The workbooks are the cheapest part of this program, so if you can't find one used it might not be too expensive to buy a new one. Alternatively, TT in the elementary grades can be done entirely on the computer, so you could get going without it. Although you would think that might make it easier to find one used, wouldn't you? Good luck! (and bump :-)

:iagree:

You've received some excellent advice already. We had a lot of stress this summer. I checked out 'fluff' books from the library, and had an enjoyment-only reading policy. :-) I also tried to go for a walk every day. Even if I could only find 15 minutes, I could feel good about accomplishing something for my mental and physical health. And the fresh air and sunlight almost always helped my mood. Making time to feed myself, silly as that sounds, is huge, too.

Probably just displaying my ignorance, but could it be a virus more along the lines of Mono? So it's not that one caught it twice, but that one had it still?

VERY well said.

Even the most motivated homeschooler may sometimes feel like a failure and feel the need to confess their failures to a safe person, i.e. another homeschooler. Her assessment of her family may be accurate, or it could be way off. If she really seems to want help, ask her what areas are a specific concern or are making her fear LDs. She's already let you know what programs work best for her - programs that are more self-teaching like MUS. For instance, it sounds like her oldest needs to work on spelling. Why not recommend Megawords? It is almost completely independent and will also improve reading skills, if that is necessary. No judgement is necessary - just deal with what the kids need right now and keep moving forward.

Seriously unmotivated here. Stupid time change doesn't help. It's dark at FIVE o'clock, for Pete's sake. :P

Very cool idea, JoAnn! We have a lined wicker basket, about the size of a laundry hamper, but it needs to be dumped out every time to get just the right stuffy. While clean-up is pretty easy, it isn't done unless Mom supervises. Putting them back in their 'cage', though, would appeal to my dd!

My son just challenged me to a game of Chess on Facebook. I only hope he doesn't trounce me too badly.

We went on to Wordsmith Apprentice and Winston Grammar.

Great read. I'm nodding my head in agreement with SWB... not for the first time. Wow, Janice in NJ, I could so relate to your comments (in the comment section). Especially this I loved the warm fuzzies I got when I researched homeschooling. I loved the first couple years homeschooling. Still do, in fact. But when difficulties come, and they do... I don't have easy answers, either. For example, it never occurred to me that my kid could still have dyslexia if we did phonics and I read to him a lot. Or that I wouldn't be able to solve that little problem with ease, lol. And on and on it goes.

Golden Sausages - a casserole with a tangy tomato sauce & grated veggies on the bottom, sausages in the middle, sliced potatoes on top. Nice to have warm food waiting after hockey practice (just about every night is hockey practice).

That kind of stuff does not bother me at all. If I meant someone with Down's Syndrome I would say so. 'Retarded' in the lingo of my youth means someone who is intentionally acting stoopid or lame (and I don't mean hobbling around either). I would give others the benefit of the doubt. I *hate* PC, in this instance. However, don't get me started on kids saying, "That's so gay."

That sucks. The closest small town of 3,000+ offers hockey/skating, soccer, and baseball, in addition to whatever goes on at the elementary and high schools. I think they have Scouts, Girl Guides, and church youth programs for the tweens and teens, too. It took years of hockey and soccer for my kids to start making some friends. One advantage to a small town - it's always the same kids. Summer swimming lessons? Same kids. I guess that could be a disadvantage, too. I really feel for your kids.

I can tell you what is working for us, but it may not apply. We are using Core 6, primarily for my oldest, over two years - Ancients last year, Middle Ages this year. We only use history, though, as we are happy with other stuff for LA. He does the timeline figures. He uses IEW history-based writing lessons, so the history is reinforced that way, too. We're slacking with colouring maps, though we look at them regularly. I've all but pitched the teaching notes for the books. I flip through them to see if there is anything I really want to make sure to mention, but otherwise am happy with their book selections and the schedule all laid out for me. We scrapped a few titles last year that weren't available from the library, or replaced them with something similar. My younger two listen in to SOTW and any other read-alouds they like (9yo all of them; 6yo precious few, as far as I can tell). We are doing other Canadian stuff for them. Sometimes they flip through the SOTW Activity Guide and ask me to copy colouring pages for them, or other little crafty pages. They'll do anywhere from just 1 page to 6+ pages then be done with it for awhile. You have my admiration, working on two cores. I'm doing half and it feels like plenty! Anyway, that's how I attempt to stay sane. I hope you can find a way to make it work for you.

I was surprised to be that high up the list, actually. :)

The Harp & Laurel Wreath might be worth looking into.

I think it's called a Neti Pot. DH has a sinus rinse kit - NeilMed - that helped us with nasal/head congestion. Running the humidifier and taking cold & sinus meds also helped me suffer through. Hope you feel better soon, Luanne. (We need some 'get well soon' emoticons.)

Fish scale?

I'm interested in your question, too. My 9yo is having issues learning to read, so AAS/Megawords are for sure on my radar for him, too, but I think he needs to get closer to grade level with reading first. Re: Megawords in general My 13yo is a strong reader, dyslexic speller and is improving greatly with Megawords. He particularly likes that he can work on it mostly independently. It is our only spelling program, though, so I can't speak to whether it would be too much to do both. I will say it usually only takes about 10 minutes tops.

I have not read all 17 pages. I am avoiding work and shall thus respond anyway. :D I show cleavage at times because I avoid shopping, then do it at the last minute at a discount store and end up with what fits, and looks alright otherwise. It can be embarrassing to realize after the fact how much is displayed. Generally speaking, that's not the look I'm going for. I do think some young, beautiful girls spend a little too much time shopping for the express purpose of showing flesh. Or simply dress inappropriately for the occasion. The problem is when they are around men who actually need to get some work done. Girls that show up at the horse barn for appointments with vets, farriers, etc. in their bikinis. Not safe for them. Definitely distracting for those trying to work... or so I'm told. :-) Girls who wear very revealing outfits at university, but have no problem availing themselves of the '5 second policy' should construction workers or fellow students look too long. It's school, not a pub crawl, people.

My SL catalog is sitting here. When I peek at Core 3+4 (which I obviously don't need either), I see that the Story of the USA is meant to be read by the student. It is paired with the parent reading aloud The Landmark History of the American People, along with about 40 other read-alouds and readers. That might flesh things out a bit, lol.

You can chop them and freeze them for baking. Then you just need to remember they are in the freezer. :tongue_smilie: I tried and liked this recipe for Plum Coffee Cake. Also, google plum sauce. (I can't seem to find the recipe I used - it might have been at Canadian Living.) You could can it for future stir fries. Yum. My MIL is currently juicing a bunch of her plums. She's also got fruit leather drying. Some days I think I can't wait to be semi-retired, lol.

I totally hear you! You are not alone... see this thread.

If I wanted to try Rhys Bowen, which book should I read first?