For one that was almost into 3rd grade, for the other it was halfway through 1st.

They're really best for folks who are basically healthy with no chronic conditions and no pre-existing conditions. It's really a safety net for something unexpected, not a plan that covers ongoing things. For example, they'll cover cancer the first time, but some don't if it recurs. Or like Katherine experienced, if you have a chronic condition that requires frequent medical care and ongoing medications, it's going to end up being expensive for you, but of course not as bad as if you had nothing. We looked at all the plans like this three years ago when DH first considered retiring early, and frankly they probably wouldn't take us because of him, and if they had, a lot would not be covered.

I once got three copies of a book instead of the one I ordered. It took awhile emailing them back and forth, but finally a supervisor emailed me to just keep the books and not worry about it. Their system wasn't set up for that type of thing. I gave the extras as Christmas gifts that year to family members!

Not paying what a business person is truly due, and not helping with gas, meals, etc. is just being selfish IMHO. I know people like that, and frankly I feel sorry for them. Even as tight as we are, offering to pay a little for gas or bring a snack is just part of general courtesy and respect in my book. Maybe they'll turn it down, but I always offer, even if it just involves bringing a bag of pretzels!

DH introduced me to Middle Eastern food, and I have several good friends from India, so making naan at home has been an ongoing experiment. The blog I've linked to has my favorite method and links to other recipes as well. Pan-grilling is a little more labor-intensive than using a cookie sheet or stone in your oven, but we prefer the texture. http://arcthomas.blogspot.com/2006/06/pan-grilled-naan-naan-with-haryalli.html

Do you have curriculum and things you could sell? I am forever selling things to come up with the funds to buy more curriculum. I do work two part-time jobs and that brings in extra money that I use for curriculum, activities, and DH's constant medical bills, but probably over half of my curriculum funds come from reselling things. Can you borrow or swap things from other homeschoolers? I have a good friend with similar curriculum tastes who is willing to loan me various books in exchange for helping her with IEW. Would your husband be more supportive if you bought bits-and-pieces at a time instead of all at once? Mine has always been more supportive when I ask for extra funds piecemeal.

We run a bit more streamlined that most, but I delay spelling until they've finished phonics and are reading easy chapter books. At that point they seem more ready and able to take on spelling IMHO. I've used both R&S and SWO, and have been pleased with both. We're using SWO now because I prefer their workbooks.