How about Time4Learning.com? I actually think T4L is superior to SOS. We have used T4L and enjoyed it!

If you want to stick with whole books and still teach literary analysis, you could also consider adding some Total Language Plus or Progeny Press guides to your year. These are a workbook format and used independently. We found Total Language Plus extremely enjoyable. Just a thought.

I was not directing my comments at Bill, and just throwing out a tongue-in-cheek comment. Actually, there is heavy persecution of Christians around the world today. More Christians have died for their faith in the 20th Century than at any other time. I don't recall any stories of atheists being killed for their philospophy this century, but correct me if I'm wrong. I don't believe that someone acting in Christ's name is necessarily a Christian - it is like someone stealing your identity and doing things in your name. My point is that there seems to be hostility toward Christians among many atheist groups. And I have to admit, from atheists I know IRL. I find it interesting that this rarely gets brought up, and that Christians are the ones typically described as "hateful." The atheists say the country should fear fundamentalist Christians and that they are so dangerous. The most fundamentalist Christians I know of are Amish, and I gotta laugh at anyone fearing an Amish takeover. :D I find the atheist regimes around the world to be extremely oppressive. Countries that have Christian roots in the Reformation are the ones that have blossomed with human freedom today: for women and children. Take a look at the globe comparing freedoms from women/children in countries with Christian roots and countries with roots in atheistic/other religion. I'm getting off track now though....

That is the sin nature coming out which is a struggle for us all, and when Christians do this, they err...

So many options are available. Behead them. Beat them. Toture them. Throw them in prison. Take away their citizenship. Throw them into an arena with wild animals. Crucify them. Spread hateful lies about them. Deny them free speech. And we only multiply. :D

When we talk about total depravity, we mean that sin has affected every part of the human condition: spiritual, mental, physical. There is no part of my nature that is unaffected. There is nothing in me that desires light or submission to God. In fact, I prefer rebellion, and Self. There is nothing in me that is special or deserving of God's compassion, and that is why we call it grace. Why He chooses some and passes over others is a mystery, but it we believe that His judgments are good and just. If you want to be 'chosen,' simply call upon the Lord Jesus, turn to Him, and away from your sin. For those who think they are too far gone, talk to Rahab or the Samaritan woman. :D God is in the business of redeeming what was lost, and He is not far from any one of us. The Scriptures are clear, "If you call on the Lord Jesus, you shall be saved." The truth as I see it is, we resist and rebel against this call, and it is a conscious decision and effort to resist. When we sin, we sin with conscious knowledge but do it anyway. This is part of the reality of depravity: sin affecting all areas of my life and experience.

Yesterday a Christian friend's husband called while I was there. He informed her that he just found out he got an unexpected LARGE check. They talked excitedly on the phone because they were excited to send the whole thing to a group of poor children that they know if in Haiti. Upon leaving I noticed a table of toys in the yard. When I asked about it, her children said that they were selling all the toys they don't absolutely need to raise money to feed and clothe the poor. I know many, many Christian folks like this in my circle who sacrifice comforts like a new car or a bigger house so that they can give more to feed and clothe the poor and homeless. I believe in general, Christians give a much higher percentage of income and do more compassion-oriented service than atheist groups, atheist individuals or other religious groups. I believe that most relief organizations in the world were started by Christians, moved with compassion on the needy. Christian compassion is the logical response to those enslaved by poverty and sin, and I believe that history confirms this. We need to do better, though. I am impressed and encouraged by such groups as the junkycarclub.com and ijm.org.

Really? Do you have hateful feelings toward Calvinism and Calvinists? What evidence do you have that Calvinism or Christianity in general inspires hateful feelings toward other human beings? I have not found that to be the case in my circle.

Just found out that RC Sproul is airing a series on education. Today's broadcast featured the problem with State education. Just thought somebody else may be interested!

Hmmm. Are you getting Calvinism and Arminianism mixed up? I (not being a theologian, but just a Mom!) would say that Universalism is the next logical step from Arminianism.

:iagree: That makes logical sense to me.

