:iagree: with the bolded. We used GSWL (*loved it*) and have moved to Visual Latin. It is working for us so far.

DH was called back yesterday afternoon. He is now back at work, but like everyone else will not be paid until this is over and the budget is passed. On another note: the bats were removed yesterday, attic cleaned and disinfected, and screens were put up to keep them out. Apparently, we have 2 chipmunks -not squirrels- in the chimney and attic. He also put an exit door up so they can exit but not enter through. Hopefully this is eliminate the problem. All of this for $800 with no money coming in. :crying: Gggggrrrrrrr. But, at least it is done. :hurray:

I just called the two Staples stores within an hour of me and they are both sold out already. Bummer. :crying:

Update: It got worse. Please do laugh now so I will not cry. We got 2 estimates today and the low one was $800. (please say YES to backpay!!) Yep. Yes, it is a squirrel, or two, but the real problem is that bats have also gotten into our attic. Yep. So, the bats are up there and the squirrel(s) are running from the attic (evidence up there too) to the chimney/nest area. If it were just the squirrels running through the walls it would be bad enough. The bats bring it to a whole new level. Yuck. Do not google it if you have a weak stomach. Bat droppings are nasty!! Next week is NOT going to be fun if a budget is not passed and money is coming in. UGH.

Just saw this that *hopefully* means we will all get the backpay: http://m.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2013/10/congress-expected-grant-back-pay-furloughed-feds/71348/%20article#disqus_thread Fingers crossed.... --- Our daily update? We have had to call a pest removal service to come out and find/remove a squirrel (?) from inside our chimney. We have gas logs but I can hear this critter nesting to the right side of the gas insert. It is making too much noise to be a mouse, which would be bad enough. I don't even want to know how much this is going to cost us, but it has to go! DH set an animal trap to cage it where we thought it was going in, but it is smarter than us I guess. :cursing: Why now???? Hopefully someone can giggle over this for me.... :lol:

:iagree: This is where we are as well. We could file, but dh has chosen to wait this week out to see what happens; possiby even part of next week. It would be more of a hassle to get it then pay it back, but if this goes on too long it would be necessary. Plus, something is better than nothing.

I will chime in. DH is 'non-essential', went in this morning to sign the paperwork and then came home. He wrote a letter to our Congressman and Senator (I hope he feels better now) and is now mowing the lawn. Yea. :huh: This should be an interesting couple of days/weeks/whatever it will be. I love having him here, but it is the *unknown* that worries me/us. How long?? UGH. :chillpill:

Thank you...... We are one family out of many who are affected. On the plus side, my dh will have time to work on his doctorate paper. :001_unsure: We are trying to find good in these uncertain times....

But you can buy the printed worksheets now as well. They are giving you the option. I chose to buy the CD's and the workbook. It is spiral bound and works well for us.

I had a friend who sold Arbonne about 5 years ago. It was very high, but I did like it. I don't know that it was 'better' though and did not continue using it because of the cost.

The thought has crossed my mind, but the difference to me is that these are surgeries; not simply visiting an orthodontist for weekly appointments. There are many more complications and a much greater risk any time you are getting surgery, so I view this differently. It isn't just about the amount of money being spent. I am not against it. Just viewing it differently. ;)

These are exactly what I was looking for. Thanks, Hive!!

Yes, thank you!

I have broken down and admitted that I need help with the house cleaning. :ohmy: My house is what I like to call 'surface clean', where I can keep up with dishes, laundry, vacuuming and such but the *deep* cleaning does not get done as often as it should or as I would like. Bathrooms? Good dusting? You get the idea. So, a homeschool mom has posted that she is available for cleaning houses. Yea! Helping our community, and I get my house cleaned. Win-win to me. :hurray: My question: What would you ask to be done? How often? She is coming over Monday afternoon to give me an estimate and for us to talk. She is also bringing references, though I do know of her from mutual friends. I am thinking of asking her to come 2x per month, but also do spring and fall deeper cleanings. Other than general cleaning, floors, bathrooms, dusting and baseboards, what would you specifically ask her to do?

We are all use the Sonicare and are happy with them.

This is where we are. I also have a younger 11yo 5th grader. We had started IEW, but went to this. It is a much better fit for us this year and I am planning to use IEW next year. Although, I do have CAP saved and have been looking at it. :001_rolleyes:

Here is an excellent, well written article written by a SN mom that a friend shared with me this morning. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to post it for everyone to read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

:bigear: I have one too.... Thoughts?

Bumping this morning..... :lol:

I am looking at it as well. Listening for other hive replies...... :bigear:

Another vote for the regular Catan. DS11 has been playing it for 3 years now without a problem. Enjoy!!!

:bigear:

I am watching it too. As soon as we are paid I plan on placing my order. :thumbup:

Thank you for this suggestion. We are going to Target now and will look at these. I like this idea, but with so many children I know they would not take him without his siblings, so this would get costly for them. I will keep this in mind for another occasion though. Thanks! Where can you get a Red Box gift card? They do have Netflix at home already. Thanks, hive!! I googled online too and came up with a puzzle. Any thoughts on that? I think of when we put a puzzle together and I know I use my dominant hand, and sometimes both, so I am unsure on that. Can you tell that we have not had to deal with a broken arm yet?! :lol:

We are planning to get this for xmas for ds11. I am looking at which one to get though. Without highjacking this thread, does anyone have a suggestion? ;)