I've decided to take things that I make at home and open an Etsy shoppe. http://www.etsy.com/shop/VerbenaOrganics The antiseptic salve is my favourite thing I make. My daughter is highly allergic to insect bites -- mosquitos, ants, etc. Her bites always itch horribly and swell to huge, red, hard, hot welts that last for a few days. She got bitten today but a few ants. I put this stuff on her hand at 3:30 -- when she came back inside an hour later, they were gone. Anyway, I'll be adding shampoo bars, lip gloss, moisturizer, and gluten-free soap in the next few days, but I would love your opinions now, here at the beginning. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!

We should do a park day!!

Coral Castle is pretty awesome, but outside of Miami. Check out the art deco buildings @ Miami Beach. Coconut Grove used to be awesome, no real idea of how it is now. CUBAN FOOD!! The vegetarian aspect might make that impossible but I am drooling just remembering the Cuban food in Miami!

I had this issue with my almost 10 year old. This is what works for us: There are certain subjects she HAS to do in the am because she can't focus enough to do them after lunch. Math, reading and handwriting are her three. I set up a workbox system. She does math first. After trying several curricula we ended up with Teaching Textbooks. She loves it! I put her on a computer upstairs from her sisters. It's a bit of a pain for me to walk up there if she has a question, but it's worth it because she has the quiet she needs to focus. Then she does her independent reading, followed by piano practice, then handwriting -- we're using Draw Write Now. Finally, she does her Grammar sheet (I think it's called Daily Grammar.) She can do all of these boxes by herself. During this time, I work with my almost 6 and almost 4 year olds so, by the time my 9 year old has finished her first few boxes, the little girls are done schooling and ready to play. Then I do the subjects my oldest and I do together: spelling, history, science, Bible. I made sure to schedule things in an "in-breath/out-breath" rhythm. Math is an out-breath, reading is an in-breath, piano is an out-breath, handwriting is an in-breath, etc. This new plan has made a WORLD of difference for us!

YES! I am looking for info about this also! My daughter is 9 and I think she has some processing issues. She's a terrible speller. (For the record, I am also a terrible speller, so I get it.) Someone recommended Words Their Way to me but I can't find any samples of the books, I don't know anyone who has used it and I can't find any information for parents on how the thing looks or works or which levels are what -- it's making me crazy. We are on a super tight budget so I really need to find this used and it is nowhere :blink::blink: I would so appreciate any input you guys have. Thanks!!!

No advice here and no real idea what is going on in your life, but I'm saying a prayer for you. :grouphug:

It was recommended to me today and I can't find a website that lays out the scope and sequence of the curriculum or the order or levels or anything. Thanks!

Truth.

Have you tried The Borrowers? We LOVE LOVE LOVE that series. Very gentle and fantastic. :-)

Oh yay! Yes, I asked on this forum once long ago then lost the link, forgot my password, started tutoring at our CC, etc. Yes, though -- I am here! :-) I have 3 girls, ages 9, 5 and almost 4. We're in S Charlotte, currently, but hoping to move to SC soon -- though we will still be in the "Charlotte" area.

Can't wait to look through all the awesome ideas everyone has! Here's my link: http://pinterest.com/soleilmama/

We are taking a break from the CC group that we absolutely love after it ends this spring and are hoping to have lots of group-learning experiences and opportunities through the summer and into next fall (i.e.: We did an American Art History unit study with another family this past summer and are planning a Little House On the Prairie Co-op this spring.) Any homeschooling families in our area?

We don't vaccinate at all. I have a wonderful friend whose son is on the last days of his battle with a horrible disease triggered by his 5 year vaccinations. Read the Vaccine Handbook by Sears -- it has ingredients for all the vaccines and choices as to which manufacturer has the safest ones, if that is the route you choose. Having said all of that, you probably don't want my advice because I would be thrilled at the opportunity for my kids to catch chicken pox naturally and I would be all over that. :-) :-) - Kristin

HA HA HA! I love seeing (in the signatures) what curriculum everyone is using. This place already feel dangerous. ;-)

Thank you all for the warm welcome!!!