That was great. It puts into words many of my own incomplete thoughts that I've had for the past -- ahem -- 25 years. I graduated salutatorian of my high school class. Man, did I know the system! I could memorize with the best of them. I knew which classes to take and which classes not to take, because it would lower my GPA (we had weighted/honors classes). Even the valedictorian of our class had a medical note to excuse him from the 4 years of mandatory physical education required of us (his dad was a physician), so his GPA could be perfect. Oh, how I wanted to break out of the expectation of going to college right away after high school -- I really, really wanted to take a year off and travel. My only rebellion from the established way of doing things was to not try out for one of the two graduation speeches; they were traditionally given to the valedictorian and saludatorian. When try-outs came, I was just so. sick. of. school. that I had nothing beyond "good-bye" to say to my classmates. It was a pretty big deal for me to not try out..... Anyway, that was a fantastic speech.

I had a 5th and 1st grader last year. The 5th grader is a fantastic reader, the 1st grader is/was about grade level. We did two different SL sciences -- SL4 and SL1 last year. I wouldn't have wanted to combine them, but we have done science since the beginning, so I know my 5th grader would have been bored. The activity sheets, IMO, would probably be far too easy for your older student. In SL4, they activiy sheets often tried to stretch the student to think beyond the facts and begin to analyze and hypothesize about information. The SL1 activity sheets were "just the facts, ma'am" type of questions, with occasionally cutting and pasting. Both boys LOVED their science, the experiments, the DVDs.....science was a hit last year. We're moving up with more SL science this year.

Our church has had a number of graduates take a year off to attend YWAM's DTS before starting college.

:lurk5: Bueller? Bueller?

...My son is really interested in the topics covered by SL Science 6...but I cannot find a used IG to save my life. He's especially interested in the evolution/ origins topics and geology/earth science topics. So, what is the clue phone telling me? And, if SL 6 is so bad, why is it sold? Should we just move on to Apologia Gen. Science (SL Science 7)?

It's not appropriate to tell you all that I love you all, is it? :D I love those ideas....the concrete *and* the IKEA butcher block. I forgot that IKEA is near my MIL, and we're due to go visit in a few weeks. My dh poured concrete in college to make some extra money, and he might like that idea.... Thanks!

I'm in the middle of a mini-remodel of my kitchen -- painting the cabinets (finally), getting new laminate on the counters, hardware, etc. I'm considering doing something different with my island countertop. It is large (36" x 72") and I don't have a budget for granite, but am considering using granite tiles. I like butcher block but that quote came in too expensive. What sorts of frugal creative ideas are out there? (painting it to make it look like tile isn't an option -- the current countertops has too much damage) If you have pictures on a blog or website, that would be great, too. We're going for a country kitchen feel. Ready, set, go!

Oh, yes, I hate to see coffee go to waste. I add a lot of milk/ cream to my coffee, so it doesn't really matter if it is day old or fresh. My dad, I think, told me day old coffee was a carcinogenic. I spent a good hour or so searching the internet for proof, but it must be an old wives' -- oops, father's --- tale.

Carol, Don't feel embarrassed --this can be a good place to get encouragement, confirmation and advice! Hopefully, it is reassuring to know that the event you experienced is not common and (frankly) not Biblical. There are plenty of wonderful, God-honoring, Bible-believing churches in Illinois that would welcome you and your family back into a community of believers with open arms. God's best to you.

I often suffer from "the grass is greener" syndrome after making my homeschool curriculum choices. What is important to know is if SM is working for your child. Is he/she understanding the concepts? I think it is just as important to pick a program that you can teach. It does your children no good if you use a program that you are not able to teach. I've had several duds in my homeschooling career -- and they were fine programs and lots of other people like them, but they just didn't work for my teacher style and learning style. And, if it helps, a high school math level curriculum vendor I spoke with at this year's homeschool convention recommended MUS, RS, and SM for elementary level math programs. He believed they all did a good job of teaching the "why" behind math.

