What I find interesting about this and that I have noticed that since I started walking for exercise 10 years ago (I do most of my walking outside) I get sick less often. I have talked to other walkers and they have also noticed the same thing. Karen

Wow you sound just like us from last year. Geometry we did Jacobs and I did not get DVD's so I had to work with him a lot. I ended up getting a second textbook just so we could each have our own. Don't expect a kid that is good in Algebra to get geometry. Geometry is a different beast. Sometimes I viewed Geometry more of an English/logic course. Encourage him to talk it out before he starts to wirte down statements/reasons for proofs. I told my son to picture a proof like a maze, each step has to lead to the next, some steps might seem unneeded put you can't just jump over the wall to get to the end. For some reason this really helped him. Chemistry we used Spectrum and Teaching Co DVD's OK without the Teaching co DVDs we would have never understood Chemistry. Mr. Mosley is wonderful and so easy to understand. He takes the fear out of Chemistry. We spent a lot of time on chemistry. I did it along with him although he really didn't need me once we had the DVD's He is better at balancing equations and Stoiciometry(sp?) than I am Writing High School essay insentive for IEW worked very well for him History a combination of Sonlight 100 and Sonlight 7 like your son mine also loves history...I think it is a homeschooling thing :) Last year was a lot, A LOT of work and me and for him. This is some of why we decided to send him to public school this year. Although our main reason was the quality of the school and the oppurtunity to take AP courses. I also felt he need to have input as to his writing ablity from someone other than me. Additionally the school offers an engineering club that is first rate. He is doing very well, and I think it was an excellent decision made at the perfect time. My thoughts are with you as you are taking on some very difficult subject matter. Karen

Since we have finished homeschooling I have a lot of materials to sell. I plan to post most of it here, but to sell the larger items(anyone want to come to Maryland for a $2500.00 lab science desk for just $100.00...it's like new) at a yard sale. At the moment I am just checking the wanted board and selling a few things that way. I am doing the poll to see if I should sit on the stuff til spring or try to sell it now.

Four of the credits were for work he had done in the 8th grade (Algebra, World History, Earth Science and Geography) We considered putting him in as an 11th grader, but his age is 10th grade and we wanted him to have a good adjustment year (ie he won't have any AP courses until next year) Karen

In order to graduate in Maryland at student has to take exams in Algebra and Data Analysis (this exam is 55 % algebra and 45 percent data)***see note Biology English 10 American Government With only 24 hours notice and no idea what would be on the test ds took it and received a very good score. He knows that with some review and advance prep he can do better(he can take it again) It was mainly the data questions that tripped him up as we had not done that in years. They really just wanted to make sure he was placed in the right level of math. He also took an in course exam for Algebra 2(the class final exam) and received a grade of 93. The trig teacher was very impressed as she knew he had done Geometry last year. She also looked through his Geometry work (Jacobs second edition) and was very, very impressed with the material we had covered. He had a worksheet to do in his trig class today and said it was very easy. He is probably the youngest student in the trig class. I am very proud of him. He spent about 2 hours telling me about his day and setting up his binders for his classes. We also had a ton of paperwork to do. He is excited and tired and maybe a bit overwhelmed. All in all I think he is doing great. Oh and Staples is crazy the night kids go back to school. The lines where ten people deep. *** NOTE in Maryland you take 3 level of Algebra (Algebra 1/Data, Algebra 2 and Algebra 3. The chalkdust course actually going up to some of the Algebra 3 material. Karen

In Maryland their is a rule in the board of education concerning homeschooling. At first the counselor said flat out they would not take any credits(she didn't know about the rule). Then our home school liason (she works for the public school system) stepped in and even attended a meeting with the guidance couselor with us. Honestly he received more credits than I could have hoped for. In total they gave him 12 credits ( I didn't list all of them earlier) I had boxes filled with the materials he had completed, as well as my teaching schedules. I had also prepared a portfolio with the work complete in each subject as well as pictures of the materials used. They were amazed, I don't think they had ever encountered a classical homeschooler before. He should be home soon. I hope his day when well; I am looking forward to hearing all about it.

