Completed work goes right back/stays in the binder it came from. Twice a year I pick out "best" examples and stick those in his portfolio. At the end of the year, I recycle everything in the binders. Who wants to look at old math worksheets (or as it is now, just answers in a spiral bound notebook)?

We went straight from MM6 to Jacobs Algebra. He's just finishing chapter 3 (we've had lots of interruptions this fall or he'd be further along) and it's all been easy peasy review. I highly recommend it for younger algebra students.

My DS runs XC at the middle school, and runs distance in tracking summer (plus lots of other sports). The middle school trains 3x a week and has races once a week, and the kids are encouraged to run at least once on the weekend. Races are 3k (5k in high school), and they vary their training with anything from short sprints to 3k ++. He also runs in the Jr Olympic development program, and races in various 5ks. He's running his first 10k this weekend--the forecast calls for cold rain or snow, which he insists will make it even more fun. :) Winter training is tough. He plays hockey, and will be competing on a local private school Nordic ski team. People do run here year round, even in the snow and ice, but I'm guessing he will turn his attention to his other sports at the end of November. I love his enthusiasm for running, but I am glad he rounds it out with sports that use other muscles and promote various muscle development.

I'm always amazed at how much people buy. We need very little--an algebra text, history program, science book and spelling program. Most was found used and altogether cost very little. My kiddo doesn't care for or have any use for manipulatives, and most science lab stuff I can find around the house. I am planning to add in a writing program, but that does it for the entire year. We aren't curriculum hoppers, but we've also been at this for many years. I definitely wouldn't buy much for littles, especially until you understand better what they truly need. Make the library your best friend. :)

Cord wood and pellets are VERY common, especially as backup heat/and or to avoid the expense of oil. Some areas are getting natural gas (we just converted--yay!), but I'm not sure if it's available in Auburn yet. My DH works in energy; I'll ask him. Pellet boilers are getting more common, as are heat pumps--though the jury is out on how well they will work in the middle of winter. Most people have at least 2 heat sources. Oil is most commonly found, with a wood or pellet stove as a secondary source. Depending on the size and efficiency of a home, heating costs can easily be a few thousand dollars over the 5 or 6 heating months. I guess the upside is that air conditioning isn't needed. :)

We live in midcoast Maine--on the coast but not far from Auburn (which isn't considered Central, btw--it's in the Western foothills. :). Bangor is Central). We LOVE it here. We've been here for 3 years and I honestly hope we never have to leave. Hopefully I can help... I agree with Pagesandfields on most every point. Winter, as you already know, is big, but the summer and fall are fantastic. There is plenty of skiing in and near Auburn, including a downhill area right in town. Nordic skiing is popular also, and there are limitless trails. You are likely to find any kind of sport and outdoor interest in abundance. Homeschooling in the state is easy and there are lots of homeschoolers. Secular and religious groups are generally easy to find. Mainers tend to be pretty independent, and homeschooling fits in naturally with that mindset. I have never heard a single negative comment about it the entire time we've lived here. Housing is pretty affordable compared to many parts of the country, but heating is expensive. It's true you'll find mostly older housing almost everywhere in the state, but it sounds like you are fine with that. Portland should have all the cultural stuff you are looking for. Lewiston-Auburn isn't exactly a hotbed of culture, but if you don't mind driving to nearby communities, the state has much to offer. Things "to do" can be pretty spread out which could be hard if you don't like to drive. On the other hand, there is very little traffic to speak of. :). Auburn won't see much by way of summer tourists but the southern and coastal areas get a lot during season, and while some people don't like it, I actually enjoy the ebb and flow. I'm not sure if I helped answer any questions, but feel free to ask if you need anything specific! Good luck in the job search--that's most of the battle to living here, for sure.

Yes, they count for a first grader. I figure if public school would use up a day to take a field trip there, then you get to count it too. We are taking a trip to Europe next year--I'm definitely counting it. Castles, cathedrals, museums...it will be a 2 week full history immersion class. :)

Well, it's true that Canada hasn't LOST it's innocence over this unfortunate (and rightfully frightening) situation. When we lived there we had to endure so much flack about "American violence" and so forth, but no one wanted to own up to their own acts of internal violence. Those were brushed aside as though they were mere flukes, as if keeping their eyes firmly shut would make it all go away and they could just blame the Americans. But no, Canada, unfortunately you are not and never have been immune or exempt from hateful acts, and it's probably in your best interest to stop pretending to be. It took 9/11 to wake up most Americans to that fact; I certainly hope it won't take something so obscene for you to take today's necessary precautions. Feeling sad for you today. :(

What Jacquelyn said. Also, before you can anything, read up about it and follow recipes and directions exactly. You can't see, taste, or smell botulism. Jams and jellies are a great way to start due to their high sugar content (even Pomonas, which is lower in sugar and what I always recommend). Applesauce--or even just cooked, diced apples (for winter pies!) is another easy, pretty fail safe way to get into canning. Have fun!

I felt that way about Mad Men. Should I be embarrassed that I spent my summer watching seasons 1-6? Netflix doesn't have season 7 yet, so I might have to check out Gilmore Girls. Lauren Graham is great on Parenthood (this is the last season, sob!).

For a good friend who just got re-married, we got the couple a beautiful print of a tree; it was used as a guest sign in at the wedding, so everyone signed and left well wishes on a leaf. We will have it framed for them so they can hang it as a daily reminder of their special day. They LOVED it!

