Hope this isn't too late, Sear the roast in oil on all sides. Mix one packet french onion soup mix, 1 c. water, pour over roast and veggies (carrots, potatoes, onions), put in crock pot (or oven) at 300 and cook for HOURS. The longer the better in my opinion. Make a gravy with a little cornstarch in the drippings after removing the roast and veggies. Too yummy!

ROFL! That is what my kids would say. Actually, it would be, "Mommy can't function in the morning until she's had at least 4 cups of coffee." Can't imagine where she heard that! :rolleyes:

We used the Wee Sing songs to learn the books. All 3 of the girls can sing them without problem now.

How about Farmer Boy? There are a LOT of descriptions of the work they have to do as well as interactions within the family. That is my favorite Little House book.

EXACTLY what she said. That's funny, we had 3 of my 4 before DH joined, my 4th was born while he was deployed. As far as how it works with a family, I think the personality of the wife has SO much to do with it. You can either choose to handle it, or not. DH is National Guard and it's so hard because, for a lot of the women, they signed up for weekend drill, they didn't plan on 'real deployment'. Now the NG is being deployed every other year in many cases and these guys (and families) aren't in the 'Army' mindset. They are leaving behind careers and situations that were never intended to be left for more than a year at a time. That is terribly difficult for everyone involved. But, I wouldn't trade it for the world. DH is thriving in his role, he is loves what he is doing, and it makes for a happier life for all of us, even if he has to be gone. We also both feel God has led us to this position. Things have always worked for the best even if it wasn't what we would choose on our own. I have seen blessings that I never would have known if we hadn't decided to follow God's direction and I can't imagine my life any other way now.

DH and I were talking about this the other evening. There are a bunch of us "middle of the road" people here who homeschool. Plain old moms and dads who feel that schooling their children at home is the best answer who don't fall into an extremely religious or political category. BUT It seems to me that there are even more similarities between the "extremes" of homeschoolers. Either completely religious or completely secular. (No tomatoes please). My friends who are extremely CC are very interested in returning to a more 'natural' way of life. They are growing their own food, organically, they are separating themselves from government influence, they are trying to become more and more self-sufficient. They are trying to lessen their impact on the environment (not necessarily intentionally, but that is the result of their choice in lifestyle). Does that sound familiar to anyone? It sounds very similar to what my extremely 'liberal' (for lack of a better word) friends are doing. They want a more natural lifestyle, less intrusion by the government, to be left alone to do what they are doing. Obviously, the politcal and social beliefs would be different, their motivation for what they are doing is different, but the way they go about it is so much the same. Off to get more coffee! Good morning!

I'm in N. Dallas. I would love to find a group, not necessarily for academics though! RHSA is very academically oriented from what I can tell. We just need some HS friends!

They just changed the rules in Dec. so that Space-A is available to dependents of deployed service members anywhere they fly. It used to only be available OCONUS, but now we can fly anywhere CONUS or OCONUS. I think we'll start with a short (stateside) trip before we attempt Europe. That will be hard enough with 4 kids and without DH. How fun! Guess it's wrong to wish DH would just get going already! JUST KIDDING! I don't want him to go, but if he has to I'm going to make the most of it! Last time he went I spent the first half pregnant and the second half with newborn. Not the greatest fun I've ever had in my life! An adventure, yes, but not necessarily fun.

I'm using the red book for 6yo and the yellow for 8yo. I really like that the phonics isn't overwhelming. Both are reading well already, so that may not be what you're asking. There is good phonics reinforcement, but it's not overkill (IMHO). I still use ETC with the 6 yo just to keep her paying attention to word patterns, plus she enjoys it and it keeps her occupied when I'm working with the older dd.

Hello everyone, I've been lurking on these boards for a while now, but just recently decided to register and post! Nice to meet y'all and I appreciate all your wisdom and experience! Now, this has nothing to do with hsing, really... I've noticed there are several military families on this board and I'm looking for info on Space-A travel. Not just links, I think I've read most everything there is to read, but personal experiences. My DH will be deploying this year and I have a sister in England and brother will be in Germany. I would *love* to take the kids and spend time over there but airfare will be close to $6000.00. SOOOO, has anyone actually used Space-A and was it a good/bad/neutral experience? TIA!

Of course I'm not in the upper years yet, but of the PS teachers I know, they all have to try to balance educating their classes - 20-24 students, plus being a mom, caring for a home, cooking meals, etc. We are doing similar work, but I only have my 4 to care for and educate. They don't live in a school bubble where that's all they do. They have all the normal family stress PLUS the education of the children they are responsible for. I'll take my load any day! ;)