Thanks for the replies. Yes, I realize that my terminology was wrong, organic and natural are not necessarily the same thing. I was looking around online but maybe I can check out the local grocery stores first to see what they carry. I'm at the end of my sugar supply so I need to re-stock ASAP.

I'm making the switch from granulated sugar to a more natural sweetener. From what I've read, sucanat or rapadura is the way to go. Opinions on what is better for baking and where to purchase it for the best price? My husband is afraid this "real food" stuff is going to kill our budget:) Thanks so much!

We have four bedrooms upstairs and a full bath. My dd is in one room, the boys share one, the other two rooms are my husband's office (he works from home) and the schoolroom. I like having a room designated for school (well, it's a playroom too). We are up there most of the morning and then after lunch we are pretty much downstairs. I do have to run up and down two fights of steps to switch laundry but I can use the exercise. It's nice to have all the books and assorted stuff in one place along with room for maps, timelines, white board, etc. on the walls. Our last home we schooled mainly in our dining room and I had a cupboard to store all our stuff in but I like this way so much better.

I don't know how they would handle a child of theirs going a different direction (do any of us really know how we would react to something until we are faced with it?) But, I do know that JimBob's sister's family has done things quite differently than the Duggar's have and they seem to have a wonderful relationship.

I only have two left at home and we don't do organized sports either. Our older four all played sports at one time or another (my only dd is the most natural athlete of the bunch) but maybe it's 'cuz I'm OLD now, I have no desire to spend the better part of my week at a sporting event. As far as the Duggar family goes, I'm a fan. I think they do an admirable job raising their kids for the Lord. We actually went to a book signing for their newest book and it was a joy to meet them. The children were personable and mannerly. Very friendly. When you take into account all the dysfunctional families they parade on tv, the Duggar's are very refreshing to watch, imho.

Very much morning. I start to really drag mid-afternoon. I used to nod off when I read to the kids after lunch.

Thanks! I think I'll try putting them in a bag in the fridge and adding to it, hopefully I'll get enough to make a meal and even freeze if things go well.

Well, the garden is starting to produce (yay!!) but what do you do when only a small amount is ready to be picked? I went down to the garden this morning and picked about two servings of green beans and sugar snap peas, what do I do with them until I have enough to use for a meal? This is our first serious attempt at gardening so I know I have a lot to learn, help please? :)

I have to agree. Although, I imagine it's could be quite inconvenient at times, better safe than sorry. I'm glad that everyone is okay and the cops are doing their jobs.

We allow the boys (10 next Friday) to come out of their room after 7am. We've had this rule since they were old enough to read the numbers on a clock. Lots of times they don't come out until much later because they are busy playing legos, reading, drawing etc. They can do whatever they want, in their room, as long as they are quiet.

Thanks for the tips so far! We fly into Germany and then onto Istanbul and our first cruise stop is Kusadasi! I"m looking forward to it but also just a bit nervous too. Trying to focus on the time with dh and NOT missing my kids for 11 days!

My dh works for a company who gives incentive trips to their employees (sales) and this year we are blessed to be taking a cruise around the Greek Isles. We've traveled some but never over-seas. I guess my biggest concern is the long flight and details like converters for my hair appliances, calling cards and I'm sure lots of other things I've yet to think of. The company takes care of most of the trip details, flight, itinerary, where we stay, what we do so that's not a concern. It's just dh and I this time (yeah, the honeymoon we never had, 30 years later:) so no kid stuff to worry about. I think it's the international flight and airports that are stressing me. Tell me what I need to know:)

Oh, and for the record, my word of choice is "pickle". None of my kids say that though:)

Nope, totally unacceptable here. My kids know the word "inappropriate" and aren't afraid to use it;) My dil asked my grandson if he "farted" and my 9yo twins were horrified. I wasn't present at the time but she told me that their eyes got huge and they told her that that word was "inappropriate" and she should say "pass gas":) I roared! Apparently, something I say is getting through;) LOL!

I did too! Not canned though, strawberry freezer jam. Here's hoping it sets;)

We are in south central Pa also and yes, lots of them! I love it. I fall asleep at night looking out of my bedroom window at them lighting up all through the trees that line the stream in front of our house:)

No, you aren't the only one:) We have a wonderful property with woods and a stream on a little over an acre. We have a basketball net, in-ground pool, bikes, scooters, water guns, balls etc. However, my boys can only seem to enjoy being outside if the neighbor boys can play. Drives me nuts! Right now they are all (my boys and the neighbors) doing something on our front porch but at least they are outside. I have contemplated enforced outdoor time, especially during the school year when the neighbors are not home during the day. Never thought I'd have to "force" my kids to go out to play. :001_huh:

It comes, eventually:) We are down to just the two 9yos at meal times (unless the big ones are visiting) and our meals are relatively calm. However, we kept the 3.5 and the 2 yo grandchildren for three days last week and several of those phrases were repeated numerous times;)

We like to come out just a little bit ahead. We've only owed once in the 30 years we've been married.

When they are mine, they are:) My twin sons will be 10 in July and I love that they still play like little boys, very innocent and naive. I was watching them walk together down the street the other day and just kind of realized how big they are getting and one day, they too (like the 4 before them) will grow up and leave me. It comes all too soon. But then you get grandchildren and that's wonderful too!

I just finished this book a few weeks ago. They are reading and discussing it in the small groups at my son's church (Soveriegn Grace, if it matters). I have read a lot of parenting books over the years (my oldest is 29) and it's one of the better ones, imo.

I couldn't agree more. There are so many things wrong with this show that it's hard to know where to begin. The gypsy one too. Just ridiculous. We are usually watching 19 Kids and Counting ( I know some have issues with this too, but we like it) and when these commercials come on I just change the channel. Just icky.

I agree with the other posters. Do math and reading if you like and then take advantage of what is in the area. Maybe you can find one of those "Kids in (choose your state)" books. I have one for PA and it has lots of good ideas. Also, ask your parents to check into what might be going on in the area during the time frame you will be visiting. I wouldn't worry too much about being "behind". You are homechooling, you're already ahead!;)

Thanks so much! I can't wait to check out all of these suggestions. I'm sure my guys will love you for it! :)

And apparently I have issues with spelling "struggling" :tongue_smilie: