Sue rocks.

Great book and a really nice movie to complement it. I loved both! My review of the book here.

Meg- would you mind going over what notebooks you have and then what files- I guess what I'm looking for is how detailed you make each binder.

I've been on the boards for over a decade. They can be very helpful or not. I am a "minimalist" homeschooler in some ways. I know what I like, I know how I teach, I know my kids, I know what educational pedagogy is most effective. I don't bother with stuff that doesn't fit some specific criteria. Makes things much simpler. I do still learn a lot from the boards in terms of new products, have met some wonderful people through here and have had some cool opportunities present themselves from being on board.

I'm not a book report gal. My kids start writing papers about 3-5th grade and continue writing papers throughout their school career. We've used IEW, EIL and LL for years and will delve into LTW this fall. My kids are fantastic at narration, and can often quote books. movies, CD's verbatim after a read-through. The benefits of tons of memory work and theater.

ds 20 and I are in agreement on this one- have them read it without and come up with their own ideas. It is so rich, it's worth going through more than once and you can always do a lit guide later. Also, I would want to know who wrote the guide.

I set goals for the year- here is my list.

I want to reiterate what Binip said; work. I have worked for "free" for years- creating retreats, blogging, event managing, writing reviews, creating programs, reading books. All of those little things add up. I started writing reviews of curriculum I liked and used for free. I haven't actually purchased much curriuculum at all for the past several years because vendors are willing to exchange curriculum for good, solid reviews. It's no longer working for free, but working for tax free products we use and can bless others with to boot. Networking is a must. People working expect others who work to call them and network. My dh (a Ph.D.) often contacts people he doesn't know to talk about their books, articles, etc. Don't underestimate the power of chutpah.

Generally, I keep track on my blog through my Weekly Report. We often read more than is listed thought, because my kids are avid readers and often read a couple of books a week. For myself, I particiapted in the 52 books/ year thread, as posted reviews on my blog. I often review books/movies I read/watch, because I find that it gives me a better sense of what I've taken in and I remember it much better over time.

Another vote for Fritz. They are engaging and fun. Landmarks can be dry as plain toast.

We lived in a 900 sq/ foot backhouse in CA during grad school with 2 little kids. We now live in a 2700 sq ft home with 3 older kids. I'd go small again with this caveat. I would have to be able to design the flow of the house. Our last tiny house was a "circle" - with a front and back door, which was perfect, but the middle room was awkward and part of the room acted as a hallway. Also, if it was just dh and I, I would get rid of the smaller bedroom and create a spa bathroom/ sauna. Ours was a craftsman style backhouse and open-the living room, dining room had built in's, closets- but I'd make the kitchen open to it all- and we did entertain, because of the huge front porch, yard. and open living area. Also, adding a writing loft- and dh has to have an office. So, yeah, I'd do it again.

I'm curious what tech stuff you use and love for homeschooling? I use google daily- love google voice and have discovered dropbox this year. I'd like to really get ahold of evernote. What tech stuff= apps, devices do you use and love?

My review of EIW here.

We are dropping an outsourced science class for dd11 and taking up violin for her (in exchange for my teaching writing lessons). Both kids will take 2 more Bridgeway Academy Learning Labs. Ds 14 will start with a math tutor/ I blogged about what spring semester will look like here.

My biggest tip comes from my job hunt of a year + ago. Every web-site I was on that was even remotely related to my field or an area of interest I would search the site and find "employment." I applied to anything and everything that looked like even a reasonable possibility. I ramped up my resume and got really creative. Those retreats I created, those guest blogs posts I wrote, that national youth ministry I brought to our state? I word crafted like no-one's business and I wrote an impressive resume for someone who has been out of the professional job market for 20 years and applied, applied, applied. It worked. Use the internet.Get creative. Be bold.

