We are on week 24, and will be done at week 36. Our state requires we keep attendance. ;)

:iagree:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X5QFGA/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000H7H3F6&pf_rd_ Is that what you mean? :D

I've been downloading playlists from podrunner.com and LOVE it. Its techno/dance stuff which is not my usual, but has been very motivating. Its free and you can choose bpm (beats pre minute) which helps with pacing. I easily tire of songs I know or can sing with, or trying to pace the playlist appropriately...so this is great for me. The music is instrumental (techno beats- LOL) and is motivating but not distracting- I can let my mind wander and just relax into the beat. HTH :) Laura

1. I have a super cheapy machine that was given to me 10 years ago. If it can foam/steam milk and press water thru espresso, it'll do the job. This is similar to what we have- very basic, no frills, but it does a very nice job and doesn't take long at all. http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-ECM160-Espresso-Machine/dp/B000U6BSI2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1266097739&sr=8-3 2. I have a macchiato every.single.morning. :) I use about 1lb of espresso beans per month ($8), make my own syrup ($1) and use about 1 cup of organic milk per serving ($6 a gallon). 3. You can buy espresso roast beans anywhere-grocery store, Starbucks, organic online etc. Its simply roasted differently- stronger flavor. 4. I have actually started making my own vanilla syrup (you can buy syrup at grocery store, starbucks- TJMaxx or Marshalls sometimes have them in the specialty food sections-a lot cheaper). It tastes exactly the same...2 cups sugar (I use raw sugar), 2 cups water, plus 1 T. pure vanilla extract. Cook sugar & water until reduced by 1/2, add vanilla- cool & store. :) Hope that helps. :)

I would agree- stay on the KY side of the river (Covington) or try the Garfield Suites which is downtown (6 blocks away) and all rooms are apartment style so you can cook your own food, but they also include meal vouchers.

:iagree:

My DD (just turned 6) is zooming along w/ Explode the Code books (part way thru book 4). I didn't anticipate that she'd go this far, this fast and don't have a spelling program lined up, but know that we need one. Is there anything that would work well with ETC? Any suggestions? Anyone else BTDT? Thanks!!! Laura

Thanks for the replies :) I like the writing aspect of ETC- excellent reinforcement and handwriting practice- that is my biggest hesitation in taking a break from the book (we're on our 3rd one of the year)...it just feels so repetitive and I've been looking for some reinforcement that coincides with what we're covering.

Has anyone used this? We are using the books, but DD is really getting more interested in using the computer for school and I'd like to shake things up a bit. Any experience? Thanks! Laura

Yes we finish before lunch- I have a 1st grader. :D

Yes, my husband (33) and his 4 younger sisters (now 31, 30, 28, 27) were homeschooled K-12. All 5 attended college, and did well- academically & otherwise. My husband and 2 of his sisters have earned Masters Degrees, another sister is an RN and the other sister a linguistics major turned graphic design artist. ;) Laura

My husband and I both have Palm PRE's- LOVE them. He is a geek and could talk for 3 hours about the PRE, but I will give you a semi-geek analysis. :) The ONLY thing I do not like about it, is the fact that it is smaller than I'd like. Performance wise, it has been a breeze. Its easy to use, intuitive & powerful. I have very high expectations for my technology, and have been very pleased with the PRE. Multi-tasking aspect- I can have several cards (apps) open & running at the same time, and easily shift from one to the other. It works very much like a computer in that regard- unlike other phones where you have to open/close one at a time. I can have Google Maps/GPS running, be texting someone and listening to music all at the same time- and with a flick of my finger navigate between them. I use that all the time. :D It has slide out QWERTY keyboard, which is my preference as compared to an on-screen keyboard. Also, the screen has incredible resolution. Integrated Technology/Intuitive Operating System; there are so many things that are intuitive & integrated- things I take for granted, but my husband has assured me is not typical of other smartphones. It is designed around the web. I logged in with my .gmail account and it automatically incorporated my email contacts, my FB accounts etc. Also has universal search, which is incredibly helpful, and the Synergy webOS feature groups similar things together (multiple exchanges/communication w/ one contact). Very helpful. Those are the features that I really like, and the ones that make the PRE a bit different than comparable smartphones. Essentially, I have the power of a mini computer, internet access, GPS, MP3 player, camera & Phone with me at all times. Hope that helps. :) Laura

What are other authors you also enjoy? I need some light reading, and have hit a dead end. I've also read thoroughly read Barbara Delinsky, and have enjoyed a few Kristin Hannah books. Thanks! :) Laura

My "coffee" is 170 calories every morning and I plan to keep it that way. :tongue_smilie: I cut calories elsewhere. 2 shots espresso (0 calories) 1 cup steamed 1% milk (100 calories) 2 T. vanilla syrup (70 calories)

Eucerin Calming Cream I bought a travel size at Target to carry in my purse, but have found its now my go-to lotion.

Thanks SO very much for the replies- very helpful & informative. ;) I just read them to my DH as we're very much in discussion about this. One of the most meaningful things (as odd as it sounds) is to hear from others just how much environmental allergens can affect ones life...I suppose I thought I was alone. Curious what diet & lifestyle changes...I've heard about supplemental support to increase the health of the immune system. I've been taking quite a bit (worked w/ homeopathic remedies as well) but haven't seen a huge improvement...

Same here

I lost 45lbs (after gaining 60 w/ DS- lost 15 simply by giving birth) by: -Counting Calories: 1400 per day (kept a detailed food journal- NO guesstimating) AND -Exercising 5x a week, for at least 30 minutes (weight bearing & cardio) That's what it takes for me. :)

Does anyone have experience (first hand, or observant) with receiving shots for allergies? I suffer from severe year round allergies (molds & dust mites) as well as a host of seasonal allergies. Winter is the worst as we are indoors so much, therefore my immune system is constantly suppressed (fighting the war on dust/mold, you see) and I am vulnerable to more colds/viruses and I'm just sick of it. I know the shots are a long-term commitment and a $$ investment, but I think we've reached the point where it needs to be a consideration. Comments? Thanks! Laura

DD received one for Christmas- bright pink and a huge hit. :)

I'll be there. :lol: Agreed, the Museum Center is wonderful. :)

What a precious thing- I'm certain she'll never forget that.... :001_wub:

Just 3 weeks ago, Amazon had EA Sports Active for $35.99. :confused: I almost bought it, but hesitated and the price has crept up to $59.99. Their pricing has really been making me nutty this holiday season.

Could ya'll pray? Just 1 week ago, he had a seizure & collapsed, was rushed to the ER and had a CTScan, only to find that he has 2 large tumors (1 is covering 30% the right portion of his brain). Drs did surgery 4 days later, but were unable to remove either tumor. The tumor metastasized in the few days between the previous CTScan, which is an indication of malignancy. Pathology, however, won't come back until next week, so they refuse to give prognosis and have 'sent him home'. The drs told the family they didn't have anything good to tell him, so didn't really tell him anything. It is possible that he could die within a few weeks. His siblings & father are in varying stages of their Christian walk, but I know this is a huge blow considering they lost their mother to cancer 10 years ago (and our granparents died from cancer as well). He's 38. Could you pray for the family? Thank you. Laura