I have to deal with "one" multiple times a week. I see her at Church, Cubscouts, and Co-op. That is on a good week. She is not a pig, nor does she speak latin (how stupid is that, to speak a DEAD language everywhere you go) like your good ol' SIL. But my special "one" is the world's expert on EVERYTHING. She seems to be in a constant competition with me. Its funny, I don't remember entering a competition with her. Then again, she competes with everyone and seems to always have done it bigger, better, faster. And she's pushy. I will say she is talented (and pretty) but... Sometimes I wonder if she's mental. Her kids are excellent for her, but for others they are BAD. Like throwing metal chairs in the Church gymn, bad (scratching the hardwood floors). Or talking back to grown-ups, bad. Or throwing metal chairs in the gymn after being talked to by MANY adults, bad. Or telling their music teacher she essentially sucks at teaching, bad. (Okay, I am the music teacher, but some respect, please!) When I have spoken to her about their mouths and attitudes she says, "Oh, they do that". That's it. The weird thing is they would NEVER talk to their mother that way. She'd probably skin them. They are extremely well-behaved for her, no sass, no messes, nothing. But for others it is MAJOR attitude. So for now I just deal with being less pretty, less intelligent, less talented than her. And I must bask in her glow of perfection in housekeeping, homeschooling, Church service, homemaking, etc. My 5 kids will never be as brilliant as her 4. But I am just not as good at teaching them. My bread even stinks compared to hers. I guess I will never come close to her perfection. I am simply trying to avoid her and/or like her despite her "perfect" flaws. Afterall, she tells everyone that I am her "best friend".

figure out the rest later. There is no ONE way to educate a child. Even among homeschoolers, we all have "our" way. It sounds like you are ready to homeschool your child, academically. Just consider enrolling him in enrichment activities or join a play group or a homeschool co-op. There are so many choices for socialization. The best part is that you get to choose the atmosphere and the children he associates with. If things are not up to your standard, find something else to do. (Basically I am homeschooling now due to the cruelty of other children towards my ADHD son. Now I am free to choose his peers and life is much more enjoyable.) Good luck with Kindergarten and enjoy! Amie

TOG Yr 1 Classic SOTW, Vol. 1 Easy Grammar 4 Success in Spelling Horizons Math 4 Sonlight Science 3: Intro to Biology Old Testament Studies Want to add Beginning Spanish, but not sure what to use yet.

I am NOT looking for praise, but we feel it is our family's duty to the Lord to give 10% minimum back. After all, He is the bestower of all of our blessings. In my own experience with paying a full tithe these past 10 years of marriage, I have found that we have be blessed. We are not rich, never will be, but we have always had what we needed. There have been a number of times that we have had to make a choice between paying our tithing or buying food. This may seem a bit extreme to many, but we chose the latter. Every time we were placed in that position, we have had our immediate needs met in one way or another. Maybe we got more back from our tax return, a kind neighbor had vegetables to share, or even an anonymous $100 has shown up on our doorstep. I am a firm beleiver in the promise made to the Saints in Malachi's day. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10 is one of my favorite scriptures. Please do not assume that I judge others that do not believe or practice as I do. We are all free to choose what works for our families. The fact that you are all educating your children at home is proof enough of the quality of parent you are and where your priorities lie. You all deserve applause! Amie

I am assuming that you were hoping to begin TOG Yr1 in 5th grade and continue through to 12th. You would then be covering the 4-year rotation twice, right? Do you feel that you need to push through all SOTWs before changing curriculum? You do not have to finish EVERYTHING. It will not hurt to go at your own pace until you are ready to start with TOG. Your child will simply have more knowledge of certain time periods as a background for later. And you could also use your SOTWs to supplement later. I would worry that pushing too hard now might cause you to feel burn-out. Just a thought. Good luck! Amie

I appreciate the opinions. I am confident I'll love the classic version. I love taking a rough outline and working it in my own way. Again, thank you. Amie

We live in League City, TX. We are a family with 5 kids, 9 & under! Amie

This fall will be my 2nd year of hs. I will be working with ds 4th, dd 2nd, dd K (I also have a 3yo & 1yo). This previous year I made my own history based curriculum & it was too hard. This next year I would like to use TOG Yr1. I found a great deal on a Classic version (already purchased), but I am wondering if I should "upgrade" to Redesigned? I am not affraid of a little work. In fact, I will likely adapt things as I go anyway. I just cannot spend the 6+ hours it took weekly this past year for preparation. Money is tight, but time is money! I'll gladly pay more if I can spend less time preparing and more time teaching. I would like an honest opinion on what YOU would do. Thank you.