[I am in a slump....]

What about something like an Ivy Kids subscription, where something new comes to your doorstep every month?

[Does a curriculum kit like this exist?]

Mine are grade 4-6, I think.  Here's a resource box for social studies, and here's the theme boxes. It's a link to the entire science set, but they are sold individually (and have them for STEM, too, under activity labs).

 

Perfect, thanks!

[Does a curriculum kit like this exist?]

Closest I would think would be one of these

Moving Beyond The Page science or social studies (but you would need to provide some craft materials)

Ivy Kids (meant for young children)

History Unboxed (I'm not sure if they have lesson plans or not)

Winter Promise (but would be a full year)

Lakeshore Learning theme boxes. We've gotten a few of these and supplemented with books, but the quality of each kit is outstanding and can be reused over and over. There are wipe off labs, reproducible worksheets, and enough material for 5 kids at once. Downside, they're around $60 a unit. I buy when they're having good sales.

Are there Lakeshore boxes for older kids? I'm only seeing ones for ages 3-5.

[Does a curriculum kit like this exist?]

Thanks! I'm off to check some of those out. We really like Ivy Kids but I need something for slightly older.

[Does a curriculum kit like this exist?]

I'm looking for some sort of kit that includes books, crafts, and instruction all together. Preferably not something that would take the whole school year, but that there would be several kits to choose from that would take 8 or so weeks each. Any thoughts? Also, must be secular. Thanks!

 

ETA: I'll have a second grader and a fourth grader next year. Also, I'm not needing these to cover LA or math.

[Your best solution for getting crayon out of the laundry]

We use WD40 and dawn dish soap I believe. I think you can google it and at one point years ago Crayola had instructions on their website. We also use this method when chopstick melts in the dryer.

[Looking for a shoe to replace my crocs]

I really â¤ï¸ my haflinger clogs. But they're definitely not cool in the summer. What about a Birkenstock clog or sandal?

[Anything similar to A Year of Playing Skillfully?]

I'd never heard of this until I'd saw this thread and looked it up. I'm not sure I understand what's included in the huge pric tag. Is it just a monthly magazine or do they include materials for all those projects? It looks like fun!

 

ETA: Or is it just one book for all that money???

[2nd grade science]

I just want to echo what others have suggested. Library books, mystery science, and podcasts have been the bulk of our science for years now. My oldest is just finishing third grade. Also to add, we do some informal nature study and occasional science kits as well.

[Mini crib vs regular crib vs pack n play]

I agree that you should go for the pack n play mattress. We used that exclusively for quite a while. It was great!

[Babywearing moms, I need your input!]

In contrast to what was said above, I found a ring sling PERFECT for toddlers in that up-and-down stage. Put the two year old on my hip, five minutes later put her down, ten minutes after that pick her up again and sling her on the hip. When she fell asleep, shove toddler and sling to my back.

 

If your friend has never worn a baby before, I'd go with an ergo and an inexpensive ring sling. They're pretty simple to use, and the ergo looks modern and safe to inexperienced eyes.

 

Otherwise, I'd go with a long woven wrap (not a moby, I don't like them stretchy) and a ring sling. You can never go wrong with a ring sling, and there are many wrapping styles that minimize the heat.

I keep forgetting that I have unusually large toddlers. 😂 You're absolutely right! Any normal 2.5 year old would be totally fine in a ring sling.

[Babywearing moms, I need your input!]

I always opted for my ring sling when it was hot. But that won't work well for the two year old.

[audiobooks for 6 YO boy?]

My kids adore Henry Huggins!!

[What type of salt do you use?]

Maybe it'll come back? I was sad to see it go. They still have the pink salt in bulk. I could just buy a grinder, which is probably more environmentally friendly anyway. But it hasn't been at any of the Costcos near me the last few times I went.

I bought one several months ago and the grinder didn't work. When I returned it they said that there had been lots of problems with the grinder so they'd been pulled from the shelves so they could resolve the problem. Last month our Costco had the salt grinders back and ours seems to be working.

 

All that to say, I think it's likely you haven't seen the last of them!

[Help me spend my daughters Charter school funds!!!!]

We've used charter funds for an Audible membership and lit books on kindle.

[DH going through breakdown. Support only, please.]

I'm also praying for you.

[Praise music (?) for kids?]

Seeds Family Worship seems to be just what I'm looking for, and it is on Amazon music! Thanks!

When we first heard them I thought that it would make for really awesome VBS music. Enjoy!

[Classic books and diversity]

Just wanted to say that this reminded me about a book list that Read Aloud Revival put out several months back. If I remember correctly, her goal in this list was to include diverse picture books about every day average-Joe kind of people. I really appreciated that emphasis. Anyway, here's the link...

 

https://amongstlovelythings.com/diverse-picture-books/

[Praise music (?) for kids?]

Seeds Family albums are really great! Out whole family loves singing along.

[JAWM, 3 year olds]

Just agreeing with you is all I CAN do. My little guy is so so three right now. Hugs, mama.

[Wrapping a cake]

We just put the cake on a plate with a bowl upside down over it. Then into the fridge it goes.

[Otterbox Defender? Or another case for iPhone 5 s]

I have an otterbox defender on my iPhone. It's survived having the van trunk door slammed shut on it as well as me running it over with the van.

[Evening wedding]

My wedding ten years ago was on a Friday evening. Ceremony and reception at church. Not really fancy.

[Your favorite summer clothing essentials?]

I've so appreciated all this advice! One think I'm having a hard time with now is finding longer shirts to wear with my capri leggings. I got a couple from Amazon but the material is such that you can see every bump and divot in my mid section. 😜 So the super silky knit just isn't going to work I guess. Anyone have tunic length short suggestions that are mostly cotton?

[Your favorite summer clothing essentials?]

These shorts. I have them in every color (They had more colors last year I think). Love them. So comfy, but look nicer than say sweat shorts. I wore them with a tank or t-shirt all the time before I got too pregnant to wear them. Can't wait to get back in them after the baby comes. http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=508244012&vid=1&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdkw=mid-rise-cuffed-linen-blend-shorts-for-women-4-P508244&brandCvoSid=TVMG339RY26A&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldnavy.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-shorts.jsp

I went to ON and tried these on. They're amazing! Everything online is half off so I just ordered them in four colors.

 

Also, Target has tees on sale for $5 this week so I grabbed several of those. Maybe I'm have to o try my hand at making a skirt or two to wear with them!