I’m a pc user from way, way, back; I’m talking trash 80’s and 8088’s back. I used a MacBook for some time when I was heavy into graphics, but eventually switched all my Adobe stuff back over to a PC. I do have Acrobat Pro which gives me the ability to make my own PDF’s from scans or whatnot with writeable text fields. I hear the newer additions of Acrobat have a plugin called Autoink that can be used with a stylus type pen. I am soooo jealous of hearing about notability with I Pad’s. I am looking to bump up our HS tech use since we are hitting the logic years. I would love to have the functions of Notability for PDFs, if not for the sheer cut down of paper use, but with a Windows based tablet. Any suggestions?

Isn't it just grand that there are over 500 people hanging out here, right now, and like me, you have nothing better to do but to catch up with our fellow homeschoolers. I think it's pretty cool. :D On another note and while I'm feeling grateful...don't you just love that little box that comes up when you highlight a word and right hand click that asks if you want to search it on Google? Very cool, indeed. Now I know what a Cricut is. Good stuff! :lol:

Wow, I have to put in my 2 cents here. This is wrong, wrong, wrong. In Washington State there is an agency through our State Social Services that is called Adult Protective Services. It operates similar to Child protective services, but for the elderly. Calls are totally anonymous. I knew/know of a similar situation with an elderly female neighbor where we used to live, except it was her caretaker that was taking advantage of her. The court ended up appointing her a financial guardian, picked from a volunteer pool of CPA's and attorneys. Now all her monthly expenses are carefully monitored for any funny business and all major purchases have to go through the guardian. They can not flat out refuse, it is still her money, but they are now aware and can make note of it. At her age and state, this was the best option to keep her assets safe. Perhaps, you could look into it. It keeps things neutral with no sibling involvement. I feel what your sister is doing is wrong and it should not continue. I would never allow my parent to be taken advantage of, even if they thought it was okay. Sorry to rant....:blushing: I just feel strongly about anyone being abused, and this is clearly is abuse.

My 6'2" DH loves his LaZboy. Matter of fact, I can't get him out of it. LOL I almost would fake a scenario where he tried them out. Maybe a friend has an over-sized one? Or you can wear him out shopping and let him relax in the furniture section? Finding my DH's 'perfect' chair was like adopting a pet for life. :)

We knew we going to homeschool before DD was even born. (I was teaching in PS at the time) I pictured a room with $20,000 worth of shelving, cabinetry, specialty tables for computers and crafts, and all the best educational tools money could buy. All my books would be categorized with the dewy-decimal system, my notebooks color coordinated, nay, covered with beautiful matching fabric. I pictured my child diligently reciting Latin chants in a pinafore (not really). I had my curriculum planned out years in advance and everything went according to plan, if not better than. My reality: I wish there were no eye rolls as my DARLING DAUGHTER slams her head down on the dining room table. Our crafts cupboard, an old converted armoire, exploded sometime in grade three. The dictionary still has glitter in it. Last week I discovered the missing Science Encyclopedia, in a stack of my husband’s guitar and log home building magazines, in the guest bathroom. Note books that lay haphazardly on the kitchen island bar are the blue or white Staples specials. BUT, my curriculum plans, for the most part, did pan out and she does recite her Latin chants albeit while on horseback in jean shorts. AND I wouldn’t trade my reality for the world.

My DD was like your DS. Thankfully, I didn't pay any attention to PS parameters, or any set parameters, for that matter. Only you know your child best. We follow the WTM as far as the stages go and mainly for History and Science in a four year rotation, but that doesn’t mean I don’t bump up the content. Math, LA, and Latin are all over the place. My DD is grade level in some things and off the charts in others. I think that’s completely “normal”, if there is such a thing. Ahhh, the luxuries of homeschooling… My DD finished started Singapore 1A at age four. They recommend age seven, because of the concepts, but she was ready. You will find Early Bird Math extremely easy, the point of it was to get the child ready for formal math instruction. Primary Math 1A will begin concepts. I strongly urge you to keep on using Singapore Math, it is awesome, but be careful not to breeze through 1A and B, the foundation of using bonds are crucial at this stage. My DD’s mind math is far superior to mine because of Singapore’s foundations (and I was a math major in college). Keep up the good work. I say go for it. It sounds like you have yourself a little logic oriented guy. Good luck with that when they are older and argue EVERYTHING!

