They just had a sale for $100 off that ended March 21st. :(

I workout a half an hour to an hour after dinner. I make dinner, my hubby helps and supervises the children doing their after-dinner chores, and then I go to our room to do my workout. My husband makes sure the children stay out of our room, as I don't like to be interrupted. He usually takes them outside and/or on a walk. Without this time in the evening, my workout wouldn't get done. I'm NOT a morning person! :)

4-5: Abecedarians 6-7: Apprentices 8-9: Journeymen 10-11: Masters

I have used Alpha-Phonics with three of my children. We love it! It's exactly as you have described: simple, straightforward, no fluff, and twaddle-free! I used it to teach my daughters to read at age four, and am currently using it with my five year old son. We supplement with Bob Books and books from the library. With my daughters, we never finished all of the lessons in Alpha-Phonics, because they were reading books on their own without it! I also love that it's cheap, unlike so many other reading instruction curriculums.

In James Dobson's book, Bringing Up Boys, there is a whole chapter dedicated to this topic. I highly recommend it! Basically he assumes every man on the planet has done/will do it at some point. It is not a sin, and your child should not be shamed for it. Just pray you never accidently catch them...that would make for a very awkward conversation, if there even needs to be one.

This is an aside... My husband, who is a white cop, pulled over a black man in his twenties for speeding. My husband walked up to the man's car, and before he could even say anything, the man he pulled over accused my husband of being racist and racial profiling (This occurred during the midnight shift, so it was dark). My husband responded with something like, "The only reason you're accusing me of that is because I'm white." The man was immediately taken aback. After a few seconds of thought, he responded to my husband with something like, "You know, you're right. I never thought of that. Sorry, man." My husband then proceeded to explain to the man why he was actually pulled over, and the guy ended up admitting to speeding. My husband let him go with a warning. This is an example of what my husband experiences almost everyday on his job. He works with a couple of cops who are black. They have never been accused of being racist or of racial profiling. Racism goes both ways. Change starts with us, in our homes, as we raise our children.

May I ask what you didn't like about the science in Challenge A and B? I'm just curious because my oldest will be in Challenge A soon.

That sounds a lot like a recipe I make called "Taco Corn Chili".

Just my two cents regarding Queen LA: In my opinion, it is WAY overpriced for what you get, not to mention the fact that shipping is ridiculous! I bought Queen LA for my third grade daughter after completing FLL 1 and 2. Queen is too simple and easy, and does not go in depth. My daughter was not challenged at all, and asked to go back to FLL. We have completed FLL 3 and 4 since then, and have moved on to R&S 5, only because there isn't an FLL 5!

I add coconut oil to my green smoothies everyday. I can't even taste a difference!

THIS, right here, is why she shouldn't be allowed to go. She can't be trusted with the responsibility of keeping track of her phone so that you and your husband can reach her. Also, her attitude. She just doesn't get it, so no, she shouldn't be allowed to go.

I have also used FLL 1-4, and I LOVE them! My oldest daughter (just turned 10) completed FLL 4 last year, so we're currently going through R&S 5. It has been the perfect next step for grammar! It's a little more rigorous and takes a bit longer, which hasn't been a problem for my daughter. I believe R&S is actually recommended in TWTM after completing FLL 4.

Rainbow Loom bands...I don't pick them up anymore. They get vacuumed!

Writing Strands My daughter loved to write, until I made her do Writing Strands. About half way through the book, I finally donated it. My daughter loves writing again!

CBD.com

I didn't realize you could pay a smaller fee just to go to the vendor hall. I may need to rethink my decision to not go. Thanks, prairiewindmomma!

I am not planning on attending this year. Last year was my very first time attending. I was so excited to go, but ended up disappointed. The guest speakers didn't really talk about homeschooling. Like prairiewindmomma mentioned, it was more about lifestyles, marriage, child-rearing, etc. I did get some pretty good deals on some books/audiobooks from the vendor hall, however, the deals don't warrant me spending $50 again this year just to get in. :(

I LOVE Margo, and my husband likes Miriam! :) Either way, they're both adorable!

FLL 1-4 and Rod & Staff!

Our family of 6 currently lives in a 1500 square foot house. We've lived here for the past 10 years, and honestly, I love it! Yes, it would be nice to have more space, especially an extra room for a homeschool room, but I love the fact that we're all close together! It can be done, but you have to live simply. Get rid of clutter and unnecessary items. If you're gifted in the area of organization (like me!) then you can make it happen!

Last year, when we used MFW, there were five oceans: Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, Indian, and Southern. This year, we are in CC, and there are only four oceans: Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, and Indian. With both of these curriculums, there are seven continents: N America, S American, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica.

I've been homeschooling for five years now, and the only time I've been "overweight" was right after having a baby. I DO NOT buy junk food and/or lots of processed food because I would eat it. I'm home all day and I know that when I'm stressed/tired/bored I'll eat it! So, if I only have healthy food in the house, then I can't pig out on a bunch crap. I feel like I get tons of exercise running around after my children! I also work out at home to videos I find on YouTube or Pinterest. My kids even do them with me! You just have to manage your time wisely and make it a priority!

I put a little in my green smoothies!

Laurie Tall Stacker Pegs Wooden Pattern Blocks

Our family LOVES the Hide 'Em in Your Heart cds and DVDs! I bought these over 9 years ago, and they have been a favorite of each of my children! Even my 23 month old watches them all the way through while dancing and "singing"! Apparently I need to check out Seeds of Worship!