I love that I can change the queue depending on our schedule - like if hubbie is working nights all weekend then I put girlie, British movies on there. I love that my kids can watch "Leave It To Beaver", "The Cosby Show", etc on instant when we need something fun to laugh about. I love that "Liberty Kids" and "Cyberchase" is on instant. I love that we can get documentaries and other educational shows. I love that my son and hubbie can watch "Top Gear" whenever they want to hang out together. ReneeR P.S. I, also, love that they recommend movies to you based on your choices so we have seen some great British and low budget films that I would never have known about.

We did Singapore through 5B for 1st child, and he went straight into chalkdust pre-algebra as a 6th grader and just took the AP Calc test last week. The second child had more difficulty with word problems so we did Singapore through 6A with lots of those supplemental Singapore books as a 6th grader, and then she did pre-algebra in 7th and alg I in 8th. The third child will do Singapore 6A/6B next year as a 6th grader with plenty of extra problems and intensive practice. I will move her into the Chalkdust pre-algebra as a 7th grader and so on. I really feel that if a child has no trouble with Singapore 5 and/or 6 then they can move easily into Chalkdust pre-algebra. We have found both of these programs work well for different learning styles, and both offer large numbers of problems in the exercises to work "problem" areas out. I find the Extra Practice books and intensive books to be great supplements for Singapore. We do all the problems in the texts and workbooks, also. Good luck ReneeR

We go straight into Chalkdust pre-algebra. My kids do incredibly well after Singapore, and they have all done well into AP Cal ReneeR

The only time that I have sold anything from WTB ads was my Chalkdust stuff. I think because it was really expensive stuff, people were willing to pay for it used in excellent cond. That being said I have checked the WTB board and emailed people, and they wanted to pay ridiculously low prices for really expensive stuff - VP, Apologia, etc so I just would post it. I would look at the WTB board for a few days or week, and then if you have something, post it. I, personally, don't usually post WTB. I just go the the FS boards. have a great weekend, ReneeR

I would be in full agreement with your daughter. We have owned 4 during our short computer life of 13 yrs - we still use 3 of them. We have spent very little on any repairs. They are fast, reliable, great for games and photography, etc. We will definitely be buying a smaller laptop than the one my hubbie has for ds to take to college next year. Not so funny story - three years ago someone put a killer virus into all the large churches in our area. The computer system at our church was messed up for 4 weeks - all areas of it. The only 2 computers working in the huge church complex were the pastor's and mission liaison - both macs. The mission guy has started and owned his own software company, and he believes that macs are superior than anything out there. We agree!!!!

What about the newest "Emma" or "North and South"? My daughters, 11 and 16, both enjoyed these with me. Of course, "The Importance of Being Ernest" with Colin Firth is one of their favorites, also! ReneeR

You know, that is something that just makes me smile - especially on the eve of Mother's Day! You must be proud of your boys. You know we received the same reaction a few years ago when we were at a jungle resort in Belize. There were people from all over the world there, and they just all assumed our kids were home schooled because 1) they were polite 2) my oldest woke early and went to the library (part of the dining room) to read 3) they all wanted to help the staff with cleaning the kayaks, etc and 4) they could carry on conversations with adults from different countries easily and pleasantly. ReneeR

We began using Seventh Generation when we built our other home 10 years ago. It had a septic tank, and I wanted everything non-chem/non-phosphates. I used to order it in bulk from Drugstore.com, but then Target started selling it. I use the dish soap and dishwasher det, and I have never been disappointed. I even put it on stubborn greasy stains on clothes, like I did years ago with Dawn, and it works just as well. Happy Mother's Day! ReneeR

Ok, so I had "I Am Messenger" to read, but I tried several times and could not get into it SOOOOOO I felt immediate pressure, no really just desire, to find another book. I found this book and it fit with my theme of WWII books. It is called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer. It was a "Librarian's Pick" and when I read the jacket, I thought "why not?" It is wonderful. I have read "A Book Thief" and "Sarah's Key" in the last few weeks, and they all deal with WWII in different geographic locations and in a different, more creative, interesting way. This book follows that theme! It is heart warming and interesting, and I would recommend it to anyone. It is, also, a shorter read than "A Book Thief" so I was able to finish it after starting it mid-week. Have a great week reading - ReneeR

Yes, My ds is taking 7 in the next two weeks. It seems that all he will be doing is studying (not as much as I think he should) and going to proms! Good luck to your children and students. Have a peaceful week ReneeR

Has anyone paid for a math tutor lately? My son is going to be tutoring this summer for $$, but he is not sure about $/hr. Someone told me that $20-$25/hr was pretty standard. He has rec's from a parent who is an educator, two teachers - one who specializes in learning disabilities. He has been tutoring a friend in Alg I and was able to raise his grade average from a low D to a high C in a few weeks. He "sees" math and is able to teach others to do the same. Thanks, ReneeR

Thanks ladies! My kids are not big team park people so they would probably enjoy touring Rubicon and sailing sailboats over rides. I will look into Muir Woods, also. That sounds interesting. Have a peaceful day ReneeR

Has anyone done these with middle schoolers? The literature guides look interesting for 5th/6th grade. Also, has anyone done their history guides? This new one with Dorothy Mills Histories looks interesting. I am trying to decide on a history for my 6th grader next year. I own so many history spines including Streams of Civilization, which I think is an excellent book. Has anyone ever done a history with it that had a study guide of sorts? Hewitt Homeschooling has a jr high Literature Approach to Ancient History that looks good? Thanks for thoughts ReneeR

