Congratulations! Yvonne in Alabama

Could you give me the name of your absolute favorite books/patterns for knitting socks? I just might have to give my dd one of them for Christmas so she can make me some cool socks! Yvonne in Alabama

I hate to sound boring, but we just usually give them gift cards to their favorite restaurant or store. Yvonne in Alabama

Crying? The worst time was about 12 years ago when my oldest ds caught me crying and throwing myself on my bed while moaning, "I just can't take it anymore!". He says that at first I scared him, then he went to his older sister and told her "Mom has completely lost it, now we can really have some fun!" Having graduated the two of them, I no longer pitch such pity fits as I homeschool my younger three. They are my reward for making it through the first two! :D (But I truly love them all!) Yvonne in Alabama

Melissa,I just want to say.... I LOVE YOUR SOCKS!!!! One of these days I am going to get my daughter to teach me how to knit. One of these days. (sigh) Yvonne in Alabama

Thanks Shannon! Yvonne

I am usually a frequent lurker, but have been on hiatus for the past 8 or 9 months because I just kept checking on what was happening on the boards. Now that other things are settled down in my life, I decided to hop back on the boards and be a little more active. Yvonne

Something quilted (wallhanging or potholder or placemat) Homemade cards to use throughout the year A rag rug Yvonne

I had one of those after an epidural, and I cannot even imagine enduring that for as long as you have. I am so glad to hear that things are going so well, and my prayer is that you will not have a relapse of any type. Yvonne

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How long and for what grades have you homeschooled? All grades, 15 years Did you know from the start you would homeschool or did some event point you down this road? I wanted to homeschool because of what I saw from some friends who homeschooled, and having taught for some time, I knew what could be accomplished at home would be much better. Were you homeschooled? No Does anyone in your extended family homeschool? My step-sister What method and materials did you use your first year of homeschooling? ABeka, Saxon, Greenleaf What method and materials are you currently using? Hake, Foerster's math, Stobaugh, LL, TQ What books, ideas, etc. have helped shape your homeschool? Teaching the Trivium, The Well-Trained Mind, Shepherding a Child's Heart, Educating the Wholehearted Child What has been the most challenging aspect for you? Consistency, lack of support, lack of respect What aspect has come naturally for you? Scheduling, exploring and choosing curriculum What are your favorite homeschool memories thus far? Discipleship time, nature studies What is the best advice you've been given? SLOW DOWN, take a deep breath What advice do you give others just starting this journey Pray, pray, pray. Follow through on what you see you need to do. Yvonne

If we could just get rid of the paper piles, life would be easier. Yvonne

I am with you with online buying. If I could just convince my dh, life would be a little less stressful. Our youngest dc have asked if we would give them some small thing(s) for opening up on Christmas day, and then give them some cold hard cash for shopping the after Christmas bargains. We just might do that this year. Yvonne

My dd is working on a quilt for one set of grandparents. She is also working on a knitted afghan when we are out and about town. Yvonne

Some suggestions... A gift card to your favorite coffee shop A pound of fudge (mmmmmm....) Some cute bookmarkers from BooksAMillion A pound of fudge (mmmmmm....) A favorite Christmas CD A pound of fudge (MMMMMM....) I had better stop. I am hungry. Yvonne

Latin in the Christian Trivium...she is doing it all on her own. I need to get my carcass in gear and catch up with her. Yvonne

History- switched from TOG to Truthquest Dropped First Start French Added Apologia General Science Switched from R&S Grammar to Hake Grammar At least, that is what we have done so far..... Yvonne

Of course, you could always print out the pages you need and put them in page protectors. 'Fess up....I know that some of you would do that... :) Yvonne

Truthquest or Sonlight. Yvonne

How about Foerster's Precalculus book published/sold by Key Curriculum Press. We have used his Alg 1 & 2 books, and will be purchasing the Precalculus in January for our ds. Yvonne

You might want to check into Truthquest history. I have purchased these before as a supplement to what we were doing, but we are going to be using the curriculum full time as of tomorrow. The author does try to get the students to think about the beliefs of each civilization and how they relate to God. You can check out some samples at the Truthquest history website. I think the guides are a good supplement for any history program, and they might be what you are looking for to challenge your daughter. Remember, YMMV! Yvonne

I think this well be a good fit for us since we can easily make up our on schedule. I have many of the books in my "collection", and we have a pretty decent couple of libraries in our area. Yvonne in Alabama

That is the title I have given my 16 yo ds. He decided that he wanted to help me every way he could with my high school co-op teaching responsibilities. Since he is way more computer literate than I, he completely overhauled my organization. He has made up spread sheets to help me with each part of my grading/scheduling/labwork. Since he has had a lot of experience, he helps me by being a lab assistant in class. I really appreciate how he has taken the initiative to help me in so many ways. Yvonne in Alabama

My middle son really enjoyed Foerster's. He actually liked doing the algebraic "proofs" and trying to memorize the axioms and theorems. I don't know if my math-fearing youngest dd is going to like it, but we are going to give it a shot! Yvonne in Alabama

I like online shopping because it frees up more time for my family. However, there are times where getting out and looking for something in particular and finding a good deal is a good thing! If not Wal-Mart or Target, we go to Publix, Dollar General, Family Dollar, or Dollar Tree. Yvonne in Alabama

Your sil's letter is lovely and gracious. Holiday shopping has gotten better through the years with our extended family (meaning we don't do much!) This year we need to cut back even more. Yvonne in Alabama