My ds, 2 yrs., recently went to the ER. He is uninsured. He swiped one of his sister's anti-seizure meds. I called the pharmacist, dr. and an urgent care clinic. All said go to the ER. We did, they called poison control (which we should have done but I thought a dr. and pharm. would know more) and there was nothing to be done but observe him. He was there for 3 hrs. w/a little bandage thingie on his toe for his pulse. The dr. bill (which is separate from the hospital) was $272 - that's fine. The hospital bill was $2508 - $526 b/c he was uninsured. So, we got a bill for $1981 from the hospital. My itemized bill is one line "Visit ER IV w/25" which means he was a level 4 urgency - it can't be high urgency, he wasn't exhibiting ANY symptoms and no treatment was required. I spoke with customer service today and this is a set fee for "registration and communication with the family". I think it's a bit high to say the least. He sat on a bed with the pulse thing. It's non-negotiable I'm told. We're not going to qualify for assistance and I was told there's no one else for me to talk to. I can have the bill audited, call patient advocacy, and that's about it. Sure, they have a payment plan - still not doable - and my mom assures me that if I just pay something a month, they will be satisfied but I'm still mad that it costs $2K to walk in an ER. I don't think I have any more options but I thought I'd ask. I'd be stunned by the whole bill but dd had 5 stitches a couple of years ago WITH INSURANCE and the hospital fee for walking in was still $1700. It's just so wrong!

We are on WK. 1 for Older Beginners. I keep reading about "models" for writing. Aren't the models the ones in the books? Secondly, do I use the model (wk. 1 Fox and the Crow) and a different one for the writing project? I guess it's all up to me. I don't know. I'm still figuring this out. Thanks!

I'm gathering school supplies and wondering what setup you preferred for Apologia GS. I can't find anything that tells me to setup a notebook w/tabs or a lab book (Donna Young rec. a composition nb). What worked for you? Thanks!

I've always had mixed feelings about SOTW; however, after considering options, my poor time management skills, and my inability to stick w/things, I decided it was worth keeping. It's not our spine but I'm glad to have it on our shelves and the audio is a worthy addition to our family. I try too hard, attempt to do too much, make things too complicated and end up feeling overwhelmed and disappointed. SOTW is easy. It's a great guide. I love that SWB writes in TWTM to make history into stories - stories that children will remember. SOTW breaks it down in that way for us so my kids (and me) can just get over it. Sure I could get this book, that book, research this and that but I have to be honest with myself. I don't have that kind of time. We're going to listen to those cds if nothing else! They are learning. It creates a wonderful foundation that I can build on with something else if I choose. DS is doing WP this year but he's listening to those vol. 2 cds now! All in all, I think SWB did a great job bringing it all together. It's thorough and accessible. Still, I know what you are saying. We've been going back and forth for years. I just recently kicked myself in the tail and said, "Stop it!" :) I have to do that sometimes;)

I'd skip, too, until he's 7 and you can have both boys on the same time period. We are LCCers and, fwiw, K and 1st spend those years reading CHOW along with myths, fairy tales, etc. He'll definitely get more out of STOW when he's a bit older. I understand your angst:D I'm always thinking/making things more complicated just b/c that's me! I drive myself crazy.

I think you can do your own grammar program. The threads I read in the other forum suggested that I could use what I wanted - I was looking at Analytical Grammar at the time. I also was told that there is a lot of grammar built in to the Older Beginners program, if I'm understanding correctly.

I have been using IEW history based lessons for 2 years. I will be using CW this year w/my 6th grader (Older Beginners) for the first time. What I like about IEW - it's easy to teach and I find the lessons well laid out. It teaches the basic structure of a variety of different papers so nicely. My ds did very well with the program. So - since he has the "formula" in his repatoire, it got a little too easy for him and it turned into "how crazy can I make this paper" with all of the added dress-ups, decorations, etc. CW looks like it teaches the same information and I'm in love with the books; however, it took days and some serious concentration to figure out how this program is implemented. I don't have my workbooks yet. I think that's the main problem. Honestly, while I love the TM and the philosophy, I was scared because I wasn't sure I could do it. It certainly appears that CW is going to take more of my own time and attention to teach. That wouldn't bother me except for the fact that I have a 2 yr. old who tends to (literally) dismantle the house if not constantly supervised. I didn't hate anything about IEW. What exactly are you looking to buy from IEW? What from CW? What kind of experience do your dc have with writing? What have you been using?

