If anyone is interested, I'm giving away two shiny new copies of Web Design for Kids (and Curious Grown-Ups) today on my blog. Web Design for Kids is a DVD that takes the viewer step-by-step through the beginning of html - a web design language. I think it's very well made and a great place for kids 8 and up (and grownups) to start. That's why I'm giving away two copies. :) Giveaway

I plan on 42 weeks, knowing that we'll get interrupted and probably make only 40 weeks. Also, it leaves me a few weeks if something weird happens and I need to make up weeks just to get to forty full weeks of school. You can see my planned out year here: 2009-2010 School Year I really like having a plan like this for more formal learning. I didn't do it for K4 because I didn't want the pressure. Now that I've got some schooling under my belt, a schedule like this doesn't pressure me, but empower me.

If I may be so bold, I think that this statement can apply very well across people groups throughout the centuries.

Thanks for sharing! Interesting read.

There are no double or triple coupon deals here. In fact, I haven't seen a store with that offer in years. I am always surprised when someone mentions it.

Aaaahhhh I see (we were posting at the same time, you beat me).

I recommend something like this too. I happen to love dialect and slang. It adds so much richness and variety to a language. I use all kinds of incorrect grammar - when appropriate. I (try to) use correct grammar in most of my life.

This does not work for me. I cannot listen to anything until all the kids are in bed. It's simply impossible. I don't see that getting any better anytime soon. I thought SWB made some great observations in that article. I, too, read it first as soon as I pulled the catalog out of the mail. Incindentally, I'm also excited about the upcoming release of First Form Latin!

:hat: Many people don't have a problem in the world using a 'boxed curriculum' - even around these parts. You're fine in my book. I think it is a great way to ease into homeschooling. Hope to see you around some more!

Only 1 hour until the eclipse!

I highly recommend The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading. I've used it, and followed it's recommendations and instructions, and it's been great. (Link: OPGTR) We got through the first 100 lessons last school year, when my son was four. He can now read many, many things around him. For instance, while on vacation he read these signs: "In case of fire do not use the elevators. Use the stairs" "Worst seat in the joint. Sit here and get 50 off your bill." (it said "50%") I really like it. I think it works well. Sure, it's not flashy. But you use it for 15 minutes a day. Explode the Code makes a great review/reinforcement for OPGTR. Other people really like A Beka. It does work well if you get all the parts and pieces; all of it together is expensive. There are a few other great programs out there. I'm failing to remember them now. Pick one that you think you will like teaching. If you're enthused about it, chances are your five year old will have no trouble learning to read with it.

From NASA: On Wednesday, 2009 July 22, a total eclipse of the Sun is visible from within a narrow corridor that traverses half of Earth. The path of the Moon's umbral shadow begins in India and crosses through Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China. Here's a schedule of when the eclipse will be visible, with American Time zones included: Schedule If I read it correctly, the eclipse will happen at 9pm July 22nd, Eastern Time. But, I have wondered if they mean July 22nd *local time* which would be July 21st for us. ________________________ I didn't read it correctly. :001_rolleyes: The eclipse is about 9 hours away from happening right now. So that would mean it's happening tonight, July 21st. Locally, the eclipse will be occuring on July 2nd.

From NASA: On Wednesday, 2009 July 22, a total eclipse of the Sun is visible from within a narrow corridor that traverses half of Earth. The path of the Moon's umbral shadow begins in India and crosses through Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China. Here's a schedule of when the eclipse will be visible, with American Time zones included: Schedule If I read it correctly, the eclipse will happen at 9pm July 22nd, Eastern Time. But, I have wondered if they mean July 22nd *local time* which would be July 21st for us.

:iagree: Clueless in the midwest, CookieMonsterKatrina

Yes! Just do one thing. It'll lead to other things. Sometimes what you try to do doesn't work out. That's cool, though. The effort of trying to reach out brings out good things in us. (You know it's the journey not the destination...) So if you hit a dead end with one thing, try something else.

I love the Internet! :hurray: (sometimes) Here's an article with links to 7 different ways to view the solar eclipse of the century online (we won't be able to see it here in North America). How to see the eclipse There won't be an eclipse this long again until 2132, if the Lord tarries.

Ditto, here. I wish my stepmother *had* clued me in - during a time that I wasn't hormonal (and in a loving, matter-of-fact, non-judgemental tone). :grouphug: to the OP (and others)

Good to see you. I'm glad all is well. I think about your sometimes and wonder how you are...

I was asleep when you wrote this. Just chimin' in now to say :iagree:

I have not seen (and therefore not participated) in any of the 'other' threads concerning universal healthcare in the US, so I'm not sure where everyone is exactly concerning all of this. I will just say that if socialized medicine in this country will be anything like the VA (Veteran's Administration) - no thank you. I have seen relative after relative improperly serviced by that government organization. *The latest proven techniques take years to become standard. Maybe decades. *The list of what they cover and do (and conversely, what they won't do) is even worse than my HMO. *Bad procedures (proved so by studies) take way too long to be removed from the system. *In order to have any hope of controlling costs across the vast landscape of the USA, they have only a few full-service hospitals. The nearest one to my relatives is 8 hours away. My relatives travel 8 hours one way to see their doctor. *Wait times for appointments and procedures is sometimes scary. *Inferior staff are kept on - as with most gov't agencies. I like the ideaology behind univeralsocialistmedicineUSA. I agree with many of the points a lot of the supporters make, despite my staunch conservatism. I just really, really wonder if, after all the dust settles, that we'll really be better off. I wonder if the middle class will really get help when all hell breaks lose in their life. I wonder if the lower class will really be healthier. I wonder if the strain of extra taxes (because that's what it will take in the end) won't cause an overall economic decline.

I think this shows that you misunderstood from the beginning. This video, and other materials like it, is produced by and for people who do not believe in 'sex as recreation'. Therefore, her audience shares her beliefs about 'what sex was meant to be' and isn't 'pushing' her beliefs but merely affirming the beliefs her audience already shares. I would be similarly offended by a video that came at sex from a viewpoint that it was recreation and that there were no specific rules for how, when, where, and why - just general guidlines based on data should you choose to use these guidelines.

I think you're right.

Aww, thank you. It was a hard thing to write at the time, but I wanted it to be an encouragement. It's uplifting to know that it has been for you.

:lol: Yeah, why be all happy about the dawning day of peril? You know On the Road Again? I always thought he was saying: The wife I love is making music with my friends And I can't wait to get on the road again I couldn't blame him for wanting to get on the road again!

:willy_nilly: This whole schooling with an infant thing is going to be intellesting...velly, velly, intellesting...