I love your siggy line! I just wanted to point out that even in an Arminian worldview, not everyone is saved/spared/chosen, right? Or do we go to the next logical step of Universalism? Here is what I believe. I have a free will. It is not absolute but is shaped by things out of my control: how I grew up, where I was born, my experiences, etc. God is more free than I am. Nothing outside of Himself causes Him to turn or change. When MY free will comes in opposition to GOD's, I lose. God is good, and He is absolutely free. I am both good and evil, and my freedom is limited by my experiences and knowledge. I did not have a choice of where I was born or whether I would be born capable of sin. Therefore, I am a slave in that sense. Only God has absolute freedom. I haven't been awake long, but I hope that makes sense.:D

Calvinism vs. Armenianism is an "in house" debate, that is a non-essential. Therefore, I don't argue for it. From a Biblical standpoint, it is problematic to take a low view of sin and and holiness of God. It also problematic for me to start with my likes/dislikes and opinions about how I would like God to be. :) In my world, God is absolute moral purity, majesty and sovereignty. He is not an indulgent grandpa in the sky who winks at sin. God is love and God is wrath. These meet at the cross beautifully, reconciling love of man and hatred of sin. I take a high view of holiness of God. Here is an article on the Holiness of God that would explain a bit about why God cannot look upon iniquity, and why the Cross is a necessity to reconcile the paradox of God's Love and God's Justice.

At those ages, I generally keep the Biblical account short, about 10 minutes. Then they should do something age appropriate and engaging such as a construction project, art, game, or drama/charades. There are many ideas at the Rotation.org site. I would think that hands-on:story should be about 3:1. I'm not sure if this helps but perhaps you could build a prayer "wall." Go outside and find stones or use those big preschool blocks. Have them write one situation where kids are tempted to do wrong. Build a wall and have kids draw a brick and act out a situation where the person makes a choice. Have the class vote whether it was "right" or "wrong." You could decorate a memory verse by building a wall with shredded wheat or other fake "bricks." You could have them build prayer walls with Playdough. Sing songs about standing on God's word such as the B-I-B-L-E or "I'm in the Lord's Army!" HTH! Tami

I don't have any written out "rules," other than we must both agree on the clothing, and I need to see it before I buy. I don't have a problem with grunge, holes, tank tops, skinny jeans, or any ONE thing. If I have an issue with the overall Hoochie Factor of any outfit, it will have to be modified, and if an item becomes an issue, we toss it out. For example, skinny jeans are fine with a long tunic, but not with a tank top. Tank tops that don't show cleavage are fine for 90 degree heat, but not at an indoor event with climate control. I don't find grunge styles or "weathered" jeans immodest or objectionable. I think punk styles are cute, and I initially didn't have a problem with skirts layered with colored leggings/fishnets and boots. However, my hubby thinks fishnets have a high "Hoochie" factor no matter what the context, so I deferred to him on that one! Basically, if a parent thinks the outfit is "Hoochie" it needs to be modified. We must all agree on clothing choices, or it doesn't fly. I find this easier than a list of rules that will always get pushed and bent. :D

I doubt that money, condoms, or morning after pills will solve this problem. Teens spend more money on jeans and cell phones than ever! Also Planned Parenthood passes out contraception for free all over the US. Condoms have to be actually USED, 100% of the time, and morning after pills assume that the girl is not immature and in complete DENIAL. The teen brain is not fully mature, and they often do things based on what will provide the most excitement and pleasure NOW. Teens are very impulsive, and I bet many don't plan to have sex, but one thing leads to another and before ya know it.... As long as there are teens that are together unsupervised, there are going to be lots of teen pregnancies. Even with the best of supervision, the best of resources there are going to be those who are going to do what they want to do, without really thinking through the consequences. No simple answers here, and an unplanned pregnancy is a tragedy for all involved. The inconvenient truth of abortion is that it takes a human life and takes it violently. A life with possibilities and potential. As a former fetus, and as a baby born to an unwed mother, I am thankful my mother did not end my life due to her difficult circumstances. I imagine that many have never seen an abortion, and if you haven't, I'd challenge you to take a look at one viewed via ultrasound. Take a look at the POC, or products of conception produce with each abortion. POC is a eupemism for counting body parts to make sure they have all been expelled. I had a nurse-friend who had this job of verifying POC a few times, and it changed her and haunted her. Denial is the bliss of those who hide in it. I also wonder how many have dealt with post-abortive women, or who have given a crying post-abortive woman a ride home from the clinic weeping so hard your heart aches for them, but there is no comfort because their child is dead and there are just no words that will comfort them? If you are pro-choice, what do you do for those who are damaged by abortion? Sad situation all around.

