Look in you local health food store or Whole Foods for allergen-free mixes. My dd is on a gluten-free diet and I know some of the mixes I buy for her are also free of the things you listed. Some will call for a certain ingredient, but will tell you what you can substitute if necessary.

I started using Reason for Spelling this year. We are in week 6 and I do like it. I started out without the TM, but there were too many sections we had to skip because I had no idea what she was supposed to do. I just started using the TM this week.

My problem with just using books from the library, etc. is I don't know A) Which ones to use when and B) what to do besides just reading it. I worry a lot about comprehension and don't really know what to do to ensure that she's getting all she's supposed to out of a book.:confused:

We have about 4 lessons left in OPG. I was planning to start the Elson Readers next. I ordered them from a certain company because they were the only ones who had a teacher's guide to use with the readers. They have been on backorder for about 3 months! I went on and started our school year weeks ago, thinking surely they would be here by the time I needed them. That's what I get for thinking!:glare: I called a couple weeks ago and they have no idea when they will have them available. So what do I do now? If I wait for the Elson books, I need something for the between time. I know a lot of people use various books without a guide, but I struggle with what to do for reading without it. Advice? Suggestions?

There may be some truth to this article, but there is one thing they have left out. In the 1950's, doctors knew very little about celiac disease. Some even had the mistaken belief that it was a rare, tropical disease, so no one in America or other similar climates could possibly have it. It is also said to have taken people an average of 10 years and 10 different doctors to finally get a CD diagnosis and start feeling better. Today doctors often are able to spot the signs of CD and get their patients the tests and diagnosis they need to start getting better.

We're always out and about during school hours. We get all our library, grocery, wal-mart, etc stuff done, so we can spend time with dh in the evening. Remember that confidence goes a long way to. Act like it's no big deal to be out and most people won't question you.

We bought this table at Sam's a few years ago and it is great. You can adjust the legs all the way from really tall, counter height to short, kid's table height. It is extremely sturdy and opens up big enough that if you could easily seat 6 kids around it. http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Prod-Fold-Adjustable-Folding/dp/B000RNBEEG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1250979473&sr=8-4

I did really well having dd learn a memory verse last year. This year? Not so much. I really like the box/timer/cards idea. I think I better get started before Monday!

That may work with the kids, but my picky dh won't eat anything new without knowing every single ingredient. :glare: I think the kids and i will certainly try hummus soon!

That sounds sooo good! Where do you find it?

I would wait until he is reading well before you start spelling. Dd is an excellent reader, but us just now learning to spell really simple words.

My dd is in 1st this year and every day she does ETC, handwriting and spelling (except Friday when she takes a test) independently. Math might be another subject he could do independently if you give him instruction on it in the am.

I may try the hummus, but my crew is not much into beans. Are there any dips that don't include beans?

I'd like for us to start eating healthier snacks. I would love to get dd to eat raw carrots (she only likes them cooked soft). We don't care for ranch dip, so what else is good? Dip ideas for fruit would also be appreciated. Thank you!

I'm a "read the book, answer the questions, take the test" kind of person also. I do a lot of workbook type things with dd, but I am trying to incorporate at least some of the easier to do activities with her this year to help with retention and keep her interested in learning. Our science and history both include a lot of activities and I am trying to do one for most lessons. We alternate the 2 subjects each day, so we aren't bombarded with projects.

This may sound ignorant, but i really don't know - can anyone go to the health dept, or is that only for people who are poor?

I plan on getting my kids the seasonal flu shot like normal this year, but as we are no longer with the military, i have no idea where the best place to get them is. Can they even give shots to kids at those flu clinics at stores? Is there a reason it is better to get it from their doctor? BTW, they cannot get the nasal vaccine, it must be the injection.

I ordered The Easy Spanish because it had good reviews and looked like it would be a good fit for us. However, dd is not retaining much of anything. We did some intro Spanish last year for K and I had hoped that she would learn a lot more this year. We are now on lesson 5 of TES, and I am at a loss as to what to do to help her retain more. Any thoughts/advice would be most appreciated. Thank you!

When I was in public high school (ages ago) it was recommended that we get one, but there was a class set you could use in class if you didn't have one. I would recommend he talk to his teacher to see if there are any extras he could borrow before you buy one. If the teacher doesn't have one, i would start checking ebay, craigslist, etc. for a used one.

Will he drink lemonade or juice? I don't know if it would be cheaper, but it would be healthier than soda if the kids get into it.

This is of my favorites for Sunday lunch and sooooo easy and good! Put some thin-ish steaks in the bottom of your crockpot, then add enough beef broth to not quite cover it all (add seasonings if you want extra flavor). I usually need about a 1/2 cup when cooking for 4. Then wrap corn (half ears) and potatoes individually in aluminum foil, adding a small pat of butter to the ones with corn. Put the corn and potatoes on top of the meat. Cover and let cook. When you get home all you have to do is serve (or add rolls and salad and serve). You can even let the kids help with wrapping the corn and potatoes. I know it seems weird to put food wrapped in foil in your crockpot, but I promise it won't damage it. I have made this many times with no problems.

Never heard of it, but would love to find it also! :D

Thank you for recommending this. i can't wait for dd to try it!

We started 1st a few weeks ago. We have been averaging 2 hours per day on work. If she's being pokey or we have a project, it may take longer.

I may be the only person to say this, but I would rather have carpet. Our last home and beautiful wood flooring in the living room, but it showed every speck of dust and dirt. Carpet you can vacuum once a week, but wood needs at least a dust mop every day. We couldn't afford a big thick rug, so we rarely sat on the floor to play with the kids. If I was buying right now, I would get carpet in a neutral tan/beige, with a thick pad underneath so it would be nice and soft to sit and play on.