There were many toys I just couldn't part with and ended up putting 4 rubbermaids (large totes) in the back of my garage. After just a couple weeks the kids never asked about them. I did pull them out as soon as we moved and such excitement. You would have thought they had all new toys. We had so many building toys (legos, duplos, lincoln logs, etc.) I decided you can only have so many of this type and kept 3 of the 7. Each could keep one matchbox case full of cars, etc. (I have boys and we were drowning in matchbox cars, dump trucks, etc. Many toys found new homes with friends and family just starting to have children) My children did play with everything, but my dh and I felt they just had too many. It's hard to want something when you have everything. Life has been great since slimming down the toy area of the house.

We thought we might move in the near future and I got rid of lots and lots of stuff. I then accessorized the house; pictures, silk plants, etc. And, we painted the rooms all the same really nice neutral (a medium khaki)I also got my kids in the habit of keeping their rooms and playspace tidy. I put an under the bed container under each bed and before they did school, left house, went to bed they needed to put all toys, books, etc in their room in the box (considered it a toy box). Our new way of life was so much nicer! I really enjoyed my new house! Anyway, 8 months later we were transferred and my house sold in a week in an Ohio town where the average at the time was 6 - 9 months. We only spent $500 and it was well worth it. I sold my last house 3 months ago in 20 days which is considered good in this market. It was always decluttered and showed like a model home. We had 6 offers!

I used the math cubes (snap together, 10 of 10 colors) in the beginning. The flashcards are very helpful and I thought well worth purchasing. I really like the blacklines also. I used those for timed tests, extra practice and for "quizzes" and "tests".

My ds started K after turning 6 and had little interest in reading. We did phonics and he just didn't get the blending, etc. He also wasn't retaining sight words. Fast foward to beg of 1st grade and I switched to R&S phonics and readers. The first reader is very simple - we flew through it and it boosted his confidence. I slowly added books that I thought he could read from the library while we continued with R&S - the workbooks really helped him. He needed to read and write to retain. He is now in the middle of 1st grade and is reading the Boxcar Children and Little House in the Big Woods. Keep the faith! The lightbulb strikes everyone at different times.

Many 1st interviews are over the phone. Trick for phone interview - look into a mirror when conversing - keeps you much more "alive" and "energtic" with your answers. Many companies are still flying people for interviews or paying for hotels. So don't think you'll be up for all costs. Many companies are giving lump sum moving expenses and you use towards truck, loaders, packers, etc. You can change a Ryder truck reservation 3 times. We saved $400 by watching our rates and calling to change when there was a drop. (I moved from TX to UT in July and spent $4.50/gallon a diesel.......yikes!!!) My dh company did not pay for anything. We have all the receipts and are writing it off on taxes since we moved for his job.

Spy Kids and Horton Hears a Who dh and I ~ When Harry Meets Sally and Eagle Eye We enjoyed them all!

My dh and I want to rent a movie for tonight, but I am drawing a blank. We like all genres and just want something to enjoy. Any suggestions?

I'm going to write one up using the E- excellent, S- satisfactory, N- Needs Improvement. I will also just write a little summary of what he covered in each subject. I have done quarterly report cards to show him how he's improved. Such as, he had a harder time blending and sounding out words in August and now can read anything. So his report cards have reflected that. He likes to see he has improved in areas he once thought were difficult.

The material you are mentioning is what you should be doing in 1st grade. Kindergarten is really for recognizing numbers to 100, counting by 1s. Knowing letter sounds and being able to write uppercase and lowercase letters. The rest is having fun! I would only try to progress with math and reading if she is surpassing what you are giving her.

