I can't stand being cold either. We are buried in snow with frigid temps right now and I can not get warm. I feel the cold in my bones!! I am decked out in layers and sipping hot drinks all day, taking a hot shower at night. Nothing is helping. We have power but have to keep the thermostat set at 65 otherwise the unit just runs non-stop trying to keep up. I don't want it to conk out on us so 65 chilly degrees it is!!! Brrrrr...

This week I am organizing nursery supplies/ baby gear. Dh should be done with the painting and trim in our bedroom today so tonight we can move back in and I can organize everything. Like pp, the clothes, shoes and things that come back in will be under much scrutiny. I am only keeping what we really wear/use. The rest is getting donated.

This past week, I bought a new diaper bag for baby on the way. I also bought a few nursing bras and cute non-skid socks for the hospital. I decided to only buy things on the baby list that I need to pack for the hospital. Then I will re-evaluate the list after the baby shower. Its just a family only shower since this is our 3rd so I am sure there will still be more things I need. But hopefully doing it this way will cut down on returns. Oh, and I almost ordered the carseat online, when at that very moment mil called dh and asked him to email a few links to carseats we liked because she wanted to get it for us. Woohoo!!! Had she called 5 minutes later, I'd have already ordered it!!! Dh bought a few things to set up the coffee bar again. He hadn't been drinking coffee, thinking that was causing his heartburn. Turns out it was the Claritin and switching to Zyrtec cleared up the heartburn. For the last month or so, he's been buying coffee at coffee shops and convienence stores, so making coffee at home will save us in the long run.

I love to read these! Today, dh was home from work early and listening to a podcast about who knows what. They played an audio clip of a conversation between 2 QVC hosts that were arguing over what the moon was. The guy kept saying it was a planet. The girl was adamant it was NOT a planet. She said it was a star like the sun. Our 6yo dd said, "umm, the moon just reflects the sun's light. Its not a star." Dh and I were giving each other exploding fist bumps and doing mini happy dances.

Good to hear a success story. Looking at science for the long haul does make me twitch. Nice to hear it does work without making it complicated. Congrats to your daughter!

For our 2nd grade this year, this is what I have planned so far: -Math Mammoth 2b/3a -Easy Grammar Grade 3 -Essentials in Writing Level 2 -SOTW Volume 2 -BFSU K-2, Nature Study -Piano lessons with Faber's Piano Adventures -PE will be swim lessons and possibly gymnastics -Homemade penmanship practice and copywork combined incorporating current history or science topic. -We will also do a family time every morning that includes calendar, weather, a daily bible verse, poetry, artist study and memory work. -Oh, and we will likely continue cooking class. Dd's idea but really, it was a good one. I'm always in a rush to get meals on the table on time, it was difficult to have her help. But cooking class is its own time slot and she chooses what we make. I can take the time to explain things to her and help her learn. Its been so successful that its not difficult to let her help anymore so now she also helps with breakfast and lunch most days. -Reading is hardly a subject at this point. She reads early chapter books to herself. She reads passages aloud to me. I read aloud 2 times a day. Dh does a read aloud at bedtime and she reads a passage to him as well. I guess I just need to decide on spelling. And collect all the materials. I have some of the curriculums, Math Mammoth, SOTW, BFSU, Piano Adventures. Most of what I need to collect is all the little things that comprise family time or other supplements we use. Searching a bunch of different websites and hunting for sales drives me batty. I really am looking forward to 2nd grade. I feel a big leap in maturity coming on. She's right on the edge of something and I think once the baby gets here and we are all comfortable with the new family dynamic, dd will really flourish. (that's the hope, anyway)

I have to break away from the 365 clutter challenge this week. We already have recycling stations set up so we are good there. I need to focus on the paperwork. Streamlining in comming mail, sign up the few straggler accounts for paperless statements, unsubscribe from some junk things and make some new trays/baskets for somewhat miscellaneous categories that end up in a huge pile on the desk. A place for everything is the goal.

