I haven't found the TWSS videos necessary. I'm sure they would add a lot to my teaching, but I am very pleased with the results I've had from just using the teacher guides.

I'll also add that my boys are crummy independent workers. They do work independently, but the quality of that work is generally subpar. They still need supervision. I think most kids this age do. Just my two cents.

IEW teaches note-taking, writing outlines, etc. My boys can pound out reports now -- thanks to IEW. The medieval history IEW book teaches report writing. I bet other IEW books do, too. They have a very thorough website -- you can view all the tables of contents. That might get them going!

Barn. Grandpa had a farm with cattle and horses. I loved it in there with the horses. Also, the tack room smell -- that leather/horse smell. Brings me back every time. Sigh...

I sometimes feel reluctant to share our story -- especially given that my dh and I were both adopted. But, it happened. As in any field, there are some really lousy social workers. The thing is, the stakes are SO high -- especially if your own children are involved. I literally feel a little bit sick just thinking about what happened with us and our little foster baby. :( So, if we ever do it again it'll be after our boys are grown.

I got my boys new Exacto knives for their stockings. One for each of them. Their old Exacto knife is pathetically dull, and we seem to need one so often. I think it's my best stocking item this year, if I must say so myself. :hurray:

I tend to agree with this. In our situation, the social worker flat-out lied to us. Told us the newborn had no special needs of any kind. That was absolutely false. We didn't know of the needs, so didn't provide for them. We were then threatened with CPS involvement when the poor little guy had medical issues which we had "neglected." CPS could have removed our bio children. We just do not trust DSHS.

We were approved to take in babies. We got many, many calls regarding babies needing foster parents.

I hate to say this, but we had a horrendous experience fostering. The social worker flat-out lied to us. We had no support from DSHS, just lies and accusations. We won't do it again. :( Both my husband and I were adopted -- he was even in foster care -- so we had really wanted to do this. But we will not involve our family with DSHS again.

I notice nothing. In myself or in my children. I do notice bursts of mild seasonal depression, however, when dark December rolls around. Maybe that's some of what you're feeling?

We get them every year. People who haven't had the flu often think it's no big deal -- just like a cold, perhaps. Last time I had the flu I was laid out miserably sick for a solid week. Then it took a few more weeks before I was really myself again. I don't want that for myself or my husband and children. So, we do what we can to prevent it and feel fortunate to have flu shots available to us.

He's just a little bitty guy. Lots of little bitty kids just do not care about the alphabet -- no interest whatsoever. Makes sense, if you ask me. There are so many other fun things for a three year old to do that don't require numbers or letters. He sounds like a fun kid! Keep your lessons short (under 5 min), happy, and stress-free. He'll get them eventually. I wouldn't really worry for another year or two.

I love the wonky Christmas pictures the most. I always laugh (in a good way!) when one comes in the mail. They're fun! I love a feisty little kid, and I love a mom who is willing to send out a not-exactly-perfect photo in a Christmas card. The 'perfect' pics are nice, but I don't enjoy them nearly as much as the feisty ones. :)

Depends on: --Ages of the kids (please don't do this to an academically motivated 9th grader...) --Laws of the state (please don't be 'that' homeschooler --lying and misrepresenting homeschooling -- and drag the rest of us down with you...) --Family culture (what are your goals? priorities? how will your children actually spend their days?) I would never do this, as academics are our priority. Even if my children were very young, I wouldn't go to such lengths just for a break. If I'm not going to homeschool, I figure the kids need a different teacher.

A GIANT double sink. Big enough to soak dishes in one side while I'm still cooking with the other. (Not a little piddly useless double sink.) Pantry space.

My solution to my (many) little signs of my age is to dress well and keep my hair decent. No more cheap/trendy/poorly-made clothes. No more letting my hair go until I can barely stand it and call the salon in desperation. I don't believe much can be done about skin damage once it's there. I had no concern whatsoever about sun damage in my youth and there's no undoing that now. And I'm not willing to spend lots of money on 'magic' middle-age skin solutions. I just buy clothes instead. :)

Interesting, because I bet none of my women friends around here just open the door without checking who is there first. And I doubt they'd open it if they found an unknown person at their door. And I can't imagine not being careful about it.

I can't tell if you're kidding or not... And, if you're serious, wondering where you live...

Neither could I, before I was assaulted. I wish I weren't fearful of the door. I don't think it's normal or completely rational. It's something I'm working to change, but I also try to patient with myself. People have such a variety of experiences that lead to fearfulness or a feeling of security. If I had never been robbed or attacked or had my car vandalized I imagine I'd feel very secure.

I never open the door to anyone I don't know. We live in a large city with plenty of residential crime. However, I was a victim of a violent assault by a stranger, so certainly that has colored my view of strangers (especially men) at the door. I'm pretty determined not to be assaulted again. I'd say that does indeed tend toward irrational, but that's my point of view.

We do 'light' days from time to time: Math, Music, Reading. Then they choose how to spend the rest of their day. No video games or random internet entertainment, but other than that, they choose. They usually draw, read more, do music stuff, listen to music. It's very nice. This provides some structure, takes the pressure off of me, keeps us on track with math, and feels like a break.

My son uses the one we purchased from the Boy Scout catalog. I don't know the brand, but it has held up well so far. Maybe check out the scout website.

Not essential. Watch the lessons with your child/ren and you'll be fine.

Most Americans are lazy whiners who want someone else to do the hard work for them so they can relax.

My favorite brand of advice is advice that acknowledges various temperaments. Not everyone will enjoy every minute, but some will. Some moms thrive on busyness and chaos and some crave solitude and peace. Some kids are more demanding. etc etc