and seminars are not my cup of tea!

I agree that homeschooling can be very fulfilling in the creativity dept of my brain. I also love to bake. I found out that I like to garden (hate pulling weeds though!) And I can't wait to plant some trees and bushes this year. Just need my dh approval and help. I taught an art class to homeschoolers and found out that I love to draw and paint. (I had forgotten...) But I prefered the prep work and not so much dealing with an inattentive group of kids ages 3-12. I love to write too, but mostly in email form lately. I am sharing a journal with a good friend. She writes in it one week and then I write in it the next. We put little side notes and drawings as well as magazine clippings. It has been so fun. Much better than coffee visits and phone calls which are few and far between. the next thing I want to learn how to do is make my own pasta. I just need the little attachment to go with my mixer. My dh rolled his eyes when I told him that! Last year he said we lived in appliance hell. I would love to have my own bakery. Maybe some day.... bakery/coffeeshop/art gallery/bookstore.

Sorry, she bugged me and I am still sore about the Aussie being booted. :seeya::seeya:

My ds 8 is going thorught he same thing for the past 4 yrs. His best friend lives a few houses down, and he is 2 yrs younger! He has been blessing as he is very sweet and they get along well. The other boys who are my sons age are so mean. When they were a lot younger it was not this way. But now, the older boys in the sub all hang out and will occasionally come over and invite my son to play. (It is the boys 2 and 3 yrs older who are the bad influence. ) My son has quite a strong will and will stand there and take the abuse. But it hurts him immensely. It has only been the last year where he and this younger boy have been spending lots of time together. I don't know what we'd do without him!

I got tired of looking for the perfect planner and have yet to find one. they are either too big or not geared to my needs or too expensive! (Or requie batteries and my impatience with the stylus pen for the Palm!) So I made my own 1 1/2 binder and have it all separated the way I like it. it is still a little too cumbersome. I will work on it over the summer. Please keep sharing ideas!!!!!!!! Croline

I feel the same! I have been mixing things up a bit and doing our subjects in a different order or try to lighten the mood up a bit with some goofiness. With our history (which we are so behind in...) i have been spending more time with them discussing what we've read. We have barely done any science this year, but I do plan on doing more "field research" once it gets warmer and they are done with their inside work! (Lots of nature walks and trips to the lakes etc...) Hang in there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:patriot:

I am shocked. I will buy his album when he makes one. (He reminds me so much of Michael Hutchins from INXS, and oddly enough a sober Jim Morrison!) I think he is very talented. Maybe it's the accent....I am a sucker for accents.

We lived in England when I was a kid (1977-1980). My dad worked for Ford and was tranfered over there for 3 years. I went back for 1 1/2 yrs for college. Living in england and having the opportunity to see Europe is probably the best thing that ever happened to me! Or at least it had the most impact on forming the person I am today. We might be going over in November (dh and kids). England will always be in my heart! Treasure every second. On a side note, as much as I loved England, I love America more! It is VERY difficult to be away from home for so long. You will have a GREAT appreciation for the US like never before. Be prepared.

I know how you feel! It is very difficult to do our lessons with the 3 yo dd distracting us/or making unbelievable messes somewhere else in the house. The house is definitely not looking the way I want it too! But I'd rather have a less than perfect house than a quiet one. I think I would even be more crazy if I had to have the kids going in different directions and having to keep up with the homework, teacher notes and bus schedules. I like having my family "contained" and being in charge of what our day is like. The kids fight enough as it is, and the older ones want to see their friends every chance the get. But they are very close and intimate. I hope that the relationship that they will have when they are adults will be a very strong one. It is worth the madness that I have to endure most days!!

Please, PLEASE don't tell me he is the Aussie. I love his voice and looks as well!