Coming in a bit late on this...but, I saw your post when searching for something esle. Take a look at DHC products. I use them...and, they are great! I uave super sensitive skin...and, I have never had a problem with DHS. So, when my son started to get some very red pimples and black heads on his nose...I ordered the DHC Acne products. In one night...his nose cleared up! Now, I understand that my son's issue is not as serious as what you posted about...but, it may be worth a try. http://www.dhccare.com/DHC/ProductDetail.aspx?Catalog=DHC USA&ProductID=KSAS&OriginalProductID=3894 You could look at these two accessories, also: http://www.dhccare.com/DHC/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=177 http://www.dhccare.com/DHC/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=357 ~Holly

Thank you for all these "pro-4 days" responses. We do school year-around...so, I suppose I'm just being an over-achiever! I'm going to look at our schedule over the week-end and see what I can do to make a few changes. Smiles! ~Holly

Thanks for your input. ~Holly

Thanks! These are my thoughts, also. I just can't seem to justify leaving out the core subjects on Friday. I think part of my problem is a time issue. I don't always stick to "30 minutes" for this subject or "45 minutes" and then move on. I'll figure it out. ~Holly

Thank you! Yes, felting is fun once you get over the nervous feeling of putting your work in the washing machine and wondering what the final outcome will be! Smiles! ~Holly

Does anyone do lessons only four days a week...and, then use Friday for "catch-up" and/or the "fun" subjects? I have noticed that I am not getting to the "fun stuff" as much as I would like...art, music, science, history... Teaching math, spelling, grammar, phonics, reading, writing, simple logic...seems to take up the whole day with my three children. I want there to be more "fun!" Sometimes, I think being a former teacher is a detriment to homeschooling...because I feel the need to get it all done!! I read the "Homeschooling" section on Pioneer Woman's Blog...and, the main contributor, Heather, seems to make everything look so fun! I want to be her! Smiles! Thanks for letting me vent a little. I'd love to hear your ideas, opinions, and thoughts. ~Holly

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Great memory! Yep! I decided to duplicate stitch over the black with grey in the dark green area. I wanted to "make it my own"...so, I added the flowers. Now, I need to put in the lining, attach the magnetic closure, and the leather handles! I can't wait for it to be done!! Smiles! ~Holly

I posted about this project a number of months ago...asking for help choosing handles and yarn. I don't have the handles attached, yet...but, below are two pictures of the bag...front and back. This was my first Intarsia project! Smiles! ~Holly

I don't know if it's the best...but, I have begun using them with my 12yo son this year...and, I like them. However, the company only has study guides available for four of the books. ~Holly

My son is a horrible speller...and, I finally came to the conclusion that it's because the two programs we had tried did not teach any spelling rules. I had used Sequential Spelling last year...and, he liked it...but, wasn't improving. I have been using All About Spelling with all three of my children...and, my son's spelling is finally improving (he's 12yo) and, my two younger daughters are learning "the right way" from the get-go! I love, love, love this spelling program...and, my children think it's a lot of fun. Imagine that...having fun while learning to spell. ~Holly

I've sent you a PM. Smiles! ~Holly

We bought a roaster from Sweet Maria's...on-line...a few years ago. I have friends that use their air popper...but, they said it makes a big mess. Coffee roasters have a chamber that catches all the "chaff." We mostly go by "color" of the bean. There is a great visual guide on the Sweet Maria's site to show you exactly what "City"..."Full City"...etc. should look like. On the packages of green coffee beans...they tell you what roast is best for that bean. Does that help? ~Holly

We roast our own coffee beans...and, have always either used a hand-crank burr grinder or one of those inexpensive Capresso blade grinders. However, I would like to get an electric burr grinder to replace the Capresso. My head is spinning with all the reviews I've read on-line. Any suggestions? We do not drink espresso...but, we do use a French Press exclusively for making coffee. Thanks! ~Holly

Thanks! Would either cut of meat work? I'll call the specialy butcher shop in my area and ask if they will cut if for me. ~Holly

Has anyone made Rouladen? My mom used to make my grandmother's recipe all the time when I was child. I was thinking of making it this Christmas for our Christmas Eve meal...along with spatzle and a veggie....and, my grandmother's famous Buttercream Cake for dessert!! I've made spatzle a number of times...so, I'm good with that. However, I know I am supposed to buy thinly-sliced top round for the rouladen. My question...I just picked up my grass-fed cow this week (the meat...not the actual cow!)...and, want to know if I can use one of the rump roasts or a London broil roast...and, just slice it thinly myself...pounding it out flat. ?? Any thoughts on this? Thanks! ~Holly

I bought a Madame Alexander doll (Huggems) for my 8yo for her birthday last month. It's a beautiful doll. ~Holly

The Legos analogy is great! Smiles! ~Holly

Yes...this works wonderfully! When our Dudley is molting...there will be feathers that we find on the floor...but, that's not a big deal in my book! I can't remember the last time I saw any seed on the floor unless my children spilled some when filling the feeding cups. Just make sure you get the appropriate bar spacing for your bird. The more narrow spacing is for all the smaller birds. That's what we have. This bird is the first one I can successfully trim wings and nails. He is very tolerant. Also, I think I'm not so scared to do it anymore! Also, I bought just about all the toys and perches from Grey Feather Toys, on-line. Millet is a favorite treat...and, you will need cuttlebone. Smiles! ~Holly

We have an English Budgie that we bought from a breeder. We had a few other birds before Dudley...and, I decided I wanted a cage that kept the seed and hulls off my floor! Smiles! I found this one by Hagen...Hagen Vision Bird Cage, Large, Model L01. It's just the right size for our bird. The company makes small, medium, and large cages...tall or long in length...and, has wide or narrow bar spacing. Take a look at pics on-line. I think Petco now carries the cage in stores. At the time, I had to buy on Ebay because I couldn't find it locally. ~Holly

A few months ago, I read my children the 3-book series of "The Mysterious Benedict Society." I mentioned the books to a few other homeschool family friends of ours...and, their chidlren couldn't put them down! Smiles! ~Holly

I have pen pals for all three of my children. Thank you so much for your replies. ~Holly

Yesterday, I posted about needing pen pals for my two DDs...but, now I'm requesting for my son. He wasn't sure he wanted to try it, again...since our first experience was not all that great. However, he would like to try once more. My son likes Legos, Harry Potter, and playing Super Mario Bros on the Wii. He is not into "pop culture" at all...not the music, teen idols, etc. He enjoys math and science...reading and history...just not handwriting! Thanks so much! ~Holly

I have an 8yo and a 9yo, who will be 10 in a few months. I also have a son who is 12yo who is looking for someone who likes Legos, Mario Wii games, and Harry Potter! He would write to anyone...but, would also like someone with some of the same interests. Smiles! ~Holly

Thanks! ~Holly