I purchased a level 1 (middle 1st grade) for my ds when he was 6. I found my copy on Ebay. There are 1-minute pages to read - essentially one paragraph with questions to answer at the end. The idea is to increase speed of reading while maintaining comprehension. He went from barely finishing a story in a minute to reading it twice and answering all the questions. If he read too slow he just couldn't answer the questions at the end. It works! I used it to tutor 2nd graders that were struggling with reading & comprehension. The ps we were zoned to implemented it as a program for 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders to boost their reading/comprehension and saw fabulous results. http://www.readnaturally.com/products/omrInfo.htm

Now with R&S 2 we are about at the same spot as you. He seems to be chugging right along. We do daily flashcard drills and we do lots of worksheet. I break math up into 2 sections: 1st we do flashcards and 2 worksheets 2nd (after lunch) flashcards, 2 worksheets and timed test. He too sometimes dreads the worksheets with +/-, but I say it must be done. I know that the private school here has 1st graders right now doing 5 min mixed +/- drills with 75 problems. I'm keeping him up with their benchmarks since we plan on having attend there for upper grades. I do think eventually the repitition will allow them just to "know" the facts without realizing it. I saw this happen with R&S 1 when we did the - facts for 8 & 9.

I didn't even know about ManvWild and some others. I'm sure my dh would be interested also. And I had forgotten some of the classics.

I'm looking for dvd's to purchase for my ds 7. I'm drawing a complete blank! Looking for mainly tv shows that he can watch an episode or two a week. Suggestions?

I really like Rod & Staff for grades 1- 4. We use a grade ahead of what they are working on for other subjects. It has helped my dc really get their foundation down. I then switch beginning in Grade 5 to Saxon. I found that the spiral approach didn't work for us until that point. If you really just want to stick with Horizons, I would slow down. Make sure to cover harder concepts repeatedly and not just at the pace of the book.

God is not flesh and bone; He is an invisible God. Jesus is God in the flesh. (Colossians 1:15 - "He is the image of the invisible God") God does not have a beginning (Psalm 90:2 - "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world from everlasting to everlasting you are God." God never changes and will always exist (Psalm 102:27 - "But you remain the same and your years will never end" referrning to God).

Titus 2 - meets in Sandy during the day on a Friday. You bring your kids. The next meeting is in 2 weeks (I think). Contact Pyper at thole4family@yahoo.com Salt Lake City Support Group meets at 4300 S 700 E meets 3rd Thursday at 7pm (no kids) utch@utch.org - email for more info on support groups, etc.

Have you looked into UTCH? utah christian home educators. There are several support groups that meet throughout the valley. The website is currently being worked on, but you should still be able to find out some info if you look at documents. utch.org We live on the eastside, but have met many on the west side of town.

Currently in 3100 sq ft 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 living areas and a game room. We had a 2000 sq ft 3 bed, 2.5 bath before. This was much easier to keep clean. We will move again and when we do, I'm going to downsize. I don't need 3100 sq ft. I think I'd like around 2000 - 2400 depending on how it's arranged.

I listed my last seven years as "Volunteer" and listed all the places I've helped: Reading Tutor at school, PTA, MOPS leader, Habitat for Humanity, etc. My son initial started in the public school. I didn't put stay-at-home mom or homeschooler. Tends to put a negative spin for most employers. I have gotten several interviews and waiting to hear back so feel good about how I listed.

Does anyone make these? I got them in the grocery bakery and my family loved them. Now I want to make them myself! If you have a recipe you can share I'd be very, very grateful!!! Thanks, Amy

Saw it on Rachael Ray and stuck with me. Put the leftover pasta in a little oil in your fry pan and cook for a couple minutes. Add your eggs and whatever you might like (cheese, mushrooms, etc) and then cut up like a pie.

I pass by there all the time, but didn't know anyone who used it.

I am looking for childcare/preschool in Sandy or Cottonwood. Anywone have recommendations? I may be needing to go back to work. I am looking for someplace for my almost 4 year old. Thanks!

Ladder 49 - I had wish I hadn't seen it with an ending like that! Somersby English Patient - worst movie ever......who saw the Seinfield when Eileen hates it and ends up going with her boss because he can't believe she hadn't seen it. And she leaves yelling she hates it...

My dc (7 & 4) are only allowed to watch tv on Friday night (approx 1 1/2 hrs) and on Saturday morning 30 min to 1 hour of a DVD. They only watch DVDs. My 7 plays geography and math games on the computer with our supervision up to 20 min - M, W & F.