Yes. Last week it was very hard for us here. I think this time of year is difficult. I got frustrated and panicky. I was certain no one was learning anything and they would never progress. It made me grumpy. I wasn't a good teacher or momma. We school year round, nearly every day. We took a one week break. I have never taken time off before. I was insecure about it but surprisingly it went well. We went places, did a few crafts, read some, read some more, played in the snow, cleaned the van, stocked up on supplies, etc. We started back today and it was SO much better! I think I needed an attitude adjustment as did they. Please know I am not trying to say you need an attitude adjustment, just explaining that yep, some days/weeks are hard but you can do it! It's a marathon not a sprint. It sounds like your ds is doing great! You don't have to be the source of all learning, you are facilitating so many great experiences. His learning will proceed at different paces in all activities. Sometimes the progress will be with you and sometimes it will be enhanced by his play, the coop, or other activities. Do what you think you need for both of you, take a break, change up the activities, just hang on and you'll get there. HTH.

I would also integrate geography and history. The issue of scheduling science vs soc studies would depend on the learner. My kids need a spiral or they lose skills quickly. My friend's son needs one big project in depth to really understand and retain the information. For us I would do sci and soc studies every day or every other day. For him I would do a few months of science then a few months of soc st.

A close friend, age 52 non-smoker, had had a cold. Afterwards he had a persistent cough that wouldn't go away and was tired. They did an xray and ct. It was lung cancer. He had however lived in a coal town for a few years. There are so many possible issues. I know it is hard not to worry. Lacking information is the hardest situation! I had stage 2b cancer six years ago. The waiting to know and waiting for treatment was much worse than going through treatment. Once in treatment I felt much more empowered. Sennding healing, peaceful thoughts to you and yours.

The website is better than the store. However, in the store they do have good seasonal clearance sales. We get sleds, water toys, chalk, bubbles very cheap and save them for opposite season. Their art supplies are greatly reduced often as well. Last October there was a buy 1 get 3 free crayola sale. We have also shopped at the babies r us clothing and gotten great deals on clothes for our preschoolers. They did have some FAO Schwartz globes, felt board items etc. last time I stopped in there but I don't recall price or quality.

In our state foster placement length of time and adoption interest is considered. I hope it all works out. Foster care is so hard. Thinking of you and hoping for peace and resolution.

We use Practicing Standard Usage. It is a wkbk based program. Child can complete the work independently. No Frills.

So sorry to hear of this set back. Maybe you can get into a better rental situation with their help? Moving twice would be hard, but if it were a better rental it would be more comfortable to stay a bit longer? Trying to find a bright side... Thinking ofyou and your family and sending good home energy to you.

Moongobble & Me series

nope

Anna Hibiscus series

Our two fav items aren't so new. We love a sound machine so chaos can go on while baby rests. A boppy, with several covers, was a help in all kinds of ways.

We loved Buena Vista Palace. They have a character breakfast. It is across the street from downtown Disney and there is a free shuttle.

Appleton WI has the Houdini Museum. That museum also currently has Da Vinci's machines in motion exhibit. A budding engineer would love it, but not sure how long it is there. Neenah has the paper science museum. In June is the Midwest Renewable Energy fair. We love that one. The Dells also has a great state park and lots of hiking trails. They might enjoy Cave of the Mound. You might enjoy bringing or renting bikes for some areas of the state either the state parks or the rails to trails system. Taking the train for part of the trip, if feasible, could be fun.

I had one on my wrist 20 yrs ago. Dr. Did no tests and dx'd it visually. Said operating was not ideal due to possible complications. It popped when I accidentally hit it on something. It comes and goes, currently gone. I also have one on the inside of my ankle. Dr. Said it's only a concern if shoes become too painful. So far just leaving it alone.

Tortilla with nut butter and fruit Toasted pbj (in a pan not just toast with pbj) w/ or w/o banana Smoothies (rice milk or coconut milk with ice and fruit) Fruit salad with nuts/seeds

Can you hs him if he is pulled out? That is my first choice. Second choice: Can he do an online hs or charter? Third choice: are you in a state where you can enroll him in a different school within the district or a different district? There is great variability between kids in first grade.I understand he missed 3 months of schooling but I can't believe the school is in any way trying to make a plan that really works for him socially, emotionally, and academically. This must be very frustrating for you!

Urpedonmommy, Thank you!!!

Urpedonmommy, I went to the spelling connections zb and it says it is $20. Is there a free version? Thanks.

No heels, no cake, no pope. Does that make me a party poper? Anyway, Seriously, I am pro ice cream, pro shoes that feel good. Sneakers, birks, clarks, and nice slouchy wool socks!

Get a states coloring book(be sure it is a quality on the maintains size perspective). As you read about a state have them draw/write the info about the state on the appropriate state and color it in if desired. Have them cut out the state. Put the states together on the wall to eventually create a big US map on the wall.

Congratulations! Registering is a huge help to folks attending the shower. When going to a shower it is a huge relief to not guess what will be useful! I agree with the book theme or meal theme. Folks often want to buy something other than diapers so I would add the type/size of these you want but then add other items. Look around your house and think about what would make the new daily routines easier. Browse amazon or a local baby/toy store for ideas a few days before going to the place where you will register so you feel more prepared. Some items to consider might include safety items, toiletry/medicine items, packnplay or other resting place, a new high chair, monitors. We still use monitors with our older kids so everyone has freedom and feels safe. We also love sound machines to allow easier sleeping for baby while the usual chaos of life is going on.

We use MM along with Excel Math and are considering switching to Saxon for gr 2. My kids are not mathy and need the spiral. I like MM but I wouldn't use it for fact practice. I would use domino games (there are some fun books out there), card games, flashcards, and dice games. MM is great and does use a variety of ways to understand a concept but I don't think it is best suited for facts alone. If you need a book rather than activities there are some simple timed or untimed fact wkbks, some even wipe off that would be more expeditious. Kumon addition?

I think most of these choices would be difficult with a cat. One of the best ways we interacted with our hamsters and gerbils as a kid was to put them in a little ball or car enclosure and let them run arounnd the room with us playing or hanging out. You would need to have the cat put in a specific room to allow this. I liked hamsters better as a child. I thought they were cuter and cuddlier. However, gerbils tend to live longer. As you noted, guinea pigs are very popular on this page! I have never had one but have increased interest due to the guinea pig frenzy around here. I think a rabbit is a good idea too. I had rabbits as a kid and adored them. They live longer than the others, can go outside, are more interactive, etc. And for a completely off the wall idea: Have you considered a mini pig (not guinea, I mean pig)? They are clean, smart, friendly, don't need a cage, and could easily cohabitat with a cat. Maybe I've been reading too much Mercy Watson lately! We have a dog and chickens. I hope to get back into salt water fish soon. I really want to get some goats!

Instead of a hotel we use vrbo.com it gets us a big house with full kitchen for the price of a hotel. The cost of house to hotel remains the same, we are more comfy, and save money since we can cook our own meals.