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.

LOL! I think that's what mine would say too!:D

Definitely go to Rock City. You will all love it.

The bottom of my pile is dh's wool hat that I'm just not sure how to wash/dry. I just stare at it and put it back. :glare:

We had them at a place we used to live. Had to get the pros to come to finally get rid of them. At least they aren't roaches!

How long has he been having loose stools, then? My dd always had loose stools at that age. Over a few months time it got much, much worse. Like I had to mop the floor when she went worse. Long story short, she has Celiac Disease and the bad diapers were one result of it's being untreated. If it goes on for too long, it may be time to see a doctor.

My crew loves poppy-seed chicken casserole.

I would try letting him eat some banana or toast. Both help solidify things. Just don't over do it or he'll get stopped up. Hope his tummy is better soon!

That picture is exactly how my dd writes. Thanks for the link. I think we will be doing a lot of "air writing" for a while!

I taught dd to hold a pencil properly because I knew it could affect her handwriting if she held it wrong. She is right handed, but holds her hand like a lefty. Instead of writing from under the line (approximately), she rights from the right side of the line, her wrist curled in. I try to tilt the page to the side and have her write from underneath. She won't do it because she says she can't see what she's writing. Her handwriting is only so-so and I know part of it is she doesn't take her time (she can't hardly color in the lines for the same reason). How concerned should I be about her had position? Anyone have a similar experience or know how to correct it? Thank you!!

They advertise that you can get flights as low as $9. I'm sure they are not all that cheap, but if we could all fly to see grandparents for less than $1000 for the 4 of us, we could go more than once a year. I'm just wondering if they are legit, or just someone's get rich scam. Anyone know?

I just finished "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn". It was a good read. I recommend it if you haven't read it before.