Thanks everybody!

This is super cool! No wonder you both thought of it. :)

From a Muslim standpoint, the verse in the Qur'an mentions covering one's chest with one's head covering, so that's why you'll see Muslim women with their necks covered as well. (For those who don't think hijab as mandated, they view the verse being about covering one's cleavage, but aren't convinced that it was referring to their head covering.) Some women wear more of a tichel style and then use a turtleneck, but most just use a square, triangular, or rectangular scarf and wrap it in such a way as to cover their hair and chest. If you're ever curious, there are a gazillion how to hijab videos on youtube. But as to the original post, up until the late 1950s, most American women wore hats--covering the tops of the head, while not all of their hair. It was what "proper" women did--especially at church, but elsewhere as well. So my guess is the smaller covers are in a way a take off on that (or vice versa).

So, we're moving to an area with a public virtual academy that uses Calvert for the younger grades. With three kids to school next year, it's tempting. Have any of you used an online virtual school that uses Calvert? What did you think? The negative is my kids (at least the eldest) would be subject to the state standardized testing because the online school is viewed as a public school.

A friend went for a year and homeschooled. She was Muslim American, but faced no issues. They brought stuff with them and relied on youtube/kindle a lot. I think they went to Dubai a few times for shopping. The one thing that bothered her the most was the lack of workout places for women.

Everything is online...but I've put a lot on my iPad. She includes her 120 days book which I'm loving. You can access the entire kindy program, but I think only the first six months of TFW at a time. I need to recheck though. Lots of podcasts and videos too. :)

I might be misreading it, but that's only for one set @ $24.00. So 12 sets would be $288 vs. $120.

I grew up in a suburb of Detroit. As others have said, Highland Park is a really really bad place to grow up. I think the lawsuit has merit. Highland Park has a 10% literacy rate. That's even worse than the 53% literacy rate of Detroit. Still, what is the solution? When we look at our incarceration rates and realize that it costs $50k/year to house an inmate... shouldn't we be spending more on prevention? Not sure where the $12k/student comes from, but according to great schools they spend about $9k/student. Still, if that isn't enough--then yes, they need to find alternatives. As the home life is often so crappy in Highland Park, an extended day program makes sense. They need smaller class sizes, and yes... in many instances...those teachers will have to parent the kids. Maybe the solution is boarding schools, I really don't know. But with only 10% graduating being literate, that's a serious problem which will hound the State of Michigan for years to come. To contradict one of the earlier posts, I do believe that literacy and health care are basic rights.

Bumping because today's the last day. :)

I'm enjoying it. I'm just about to start month 3. I think the real value comes from the ability to consult with Melissa for free and stuff. They just updated the website maybe a month ago, so it will be interesting to see if things take off. I'm assuming things might get busier once the traditional school year starts again.

I've bought a few of Melissa's ebooks and I really like them. I really like her "Late to Waldorf" guides...as they basically give you all the meaty bits on what you missed in the earlier years. Her ebooks are $30 (not discounted) and for a printed version it's $47. The coming to late books start at $15 and go up to $20. She also bundles a lot with her Thinking Feeling Willing year long support program, which I just joined, but like. The sale prices are 20% off. :) I think it's great for people considering Waldorf or even thinking about Waldorf Afterschooling. http://shop.beaconmama.com/ coupon code is: BIGSUMMER I don't know how long the sale lasts, but I'm assuming at least a week or so. If you look for her youtube videos, you can find a lot of great tutorials on how to do various Waldorf-y crafts, etc. I've been really impressed with the value and quality of her stuff--especially when I compare it to prices for similar curricula. She could easily double her prices and still be a good value. (But I'm glad she hasn't. :))

Saw this on Mamapedia and thought some Mamas might be interested. Looks awesome to me. :) It's half off...so $120 for 12 month subscription. http://deals.mamapedia.com/deals/the-young-scientists-club

I'm thinking of getting one for DS1 who is rather fidgety. I've found two online: https://www.schooloutfitters.com/catalog/product_info/pfam_id/PFAM8505/products_id/PRO20475?sc_cid=Google_SAF-1201BE&adtype=pla&kw=&CAWELAID=1238970511 or http://www.schoolsin.com/ABC-ABAX-Sit-Stand-Desk.html Have you used either or do you have any recommendations?? TIA:)

So, I go back and forth with homeschooling at least one of my kids next year or sending them to a relatively new charter school. The thibg that attracts me to the charter is small size and daily 1:15 minutes of PE (karate, soccer, tennis). Yes, I could do that at home, but knowing myself, probably would not. Both DS1 and DS2 do so much better with lots of activity. Thing is....it's a long school day, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Could I realistically do any afterschooling and not burn them out? Our school day this year is about an hour shorter.

If so, then the 3rd grade Waldorf stories and handiwork might really resonate with her. :) The Earthschooling lady also has an ISlamic Waldorf option. SHe'll send it to you with any curriculum you buy.

Thanks. Wonder if it goes into all of the contributions made by Muslim physicians or Jewish physicians who escaped Christian persecution in Muslim Spain. I'll assume not, or if it does, it uses their Latinized names. (Ibn Sina....Avicenna; Al-Razi....Razes; etc.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu-Ali_al-Husayn_ibn_Abdalah_ibn-Sina http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_ibn_Zakarīya_Rāzi

There's a really good book by Bob Greene (Oprah's trainer) on diabetes. He wrote it with a bunch of experts. http://www.amazon.com/Best-Guide-Managing-Diabetes-Pre-Diabetes/dp/1416588396/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340298310&sr=8-1&keywords=bob+greene+diabetes I think it was better done than many of the popular ones on Type 2 :)

400 is bad, but not the worst I've heard. His hemoglobin A1C will give you an idea how his blood glucose levels have been over the past few months. Sounds like he'll probably be on supplemental insulin as well as other meds. Good that he saw an ophthalmologist, but he probably needs to see a retina specialist. Hopefully they dilated his eyes. If it was an OD, then he needs to see a retina specialist. Diabetes at the level your Dad had is one of the most common causes of blindness in the U.S. Also amputations and kidney issues. I'm sure he'll be referred to an endocrinologist as well as a whole host of other specialists. Hope he has health insurance. IF he does not, often times there are programs to help with drug costs, as well a some docs who will offer discounts (especially for diabetes). His wife should go with him to his diabetes education classes as it will help her learn how to cook. Basically, think low glycemic index. When his blood glucose is under control, his vision may improve...thus he might need new glasses again. THat's actually a good sign. :)

The best thing you can do is to love her whatever weight she is. Do not mention it. Do not make a big deal out of it nor change how you treat her. (No dessert for you, sweetheart!) Serve your normal foods. Let her choose. She knows. It bothers her far more than it bothers you. She may never be thin, but that does not mean she will not find love, find success, and find happiness. Key is her self-worth and self-esteem. (Doesn't mean she's doomed to marry a loser either. I married my physician DH, who is quite thin (I joke that at least one of us weighs my ideal weigh ;)), nice, intelligent, and cute... and I weighed almost 80 pounds more than he did. I'm not that weight anymore, but it is nice to know that he feel in love with me, at my highest weight. That, in a way, gave me the freedom to lose weight and not feel pressure. If you want to buy her clothes and aren't sure of her size...gift cards are a wonderful thing. :) I also really recommend Gina Kolata's book on Weight/Obesity to help understand that losing weight is not about will power. If your daughter's BMI is 30-35, and you can afford it, you can mention one of the restrictive/hormonal bariatric surgeries like the sleeve gastrectomy. (Would not recommend the Lap-Band). At those BMIs, results are truly amazing. If it's over 45-50 (don't believe it is), then the duodenal switch is better for long-term results.

Not sure how old your kids are, but do know that gymnastics has some of the highest injury rates of sports that kids do.... and they can be severe. Friend's daughter is in competitive gymnastics, and had a teammate who was paralyzed from a fall. Broken bones are not unusual...nor is the pressure to work through pain. In the younger years, watch out for your kids "practicing" at home--without the right protective mats, adult supervision, etc. My Mom was a professional ballerina. Her advice is always to avoid ballet training until 8 (sometimes 7) due to foot development issues. Also, when the time comes to go on pointe, your daughter should be taking dance multiple times per week. It's not just about dance skill, but about foot strength. Typically girls are at least 12, but don't rush it. Listen to your teacher. Both sports are known for high incidence of eating disorders.

It's a big deal in Waldorf education circles regarding child development. From what I can tell, sounds almost like a mini-puberty. ;) Anyway, becaue of it, 9 year olds have lots of practical work...and focus on shelters, gardening, building, etc. Stories are ofter Native American/Aboriginal and Old Testament stores. These articles are pretty good on it: http://www.waldorfinthehome.org/2012/02/parenting_the_nine_year_old_1.html http://theparentingpassageway.com/2010/02/01/the-nine-year-old-an-anthroposophic-perspective/

Sorry. I make bechamel with 2% all the time and it's fine. Just need to let it thicken up.

You can learn metic for $5 or so through Math Mammoth. http://www.mathmammoth.com/metric_measuring.php As others have said, it is important to know. Saxon has placement tests which should help place your daughter http://www.sonlight.com/saxon-placement-tests.html

2% should work ISA.

Lake Mary is a great neighborhood too...but it depends where he's actually working. Lots of HS grouos...lots of very actuve churches...Northland, Orangewood, Calvery Assembly, First Baptist, etc. Look into 4 Seasons passes....also Legoland. Lots of free kids passes around for Legoland. Winter Park Farmer's Market on Sat AM is great. :)