Toss the processed muck out (processed meats, snacks, and side items) and substitute 5-6 servings of fresh fruits/veggies and as much lean protein as you can get your hands on.

:iagree: I just printed this up and it looks wonderful! Per a suggestion at Homeschool in the Woods, I put them in a binder but only printed one side. That way, the timeline can be pulled out and streched out full length at any time. I used regular typing paper, and page protectors. I am super happy with it.

No way without having turning my backyard into a farm. We buy tons of fresh produce, lean meats, and milk but don't buy any convenience food unless you consider store-bought bread a convenience item. I don't use coupons often, because most of my food comes from the perimeter of the store where coupons don't often apply or I buy generic oatmeal, wheat flour, etc. I feel that healthy, fresh food is an investment in our health. It also makes us happy to experiment with new dishes, new herbs, and new cooking methods. I detest processed food and ingredients, and so avoid them whenever I can. We're not a Frito Pie or Tator Tot Hotdish - type family, and those are the types of dishes I see recommended on those frugal homemaker sites. We are willing to put money down to pay for quality food. ;) Is wine included in the budget or is that separate? :tongue_smilie:

:lol::lol::lol::iagree:

I would never declaw a cat. NEVER. Scratching and climbing is as much of who a cat is as barking and sniffing are to a dog. Cats are natural born killers. Is your cat getting plenty of "hunting" time? Our cat likes to "hunt" ping-pong balls, toy mice, laser pointers, piles of extra cords, paper bags, and most any item that is small enough to "prey" on. This seems to be the strongest for about an hour or so in the evening, but she can certainly play anytime. We call this the "Bewitching Hour" when our sweet little kitty turns into a Natural Born Killer, complete with wild eyes. I insist that this cat was born for Special Ops. :D Yes, clip the nails, and yes, train her to a scratching post. However, realize that cats need space, may panic with loud noises or lots of commotion. I take the general stance that the day you realize that you cannot control a cat, you will be a happy cat owner. :grouphug: Instead of focusing on controlling your cat by declawing, ask yourself what is the need that your cat is having by attacking? It sounds like she needs more play time, and more "prey." Perhaps she is not being given the space she needs at times. Train your children to never try to force a cat to be held, and train them that we do not control cats, the cats control US! Purring is merely mind control and it works very well to get us humans to be subservient and to obtain proper Adoration. :D;):grouphug:

Way to go for being such a caring Mom and mentor. Remind your dd that people do all sorts of things they would never normally consider when in Crisis Mode. I pray you will find mercy in your heart for this young friend. Be sure to talk to your daughter about signs of depression, which may come up later when reality hits this young woman. I hope that this will be a wake-up call for the friend to get on a better path. How very sad for all involved.

I wouldn't be interested in a circus with animals due to concerns with quality of life, and Cirque looks too sleazy/sexy. I guess I'd take a pass. For the money, I'd rather have a week-end getaway!

Would be to number the independent boxes only, say 1-8. A box for EACH child. Then for the shared resources use ONE set of boxes, putting a different color on each box: Blue, Yellow, Red, Black. Assign shared resources in different order. For example, have one child do their numbered boxes first, and them work through the colors. Or have one child do Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, while the other child works on Black, Red, Blue, Yellow. You could also use Tangram pieces, or whatever seems interesting for the shared boxes.

Workboxes may or may not be the thing for you, but perhaps you could have "CHOICE" boxes, "PERSONAL INTEREST TIME boxes," or something similiar? Workboxes are really so flexibile that the possibilities are endless. You can have as many or as few "required" boxes as you like. You can change your mind and rotate games, art, music or whatever through whenever the fancy strikes. That said, if what you are doing is working, then why change?