I carried Troy Aikman's books in college (OU) after he broke his leg--we were on the same CART (campus area bus) route and had the same stop. He had not 'filled out' yet--and I was a newly wed. Also while at OU (University of Oklahoma) I took a speach class, section 'J' for Jann right?--It ended up being section 'J' for JOCK...there were 2 girls (including myself) in a class of first string football players (well one golf player too). My partners that summer were Eric Mitchell (became a good friend) and Dante Williams. I imagine we looked quite unusual walking across campus to the library for our research 'dates'...again I was married... Chris Tomlin (Christian music artist) was one of the worship leaders at our church in Wimberley (he ran our college ministry). I met Carmen (Christian artist) when he was first starting out--and his concerts were free--and had about 50 people attending. Half of my church (when I lived in Illinois) were extra's in the movie Ground Hog Day...I had a sick (chronically ill) baby at home so I did not get to audition... but it is fun to watch the movie because I have friends in almost every scene! I made Walt Disney's cousin's wedding cake... well the bride's mother was his cousin--and her maiden name was Disney! As far as politics go...I went to high school with Rick Dearborn--the Vice Secretary of Energy (or what ever his title is this year). I told him to 'sit down and shut up' when he was harassing a substitute teacher to tears...I was thinking out loud---but the WHOLE class heard me....and the class was very quiet after my comment too. (A few years later he did thank me for putting him in his place...). He was our class president--and he was a good one too (nearly 800 students in our graduating class). He graduated from OU the same time I did too--but I did not know him in college.

I would suggest looking at Jacobs for Algebra 1. It flows nicely into most other programs (Foersters is suggested by the author for Algebra 2). Even though you say your son is not a strong math student, I would still suggest using a strong curriculum--and adapting it if necessary. I'm using Lial's with my oldest dd. She worked BCM over nearly 2 years and wanted to continue with that style of text. SHE IS NOT A MATH PERSON! In fact she has some learning differences. She also learns by reading and has had success with the Lial series. I rarely have the opportunity to teach or help her as she is learning quite independently from this program. She is now working in the Intermediate Algebra text and she is doing much better than I ever though possible. I'm very glad that I did not go with a watered down math program! The text-based programs I recommend the most are Foerster, Lial, Larson (what Chalkdust uses) and Jacobs (for Geometry and Algebra 1). All of these meet competitive state/national standards. There are new math programs becoming available to homeschoolers all the time. The trend is for video based courses. Having a variety of choices is a good thing--but it can also cause LOTS of headaches and confusion until the decision as to which text to use is made!

I've had the 'opportunity' to use ABeka's high school math texts while teaching at a private school. I had to supplement nearly every lesson--and we threw out the Geometry text! A few years ago ABeka released their improved Pre-Algebra text. It is a pretty good text too. Along with the previous elementary texts, this program was developed by ABeka and holds more current standards. Unfortunately, ABeka has not yet revised their high school program, in fact is is not really their program. It is a REPRINT of Heath Mathematics texts from the 1914's to the 1920's! Much has changed in math education and standards in the last 80 years! The high school texts, besides lacking certain concepts and depth, are seriously lacking in student helps. The texts are anything BUT self-teaching. The teacher's edition is just the student text with answers filled in--no teaching examples either. This program was designed to be used by a trained math teacher--and is basically a book of problems with little instruction. Their Geometry text is the ABSOLUTE WORST math text I've ever seen. Period. I once spoke to an ABeka representative about this situation. He told me that there was a DEMAND for "CHRISTIAN" math texts at the high school level--and that since it took so much time and money to develop one, they purchased the reprint rights from a discontinued program and simply replaced the cover and added a Bible verse/reference on the first page--making it "Christian"! I use, and have used, many of ABeka's other programs while homeschooling my children. It is impractical to believe that one publisher would be strong across the board (different subject areas) and at different grade levels.

I would not suggest switching over to Saxon--especially for a student who is not strong in math. The majority of week to average math students do better with a more traditional text. There are LOTS of choices when it comes to good, solid math programs for high school. Your son is only 13--so he is not behind at all. Are you needing a program with video/teaching support--or are you comfortable teaching the material (or have access to a tutor)? Is cost an issue? How does your son learn best?

My favorite method is anything that uses the 'whole body'. Jumping rope has been the secret for one of my daughters and many of the children I have taught and tutored. My oldest dd was NOT able to memorize her math facts...and you know what?--she was still able to work her math homework on grade level. In fact, she has a better sense of number theory than her sister (who memorizes very easily) will ever have! If oldest dd cannot remember a fact--she sure can figure it out quickly (on her own). I was a little disheartened at first (after all "I" am a math teacher by profession!)....but in reality I was doing the wrong thing by pressuring dd to the point that I was holding her mathematical progress back due to lack of memorized facts. Once I let her move on--and gave her/taught her a support system, she flourished! Just something else to think about.... I still used OCCASIONAL drill/flashcards and oldest dd is currently in Algebra 2 and knows MOST of her facts...maybe someday.... but she is VERY good in math!

