I found this book very off-putting. There is something alarmist about the tone, and the way they make fantastic claims with no science to back it up. But that's beside the point. The sheer complexity of the food recipes, along with the number of steps involved to prepare a simple meal was overwhelming to me. Really, good nutrition does not need to be complex, does it? :willy_nilly: I don't recommend Nourishing Traditions to anyone starting out - it's really a "Master's" level nutrition course, imo. I know so many NT wannabees, but nobody who's been able to stay the course consistently due to the complex nature of the recommendations. I only mention this because I want newbies to be successful, right from the start. Therefore, I recommend a simple, straight forward program that will lay a good foundation. I'm not trying to be argumentative, but a newbie program has to be sustainable in the day-to-day, long term life of a busy homeschool mom. It should also give the new user instant success, and a quick start. Therefore, I recommend something like Eat Clean Diet to begin.

I highly recommend the simple ideas outlined in the Eat Clean Diet Cookbook and/or Clean Eating magazine. These resources will help you go from vague ideas to actions steps such as menu plans, shopping lists, how to "clean up" your recipes, how to redefine "fast" food (pack a cooler EVEY time you leave the house!). I have seen other healthy cookbooks, and they really make thing complex and intimidating. Anything by Tosca Reno, or Clean Eating Magazine is commons sense and based on good science. Clean Eating is available at most larger newstands. I applaud you!!!! Once you get used to it, it is so much easier following *principles* than a rigid diet. Just remember - baby steps. Do one new habit at a time, and when you are comfortable with that, add another. Write down your goals, and track your progress. Soon, you'll be a whole new you!

an unconverted child? The root "devotion" in devotional would imply devotion to God, and perhaps your child is just not there yet. I don't believe in forcing, pushing, or shoving apologetics books down people who are unconverted, as it may only serve to harden the heart and innoculate them. Worse, it may give them a false sense of conversion, when they really know Bible facts, rather than the Author, kwim? As a parent, God asks us to teach our children the ways of the Lord and His commandments. Trust God to use that in your child's life at the right time. It is His work, not ours. 9 is really young - plant the seed of the word, and trust the Lord with the harvest, whether that be in a year, 5 years, or 15 years. I really would take a pass on apologetics and concentrate on two things: Biblical literacy and memorizing portions of Scripture. LARGE portions, if your son is bright. Do not pressure him for analyzation, application, and such -- just sow, sow, sow. Basically, do not ask him to be a Christian, without the conversion part. The last thing you want to raise is a self-righteous Pharisee. Resist the urge to put the pressure on him, or measure your own Christian walk by whether your son is converted or not. Conversion is a work of the Spirit, and nothing you can force through pressure. Also, work on your own relationship with the Lord, and show your child God's ways as you deal with him. Yes, we will fall short, but my prayer is that God's grace would cover my inadequacies, and that I would not be a stumbling block in ANY way for my child's relationship with God. May the Lord bless you abundantly in your mothering!

History/Bible/Worldview: Ancient Civilizations and the Bible (Diana Waring) supplemented heavily with living books Language Arts: CLE English with 2 Total Language Plus guides, IEW Writing CLE Math Science: Prentice Hall SE: "Chemical Interactions" with fun supplements Logic: Fallacy Detective

Yes, it seems to be one of the best-kept secrets out there! The online, multi-media aspect really appeals to dd. I wonder why this one doesn't get much "press?"

We are just beginning the Monster Storms unit, and it is such a fantastic approach to middle school science. And the best part is...it is FREE online! All we had to do is register, and everything is right there in the Mission Center: hyperlinked student text, teacher's manual (when you register as a teacher) with discussion questions and extensions, cross curricular suggestions, online games, digital labs, etc. You name it, Jason's got it! Anyone else a fan? We are starting "Monster Storms" and wondering if anybody else is using this curriculum. If you've never heard of the Jason Project, and have a child in 5th/6th through 8th grades, it is definitely worth checking out!!! You have to register in order to see the online curriculum in the "Mission Center", but it is well-worth the few seconds it takes.

I would personally leave it alone. I think the heart and soul of a family has nothing to do with biology. In fact, information on parentage could be the death of an already difficult marriage (your mom and dad's). Somethings are better left in the past. I guess if you HAVE to know, I would keep the information to yourself.

