I'm a beta tester and using it with my ds6. I also used Essentials with my dd6, at the time, last year. My dd did use Alpha-Phonics prior to Essentials, so she completed a thorough phonics program as your ds is doing now with Phonics Pathways. Whether E is out by the time my ds completes D, he will begin Essentials. Denise Eide wrote Foundations with the goal that by the time a student completes Foundations C, he/she will be able to read books such as Frog and Toad independently. So, nope, we are not going to use E and going straight to Essentials after D.

Tentative plan: Bible--Grapevine Bible OT and Long Story Short Devotional English--Rod and Staff 2 Spelling--Rod and Staff's Spelling By Sound and Structure Writing--IEW Bible Heroes Reading/Lit--VP's More Favorites History--VP's OTAE Self-Paced Online Course Math--CLE Math 2 Science--A beka Science 2 with lots of living books Health--Rod and Staff or A beka (still undecided) Some enrichment classes offered once a week: Spanish, Piano, Swim and Horseback riding lessons

Thank you for the heads up! Off to RR!

Did you purchase the pocket portfolios from staples? (The link is not working for me.) These look great! I like how you used them!

I'm sooooo getting this! Thanks for posting!

My go-to post-preggy clothes: black yoga pants with a v-neck fitted solid-colored long (as in pass your buttocks) top. Super-comfy and simple stylin' at the same time.

I use the Starbucks glass bottle. It has a gel-like protective sleeve around it that can remain on if using the dishwater. I bought it on the Starbucks website where some are on sale. I like the nifty handle on it.

I signed my dd5 for summer swimming lessons last month. However, we very recently found out she is allergic to sunblock. Breaks out in rashes. Is there another topical alternative to sunblock? TIA!

Dr. Seuss's Oh, The Places You'll Go!

My dd5 will be finishing up Alpha-phonics soon. I would like to know her reading level upon completion. Is there a reading assessment that I can use to determine that, or do I just go off of the reading level stayed on books that she reads? TIA!

Check out Marc by Marc Jacobs' Francesca! Definitely designer and definitely functional! I double this bag as my high end bag and diaper bag. (It's not designed as a diaper bag but I'm all about large purses!) It's leather with brass hardware. It's large enough to fit all my diaper needs. Perfect for a nanny to hold everything. And it can be handled as a shoulder bag or draped across the body with a long strap. You can find this at Nordstrom or online on Marc Jacobs website. Hope you find what you are looking for! Let us know what you decide! I love to see people's bags!

BA Liberal Studies MA Early Childhood/Elementary Education Before homeschooling, I was a public school elementary teacher for 2.5 years.

My dh is a RN for two hospitals. He has an associate's degree in nursing, but he easily makes 3 times more than I did as a public school teacher with a master's. Though he works insane hours, it has allowed me to be a full time stay at home, homeschooling Mom. Love it!

History of Little Pilgrims totally looks doable, simple and open-and-go! And a Living History looks beautiful! Glad to know I've narrowed my choices to those 2!

Actually, Lori, that does help me! You just saved me research time! Now I know for sure TruthQuest is not for us. And, momma, elemental history does look open-and-go! I'll look more into that! Thanks!

It looks like I'll be attending school full-time this fall, so I'm in need of an open-and-go US history for my 1st grader. I really like the looks of Biblioplan and TruthQuest, but reality prohibits me from borrowing books from the library (unless I want to incur late fees). Though I do not mind purchasing a curriculum that includes all the readers. I plan on really just spending Teacher time on phonics instruction, math, and writing. Everything else, history and science, can just be open and go!

Thank you! This is a wonderful, comprehensive list!

Rod and Staff! And Kumon books for learning to cut and paste! Currently, Kumon books are available at Costco.

It doesn't bother if someone wears pj pants in public. However, I personally would not let myself or my kiddos wear them outside the house.

We school year round. However, our start month is June or whenever we finish.

All-time favorite is Chris Van Allsburg whom I met in person. Towering figure with broad, football shoulders and very personable! Close second is Madeline l'Engle. Kids' current favorite is Sandra Boynton. They just crack up whenever we read her books each.and.every.time!

I do dust at least once or twice a week. I love my dark wood furniture and dust really shows. In my house, dusting means spraying Pledge and wiping. My dc help. They enjoy it!

Groupon Getaways currently has a great deal for the Mendocino Hotel: 2 night stay for 2 for $242! http://touch.groupon.com/getaways?c=all-getaways_button&d=getaways-all-deals&mobile=true&s=body&sid=11063820&user=7299ff718ccb427abf3d21bf147f7e89fd87aa6663f761679e71e0fdaf4ff540&utm_campaign=11063820&utm_medium=email&utm_source=channel_getaways-deals#/ch/getaways/deals/ga-m-mendocino-hotel (I apologize for the old-school cut and paste. I really need to learn how to link.)

I am 100% happy with my original phonics and handwriting choices, Alpha-phonics and HWOT. However, I did quickly change from Horizons Math K to Mathematical Reasoning K after the second month. Mathematical Reasoning does the job, but I think I'll just have my upcoming K'er play with c-rods for his K year. I am OK with Explorer's Bible Study but we won't be continuing with that for next year either. Still researching on that.

No. Not at all. However, if my DH wasn't Mr. Super Handyman/Mechanic I would pick up a hammer or a screwdriver-do-hickey thing if the situation calls for it.