Neither of my parents is what I'd consider a "science person," but they did give me the freedom to wonder and experiment. I enjoyed science in school, and by high school I knew I wanted to study something in the science field in college. I double-majored in biology and English, and years later wrote my own science curriculum (My World Science). With my own kids I've provided opportunity to explore whatever interests them. Starting when they were very young we spent lots of time outside looking at nature. I have several microscopes, numerous field guides, way too many science experiement books, animal cages, aquariums, chemicals, rock collections...you name it, we probably have it somewhere. If the kids have an interest, they have the means to investigate, experiment, and read. I try to encourage and ask questions to make them think (and then look for answers). Ria

We just got brand a new LG Tromm Steam Washer and Steam Dryer. Although they have some good colors, I went with white. First, it's a lot less expensive (yes, they charge more for colors!). Second, no matter where I move in the future, I don't have to worry about the color of the appliances clashing with the room decor. Ria

We homeschooled our first two (twins) all the way through high school. They attended a co-op with other highschoolers for the first two years and then took classes at the local community college and university the last two years. They were happy, and it worked for us and them. Our third child started at the public high school in Feb. of this year, in 10th grade. We were in a homeschool co-op, but he was not happy. He wanted to be in classes daily with other kids. I could see that the co-op was not a challenge at all for him, so we enrolled him (and his three younger brothers, grades 8, 6, and 5). For us, this has been a good choice. All four of the boys did very well. The academics were great...I was very impressed (for example, the school didn't bat an eye when I told them my 8th grader was in Alg 2...they offer that in 8th grade!). The variety of classes available for my high schooler far exceeds what I (or any co-op) could ever hope to offer. He thrived. He made some wonderful friends - nice kids, not scary kids, lol. He's never been happier, and we are happy for him. He's been able to tailor his classes to his needs (he wants to major in business in college, and the school offers some great business courses; he is in several honors classes, etc) and he's excited about learning. That excitement was missing here at home for the past few years, and I'm glad to see it back. So, all this said, I think the decision to send a child to ps or continue homeschooling through high school depends on the individual student's needs/desires. Another factor is the homeschooling parent's desire...I'll be honest and admit that after 16 years of homeschooling I was tired. :) Ria

LOL. This is just the beginning. When they get a little older and get a copy of Backyard Ballistics the fun *really* begins! Ria

We enjoyed them!

Yippee!! What fun! Congratulations! Ria (who has the opposite family...5 boys and 1 girl!)

I've been making my own. You can google it. The ingredients are water, washing soda (found in the laundry aisle of the grocery store), borax, and a bar of soap (I use Fels Naptha). The recipe I use calls for 1/2 cup of the borax and washing soda, 2 gallons of water, and 1/3 bar of the soap. It couldn't be easier to make, and it's very mild. I store the liquid in gallon milk jugs. BTW, this works great in the new front-load washers. :) Ria

Congratulations, Jean! You look fantastic! :) Ria

I don't think they are necessary. You'll do fine with just the student text. Ria

Erica, I really enjoyed PA Cyber's Calvert option when our boys were in elementary and middle school. PA Cyber was unobtrusive, Calvert is great, and school was wonderful. Our problems with PA Cyber came when the kids got to high school...we found the record-keeping to be lacking, test scores would disappear from the computer, and I didn't find the courses to be challenging across the board (some were, but some weren't). Ultimately we took all the kids out of PA Cyber, went back to homeschooling independently for 6 months, and then enrolled them in our local public schools this past Feb. We are very pleased with our decision and the schools have been fantastic. I wouldn't hesitate to use PA Cyber for elementary school as long as you can use Calvert. I don't think too highly of the Lincoln Interactive courses...they pale in comparison to Calvert. Hope this helps... Ria

That would certainly affect the situation! I have no experience in that arena, but I see your point, and it is well taken. Thank you!! Ria

I simply cannot fathom a child doing that...or it being allowed. It's just beyond my comprehension. Ria

No. Homeschooling was working very well for us at that point, and for the next 15 years. My kids loved it, I loved it, dh loved it, and every single one of us thought it was the best thing ever. Should the OP continue homeschooling? Only she and her family know the answer to that one. If it's not best for her family, she'll know it in her heart. If homeschooling is best, then she'll know that as well, and she'll stick with it. Ria

I think it's a valuable test. If your child is years behind the average at that particular grade level, it would give you a great indication that your child is struggling with certain things. Ria

I recently enrolled four of my sons in school (10th, 8th, 6th, and 5th grades). I have homeschooled for 16 years quite successfully (my twins homeschooled and got into great colleges). For me, however, the passion for homeschooling was gone. My 10th grader asked to go to school, and I realized that I just didn't want to do this anymore. So, I guess you could say I threw in the towel...but I spent many a happy year homeschooling. Not every situation fits every child, or every family. Do what is best for you and your kids. Ria

I would do option #2, except cover with plastic wrap and microwave it. That's how we always do our corn. Ria

Twins' and triplets' lungs mature much earlier than singletons. The more stress a baby is under in utereo, the better the chance of early lung development. Singletons born at 36 weeks can have breathing and suck/swallow problems. My twins were born at 36 weeks and came right home, but I've had friends whose singeltons have been born at 36 weeks and had issues. Ria

LLBean has some wonderful peached percale sheets. They aren't flannel, but they are much softer than the regular percale sheets. My dh and I love them so much we bought two sets. Ria

Scratches are normal. Use it. Ria

How about a video instead of a ditty? This is the one I really like. Click on knit stitch and voila! http://www.helloknitty.com/videoinstr.htm I've been quite successfull in learning continental and can do it quickly now. Good luck. Ria

I plan two weeks at a time for dinners and breakfasts. I'm just totally clueless otherwise. Do NOT ask me to cook on short notice...I can't do it. I need a plan. Ria

Fun, fun, fun!!! Ria

Almost 19-yr old boy/girl twins here. We homeschooled them all the way through. They are now freshmen in college (different schools, but only 20 minutes away from each other - they are still best friends and talk daily!). Our other boys are 15, 13, 12, and 11. Have fun!! Ria

My goodness, no! Just get some very strong sunscreen and use it liberally while on the cruise. Don't forget to put it on the tops of your feet if you are barefoot or in sandals (ask me how I know, lol!). And bring a sunhat. You'll be just fine. Ria

Fascinating...but why is the British family eating a mayonnaise sandwich? Gack!! Ria