And, maybe you could do it, as well. I find it helps me a lot to do a curriculum with my student if we are having difficulties. Right now I am doing science with my 13yo because he wants to work in a science field. He wanted to get more serious with a formal curriculum but he couldn't do it by himself. So I do everything with him including writing part of his notebook. It has been great for both if us.

We are using Writing with Skill. It might not be ok for the rigorous families. It is is plenty for my oldest. Susan did say it will get them to College level beginning classes.

Family learning Organization

I totally think so. The topics each have bible verses listed under them. But, you don't have to use those. There are suggested plans for each section. But, behind that are the topics book lists and activity list. So, you would just scan those and make sure you left didn't choose anything that obviously talked about faith.

Well, shingles really heals best if you nourish your soul and body. You need to call of all commitments and take a rest. Your body is telling you to take a rest. Have you considered your family is not a rigorous family and that Classical Conversations is not a good fit? I have found, in our journey, that rigorous classical education was a poor fit. I was begging, pleading and dealing with all sorts of behavior issues. I would rather have a good relationship with our family then a Classical Education. Once you deal with roots of the issues, you might find a thrist for learning in your children. I just recommended this book on another post http://www.amazon.com/Families-Where-Grace-Place-Manipulation/dp/0764207938.

Oh that makes me sad for him. I think he deserves a second chance. I wish he had just called it in that he was lost. It is such a difficult time to find good employment.

I suggest looking at changing the complete parenting paradigm and really delving into Grace if your family is Christian. http://www.amazon.com/Families-Where-Grace-Place-Manipulation/dp/0764207938 KONOS is my favorite curriculum to really boost family togetherness and focus in character traits. I have accomplishes a lot in a relatively relaxed manner with KONOS. You could take a year off from my current path and give it a go. You don't need to do a ton of activities. We end up reading and discussing a lot. Making a character trait poster or bulletin board near a main living area is a nice reminder for the entire family.

I liked Winston but it didn't work with my kiddo. I thought it would be great for an Aspie. I love the cards and there is very little writing compared to most programs.

I think you sound like a KONOS Mom in the style I have used it. You can even just use the built in schedules. My units were more booked based. We usually did a poster/bulletin board for the trait. Hang up things you do or pics and the out the trait across the top. I did just a few projects a month and maybe more if they were very simple lessons. You can spend a little time and plan out at least a few months. Put any supplies for each month in a box and label it. Buy the books if you were thinking about Sonlight anyway. She has book lists for the trait and topic, plus in the schedules there are books listed for each grade level that are must read or classics. I remember Jessica Hulcy say in a talk that she didn't do a classical rotation till High School for the very reason you mentioned. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about it. We have been through SOTW several times and I am so ready to give KONOS a go again. My older two had a lot of fun with it.

I didn't want to say anti-diagramming :p We have tried diagramming and it just didn't click with my first few students. So, I am completely not interested in trying again. We have used and liked FLL 1/2, Easy Grammar, and Queen's Language Lessons. I know Shurley doesn't teach diagramming. We used Winston, but I think that was wasted time. Just curious what other families have used and their thoughts on them.

KONOS was the best homeschooling time for us. I have two more kids coming along now and I have been really thinking of going back to it.

How about Familylearning.org? You don't have to be a certified tester if using them.

I have an utter Revolting feeling when I even hear about that movie. I just think the entire thing was awful. It just seems so wrong to make a movie about it.

A years supply of chocolate and coffee?

I just don't care for how their handwriting looks. My oldest is odd enough. Now I keep thinking how his writing is going to look to a professor. It looks like he made up some handwriting of his own. Or maybe his mom said cursive is where you run all the letters together. And, then people pat us on our dumb little heads and say it's ok, Homeschoolers don't know any better.

You can sneak a lot in a smoothie including raw oats and an entire avocado. That is how we kept weight on my skinny kid when he was losing too much. If he likes to cook, my kids love fresh Thai Rolls and Nori Rolls. Both can be wrapped in plastic and kept in the fridge for a few days. They are horribly expensive if you eat out. But, cheap to make at home. We make a peanut sauce to dip the fresh rolls in and they are yummy. Pad Thai is awesome cold and has a peanut butter based sauce. I make my own sauce. You can add extra peanuts and shrimp or chicken to bulk it up. My sauce is just peanut or almond butter, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce and siricha to your taste.

I am trying to compare these two programs. This is mostly for my 9yo who has some delays. He is more of a first grader.

I don't know. I know they are the colored covers.

I would buy a FL if I had a repair warranty. Do you have a Best Buy? Last time I checked their warranty covered lemons. Three repairs and you got the new version :)

We ended up using Italics for my the older two and I do not like the outcome. I was thinking of going to A Reason for Handwriting. Just wanted to see what the Hive likes :)

Now that I know more, that woman is off her rocker if she thinks your dishin out money to her. She should be embarrassed.

I have had one and it was ok. But, in your situation I would have cabinets that were deep with doors so I could cover up all the supplies. I would put in a mini kitchen for snacks and a little fridge. I would have a science spot and a locked cabinet for all the supplies. I would do a chalkboard wall and cubbies to rotate toys for my younger one. I would make an area for jackets and shoes. Comfy couch and chairs. Maybe the TV down there because I love not having a TV in my living room. It is awesome to have guests and they have to talk instead of watch TV. A comfort corner with pillows and little shelves for cranky kids to go to when upset. A punching bag. A hammock.

I would be upset that they didn't notice a child in a FL. That is scary. I would not pay for it. They should be much tougher than that. She needs to check with her insurance. I personally would not buy a 2000 machine without getting a warranty on it. When we had ours I purposely purchased it from Best Buy so it could be fixed because they are expensive to fix and replace. It is probably going to ruin the friendship. But, such is life.

I won't shake my head. It sounds like you have a great plan. I was just trying to figure out what to do about out next science level.

Oh that sounds really good. I might give that a go for my two older sons.