Cottonelle

We have had a lot of issues this school year not school-related but affecting our school day none the less. With the new year and a mommy with more realistic expectations and a better attitude, we have finally gotten into a good groove. Here's our current bright spots: No electronics in the morning. Ds has been waking up earlier and earlier so I'd let him watch a pbs show while dd and I slept a little longer. Well, it was difficult to turn off the tv when dd woke up, she wanted to watch a show too and then we'd get a late start. So now, I get up with ds whenever he wakes. We talk, snuggle, play quiet games, read stories, etc. til dd wakes up then we start the day. I've really been enjoying this one on one time with ds even if the sun isn't up yet. Switching a couple subjects away from the workbook to the white board. Dd pays so much more attention this way and flies through these subjects. "Letting go" when it comes to art/project messes. I used to always wait until I was in a super free-wheeling, energentic mood before I'd let them get out scissors, glue, paint, etc. And I thought we needed a guided project with a certain outcome, a la Pinterest. But I've learned to get over it and let them make a big mess and produce whatever they want. They love it. They are so proud of their creations, their motor skills and confidence have improved. And I make them clean up the mess when they are done. Duh! Why didn't I think of that before? Teaching dd to cook/bake. She loves it! A grandparent bought her a child size Tupperware baking set and I bought her a kid's cookbook. We've been working our way through the recipes. Again, motor skills have improved (she can crack an egg like a pro), she's learning fractions and measurements and more. Ds also wants in on the action and is learning the names of kitchen utensils. I was so proud when I got the egg carton out of the fridge the other morning and he saw me and said, "ooh, I'll get the whisk!" Yay! I fully plan on teaching my boys as much about cooking/baking as my dd. Thanks for this thread. Its been good to type out these good things and realize that these are examples of what I was looking for in deciding to homeschool. I am so fortunate to have the circumstances to do so. (even in February)

Went shopping for moe maternity clothes since mine are getting to tight. Yes, I'm that huge! Only ended up buying one top. But I think it will work for 2 events that I will need to wear something dressy. I spotted 4 piece suits for ds and the new baby (also needed for upcoming dressy events) but I decided to wait til baby is born and I know if he'll need newborn or 0-3 month size. I think I will have some purchases this week to finish up the hospital bag and the nursery essentials. So far, i've gotten everything for free. Friends have loaned me several slings/ carriers, a bouncy seat, a jumperoo, a bassinet, a pack n play. The last 2 were mine that I gave to a family member. My sister gave back all the baby boy clothes I gave to her. So glad I didn't panic and buy a bunch of new things.

Wow! Sounds like that buyer is house hunting in the wrong price range! I hope she comes to her senses for your sake and gives you a reasonable offer or moves on and stops taunting you.

The only one I can comment on is SOTW. The activity guide is optional. Many families just read the book together and discuss. Maybe find your own library book selections and Netflix documentaries to supplement. The activity guide includes review questions, narration exercises, maps, instructions for projects, booklists (fiction and non). So basically it comes down to how much extra you'd like to add to the reading of the book. I bought the ag for ancients and I'm glad I did. I needed the hand-holding for my 1st year.

We have a huge advantage in that dh is in the construction industry and can do most of the work himself. Saves a ton of money. That's also why it hasn't been done already. He doesn't feel like working on our house on the weekends, he wants a break. I can't blame him.

That's a really good idea! I'll run that by dh when he gets home from work.

Dove chocolates hide out in my nightstand! And Reese's cups on the way home from the grocery store if the kids didn't come with me. :-D I don't have to hide the kettle cooked jalepeno chips or cool ranch doritos, the kids think they're too spicy. Cheetos are another story...

You are right where we were this time last year. My dd will be 7 in March and last Feb, we were wrapping up phonics and she was ready for early chapter books. I just gave her a break sort of and let her read, read, read. She would read aloud to me, dh and her little brother. Then in August when we were starting 1st grade and she had built up more stamina for writing, we added Spelling for Success and Easy Grammar. We do EG lessons on the dry erase board and we'll mix up spelling word practice with ABC stamps, finger paint, foam letters, fridge magnets, sidewalk chalk,etc. just to keep her interested. Many might think this is too much "formal" work but I really gave it a lot of thought and looked at her cues. She loves to make cards, books, journals, etc. and is constantly asking me how to spell words. I felt like she would appreciate learning language arts more formally to help fuel her interest. I am not a proponent of early academics or judgmental of those that wait. I also don't really have a long term picture to look back on as to whether or not this plan was a good one. But right now she is happy, picks up on things quickly and many days, claims grammar is her favorite subject. Just sharing what has worked for us. GL, I hope you find a plan that works for you both!