He is 15 and has been homeschool all of his life. We live in a neighborhood with a lot of kids so he knows everyone on the bus. It was raining this morning so most of the parents drove the kids to the bus stop. He said he was nervous but excited too. We weighed a lot of pros and a few cons before making this decision. We have a wonderful public high school that offers a lot of AP courses, tech courses and computer courses. His first semester as a 10th grader he will be taking English 10, Biology, Trig, and French 1 He has already tested out of the high school graduate requirement for Algebra (thank you chalkdust for preparing him so well) He had to take the Algebra exam after not having algebra for over a year(we did geometry last year) and received a wonderful score. They have also granted him credits in Chemistry, Geometry, World and Us History, American Government, Health and PE, and music. He will be able to start taking AP courses in the 11th grade. He is very excited about joining the engineering club. My heart feels very good about this decision. Homeschooling was a wonderful experience for us, and I would not have changed a thing about it. Karen

Wow this sounds like just what my ds is asking me to put together for next year. Thank you so much for making this available to everyone. My e-mail is bkdimaio@comcast.net Karen

Well it only took us 9 1/2 years to put a blind up at the top of the high window in our foyer. This was mainly possible due to the generousity of our neighbor that let us borrow their extra tall ladder. I was still scared at dh had to stand on the top of the ladder to install the blind. I had to go outside and pretend he was sleeping on the sofa of something. Ds was the ladder spotter. We would like to get them something to say "thank you" I was thinking a card and Panera bread gift card. But I would like to hear what the wise minds on the forum can come up with. They are a lovely family that is always doing things for others. I recently made them a jar of homemade pickles from cucumbers that I had grown in our garden. They raved over them (I thought it was just a small thing really) She recently put in colorful flowers for a neighbor that was away on vacation because she thought they would like to come home to some color in their yard. So want to get the person that is always doing nice things for others. Thanks for your help. Karen

I quickly read through the replies and it sounds like things are going better. I also enjoy watching Victoria and always learn something from her. I have been in "dogs" all my life...I think you know I showed Shelties in Hawaii and now have a show corgi. When I returned from Hawaii I had a similiar experience with a Sheltie pup. I decided that she was peeing in the crate because she was "nervous" about having to be in there for another looooog trip. As suggested I started feeding her in the crate and then took her outside and really rewared her for going outside. She picked it up in no time and ended up also being one of the best obedience dogs I ever owned. I would also try doing a bit of clicker training with the crate to build a new positive association with the crate. At first put the dog gently in the crate, click , then give a small treat(I like Charlie Bear treats), then let the pup right out of the crate, repeat 5-7 times at first. Then add a command of crate, put the dog in the crate(although at this point the puppy may already get the game and go in on it's own, click and give a treat. Oh and I want to see pictures of you sweet pup....when you have time of course. Also I hope you children are feeling better. You certainly have had a lot to deal with the past few days. Karen

OK so lots of dogs like to catch ball. Our corgi is just wild about catching her ball. She loves to play catch with my dh. Last night our ds snapped this great picture of her. I think how her feet are off the ground is too cute. So if you want a laugh check out the picture. Note this is my first time posting with an attachment so I hope it works. Wahoo it worked, I also discoved if you click the picture you will see it larger. Karen

I once threw out a hot popcorn bag into a plastic trash bag(I had dumped the popcorn into a bowl) The trash bag immediately caught on fire...luckily I was able to smoother the fire quickly with a wet towel. I was scary though. Karen

and we decided not to renew. We can buy smaller quanitities of the same items for as good if not better at the super Wal-Mart. We are only a family of three though. Like you we found we were buying a few items for a large amount of money. Used to be we could only find certain items at Sam's, now those can be purchased elsewhere. The only person that was upset about this decisioon was my MIL (note she is not paying the membership fee) as she likes a certain frozen dinner you can only buy at Sams. Dh thinks she would be better off not eating so many frozen dinner , me I'm staying out of it. Karen

The ponds where first here so the fire department could use them. We now have fire hydrants. The ponds have stayed and our son enjoys going fishing in them. There are more mosquitos and green flys near the pond We are on a non-pond lot and don't have quite as many. I have seen an osprey or two fly over with a snake in it's tallons ( rather cool sight if you ask me) The biggest thing our community has had a problem with is muskrats (ugly critters) We have to set traps for them every year. Note we also live rather close(1 mile away) from the big pond (also know as the Atlantic Ocean) and a rather large bay (Assawoman) can be seen from the back of the house. So living near water is a fact of life in our area. Our son learned to swim at an early age. Next week my 15 yo will be taking a course with the Beach patrol on water safety etc. I would be as much concerned about water safety as I would about bugs and snakes A good friend of my sons died when he was 8 years old because he when out on thin ice and fell through. Karen

Although parvo can linger in the ground for some time, a dogs shots generally protect them for a bit longer than a year. When I have a dog that is throwing up I 1. Withhold food for 24 hours to let their stomachs settle 2. Still provide plenty of fresh drinking water 3. After 24 hours I feed them a combination of cooked rice and either cooked lean ground beef(make sure all grease is drained off) or cooked turkey. Some people also suggest yogurt with live cultures to provide good bateria for the digestive system. 4. During this time check their gums to test CRT (capillary refill time) press on the gum and release and see how long it takes to go from white to pink again. Should just take a second or so 5. Keep a record of any vomiting of loose stools Call the vet and see if they think you should bring him in. Note- I am not a vet; they know a lot more than I do! I have had, raised and shown dogs all my life to my suggestions just come from experience. I hope he is feeling better soon. Karen

