I am wondering how this program compares to Math Mammoth? I like MM but if I can save a little by switching and still have a good program, all the better. I am looking at grades 3 and 5 this year. Thanks, sthompson

I write "no presents please" on my invitations. I have had people say "are you sure?", "so-n-so really wants to buy X". I have also had people thank me for doing it that way. I don't want my kids to expect presents just because there is a party. You should do what you think is best and I recommend having a conversation with your child if you decide no presents. My kids were looking forward to fun with their friends. That's how it should be. Stephanie

I tell them not to. Mostly because I can see what could happen. But it's fun for them and it isn't something I'm willing to get overly upset about. Stephanie

Wow! Thank you all so much for the ideas and links! Stephanie

Popcorn sounds fun! We have a tree out back and DH brought up cutting it down. I can't bring myself up to doing it though. Stephanie

We usually get a real tree for Christmas, but things happen. So, I used what little craftyness I have and put together a construction paper tree, used cookie cutters for tracing. Cut. Color. Paste. Add some glitter and there you go! The kids were not overly pleased with our change but they came around and had fun. Here's to cutting the fat around the holidays! Stephanie

How would you break it down? By period, this seems a little daunting to me but might be doable. A timeline might be fun. By type, meat eater vs. plant eater. Or just pick the most popular, learn as much about them as possible and call it a day. Thanks for any suggestions, Stephanie Oh, kids are ages 8, 7 & 5 If that helps.

You're absolutly right. I needed that kind of kick in the pants. Thanks, Stephanie

Me too! Fortunately a dear friend is having twins soon so I can pacify my needs. Stephanie

Is hard. And usually I end up failing at it. I hate being a door mat. I can be quiet and pass the proverbial bean dip only so many times before I fall. Inevitably things go wrong and I'm looked at as rude and unkind. Sometimes I wish I had an island to go to...... Thanks for listening. Stephanie

That's disgusting. Stephanie

Yes, his family and either way he does the talking. Cool as a cucumber he is. Me, not so much. I usually stay quiet until I'm insulted. Then I need to go for a walk or I blow my top and things get off track. Stephanie

Hi, I am about to burst as my frustration with a family member who is against homeschooling is at it's highest point. This person has 35 years of public teaching experience. Doesn't believe that we are doing the right thing with our children, saying they won't have a well rounded education, and deals with it because it's our decision to make. As I, the 'uneducated' individual teaching, I suppose for now things are 'ok', but what about chemistry, calculus, blah, blah, blah. Grr. The kids are 8, 6 & 5 for goodness sake. DH does a great job of getting the message out and tries to get the point across. But ears seem to be closed on the recieving end. Anyway are there any books or links I could pass on? Something that might make an impression? Although they may just be a waste of time as this person isn't likely to change their mind. If nothing else thank for listening to me rant. At the moment I've got no where else to turn. Stephanie

I don't remember the brand name but I found nickel free earrings at Kohls for my dd. Stephanie

For my son, I ground up oatmeal and added water to make a paste. Spread it on and let it dry. After a while of sitting we wiped it off and he never came back with the itches. Rash was gone in a few days. HTH, Stephanie