My first experience of driving a car was in my Driver's Ed class.. I was HUMILIATED! I was expected to know the basics of how to start a car and put it into gear. The instructor thougth I was being 'funny' and made a rude comment before he realized in horror that I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO START A CAR! Please, at least let your son drive in a parking lot. I've started my dd's driving--and it really was not that bad. Just choose a parking lot that does not have any lightposts! I would not go as far as letting him drive on streets--but at least give him a chance (especially being a BOY) to survive the first day of driving in class.

Both of my mother's grandmothers had bre@st cancer. One grandmother died at the age of 40 and the other survived 2 different rounds/types of bre@st cancer and lived to be 98. My mother had a mammogram in November of 1984--it was 'clean'. In December she found a lump and in January 1985 she had a full radical mastectomy--2 weeks after DH and I were married. She was 42--the same age I am now. Mom lost her battle in April of 1987 just 2 weeks before my college graduation. I have routine mammograms every year--since age 35. My sister does too.

You will NOT have to purchase insurance on your teen UNTIL they get their license. For the duration of their permit they are covered on your policy. I really really LOVE USAA!

Your son would benifit from a good SAT prep course. TT's Algebra 2 is closer to most other Algebra 1 programs--so it may not be the best choice...Jacobs does not have an Algebra 2 program. A good inexpensive 'reference' text would be one of the older 7th editions of Lial's Intermediate Algebra. Margaret Lial is one of the main authors. You can pick up a copy in like new condition on amazon.com or half.com for under $15 including priority shipping. This is a self-teaching text with excellent detailed examples. If you want to strengthen his Algebra 2 skills before he goes on to college level maths then a program like ALEKS (online) might be worth trying---they have a free 1-month trial and you can ask around on this board for the link...I don't have it handy at the moment.

It would be almost impossilbe for a student to go from ABeka Algebra 1 into Saxon Algebra 2. The programs are just that different--and (gently) ABeka is not a strong program. In your situation I would suggest moving into a Geometry program (please do NOT use ABeka and you can e-mail me if you need specific reasons). While your student works Geometry have them 'review' Algebra 1 either using a computer based program like ALEKS or using a solid Algebra 1 text. Geometry programs to consider: Jacobs, Larson (Chalkdust) and even Teaching Textbooks. After the year of Geometry and a bit of Algebra 1 review, your student will be ready to move into any Algebra 2 program (other than Saxon). Saxon has a unique method and scope and sequence. It is nearly impossible for the average student to 'join in' after Algebra 1. I've taught ABeka Algebra and Geometry before (private Christian school). I've also taught Saxon's high school texts many times. HTH

I'm not sure I would consider the show German Shepherds a success... In fact I consider most GSs with 'show' backgrounds to be inferior. The have a HIGH percentage of hip and joint issues (the 'slant' has been bred into show dogs by shortening their back legs) and a HIGH percentage of cancer and numerous other inbreeding flaws. Show shepherds have been bred DOWN and are about half the size as they should be--and are usually MORE agressive too! I personally prefer the 'Classic' German Shepherds. These are the true standard of the breed. They are HUGE and stocky--with a STRAIGHT back. They also have a better life span and a MUCH healthier body/structure. I've been a GS owner for over 10 years. Last year I purchased a Classic GS puppy. He is hands down the most beautiful/well built GS I have ever seen (and my vets agree with me). He does NOT meet the current show standards--and I'm GLAD!

We started our day with the Bible lesson. Next came copy work and individual reading/spelling. We then had some 'explore' time (this is what we called it) where the girls would look through their stacks of library books. I would sometimes guide them by talking about the facts in the manual--then they would 'search' for similar material in their books. I would try to sneak in Math and Spelling before lunch. After lunch we always had 'snuggle time'--this is when I read a chapter or 2 from the selected reading book and then we would talk about it (using the questions in the manual as props as needed). Most afternoons I had the girls share from their library books and then journal. Once or twice a week I would also give them a writing assignment (both dds were seriously delayed in this area--but are now on grade level as high schoolers!). Just remember you DO NOT have to do everything! I thought the program was well organized...and easy for me to tweak.

