I'll be watching this thread as my 9yo dd will be testing this year too. I can share what we are using though I'm always on the lookout for different ways to prepare. Daily Reading Comprehension (Evan-Moor) e-book There is a passage to read and fill-in-the-bubble type questions. There are 150 passages. Grammar Minutes (Creative Teaching Press) e-book This is used to review grammar skills. 100 daily drills. Advantage Test Prep (Creative Teaching Press) e-book I plan to use this one the month before the test. Normally I don't do test prep with my kids but this particular child needs a little extra help. As much as I dislike the requirement to test, I must admit that it has been a good thing for her...so far.

DH had surgery about five years ago and had severe bruising. Not a quick recovery. He tried to return to work after a couple of days and it was too soon. Fast forward to this fall. Same surgery on the other knee with the same doctor. No bruising this time and he was back to work after a couple of days. I'm not sure if the procedure was improved or if his first experience was unusual.

Words of wisdom. Thank you.

Thank goodness! Honestly, I think I have enough books here to supply 2-3 families. It has taken me by surprise to find out how much comfort buying books gives me. Now, what can I do that doesn't cost money or make me gain weight? :D

My cat died this summer. Borders closed. This autumn I went on a diet and can no longer eat Dairy Queen Georgia Mud Fudge Blizzards. And now? There isn't any money for new homeschool purchases. I must be addicted to buying homeschool books, because I'm feeling pretty agitated at the moment even though we have plenty of books on our shelves. Oh, right. It's February. ;)

Thank you. I bought the books years ago, but the kiddo I bought them for mastered those facts quickly without any help. I wasn't convinced if I should use them with my 9yo. I think I'll give it a try.

:( So sorry. sigh.

Congrats! My dd and her husband just spent seven months in Germany. Thankfully they used Skype to keep in touch. I think the toughest thing for dd was learning how to identify the food in the grocery store. The Relief Society sisters took turns going grocery shopping with her and teaching her to make basic dishes. She tells me they ate a lot of baked vegetables and sausage. :)

Rod & Staff

Thank you! :)

Congratulations, Miss Stephanie. :001_wub:

Giving this a bump. :)

:grouphug:

I know things are tight for many families. In the past, some on the board have suggested The Book Samaritan as possible source for free curriculum. This evening I found an online article (October 2011) that may answer questions for those of you who are interested in seeking their help or donating to their mission. The Book Samaritans Come to the Rescue!

An option: The Book Samaritan http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Book-Samaritan/128638047191407

:grouphug: I have no advice as my daughter is unschooling. I just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone. BTW, I heard some very interesting reports on NPR about depression medications. Personally I don't think dd's medication helps much but I'm tired of butting heads with the doctors. These reports give me hope that the future will be better. "When It Comes to Depression, Serotonin Isn't the Whole Story" "Could a Club Drug Offer 'Almost Immediate' Relief From Depression?" "' I Wanted to Live' : New Depression Drugs Offer Hope for Toughest Cases"

What a blessing. :)

Wow!!! Thank you. :grouphug:

Thanks, Claire. From the article: "Det. Ed Troyer said that Steven Powell was put on suicide watch on Sunday."

If I read correctly.... At the very end it said he had been on suicide watch since Sunday. My question is why would visitation be allowed if he was on suicide watch?

Renee, very happy for you! :)

This year we accidentally became involved in a co-op. Someone asked my girls if they were interested in taking a Shakespeare class. Next thing ya know we've lost an entire day each week. The co-op folks are great people, but I struggle with the loss of time.

No advice. Only commiseration when it comes to losing weight (or not).

Using money with a place value chart is what worked here too. And, my kids were older when I taught borrowing. One more idea from Rod & Staff math ... have the child circle the larger number. This helps them see that they have to "make" the minuend(number on top) larger before they can subtract. (edit: this is for vertical problems)

:) Good news!