What app is it?

I just got one. Wow! Do I LOVE this thing!!! How do you pay bills, type docs, read pdfs and organize your life. I know there is so much potential, but I'm just getting started! :) Thanks!

I have mixed feelings about youth groups. Our son just started going to the jr. high group and it has really been a good thing for him. I'm hoping it continues to be a good thing for him.

I would think you'd be fine waiting 6 months. I'd wait and see how things are then.

Let me tell you about my 12 (almost 13) year old son. When he was young, he was very anxious about me leaving him. I always made sure he was comfortable before I'd leave him somewhere. Sometimes that meant me never leaving. He wouldn't even go over to a friend's house without me for the longest time. I figured there was a reason he needed me to feel secure and I let that be ok. I gave him all the time he needed. Now, as he approaches his teen years, he is one of the most confident kids I've ever known. He is totally fine being by himself. He is absolutely NOT clingy now. I'm so glad I gave him time to become independent. He NEEDED that. I would forget what other people think and go with your gut. I'm so glad I did (and still do). Good luck to you!

I think going over to meet them is a very nice gesture. We got new neighbors a year or so ago. I hadn't had the chance to meet them yet. One afternoon, my 10 year old son said, "Mom, I'll be right back. I'm going to go introduce myself to the new neighbors." :lol: That is just SO him!!

For that age, we only spend about 30 minutes a day with MUS.

How scary, Jennefer! I'd definitely find a friend to run with.

MOTH was far too overwhelming for me and it wasn't inspiring at all. I just felt inadequate after reading it! But, I know many people absolutely love it and it works great for them!

One of the best things for my kids has been hosting a game night at our home. I think it is really important for the kids to be able to get together without an educational agenda. We have had so much fun and developed some great friendships as a result of game nights. In fact, we're having one next Friday!

I'm sure I'll do crayons, markers and notepads.

I have no advice, but I'm so sorry for your loss. :grouphug:

I like the idea of having champagne with the cake. It sounds like a great party! Have fun!

I really like it! The wording on the bottom was a bit difficult to read, but not enough that I would suggest changing the font if you really like it how it is.

We are following closer to an unschooling approach this year and I am feeling like I don't want to go to our local coop because I'm tired of talking about curriculum. So, I get it! :) I wonder if you gave it a try and plan to discuss things other than education. If you keep your mind open, it might be interesting to hear how their kids are learning. And, I do believe the parents expect their kids to learn, just not in the same way that you expect your kids to learn. It could be a really great experience, but I completely understand your apprehension.

It looks like way to much to me, but I think each child is different.

I'll swap places with you for a week! :D We're in Phoenix and expecting 115 this weekend!

You have to personally ask people to volunteer. A lot of times people won't volunteer even if they know there is a need until someone asks them. Just last month, our children's director asked me to work in the nursery and I was happy to help. I just hadn't thought to volunteer.

Oh, boy! Well, I had the same concerns when we started homeschooling. You are well equipped to teach your child! The biggest joy for me has been to be able to raise my kids and really get to know them! I love being with them and learning with them. I would say the biggest challenge is being able to ignore what society considers the best way to educate, and go with your instincts about the best way to educate YOUR child. Good luck on this journey. I'm so glad I began. My life is so much richer as a result!

:lol:

The Stetro pencil grip comes very highly recommended. http://www.theraproducts.com/index.php?main_page=product_therapro_info&products_id=4322

Wow! Thanks. I've got the Costco coupons sitting on my counter!

We've been homeschooling for 8 years and we've really had to figure out what works best for each child. I wouldn't go against your husband's wishes, but also, if you do keep them home and then have to put them in school later, it certainly isn't time lost! We are fairly relaxed homeschoolers and I am always impressed at how much my kids learn when they have the freedom to explore what interests them. Good luck with the decision. It can be so hard when both parents aren't in the same place.

Ideally, we'd do it whether it was forced or voluntary, but I don't always have enough self-control. But, voluntary simplicity (to some degree) is a goal of ours.

I'm so sorry. I don't know if this will help you or not, but it was VERY helpful to my husband when he lost his job: 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller and Dave Ramsey