My dd's were in 3rd (advanced) and 5th (delayed). I really liked seeing a detailed plan and then being able to make it my own. LOTS of good memories! :) We did math and language arts on our own (we only occasionally did the LA sections because my girls were both below that level). You need a good library--if you use Learning Adventures you will be checking out LOTS of books! You do not have to do everything--and the author gives lots of ideas on how to make the program work for your family. Now there are worksheets available for those wishing a more traditional format. This program provided lots of cuddle time (I had a health crisis that year) and my girls remember so much of what they 'explored' in the library books--even 6 years later! We used it for Bible, Science, History and Art and 'read out louds'. I would recommend this program for grades 4-6... I prefer to start integrating textbooks in 7th and 8th grade to prepare for high school materials. One of my favorite 'tricks' was to give each dd a stack of Post-It flags (the tiny ones). They marked pages in the books they explored that they thought were interresting--and then they shared them with each other in our 'couch' time.

When I recommend TT for younger students (I do not usually recommend it for older students...) I suggest that they work through TT Algebra 1, TT Algebra 2 and Geometry (Geometry and Algebra 2 in any order). After completing these 3 courses move the student into a more rigorous (Algebra 2) program ...in other words do not go on to TT Pre-Calc. The next program after TT Algebra 2 would be Intermediate Algebra (Algebra 2) by the likes of Foerster, Lial or Larson (Chalkdust). TT's Algebra 2 covers less than half of what these other programs cover--most of the material will be new and definitely deeper in the 'review' sections. After completing this second Algebra 2 program the student will be prepared for any rigorous Pre-Calc program--at home or the local community college. It is not uncommon to have this 'review' year. Many students end up going backward a course in college (taking Calc 1 in college even though they had Calc 1 in high school). If you stopped now and used a second Algebra 1 course you would not want to go back to TT...the Algebra 1 courses by the 3 authors mentioned above will cover at least the first 100 lessons in TT Algebra 2...remember that independent publishers define their own standards and 'levels'. TT is a nice gentle approach for younger students...as long as you know a programs limitations just about any program can be made to work for your situation.

I would suggest that you only take the 4-hour meds. There are several options for 'extended' tabs--but many of these can cause the 'heart racing' reaction that you mentioned. I've had trouble off and on the past few years with an ear getting 'stopped up'. If it ever becomes painful I will literally walk around the house with a peeled garlic clove in my ear! (I also make drops out of warmed olive oil and pressed garlic)...this is because the majority of ear problems are fungal. Sudafed works VERY well for me...but I can only tolerate the lower dose. Make sure you get the ones from 'behind the counter'--you want the Psuedoephedrine and not the 'similar' drug. Have you tried Mucinex? I've been able to use this on occasion to help my sinuses and ears drain--it is a 'safer' too. It is the drug called Guaifenesin. I hope you find relief soon!

not to mention our horse, lizards, gerbils and fish. We got a new puppy last year. He was a lot of work the first few months--but he has matured into a great dog. He, like our other dog, is a German Shepherd. This new guy is HUGE (will be around 140 lbs)--a 'classic' shepherd. He cost a pretty penny as we purchased him from a reputable breeder (I researched for nearly one year). While we love our 'parking lot purchased' shepherd, he has had joint/hip problems his whole life--the new puppy has a warranty! It was much CHEAPER to purchase the expensive puppy than the defective parking lot dog... Our very first dog was a pound puppy (shepherd mix) we saw at a local pet store. She was a great dog--gentle, well mannered, great with kids...she did not have any health problems until her last year with us--we had her over 12 years--and she was an adult when we got her. The benefits of getting a young adult (already house trained) was perfect for our young family. We chose carefully because we did not want an adult dog with bad habits. Now back to the puppy... If you remember any of the posts about 'tomato staking' kids--well this is also what you have to do with a puppy. The puppy will need to be confined (we used a bathroom with a toddler gate) in a small place when not in direct supervision. Many people crate train--but I do not like crate training larger breeds...as long as the crate is not the primary 'spot' then it is a fine way to go. Potty training varied--it can take a few weeks to a few months (about 3 months for our puppy because he was growing so fast!). Your cats and ferret may or may not take to the new puppy...usually the puppy will accept your old pets (our puppy LOVES our old cat--and the cat tolerates him too). A puppy takes a lot of time and effort the first few months--and don't forget about training (manners...). If you have the time--and your heart is in it--then make a careful decision and enjoy having a dog.

At any given time I have at least 20 different kinds to choose from. I drink tea daily--mostly hot. I also have a hot water dispenser by my kitchen sink--primary use is for tea! My newest favorites include just about any 'tea' with Rooibos in it. This stuff just CANNOT become bitter...most regular teas will become bitter if steeped too long. I recently shared some with my dd15 who is starting to drink tea. When I go to the store today I will purchase a box just for her--so I do not have to share mine! I have a neat system for making a shopping list so I do not run out of a favorite. I go through quite a bit of Vanilla Chai every month. In recent years I have started drinking more decaffeinated tea--but I do drink caffeinated a few times a week so I do not get migrains when we eat out (and I usually order tea). If I choose to sweeten my tea stevia is my first choice. Agave nectar is also very good and does not mess with my blood sugar level. DH purchased 2 different tea pots and gave me a nice gift certificate for STASH teas for Christmas and our anniversary.