We are the owners of a powerful American bulldog named Sally. She has a tendency to do what you have desribed your dog doing, but we nipped it in the bud early and have had no further problems with her. We used Cesar Milan's techniques of being the Pack Leader, and it's been a necessity with a powerful, stubborn dog like Sally. Don't get me wrong, she is sweet, but without proper leadership, I could see her going the wrong direction as far as aggression and social skills. My advice: Establish dominance and be the Pack Leader. Do this 24/7. This will make your dog happy! During feedings: Do not let her hurry you, or get in your space. YOU make her work for her food by obeying, doing a simple command like "sit" and "speak." After her bowl if filled, and she has performed a simple command have her "stay." When she is calm/submisive, give her permission to eat. Make sure you can touch her/take her bowl away at any time without growling. Walks: Keep her at heel. Don't let the dog get ahead of you or pull. See Cesar Milan's techniques for leadership in this area. He gives his walking techniques in almost every "Dog Whisperer" show, and I HIGHLY recommend!!! I would suggest "borrowing" a neighbor dog that is calm to walk with daily. Walking with other dogs will build her social skills and ability to be part of a pack. Social Skills: Invite one neighborhood kid (a confident-type child would work best!) over at a time, and have the neighbor go with you when you walk your dog. THis will be less threatening to your dog, and your dog will be focused on the walk. After the walk, let your dog socialize with the neighborhood child ON LEASH. Immediately correct any dominant behavior. See "Dog Whisperer" for more info on leading sessions like this. Avoid reinforcing inappropriate behavior through petting, hugging, affection or treats. WHen your dog growls at neighbors, to you pet her and try to "reassure" her? Your dog sees this as a "green light" and not as "reassurance." So many owners unintentionallly reinforce negative behavior in their dogs this way. Affection/treats should only be given when your dog is in a submissive state. Anyway, our bulldog, who people say is hard to train, is a gentle soul now. She looks to me or my dh for leadership, and does not feel the need to make decisions or act out. She is an extremely loving, sweet, well-behaved dog. She knows her boundaries, and stays with them. I credit Cesar Milan's techniques for our success. Train your dog NOW, and you can have a great family pet. No, your dog will not "grow out of" a dominance problem. Your dog will only get stronger, and more powerful. NIP it in the bud now. WIth Cesar's techniques, you will see very fast results. Good luck from Sally and I! Sally has recently lost 15 lbs and wants to show it off, LOL!

I would talk to my Pastor, husband and others in my fellowship regarding these concerns.

The CLE readers are delightful, wholesome reading with a strong Christian perspective. We use them as devotional-type reading. I think the workbooks are unnecessary and even undesirable at your son's age. Just get the reader and let him enjoy the stories.

[quoteI wouldn't go overboard on it (some of the people get really into it and get really musclely (I know thats not a word :D), but it DOES burn the fat faster than any program I have been on before, and the program does show great results after only 12 weeks. I just have to comment on this. First, on looking to muscle-bound: there is absolutely no way that weight training will make you look manly. Girls that get muscle bound in magazines and ads do two things: take special supplements and get their body fat extremely low to look "muscle-ey!" The probably look like that a few weeks out of the year. Second, the reason that Body for Life and weight training shows "great results" is that you are putting lean muscle on your body, and it is metabolizing the fat. Putting muscle on is a Good Thing, and very needed for most of us ladies who have ruined our metabolisms through low calorie dieting, lack of exercise, and quick fix diets. I have gotten more results through a few months of weight training than I have every gotten in the years of long cardio sessions and low calorie diets. Weight training is leaning out my body, and the fat just melts! If you weight train, you will up your metabolism, fight off bone loss, get rid of ugly fat, feel stronger and more energetic, have a stronger sex drive, and generally just look HOTTER! Nope, you will never look like a man, unless you do extreme body-building with supplements and a specialized diet to get to extremely low body fat. God has not given you enough testosterone. Personally, I think strength and a lean body is sexy. Nothing appealing about looking or feeling like a couch potato. :D

and despite the intololerance for an exclusivist position, that is exactly what it teaches. Therefore, although we respect people of all faith or no faith, we believe the Bible declares that there is one God, one Son, and one Spirit who is the Father and Redeemer of the world. We believe that Truth can be known, and that Jesus Christ is Truth. The evidence for this is in the prophecies, in the sinless life that Jesus lived, and in the fact of His resurrection. One God revealed in three persons is what is claimed in the Scriptures, and we believe it with all of our hearts. However, loving people of all persuasions, faiths, and philosophies is a basic tenant of Christianity. "For God so loved the world..." If you are not familiar with Scripture, I'll include a passage which is one of many form which I draw my conclusion. Many could be presented, but here is one. John 10 The Shepherd and His Flock 1"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. 7Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." 25Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[d]; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one." 31Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, 32but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" 33"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."

