So, my children (rising 4th and 5th graders) will be doing part-time school at a private school this upcoming year. We did part-time (at a different school) for math last year, though we started late in the year. They will be taking two classes. Math is a definite, but the second will be most likely language arts/English or social studies-- depending on the school's schedule. (Unfortunately, we will not learn the schedule until the week before school starts, when the teachers have their meetings to figure out who does what/when.) I remember 5th grade being a time when I started having more book reports, or different projects to do, and I want to make sure the kids stay on top of their work. It was pretty easy last year- they'd come home and do their math homework, plain and simple. Now that we have two classes at the school-- it gets a bit more tricky. There's also the possibility they will be taking classes through our homeschool co-op as well-- things like jr. chemistry, writing, engineering-- but we won't know for sure until the school schedule is out. So, I'm thinking the kids (especially my older child) might benefit from some type of planner to help keep on top of book reports, spelling tests, etc. But-- I'm unsure of how to implement this. One of the local charter schools (a high-stress tons of homework per night school) actually has classes in the summer for their students (elementary age included) on how to use their day planners for the upcoming year-- so, I know that some people do this. Does anyone have any experience with day-planners or calendars or organizers for older elementary-aged kids? I want to give them the best chance at succeeding, but don't want to overwhelm them.

I've seen sights similar, and I was definitely interested. Its just that...we're in the desert...in the summer...and most of the people I'm seeing are in Europe or want to "travel." Personally, that would have been the way I go...but this trip we're taking (a temporary relocation overseas) is not yet finalized...but when it does become so, we will probably be leaving very soon after. Not having exact dates yet is what is making it a bit hard...but I guess we could always look for people who are decently open with their time.

We recently put or two (ages 9 and 10) part time in a classroom. They currently go to a private school for math. Next year, we are switching them to a different private school for math and another subject (either language arts or social studies). I would say that my experiences as a homeschooler are what make me more likely to personalize my children's education. I felt that they needed more accountability and also to see how an actual school setting works. We were having lots of issues with "my life is so hard" and things of a similar nature. Honestly, it has been a GREAT experience for us. We still get (most) of the flexibility of homeschooling, but they're also learning through school. They've witnessed behavior issues with kids (an eye opener), had report cards, timed tests, quizzes...homework. They have to be up and out on time, which has been great for accountability. I feel that I don't have to educate my kids in a certain way...it doesn't have to be all homeschool or all public school. We CAN tailor their education to their needs. But, as I'm always telling people, the freedom of pursuing your own educational path does come with a price. For us, that price is in dollar signs. But, we're happy to make the sacrifice. I just heard last night from another public school (charter school) mom that she wants to part time her kids, but can't find any options...though she did say there is a public elementary in town that does school MWF and T TR the kids learn at home.

These are some good ideas! Our guy is so sweet, and he really makes friends easily (I swear, he'd ride off with our FedEx woman if she'd let him). Where we live, we get lots of summer rain and I wouldn't mind having someone here who could email me if the roof started to leak. I definitely feel I might be slightly paranoid about the clean factor before we leave-- like OMG, she might see in this closet or that garage, etc.

It is a tough position. I was once in it, and finally, after many years of not wanting to accept, I had finally come to the conclusion that I just didn't believe. Once I admitted it to myself, all the questions I had over the years, the ones I tried to explain away (such as the Op's question) were pretty much instantly solved.

Long story short- we're needing to find a long-term sitter for our dog. Originally, the plan became to ship him to my in-laws in the Midwest, as he knows them and they have dogs and I know they'll do a good job walking him, etc. (He's a large breed.) BUT-- it will be about $1200 round trip for him to do this, and on top of that, we can't send him if the temps are above 85...and as I live in the desert Southwest...they might not cool down till almost November. (That means, we would be home without him for several months, which is not OK.) I'm also a bit uneasy about how long and stressful that trip would be on my dog, who is slightly neurotic and clingy to begin with. I couldn't imagine sending him to a kennel for 1-3 months, so the next option is a house sitter. I've found a website that lists housesitters who will also watch pets, which is kind of a win-win. BUT...I'm not thrilled with just letting a stranger in. Has anyone ever had a housesitter stay in your place or, do you know someone who has?

I live down the road in Tucson. Personally, I like Tucson better. The temps aren't as high in the summer, we occasionally see snow in the winter and is generally a nice place to live. Lots of homeschoolers around here, too.We get monsoons in the summer (without the dust storms) and have pretty mountain views. There are a variety of different farms around town (a lot to the SE), so they must be doing something right. It only hit 91 here over the weekend, and the weather people said its about 2 weeks too early for 90s.

For the record, it does rain in the desert SW...especially in July-August/September.

My friend's daughter is convinced that I am a spy. My daughter told me I can be very intimidating to people when calmly asking for things (such as, this order is wrong, could you please replace it?) Happy with both of those compliments.