It also causes major stomach upset... My dd15 came down with the flu on a Monday and started taking Tamiflu on Tuesday. By Thursday her flu symptoms were gone--so it DID cut down the duration--but she was VERY miserable on Wednesday due to the side effects...lots of throwing up and diarrhea. Our insurance covered the meds--but it was at the 'top tier' price. I'm pretty sure it is over $100 per person. I'm not sure if I would take it...but dd was MISERABLE with flu symptoms--and I could not imagine her having them for 10 days! I asked her and she said that it was worth it--but next time tell her what to expect (1 day of being stomach sick vs another week of the flu).

I almost purchased one at Christmas...but I have 2 large ones and a smaller one and a tiny one...I could not justify the purchase---because I would have kept my old ones too! I found it at WalMart

You cannot bake or harden modeling clay. Some types of play-dough can be hardened--but it usually cracks. Sculpty and Fimo are two craft clays that can be baked in your home oven to harden. Crayola makes 'Model Magic' that is an air-dry clay--it dries out VERY quickly and then feels sort of like 'fun foam'. If you used regular modeling clay then it may be possible to make a 'cast' of your artwork...but the item itself cannot be preserved.

plants will do much better under these instead of the cheap regular florescents.

Apparently some people have had lots of relief from coughing by rubbing their feet with Vick's Vapor Rub... It has been in the news a lot lately... DH has several co-workers who said it worked great. It did NOT work on my coughing when I had 'whooping cough' this past fall (well I still have it)...but it might be worth a try in your case. Coughing is no fun...I am almost at day 100 with mine--but it is VERY minor now.

From your description your dd is not a 'natural' speller. The act of learning spelling rules does not work for those of us who are not natural spellers. Her reading level has VERY LITTLE to do with her spelling level as very different parts of the brain are used for each task. You said she was visual--well, she is filing away the spelling rules in a very different part of her brain than she uses when she begins to put her thoughts down on paper. Instead of being associated with 'words' she will be using, the spelling 'rules' are filed away with other 'general information to know'. Given time she MAY be able to cope---but most spelling programs will not work--especially if they require memorization of 'rules' or lists of words. If you give her a list of words to 'learn' each week she will probably do fine on the 'test'...but ask her to spell them the next week....well, she will probably miss quite a few. This really is not a 'spelling' problem--it is a learning style issue. I am NOT a natural speller. My 2 oldest dd's are NOT natural spellers--my DH and youngest dd are. I learned to cope--but I was (and still am) secretly embarrassed because I just cannot spell with any sort of confidence. (I've already hit 'spell check' several times just typing this post!) I ALWAYS made 100% on my spelling/vocabulary tests in school---I could memorize but I just could not transfer. My 2 oldest dd were not coping very well either...in fact they were not progressing with their writing due to the inability to spell. Even as a 6th grader my oldest dd would choose very simple words in her writing...but she would use a very extensive vocabulary when speaking...spelling--or rather her lack of ability to spell was holding her back. I switched her to Sequential Spelling and it all started to click and life has gotten so much better (and MY spelling even improved!). So my thoughts for the day :) would be to take a look at a different type of spelling program--Sequential Spelling. It does not require that she memorize rules, or even take tests! Just 5-10 minutes a day and you should see big results in her daily writing in about 6 weeks.

Terms are the 'pieces' usually divided by addition and subtraction. 6 + 2 x 5 has only 2 terms because the 2x5 is 'glued' together by multiplication. You can re-write this problem using parenthesis. 6 + (2 x 5). This has a lot to do with the 'order of operations'. The 2 and the 5 have to be multiplied BEFORE you can add the 6... 5(3 X 2) uses only multiplication---the terms are 'glued' into one complex term. (I prefer the to use 'units' instead of the word 'term'. 2/3x means 2/3 times x. This is much easier to see if you could type with a horizontal fraction bar instead of the slash. 2/3(x) would be worked out by making the 'x' a fraction (x/1) and then multiplying across to get 2x/3 or '2 times x all divided by 3'. Clear as mud right?!

It has general helps and links to other sites. ALEKS is good for a review program--but not for tutoring on an 'as needed' basis' as you do not have that much control over the concepts you can practice. I'll try to post more links as I remember them. Ask your friend what part of Geometry he is having difficulty in--proofs or applicaltion...as than can make a difference too. Jann