A little of both - the outline for free. The comprehensive program would be available for purchase.

I am strongly thinking about putting together a year-long curriculum plan (with lesson plans, activity instructions, handouts, worksheets, etc.) for homeschoolers. I would like to include lessons, games and activities that I had success using in my classroom (I am a former elementary teacher and am National Board Certified). My thought is that once complete, I would make the curriculum available as a download. My question is in regards to the lessons/activities that I would like to include that come from other resources (i.e. Project Learning Tree, Ranger Rick, etc.). If I have modified the lesson/activity to make it more do-able for the homeschool setting... and if I credit the original publication.... can I use it? I've already created a year-long outline for the Logic Stage - it has a brief description of the activities, etc. - but I would like to create something that others can pick up and implement for themselves even if they are not comfortable with the subject. Can anyone help me?

Does anyone know how the older version compares with the new, revised editions? How different are they? I have the revised editions for Kinder, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I have the older edition ('93) for 4th and 6th. I need 5th. Should I get the older edition or upgrade and get the revised for 4th, 5th, and 6th ???

I've had success with the recipe I posted above - the larger pan does take a while but if you put it into smaller loaves, it shouldn't be a problem. Also, if you don't have the time to do the baking right now... once the bananas ripen too much for your liking (i.e. when they start to get brown), put them in the freezer. When you are ready to bake, remove them and allow them to defrost. They will be mushy when you open them and so easy to mash!

Here is my favorite for Banana Bread - it comes from Runners World magazine. 1 2/3 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3 1/2 bananas, very ripe, mashed 2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla 2/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped Preheat oven to 350. Sift together first four ingredients. Beat sugar and eggs with a whisk until light and fluffy. Drizzle in oil. Add bananas, sour cream and vanilla. Fold in flour mixture and nuts. Pour batter into a buttered 9"x4" loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Makes 12 servings. (310 cal, 15 grams of fat, 41 g carbs, 4 g protein) Lower fat version: Reduce oil to 1/4 cup and 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. (260 cal, 9 grams of fat) It is particularly good pre-workout / pre-race !! :D

Follow her interest. I was an Elem. Science Specialist (4-6th) for 4 years and also taught for 2 years in a self-contained 5th grade. My daughter, 6 in Sept, does many of the same lessons I taught my students (I read aloud the instructions and the writing is modified. Sometimes she dictates/narrates and I record her answers). She understands the material and enjoys it. Don't let the grade level deter you...look at stuff for upper grades.

I took both Saturday and Sunday off... but I hit the pavement again today. Another 8 miles and faster time than I did on Friday! Yippee!

I have the complete set as well but haven't used them other than on occasion when we are doing Living History reenactment. I would love to know the answer to your question myself.

I don't have experience with Shakespeare myself, but DH and I attend the Oregon Shakespeare festival for at least one play every year. This year (just a week ago), we saw Othello and preforming in the courtyard, prior to seating, were The Hobart Shakespeareans, a group of students from Los Angeles. Inspired by their performance, I bought the book Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire by Rafe Esquith. It is a fast read and is certainly inspiring! He gives lots of ideas of how his students (5th graders) put on an unabridged Shakespeare play every year. It is worth checking out. :)

Welcome to blogging - you'll be hooked, now! :D

You can also google 'free blog skins' and many templates will come up... 2 column, 3 column... not just the banner/header but complete skins. Here is one that I like particularly well (I use 2 of them): http://freeskins.blogspot.com/ They are easy to install... 1) download 2) upload file to your blog template via the 'Edit HTML' tab on the 'Layout Tab' 3) save 4) add your links, sidebar links, etc.

Very cool! :D

I'm a newbie and I don't get the rep point thing... can anyone shed some light on how it works. I know it has something to do with the little scale but otherwise I'm lost. :confused:

Another vote for the pumice stone....

She is right! I have 2 blogs and have created links on the tabs on top that link to a specific post that gives more information about me. My links are in my signature...

Yay! Congratulations! I just love how this thread has grown! So many of us doing what we can to stay active & healthy. I love it! :D I did 8 miles this morning... part of a virtual race series that another blogger/runner organizes. Lots of fun. No pressure. I finished in 1:21:72 - certainly not my best but my muscles are still pretty tight from the 30K on Saturday.

I'm so proud of all of you who burned extra calories... I was supposed to swim today but it was thunder/lightening all day... we swim in an outdoor pool and I didn't think that would be too safe. I could have / should have ran on the treadmill but didn't. Tomorrow is another day... :001_smile:

I, too, would suggest Photoshop Elements. Particularly if you think you'll do more than just the one book for Christmas. Elements has a bit of a learning curve but there are tons of free tutorials online. I promise you though, once you try digital, you'll LOVE it. So much faster. No mess. No hassle. If you are creating individual pages - I like to send mine to Costco (12x12 = $2.99 / 8x8 = $1.49). Once you create the page in Photoshop (PSD file), you'll need to save a JPEG version to upload to Costco. Another great option is to print the pages in a bound book via Shutterfly, MyPublisher, etc. You can compare their prices, etc. and decide what you like best. :001_smile:

The more comments this thread receives, the more thankful I am that I posted it. It has been very helpful to read through the thoughtful responses and contemplate the variety of things I could have and should have, said. Thank you all so much. I know that if there is ever a 'next time', I'll be better prepared. :001_smile:

1.) How many kids do you have and what are their ages? 2 - ages 5 (6 in Sept) and 3 2.) What is your favorite food? Vietnamese 3.) What is your favorite movie? So many... The Patriot is one 4.) Coke, Pepsi or neither? Vanilla Coke 5.) What is your favorite book? Again, there are many: The Kite Runner, His Dark Materials trilogy, Ishmael 6.) What is your least favorite household job? Changing Bedding 7.) What is your favorite season? Fall 8.) What is your favorite sport? Running 9.) What is your favorite holiday? Christmas 10.) What is your least favorite store you have to shop in? An autoparts store (thankfully, I rarely need to) :D

As previous posters have stated, balance is key, but also you need to find the volunteer avenue that works for you and your family. Follow your heart... your interests. I lead a Roots & Shoots group for my kiddos and we do a number of volunteer projects throughout the year. The projects/activities are integrated into our homeschooling so it feels natural. We do community wide weed pulls, beach/trail clean-ups, make donations to the humane society, create care boxes for assisted living homes, etc. As the kids get older, I hope to volunteer at a homeless shelter and serve meals. We also volunteer together at a local natural history museum. We lead nature walks and teach visitors about the local flora/fauna. My eldest and I also do living history together and portray an 1880s homesteading family. My youngest is not currently participating - he's a spirited/active boy and he doesn't seem as interested in taking part. Perhaps when he is a little older. It is a wonderful experience because we get to share our love of history and our knowledge of the past with visitors. My daughter gets to learn important life skills - public speaking, improv (she needs to think on her feet to answer some questions and stay in character), handcrafts, animal care, etc. :)

Nope... I don't clean (unless company is company, according to DH). To think things over, to process stuff... I run.

I completely agree - you were within your rights (your house, your rules) and handled it very well. Kudos.

<<<<< HUGS >>>>>

Hee Hee ... that makes me laugh! :D You can rest assured, Sweetie and Buddy are nicknames. Sweetie because she is mild-mannered, gentle and sweet (generally) and Buddy because is my affectionate one, a big bear hugger! :D