Thanks everyone. So, I am thinking going from 5B to AOPS pre-algebra. Do they have the same set up as student workbook, textbook and instructor's guide? I can't seem to figure out.....

I could handle bickering sooo much better if I had hope that they will be good to each other and there for each other once they are adults. If it's just a phase, you know...

You know, I think you hit the nail on the head. You should write a book! But until you do - thank you for your free advice!!!!

OMG, I just looked up pricing and Teacher's guide for 6A and 6B are $56 each!!

Oh that's an interesting idea, I didn't think of that. He is 10.5, in 5th grade. I will most likely do 6A and 6B next year, but I like having 2-3 yrs planned out in a general way.

This is mostly vent, but if you want to comment - by all means!! You know how when you are having your second baby everyone starts giving you millions on books on how to prepare their sibling....well, I didn't need that. And then when I was having my 3rd baby....again, I didn't need that! And I was so smug, saying how all those books are just there to make writers money and who really needs it?? Well.....my kids were sooooo good to each other when they were babies and toddlers. But now? It is constant.non.stop fighting and bickering. They have NOTHING serious to fight about. Nothing!!! And yet, every 5 seconds "mom, he just..." "MOM! he said...." OMG!!! Why can't they just get along?? I am an only child and was so hoping that my kids will have build-in best friends for life. Yeah....

My oldest is finishing up 5B Standard Edition. I will probably do 6A and 6B but then what? I very much like Singapore and would like to find a curriculum that is similar - spiral and builds great foundation for further math. Would love to hear suggestions, opinions, experiences. thank you

My oldest is finishing up 5B Standard Edition. I will probably do 6A and 6B but then what? I very much like Singapore and would like to find a curriculum that is similar - spiral and builds great foundation for further math. Would love to hear suggestions, opinions, experiences. thank you

Well......technically, in theory, each kid gets a "clean up" duty once a day - bring plates to the dishwasher, wash the table, sweep the floor- 3 kids, 3 meals, you would think my eating area would be spotless. They have had this duty for YEARS now and they still don't do it unless reminded, yelled at, threatened. So, there is theory and there is reality. I do try to keep it up more through out the day during spring/summer so not to get fruit flies. So, to answer OP - it should be happening 3x a day. It happens much less frequently than that.

My physical (I only had one in the last decade) was about the same, but I had it with our doctor. I have separate annual appts with my OBGYN. I don't want my regular doctor going anywhere near my "womenly" parts. I think the important difference is that he very much wanted to know if there was anything *I* needed to talk about. I really didn't, so off I went. and yes, he does spend a lot of time on the computer - for me and my kids - but I also noticed that he doesn't miss ANYTHING that is being said, so I am OK with it

Yes!!! And bc he didn't, I wouldn't trust the doctor either. I am not the suing type, but I would ABSOLUTELY report the whole office to the medical board. Without a doubt!!!!

Is there a way for you to get "around' the application process - may be talk to the actual hiring manager or HR or someone. May be try to make contact with an actual person. I had a very extensive job history and my "break" was much shorter than yours, but even then I realized that just filling out an application made no sense. One of my previous employers was no longer in business. My manager from my most "recent" job before the break was living somewhere on the beach, smoking cigars and drinking margaritas. It's really not always cut and dry as to filling out an application.

Well, I don't know how it's there now, but when I was growing up, we didn't have most of the produce during the winter, but potatoes were plenty, so we would cook them every which way. And hot dogs were fairly easy to get. Much easier than actual chicken or beef. Much cheaper too. So, yeah, hot dogs and mashed potatoes were very much a thing 🙂

I completely gave up on trying to understand why some people get sick and others don't, why some kids get sick and others don't. We've had mixed winters, some sicker than others. I had a huge pity party a few years ago when my kids were sick non.freaking.stop all winter. I mean, I breastfed, I buy organic, they are not in school, I make them wash hands, I cook mostly from scratch, I make fresh orange juice twice a week, starting in Sept, they are outside plenty, they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and honey, and I make elderberry tea and they get plenty of rest and they were sick sick sick - nothing major but colds, colds, colds. I just wanted to cry. And I did. And then I said - screw it. I still do most of those things, but mostly bc I think they are overall healthy not bc I think it will prevent anything. Oh, and I pray a lot. A lot!!!

I grew up on that and still love it. My oldest son made it for me for Mother's day last year. Even my very American (burgers and apple pie) husband had a bit, without mixing it together though. 🙂