This was our 4th grade year. I noted the changes I would make to make it “perfect†Math: Singapore Math: Text, workbook, word problems & extra practice books LA: Voyages in English, but would change to KISS plus WWE/WWS, Book reports (Classical Lists), Spelling History: History Odyssey: Modern (Grammar stage) plus a supplemental US course Science: Singapore’s MPH, liked it, but I would change to a more traditional WTM yearly rotation. Works better for us. I restarted in the Logic stage. Latin: Latin for Children Art & Music Appreciation: Own Masters note book. Extra: Typing, Mind Benders, extra penmanship practice :glare:, I think there were a few other mini-stuff, but I can't remember.

Thanks, Aurelia, I thought that may be the case. That was the direction I was tending towards. I just didn't know if there were any fundamental clashes.

I just downloaded all the right KISS material, I think. Whew, weird navigation through that web site. :001_huh: Anyhow, we've been using Voyages in English for a while. While I like it, DD does not. "Too classroomy" VIE includes writing exercises so I've never used a separate program. What do you use with KISS? Thank you all, always.

I've been using Singapore math for many years and I was a math major in college. I couldn't recommend it more. I'm not sure what website you went to, but http://www.singaporemath.com/Default.asp is great. They also have a forum with several advisers on there. Ask away. Note, there are several versions of Singapore Primary Math. I use the US edition, it's what we started with, but there is now one with California Standards as well as the original version. In Singapore they don't start 1A until age 7. There is a placement test here. I'm not sure if I answered your question, but I just wanted to encourage you to follow through with SM. I couldn't be more pleased with my DD's mental math skills after 6 years.

Awesome free links, thank you to all who contributed. Just thought it deserved another bump as a refresher or for some newbies.

I just got an update from Royal Fireworks Press for a new Art Curriculum. Has anyone else heard of it or used it? I know I, for one, have been somewhat neglectful with Art other than appreciation. http://www.rfwp.com/series/art-curriculum-from-royal-fireworks-press#book-how-to-draw-a-straight-line

There is a sushi rice packet, like seasoning packets, that is sold in Asian stores that makes sushi rice just the right flavor and texture for forming. I'm sorry I don't know the name (And it's a Japanese label). If you want to go very authentic you could add in some small, dainty dipping sauce dishes or be creative and use clam shells. What a nice present. Good job.

Does anyone know of any reputable online jobs out there that I can use wireless internet and a cell phone? Husband is injured (self-employed) and cannot work, there is no L & I. Homeschooling is a life time commitment for us. We only have one DD. I have all my lesson plans worked out for the rest of the year. DH would do three days and we will change our school days so I could take two days on my days off….when I find a job. I am looking for something online so save on gas, time, clothing, food expense, and to be here for any questions that they may have. The problem: We live in VERY rural NE WA state, commuting with our vehicle would be almost counterproductive. We have great 3G wireless internet and only cell phones. Most online company requirements are for broadband and landlines. I’ve been searching to no avail, so I wanted to bring it to the hive. :001_unsure:

:bigear: We have thought about fostering in the past, but I was unaware that you could do that and homeschool. Are there any homeschooling foster parents of school aged children out there?

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

Oh my gosh, I remember your situation from a long time ago. So sorry you are going through it again! By the way, good job being neutral and sensitive in your explanation. :)

There are a lot of doomsdayers and soothsayers out there, however we are living in the reality of it. Everyone in this nation has been affected in one way or another. All economies collapse eventually. It's the nature of the structure. I subscribe to the 'this too shall pass' truth. I don't want to get caught with my proverbial pants down so our family strives to be more self-sufficient P.S. I'd be careful not to turn this into a political thread, it's a fine line. ;)

:iagree:Also some more specific ones: Keeping a family milk cow: http://familycow.proboards.com/index.cgi Backyard Chicken: http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/ This is rather new one but has promise: http://www.theselfsufficientgardener.com/forums/

Ummm, tough love? :blink: Sad, but the bottom line is it is the truth. Homeschooling does require self discipline from the home teacher. My previous comments were based on this just being a temporary stage, a depression of sorts. JenniferP8, how long have you been homeschooling for and what methodology do you follow, if any? Have you read the WTM?

