Are you an extrovert or an introvert? Please take that into consideration, because while acreage sounds nice in theory, it can be very isolating....btdt! Good luck.

Heather, I am in the same boat as you are. DD is adopted, just turned 5 and has started asking *TONS* of questions. We've always discussed the fact that she is adopted, she can locate her birth country on a map, we've talked about the long plane ride home, etc. Like yourself, I thought I was prepared, but I'm not. I try to answer in what I deem age-appropriate language, but she keeps pushing for more. My next move is to place an order from Tapestry Books. I don't know if you've heard about them, but they have lots of wonderful books to help children understand adoption - particularly IA. You might want to check out their website...sorry I don't have a link right now. Of all the advice from books, social workers, etc. that I received, the one thing that sticks out to me is a conversation with a friend of mine who was adopted. My friend's adoptive mom was completely insecure and always shut down when my friend tried to ask about the circumstances of her adoption. DF reaaaalllly resents her adoptive mom. My friend basically told me that you don't have to have all of the answers...just relay what information you do have and then be wiling to listen and empathize as dc sort through things. Sounds like you're already doing these things, so keep up the good work! Hope this helps a little. Hugs!!!

I just read that the Nobel Peace nominations were due 2 weeks *before* last November's election.

I *love* my Blackberry! You don't have to be at a wifi location...anywhere you receive cell phone service, you can also email and browse the 'net. It really comes in handy when travelling...no lugging a laptop or hunting down a library if you've got something going on at home you need to keep tabs on (ie, building a house). And when the dinging starts getting to me (and it does!), I have no problem using the 'off' (or mute) button.

While most cover schools in Alabama are tied in with Christian denominations, there are many secular covers and I know of at least one Pagan group. AL is a pretty easy state in which to homeschool.

Christian is my favorite name for boys. It sounds great with 'Babychair' and it also has the same traditional yet unique feel of your other son's names....LOVE.IT!!!

Small doses of 'fun' computer time seem to be a strong motivator for dd. With that said, can anyone recommend a particular childproofing software? I plan to physically monitor dd as much as possible, but I'm just thinking about times when the phone rings, pot boils over, etc. Thanks!

*if* I were going to spend money on a PC, I would buy a Toshiba.

*IF* microchipping ever became required, I suspect that Congress would exempt themselves from it...kind of like they have with Obamacare.:glare:

I'm accustomed to speaking with cashiers and generally enjoy the chit-chat; however, one lady a couple of years ago really took the cake. Due to some symptoms I was having, I had to have a colonoscopy and was *very* nervous about both the procedure and the potential results. Anyway, I was at the grocery store buying the supplies to prepare for the next day and the cashier in her loudest voice says "Looks like someone's having a colonoscopy"! Boy did I feel like crawling under the floor! It's kind of funny now but I was really embarassed at the time.

I am new to homeschooling and have lots of questions, doubts, fears, etc. but have been leery to post for some reason I can't quite put my finger on. You might be on to something!

IME, 'veiling' seems to be making a comeback with Catholics.

I'm truly curious. What is this "Catholic controversy" of which you speak? Andrew Pudewa is Catholic and he just happened to develop a writing program. I guess I'm confused because it seems like asking if Singapore Math is Buddhist.:confused:

I lost my DH to cancer last year. The advice of both Sara in PNW and Cinder is spot on.

What about Hadassah Claire? That sounds so pretty together.

I had a hard time researching All of the Above, but I believe it's the one by Shelley Pearsall. You guys are great! I didn't know where else to turn and this is very helpful to me. If dd ends up attending this school, I will be adding *mightily* to her Summer Reading List.

kalanamak, I'm really looking for any info. I can get. I browsed reviews of the unfamiliar books online and they all just sort of ran together.

Due to life circumstances, I am seriously considering applying to a private school for dd. Being the planner that I am, I poked around the school's website and found their Summer Reading List. I would appreciate the wisdom of you ladies in evaluating this list...good, bad or ugly. Let me just say, that if I were completely familiar and/or happy with the books on the list, this post wouldn't be necessary.:001_smile: Thanks everyone. 2nd Grade Nate the Great Amelia Bedelia Hey, New Kid Amber Brown 3rd Grade Freckle Juice Stone Fox Clementine Ramona Quimby 4th Grade Poppy Mouse Called Wolf 5th Grade Mixed-Up Files Harriet the Spy 6th Grade Surviving the Applewhites Double Identity The Phantom Tollbooth 7th Grade Listening for Lions Call of the Wild Swear to Howdy Robinson Crusoe 8th Grade All of the Above Under the Persimmon Tree Crossing the Wire Petey The Outsiders

I could peruse this one for hours! They are a Catholic company (I'm RC, so no problem there ;)), but 95% of their History and Literature selections, in particular, would likely appeal to anyone. Good stuff!

Sara, thanks for your response. I thought I remembered reading that while OPGTR is wonderful and very thorough, that it had the child repeating things back to you several times. DD would scream! But perhaps you just ad lib the script to fit your needs? As I said, I'm new to this and more than a little nervous about teaching reading.:scared:

Hi all, I'm new to the board and will be hs'ing my dd who is currently 4.5yo. She knows all of her letters and sounds and is eager to read, but gets *very* frustrated with overly repetitive activities. Soooooo, I need a phonics program that will meet the following criteria: - Not too heavy on spelling, writing, etc. - Very mom-friendly - pretty much open and go with short lessons suitable for a 4 - 5 yo. - As I indicated above, not overly repetitive. Once dd 'gets it', she's ready to move on. - I'm not totally opposed to DVD or computer-based programs, although we tried Headsprout and dd tired of it quickly because of the sameness of the activities. BTW, I'm perfectly fine with it if she's just not ready yet, but she goes to our church Pre-K two mornings/week and her teacher told me 6 mos ago that dd is ready to start reading. Also, dd asked me the other night to teach her to read. Thanks for any suggestions!

You might want to check out St. Thomas Aquinas Academy...Catholic, Classical and very CMish. Their staff is wonderful, too!

I have not personally seen the Veritas Press history cards, but I do know some Catholic families who will not use VP materials.

My best friend was raped in our apartment when we were roommates. I have a couple of friends who were nabbed, beaten and unceremoniously left for dead. My 4.5 yo dd was touched 'down there' by an older boy at the playground of a fast food restaurant yesterday afternoon while attending a birthday party - he was not part of the party. Unfortunately for dd, I believe I'll hover for awhile. BTW, I've been reading this forum for years and this thread finally moved me to chime in. Glad to be here! LL