I have used Saving Dinner Low Carb for years now. I used it exactly has written, and it is a God-send!!! I can spend my time cooking healthy food and eating with my family rather than pouring over menus and making shopping lists. I never stare at the freezer at 5:30 wondering what to make anymore. We don't have emergency pizza or fast food. Saving Dinner has brought us absolute victory in the meal making area!:thumbup1: The recipes are generally restaurant-quality for my gourmet loving husband. He is picky, and loves Saving Dinner. SD has also turned us into fish eaters. Two thumbs up for Low Carb or regular!!!

I think tailored clothing like THIS TOP looks best, and something like control top panty hose or a body shaper does wonders under those slacks! I love New York and Company for fashionable clothing at a great price! The cuts are very flattering - I also love the modern fit of the dress pants and have them in black, brown and gray. These pants look great with a fitted shirt, and you will not look pg! :D

I wouldn't waste your money! I like the idea of an expositional study (Rod and Staff, CLP, Discover4Yourself, Explorers) alternated with application-based study or devotional (Positive Action for Christ, BJU, titles such as Heaven for Kids, Christian Light Education readers, or Pilgrim's Progress). The main thing is to be student of the Word, and a disciple myself first and foremost. We need to set the example, and not be overly dependent on a curriculum. As mature Christians, we should be working toward competency in Bible teaching, exposition, and application. So, I think it starts with US. I would recommend a good Precept or other in-depth study group for yourself. Then, share what you are learning with the kids. :D

I haven't read the other posts, but I'm not sure I "get" your question. It seems rather obvious to me that many religious parents would prefer a religious curriculum. Wouldn't it seem strange for me to ask, "Why do parents use a secular curriculum?" There seems to be a tad of judgement to a question like that. I'm not sure that you can "get" it (religious education), if you are on a secular path, so excuse this answer if it sound nonsensical. When I was an atheist, religion was merely philosophy and worldview, and much of it seemed like nonsense. It is kind of like somebody trying to explain radio waves if you've never heard or seen a radio - absurd! Anyway, Christian education is so much more than theology, philosophy, or a set of do's and don'ts. It's about a relationship with Christ, and how all academic disciplines relate to God. If you made a mind map showing 5 circles within a circle, you get the idea. Put "God" in the center circle, and the academic subjects in the outer circles. There is no artificial separation between the created and the Creator. All subjects are simply a way to know God better, and to know His attributes (order, reason, love, linguistics, artistry, etc). Theology and doctrine are small potatoes, but I know God better through a thorough study of science, math, logic, art, and literature. The fingerprint of God is left on every man and woman, and consequently, God can be more fully understood through a study of the Humanities. That is how I see it, as a born-again Christian. Clear as mud?

I would add Christian commentary (my own or from others) to any living books curriculum - (audio carschooling is great for this), and make sure that I am doing my own self-education. Some suggestions are: How Should We Then Live and others by Schaeffer (adult), Diana Waring's history tapes, Veritas Press cards/tape, Mystery of History tapes. I would make sure that music includes hymn study - the giants of the faith. I would intentionally glorify God as creator in any science curriculum used. I would make time for my own discipleship and spiritual discipline - how can I lead someone to where I am not journeying myself? I would teach discernment by analyzing characters' actions by a Christian worldview (Drawn Into the Heart of Reading, Progeny Press, Total Language Plus, or your own commentary.) Of course, this should not be overdone, or reading will become a chore! I like the AmblesideOnline books, as they are one giant character curriculum. The biographies, hymn studies, free reading list, and memorization ideas are especially useful. Have a structured Bible study time, or it falls by the wayside. When kids are old enough, have them doing their own independent Bible reading, devotional reading. I have my dd alternate between Bible reading and devotional reading. Currently, she is alternating a Positive Action for Christ Proverbs study with Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English. Other devotional reading hits have been Heaven For Kids by Alcorn, and CLE's readers. On our upcoming list is "How To Be Your Own Selfish Pig" and "Don't Waste Your Life." Realizing there is only so much time in a day, I don't focus on historical fiction. None of us cares for it much, so it leaves more time in the day to do other things. These are just a few thoughts, and I believe that when you pray for wisdom in this area, the Lord will surely shower you with provision!

