We started today! I'm actually getting a little excited. Andrew is doing WP Animals for science and we mounted the Animal Height Chart in our tall foyer. I bought an 11x14 art notebook to make a family states and presidents notebook. Joshua even stated, "Mom, I like school because it gives me something to do!". (off course he denied meaning that later). It's going to be interesting with the three year old. He tends to think he needs to be in the middle of everything.

Homemade bubbles? A squirt of dish soap and few drops of food coloring in water? Maybe the materials and instructions for Rainbow Bubble Snakes? http://www.housingaforest.com/rainbow-bubble-snakes/#.T-xEfDQo68c.facebook I would likely welcome the opportunity to let my kids get out and about and have fun with friends. I am positive the invite is not about a gift.

July 9. Yes, that's Monday. No, I'm not excited about it. PS around here starts August 8. We like to have a head start, because things come up during the year and we wind up taking time off. We also like getting finished early!

I really like BJU's English. I have been able to find the TM used several times, which helps. Their composition instruction is fantastic.

I guess I have seven year itch. I am usually ALL about getting started. Sometime this week I am going to drag myself to the school supply aisle. We had estimated a July 9 start date (Monday). I'm REALLY not feelin' it. I will go ahead and start though because dh is concerned over the kids' unstructured time (translate unhealthy video game obsession).

I do think it is important for mommies, especially homeschooling mommies, to be aware that they have personal needs and to make sure they meet those needs. It's like changing the oil in a car, or putting gas in the tank. If you abuse the car it won't take you anywhere. For me, I have only this year (youngest is 3 now) regained my balance with regard to Mommy Needs. I need: Personal devotional time daily, exercise time daily, food/nutrition planning time weekly, and socialization time at least a couple of times each month. Getting these activities accomplished is just as important in my view as putting gas in the car.

I have NOT used the other titles, but you are right they look interesting.

When our little pooper looper was 6 I had to have "remedial potty class" with him. I think it was because he was so anxious to get back to his favorite activities. Bodily functions were taking a back seat to entertainment! He soon discovered that Mommy's remedial potty class a couple times each day was much more time consuming than just doing his job properly. We covered such topics as how many squares of TP is needed (he was doing a little piece mashed into a rosette- not very effective) and how many times to swipe before flushing. We transitioned from assisted toilet sessions to "check" sessions as we had done when he was 4. It did not take long. He's a quiet sensitive boy too, but I think the experience strengthened our relationship. I was very matter of fact and light hearted about the whole thing. There was no shame involved nor recriminations.

In my home, the babies were always fussy at dinner time. I think it was a combination of Mommy being busy getting dinner on the table, the other kids being tired and grouchy, and everyone being hungry. My solution was to have dinner earlier or pre-prepped so that I could tend to baby during the fussy time. Do you have the kind of relationship with the mother that you could gift her with some "melt in your mouth" finger foods for baby? She's likely aching to put things in her mouth.

If it helps any, we moved from a church like the one your friends moved TO and began attending a church like the one you attend. I *puffy heart love* it. I was exhausted with mothering children through church. We don't have the children's church though, and I guess I am glad my 7yo and 11yo are with us in church (not that it makes any difference to your post :lol:) I am thoroughly enjoying having my OWN Sunday School and my OWN worship without the demands of my toddler which I respond to 24/7 the rest of the week. I am tickled pink that my sons are making Christian friends in Sunday School and at Awana, and that my oldest will be moving to the "students" group in the fall. There is so much for him to learn about being with other Christian kids and about having his OWN relationship with Christ.

AWESOME! Impatient for the pics. Especially hopeful for the goofy grin.

I don't know if you have this set or not, some of which used to be part of Animals and Their Worlds. It is really good! http://www.kidscanpress.com/canada/Animal-Behavior-C5053.aspx?section=5&series=2

I needed the obligatory "other". We use raincoats as per manufacturer's instructions. Ds11 was the result of the 4% ineffective withdrawal method. We occasionally leave off our raincoat when there is practically no chance of rain - ie, at the very beginning of the weather cycle.

This is us. We have an awesome family room/school room which is nicely lighted with lots of comfortable seating and privacy when the kids need it for seatwork (one kid goes around the corner in my bedroom). We started out there last fall, but in January when the days were short and dusky we migrated upstairs to the light and warmth. The migration also seemed to correspond with a time of becoming more efficient with schoolwork and spending less time on it, in order to prioritize some other items like Mom's exercise schedule. We are planning to do the same again--- start in the downstairs and migrate up when the weather and our desire dictates.

:iagree: As far as the people casting spells, I don't think that always works because I think God is ultimately in control. If it is a person who believes in that kind of thing on the receiving end and they believe it will work, while the one on the casting end also believes it, it's likely the spell will "work". I'm not talking about turning people into toady frogs, though, KWIM?

My avatar is me, a 5 years younger much skinnier me. I don't have a recent one I don't think, sorry. Loved seeing everyone! Oh, here is one if the link works. Christmas party with dh.

Yes. That's why I voted the way I did. Romance, Schmomance. ;)

Pretty familiar with the Bible here: Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, So it's not a direct instruction to love one's husband, but if the Titus 2 elder women are doing their jobs, the young women will learn to love their husbands! We're not exempt.

I answered that I *would* do this, because I think love is something that grows in a relationship, not that it is a prerequisite. I also believe in choosing to love, since loving one's spouse is Biblically instructed. I'd not read the qualification though. IMO if he still laughs about pepper spraying the bedding of the homeless he is NOT a decent man and not worth anyone marrying.

Oh, what a roller coaster ride. :grouphug: I had 2 m/c's before my first healthy pregnancy. For me, a thyroid supplement and progesterone suppository applicators made all the difference (I am still hypothyroid and I used the progesterone with all 3 pregnancies). If your doc is cavalier about your m/cs because of your age or your previous birth(s), I'd recommend considering a change of doc.

Having just left a super conservative church where we were expected to save our first kiss for our wedding, here are some things I would bring up in conversation before getting in too deep: 1) Stance re: birth control- Quiverfull is often the next step after "pure courtship." 2) Stance re: married women having a career- same reason 3) Ideas regarding child rearing: Watch out for "Pearl-isms" like "you have to break the child's will". 4) Stance re: homeschooling- is it something he thinks is highly important for his future children (in case your daughter might prefer to send her kids to school). The previous poster who mentioned Gothard has the same kind of radar I do, and I would add in the Duggars. Fine, upstanding, wholesome family though they are, I would not want to be Michelle Duggar.

Love it!

Sarah Beverly Andrea Beverly Alisa Beverly Laura Beverly Tabitha Beverly Christina Beverly I think anything that ends in an a sound would flow well.

No, there is no schedule. This has been our first year, on AHYS1. Pro: I get to create my own schedule and choose my own books. Con: I have to create my own schedule and choose my own books. :lol: I am reveling in the program, but this is just my time for something more free-form and Mom-driven.

Sure! No problem. :001_smile: