What is the best age to start dance and string instruments? Please share your experience!!!

I agree with renting first before you buy. I think it will help you get a feel for the area better than anything you can research. My husband also has a long commute- but we wouldn't trade it for the wonderful job he is in. Many people commute to Baltimore and beyond from Carroll County. Best wishes to you! A move is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time!

We live in Carroll County and absolutely love it here.

Epi pens are very expensive. Medical Flex spending accounts can help for this if you have one or can get one. Just wanted to also encourage as other people have said: to teach your child not to eat any food from anyone unless you say it is okay. Also, we always carry two epi pens (sometimes 4) because our sons allergy makes it highly likely he would need that second dose 15/20 minutes later and it provides more time for emergency personnel. Something to think about/consider for your own circumstances.

Epipen not episode!!! Sorry.

Hugs! My 12 .5 year old son has been severe dairy allergy his whole life and we have been carrying epi everywhere since he got his first one at 9 months old. For us, we carry a black insulated "medicine" bag everywhere we go. It is actually a small diaper bag we purchased years ago from Lands End. He also has asthma so this bag contains all his meds. In hot summer weather we put a frozen cooler block in the outside pouch (not directly against meds). We also use a red pouch that has a silver lining for episode pen protection in extreme weather. ..I learned about here on the boards when I was beginning to prepare for my son to participate in the Boy Scout Klondike event in freezing temperatures. Maybe someone else will chime in with a link...you can also search the board. A tremendous resource is the kids with food allergies website, Facebook page, and forum. Never, never leave his episode pens in a hot or freezing car for hours. They need to be thrown away if you do. -Rebecca

Our instructor has been very hands off with our instruments since the beginning. :( giving no direction. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for her skill level? I could use Shar. I did see a Yamaha on instrumentalsavings.com. I do not want to go to a local shop for this because it will cost close to 1000 and I am not ready to invest that much at this level...not to mention that I actually can't. Thank you Hive!

My 11 year old daughter has been playing violin for about two years. She is in Suzuki Book 2. She needs to move up to a 3/4 size instrument. Any suggestions? I like to order online. She has played Gilga Romanian violins over these few years...starting with 1/4. Thank you!!

I have been really, really struggling with this lately. My oldest is fifteen and sometimes I feel like I can't breathe...everything is moving and changing so fast. My youngest little boy is 7 and I feel like I have missed so much in the blur of so many very full days. It is SO much harder than I knew.

I am devastated to read this news. I am so very sorry.

I am wondering if she needs more support from you for a time. Are you able to sit in on lessons and take notes? Are you able to sit in on her practice for awhile?

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry The Eliot Family series by Goudge The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry The Eliot Family series by Gouge The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Praying Eaglei!!!

Thank you all SO much. Yes, it is required in our state and there is also a separate health credit requirement. Such great ideas...I had been mulling around fencing and archery. He is also a Boy Scout and does some hiking and swimming through that. I would love to encourage more personal fitness.

My rising 9th grader is not athletic and does not have an interest in sports. Any suggestions on how to meet his PhysEd requirement? Thank you!

Praying Eaglei!

I remember that day five years ago. I remember it now. Thank you for sharing your blog. ♡♡♡

Praying fervently!!!

I think this is a great question! I have been watching to see the replies.

I did not read any replies so forgive me if this has been said... my husband and I have had true success using SAM - e. It is a mood lifter and clinically proven to help joint pain. I would definitely try it. We also have some experience with St. Johns Wort and SAM - e has just been so much better. HTH

Yes! Spelling Wisdom, Picture Study Portfolio, Hymn Study Resource, Shakespeare sets ( love these!). I also like their Composer study material- but I have not used any yet.

I do really love Excellence in Lit. for what it is worth!!! It does not offer systematic writing instruction, however. My son has needed a lot of coaching and help with aspects. Hope this makes sense.

I mix and match Excellence in Literature modules without a problem. I do think you will find it more teacher intensive than you need. I think you should consider IEW student intensive DVDs. You could also use Essentials in Writing. It has a DVD component and can be pretty independent. It teaches basic essay structures and the research paper.... you can pick the grade level with topics you desire and feel are best...i.e. you do not have to use grade 9 just because your student is in grade 9. You can move up or down as you determine. I wish Elegant Essay had a DVD component.

We like having the Sonlight guide. It takes the pressure off of me "driving" everything forward. The guide moves us forward and he dates and initials the day's readings as he completes them. He has also commented on appreciating the easier books interspersed with the more challenging books. They give his brain a welcome break.