I think 12 is a lovely time to invest in something more grown up. It had been my plan to make over DS's room when he turns 12--perhaps take a trip to Ikea and really outfit it teen-style--but somehow this year we accidentally added a new larger dresser, bookcase and desk so it's sort of done. Darn--I was looking forward to that project! :). But I still think something transitional into teenage hood seems fun and symbolic. Cooking ideas are awesome for a budding baker, or anything that respects his passions. When DS turned 10, we gave him a book on puberty (he likes to be prepared), and I imagine we'll find something similar when he's 12. A special trip somewhere would be cool instead of stuff. Maybe a camping trip with just dad, or somewhere he's been asking to go. I'm a fan of experiences over things when possible.

Agree with others--time for daily showering. DS uses Toms of Maine unscented (we all do). I don't know about your son's, but his long hair gets really greasy and stinky if he doesn't wish and condition it every day. There is no negotiation. :)

Shoes with a slight heel are actually good for PF. Not a HEEL, mind you, just a slight rise to support the natural foot bed. I love my Mary Janes by El Natura Lista. Not wearing the same shoe style every day helps, too. One day sneakers, one day slight rise, and so on. The key is to not stretch out that tendon again, which can happen if you tend to go barefoot (or wear flip flops) or if you wear the same non supporting shoe day in and day out.

Well...I lost 15 lbs that had snuck up on me last year at 41 and am back to my normal size 2/4. I definitely eat more and more healthfully than your co-worker, and I don't workout for endless hours a day. There really is no magic trick; it's all about not taking in more calories than you burn. Healthy food choices, portion control, and exercise work together along with maintaining a low stress, well balanced lifestyle. For me, a commitment to counting calories and regaining a more active lifestyle is what worked. There are so many apps that help keep track of both, but it does take some motivation. Think of it as an investment in your long term health. That's worth more than that chocolate brownie any day (well--almost any day!).

Workout video in the morning, walks with headlamps after dinner. Skiing with headlamps in winter. Very romantic. :)

Line dry in the sun. No chemical cleaner works better. :)

I find the Athleta catalog perfect for days when this mood strikes. I love these $80 yoga pants, and this $55 t shirt, and this $110 dress...For me, taking a sharpie to the pages is super cathartic, and doesn't leave me with buyers remorse. It's a win-win. Glad I'm not the only one who does this! :)

That's year round high style here in Maine. Topped with fleece and a knit cap, of course (blaze orange this time of year, thankyouverymuch). :) Hmm, maybe Mainers shouldn't give out fashion advice. :). But it sounds like a super cute outfit to me!

He may not be in a growth spurt (my son is an steady incremental grower, too), but his muscles may be in a new developmental stage. That can throw a kid off tremendously until it's all sorted out. My son runs and we've noticed that many kids (him included) are having "off" seasons around this age. I attribute it completely to their bodies changing and developing in new ways. He also might be trying out new things--stretching himself in new ways or attempting new tweaks to his strokes. It can look funky for awhile, but it can pay off hugely. My son does this in hockey and a result is that he masters new things quickly, even if it's the expense of other things temporarily. I'd suggest remaining patient and letting him work on whatever it is. He's 6; if he loves it, he will definitely sort it out. :)

Eh, she'll figure it out on her own. DS writes with his right hand (but holds it like a lefty) but does almost everything else like a lefty (left hand shot in hockey, kicks with his left, wears his watch on his right hand etc). I remember it took him quite awhile to decide which hand to use for writing, but he got there eventually. Why are you concerned?

How many times can I like this? :)

We aren't Jewish (atheist) but DS is fascinated with Judaism. When DH mentioned that a co-worker is taking the day off for a holy day, DS's ears perked up and now he wants to learn all about it. It's fascinating to me that he is so taken with this culture--I suspect some of it has to do with the food (!! Which he LOVES!!), but there's clearly more to it than that. A question (I hope it's okay if I ask in ths thread): would it generally be okay to take him to a temple? Even though the actual religion part isn't his thing, he really would love to experience the rituals and so on and learn more about the culture in general. I certainly wouldn't want to offend anyone--his interest is genuine--and we don't have many temples in our area. Thoughts?

When my son turned 7, he requested no gifts at his birthday party. He asked his friends to bring donations to help with earthquake relief in Haiti. It was completely his idea so we just went with it. He was thrilled with being able to help out. He did still get a couple presents, but he didn't care about them. As it turned out, that was the last birthday party he's wanted. I think it's not only a perfectly acceptable request, I think it's gaining in popularity. Our kids--in the collective, western culture--are positively burdened with stuff; that's true even for the minimalists among us. I can't think of a more wonderful venue for a child to reach out to others--assuming the desire comes from them, of course. I'm not advocating taking away birthday presents for all kids (!) but if they request such a selfless act, it should be honored and not apologized for.

Yeah, if you need to take it in, I'd only trust a Subaru expert. Subarus are awesome, but they have their quirks. My 1998 Forester makes clicking sounds when I use the A/C, which I've been told is normal for its year and model. It burns through quite a bit of oil, too, but it runs great. With 150,000 miles on it, I really really hope to have it another 5 years or more. I love it more than any new car we've looked at out there. Sorry that didn't help.