Placing my order and yet...

[MrsMandy]

I am nervous, I have never spent this much on curr. before. I just need some reassurance that I am making the right choices I suppose. I looked to go the used route and with shipping and everything it ends up being almost more expensive in the long run. Hubby will be losing his job in April and I was wanting to buy before then.

I think I was hoping to pick up some things from our conference to save on shipping but the only things there will be R&S and Singapore Math. I f I bought packaged items seperate then I would not be able to take advantage of the package price and individual items would cost even more. Sure wish there was a way to adjust package pricing if someone already has a book or two. I actually have about 5 books I will need for my 3 kids but if I want the savings I have to buy the packages that include them. I am not complaining I understand why packages are priced this way and such. I am just having a hard time rationalizing spending so much $$$.

[raceNzanesmom]

I bought a used package for a good price. I guess it depends on if you find a good deal. If you have some of the books, I'd look at the total the savings of the package. Sometimes it isn't a savings if you already have some books. Praying for provision.

[anointedhsmom]

Mandy,

I can completely understand how you are feeling. I'm in a bit of the same situation. We spent $1000 on the curriculum we are using right now and I want to drop the history & science (and probably Bible) to do Preparing right now It's hard to justify spending the money when I've already spent so much on the other stuff that isn't working I also thought about going used BUT after much prayer and consideration I knew that I wanted to buy new from HOD to support them AND I also know that what I buy now will be set aside for the younger boy when he's old enough. I won't have to spend this money again for him. I know it feels like a lot of money but if you have prayed and know that this is the route that the Lord wants you to take then you won't regret spending the money even if it presents a hardship to do.

Be encouraged. The money is supporting the author of one of the best curriculum on the market today. The Lord will bless you and bless HOD through this

[arstephia]

I have just sold the books I already had and that helped offset the cost a bit.

[my3sons]

HOD is not as expensive as many curriculums out there, and believe me, it is worth every penny. HOD works to provide so much - packages priced to save us money, a free message board with help from the author herself, a business number you can call and receive personal help, very few consumable materials, fast shipping, and choices. So, if all you can get is the economy package and LA/math right now, you can still do a LOT of the guide.

I believe supporting HOD by getting your books from them is the highest form of gratitude HOD can receive and the best way to encourage Carrie to keep writing (and to hopefully write high school ). I often think of it this way... if everyone that received all of the help HOD extends bought their books elsewhere, there would be no HOD. I have to watch what I spend too, so I know what you mean. What helps me, is first off I try to remember that a laborer is worth their wages. Secondly, you are making a great decision, as HOD provides an excellent education for your dc! We've been so pleased with the fruits we see within our kiddos. And, HOD has a good return policy too, which helps make ordering easier. Finally, the thing that has helped me the most is to learn that the Lord will provide. I firmly believe that. If the Lord has called you to HOD, then you are choosing to teach your dc in a way that brings glory to Him and he will honor that. Take it from someone who spent YEARS to find odd jobs to earn money and to scrimp and save every penny to afford to homeschool - He will make a way, and bless you for it.

In Christ,
Julie

[MrsMandy]

Thank you everyone, I know HOD and the Austin family have put so much blood, sweat and tears into this. I really want to buy new to support them, and am, yet I think I am just nervous about spending so much more this year than the last two. It will all work out as I have 2 more going through the levels after my oldest. I really can't put a price on what HOD benefits are for me. I just worry about placing the children properly and that this is a good fit.

Again thank you, you are all so supportive.

[deltagal]

We simply purchase a few books at a time...enough to get us through 9 weeks and then we pick up the next batch. This doesn't help with overall savings, but it is one way to make it "affordable" in the short run.

[4Hispraise]

Mandy,
I just placed my order too! I can tell you that it is the first year I have EVER purchased a full curriculum...usually l piece HOD together using library books and borrowing from friends - it rarely works. I love the quality of education my dc are receiving and that most importantly, they are coming to know their Creator. We value HOD and are so thankful for all that Carrie does, so not purchasing the curriculum really did not have anything to do with that...it really had to do with whether or not we were going to eat or have electric! This year, God provided for us to order & I am sooooo excited!

Anyway, I will be praying for you as you anticipate your husband's job loss. May the Lord pave the way ahead of you and provide for you. My dh was cut from full-time to part-time 18 months ago (and has not been able to find anything since), so I do know what you mean about spending the money. May the Lord provide lavishly for your every need, beyond anything you could ask or expect and may He provide the right opportunities for your dh! It is quite an exciting adventure, watching God provide in unexpected ways!

One little thought, don't know where you live, but in our area there is a need-based scholarship available for parents who wish to send their children to private schools. Two years ago, I discovered that it also includes HOMESCHOOL curriculum. If you want to look into it, you can do a search in your area for scholarships and then read the fine print or PM me. May the Lord bless your desire to honor Him as you homeschool your children.

[water2wine]

There are a few things that really stand out as value in HOD for us. One is I could not imagine the time that would go into it if I tried to write something like HOD. And I could not imagine the frustration in that when it came out not bringing us the peace HOD brings if I ever tried such a task. The other thing is we reuse the same guides two to three times so they are extremely economical. And then even at that my kids reuse the books reading them again sometimes in their free time, especially those things read aloud or possibly in an extension pack they were not ready for when they used the guide. Sometimes those books in extension packs if not used at the time for one student make excellent DITHR books as well. The other thing is I have not sold any of my HOD, truly I have kids fighting for ultimate ownership down the line so I could not. But I have lent out a package to a family in need and very deserving, very close to us, and I knew would return it in good condition after it is was used. That was pretty neat to have that option to turn it onto a ministry things. So to us the program has tremendous value. And the other thing with extra books is they make really great gifts! More than once in a pinch a duplicate HOD book has been there for a gift when funds are not. Just an idea in case that works for you as well.

I have to say our first year hsing we made a HUGE mistake. I got a program that was horrible, expensive and had nothing non consumable about it. Could have used HOD for 3 years with that one mistake that was supposed to be the absolute bomb in hsing. I think I was fortunate in a way to have made that mistake because fixing it ended up costing money as well. Knowing that I never question HOD every year. I know it is going to work. I know if I hit a bump I will have help. And most of all I know it is going to train my kids in the way God has called me to do. That is worth so much more than the cost of HOD. I pray for you the minute your order arrives you will feel the same blessings in your life that HOD has brought us. After that you will never look back. I also pray for your dh's job situation and that God will bring employment to cover the loss. That is a very stressful place to be in, we have walked it more than a few times in our family. God is so wonderful to provide though and I pray you see that in your family as well.

Congratulations on your HOD order. You are going to love it!