Can you tell me what this looked like? I have no clue as to the extent of work it should include, and what the resulting "thing" should be. Thanks! Hot Lava Mama

Ugh. Just Ugh. I was hoping. I guess the colleges already have it figured out how get the maximum amount of money from parents/students. Thanks for the responses! I have a lot to consider! Hot Lava Mama

Is it possible to do AP courses & test during the first two years of community college so that a student could be accepted into a 4-year school as a junior? Any reason why this would be not be advisable? Thinking ahead to ds college years (he is in 10th right now, 11th in the fall), could he do his GE courses in a community college, while also doing AP courses at home for other classes, then take the AP tests, and have these transfer to a really good college? I know a lot of it "depends" on the school, (etc. etc.), but I am wondering if others have taken this route? Any thoughts? Hot Lava Mama

Do you (or did you) have your junior do a junior project? If so, what did it look like? I realize that it will depend on the interests of the junior, but I have no idea what it should look like in size and scope. Examples? Thanks! Hot Lava Mama

You might want to check with your doctor about long-term use. I have read that it can cause severe eye problems-including blindness. I am not a doctor (nor do I play one on T.V.), so take that into account. But any long-term supplement should at least be addressed with your doctor. Hot Lava Mama

Because I would not agree to dd (5 years old) "even trade" of my wedding ring for her "blue diamond princess ring with a butterfly on the side." (Yeah, right! Daddy's cheeks are still flushed from having to pay for this ring 18 years ago!)

I figure there isn't any hope for me. I'm already damaged and destroyed. May as well put my hope in the next generation. (Then I go and hide with the chocolate!) :)

My high school son is in the Rhetoric 1 class (live, not delayed lecture) and it has done WONDERS for his writing! I am very impressed with the teacher. She goes out of her way to help the students get the best grade they can. We are definitely in for next year, too. I also have my middle school daughter in a delayed lecture writing class. I think if you can do it live, it works better. We had to do the delayed lecture because of a time issue, but I think something is lost if you are not under pressure to perform in class. We will be doing as many as we can live next year and only doing delayed lecture for time conflicts. Oh, the costs is different based on several factors. I think if you sign up early is it cheaper (you have to commit to the class and pay, too). Also, some classes are only one semester, which makes them cheaper, too. Hot Lava Mama

Never mind. I found it in the law. FYI, private schooled students are actually prohibited from taking this exam. :)

Do I have to give this test to my students if I am independent (R-4)? Hot Lava Mama

on the boards? If I wanted to search for plans for _____ grade, how would I do that? (Since I know new ones are made each year, there are probably already plenty for me to read instead of making a new one.) Thanks Hot Lava Mama

I'm not sure anything you could have said would have changed her or the situation. She sounds like she is very negative to begin with. Perhaps she is overwhelmed and that is bringing on the negativity. I don't have a special needs child, so I can't imagine the weight that puts on a parent's shoulder. I think parents of special needs children are incredible people. The ones I have met have had grace and understanding way beyond what I could ever hope to have. I do hope she runs into more people like you who can have a positive effect on her. My heart goes out to her child, and even to her for the weight she is feeling. Some people are not able to carry that burden as gracefully as you. Count your blessings that you are as wonderful and understanding as you are. Your child is very lucky to have you. :) Hot Lava Mama

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I just signed up my dd (8th grade) with the WTM Academy for their spring semester ($250). It is a creative writing class. It doesn't start until January, but we have been using WTMA with my 10th grader. Hot Lava Mama

Not a "current" joke, but still funny. When my now 8 year old was learning to read, we were passing by a location that takes donations for Salvation Army. They have a HUGE sign in front that says "Donations Here." My (ever-hungry) boy read aloud, "Doughnuts Here!" Let's go there, Mom! Free doughnuts!" Everyone in the car busted up in laughter. :) Hot Lava Mama

We need help thinking of more places for meeting rooms for our home school group. We have been using the library community center (for free) and the Raley's Community center (for free). However, the library has set a new policy so that a group can only use the community center up to 6 times a year. Raley's is converting their community centers into medical clinics. We have tried churches and senior centers, but they are requiring insurance (usually $2 million policy!). We are stuck! We need a big place for our STEM club, our debate conferences, our parties...all of which can be 50-100 people. Any ideas on where to check for a free place? We have not had much luck when we try a rental place because of the need for a contract, down payment, etc. I know someone out there has some great ideas on where we can look!

This looks great! Thanks! :)

Thanks for the suggestions. I haven't heard of either of these. I'm off to check them out! :) Hot Lava Mama

I need some sort of material that we can use in our science class to mold various models, for example an animal cell, a model of a bone, a model of a brain, etc. We have a number of little ones and clay is a bit hard for them to mold. Their hands are not strong enough to manipulate it easily. I HATE Playdoh, so that isn't an option. Besides the fact that it crumbles everywhere, it also hardens so we can't reuse it very well. I was thinking of Sculpy, but that too is a bit hard for little hands. Is there some amazing product out there that anyone knows about? :) Hot Lava Mama

I reached a point of exasperation with my teens when they were always blaming me for "fill-in-the-blank." One day I told them that if I "actually" had all the "power" they give me (by virtue of everything being my fault), then I would rule the world! (said with a rising voice-cue the loud, powerful music!) And, if I ruled the world, then they better behave better and make better choices or else they will not be my heir to the throne! They usually laugh at this and realize how incredibly stupid their comments are! Hot Lava Mama

:) Just wondering when we should expect them. Hot Lava Mama

Tootsie roll? Popcorn? How about those taffy type of candies. All of these have taken out loose teeth with my kids. :) At least they will be focusing on the candy and not their teeth! :)

Thanks for the help! :)

I am going over the PSAT information sheet with DS who will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday. Which of these fields are required? 1. Name information-obviously required! :) 2. Sex 3. Current grade level (he is only in 10th right now, so maybe not required?) 4. Date of birth-seems like might be required to help find his scores if they get lost 5. SS # or Student ID-I thought I read somewhere this isn't required. If anyone knows, I would rather he not fill this one out. 6. School-This is where he puts the homeschool code, so this is required. 7-12 "Questions to help the college board help you". These all seem optional. I don't see a 13 or 14? 15. Address-I think we need this one so they can mail the results, correct? 16. City-same as above 17. State-same as above 18. Zip - same as above 19. County-same as above 20. Special questions: have no idea what this is for! So, does anyone know for sure what is the minimum he should complete? I think #1, 4, 6, 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19. Hive wisdom, please? :) Hot Lava Mama

Looks awesome! Definitely different then any other stuff out there. My oldest will LOVE this! :) (I don't know HOW you do it! So many great books!) Hot Lava Mama