Me too! I used CK for this year as a "spine" for history. I like the layout and the little bits of common knowledge that sometimes is left out of other curricula.

With my fourth (he is a few months old now) that put us at 4 kids under 6 years old. It's tough, and this last one turned my world upside down for awhile. It was so topsy turvy that some well meaning family are constantly suggesting I get my tubes tied. I'd love to have more, but I know that my body and mentality cannot handle more (at least not right now). With that said, I love having four kids and being a large family by today's standards. It has certainly changed our world into a simplier and less materialistic existence. The money just isn't there to buy luxuries, and there are too many of them at such a young age to be hauling around town everyday. I'm sure as they age we will get out more, but right now I love the quietness of our life. I call my fourth our life changer. I love him and all the painful changes I went through!

That's good to hear. I keep looking at them, but then I see something else that I want to try (right now it's All About Spelling).

Ah, that's it! Interesting story.

I can't remember the name, but I remember the story. Maybe someone can help me out? (I read the thread but don't remember seeing this story listed). It was a story about a soldier that was being hung, the rope broke and he fell into the river and escaped. The story followed his escape and then at the end it was really just a series of events in his mind as he died at the end of the rope. Ring a bell?

I'm looking into Kolbe as well, now! I think I might use all their Language/Spelling/Writing/Phonics, Religion, and Bible history so I have lesson plans and tests. I'm stcking with Math Mammoth for 2nd grade instead of MCP. As it stands, I don't think I'll register since it's cheaper to do it on my own and I don't need a transcript right now. I do think I'll need a transcript for middle school if we send them to the private HS, so I want to get into Kolbe's method early on in anticipation of enrolling in a few years.

I am doing MM grade 1 and we enjoy it's simplicity. We spend about 20-40 min on math each day, and I consistently do the cummulative reviews after each chapter. I use manipulatives when the lesson doesn't click (usually I use the box of crayons that's always on out table), and there are additional games and worksheets provided for more review. I haven't used anything else, so I can't compare, sorry. HTH

Here's a link to a lesson plan for Peter and The Wolf http://www.classicsforkids.com/teachers/lessonplans_prokofiev.asp

I tried to teach the clock section in the first grade curriculum and gave up after a few sheets. It just wasn't clicking. That was about two months ago and we will begin this chapter again tomorrow. I hope she's ready for it now. If not, I'll put it off until the summer. What you describe sounds confusing to me, so maybe just up it off for a few months?

The Primary Phonics from this site (School Specialty Literacy and Intervention) was used in my daughters K class last year. They have a lot of different programs that would be easy to use.

We looked into dance for our daughter but the fees and recitals and outfits (three different costumes, three different shoes, workout wear) put it out of our reach. Why can't they just learn how to dance in shorts and a shirt? I'm just talking about introduction to dance, not classes for someone that is really good at dancing and is entering the discipline. I just wanted to expose my girl to dancing!

We're battling mice as well. We had three in the house and we caught two by cashing them down with bowls one day. The kids thought that was great fun! There is still one lurking in the garage.

Thanks for the link. I've often wondered about the difference. I have not tried steel cut because the price is so high, but I've heard they taste so much better than the rolled oats. Weston A Price (Nourshing Traditions) recommends rolled oats soaked overnight just because they hydrate better than steel cut.

Mother's Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot http://www.mothersruleoflife.com/ I've found some very helpful tidbits in this book.

My 4.5 ds has a Tag Reader that he enjoys, he also does dot-to-dots and maze books independently. We also have small write on/wipe off boards and books that he loves. Lara Newbie