My DD has similar hair (not quite as kinky), it was in a braid when she decided to cut the top herself, it rat nested to the point we had to cut it. The top was an inch long (thanks to her) and the stylist cut the rest leaving 2-3 inches. It's so curly that it looks really cute (I was DREADING it). I bought several fun headbands, my favorite are the wrap around ones that tie at the back. It has been the best style so far. We no longer fuss with tangles and knots.

Have you joined Alaskan Homeschoolers group on fb? There is quite the eclectic group on there. I do a bit of everything, just depends on what program I feel is a solid curricula for my kids :)

I vote Alaska too! It fits your criteria perfectly. I am in Wasilla. There are many correspondence programs in our area (Matanuska Borough). Quite large hs'ing population, many Christian options and A LOT of activities for hs'ers. Housing tends to be a bit more affordable out this way. It's only (1 hour or so) to Anchorage, but we have several enough box stores that Anchorage trips aren't needed too often. I don't think you could go wrong wherever you live up here:) I lived in Eagle River for several years too, still love it.

I don't have a child with it, but my DH has it. He tried the SCD diet for several months, but had a hard time sticking with. He now pays close attention to how he reacts when he eats certain foods. Overall he does avoid gluten and sugar. He is at the tail-end of a severe flare-up, hopefully. The cause of this one was a Z-Pac Rx for phnemonia. Double check meds that react with UC. There is a lot of info online, and support groups on FB. :grouphug: to your DC and you.

I have to agree with the Jules, at least the swivel. I love the look, but the banging against the desk...every day, makes me cringe. I should have chosen a stationary chair. We don't have an IKEA in Alaska (I bought a fake Jules chair), so I don't have any other advice.

I don't even remember being asked. It didn't disqualify us.

Not a whole lot :D Just have the proper gear (water bottle, shinguards and if you want them to wear cleats, make sure they are soccer and not baseball. Baseball cleats have the center toe cleat). I suggest getting the appropriate size ball for their age, but it's not a huge deal. Be supportive and have fun!

My DH has Ulcerative Colitis. He has been going through a really bad flare-up since Feb. I have done a lot of research on this in hopes to understand it better. I do my best to be supportive. Somedays are hard, I can't even imagine being in his shoes. He still works everyday and supports us, I don't know how he does it. He was diagnosed fairly quickly, went into remission for 5 yrs, and now it's back with a vengeance. I hope you have support and people to talk to with the similar issue. :grouphug:

This is the site I used this year (plus a few extra sheets from elsewhere), I am pleased with the end result. We'll see how it goes as I use it :)

We do. They are added on to ours and are fairly small, but in the event something were to happen, costs would be covered.

We will be purchasing a desktop MAC for the main computer. I cannot decide between a Dell laptop (offered through our allotment) or an iPad? Both can be reimbursed, so money is not a deciding factor. There are times when the kids are at their grandparents cabin for a week, so I would like portability. I don't know what can be done on the iPad (other than the educational apps). Oldest DS would mainly use it to type any assignments from IEW, which he could also neatly write, I suppose. We already own a macbook and Toshiba laptop, but they are mine and DH. What would be more beneficial? TIA!

Quite a few, but my best find was the Signing Time classroom edition (the whole kit)...$10! That is a nearly $300 kit. My next would be an antique school desk for $15, they go for $100 on average up here.

Lol, I live an hour from Talkeetna, it's my favorite town. I had never heard of Stubbs! If you were to see the town and meet the residence, this would make perfect sense :)

Non-producing SAHM here. Several people have asked me if I would start babysitting their kids. I just can't bring myself to commit. Thankfully my husband fully supports that. :) I've been at home for 9 yrs now.

I don't have a huge opinion right now, we are only in the beginning. We switched to MUS after doing TT7. So far I love it. It's not overwhelming for my DS. Sometimes he doesn't pay attention to the DVD, so I will watch it with him then demonstrate it with the blocks, he always gets after that. If he's doing well, I have him do A and B, then a review page (or 2), then then test. I'll add that he does not use the blocks all the time, usually just in the beginning to visually see how the problem works. My DS needs this for hands on and the simplicity of the assignment layout. I was told MUS is very thorough at the higher levels, but I've also heard opinions swaying the other way. We're sticking with it :)

We went straight to Alpha. My ds is a math kid and knows his numbers and already adds. I think Primer would be good for my preK dd.

My daughter and I have curly hair. I can manage mine by either pulling it back, adding curl gel, or straightening it. My daughter has super tight curls that get OUT OF CONTROL. I use Deva Curl shampoo and conditioner, once a week. The other days, just conditioner. If she doesn't bathe I use a spray bottle, leave-in conditioner and a wide tooth comb to brush it out. Honestly, I braid her hair often. After a nap I can quickly take the braid out and redo it for rest of the day and I almost always braid it at night if she had a bath (2 braids works the best). It seems more time consuming, but it's better than fighting bedhead. :tongue_smilie:

I would like to use the workbox system with 4 kids. Should I invest in 4 carts with drawers, or have DH build something (wood) with slots? I'm wondering if I would want the cart so the kids could roll it to wherever they are, if that's even realistic. On the other hand, the custom one from DH would be cheaper. WWYD?

Oh, this sounds all too familiar. My oldest DS actually had to sit out from his soccer game tonight, it's the only consequence I felt would work. I'll be tuned in for answers.

:iagree: I have been there with these feelings. It's horrible, it makes you feel even worse because you know you shouldn't feel this way. I had 3 bio boys, then adopted a baby girl when she was a few months old. There are so many unknowns when adopting, like PP said. They have completely different personalities. She was also born with SN, not too severe, but it still takes it's toll on us. I can honestly say late 2, early 3 was the HARDEST age so far with DD. I struggled, a lot. I can't imagine having an infant during that same time. I had a lot of positive support from family, friends, and DH (she's a daddy's girl), they kept reminding me I was a good mother and our DD was making gains by leaps and bounds. I stuck with it and the days are better, not easy, but better. Let her vent, stay positive and support her the best you can.

:iagree: It sounds like a break is needed. You can always bring him back home when things get better. Repair your relationship with him first.

Wow, it's a small world. My in-laws knew Fr. Gillquist well. We were all having dinner when my husband heard the news of his passing last night. It sounds like he had a blessed last few weeks, full of family visiting.

We have laminate in all (3) bathrooms. So far, the only issue is a trim piece up against the shower. I do put a towel up against it during baths. I am OCD about urine around the toilets, so I don't have an issue there. If I had to do it again, I probably would have used something else.

I was planning on this for geography, but I am now looking for a history unit I can use with multiple ages. Would this be sufficient enough for history as well? Grades are 3rd and 8th, with K mixed in. If not, what would you recommend?

Alaska. It is nice to have it. I usually use it for consumable items and lessons. It does come with strings attached...testing. I go back and forth with my decision to continue or go independent.