I'd personally do Sonlight, but one option that has everything very well-planned out is St Thomas Aquinas. I love their syllabus, and think this would be very easy to work with.

We've enjoyed the resurrection eggs and Jessee tree in the past. We also watch Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" on Good Friday every year. Lent is a great time to take on a spiritual discipline which I have become lax one: perhaps praying or meditating on a portion of Scripture, giving time and a home cooked meal to a single mom in the neighborhood, or taking back the bridle on my tongue, which has become loose. You know, stuff that's ALWAYS a good idea, but that gets pushed to the back burner. I find Lent is a great time to exercise spiritual disciplines that deny the flesh and draw one's spirit to the Eternal. Our family is reading and studying Hebrews during this time, and it is a good time to examine one's self, to grieve over our personal and coorporate sin. Lent is a super time to let go of anything that entangles, holds back, and grieves the Holy Spirit. I'm not sure what that means for you, but I have a whole basketful of things that I'd be better off without. :001_smile:

Escape into the world the Christian thriller with Ted Dekker. His Circle series is a fun, exciting read! Start with "Black," you will love it! It's one of my all-time favorite books, and you will get lost in the story. I'm with you on the Christian woman advice, advice, advice stuff. It is very people focused, instead of God-focused. Plus, it gets legalistic and discouraging. If I hear one more thing about the Prov 31 woman..OY!:glare:

I made the most delightful curry this week-end, using a recipe from AllRecipes. This recipe would be delicious with cubed, cooked chicken instead of the chickpeas. Note: even though I used half the cayenne pepper the recipe called for, the dish was medium-hot. This is a perfect recipe if you want something spicy, and restaurant-quality.

Thanks, everyone! Since my dd loves biographies, I'm leaning toward Tiner, but not completely decided. Thanks for sharing. :)

I guess I would go with BJU 6. I like Prentice Hall, but it is secular.

Not a blog, but a magazine: Clean Eating!!! This is my absolute favorite for unprocessed, super healthy food that your family will love. Each issue also has sample menus, and some have 5 nights of family dinners with grocery shopping list. You can pick up a copy at any newstand, or order a free issue from the website. I use my copies as cook-books, and I would never part with a single issue! This week-end I made the Orange-Infused Chocolate Cake (made with spelt and featured in the current issue), and a fantastic Sun Dried Tomato-Olive dip made with Greek Yogurt (also in current issue.) Your family will love these! The recipe for carrot bread from the last issue is simply to die for - and the recipes are clean, healthy, and tasty! For me, I need more than ideas - I need A Plan of Attack. Clean Eating is a great resource to jump off from, and will get you going right away. If you are having trouble at the grocery store, here is a sample Eat Clean grocery list. HTH!

If you get the Lab Zone planner and are willing to check out library books, P-H would be an awesome spine for family learning, since each book focuses on one branch of science, has tons of hands-on ideas and is visually appealing. With the Lab Zone Planner, you can pick out extra activities on the easier end. However, most of the acitivites in P-H would be enjoyed by all ages, and are simple to implement. You check out elementary books on your P-H topics at the library, and throw them in a library basket for the month. There are also the "Janice Vancleave _________________ For Every Kid" books that would go along nicely for extra elementary activities. You could use the P-H text as a read-aloud, with a goal of simple exposure for your youngers. The oldest can be held accountable for the info by doing chapter questions, using the workbook, making vocabulary games, etc. In fact, vocabulary games such as Bingo, Scavenger Hunts, or Pictionary could be enjoyed by at least your 2 oldest. When you do Activities, everyone can watch. I actually think P-H is one of the easiest programs out there to modifiy for multi-level work, due to it's flexible nature and hands-on activities. It's a much easier program to modify than say, Apologia. HTH!