I take the NSI brand from Vitacost.

I need around nine. I regularly get 7-8 hours and am still always exhausted. I know many people whow thrive on much less. I've always been this way, even when I had better eating and exercise habits. Nothing seems to be wrong with my health... it's been checked out. I wish I could get by on less sleep. I could get so much more accomplished in a day!!

Gift cards are nice, but I have to agree the best gifts are handmade cards and detailed letters of appreciation!

I teach lessons in my home too, but my house never looks perfect! On the days I have lessons my house isn't really tidy, it's just not as messy as other days. I do clean the bathrooms frequently and try to keep my teaching area picked up, but my house has an open floor plan. I can't seem to keep more than one area clean at a time!

That's a good rate for a qualified teacher. I pay 85/mo. for ds string lessons. I charge close to 60/mo. for flute or piano, but that's on the low side.

I recommend using the lesson book, theory, and technique & artistry book. There are also a variety of supplemental books that correspond with each level.

I'm already convinced omega-3's are a good thing and started taking supplements. Have they made a markable difference in anyone's health here? (heart, mood, adult add, etc....)

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone! Sahamamama, thanks for those verses. Each of them have been very meaningful to me at some point in my life, but it's been so long since I've really meditated on them. I'm going to go back to them often this week. I'm seeing that I'm putting far too much importance on what others think, but it's hard to find the "off switch" to my way of thinking. God knows my heart...

No offense taken, Tired Mama (that's my name too). I didn't see your post as insensitive.

Yes, I do enjoy learning too.... epecially history. I've also enjoyed teaching my kids to read. Another plus, is that my children get along quite well together (with about one battle per hour). It's just the daily emotional struggles and fatigue.....

First of all, I just want to say I love this board. I don't post much, but I have gained so much wisdom and insight from a variety of posts. I especially read with attention the words of encouragement that go out to those who are struggling to home school. I know I am not alone. I admire the dedication many of you show, and your determination to keep going even when you want to quit. I've tried to reason, if others can do it, so can I. But this will most likely be my last year homeschooling. DH and I just came to this emotional decision very recently. We will be able to send our children to a wonderful cs. Since the decision is so new, I've decided to keep plugging on for this year. I know myself well enough to know I'd be ridden with guilt at the sudden change of putting my kids in school. I'm also feeling a bit guiltly over this decision for the future. But in my heart, I know it's the right choice. I've heard many imply, maybe not on purpose, that homeschooling is a "higher calling." Now I fear I am just not strong enough to keep on keepin' on like all homeschooling moms should. I feel like a quiter.... one who will join the ranks of those "who don't like to be around their kids all day....so they send them to school." (This is NOT why I'm sending them to school) I've enjoyed many things about homeschooling, but the last couple of years have taken it's toll on me. My kids, 7, 5, and 2 seem to be resiliant (maybe not ds7), but I know my attitude has affected them. Let me say that I'm prone to anxiety and depression even in the best circumstances. I'm a perfectionist minus the perfection and this eats away at me. I tire very easily. My ds7 is highly emotional, extremely intelligent, and a perfectionist as well. We deal with tears daily and often butt heads. I don't think having emotional mom as his teacher is the best for him. I don't think it's best for my mental and physical well being either. I just want to be mom without the burden of education on my shoulders (not that I won't continue to be heavily involved). I do understand that school is not a cure all, and that there will be other obstacles. I just feel like this decision may cause some to question whether this is abandoning a "higher calling", especially when I know some of you have had similar feelings and circumstances, and yet manage to overcome. Thanks for listening.

I'm staying up. I need extra caffeine.:001_smile:

I do the next thing, but this only works for the kitchen and bathrooms. Those rooms get dirty frequently, so they are constantly being cleaned. Dust creeps up on me. Walls get dirty. Stuff grows in the closets. I really do better with a schedule. I've used the flipper system (Messies- Sandra F?) and it has helped in the past. Of course, I haven't been consistent with it.

Perhaps she was expecting to be home sooner? Maybe she should have anticipated not being home on time, but haven't we all experienced long waits at the Dr.'s?

My ds7 loves listening to vol. 1 and vol. 2, even though we haven't officially started vol. 2.

Just had to share this one...yummy! 3/4 c. maple syrup 2 tbs ketchup 1 tbs brown sugar 1 tbs cider vinegar 1 tbs worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground mustard 1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce 2 1b salmon Combine 1st 8 ingredients. Pour 1/2 cup in bag; add salmon. Refridgerate up to 2 hours. Coat grill with nonstick spray. Grill skin side up 2-4 min. Transfer to a double thickness of heavy duty foil. Spoon reserved marinade over fish. Fold foil and seal. Grill 5-6 minutes longer. I think this is from a Taste of Home magazine.

I guess I can understand both perspectives. I'm a homeschooling mom and private music teacher. Before I started homeschooling, one homeschooling family came for lessons in the morning. I'm not sure how we decided on the time. I wasn't teaching much at the time, and my afternoons were not even close to full. But after I completed my first year of homeschooling, I realized how important mornings were for school. If it didn't happen in the morning, it didn't happen. I too, cherish my mornings. I asked the mom if the morning lessons cut into school time, and we rescheduled for early afternoon. I occasionally teach make-up lessons to homeschoolers in the morning. I don't push anyone to do this. Most homeschoolers come early in the afternoon. It does help. Ps junior high students usually can't make it to my house until 4:30, I try to limit my lesson schedule to 3 days a week, and I don't schedule lessons after 5:30 (cuts into dinner and family time). Scheduling can be a pain, so I do understand teachers doing what is best for their business and family. I'm sorry they keep persisting when you've clearly stated you're unavailable in the morning.

Bob's Red Mill has a great brownie mix. I think Pamela's does too. The brownies can be topped with fudge... 12oz chocolate chips melted with sweetened condensed milk. Nestle's chocolate syrup is gluten free.

I'm right there with you. When I had two kids, deep in my heart I knew I wanted a third, but one particular spring we had several nasty tummy bugs....and I hate to say this, but at that time my thinking was: another little one potentially meant...more puke! My youngest (third)is two now, and in 2007 no one in our family threw up! But I still hate it and feel the way you described. When kids are sick, lysol becomes an extension of my arm!

My ds7 loves listening to volume one for fun!

I struggle with keeping up with housework. I didn't have a good example growing up and I struggle with organization. I have learned some things over the years, but it just doesn't come easy for me.

flutistmom, I'm in the south now, but I grew up in central NY, north of Syracuse! My family is still up there. I too, will probably never have a large studio, but I do enjoy the students I have. About half are homeschooled. It's great meeting all of you! Ann (middle name)

Yes, I majored in music education with a flute concentration.

My house is full of books, too, along with kid initiated projects- like the great wall of china made of couch cushions. I do aim to be professional, but sometimes the surrounding teaching area looks like a playground.

This is my first time posting. I'm usually just a lurker. I guess you could say I'm "forum shy". Anyway, I'm just curious to know about other homeschoolers who also teach music privately. I'll start with a little info about myself. I taught elementary general music and band before staying home with my children. I now teach flute privately in my home. I teach young beginners through advanced high school. I also teach beginning piano. I have around 10 students during the school year. I really enjoy my students! My 3 kiddos are 7, 5, and 2. And they are hungry, so... I'm off!