I'm so sorry. We have been there as well. Praying for a great new job and strength for you and your dh in the meantime.

We use washcloths from Target, kind of like these... http://www.target.com/p/Home-Striped-Solid-6pk-Wash-Pack-12x12/-/A-11277837 I have lots of sets, and actually none of them are that pattern, but they come like that. I have a lot of seasonal ones and then some basic ones. They hold up really really well and are great as napkins, think.

Praying for you!

We just moved from 3,100 square feet to just under 2,000. So far, I really prefer the smaller house. We do have a MUCH bigger lot here, and that makes a big difference. I think it also matters that my kids are relatively young- about to turn 2, 4, 6, and 9. I think when they're bigger, we might need more room.

My last 3 have been born in the water: fishy pool, La Bassine, fishy pool. I didn't like the fishy pool any less than La Bassine. I would not want to give birth anywhere but in the water. It lessens the pain SO much for me.

I have a BA in Psychology and a JD. I only practiced law for just over 2 years, before my oldest was born, but I will never regret getting my degrees.

Praying for you.

Yay, just ordered!

Thank you both! Your answers are so helpful. She does know her letters and their sounds and can sound out "easy" words. I think I'll go with AAS Level 1, and maybe check out Level 1 of AAR when it comes out in June. Thanks again!

Help. :D

what is BFSU?

I'm in a sort of similar boat. My oldest is in 3rd grade this year and we have not done any formal science yet. We are going to try samples from both Elemental Science and RSO (Biology/Life Science) for the rest of this year, and then whichever program I prefer, we'll use for Earth Science/Space next year. At this point, I'm leaning towards RSO, but we'll see. We have done SO much nature study (i.e. playing outside and studying animals, plants, gardens, farms...) that I don't think he needs another full introductory year of that. Depending how it goes though, we might do something on the human body this summer. I'm really not too worried about going through the cycle the proper number of times. I have no idea if we'll even homeschool forever and ever. So, I am basing my decision on where to start on what I think he (and his 1st grade sis) will most enjoy at this point.

We are late starters, ala Waldorf, so my 6yo hasn't had much in the way of learning to read yet. She is very motivated and I have worked with her some, and now I am ready to start something a little bit more formal. I hear such rave reviews on here of AAS, and I am wondering if that is a good place to start, or if I should start with AAR instead? Or something else? We did borrow TOPGR from the library once and did not enjoy it. I'd love something easy to use for about 15-30 minutes/lesson, which will give her a good foundation in phonics and learning to read. Thanks!

I don't think you're crazy. :) Personally, I didn't love OM, so I prefer to use other Waldorf-y resources for the Waldorf aspects of our curriculum. I like Christopherus a lot, but once we stopped using a full Waldorf curriculum, it is too expensive for just a general yearly outline. I do like the things you can buy separately though, like form drawing, Old Testament.... I really like Little Acorn Learning for younger kids- it is a GREAT resource for seasonal stories, finger plays, crafts, etc. Hope that helps! I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one trying to combine Waldorf and Classical education!

I like the Christopherus form drawing book.

I will definitely keep you posted!

I decided to go with TOG, mainly because it looks to be MUCH easier to use with both my school aged kids. I bought Year 1, and I really don't think it is going to be very hard to make it secular. The Units have very VERY religious sounding names, but as far as I've gotten into it so far (which isn't very far tbh) the actual meat of the program does not seem to be religiously based. As a pp stated, yes, the worldview portion is, but we will just either skip that or do as much as suits us (we are Christian). I will have 1 LG and 1 UG student in the fall. I am very excited!

Thanks for the review! I've been thinking of trying TT next year with my oldest (4th grade).

Thanks, that was helpful!

I'm not sure how to vote, so I didn't vote. This year, and previous years, we have used a combination of Waldorf and Classical resources. Starting next year, we will be using Tapestry of Grace.

I went ahead and bought Year 1. I am really really excited!!

Tomatoes would not be a problem at all, and, like a PP said, you would not need a garbage can. A nice deep terra cotta pot, plenty of good dirt with some compost (you can buy it) and a tomato cage would work really well. Sugar snap peas would be a little trickier because they are really vine-y. You could certainly give it a try though.

Ours was at a restaurant, but I do not think that is necessary at all. Traditionally the groom's family does the rehearsal dinner, I believe.

Ugh! I am so torn between RSO and Elemental Science. Every time I think I've decided on one, I see a thread about the other one, and get all undecided again!

Thank you!!!