thanks, Gloriaa, for taking your time to share that with us, so very valuable
i can only wholeheartedly agree on the great importance of raising emotionally mature children, when they learn these important principles when they are young, they'll grow up to be much happier teens & adults ( & your life, as a parent, definitely will be MUCH easier! ha!)
the opposite is true - if you don't train your children, teach them emotional maturity, they'll grow up plagued by comparing & lack of confidence
i beleive it's just as much if not more important than flashcards & mathdots to build EQ in our children from as early age as possible!

such nice sites, thank you for sharing!
as a fanatical math teacher i really recommend these sites - LOTS of materials & teaching ideas
homeschooling moms - give your kids a good foundation in math
teachers - good ideas to spice up your lessons

I was going to ask the same thing!
dearest moms who's kids do go to those classes, please share some tips, ideas. We live in Cyprus & many others in many, many places do not have the resources like some of us are blessed with, like terrific schools to take our kids to, or even libraries.
We'd really appreciate if you share your knowledge with us.
THANKS IN ADVANCE for all of us

Very nice, thanks for taking the time to make it. I really admire you people who create all these materials, thanks a million! Keep it up.
I am asking the different questions here not to criticize, just I am a teacher (of math, actually ), so things have to be logical for me, + I do believe it's very important to present things to our children correctly. Again, thanks for creating & sharing these great materials.
I had a couple of questions: there is grammar inconsistency in the slides - one caption would say "He is eating" & the next one "He jumps" - shouldn't they be consistent? Grammatically, I believe, it would be more proper to use progressive tense in all of them since they are describing actions on the pictures.
Another question: what's the reasoning behind the words being different sizes & colors (perhaps there is a link you can direct me to, to save you timetyping & explaining)
Another little thing: the caption for the picture with wooden blocks stacked up, I think it would be better to say blocks, rather than cubes, but if you want to use "cubes", please add an "e" after the b in the pp.
The kicking the ball caption: I believe it's better to say we kick with our FEET, not LEGS.
And one more time, thanks!

Excellent site, very good ideas! Thank you for sharing. Homeschooling is very rewarding & should be enjoyed (except those everything-gone-wrong days - but even those, since we can learn even from them)
Happy homeschooling everyone

I've never used anything so complicated, it's a very natural process! My babies were all out of diapers by 1 yo or so. Just change them often, since they're very young, hold them over the toilet (or sink, or bowl, or potty, anything will do) & make a hissing sound (or whatever sound they make in your country for going pee) or grunting (or whatever for #2) & very soon they get the point & you start gettign your presents in the potty & not in the diaper.
actually except for the night & outings, using cloth diapers teaches them A LOT faster (helps mom to be more disciplined as well !)
Good luck, everyone!

It truly is a blessing that, at least for right now, in the US we have the right to homeschool our kids. It is scary to see what's happening inthe world today & the so called "children's rights" in reality steal the parents' rights to raise their children away to give this right to teh government.
I remember reading some articles how the homeschoolign was outlawed in Germany by Hitler, who unlike today's politicians who are trying to cover up their real intentions, didn't feel he needed to cover them up - the basic idea was: we need robots who will do what we want them to for the "best interests" of our country, thus we cannot take chances of giving education of the coming up generation, that's our future, into the hands of parents who might teache them morals & believes that differ from ours.
ALl that to say, this is where the world is heading & we'd better do all we can to prepare our children for a lot more troublesome world than we've ever imagined. We also are to pray for those families, in WE in particular, who are being persecuted & imprisoned for thier God-given right to teach their children they believe is best.
A word of comfort, if you happened to be a parent that wants to homeschool your kids, but either because of the laws of the country or another reason it is not possible, take comfort in God's promises of His care for His children wherever they are. Also remember, just because their scholastics are taught to them by someone else, their spiritual/moral training are your right & responsibility. Take time to bathe your children in prayer when they are away & make the time, whatever the cost, to connect with your children, to communicate with them, & to instill in them your values. Spending time with your children is the most important thing you can do; and it's the greatest investment of your lifetime!
God bless each one of you, hero parents, who're giving your lives daily to invest in your kids!

sorry, but classical magic web site doesn't respond, it just sshows a message "coming soon" - am i doing something wrong"?
I am not musical whatsoever, but would just love to find a product that could make it easy & natural to instill that in my baby. Musical education is soemthing i really wish i did more for my older kids

Dearest, there are many things doctors will tell you, they really like to have things in the box. Every baby is different in every way. I never had twins, but i had four "singlets" & it's hard to tell you how different they are! My first one didn't talk till he was past two & my #2 at 1year spoke in full sentences using all parts of speech. Research does show that multi-lingo babies start talking later, but by no means are they behind in development, they are much further ahead.
PLease, do not listen to your doc   (unless there are definite signs of mental development in your babies, which it really doesn't sound like it, they sound like little geniuses! Congrads! SOOOOOOO CUte too! ) & DO NOT stop talking to them in the different languages you do. I actually made this mistake & it's a lot harder to start again later, esp. if you don't have environment for them to use them, otehr than with you) languages is a gift for life, that they will be very thankful for & proud of (& you will be too) later down the road.
You're a g wonderful mom! Wonderful babies!

THANK YOU, Julbakh, your ppts are excellent! I strongly recommend them to those trying to give the basics of Russian to yoru baby, the Потешки has very good audio files included!
Other ppts are also done very well & have a lot of vocab. words in them! TY for taking to put them togther!

babies any age are fine to fly (my first one flew at 5 weeks), but like you said, 8m - 2yo is probably the most challenging age for flying, as it takes a lot out of mom to keep him occupied. Quote from KHAKKI:

During the aiport wait amuse you child by looking in the stores and wandering around the airport.  Usually you can find a kids corner with games and toys to help pass the time.  I found my dd enjoyed running up and down the corridor, which was perfect, she was tired when we boarded the plane.

