I am curious about this book. Could you elaborate some more about it? The Perilous Journey (http://www.amazon.com/Perilous-Journey-Jewkes-W-T/dp/0153335203), which I used in 10th but should be accessible. contains discussion questions and writing prompts, etc.

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I am one of those struggling with whether Latin makes sense for us, given our particular circumstances. My husband is a native French speaker and I was a Russian major in college. My son is currently studying Hebrew (we are Jewish), French. Spanish (we live in Southern California), and Latin (because he thinks it is fun). Realistically, I'm not sure that it is possible for him to attain a high level in proficiency in all of these languages. But, I've been toying with the idea of substituting Russian for Latin. I like the idea of him learning an inflected language, and I doubt the Cyrillic alphabet will give him trouble (he's already mastered the Hebrew alphabet). I understand why most homeschoolers would choose Latin, but in our case, I would have no trouble teaching him Russian grammar and we have a great many native speakers in our area. I'm just not sold that Latin is worth our time.

I take this one: http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Fish-Pills-Counts-Health-Supporting/dp/B00CAZAU62/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434830702&sr=8-1&keywords=fish+oil

R U NVS on a Ferrari. (Say each letter) NASDAQ on a Mercedes.

As a Californian, I agree with you that I don't get the whole Southern pride thing. But, as the wife of a French Canadian, I have to disagree with you a bit. Many of the Separatists in Quebec view the Fleurdelise flag in much the same way that Southerners view the Confederate flag -- as a symbol of rebellion. The difference is that the Fleurdelise does not have the same racist connotations. Nevertheless, I think that it is instructive to note that in Quebec, the Fleurdelise is not legally allowed to take precedence over the Canadian flag.

I have a visceral reaction to the Confederate flag. It makes me feel rage, disgust, and shame all at once. It has no place in modern America -- most especially flying in a state capitol. And to fly it at full height after this tragedy... there are no words for how repulsive that is.

I'm not sure if this is a regional thing, but I probably wouldn't say anything about it unless you really think that either a) he doesn't understand or b) will be really hurt by teasing. My 6 year old DS comes with me to get his nails/toes done (at his request), and often picks girly colors. A few kids have said things to him, but he doesn't care. We like to say, "Nobody owns pink."

We have 4 in our metro area, and I have never had a bad experience. The food and customer service are fantastic. One time, my 6 year old DS came down with a stomach flu while I was shopping. He had diarrhea in his pants, and I don't carry an extra change of clothes with me. My son was mortified that he had pooped his pants. The people at WF not only helped me clean up the mess, but they gave me a pack of adult diapers and a pair of pants from the kids section for him to wear home -- free of charge. I will be a lifetime customer.

I still think that Whole Foods is the bombdiggity, but Wegmans looks pretty nice. I've never been super impressed by Publix. My parents have a Central Market near them in Washington (State), and I liked that quite a bit. Bristol Farms is another goodie.

That's rediculous. I am defiantly don't believe you.

I'm thinking that I will name ours Phillips Exeter Academy. :P

http://gotgeniusgames.com/ http://www.dicehatemegames.com/games/compounded/

It would involve: Reading good books USC football games Plenty of wine and dogs Michelin stars A view of the water (with no humidity) Playing tennis Riding horses Writing novels Sand in my toes Lots of Jazz festivals Spa trips Fresh flowers Learning languages Travel with friends (in a private jet) Skiing A garden A German or Italian sports car Studying Torah Philanthropy

My oldest son started playing soccer at age 2.5. He moved to a competitive soccer club's "juniors" program when he was 3. It was not an unusually early start for our area. We left So Cal for a year, and had a baby down in Mexico when my son was 4. I figured my son would find some neighborhood kids to play soccer with, or that we would find an activity for him. They had nothing for kids his age in Puerto Vallarta, and we never found any neighborhood pick up games for him. When we returned to San Diego, and he started playing with his old soccer club again, he was noticeably behind the other kids in terms of ability. I mean, it was like a night and day difference. The other kids he had been playing with previously (and doing very well against) all moved up to the "academy" team (within the juniors program). The coaches tried to pressure us to put him on the academy team as well, but it was obvious that my son just wasn't as good. So then, the dilemma. Do I keep my 6.5 year old on the regular juniors team, knowing that he would likely never catch up with the academy kids (who get longer practices with professional coaches for more $$$), or do I move him to the academy and watch him get whooped? It's crazy to think that he could already be left in the dust at 6 years old, but such is the state of competitive soccer teams. And, the thing is... he isn't even on the competitive team yet, which is supposed to begin when the kids are 8. But, because the juniors program is the feeder program to the competitive travel team, they are already separating the wheat from the chaff with the academy teams. My son wants to play on the academy team, but I've been holding him back because his skills just aren't there yet. And, quite honestly, he has been getting smoked by the academy players since we returned from Mexico. I don't know what the competitive world of music is like at this age, but, IMHO, competitive sports has gotten ridiculous when a 5 year old is already noticeably "behind" after a family vacation.

Congratulations! Sacha and I really enjoy My Little Python on FB.

For what age do you think it's suitable?

I have an Excel spreadsheet where I have the weeks and subjects laid out over the course of the school year. I don't plan daily, but I do try to have an idea of where we should be on a weekly basis -- mostly to keep me accountable. It's not a rigid schedule, but it helps me to visualize, request library books, plan documentaries and field trips, etc. I leave enough time in the yearly schedule to account for illness, unexpected stuff, and rabbit trails.

This past year, my son attended a homeschool charter 3 days/week, and we homeschooled the other 3 days. 6 days/week worked well for us this year.

Despite the naysayers, I think that you will find this becoming more and more common. The future of a la carte schooling is here: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/419438/nevada-enacts-universal-school-choice I am glad that you are able to find something that works so well for your family. I hope others soon have similar choices in their states.

It is wonderful, and a real blessing for many families. We have similar charters here in California, and it has been a great program for us. Just be prepared for the fingerwaggers who insist that you are no longer a *real* homeschooler. Eyeroll.

My DS6 has really liked the free Prodigy math game.

Deleting. Not sure that this is legit afterall.

We are off from school until Labor Day, except my son requested a Minecraft Mod class. Otherwise, he has 4 weeks of sports camp, 4 weeks of theatre camp, 1 week of fencing, 1 week of surf camp, and then 2 weeks roasting in Florida on a family vacation.

I love the look of Getty Dubay, but I have heard mixed reviews about implementation. We decided to start New American Cursive in the fall.