I would be very upset. I really don't see the point of such a thing, and it just reinforces all the garbage that our children are inundated with on TV and in modern culture. I would definitely talk to the pastor and whomever the adult chaperones were. I would even suggest that they survey the attendants and their parents to see what they ALL thought of the "project". My daughter went on her first middle school retreat to a wonderful Young Life Camp which was high adventure. She was 12 yrs old, and I made a point of putting on the comments of her app "she is TERRIFIED of heights"! When they returned the adult leader, female youth pastor, and her best friend made a point of talking to me immediately to let me know that she had conquered her fear to go on some zip line thing, but that she had waited to do it til the last day even though every one else did it repeatedly. They were very supportive with her NOT doing it, but dd was happy she did it. I would have been furious if they had peer pressured her into doing it!!! ReneeR

Ladies, Ok, we are visiting my husband's brother in San Francisco for a few days and then on to Yosemite for a week. My dh wants to spend a day in Napa because we are so close. Now don't get me wrong, I love wine; but I am wondering is there some place there that the kids 11 - 17 will feel ok taking a tour and maybe, a hike or bike ride near by. I suppose that I always envisioned our Napa tour as adult only in an expensive B & B. Any suggestions would be appreciated! a peaceful weekend, ReneeR

I have a friend whose daughter will graduate from there next year. Neither the friend nor I had heard of it, but it had a historic art program that her daughter wanted and was a small Christian college. The daughter received substantial scholarships from the art dept and college. I know that they have all been very pleased with the school - they only see her on holidays since they are in TN and she is in Iowa. I would check out the dept your son is thinking about, but as a liberal arts school, I think that it is well thought of. ReneeR

Well the Teaching Company catalog makes me want to sit around and watch DVD's forever on a rainy day! Veritas Press and Sonlight always make me glad that I home school and use their suggestions if not their cores. ReneeR

Although I have not officially "joined" the book club, I have been following it since the beginning of the year. I just wanted to take this glorious day to thank you ladies that recommended such books as "The Book Thief", "Sarah's Key", and "The Samurai's Garden". I have read these over the last few weeks, and no sooner do I think "Wow, this is the best book, then I would start the next one." They were all three excellent!!! I, also, read "The Peony Pavilion" by Lisa See right before "The Samurai's Garden" so I have gotten quite an insight into Asian culture. I am now reading "I Am Messenger" by Markus Zusak, the "Book Thief" author. I just started it, but I was intrigued by the back cover of "The Book Thief" so I requested it from the library. Again, ladies, thank you for the recommendations: ) ReneeR P.S. I have, also, been reading the Crispin trilogy to my daughter. Those books are excellent as well. ReneeR

We never allowed the "I'm bored" chant around our house. I find that children saying this are usually looking for something they know they can't do or have. My children learned to play by themselves or outside with the dog or work on computer learning games, music practice, etc. Perhaps she needs more school work. If she is bored at this age, perhaps she could do more work or more challenging work or both. All children are different. Good luck, ReneeR P.S. The chore thing usually works well though. My husband used it once on a daughter (he had her cleaning up leaves from our huge patio after a storm), and I know many friends that have used it successfully.

Thanks so much. I'll try this tonight - Have a Happy Easter ReneeR

I read this with laughter and tears in my heart! I loved it! Thanks for sharing: ) Yea, homeschooling might be for her - intellectually fulfilling, NO high heels, get to stay in your pjs some days til noon, can stop in between math and history to make mocha cupcakes for a friend's birthday, etc, etc, etc ReneeR

Ladies, My dd and I are in a knitting circle that makes chemo caps and other things for local charities. The chemo cap pattern is your standard make a border then K a row, P a row, etc until you start shaping it at the top with K12, K2TOG, repeat, etc etc. My question is "Can I start from the top of the cap with 12 stitches and add stitches until I get to the required stitches for CO. I have this really beautiful fuzzy, sparkly yarn that I would like to make a chemo cap out of with a solid cashmer/acrylic yarn for the bottom border. I don't know where to start with the fuzzy yarn so I was hoping I could work from top to bottom, but I have never done that. I hope this is not too confusing and some experienced knitter can help?! Thank, ReneeR

My daughter uses Selsun Blue Naturals shampoo and Nature's Gate conditioner with Tea Tree Oil (found at Whole Foods, Publix, and Walmart). It seems to be a perfect ph combination for her, and the Tea Tree conditioner smells so good. The Selsun Blue takes care of her dandruff while the Tea Tree oil conditioner moisturizes and adds shine to her hair. Good luck ReneeR

we do a spicy spinach/smoked bacon (or spicy sausage) pkg frozen spinach, defrozen 4 slices smoked bacon, cooked and chopped 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese 3/4 shredded jalapeno monterey jack cheese 2-3 eggs 1 cup sour cream mix all together and place in pie crust in pie plates then cook for about 40 minutes at 400 degrees until browned on top. I have even made these and wrapped in plastic and tinfoil and froze them.

Ladies, My family has never traveled to CA except on our way out of the country. We have decided as a family vacation to visit San Francisco (we have a family member there and want to see it) and Yosemite. Could anyone recommend an area to stay for these places? Is there an area in SF that you would recommend to stay? We hope to stay there 4 days and then move on to Yosemite for 5 days or so. Is there a certain entrance or town outside Yosemite that you would recommend? Hotel or Inn? There will be 5 of us so we will need a suite or 2 rooms. I know when we went to the Grand Canyon many years back we stayed right outside the gate at a hotel with suites. It was nice to get away from the crowds and be able to cook breakfast, etc. Thanks in advance, ReneeR