I'm a darn good wife. But, I am a good wife for MY husband. Other husbands might think I'm horrible. I think some of the things that I've worked at in order to make a good HOME, has helped on the wife front. He goes to work, deals with most money issues, does the yard, etc. I have meals planned and cooked, make sure everyone is where they need to be, keep the house running in decent order most of the time. I work to help make his days easier and I know he tries to help me when he's at home.

Harry Potter audiobooks have always served us well. Might not be the best for the littlest one-- but not sure what will. When my son was 3, he listened along to Harriet the Spy on a very long car trip...so you never know.

I do a lot of my shopping at Goodwill. We're about the same age. I'm 35, and I like to look pulled-together. Personally, I have gone away from jeans and denim. I like to wear colored shorts or pants combined with a more neutral (gray or navy or denim) top. In the summer (and I live in the desert), I like to wear colorful shorts, and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows. Cute shoes (slip ons or sandals- not tennis shoes) are a definite must. Also accessories- I tend to do simple things such as earrings/necklace or a brooch. Here's a few examples of looks I typically do or like: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208643395213053588/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208643395210390964/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208643395210244475/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208643395210298851/ I personally like mixing a bright solid color (say, pink or green) with a neutral print (such as navy gingham).

Second. OMG, love Boulder so much.

I've thought about doing this...and I've wondered what my husband's take would be. I read way too many news sites and so I end up with 100 "what'ifs" in my head about traveling alone. I would definitely consider Salzberg alone (close enough- about 1.5 hours?) as I'm sure my husband doesn't actually give a flying flip about The Sound of Music. Or Mozart :) Well, he might care about Mozart. I think the excitement about the possible trip combined with homeschooling/life while he's been gone (we're having troubles, ahem, listening today) have just made me feel a little crazy.

My sister-in-law also suggested this. I've always wanted to go, but I'm going to have to look into travel times to getting to and from any place. I actually saw there were some ruins (was it a Colosseum?) in France, but the town was definitely not an easy trek to get to.

I am so excited to see all your replies! Not long after I wrote the original message...my husband came home from work and announced they were sending ASAP. Combined with a stressful point in our local lives (I coached an Odyssey of the Mind team + LIFE)...I went into survival mode (imagine an ostrich with head in ground). My husband is currently over there, and will be back soon...and we should find out soon if they are sending all of us. I still have panic feelings of "OMG we homeschool they'll figure out," but it looks like a tourist visa will be OK for us, especially since the trip might be only 1.5 months now. (ONLY? Sheesh, myself. Get a grip.) I'm more interested in seeing places like a local and experiencing the cities. I have a short attention span and am not really interested in seeing lots of churches, castles, or museums. (Maybe a castle or two, but not many.) So far...if we do 6 weekend trips...Venice, Rome (for my daughter, who is obsessed with ancient Greeks and Romans), Paris (a must for me), either Prague or Budapest, Salzberg....and who knows. I am hoping to be able to turn the travels into unit studies. Of course, I'll bring along their math books (traveling can get boring!) and such for the train. I'm really hoping this potential trip will open my children's eyes to the world.

My husband came home from work the other day to tell some pretty exciting (but crazy) news. He might be transferred to Europe (from the US) for three months. This is one of those crazy once-in-a-lifetime things for us. We've always wanted to go to Europe, but it's never been in our budget. Now we are possibly looking at the chance. I'm having trouble finding info- most things I find are for people who are there for just a few weeks, or are moving there permanently. It would be Germany. None of us speak German. We do not have a time frame-- all we know if it happens, it would be within a year. Most likely, he's guessing, it would possibly be around the summer months. Oddly enough, my sister in law (his sister) lives in Germany, but she'd be about 5 hours away from us, but it would still be nice. We would be on the southeast side on Germany- so closer to Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, Czech Republic, rather than the UK, Denmark, etc. Our plans would be to travel as much as feasible while there-- this would probably be our only chance for a very long time. SO, during the week, we'd stay in our house in Germany, and the weekends we would travel either by car, plane or train to where ever we can get. Of course, if we get tired of big travels, we'll stay close to home some weekends. Our kids would be 9 and 11 at the time. Has anyone ever done something like this before? Lived in a country longer than a vacation, but shorter than becoming a resident? Would we have to worry about anti-homeschooling laws if we were there for three months? I'd love any experiences-- or just even any places in the more Eastern parts of Europe that you know, love or heard that other people love. Thanks in advance.

We have ours frozen. We did have it unfrozen when we purchased a house, then restarted it. Definitely worth doing.

The SMUGNESS of anyone who has decided to send their child to school. Please, please enlighten me on how wonderful your life is. I've had so many people tell me things such as, "Once your daughter is 10, you better send her to school, otherwise you'll ruin your relationship with her." I've seen what 10-year-olds are doing...and...no.