The bacon/chocolate combination has been building steam in our area. Our local candy shop has been carrying bacon dipped in thick chocolate since it opened a few years ago. Also, a restaurant opened up recently and one of their deserts was a chocolate covered bacon w/a root beer syrup dip.

If you want something easy and tasty, use Ghiradelli's brownie mix with chocolate chips. I forget what it's called exactly.

I love the DVDs! I borrowed them but am seriously considering purchasing them.

I could be wrong b/c I didn't ask for specifics but a woman at the Peace Hill Press booth at our conference said the writing portion of FLL was being taken out - as it was never intended to be a writing program (although the back cover actually say "writing and grammar program). I feel like the change was made to accommodate the WWE program. I'm not getting the new edition and I'm using WWE. It doesn't look that stressful to combine on my own (and I always make these things stressful:tongue_smilie:).

I have children 2, 6, 8, and 12. Mostly thinking about the older kiddos.

I'd like to subscribe to some magazines for the kids. Which ones do you like? The actual subject (science, history) doesn't matter. Homeschool Co-op is running a deal on God's World right now. The sample issues look good. I don't agree with every slant but I think that aspect could generate active discussions.

BTW, is Harvey's scheduled w/Older Beginners? I don't have my workbooks yet.

And did you love the program??

That's helpful and I'm going to take it into consideration. It's not like I don't have a shelf full of grammar books:tongue_smilie: Back to the calculator!

I know it's reasonable over the 3 yr. period it just hits hard when you pay that wad up front. I keep trying to get it used - would love too! I think you must have to sit all day refreshing the for sale board - I always just barely miss it when it comes up for sale. If it's worth it, we'll use it. I really do like the way it's laid out and what it offers.

I'm using CW for Olders this year and I really want to use AG w/it but it's going to run $120. Ugh. I'm trying to make darn sure this is what I want before I spend the $$. I can get Harvey's cheaper or another program for that matter. #1 Is it tremendously thorough like it advertises? I love that idea. DS has a great background in grammar already. He's going in 6th. I need a program that is challenging. Thanks!

I'm pinching pennies and wondering which books are spines or are used multiple times through vs. books I will be able to check out at the library. At the very least, it would be good to know which books I *have* to purchase in the first 1/2. Thanks:)

Thanks and bump:D

So I've read some past threads and so far I've learned that the TM is absolutely necessary for K-1 program. What about the other levels. When I purchase WW, do I need to make sure it's WW 3000? Is that the newest edition? How should I place my 6th grader? Thanks!

There's a workbook but I have no experience with it. I just found out about it myself. I think it's mainly worksheets though. Just google:)

I'm looking over what I've bought and it's not going to work. I have an Apologia (Astronomy) and Considering God's Creation. Either one is too much for 1st grade. I could take the schedule of CGC and just do my own, but I know me, and I'll bungle it up. I'm not looking for a particular subject. I'd love something like CGC but easier. I'm open to suggestions. I want science to be fun for dd. I think she's skeptical. I have a toddler, so heavy on experiments is not going to work. We'll never get around to it. I have to be careful about the activity suggestions. DS is a demolition man.

I'm going to contact the buyer. Thanks for posting the policy. It's absurd imo. I have a perfect score on ebay and have been using paypal for 10 yrs. Why it's holding a payment now I have no idea. :glare:

I just sold something on ebay. I received payment but PP is going to hold it for up to 20 days. What's that all about and how safe is it for me to go ahead and ship the item?