Wow, I do feel for you. :grouphug: and NO, nothing is the matter with you. I know that at times I have felt the same way, but I knew I had to buck up or give up the ghost. Have you tried using something like Homeschool Tracker to keep your schedule on track? How long have you been homeschooling? Do you follow the WTM? I know a lot of people on these boards are classical homeschoolers including myself. If I didn't have a set schedule, with goals, plans and a blueprint there is no way I could make it through our year. Not to say we don't get side tracked, and that's okay, just try to make it back. ;) As a matter of fact I've been absent from this board for over a year, because I was yapping away and sidetracked. :D I think you asked the right group of people. I have faith in this board to hold your hand.

Ohhh congratulations :hurray: on your newest one!! I bet you have your hands full!!! The recipe is so simple it's almost embarrassing. Mind you I'm not a measuring kind of gal except for baking. :) A large package of dried colorful pasta (I use spirals), cooked washed and drained A small jar of marinated artichoke hearts, sliced in bite-sized hunks A handful of chopped dehydrated tomatoes (i use the olive oil soaked ones) A handful of chopped roasted yellow and orange sweet peppers (mainly cause mine never quite get red ;) ) A jar or can each or green and yellow wax beans A small handful of sliced olives A handful of finely grated parmesan cheese And enough of a zesty garlic parmesan Italian dressing to marinate It's better if made ahead a few hours and allowed to marinate. It's a really tangy and colorful salad.

I do! They are great this way too. If you don't dehydrate them to a crisp you can also store them in basil flavored olive oil and it will keep a long time. I use these on our homemade pizza and chopped up in a pasta with marinated artichokes, dilled beans, yellow peppers and an Italian vinegar dressing, yum. I've got tomatoes on my mind, I've been processing/dehydrating/making paste and ketchup, and canning all week. So far we've harvested over 170 lbs from our Brandywines, Purple Cherokees, and Romas. If the weather holds I'll have another 50 plus pounds of vine ripened ones next week. This is a small harvest for us LOL, but it's all our tomato needs for the year. :001_smile:

Love those!!! :drool::drool: Thanks for sharing.

I'm in the middle of making paste with the rest of my crop with the same amount right now. I make a VERY condensed paste and when done it is rolled into a ball and sits covered in a crock of olive oil. It only takes a heaping tablespoon of this stuff to make a large pot of Ragu. When made from your own tomatoes the natural acids and sweetness is beyond compare. I read about this technique from a man who grew up in an old Italian neighborhood, in NY, in the 30's and I've made it with the last of my harvest ever since. He said all the wives and grandmothers would cut up and boil down all the tomatoes, skins and all, in huge pots (I put a bit of water in the bottom to not scorch). It takes hours and hours, first at a gentle boil then at a simmer. I use a hand cranked food mill to separate all the skins and seeds (our chickens love that). Then put it back on simmer to reduce. At first it will look like tomato juice, then a sauce, when it reduced again by half and fairly thick, I spread it out thinly on large cookie sheets and either set it outside on a warm day covered with cheese cloth or like today my trays are in my oven with the pilot light on and sitting on top of the stove. Scrape, combine the reduction, and spread at least twice a day. It could take up to three or four days depending on the temp and humidity. You are more or less making a tomato fruit leather, but it will still be sticky and able to roll into a ball. The old neighborhood ladies spread the paste out on clean sheets of plywood and kept them on screened porches. I do 10 pounds of raw tomatoes at a time. Each will make a ball about the size of a racquet ball. I put no seasonings, no salt, no sugar, NOTHING in the paste. You can season it when you make whatever you are doing with it. I use it to make pizza sauce, pasta sauce, tomato based soups, stews, etc... It is amazing, you should try it at least once. :tongue_smilie: