Wow...you ladies are AMAZING! Thanks for the great suggestions! :001_smile:

I've been asked to bring the vegetable for Christmas dinner at my in-laws' house. MIL is making prime rib, and we're also having potatoes of some kind. Any ideas?

I'm looking at physics programs for next year for my (will-be) 4th grade dd (and tagalongs in 2nd and K). The one that's topping my list right now is Bite-Size Physics. But I can't find the recommended ages. Does anyone know what ages/grades this is appropriate for? My 4th grader could probably handle something above her grade level, but I'd also really like my younger kids to get something out of it too. Would this be way over their heads? Thanks for any insight you can share with me! Sarita

My daughters participated in a group very similar to this one last year, and it went really well. They'd have a theme for the month, and the kids were able to choose any book they wanted to read that we felt fit that theme. (That meant that the group was essentially free because we were able to use books from the library!) The kids who participated ranged in age from K to 3rd grade...this setup allowed them to read books at their own level and be able to talk about them. They'd give a brief narration of the story and answer a few questions that the leader had provided ahead of time. We met in homes, and the host each month provided the theme and the questions. After all the kids shared, they'd do an activity or craft having something to do with the theme for the month, and then they would have a snack. The meetings usually only lasted an hour or an hour and a half. Have fun! Sarita

Also in Ames!

I'll be there! This is the first year in a new location, and I'm excited to check it out. Do you live near DM? Sarita

I do something similar here... I take the "stories" (when there are stories) from the lessons and make them into little books. Each story is in its own "book" that's one sheet of paper folded into fourths. I add pictures (in color) with clilp art. There's much less resistance about reading a "book" than there is about reading two or more long paragraphs out of the text. Sarita

My 7yo dd will finish up MUS gamma sometime within the next month or so, and I'm not sure what we should use for math for the rest of the school year. Any recommendations? We love MUS, and we'll certainly continue with it, but should we dive right into delta? Or should I supplement with something else for the remainder of the school year that will both review what she's learned and introduce some new topics (fractions, more on money and time, etc.)? If we choose to supplement, what would you suggest? Thanks for your help! Sarita

Wow! You are all so great! Thanks for the wonderful advice so far! It's our first time going, so I'm trying to figure EVERYTHING out. Bag? Stroller? Rent or bring our own? What to see...and when? Books are great to a point, but then I just want some advice from real moms. So...THANKS! :001_smile: Sarita

We're headed to Disney World in a few weeks, and I'm trying to figure out what kind of bag to take along in the parks. We have three kids--ages 7, 5, and 2, so there's lots of stuff that I'll want to carry. We'll have a stroller for stashing bigger things, but I'd like to keep our tickets and other valuables with me. The all-knowing books recommend using a fanny pack (over a back pack), since you can wear a fanny pack on rides. But I'm not really a fan of the fanny pack. Any recommendations? Links and pictures would be great if you have them at hand! Thanks so much for your help! Sarita

One of my very best friends is moving out of state next week, and I'm so very sad. We haven't been friends for long, but when we met, we instantly clicked. Our husbands work together, our kids get along fabulously, and it's just so easy for us to spend time with each other. She's meant a lot to me in the last couple of years, and I'd like to give her something before they leave. But what? Any suggestions? I'm totally open to ideas! Thanks! Sarita

My daughter is currently in SWO C, and I've never bought the teacher guide. I guess for me it's just not worth the extra expense. Maybe I should consider it...I'll wait to see what others have to say. :) S

That's it! The twins are both girls, the triplets are two boys and a girl, and (interestingly enough) their birthdays are only a week apart! We have a BLAST! :)

Wow, ladies! Great ideas so far...you're making me VERY hungry! The three of us do have a great time together. And we manage to have great conversation in spite of being surrounded by ten kids. And SIX of those kids are 4 years old. And only one of those 4-year-olds is mine. Figure that one out! Keep those ideas coming! Sarita

I get together with two other homeschool moms (and all of our kids) every Thursday for Bible study and lunch. We take turns bringing: main dish, fruit/veggies, and dessert. Whoever is "on" for main dish brings mac & cheese for the kids and something "girly" for the moms. We've been eating mostly soup, and I'm okay with that, but I'd like to branch out if I can. It's my turn for main dish tomorrow, and I'm feeling uninspired. Any suggestions? Thanks! Sarita