It's astounding, isn't it? I lived in Iowa City for five years, so I've been following the news there. The situation in IC, CR and surrounding areas is completely overwhelming. I can't imagine. I'm praying for your grandfather & uncle and all others affected by the flooding.

Wow, Jean, I just saw your post about this in another thread late last night. I can't believe the flooding in Wisconsin and Iowa. :ohmy: I'm praying for you and everyone affected by the floods.

Glad to see you back! What a drag for you...hope you can get in consistently now.

Well, not too different, but probably better. At least when you buy them you can wash them yourself and know that they've been washed! I always wonder at hotels how well *anything* has been cleaned. :001_huh: I don't know that it would really be different than buying used clothes, either. Wash them well, bleach or whatever. It wouldn't be my first choice, but I would probably do it in a pinch! Especially since new sheets can be so expensive.

I knew I posted about this a while back, but it took me a while to find it! My brain is too foggy this morning to write it again! We used a Reason for Science for our Science Co-op this year. We used the 3rd grade book. We've used RFH handwriting for several years, and loved it, but I am NOT impressed with the Science. First, you need to know that it's written for use in schools. That does make it a bit more difficult to use at home. Other things I didn't like: * You're supposed to buy their "kit" for activities, which is pretty pricey. If you don't want to buy their kit, there are items that are not easy to find. We got some things from Oriental Trading, but of course you have to buy 6 or 12! Fine for a co-op, not so good for an individual family. * It's a general science curriculum, so it covers a variety of topics lightly, and nothing in depth. I also though it was rather scattered in topic organization. I think retention has been low because of this. * The activities were pretty good, but the teaching information was very limited - about 1-2 paragraphs of info. for each lesson! We had to get a lot of information from outside sources. A lot of the lessons were physics-oriented, so it was difficult to find age-appropriate information. * There's a lot of "busywork" writing/answering questions for each lesson. Sorry I can't be more positive about it, but I would definitely not use this curriculum if we were starting this year over again! As far as the Christian viewpoint, it was really contained to a one page devotional with each lesson. I would think you could easily use this secularly. We did not have any reference to creation or evolution in the 3rd grade book.

Welcome back! It's good to see you here.

I didn't get the matching dryer with my front loader. I got the largest size regular dryer Kenmore carried. It's fine. I actually think my old dryer, which was a bit smaller would have been fine as well (but it was gas, and we needed electric with our new house!). Enjoy your new washer!

I have an LG; I think it is 3.8 capacity. It can fit a lot of laundry in one load. It's hard to quantify, but I would say an average size laundry basket (the rectangular kind) fills up about 2/3 of the load. I love having a front loader and will never go back. I would think with your septic issues that the reduced water usage would be a huge benefit. I also love that the drying time is so great reduced. It takes the wash machine longer than the dryer! Great problem to have. ;)

Very cute haircut! You look great. :thumbup:

Sharon, your home is beautiful. You've done a great job preparing it to show. I hope it sells quickly!

Congratulations on your weight loss, but bummer about the suit. I hope you can find a new one that you like even better. :)

:grouphug: Amy, I'm so sorry that you and your family must go through this. I'll be praying for Sally. Please keep us updated!

I just heard from a friend in China yesterday that phone/internet are still down around Chengdu. There was an NPR crew in Chengdu when the earthquake hit, they have been posting daily at NPR: Chengu Diary. Hoping and praying that Volty and his family are safe and well.

Praying for both of you this morning. :grouphug:

Congratulations! I've been thinking about you all week. I'll be praying for the nursing issues and that you will be able to rest and just enjoy your sweet little one! :party:

Well, I've gotta think that somebody, somewhere must like it. ;) But I haven't seen it discussed much around here. I think they must market it primarily to Christian schools.

Actually, I think it's been around for a few years. We're using it for our Science Co-op this year, and we're using the TM from a friend who used it 2-3 years ago. We used the 3rd grade book. We've used RFH handwriting for several years, and loved it, but I am NOT impressed with the Science. First, you need to know that it's written for use in schools. That does make it a bit more difficult to use at home. Other things I didn't like: * You're supposed to buy their "kit" for activities, which is pretty pricey. If you don't want to buy their kit, there are items that are not easy to find. We got some things from Oriental Trading, but of course you have to buy 6 or 12! Fine for a co-op, not so good for an individual family. * It's a general science curriculum, so it covers a variety of topics lightly, and nothing in depth. I also though it was rather scattered in topic organization. I think retention has been low because of this. * The activities were pretty good, but the teaching information was very limited - about 1-2 paragraphs of info. for each lesson! We had to get a lot of information from outside sources. A lot of the lessons were physics-oriented, so it was difficult to find age-appropriate information. * There's a lot of "busywork" writing/answering questions for each lesson. Sorry I can't be more positive about it, ;) but I would definitely not use this curriculum if we were starting this year over again!

Sue, I'm so excited you got your Mother's Day baby!!! He's beautiful, enjoy!

Check this out: Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio. They have a free stream. Wonderful music, and you can see who's playing/name of the album.

That's great news! I'm sure we'll be using these in the future.

Now, I'm quite certain that I don't spend more because of all the wonderful enablers on the WTM Boards. Definitely not. Just sayin'. ;) I'm guessing I spend more on hs materials because of the internet. But with other items, it's probably a wash. If I didn't buy online, I'd definitely spend more time and gas money shopping for things we need. I can't imagine homeschooling without the internet, though. I'd either be terribly frustrated, or completely freed from "finding the best curriculum". I'd rather not find out which....

I like the spoon lady, but I always thought that was a big earring she was wearing! :D I've been enlightened. I always hate it when people change avatars, because it's harder to "recognize" them. But I get over it pretty quickly. ;)

I was wondering about adding white vinegar, so thanks for adding that. Would you add vinegar and baking soda (you know, more is always better) ;) or just one of them?

We made some May baskets (no small feat for this non-crafty mom!) and took them to a few friends and family! The kids loved doing it!

I bought bags from both Wal-mart and Meijer, and the Meijer bags are much sturdier for the same price! Heavier canvas, reinforced handles, nice little pocket on the outside, and reinforced corners so the bag stands up when it's empty! I'm thinking you probably don't have Meijer there, but you might want to check around to see what you can get at other stores. The ones from Wal-mart are okay, but not great, imo.