I have a son very similar to what you described. He just turned 8 and has had the worst time learning to read. He can spell better than he can read. We have started AAS several months ago and he is doing very well with it. He is reading much better and we enjoy the program. No matter what you use, just keep practicing. It really is the key to success with kids who have reading difficulties. Blessings,

I have six kiddos that I'm homeschooling and I'm finishing up my first semester at school this month. I have taken a full load this semester and I think it's very manageable. My only thoughts are that you really need to be disciplined to make sure you complete school work on time. I usually use Sunday to kind of map out what I need to get done that week. I also look for ways to maximize time spent away from home. For example, when we have park days with our homeschool group on Friday.....I take my laptop and work on school work while my kids are playing. Same thing when the boys have practice. HTH, Andrea

Thanks, everyone. I feel much better about letting her read it now.

This is the book that the middle school book club at our library is doing this month. Has anyone read it? It has a young adult tag on it so I'm a little concerned about the content, but I just don't have the time to read it right now. So is their any inappropriate content in it. My dd is 12....thoughts please. Thanks! Andrea

We like the Daily Geography Practice put out by Evan Moor. We have been doing it this year and it is very simple and effective in teaching geography. There is geography topic for each week and two questions each day for them to answer. Like this week it's a Farm Map and each day there are questions about this particular map. Today the questions were: This map shows Central City ________. How many kinds of animals are on the map key?? Then on Friday there is a Challenge: This week it states to color the zoo animals tells you to label the zoo animal that is your favorite. I hope that explains it well. We really enjoy it b/c it's simple, effective and doesn't require a huge time commitment. Let me know if you have any specific questions about this curriculum...I'd be happy to answer. HTH,

Bumping this up....I was wonder this as well.

So sorry you and your DD are going through this. Connective tissue diseases can take a long time to diagnose. Like others have stated the ANA is not really disease specific and is used to diagnose numerous conditions. While you could have Lupus with a titer 1:160 it is highly unlikely. I have lupus and my ana was speckled and 1:2560. Is there a chance your daughter has a thyroid issue? That's actually how all this started for me. I have autoimmune thyroid disease which was diagnosed before the lupus. For many years, doctors blamed my positive ANA on my thyroid because that can happen. It wasn't until my kidneys quit working that they finally looked for something else. Have they done an double stranded DNA antibody test? If they suspect SLE that should be the next test done. You are doing such a good job. Just keep being your DD's advocate and remember even if it is any of these things, they are all very treatable. I was diagnosed several years ago and I'm doing well now. I truly pray you find answers soon. Many Blessings,

I could have written this post. That is exactly what I used to do because that's what my mother did. I didn't even know you could buy frozen vegetables...much less that they are better for you and I always thought that fresh ones were too expensive. Keep at it....I'm actually a really seasoned cook now (if I do say so myself). I made lemon herb chicken with "fresh" broccoli and califlower (I so spelled that wrong.) and my kids cheered. Many Blessings,

Be careful microwaving eggs as I have had one explode right in my face as I opened the microwave door. It seriously burned my face although it didn't scar. So just make sure you stand back when you open the door.

You could also check the craft section at walmart. I bought one of the ones you use for organizing thread or buttons to sort out tiles in. It works so much better that way. HTH

I found some at Walmart. It was for making banners and found in the craft section there.

Thanks so much for the suggestions. They are greatly appreciated.

Hi, everyone! I am starting Exploring Creation with Physical Science with my 6th grader. Can anyone recommend some physical science experiment kits that would go well with this?? I know there are experiments in the book, but my daughter loves science and loves experiments so I'd like to add a little more. I would like to spend $100 or less.

Just thought I'd throw this in there. Migraines are "usually" on one side of the head or the other. When I get a migraine, I get it on the right side of my head. The pain is intense and even the slightest bit of light makes it a 100 times worse. From what my neurologists says, migraines are typically one sided, but everyone is different. HTH

Thanks, Jessica. Those were exactly what I was looking for. I remember seeing them on your blog awhile back, but couldn't find them the other day when I looked. So thanks so much for posting them.

Well I'll through my two cents in. I think your son should be your number one priority. I also think that you should try to honor your commitment as well. I'd try to find another time for the art class that everyone could make and do it then. When it comes to things like this, I think everyone needs to be flexible and not just you. If your son not taking this class is going to affect his future, then what other choice do you have?

Country Girl, I just wanted to update you. Class was cancelled this week because Mrs. Rhodes had an accident. I've had to request a refund because we won't be able to make this next class with the change in schedule. Sorry I couldn't be more help. If you still want to enroll, classes have been postponed until next week so you still can still register.

Bump. Any one?

Just curious if any one has made a planning form for TOG that they love. I've seen the ones of the Loom, but am curious what everyone else is using. Thanks!

Any one?

Ours starts on Tuesday so I'll post on here after we finish up to let you know how it went. All of her classes do have really good reviews. I've been thinking about doing that lit class as well. I may join you on Thursday. ;)

Hi! I was just wondering if anyone is starting the Science Club class with Loretta Rhodes at Currclick this week. My daughter (age 11) and my son (8) will be in this class and we were hoping to "meet" some others that are taking this class as well.

We haven't started yet (it starts Tuesday), but we are doing the Science Club Class taught by Loretta Rhodes. All of her classes have great reviews at Currclick.

I don't think she looks trampy. I think she looks great. I'm a Christian and I don't understand how having hair extensions makes you look trampy??? To each her own, I guess.

Sorry to hear you are experiencing so much pain. I have fibromyalgia. The best way I can describe it is widespread pain that is intensified by touch. Massage doesn't even help me anymore because the pain brought on by someone touching my back is severe. Usually fibro will be bilateral affecting both sides of the body. Doctors use "tender points" to diagnose it. You can google tender points and see if you have pain in those specific areas when a little pressure is applied. Arthritis is a possibility, too. My mother has arthritis and her pain is usually worse first thing in the morning and late at night. It is also intensified by cold weather. If it were me, I'd finish up the antibiotics and if I was still having pain, I'd go see the doctor and get it checked out. Kidney infections can take a little while to heal so it could still be the infection causing your pain as well. I don't know if this is helpful, but I hope you feel better soon. Pain is no fun.