I believe last year started out with free shipping, which is rare for them to offer. It was good through the 12 days of Christmas.

We won a free 3 month trial, but I let it expire when that was finished. I wasn't overly impressed. I thought the website was difficult to navigate and I wasn't that crazy about the lessons in general. I think at our house we learn much better by doing and not just seeing. Plus, I really didn't find that a computer based math program worked for my kids. But that is just a personal opinion:-)

Did you get charged for what you ordered? I know they said with limited stock they would do all they could to fill the orders but may not be able to fill every one. I would call them...we received ours early last week.

:bigear: I'll be listening in on this one. I finally took the plunge and purchased KONOS to start in January!

You could very easily jump into MOH midway. It is chronological so if you have already studied some Ancients, just start where you finished with HO. The only small problem you "may" run into is doing the quizzes, unless they already know the same material from HO. She tries to review old material with the quizzes, but they aren't completely necessary. But each day is it's own lesson so you don't need to start at the beginning.

Grr...every time I read one of these threads I spend the day kicking myself for leaving McRufffy!!!!

If you use the code CYBER13, you can get 50% off the items in their clearance section! You still have to pay for shipping (mine was $4.75 I believe), but it is still a great deal! I paid $36 total (plus shipping) for the Poetry Memorization book (not the CDs), Timeline of the Classics, and the teacher/ student books for the US History, part 1. They will be updating their inventory every morning around 9am central time. Just thought maybe someone might be interested in a good deal:)

We just started using Plan to Eat, and I love it! Menu planning and grocery lists are no longer my nemesis:) Now if I could only find someone to do my actual grocery shopping for me...

Mine is linked below:)

Thank you for mentioning the tripod...I wouldn't have thought to get that.

Here are some of our favorite books, and most of them we found at the library:) http://wateronthefloor.wordpress.com/2013/11/12/a-few-of-our-favorite-things-thanksgiving-picture-books/

And if so, which ones are best? We are going with a science theme for the kids for Christmas this year, but I really can't find a telescope that is kid-friendly and gets good reviews. So do any of you have any suggestions on a good telescope, or if that is not the best option, can you help me decide which binoculars would be best for viewing moon, stars, etc.? Thanks so much:)

Check out McRuffy. They are spiral just like Saxon and I think I would be a great program to use before Saxon. Just make sure to test for placement before you decide on which Saxon book to use because McRuffy is a strong math program. http://www.mcruffy.com/index.html

I am not in CC (though it has always intrigued me!) but I know that A Journey Through Learning has lapbooks to help review some of the memory work. [url=https://www.ajourneythroughlearningaffiliate.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=203_11_3_4]

If you want to add geography, MapQuest does a great job of pairing up lessons with the 2 programs. I think you have to email them for the schedule, but that worked very well for us.

My daughter turned 8 on Halloween!!! Here are some pictures:)

It has become obvious to me that my oldest 2 need to be separated in all of their school work. Everything becomes a competition to my oldest, and not in a good way. As much as it is easier for me to teach them together when it comes to science and history, it is just not working. I would love to have something that I could teach them the same topic, but each at their own level and with their own activities/reading/assignments. I would love to do American history if possible. If that doesn't exist, for those of you that teach your children completely separate in all subjects, what do you use? We don't have a huge budget so it can't be too pricey but I would love some suggestions. Thanks so much!

Here is our wordless: When a Nature Study Comes to Your Door. I started a new series for our worded: These are a few of our favorite things: Little Bear's favorite toys And I am doing a giveaway for AlphaPhonics too!

Wordless: http://wateronthefloor.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/happy-3rd-birthday-little-bear/ Worded:http://wateronthefloor.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/its-not-a-weight-issue-its-a-heart-issue/ Happy Wednesday!!!

My wordless: http://wateronthefloor.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/malabar-farms-heritage-days-2013/ And worded: http://wateronthefloor.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/a-book-of-time-on-the-wall/

sorry...double post!

Spelling was an issue with us when we did dictation. Now we do prepared dictation (you can see a video explaining it here ). It takes the spelling stumbling block out of the equation:)

For my review I was given the eBook. We read it either on the computer or iPad because I felt printing it off would have lessened the quality of the beautiful pictures. So I guess it depends on how you intend to read it.

I already shared this on the Wordless Wednesday post, but I know all of you might not look at that:) So here it is! I am taking a more relaxed and fun approach to our schooling this year, and part of that includes a lot of board games. I was inspired to create this Grammar Game for my kids and thought I would share it all with you too! http://wateronthefloor.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/lets-play-the-grammar-game/.

Anyone else playing today? Here is my wordless: The Fruits of Our Labor. And a fun game for our worded: Let's Play...THE GRAMMAR GAME!