Donna, Your post really helped me sort this out. It sounds like you and I have had very similar experiences and I feel the same way about MFW and Sonlight. I could say more about SL, but overall, neither program was an "open and go" fit for us. I am heavily leaning toward using "Preparing" and I'm really excited about it! Thank you so much everyone for all of the responses. They were so helpful! May God bless you as you choose your materials for next year! :) Sara

Good question. Thank you for asking. I am in my fifth year of homeschooling and I feel like I'm just now really getting the hang of it. But I feel like an overall vision is lacking. I also feel like I never really sat down and educated myself about some of the basics, such as learning styles, stages of learning, and the larger picture from K to High School. I started homeschooling because I felt it was the right thing for us to do, and because I wanted to be the one teaching my children. It wasn't because I had a great passion for education or a real desire to homeschool. However, in the process of just pushing through I have really come to appreciate and enjoy homeschooling! Some days are chaotic, but that is just a part of the stage of life we are in. My kids are 9,8,5,2 and 1. So things have been busy. I feel like I have been in survival mode for way too long. Now I am wanting to take the time to do some of the things that many people do *before* they begin homeschooling. I am trying to be positive and tell myself "better late than never." :) Also, I'd like to find a good board to discuss things like curriculum, home management, co-ps, etc. Thanks for the suggestions that have already been posted! I will check them out!

I am looking for some other great Christian homeschooling sites. There are a lot of things I'd like to read about and I'm just not sure where to begin. Can anyone direct me toward your favorites? Thanks! :)

Hello! :) I'm new here! I am looking at HOD Preparing. I'm thinking of using this for my oldest two children. Next year they will be 3rd and 5th grade. I have previously used MFW K, MFW 1, MFW Adventures, Sonlight 1, and MFW ECC. Although I have enjoyed MFW, I feel like it is time for a change. Amongst other things, I do not want to continue with a curriculum that relies on the library. HOD is one option I am looking at. I really love the idea of a broad sweep through history, and the books look good. Any thoughts? Thanks!