Can I get a copy too? Thanks!

Another vote with your daughter! We love all things Apple here. On the rare occasion when there was a problem, Apple took care of everything BEYOND our expectations! It's wonderful to find a company that stands behind their products! Can you tell how much I love Apple?

Check out IKEA or even just google. There are tons of things you can do to update a room without spending tons. Paint is cheap and can do wonders! YOu can paint walls and furniture to update most things. Curtains can make or break a room too. Decorating doesn't have to be expensive. You just need inspiration. You can do it!

Well, I have all of the items you mentioned except a Nook; plus, I have an iphone. A Kindle is great for reading. It's a glorified book. You can have several books in tow, but you only have to transport the Kindle around. You can read on a netbook, but you have to deal with eyestrain and glare. A Kindle's ink technology is just like a printed page. If you love music, then an ipod is wonderful. However, I admit that lately I've just been listening to pandora through my iphone. I NEVER listen to the radio! All of these gadgets make our lives more enjoyable. It just depends on what you like to do. HTH! :)

I think that is a good option. We finished BCM and pre-algebra both from Lial's this year. We worked through BCM at a normal pace "testing" out on the very beginning basic review. We finished early, so I got the pre-algebra book, and we are working through it at a quicker pace doing mostly chapter reviews and tests only. I think your plan would be great for a younger student and would solidify math concepts before heading into algebra. We love the Lial books!

Here in Georgia, my representative was not helpful and said CPO was NOT for homeschoolers. I was extremely disappointed and went with another publisher, mainly due to the fact that they were so "unfriendly". Hopefully you will have a much better experience, like some have posted. I was bummed because it looks like a wonderful program.

My husband isn't much of a reader either unless it's work or news related. However, I and my son read a lot. For a long time, my husband would listen to me read to my son in the evenings. He travels a lot for work, so we haven't done that in lately. It's a nice way to have a family time but no pressure for those who don't like to read. If it's a good book, then it's easy to draw them in! :)

I would use Lial's Basic College Math. I know it's been talked about a lot, and it's a great book. It gives you a total math review so your child is ready for Algebra. You can also get it really cheap. I know what it's like to spend $$ and still be frustrated. HTH!

Thanks! That looks great!

I'm glad you've done this and that it's working. My husband and son are huge American history lovers so we have tons of books and dvds already. Now, I just have to plan it all out!

that's the one!

I don't think there are recommendations for American history. I guess you just hit the highlights during the world rotations for 7th and 8th, just like in 3 and 4 of SOTW. I just wanted to focus on American once more before we head into high school.

We have always preferred Kingfisher over Usborne anyway. I was hoping the DK book would be closer to that. Since Kingfisher doesn't really cover America in depth. I will look into the other DK book also. I didn't see it in my searching because I think it may be out of print. Thanks for the information.

Thanks for all these suggestions! I'll take a look at each one. I'll also take a closer look at the WTM....again! I have both editions, but for some reason, I didn't realize another text was recommended for 8th. I thought it was still Kingfisher. Guess I should have looked before posting! :)

I would love some opinions. We have used Sonlight for several years for history. However, for many reasons I don't want to use Core 100 next year. However, I want to do American history. I have always followed a lot of the WTM suggestions and had thought about doing history as suggested there (outlining, additional reading, ect.). However, since I would be doing American history, I need a different spine than Kingfisher. I thought about using DK Children's Encyclopedia of American History (Smithsonian) and adding lots of good literature as well as a thorough study of the states, presidents, and government. My husband loves history so we have quite a few books to add in. I'm praying this works. Any thoughts?

We have a Costco and Publix here that sell it in the bakery section. Trader Joe's is a drive for me, but as mentioned they have it too. I'd love to make it, but I'd be in trouble if it turned out well. I love naan!

I got mine from Amazon too, really cheap!

It breaks my heart that this church may be the only "Jesus" some people come in contact with. There message is not what Jesus intended. Jesus died for all.

praying for you and your family!

What mixture and oils have you used? I'm tired of dealing with all the chemicals and antibiotics.

I love cooking with cast iron! I don't use soap in mine, but like others have said, I use the brown scraper from PC. If it's really yucky, I clean with salt, water, and a cloth. I initially season with lard several times, and I never put it away wet. If you season it several times and use it often, it won't stick. The older ones are wonderful. If you happen across an older one that is rusted, then soak it in Coke. It may take awhile, but all the rust will eventually dissolve. I love cooking with cast iron!

I'm sure it's on here somewhere, but we are using Basic College Math 7th edition (2004) ISBN 0321257804 which Jann in TX recommended. It's easy to find used and very cheap.

I totally agree!

Thanks for doing that! I finally had a chance to find the previous posts, but I didn't have a chance to figure out how to link them! :)

I'm so glad you started the post. It's nice to know my son isn't the only who despises correction. I do try writing corrections out, but for subjects like math, that is harder. My son is good in math but makes lots of careless mistakes. He's doing pre algebra this year, so he's learning lots of new concepts. He's struggling a little, and his attitude about correction is producing difficult times! I'm just praying that this too shall pass.