I was wondering if anyone uses this program for middle-school kids? I am considering trying it and wondering how it works...do you use it as your main science or as a supplement? If you have used it, which of the subjects did you and your kids enjoy most? thanks

yep...looks like one that would save me from pulling out a few more hairs!

thanks for the link...I've already seen some that look like something even I can attempt.

I think you can change people's attitudes about homeschooling by example. We have encountered people throughout the years of homeschooling that said that our boys contradict the stereotype of the typical homeschooler. Perhaps over time as you go to the library group, these women and maybe others will change their minds by seeing how your kids speak, interact and participate in the activity. And, yes, there will always be those that you can't change their opinions. It's their loss!

Ok, so I haven't picked up a scrapbooking item since my boys were 3-4 years of age(youngest turns 13 tomorrow and oldest is 14) but now the desire has surfaced and I am going to take on the task of organizing the last 10 years of pictures, memorabila, etc. When I last scrapbooked, Creative Memories was THE way to go...now I just recently discovered that this is a major industry and there is some really cool stuff out there. In fact, too much so that I am overwhelmed! I have been to the Achiver's store in Belleville three times and came out with $100 of albums, paper, stickers and stuff but I am froze up!! I can't explain it but I have a major creative block and need a layout and help. I can't make it to their classes right now(we live 70 miles away) and so I am just sort of stuck. Any ideas, websites to help me take the initial plunge. What are some of your must have items to start with? I bought a couple of albums and I am already changing my mind as the width of the pages are too small to do any kind of layout. I love the vintage looks and retro looks that are out now as they are so my boys' style but I am the type of person that sometimes too many options freeze me up!!!

I have gone thru this as a child and also as a parent and ott never is an easy thing to do. These pets depend on us to do the right thing no matter what but it hurts to let go. :grouphug:

Thanks for all the great suggestions...I have spent this morning looking at the links suggested! Love the CBIhateperfume site! I'm afraid an order is inevitable! Layering seems to be my problem...it just seems like the initial investment from ALL the products is a bit much.

:iagree:

Depending on the age of your kids, I would definitely recommend Ken Burn's DVD series on the Civil War. My boys and I loved it and it was our favorite history so far! We watched them when they were 6th and 7th grades and then used his WWII series this year. GREAT! Also, we bought an incredible book from Sam's that is called The Civil War Experience by Jay Wertz, I think. You might could find it on Amazon or B&N.

Ok, I have tried countless fragrances...expensive and others less expensive(like from Bath and Body and Victoria's Secret etc.) and I have no luck wearing a fragrance and it lasting long enough to get out of the door to go somewhere! Anyway have a clue what the problem could be? I have turned to using body lotions more hoping that the fragrance will last. I don't like a real perfumey smell and neither does my husband. I used to wear patchouli very well...people would stop me everywhere we go and ask what I was wearing but I haven't been able to find that oil again. I want to have a signature scent that really suits me and whenever I go to find one, I never find much help at the fragrance counters. so, any advice and favorite fragrances that last but are not over-powering?

Have you ever taken melted blue cheese and saute some mushrooms and put with ribeye...oh my, I'm drooling as I type!!!!

Librarylover...any good resorts to check out in Belize that you know of? Faithr...I once saw a show and Sanibel and ever since then, I have dreamed of going there. Do you know of a resort or condos that you would recommend?

My husband and I just returned from our first(and last)cruise. It was not our cup of tea. We left out of New Orleans and went to Cozumel. We have always wanted to take our boys-ages 13 and 14 to Atlantis but know that it is probably way out of our budget. So, we thought that we would try to find a great resort that offered an all-inclusive offer and just fly somewhere. Do any of you have any places that you have loved? What advice do you have for someone on how to find a good place at a reasonable price? I am not familiar at all with anything beach wise other than the panhandle of Florida(specifically Pensacola and Perdido Key areas) so I would even consider farther south in Florida. I have heard Sanibel is great. any suggestions or dream places you guys want to go?!?!?

I, too, feel the same about non-fiction. I guess my advice would be to keep trying different books. If I find an author that really moves me, I try to read more by them as well as look for books on Amazon that others read that liked the first book. I also like reading books based on true stories...my kids love stories that people write about their childhood or families. Don't feel like you have to like a certain type of reading. Just enjoy reading!!! I have tried to like non-fiction and I just feel like I'm trying to convince myself that it is a good thing for me to do like exercise, obstaining from sugar, etc. I finally just said, screw it and read what I want!

We live on a small lake and so we have "the discussion" with our boys every year. Our situation also includes 2 Labs-one of which loves water beyond life itself- and my husband has repeatedly told the boys should Sadie accidently fall thru the ice...they are NEVER to attempt to rescue her but to come get us immediately. We watch her when ice thaws and keep her off of it but she still gets on it when playing. I wouldn't bear to lose her-we are major animal lovers-and I know how hard it would be if my boys had to decide not to walk on the ice but that is my fear as I know that would be tempting to them even though they know not to endanger themselves. Glad you had a good outcome...hug them and remind them that we all have had our moments when our brains didn't stay turned on as they should!

LOVE IT!!! We love steaks on grill, pork steaks on grill, chicken kabobs on grill. Hubby and boys love prime rib! WE all adore ribs, venison, bacon. Don't have to have it every meal but we do get our share of protein. I would love to have access to better meat without the cost of buying it at the supermarket though. We buy from a local grocery our beef. NEVER from Wal-Mart.

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: I'm sorry for your pain. Hope time will heal.

my husband was totally in favor of us homeschooling the kids when we started(at Pre-K and K) Now, at grades 7th and 8th, he has concerns about lack of activities offered in the town we live in...pop.16,000 and little to no activities for kids in middle school age. no support group that really offers a connection with families of similar interests. He would like to have the kids "experience" a classroom setting before hitting college so we are considering a private Christian school when younger son hits 9th grade(the school begins with 9th and we want both to go at same time rather than leave one at home!) He is great support and proud of what I have done as a teacher. He leaves it all to me as far as school and that is ok by me. He teaches them life skills and is a very interactive parent.

My great aunt and great uncle are both turning 90 this week and I would like to send them a birthday gift of sorts. They are having a birthday celebration with family and friends at their retirement center and so I thought I would have something delivered for the event. Any ideas? If anyone has ordered something online...do you recommend any sites? thanks

thanks for list...I browsed thru it quickly and already see that I can use it to pull some ideas from... thanks for sharing!

I am thinking about ordering the math, language and reading books for grades 7th and 8th for my boys this year. We don't normally do test prep but I thought I would do it this year. Anyone have a favorite test prep workbook? Which is better in your opinion and what subjects do you cover for test prep? thanks

Okay, need workbooks, websites that will encourage my boys to learn about American government, civics, etc. They are grades 7th and 8th and we haven't touched much on either. History is our interest and we finished the last book in Joy Hakim's The History of US as well. Also, we are finishing up the last lesson in our geography book so I thought we would take this semester and focus on civics, gov't, etc. I hated these subjects in school(thirty years ago!) so I am hoping someone has found a fun way to learn about them! thanks for input!

:iagree:

I forgot about this one!!!!

We are finishing up our study on US history and we are going back to World History. We have supplemented with the videos from HippoCampus and my boys have really enjoyed them. Does anyone know of a good site that offers free videos on World History? The ones on Hippo are usually 3-7 minutes and we follow along with the topic or President from our chapter if A History of US>