Well, considering it was $25 for the kids to get their hair cut once, I think $30 for a trimmer is a good investment. I already have hair trimming scissors for dd's trims. Thanks for the recommendation!

Man, I feel bad for you! I hope it sells soon! We have seen quite a few fsbo success stories around here. We have a very small house and live in a very low col area so our listing price is nowhere near $200k. So I think we could do it but I hesitate for the reasons you mentioned.

I have watched a bunch of you tube videos and I know I could do it. I just need to get over myself and go for it! Really, if I wasn't pregnant, I'd probably have started already. I just retreat from absolutely everything when I'm pregnant. I'll check out Whal trimmers. Sounds like they're worth it if they've lasted this long for you!

Thanks Quill and Barbeque Mom! I will check those out. That's funny about the banana goop! Good to know!

We are working on our house to list it hopefully in the next few weeks and oh my goodness, I had no idea how many little repairs had accumulated over the last 10 years. Drywall patches, roof work, electrical in the garage, loose boards on the deck, water damage to the exterior door frame, on and on. We are finally down to organization and staging. Which is mostly my job. I am exhausted. 3rd trimester is not the time to be doing this! I am also worried about how to keep the house pristine with a 6yo and 3yo running around here all day, every day. I hope it sells fast! Good luck to all of you as well! Anyone else listing fsbo? We are tossing around the idea. Any good resources to suggest for info?

Let's see... Last week we had an emotionally charged dental visit for the kids so I grabbed fast food lunch to comfort us on the 30 min drive home. We all drank water and I didn't get any sugary treats, they did just get their teeth cleaned after all! Friday, we were going to drive to the big city to buy things we need for the baby but I wasn't in the mood to spend money so we stayed home. I've already made major changes to the baby list with practicality in mind. Saturday we looked at houses and came home very disappointed. Our 2 favorites are off the market. One has a contract, one has already sold. We didn't see a single thing that would work for us. And I'm not picky. I can look past ugly wallpaper and dated fixtures. I'm more concerned with the layout and everything had so much wasted space. Sunday some friends came for a visit from the next town over so we treated them to lunch. Then we went to a super bowl party. I brought pioneer woman's chicken salad sandwiches on slider buns. So I guess that was all social spending. I ordered Ds a few puzzles and other quiet time activities for his quiet time boxes. I felt like I should get dd something too, so I ordered a couple mathy board games for her. Yesterday was haircuts for the kids and every time, I feel like I should be able to do it myself. Especially since she nicked his ear and it bled like crazy. How much more damage could i do? I've watched a ton of you tube videos and just can't seem to work up my nerve. I need an electric trimmer with different sized guards. Do any of you cut your kids' hair? Can you recommend a trimmer?

We do a lot that's already been mentioned but a few other favorites here are Melissa & Doug floor puzzles, Glow & Learn books, Educational Insights Design and Drill Activity Center, stamp sets, and we like reusable stickers with coordinating pad better than regular stickers. Melissa & Doug have a bunch to choose from. Most of these purchases were Pinterest finds so you might get some good ideas with a search there. Preschool is so fun!

My dd loved listening to the recording in the car with me. So when it came on pbs, she wanted to watch it. She was 5 and it was too much for her. There are points when he wears a skull mask, which was really scary for her. Also, a body swings from a noose, women's shrill screaming made it worse, among other things. I offered to change the channel several times and she refused. She loved the costumes and music. She picked up on the various instruments being played. If I could do it over, I'd wait til the 10-13 age range.

I picked other. I think it would be too far for my 6 year old. She can fend for herself quite a bit within the home but not outside it yet. Its not something that is totally crazy though. Seems like an over-reaction.