Our best years have been ones in which we utilize a plethora of resources- on line classes, DVD's, class days, etc. The past 1 1/2 yrs I've been working while we homeschool our youngest two and we are part of a CC Community, a small class day, they take on-line classes through Bridgeway Academy, we get some amazing curriculum through my being part of the TOS Review Crew and Schoolhouse Teachers, we use texts, have a math tutor, take part in Drama and Shakespeare Camps, Dad showing them NASA/ NOAA info, etc. It's a bit crazy, but we get a TON done, and generally have a great time as well. I couldn't work and homeschool without outsourcing and being uber creative and utilizing a ton of resources. We are classical in our pedagogy and that helps determine a lot of what we do and what we don't do.

I read tons of Agatha Christie in high school and just found Sayers a couple of years ago. Sure wish I had discovered her way back when.

dd 24 and fiance- engagement sitting and photographs ds 20- professional microphone for his camera ds 14- stop action camera, software and book dd11- playmobile and cowgirl boots (such a tweenie- sniffle- I love this age!) dh-nerd- Annotated Jewish Bible Me- serious shea butter body lotion- love! For everyone - minecraft books and an arcade quality air hockey table- total win! Working and homeschooling has been challenging but it's been a blast to have some cash flow!!

Thanks for starting this thread OP- so glad everyone has shared their successes, challenges and trials - it is validating on so many levels!!

We do stockings every year. In fact, we bought and sent the 24 yo and her fiance stockings this year. She wanted the handmade stocking but my Mom made everyone hand crafted stockings before she died. I made the same type for our 2 youngest. The kids at home threw a fit at the thought of sending her the one that went with the rest of the families. We never have candy so ours have candy in them, nail clippers, hand soap, etc.

Ds 20 got an A in Business, Anthropology, Speech and B in Bio w/lab (mainly because he didn't figure out where to take 2 on-line quizzes and got 0's for both-frustrating, but that is learning, too!). He also worked construction 1 full day a week and attended a one day a week full day screen writing class all semester. He had the highest grade in the class for Anthro- he was pleased with that. Next sem he is taking calc, Bio II, Spanish I, and 2 more biz classes -and has applied to go on a 2 mth bio/language program in Peru this June (which will count for 7 more credits- language and science). He is also hoping to transfer to a school in VA by fall- hoping scholarships come through for him- he has taken great initiative this year! Our 24 yo got engaged to a 22 yo mechanic this fall and they are both filling out the FAFSA this week and applying to college! woohoo! Living paycheck to paycheck while working carp jobs has given dd a new perspective :001_smile:

I don't think this means much. We have family that is bsc and would have done similar carp just to make our lives miserable because they have a better idea.

I am a middle child. You can read about our journey since '08 on my blog at Golden Grasses I am a random global thinker- my dh is a logical sequential thinker (Cythia Tobis Ulrich, the Way They Learn). We approach things very differently, but I get a lot done (including 2 grad degrees while homeschooling my 5 kids, starting co-ops, bringing TeenPact to SD, etc). I do a lot of "self -management" training- GTD ala David Allen and 7 Habit, et al, ala Covey). I have homeschooled for 24 years, we've graduated 3 so far.

I would highly suggest reading Marva Collins Way and Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire. Both excellent, pragmatic books, getting to a CC practicum and sitting in on a CC foundations class.

Hey Friends, Thank-you for this thread- I have had the most exasperating, exhausting week of "real life" and the kind words here and encouragement here meant so much to me! Let me keep it real for you- I DO have older kids. My youngest is 11. I only have 3 kids at home (one in college). We DID have a house fire 5 years ago (you can read about it on the "Tear Down to Build up posts- complete with pictures of lots of mess). 4 days later my sister died, a year later my dad died, we were swindled by our contractor, our older 2 went awol, we have had life changing medical issues and we have cried rivers in the past 5 years. We don't have much mess in our house because we have much less stuff since the fire and fewer people living here. The outside lights are courtesy of my dh, who spends more on lights than Christmas presents (true story). This Christmas season we are better. We decorated. We sang carols. We laughed. Emmanuel! It is THIS season. And I am grateful. My Christmas post was meant asand encouragement and not anything that would cause dismay to anyone! I hope this Christmas will be one of joy and peace for each of you!