She's improved, she's focused...and she's being held back. Unless she is falling over, I can't imagine why. Not every child will develop into a wonderful ballerina, but at this young age, fun and developing confidence should be a big part of the experience. They are little girls; if the school finds the next Pavlova, good for them, but but each child should gain from their time in class, not only those with professional potential. You should observe at other schools to make a decision about where you would like your daughter to attend. Even while attending one school for a core program, it's good to take an occasional class with teachers affiliated elsewhere. And it will give you some more information to judge your current school with a better perspective.

Kareni accurately summed up the CC experience here, also. I can't imagine anybody showing up with a parent. Or a parent talking to the instructor on behalf of the student. I really can't imagine free tuition!

Nature journaling/ drawing and bird watching are fun and get you outdoors. Janice VanCleave's books of science experiments are fun. Art Fraud Detective is a fun book. It also showcases many time periods, can start discussions: who the people were, what they were doing, clothing, lifestyles, etc. Oversize art books from the library are great to look at together. You could a use a timeline to choose interesting people or events to read about. You could even make a timeline, as TWTM suggests.

10 homeschooled celebrities: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/04/22/mf.home.schooled/index.html

Starr, it's not Borders- it's a spammer using Borders' name. Jean, hope everything is OK. Can you e-mail McAfee for advice?

Kate, efficiency is not the only consideration when solving a problem. I really think your daughter is on to something here. :) And what a beautiful tree. And Friederike, your son is sage for one so young. :)

An adult guide to better handwriting based on calligraphy. Very simple and easy to use; takes only a few sessions to get the basics. http://allport.com/Catalog_Product.aspx?catid=128&prodid=1769 Check your library, too.

up and running

My sister painted old paneling and it looked wonderful. She did use a primer; something recommended by the hardware/paint store.

Yes, you have your hands full training two. :001_smile: Kilcommons system is a bit more thorough than what you describe. The book is somewhat of a standard; your library may have it. Not complicated, but following the system exactly for a couple of weeks (probably less with labradoodles- they're very intelligent) makes life so much easier.

Wonder how long you've had them and has house breaking gone on for a while? Without a new animal/person in the house, it's fairly unusual for a dog to begin marking. Are they crate trained? Using a crate and following a strict schedule for food, water, and going out while training helps to form lifelong habits. Though I don't use all the training methods in the book Great Owners , Good Dogs by Kilcommons, his outline of housebreaking using a crate is the best I've ever come across. Teaching a dog to go in the same place using a command, such as "be quick" and following with praise and a small treat are part of his method. Not sure how much /which kind of training they've received, so thought I'd throw that out there. That said, if he seems in any type of pain, is off water or food, I'd bring him to the vet. And hey, just had the brilliant idea to go to the social groups and look for "Ask the Vet. Soph is so kind as to point us all in the right direction for our pet's care.

I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed by critters. They have to go, but make it quick. I highly recommend a good, fast swat. (Or, in the case of mice, a cat. Absolutely no swatting mice. Yech.) Not only will their end be merciful, but you will build courage. And aim.

Very true, there is nothing like a cat. Unless you have Elizabeth to visit.

Elizabeth, I honour you. :) P.S. Dear Lady, no more mention of the water method...let those secrets lie undisturbed.

Your family sounds like fun! :) The timing issue is a judgment call (kids aren't known for great judgment). It's perspective- they don't have the same to-do list, so they don't feel the pressure you're feeling. Katemary had good advice. What I've done with my children is share my perspective. Try telling them what you want to accomplish today; share the plan. Tell them how much time you estimate for the tasks and what time you'd like to finish up. Get them to have the same goal for the morning or afternoon (because they're kids and short times are manageable for them). And include something fun and refreshing in your schedule- time to read aloud together, or go for a short walk. So, make it a family goal to start school at the time you decide- and let them know how pleased you are when it happens. Once you get school started on time, you might get a family chore time started. A half hour of chores from each child might make a difference in your housework load. Hey! misread your post. Chores before school. We actually time chores. It makes life a lot happier to know it actually takes only x minutes to vacuum, and not forever, like it seems.