I go to a place like Ross, TJ Maxx, Steinmart, etc... for jeans since they have so many brands in one place. I also buy at Goodwill type shops since they are already pre-shrunk and I can get several pairs cheaply so if I don't love them I donate them back. My favorites are Ralph Lauren, I think they are called Lauren, Levis and Anne Taylor. They fit well. My biggest problem is the lover cut that has a gap when you sit or bend.

I agree, we loved the classes, Mrs Moore is wonderful!

These are hysterical, thanks for posting!

:hurray: Good for you! Accountability is always helpful for me :)

We are CONUS now, but thank you for posting, will share with some overseas friends!

It is wonderful to see teens helping to make decisions and asking for advice on homeschooling. I hope you get some wonderful responses. My girls have used http://www.virtualhomeschoolgroup.com/ for science and love it, they use Apologia and it is free. Mrs Moore makes the class fun and the interaction with other students is fun for them also. Best of luck!

I think it would be worth paying for a trainer for the first session to get oriented to equipment and how to use everything properly. They should be able to give each child guidance on where to start and what is appropriate for a workout. Mine keep a journal of what they do, they like to look back and see where they started and where they are now. Our gym also did initial assessments on everyone which was free with membership. Take advantage of the trainers if available, it helped us a lot. Jenn

We use http://www.virtualhomeschoolgroup.com/ They are free and we love Mrs Moore who teaches the science. Sorry, no experience with either you mentioned.

We have a lot of school uniforms shirts in stores here that fit that description. Kohls, Target, and Walmart all have them now. You can always order from French Toast online also.

:thumbup: Thanks for posting! Jenn

Thanks for posting, I am highly sensitive and seem to be the only one bitten, I will certainly try some of these ideas!

http://wkdesigner.wordpress.com/2009/05/28/father-son-ties/ This is for a regular mens tie, you could try adjusting it. She has a lot of great patterns on her site for simple projects that are really neat! Good Luck! Jenn

Wow, makes you stop and think. I know I am guilty of hurrying along in daily life, need to stop and smell the roses more and appreciate things around me. Thanks for posting, Jenn

We like - http://busycooks.about.com/od/turkeyrecipes/r/cpwildriceturke.htm

:iagree:

We have really enjoyed these as well. I bought them at conferences early on then ordered online when my kids reached highschool. I find when I need to regroup or recharge a 45 minute audio really helps re-center me and get me back on track.:lol:

OK, have to ask, what is so special about these shoes? I am genuinely curious and have never heard of them. Jenn

We had some similar to this http://www.rei.com/product/798966 and enjoyed them as did the kids. Personally I prefer the ones you sit in as opposed to on as I just feel safer when those water snakes swim by (eww!), but that's me. They are easier to balance when you sit in also. I would also recommend the shorter ones as we found them easier to maneuver if you got stuck near a bank. And lightweight paddles, they get heavy after awhile. If you have a place nearby I would suggest going into a Dick's Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, or REI and talking to a salesperson to have them describe pros/cons. Or if they aren't close give them a call and ask, most of the people that work there enjoy outdoor activities and are very knowledgeable. Oh, and be sure to get one that fits in your vehicle or rack, we didn't think that far ahead the first time... Have fun!

Curriculum envy! I get that often :)

There are a number of kid friendly museums in Denver if the weather is cold, and the mountains are beautiful! We enjoy hiking. The USAF Academy has a tour and the chapel is beautiful, it is free. And Focus on the Family has a tour/program in Colorado Springs also.

I used to be a lot more wary of this than I am now. Our theatre organization did permission forms, never used last names outside on showcase... but then decided we would just make people aware and exclude those photos if they objected. After all they know we take photos for the local paper which lists last names with them as well as show information. We haven't had any issues arise. For my personal pages I do take them and everyone whose photo I take knows that. If anyone ever asked I didn't post a picture of their child I would absolutely remove it with no question asked. We take them at field trips and kids parties and email links to the album to those without FB to see. My privacy settings are tight, but I think it is a great tool, when used with caution. I think it is about using it responsibly -my friends and I are all "friends " of each other's kids, it is a huge help to have so many people monitoring kids photos and comments that if anything inappropriate ever made its way to their page I think I would have 30 phone called within a few minutes. Some of the photos the teens put up they don't realize how they come across, it's nice they hear from someone other than mom if something doesn't look as it should.

Hi!

:hurray: Great job!

Thank you for the suggestions, I will try that site before trying to get creative with my wording on Ebay :) I appreciate the help.

I think by just having the confidence to post and ask shows your maturity. You will be fine. Fine a club, sport or activity to get involved in and meet some good friends. It helps to be involved in something. I hope you have a wonderful year and a smooth transition.