My son did very well the the Jacobs second edition Geometry book. He finished the year with a strong A average and had a great grasp of the material. I used the 3 three problems to offer him bonus points towards the tests. The set three problems really makes them use the information they have learned. Although I have heard great things about other geometry programs if I had to do it over again I would absolutely atill use Jacobs. Karen

Basically he specializes in sad songs Carry You Home is another one and also No Bravery

For me when it comes down to it... 3 children have lost a father ( my father died when I was 9 so I know this pain and my heart breaks for them) siblings have lost their brother ( my brother died 9 years ago at thte age of 45(same age our father died) and I know this pain) a mother has lost her son lose is lose no matter who you are or how much fame and fortune you have My prayers are that the children will be well cared for. I was not... my mother got involved with men that mole*ted me and she stole the trust fund that was set up for me. My father had been a notable person in the area where we lived and his death was "in the news" at the time. The children have to be in a state of shock. Frankly I could care less about what the talking heads are saying on TV, I don't watch them. I did watch a little of the memorial, and the people who spoke seemed to be speaking from personal experience and the heart. I was especially touched by what Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter had to say. Now I hope the media will let this family mourn in peace and someone loving and responsible will care for the children Karen

My deepest sympathy on the lose of your brother. My brother passed away 9 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Karen

During the summer I deep clean the house. Step one make a list of every room ,closet, stairway etc in the house, even small spaces count as a room; like the foyer, hallway etc. leave two or three lines between the items on the list. Step two - go back over the list and put windows, ceiling fans, drawers, dust etc as the case applies. Step three each line become one days work, In some cases two days work; the drawers in my kitchen takes me two days. Yes I completely empty every drawer. Step 4 put together a bucket of the cleaning supplies you will need. I know it might seem silly to just do the windows in one room at a time. For me I just get too burned out doing windows if I try to do them all in one day. Also it is a great feeling to look at one room at the end of the day and know it is completely clean. Step 5 start clean. I don't do my list in order. If I feel very motivated on a day I tackle a big room. On days I am less energetic I might just do the stairway(note to self between the rug treads, banister etc this space is not as easy as it looks) One day a week I take off to do cleaning laundry, shopping etc. It takes me about 2 months to finish. Here is a sample of my list Project clean house Downstairs hall - floor, pictures, cobwebs, straighten Half Bath toilet, sink, cobwebs, mirror Kitchen cabinets - inside cabinets - outside floor counters Office vaccuum, dust file papers you get the picture; I do the office last. As I work I have a plastic tote I put items in that need to be returned to their rightful places, A lot of items usually need to go to the office so I do all the office last. All the kitchen is done next to last as it tends to be a catch all too. One major room I cannot just throw something in a room that is already clean(hard room to follow. OK so now that you all think I am a nut case, I really to do this and it works for me. Karen

It is a choose your own adventure based on Pride and Prejudice. very fun read. They also made it into a movie. Here is a link to it at amazon...it is even bargain price http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Austen-Create-Your-Adventure/dp/B0014EAWZE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245526308&sr=8-2 Here is a list of pride and prejudice sequels I found on Amazon. I have not read most of them although they might be added to my wish list soon. http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Sequels-More/lm/R12VDKP8WHUYKC/ref=cm_lmt_dtpa_f_2_rdssss0?pf_rd_p=253462201&pf_rd_s=listmania-center&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1402218311&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0265WA04ZKDTM020GP0H Karen

I am considering ordering this from Rainbow Resources. Christian Liberty Press has a product titled Introduction to the Engineering Profession. This would be an elective for my 11th grader who wishes to persue an engineering degree. I would really like some feedback about the product if anyone has used it. Thanks!! Karen

I saw some there for better prices with free shipping. Karen

His doctor told us NO straws (can cause dry socket) They suggested applesauce yogurt (I stirred it well and let it sit out a bit to be more at room temp) creamy soups (also at room temp) creamy mashed potatoes. mac and cheese that I ran through the blender Think baby type spoon food! Karen

Hi Lynn, You have received lots of great yards advice so I don't think you need anymore :001_smile: I lived in Hawaii for 3 years from 1987-1990 and was a member of The Collie Club of Hawaii, so I am curious who you are buying a puppy from. It would be a small world if it was someone I knew. I loved being in the Collie Club , even though I owned Shelties, I used to be their show secretary etc. They also have the best Christmas party. I made many wonderful friendship through the club. I was also active in The Windward Dog Training club. They have wonderful obedience classes. Please PM me if you want more local information (although it might be outdated at this time as it has been years) I do know a few of my old friends are still showing collies in HAwaii. We are currently feeding our Pembroke Corgi Solid Gold dog food and it is fantastic. Karen