I was also going to suggest using of the 3D programs-they are very useful and helpful in seeing how things flow from room to room. As far as the fixtures, lights, etc. Just go some home stores and start looking around. Get a few decorating mags and looks through them. Find some things you like and stick with the same themes for the bathrooms and use the same basic light fixtures in all the halls, etc. Try not to look at each room as a different room to buy for. We got all the same ceiling fans/lights for the kids rooms and then something a little nicer for the master. Don't try to get overwhelmed with all the different choices, just zero in on what you like and don't get swayed by the trendy stuff, unless you want to change it all out in a few years. ;)

You can't beat a good set of blocks. Add in a set of the ones with hinged doors and windows and you're set for hours of fun ;) You said you have legos-do you have duplos? The character sets they have with little people, animals, dinos, etc are really fun. My kids love them.

LOVE their lip shimmers (skinny tubes) and I've used them almost exclusively for years. I also love their shampoo bar-lasts forever and you can use it on your body and hair. Saves money for sure over regular soap and shampoo. I like some of their lotions like the peppermint foot lotion but only get them when on sale. I always get people the baby stuff for baby showers. It's my "go-to" baby gift item.

Oh my! Thanks for my evening entertainment. I can't get "naughty bits" out of my head now :lol:

In all seriousness, rabbits are A LOT of work. Sure, they are cute and we've loved all of ours. But they require lots of brushing, daily litter box cleaning (for in door rabbits), and constant supervision if you let them out to run because they will find every electrical cord you own! ;) They need pellets, daily hay, and fresh veggies each day too-not cheap! Males usually need neutered by 6 mos or they spray pee and can get aggressive and females need spayed to prevent cancer. Don't take bunnies lightly-you will regret it! Happy pet research :)

:thumbup1:

Yes, I know the current version doesn't grade it, that's why I may sell this one and buy the new one coming out this summer.

I was also going to suggest Elemental Science-she's got a nice program laid out.

:thumbup: Good for you!

Ditto, not needed.

I was absolutely sure I was m/c with #3. Lots of spotting that went to a lot of bright red on/off for 2 wks. My hcg count was low too-though not totally in the loss category. I told everyone I was m/c and started the grieving process. Then it all stopped. He's now 6yrs old and full of energy! He started with lots of excitement and came out with lots of excitement-he was born in our van LOL Wishing you all the best!

We've used TT for 5th and 6th and now 7th. I have the current version of Pre-algebra now but won't need to use it until next yr. My question is about the solutions CDs-just how do you use these? I assume they are the answers to all the practice questions so you have to switch the CDs back and forth each day? It seems like a tedious way to do it. But the solutions are also in the book right? So we could use that instead? And I have to go through and grade it right? That's the part that makes me think I might sell this one and wait for the new one.....I admit I hated Algebra :o

Great job! Thanks for sharing, I'm sure I will be using some of this info over time ;)

:iagree:

We don't have to test where we live now but I am testing this year because it's been awhile. The tests results will just give me an idea of where they are in relation to others and I may or may not change what we're doing depending on what it says. I have a pretty good idea of what the results will tell me anyway-which we all should KWIM? I've used the CAT/5 test. A parent can give the test and it's $37. They send it to you with directions, you can give it at your kitchen table. They have the full version (approx 4-5.5hrs total) or the abbreviated version which is the same test with fewer questions in each section-this one is approx 2 hrs. We're doing the abbreviated version (AKA "survey") You send it back and they send you the results in a few weeks. The results only come to you. I don't "prepare" my kids in any way. That's the point of the test to me, to see what they've learned as we've done it.

I've bought all mine used and had to call to get a validation key 3x so far with no problems. The cap may have been installed in the first place before they understood how the hs community works with buying/selling materials?

I've heard him speak 3x. The first time I don't think a single religious reference was made, the 2nd time there was a comment made about gays and marriage and what was the world coming to type comment (he's obviously against it LOL), and the 3rd time there were just a few references to values and God regarding his family. Nothing preachy as others have stated. I'm a secular hser and definitely know how to take what I can use and leave the rest behind. I'm not offended when I hear a speaker make a religious based comment because I know they aren't going to convert me and it's their perspective. I can only think of 2 speakers I couldn't listen to and had to leave in my many yrs of hs conferences.

I think the Kumon workbooks are great. There is a huge variety of them too.

Try Lands End. They have lots of t-shirts that actually cover the belly and capris and jeans that aren't hip huggers. If she can fit into a misses XS they have cute skirts and dresses too. You'll pay a little more but they are very good quality and last a long time. They have great sale prices on their overstock pages too.

My DS used TT 5 last year and is just finishing up TT6 this year. We haven't done testing for a few yrs but I just ordered my CAT/5 yesterday for us to do in May so I'm hoping for the same good results. He enjoys it and I rarely get complaints about doing math now. My DD is using MCP C right now (3rd gr) and I plan on having her move to TT4 next year because we've been so happy with TT for my older one.

I just feel so old when someone calls me ma'am! ;)

Walkfit Thanks!

I try to stick with books or book store gift cards. I-tunes is getting more popular for kids now too. With kids having soooo much these days, it's great to stick with consumable gifts if possible like movie tickets, paying for a class, or taking them out for a special meal.

Link didn't work....it said "page not found" :confused: I made sure I was logged in too.

I'm an active Sparker but didn't know about the team-thanks!