I didn't care for the DK bible, except for all the side bar information about the climate, flora and fauna of the region. But, for Bible stories, I felt it was too light. Funny, I've not read the Egermeier two times, and love it. But, I've got one more time to read through a story Bible, and *I* need something new, or I might go crazy, KNWM? I've been toying with getting either the Vos or the Golden Bible for a change of pace.

I've used Science K, 1 and 4. I really like the books, the variety, and I like that I don't have to think about the schedule. My 5th grade mostly did science independently (though not what I had planned, and not really what I had wanted, but it is what I needed in the grand scope of everything). The schedule has really evolved into a lot more than just the reading, with experiments and other hands on activities -- too much for us to do, but nice if we could've found the time. I think the revamped IG (started in 2009-10 school year) are worth it.

We're in the seacoast region of NH.....25 min. to the ocean (Maine/New Hampshire beaches), 25 min. to the Lakes' region and about 25-50 min. to mountains. We live in the tri-city area, and there are lots of retail/ dining options, yet lots for those who want the country feel. Most development in the outlying towns have zones new construction in lot sizes of not less than 2 acres. We *definitely* have four seasons, and each is beautiful. New Hampshire wasn't even on our radar when we were looking to move to New England, but I'm SOO glad God planted us here. Now, homeschooling laws....HSLDA has upgraded us to their Red Zone because of the recent attacks on our homeschooling law. This past year, however, I used a private school to report to, and they are **very** homeschool friendly, and I feel very safe from interference. There's an active core of about 200-ish people across the state who are good at mobilizing to fight for our freedom, and I think that this election cycle will prove good for homeschoolers.

I learned the hard way to NOT stop math during the summer -- the pain in the fall was far too great (for ds and I) to ever want to repeat. I do several things: generate worksheets from online math websites like aplusmath.com math-drills.com mathfactcafe.com I've also had my son work back through reviews from the previous year's material. And, we play math games (math war, etc) This summer, we are not just reviewing but slowing moving forward in the next level's math.

Thank you, it looks great!

My first thought is that you should spend the $300 ish dollars and get a full appraisal done on the property. A Realtors' appraisal is one piece of information, as is your town/county appraisal for taxes. But -- just like when getting a mortgage -- a full-on appraisal is the make-it-or-break it standard.

Living in New England with a Boston born and raised dh, you dd is right on!:lol:

Continue to date your spouse when married. You don't have to go out and spend $$ to do this, but you have to be intentional.

I used 100ez with my oldest (in conjuction with ETC and some other well recommended workbook I can't remember), and I wish I hadn't. I didn't really know much about phonics back then, and I do not believe that 100ez give a good phonics foundation to students.

Is it too much? Does CC have homework? How long do you meet each week with CC? Does CC supplement what you do at home with TOG and your other subjects or does it replace what you'd do? We have a small co-op (with two other families) that we meet weekly and do our history group (geography maps, discussion, a hands on activity). I've always wanted to do CC, and now that there is a group starting up in my area, I'm just having a hard time passing on the opportunity!

IT also helps to know what type of questions are being asked....are the factual questions about the reading or are they critical thinking type questions? Do they require deduction, inferences, etc.?

Our dens to not meet during the summer. Honestly, my husband would quit being a den leader if that happened - he needs some time off. Our pack already has the expectation that the boys make their ranks by Blue and Gold, so our fall can be pretty busy, but it is very doable. For the Summertime awards, our Pack plans 1 event (June is a Flag Day ceremony, July is Day Camp, and August is bottle rockets), plus there are a couple other council events that can count for individual summertime awards.

My family will be visiting that area this summer -- are there any places to get discounted tickets? TIA!

I don't remember anything about middle school. But high school: Grapes of Wrath, Moby Dick, Canterbury Tales, Animal Farm Something Dickens Something Shakespeare I think Sr. year must've been European or British Lit..

I moved my (2 plants) peonies two years ago, in the fall (late fall...maybe November?) and they bloomed the following year, no problem.