Hi Everyone, For the first time today I went to Costco and bought two bags -- in block form -- of yeast. Red Star. When I got home one was solid in it's package like a brick. The other one is soft in it's package as if there's squishable sand or sugar inside. So, one brick is hard and one is sand like. Is there something wrong with one of the yeast packages? Thanks!! Alicia

Hi Rose ~ My elderly girl, Maddie, died a week ago tonight. She was a rescue and was 13 or 14 yrs. old. I'm so sorry. I know what a sad feeling it is. My vet said, "they fill a hole in our heart and they live a hole in our heart." I have particular guilt because Maddie was with us long before we had the kids and then we had them and she took a back seat. I made sure she still got good runs, good food, hugs etc. But it wasn't the same. And that thought is really haunting me. Just some thoughts for someone who's been sad for the last week ~ go easy on yourself, see people if that helps but don't expect a lot out of yourself. I found myself feeling both sad and cranky. And of course I was trying to keep it together for my kids. A week later I'm starting to feel less "tightly wound". Take care, Alicia

I've discovered the Hillybilly Housewise site. Her basic bread, white and wheat, for beginners is excellent. We also use it for sandwiches and it slices easily. Her pizza dough recipe absolutely rocks. Alicia

I don't have time to read all the posts, but, as the mom of a picky eater, I would be incensed that my child would act like that at someone else's house. Or mine. Being a picky eater doesn't mean you have a "get out of jail free" card to be rude. If a mom asked me, I think I'd write her a kind email letting her know what happened. Yes, I'd want to know. But if the mom didn't ask, then no, I wouldn't say anything and wouldn't have the boy over again. Having said this, I find it odd to come across moms who clearly don't want to hear feedback about their kids. I don't get it. Someone else probably already said this! Alicia

Hi Everyone, I wasn't trained in Latin as a child and I see that Latin is often a part of the home school experience. I'm not sure I really understand why. I do understand that Latin words are root words in English, but. . .so does that mean kids will be able to spell better? I'm a great speller and, again, never had any Latin. It seems like a lot of work and I'm wondering if the long term payoff is worth it. But I'm totally open! Alicia

Gand ~ I love your book list -- I'm keeping it! You absolutely have to read the Little House on the Prairie books aloud. They start with Little House in the Big Woods, then Little House on the Prairie etc. etc. The only book in the series that didn't interest my almost six year olds was Farmer Boy (about Laura's husband with no Laura in it). I plan on re reading this series to them when they're 9 or 10. It's crammed with awesome vocabulary, introductions to many aspects of life (like spelling B's, the importance of studying, importance of respecting your "Ma") et. I can't rave enough about the experience we've had. My boys BEG -- BEG! -- for me to "read one more chapter!" Alicia

Hi Everyone, I keep getting awesome bread recipes that require a machine and I don't have one. . . yet. Does anyone know a white bread recipe and a whole wheat recipe? My dh doesn't get nutrition and refuses to eat anything but white, but the kids and I need whole wheat. Would love a favorite recipe! Thanks, Alicia

Thank you, Everyone!! I love the yeast at Costco and the rounding up $5 in the checkbook. Wonderful ideas!! Thank you, thank you! Alicia

I can't seem to find the original thread on this subject. If this really happened with two hours of listening to whipping recordings the media would be all over it and it would likely go onto a national site. Where did this happen? Has the media been contacted? Alicia

((((((((Cindy))))))))) I just wanted to send you my best wishes. My dh was out of work for six months when we had twin two year olds and it was incredibly stressful. My heart goes out to you. Two ideas ~ 1) I'm just finishing up reading the Little House on the Prairie series to my boys -- and I don't know who got more out of it. . . me or them! I will never look at the tough aspects of life the same again. Seriously, I really recommend it for showing kids what really matters in life (each other) and how to get through awful times. 2) Just throwing it out there, but if you happen to be a dog lover. . . I've had friends ask to leave their little dogs at my house when they're on vacation. I charge what a kennel would and the dog gets an indoor/loving family situation. If you're at all into dogs, it may be a way to make extra money. Just make sure the kids don't open the front door and let the dog run free. To get the word out, you might let everyone in the home schooling groups that you're in locally know and once you get started you'll probably get referrals. Also, going in and saying hello to local vets and leaving a card may get you work as well. Again, take care. Alicia

Thanks, everyone. Science was never my subject so it feels daunting to me. My husband is a big science guy but isn't doing much w/ the kids. Example: He'll explain inertia and they'll use it in their daily vocab. but I need more to show than that to my Education Specialist w/ our charter. Any ideas would be great, Alicia

Awesome idea! My kids have read them all and loved them.

Hi Everyone, So, we had to put a new heating system in in Dec. and new plumbing pipes in early March. Sigh. So, the only place I can see to save is on the grocery bill. I found the most killer recipe for pizza crust -- it's easy and cheap. Bam, the frozen pizza aisle is now walked by. I'd also love a similar recipe for bread -- awesome tasting and easy. Haven't found it yet. Dh lives in peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and reducing our bread costs might equal about $8 a week of savings. Does anyone else have any smart ideas? I certainly don't want to do with Sheryl Crow suggested and use five pieces of toilet paper (ick), but I'm open to almost anything. I'm driving less and have seriously gotten over my urge to buy a little something here, a little something there. Anything you planted that really paid off in the long run? Thank you in advance!!! Alicia

Oh, I'll definitely get Cynthia's book -- thank you! We love her books. Well, I couldn't go through with it. Maddie just seemed fine today and I canceled the appointment. My husband is mad because he's ready for this to be over. "This" in my opinion isn't so much for him so I don't totally get where he's coming from. Anyway, I'm still taking it day to day. Thank you for your sweet stories and understanding words. Alicia

Hi Guys, I hate this part of having dogs. My darling old girl, Maddie, started having seizures in Dec. She's almost 14 (shepherd mix) so doing loads of expensive tests doesn't make sense. Although I've spent plenty, believe me. My five year old boys are both sensitive and they know I'm sad. I want to help them process through Maddie's death in a positive way rather than, "she just disappeared one afternoon and nobody said much about it. I always wondered." Would you recommend drawing pictures for Maddie to "take to Heaven"? Maybe allowing the boys to pick out one last treat to give her? A friend said to let the boys be at the euthanasia, but I'm not up for that. It's hard enough to say good bye to a dog and have to somewhat keep it together for my boys. Alicia

(((Katia))), Mine are 5, and I think, that a couple of slights they've received went under their radar (at least I hope). I agree w/ talking to the mom with a "I'm confused. Is there a problem?" approach. My overall (remember I'm green w/ young kids so feel free to ignore me) plan, though, is to work with my kids on knowing what is the other person's problem vs. their own. Like the girl who called the daughter a n****r. The name caller has a problem. (In a nutshell, I wish my parents had taught me more about how to have and deal with my hurt feelings.) Last, you and everyone, just have to read Queen Bees and Wannabees. It's a fantastic book written about the culture of tween and teen girls. And it's an eye opener. I'm certain that our hs kids get less of that culture than ps kids (one reason I hs), but the girl culture is probably everywhere girls are. I highly recommend it. There's even one chapter for moms of boys. More Hugs. Only a wonderful mom cares like you do. Friends and hurt feelings can come and go (although some are keepers), but wonderful moms last a lifetime. Take care, Alicia

Hi Everyone, I'm doing FIAR and am looking for a phonics program that's good for boys. I was going into the Sing, Spell, Read, Write program. But I'm getting the definite vibe that SSRW is just too intensive for my "get up and go" boys. I'm really on the look out for something fun and engaging. I would LOVE your suggestions, Alicia

It floors me (when I think about it) how few intelligent, educated adults use their library system. And, as hs know, it's packed with so many life enhancing things: books, CD's, DVD's, mags etc. etc. ETC. I honestly think you should have a part on Getting to Your Library 101. :) Alicia

Hi Everyone, My husband is determined to build a treehouse for my two boy's birthday in April. He doesn't want, nor can we afford, one of those prefabbed jobs that cost $3,000 and up. Someone gave us a super nice slide that he'll incorporate into it. I guess I'm asking for creative, fun ideas that we could borrow! Did you find materials anywhere at an inexpensive price -- we're on a crazy strict budget. Thanks, Alicia

I think it's totally fine to ask them to take off their shoes. And, just for the ones with holey socks, you might put out fresh socks or something like it. I'm not an uber clean person by any means, but I trained my kids early to take off their shoes in an attempt to keep my carpets reasonably clean. Go for it! Alicia

Hi Everyone, Still feeling brand new to hs. I'm really interested in buying Sing, Spell, Read and Write -- but it's pricey. Everybody talks about buying used, but I don't know where to start. Could you point me in the right directions? Thanks, Alicia

I was hoping someone might have a creative, fun way for teaching time.

Hi Everyone, You probably already know this, but I'm new to home schooling and thrilled I thought of it. I heard that ps teaches Kinders money so I tried using a curriculum book -- the kids were bored. So I explained coins/bills, put some on the kitchen table and wrote up a menu. Now I charge them for their food. They love it and are totally getting what a nickel, a dime is. I mainly give them amounts that require combining money like 6 cents or 18 cents etc. I guess I'm unschooling! Does anyone else have creative ideas like this to teach adding, subtracting, telling time, writing etc. etc. Alicia

I totally know what you're talking about. I don't mean to be so brief on a large and important topic: but it might be time for you to find something that really nourishes you that has nothing to do w/ being a mom, a wife, a teacher etc. I actually review spas and love them, but what you're talking about is much bigger than a spa weekend. Also, I'm mainly an introvert, but boy, do I feel better after spending quality time with girlfriends I really enjoy. Hang in there, Alicia

Read Queen Bees and Wannabees and you'll have your answer.