I just got several pounds of dried beans, all kinds. They are white, red, cranberry. I would like some recipes to use these in. I have made up large batches of refried beans, so I have that. I would like a recipe for a good baked bean, using the dried beans and anything else that would use these for. Thanks.

I make my own laundry detergent with grated soap. Here is what I do. I grate up one bar of soap. Mix that with about 4 cups of water and put in on the stovetop to melt together. I then add 1 cup of Mule Team Borax and 1 cup of Washing Soda and another 6 cups of water. Just let it all incorporate together, not boil, but all dissolve and become a thicker liquid. I then add 1 gallon of tap water to a large bucket (or whatever you want the soap in for storing). Mix together the mixture that was on the stovetop and the water from the tap. Let sit and stir it occasionally. It turns into a gel type. Mine looks like a soft gel after about 12-24 hours. I use 1/2 cup per each load. You will not have suds, though, so don't be alarmed. I usually add a small amount of vinegar to the rinse cycle when washing, also. If you have more questions, just ask.

How do you do this without ordering extra student materials? I thought each student and each level needed there own student materials....is that not right?

Thanks everyone for the quick responses.... This is what I was thinking... "My suggestion would be to get the Level 1 kit (TM, Student material packet) and then an extra student material packet for level 1. You may also want to buy the Level 2 kit for your 9 year old as they may go through level 1 pretty quickly." Thank you

We used The Singing Bible CD/cassettes and learned them in order. You catch onto the tune very quickly and they are reminded or it when looking for a certain book then, too.

If I am just starting with AAS and have two students that would be starting with it, a 9 and 7 year old, what do you need for it? Do you need extra tiles/magnets or is one set enough? Do you need to buy the Phonogram CD, is that something you use regularly? I would start with Level 1 for both of them, although I know that my 9 year old will move more quickly through it...so they will start together, but may end up doing it seperately after awhile.

What can you use flax seed oil in? I have tried adding a small amount to smoothies, but didn't care for that. How to use it up?? Also, can coconut oil be used in place of vegetable shortening in cookies or quick breads? Anyone try this and if so, what were your results? I'm trying to find a healthier subsititute for the shortening.

If you are considering one of the SWI sets, if it were me, I would go with the B level.

I did the same thing as Melissa, with my 10th grader. We had tried other writing curriculum and couldn't find a good match. This year we picked up SWI C for the first time and she did wonderful with that. It is watching the DVD's and doing the lessons. There are free lesson plans on the IEW website to go with the DVD's. We just started SICC C in the last couple weeks and we are very pleased with it and seeing great results.

Honestly, I have felt that I have tried everything, too. I have an older daughter, who was a natural born writer. At the start of this year I was at wits end with what to do and use with my 15 year old. I ended up just getting the IEW's SWI C and we haven't looked back since. These 4 DVD's are geared for the student of that age and for them to watch and do. The packet that comes with the set is great and you can also download free supplemental lesson plans from the IEW website or yahoo group. She, finally, has a love for writing since using this. If you are uncertain, you can join the IEW Families Yahoo group and ask questions there, too. The ladies that moderate the group and more than helpful and want to utilize what you have invested in.

If you are using TT for the elementary grades, do you just use the CD's or the workbook also? I'm not sure about purchasing the complete kit or I thought I had seen some just use the CD's. Your suggestions and comments, please.

I am looking at the Bible Study Guide for all ages to possibly use this next coming year. I am unclear on how this is set up and what you actually need. I would have a high school student and a 9 and 7 year old. Can someone help me? Or....if you have other suggestions for Bible to use, chime in, too. Thanks.

Here is the Ball Blue Book: http://www.freshpreserving.com/products/ball_blue_book_guide_to_preserving/2.php I hope that will work, cause I'm not computer savy. Let me know, though, if you have more questions. I'm a big canner, myself, and do use other sources. This is just the one that I think every beginning canner should check out.

I definitely would get The Ball Book: Guide to Home Canning

Penny, If you want some good advice on IEW, you should join the Yahoo group. I don't have the link, but it is IEW Families. Jill Pike (who wrote the lesson plans) and other reps on the group are very, very good at answering all your questions and I'm sure they would be able to help you. If you can't find it, let me know and I can get you the link to join up there.

Just curious.

Yes, my daughter used this in a nebulizer machine and when she finished it her heart was pumping and she had lots of energy.

I have ordered for the last couple years during the Dollar Days and have never had a problem, either. I, also, am set up with an account. We ordered from there catalogs sporadically. I ordered this year and have already recieved my order. They were very quick and prompt with the shipment. I'm so sorry that you had a less then desirable experience.

Thank you. I will look into what you suggested. I hope that others will chime in, also. My son is reading to me for at least 20-30 minutes each morning. He is doing soooo much better this year. It feels like it finally "kicked in" for him.

Ok...I have a 9 year old son, who is in the 3rd grade. He has been slower to pick up reading/phonics then my previous daughters. I also have a K coming up who has some special needs. My son has been using the ETC books and we have been using HOP for reading. He has really picked up this year and we are almost done with the green level on HOP. We are finishing up book 3 1/2 in ETC. I was going to go right into 4 at the start of this year, but decided to use the 1/2 book for review before we went on. He needed it, because at times he sometimes struggles. I had started the LLATL Red for an overall LA program thinking that is what we would go ahead with. I have found that it moves too quickly for him, with little review and then onto the next thing. I find him not remembering what is new and then having to go back over it the next time he sees it. We are also doing some narration and copywork seperately. I feel that we are a little behind with things. I am not a pusher and feel that he will "get it" when he does. We had a set back in the fall with my father passing away. I really thought that I wanted something "all in one"...but am begining to think otherwise. I really like the IEW SWI and will probably move him into that for writing as he matures. I would like some thoughts/suggestions on what to look at. I am not so set on all in one programs, but rather picking and choosing where/what level he should be at. I saw the Growing with Grammer post and took a brief look at that. I would have no idea where to place him with that...and where it that available for purchase from? Give me some suggestions or what am I missing.....I'm open. Oh...and as far as my K daughter...she is just starting on the HOP yellow and it is finally making a little sense. I am thinking about starting the ETC books with her, too. This is long...I hope you made it to the end....

We have been using the things from http://www.motherboardbooks.com My kids have enjoyed her items that she has and she is willing and helpful to answer your questions. If you send her what your child is interested in, she will help you with where and what to start with. I would highly recommend it.

We have a daughter turning 16 soon and we will be getting her a hope chest. We did the same with her older sister and now, she is expecting the hope chest and can hardly wait. She already has plans with things she wants to fill it up with (homemade rugs and such).

Thank you, everyone. I copied them all off. I am making the chili tomorrow and will try the steel cut oats very soon. The bread sounds yummy, too...espeically for toast.

If you have some tried and true recipes for each of these things, I would like them. Thanks ahead for sharing....

I know someone who does this and actually sells it, too. If you want to get in touch with me, I can pass on your email to her. Just let me know.