[/color] - YES, an excellent point that slipped my mind - every stop over, always let your kid run around or crawl on the seats for crawlers, they do enjoy the space immensely & it's a good way to get extra energy out.
Computer batteries - recharge at every opportunity you can, now many airports have sockets.
Crying - for take off & landing it's actually very good if they do as it prevents the ear ache, even better than sucking
have a nice trip & let us know how it went

It is a challenge, dear, but not impossible (esp. if you only have one, I traveled with a couple of kids under the age of two , & with three, ages 3,2,1 - fun!!!       ).
Here, in a list form, what i would pack:
1. plenty of clothes to change into - spills & soaked diapers are guaranteed during any, but esp. a long trip like yours. Diapers, i'm sure you won't forget.
2. food!!! - don't rely on the meals from the airline, even if you have them arranged. Stock up on crackers, apples, or whatever your little guy loves - & remember, you'll need a bit more that for the same time period at home. In general, i'm pro health foods, but if you do allow any sugary or processed foods or drinks in your child's diet, remember, those charge your kid up (a lot more than you'd want him to be charged) & then leave them drained, so i always recommend whole wheat, no-sugar stuff. But of course, you can't experiment too much on a trip like this & have to stick with what he's used to. Water & juices you can usually get on the plane (if it's not a budget airline - if it is, some extra cash to get some).
3. Toys - the stuff you usually like, but just a couple.
4. If your little one enjoys books or LR, by all means, bring lots of those &/or your laptop.
5. Humility - you will need to accept and/or ask for help - from stewardesses, other passengers, etc. There is nothing wrong with that, you're caring the most precious cargo! YOu'll need help with the stroller, getting your "little "diaper bag (make sure your documents & money are securely on you!), etc. As soon as you get on the plane, ask attendants and passengers next to you if they'll be willing to change places to give you an extra seat. For take-off & landing you'll hold your baby, but during a flight, for feeding, rest, play, there's nothing better than an extra seat! Don't forget to reserve seats with lots of space in front when checking in!
Be prepared, you'll probably spend a good amount of time running up & down the aisle, they have to get some move around time. Make friends with attendants & they'll probably let your little one explore the many knobs & counters in their back area.
6. Flexibility - don't be too frigid about the schedule - if it's nap time & he's fussy, definitely let him rest, but if he's happy doing something & it's nap time, by all means, let him play, he'll catch up on his sleep later (of course if he's sleeping when it's "official" wake up time, you let him sleep!) Hearing how long you'll have to travel, you'll probably change time zones, so schedule will have to be worked out then, anyway.
It's actually not too bad, dear. Relax & enjoy your time with your little one, you probably don;t get too much time to only be with your little treasure. It's actually a treat to have that special one-on-one time (even if it comes with a little extra work )
YOu're welcome to drop me a line if you have more questions.
HAve a good trip.
PS i've got to run, but if i remember anything essential, i'll try to add it later

all four vaginal & although all my births are on the wild side, I'm so thankful i had them naturally
I love my babies to pieces & wouldn't trade them for the world, but i'll be very honest - i enjoy births a lot more when i'm on the receiving end (i assisted many births as part of my ministry) ,
i thnk a lot depends on teh doctor - for me, i have to have good communications & understanding with my doctor
i'm dreaming of water birth. with my #4 i spent some time in the water during labor at home, but the hospitals in China didn;t have water births at the time. I usually have back labor & the relief from water is beyond words! I just moved & haven't found a doctor yet, but water or not - only vaginal birth!
Thank you, Tornado, for your story - WOW! God bless you for keeping on believing, i really admire your faith & perseverance! You are truly blessed!

Three boys & one girl, ages 11 - 4, number 5 is due in august
all are real characters, very different, but very wonderful. I enjoy them so very. very much & can't even imagine my life without them
god bless all you dear dedicated moms out there

dear, your children are the very best thing that will ever happen to you. I'm due in three months with #5 & I'm so thankful to be having this baby.
i won't pretend, it's a lot of work, plus i homeschool them all, but the rewards you get in return far, far outweigh any sacrifices you make.
I'm sorry, i have to disagree with the opinion that you'll be robbing your first child of love & attention by having the second one. The gifts you'll be giving you child: sharing, caring, listening, ... i can go on forever! are the true, worthy of giving gifts that will last a life time for your child. I've lived & taught for 10 years inChina - 1 child country - it's scary to see where their youth is headed, how selfish & totally self-centered the kids are growing up to be, if not realized & dealt with by the parents. It's a subject in itself.
Active kids=smart kids, they need more input. BUt i also totally agree with Krista G. (you sound like a wonderful mother, God bless you!) - whether you have another  baby or not - teaching our children self-control & self -discipline is our prime responsibility as parents. I actually believe you'll have hard time teaching your toddler anything if he can't behave himself.
My first three were a year apart & my first one was very active & demanding (with first time parents though it is, i think, partially, the worry & lack of experience), but when his little sister was born he HAD to learn to do many htings for himself & actually developed many practical skills in the process. The best part came when she turned about a year & stated chasing him (she was a character!) & playing with him, my life actually became A LOT easier than when i had only one!
I can go on for a very long time on the subject. If you want advice from the one who;s been there done that - by all means, go for it (don't worry about the sex, you & your hubby will love to pieces whoever comes!), the sooner the better, so they can be close to each other, feel a part of one another's life & form beautiful, life-long friendship. You'll never regret it!
A little word of caution about hiring help - although can be a definite physical help, either make sure that you are the one caring for the children, or your & your helper's view on child rearing & discipline are the same. otherwise it makes it very difficult to keep the standard & consistency in your child training.