I have 3 boys! One is profoundly disabled and the 10yo is in public school/special ed now. So, my 6yo has lost his daytime play buddy. My 10yo is challenging and tended to decide what they played with. I want him to have his "own time" during the day while his brother is at school to do something he enjoys! My daughter has set aside a bunch of "anything (insert brother's name) wants to do day". She's so cute. They have had many Monopoly and Sorry marathons! Polymer clay is a good idea - we have a lot of that! Keep the ideas coming!

My 6yo son is not a fluent reader yet. He reads well to me every day though. He helps a lot around the house, and doesn't complain about being bored ever. He just has a lot time on his hands after school. My daughter can easily fill her free time with handicrafts, dolls and reading. I'm looking for ideas for him though. Most of his friends have video games which we won't do. He likes transformers, lego, knex, zoobs, board games etc. The challenge is lost though once he has done the kit several times - and we'll go broke if we keep buying more and more. He likes playmobil (we have a TON of it) but he doesn't play with it for long periods of time. It's too cold to go outside this week and I need ideas! Thanks!

I get these a lot. I use advil (4 pills is prescription strength). Works much better than tylenol for pain - for me. I also use muscle pain cream that heats up. I use the Walmart off brand, it gets really hot and makes it feel sooo much better. If it is really bad - I have flexeril, a muscle relaxer on hand. If advil and muscle cream don't work - I would call a doc. HTH!

We are read aloud more these days. We loved Door in the Wall. Beorn is a little above their heads? And I'm having to stop to explain what is happening often. Any favorite Middle Ages read a louds besided Door in the Wall if you don't recommend Beorn?

Are these considered "mind candy"? Any literary merit for the young reader? I can't stand all the fairy early reader books out there in the bookstores these days. What about crude or bad language? The illustrations look great and I'm interested. Thanks for the advice.

I say it's a trade off. My 10yos w/ special needs just started in a tmd class at the public school - he had been homeschooled always. He's not very verbal so that plays a role in what I'm going to share, but still! I am more patient with him in the afternoon and evenings. But, it is heartbreaking how little I know about him these days. He has a friend named "Derek" - I have no idea who this kids is or who is parents are yet. Wierd! I don't know what he's learning, what the names of his curriculums are etc. I only recieve brief and vague notes from his teacher. I do know he loves it, and that he is kept busier than I could do while teaching my other children. It's sad in its own way though... I liked knowing everything about him better.

Theological perspective - and very inspiring! Too Wise to be Mistaken, Too Good to be Unkind, by Cathy Steere: http://www.amazon.com/Too-Wise-Mistaken-Good-Unkind/dp/1930133006 Engaging Autism, by Stanley Greenspan: http://www.amazon.com/Engaging-Autism-Children-Communicate-Floortime/dp/0738210285/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201130917&sr=1-1 EVERYTHING by Ellen Notbohm: http://www.amazon.com/Things-Every-Child-Autism-Wishes/dp/1932565302/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201130917&sr=1-3 http://www.ellennotbohm.com/ HTH!

I've really enjoyed his work in several films. I saw him and his girlfriend on Oprah a couple years ago. (One of the very few times I've watched that show). I thought they were so in love, sincere and sweet. I'm NOT a celebrity watcher in the slightest, but I rooted for those two. I thought they were married. I was so sad yesterday to hear he died. I have thought a lot about how she is, can't imagine the bother the press is being :(

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The American Girl website is great - really fun games. My sons and I even play on their sometimes. I like that it isn't an addictive type of site. She plays on it about 1/2 hr. a week.

This is like the recipe my family LOVES from Saving Dinner: GRILLED SALMON WITH LIME - GARLIC BUTTER 4 med. clove garlic, crushed 1/2 c. butter 1/2 c. lime juice 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce 1 tsp. salt or to taste 6 salmon steaks Brown garlic in butter until lightly browned. Combine with lime juice, pepper, hot pepper juice, and salt. Brush salmon with mixture. Broil or barbecue salmon about five minute per inch of thickness on each side. Turn once and brush with garlic butter halfway through cooking time. Heat remaining garlic butter and drizzle over salmon. Six servings.

It is a similar feeling to getting rid of the baby and little kid clothes and toys - isn't it. That season of your life is over. But God was in that season and this new season! I know you are thankful for His leading and direction. Sell the curriculum stuff, keep the literature and character stuff - and be thankful!! Not sad! I know exactly why you are going through - with my 10yo special needs son going to school - and I'm selling some of his things. Preaching to myself here also!

Rod and Staff English 4&2 CLP Spelling 3&1 A Reason for Handwriting - cursive and manuscript Worldly Wise 1 CLE Reading 4

Not so sure I'll make it to the end. I do love her detailed writing - makes me want to travel. I'm happy I'm understanding a lot of her historical references too - thanks to SOTW! I would love to get more ideas for books!