All four of Molly's eggs have hatched. The owlets are named Ashely, Carrie, Kelly, and the newest (hatched yesterday) is Jodi. This is where I watch the live footage. http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Live_Owl_Nest_Box_Cam.html Usually around 10 AM CST the babies get a feeding. You can watch Jodi hatching at this link: Open Video Platform There is a marker on the playtime of the footage noting where Jodi gets out of her egg. Some pictures of Molly helping Jodi out of the egg and then cleaning her.

Present. :)

When my dd was 2.5, she said "mee-cuse" for music. At age 5 she still says 'had-ed', as in, "My brother had-ed to go outside today."

We say 'get a drink of water' or 'go to the bathroom' quite a bit here, too. If my 5-year-old or my 3-year-old start asking unending 'why' questions that get waaaay beyond my ability to explain in an age-appropriate manner or I'm just DONE trying to answer the umpteenth question in a row, we say, "Physics" or whatever branch of science the question falls under. Oh, and we also say in response to many questions, "Why do you think?"

I want to read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Harnessed-Wind-Electricity/dp/0061730327 "Discarded motor parts, PVC pipe, and an old bicycle wheel may be junk to most people, but in the inspired hands of William Kamkwamba, they are instruments of opportunity. Growing up amid famine and poverty in rural Malawi, wind was one of the few abundant resources available, and the inventive fourteen-year-old saw its energy as a way to power his dreams. "With a windmill, we'd finally release ourselves from the troubles of darkness and hunger," he realized. "A windmill meant more than just power, it was freedom." Despite the biting jeers of village skeptics, young William devoted himself to borrowed textbooks and salvage yards in pursuit of a device that could produce an "electric wind." The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is an inspiring story of an indomitable will that refused to bend to doubt or circumstance. When the world seemed to be against him, William Kamkwamba set out to change it." The Language Police is another good read. Born to Run, I've heard is good, too. http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307266303

Thanks for your help. No sense buying something I won't really need (at least until later). :)

I'm considering getting the Spelling Workout: Level A for my 5-year-old daughter. What are your thoughts on the Teacher's Edition? Did you find it really helpful? Or, is the workbook alone sufficient? Thank you for your input! :)

When I was very little (4-6) I remember going to the library quite frequently with my mom. We read books every night. When I started reading and writing, I got to pick my own books, and, my mom would help me write my own stories by having me dictate them to her. When I'd spend the night at my grandparents' (or another relative's) home, we read together then, too. I remember my grandma reading me the Little House books in particular. When we'd drive a long distance, I had books on tape to listen to (and/or follow along by a bell dinging). Once I learned to read well, I always had a book with me on trips--it was expected of any person who did not get carsick while reading in the car to have at least one book to read. Even when I was much older (teen), my siblings and I would listen to my mom read to us. We read The Wheel on the School, The Cat Who Came for Christmas, Tree Wagon, and several others.

I'd like to help, too.

Oh, Kari! My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. :grouphug:

That is darling! And I bet it was delicious, too! :)

Oh, wow! Thanks for sharing it, Rosie! I wish I could shrink myself so I could live in that cute little hobbit house...

My name is Emily and I am doing home preschool with my dd5 while her two little brothers (almost 3 and 15 months) listen in. My husband and I will have our 8th anniversary this summer--my goodness how time flies. We follow a rather eclectic approach--TWTM, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Suzuki. This site has been invaluable in helping me develop confidence as a newbie homeschooler, find and assess curriculum, and troubleshoot teaching and parenting challenges. When I'm not reading, reading, reading about homeschooling and education, I enjoy gardening, baking bread, taking nature walks, and learning about whatever catches my fancy. I love that this forum is full of eclectic personalities who have given a great deal of thought to their philosophy of education and life in general. Makes for interesting reading. This has been a fun thread to read!