I would mostly agree with what Ellie suggested. It seems like your younger two are spending too much time on each subject. At that age, we don't spend more than 30 minutes a day on any subject, if that. If a longer lesson is better for timing (for example, with science), then I would do it every other day and alternate with another subject. I would also agree that if they're enjoying Expedition Earth, I would drop History or just do it lightly, say once a week with you, or just have them read books on their own relevant to the time period. They have plenty of time to get more history in. Your 7th grader's list looks more realistic to me, and similar to what my 7th grader would do. You don't say how long is spent on math. I aim for about 45 minutes per subject at that age (although my 7th grader is mr. efficient and likes to get things done more quickly). The exception to that would be language arts, which altogether (grammar, spelling, writing, vocabulary, literature) is 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

We are in NE Indiana and have had a lovely combo of a foot of snow, wind, and below zero temps. It's up to 2 degrees tonight, sort of a heat wave! Everything was shut down Monday, and many things still today. Schools closed again tomorrow - the roads are very slick still. I like being at home, but am starting to feel a bit stir crazy! Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the teens at least; I'm going to kick my kids out to play in the snow for a while!

Praying for him here. :grouphug:

Praying for him now, and for you. :grouphug:

I'm so sorry to hear that! Bethany, I am praying for you and your family.

Melinda, you are carrying so much! I'm so sorry that Steven isn't doing well, and I am praying for you and your family. :grouphug:

Praying for your son and for all your family. :grouphug:

These are some really wise words that I want to think about and remember! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

I'm so glad he's doing better! That must be a huge relief for you. Hope it's all resolves and he's back to 100% by the end of the weekend. You're the only one in the situation real life and you know your kids. The rest of us can just guess (and second guess) based one a few pieces of information! I think you handled the situation very wisely. Have a great weekend!

Yes, this. Funniest. picture. ever. But it definitely needs to be posted for all who haven't seen it!

Doesn't sound fun at all - I hope you recover quickly!

Teen showers daily, 12 year old 3-4x a week. My 9 year olds (boy and girl) shower once or twice a week. They don't stink or have greasy hair, so no point in overdoing it. :laugh: Once my older boys got close to puberty, it was evident that they needed to shower more often!

I am so sorry. Praying for you and your family as you grieve. :grouphug:

Oh my goodness - what an adorable little guy! Congratulations to you and your family, I am so excited for you!

I am so sorry. :grouphug: Praying for your family during this horribly difficult time.

How awful - I am so sorry to hear this happened to you! Praying for a quick recovery for you.

I have a Hamilton Beach 6 qt and 8 qt. I've been really happy with both. The 6 qt was super cheap: $15-20, and has a Warm setting in addition to High and Low. I've heard good things about the HB "Set & Forget", but I decided I didn't need the extra features.

Thank you - this is a wonderful resource! We are preparing for a year of World Geography study across the board (9th, 7th, 4th, 3rd) and I will definitely use this list.

I read this a couple night ago - started reading and could not stop! It was worth the time. Very interesting, and so sad. I too think the guy is guilty, but can't believe they were able to convict him on what they had.

Awesome! So glad the trip went well for you. I would love to hear more about it!

If you don't want to ask them to leave and you don't want the kids to destroy your house (who would??!!), then you must set boundaries. It's not an issue of wild kids or their lack of parenting, it's just you setting the lines of what is acceptable in your house. I would firmly (but kindly, if possible) say "we don't do x in this house". I would get close to the child and down to their level and repeat myself as needed, firmly letting them know that they must stop/move. Not asking, but telling. They are in your house, and they need to respect your home. It doesn't matter if they are curious, like to explore, if the parents have different rules or parenting styles. It's simply a matter of respecting the space that they're in and the people who live there.

Thanks!

DO NOT use the personal tab unless you are sending money to someone you know in person (and trust them). It doesn't matter if they sound nice, if you feel like being kind, sympathetic, it's just another homeschool mom who surely wouldn't cheat you, etc. The Paypal fees really are minimal. If you use the Personal tab you have no protection from Paypal. Be smart, protect yourself, and use the regular "paying for products" tab.

What an awesome and unique opportunity! I will be praying for you!

I agree with this, although it may be before then. I was a consultant for 8 years, so sad to see the downward spiral. It seems like digital scrapbookers may come out the best in this, since Panstoria (company that created SBC) will continue to support the digital software. And I did see this week that Persnickety Prints is going to produce 12x12 and 8x8 hardbound photobooks. So that could be a good option. Katie, as to your original question, I am not aware of any other really good quality strap-hinge albums. I have plenty of albums and pages to use, but if I needed more I would probably look at CTMH. I don't like post-bound albums as well, but the quality is good. I am hoping that if CM does close, someone will buy the album-making equipment and will produce the basics. Maybe it's just wishful thinking...we will see!