At age 2, dd wanted to be a cricket. Currently, ds10 and ds8 would like to be train robbers (after an eventful train ride to the Grand Canyon on vacation). Look at the bright side, we will all save a ton on college tuition!:lol:

My dd12 is volunteering at the library this summer (summer reading program/they take rising 7th graders). Once she turns 13, she will apply to volunteer at the local zoo.

We have the puzzleball globe. I think it was a waste of money. The pieces are numbered on the back so it is possible to construct the entire globe without even seeing the map side. It is also kind of small and the pieces were hard to put together. But, my main complaint was that we didn't find it to be educational at all. YMMV

Would she consider renting a wheelchair or buying an inexpensive one for the trip. That might help her last longer each day and everything I remember in DC was accessible. Sorry I don't know anything about parking-we used the metro and walked our feet off! I have occasionally seen a wheelchair in the Walgreen's ad for around $100-$150 on sale-maybe you could check there?

CurrClick.com has the Right-Brained Multiplication & Division PDF book (priced at $29.95) for free with the promo code moneysaving2! You don't even need to enter your Credit Card information. I haven't used it yet but it looks pretty good.

This book is only a 3-4th grade level, but my kids have enjoyed from the library this week: Exploring the New World by Melody Herr. It is written in a "choose your own adventure" style. Obviously it won't cover everything, but it serves well to stir up interest in the subject. They had several other selections we plan to check out too: The Alamo, CA gold rush, titanic, underground railroad, pirates, etc. They are all published by Capstone press.

We have been known to practice opening gifts before a big occasion. It's a lot of fun and laughs and helps the kids know how to be polite/enthusiastic about less than perfect gifts. What we do: take turns "wrapping" in old gift bags various items from around the house. It may be a toy (practicing receiving something you already have), old socks (practicing for something you don't want), or the truly bizarre. The opener has to think of something nice-beyond thanks-to say about the gift. "I love rock books" "You can never have enough socks"...

The best luck we've had is scrubbing with plain baking soda. I couldn't believe it. None of the expensive chemical stuff did anything. I can't wait to upgrade!

Could it be The Hoppameleon? My kids always loved that book. eta the book description from Amazon: When the world is still quite young, there was a sleepy, slurpy swamp. And in it swam a very odd-looking creature...As he makes his way in the world, this very odd-looking creature, with a long sticky tongue, who can hunt like a chameleon and sing like a parrot, isn't quite sure who or what he is. Nor is anyone else. But he does know that he wants to find a friend who is just like himself. An enchanting tale from the winner of the Children's Book Award.

Flipping through my copy, the answer is yes. I see explorers, Jamestown, pilgrims, Ben Franklin,American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Railroad development, slavery, civil war, inventors, workers and women's rights, and a little on WWI. It covers the time period of 1400-1914. We haven't started Vol2 yet, so I don't know much from personal use.

Checking the "yes" box to be an organ donor is not official. It is meant as an easy way to let others know your wishes. If the family does not sign consent for donation, it will not take place, no matter what it says on your drivers license. Oh, and I am an organ donor.

Several years ago, I would have honestly said DH and I were both light sleepers- I think because I usually wake up a lot at night. But, one night we awoke to banging on the front door, flashlights shining in the side door panels, etc. It was the police and was terrifying. They were there because someone hit our car that was parked out front (enough to bend the tire/axle parallel to the curb and a neighbor called the police. We never heard a thing. So now, even though I don't feel like a sound sleeper, I have a feeling I am one. I don't think my kids are sound sleepers and I wouldn't do anything non-emergent in my kitchen in the middle of the night.:001_smile:

Have you been downstairs in his room to check? I would sit downstairs and have DH in our bedroom talking on the phone, etc in a normal voice and see what I could hear. If necessary, have DH also jump on the bed while you listen from downstairs.:D

I think you should send her a friend request. You can't really friend her unless she accepts the request. I bet she will.:grouphug:

Wow, I'm tired just reading about your week! I hope the upcoming week will be boring and uneventful for you and your DD!

Justice has a lot of pretty long skirts and sundresses in the stores right now-we just bought 2 this weekend. Be sure to print out a 40% off coupon if you shop there.;)

I googled hamburger soup and saw several recipes. Food.com had one called "Bestest Hamburger Soup" with great reviews and no/few tomatoes. It was recipe #56366. Sorry, I don't know how to do a link. I've never made this, but it sounds so good I plan to try it later this week.

I see you are in Australia but here in the US, our grocery stores sell microwaveable frozen meals that your son would love. If he also has a freezer, he should check on that. Here are 2 things I think he would like: 1 egg omelet: In a microwave safe bowl (around 1 cup capacity) stir up 1 egg and add in whatever you like in omelets..a sprinkle of cheese, bits of veggies or meat, etc. Then microwave on high for 1 minute. Brownie cups: In same type bowl, fill about 3/4 full of prepared store bought brownie mix. The big rule on this is on mixes, you have an option of chewy or cake like depending on # of eggs added-You MUST use the extra egg or your brownies will be like little rocks! Microwave 1 minute on high. These are yummy served with ice cream and chocolate syrup. If he has left overs, the extra batter can be saved for later but in a boys dorm, that seems unlikely. I hope he enjoys!

We love ours. The only (tiny) con I can think of is that people use it as a turn around on our busy street. Really not a big deal at all but it can be irritating at night or when the house is especially messy and I think someone is dropping by...:lol:

You might want to try calling your doc's answering service. Many doctors are more than happy to call in a prescription to treat pink eye without seeing you...it is highly contagious and they don't want it spread around. It couldn't hurt to try. Hope you feel better soon!:grouphug:

You may know this already, but Saxon has put out new books for Algebra 1 and 2. They have removed the geometry and expanded the algebra. I don't have these new books, but Cathy Duffy reviewed them recently and you can see table of contents and sample pages at christianbook.com. It has given me a lot to think about... we were previously planning to abandon Saxon before algebra but now I'm not so sure.

When we decided to start homeschooling earlier this year, DH and I both knew our biggest challenge would be my lack of alone time. He helps me out a lot by taking the kids and going out of the house. Sometimes it's as simple as taking all 3 to one child's sports practice or to the store to buy a few groceries. They have gone out to eat fast food for dinner, to play at the park, for bike rides in the neighborhood, etc. Some breaks are longer than others but they all help keep me sane.:001_smile:

We use ours as a flower and leaf press.:001_smile:

So sorry your DD has so much going on...no wonder she's scared of doctors. DH works in Peds orthopedics and said they often suggest that if you have any Lortab or other Rx left from when she broke her arm, you could give a dose before her appt. to make her drowsy. Otherwise, they usually just hold on to the child firmly and get the cast removed as quickly as possible. The child usually calms down quickly once they realize it didn't hurt. The noise is the worst part. Hope that helps. Hugs to you and your DD.

Have you considered changing cover schools? Alabama doesn't require grade reporting-that is your cover school. Our cover school is state-wide and I don't have to report grades (My oldest is in middle school so if 9th is different, feel free to ignore.) Maybe you could go with different school until she is feeling better and then switch back? Feel free to PM me if you want the name of our school.:grouphug: