Lots of preschool curriculums use the R&S books. Guess that speaks well for them!

Better? Definitely not. Remember, every family is different. Even though you and your friend started out on the same page, you're obviously not anymore. And that's okay! She's not doing anything wrong by putting her kid in preschool, and you're not doing anything wrong by keeping yours at home. Both children are thriving! Hooray!

Leapfrog it is! That particular one doesn't seem to be on Netflix... Boo. Thanks!!

I wanted to gauge my DS3's ability to begin reading. He's almost 4 and has his letters and letter sounds down pretty well. So long story short, he pronounced the word "at" as "a-tuh", with a distinct u sound after the t. I'm trying hard to laugh it off, but it's obvious I taught him his letter sounds incorrectly. I know I'm just going to have to emphasis the proper sounds from now on and hope he catches on. So, what methods do you all use to teach proper letter sounds? Or did you just manage not to screw up like I did? ;)

I have some fiction that I read on my iPod Touch, though I mostly borrow from the library.

Another option your pastor might be more comfortable with is you teaching at home, but meeting with him or the first communion teacher at various points through the year.

Apples Mandarin oranges/clementines/tangerines Almonds/other nuts Cereal bars for the kids Raisins/dried cranberries

I'm outside with the kids, playing in our backyard, and I'm getting eaten alive by mosquitos. Any product recommendations for protecting ourselves? My kids are 3 and 1, so I'd like something as nontoxic as possible. Also, our backyard is about .25 acre, so I don't know that candles would work. I was looking at Made On's bug off. Has anyone tried it?

I have a Hoover stic vac I use to "sweep" it. Then use a Swiffer Wet to "mop". Sometimes I have to scrub with a dishcloth and water+dish soap.

A friend of mine just sold her house. THREE other houses on her street had be for sale for MONTHS before they put their house on the market. They're military and wanted to sell before they left for Germany. They sold it in 3 months significantly above the current asking prices of the other houses which are STILL not sold. So yeah, you never know.

Same story with me. I looked at the pics of the people in the group, and did NOT feel the need to dig up that nonsense! Mine's this year, and the invite was only through Facebook! I didn't know about it until a friend mentioned that she RSVPed.

Interesting concept! We have a big window right by our kitchen table. I'll have to remember this!

As long as their not complaining, I'd say its their problem. If they whine about being bored, offer a suggestion or two. If they KEEP whining, have a prepared list of chores on slips of paper in a box or bowl and have them draw one. I'd imagine a few times doing that and they'll find something to do all by themselves. :) ETA: I just looked at your kids' ages. The chores may or may not work, but you could do the same sort of thing for activities/suggestions. And that way, you don't have to think too hard after making the initial list.

This. If you don't already have something special in mind, don't worry about it.

Thanks everybody! Nice to know I wasn't completely off my rocker for combining the two. Seems to me that they're very easy to streamline together. I had also found this program, and that's what got me thinking about combining with copywork. I believe the book after Delightful Handwriting is a copywork book? I liked the sample too. :) I did find a Zaner Bloser book on christianbook.com that set the lessons up by stroke also. I'll have to look more into the CM philosophy behind handwriting. The "only do what you can do perfectly" kinda through me for a loop.

I'm getting a little ahead of myself seeing as DS is only 3, but... If you do copywork, at what point did you stop specifically teaching handwriting? I was thinking that one could get a single workbook on letter formation, then just monitor copywork thereafter. But there are workbooks available at every grade level in early elem, so I'm a little confused. (And I'd assume you'd do cursive instruction at the appropriate time, then monitor copywork as before.)

Bifera works great for me. Others, not so much. Go to their website to print a coupon.

That's the way it was done when I was in elementary school in the early 90's.

My DH and I might choose to stick it out, but certainly NOT with a group.

We don't have a HOA, so I called the county to double check the laws and the guy said "welll why not?" I wasn't very confident with that answer. :/ I should call again...

I think we're gonna go with more sun/less visibility. Thanks for all your replies!

Nice tip, thanks!

Dental is offered at my DH's work. We declined it even though I'll need braces. Benefits minus premiums came out to be the same as us saving for it ourselves. Make sure you run your numbers to see if its worthwhile!

Lots to think about, thank you! I definitely hadn't thought about the birds. :/ I guess my biggest fear about the sun is leaving it out too long because I *can't* get to it in a timely manner. I guess that's what a kitchen timer is for? ;)

DH is totally on board with having the clothesline, we're just trying to decide where to put it. :)