I am so uplifted and encouraged after reading so many responses! I was just out with a friend (for some much needed mommy time) and I was telling her about this board. How wonderful to have such a resource available!
Lori,
Thanks for the much needed confidence boost. Also, thanks for helping me to remember the big picture of why we home school. It's not just about academics, but about building relationships that will last a lifetime. I teared up thinking about my ds's becoming husbands, fathers, and my dd becoming a wife and mother(even though she insist that she's staying with us forever--lol.). I am so thankful to have the opportunity to plant the word of God in their young hearts.
Carrie,
Thanks for the encouragement. Also, thanks for pointing out that I have the right fit for two out of three, which is something to celebrate

.
We are definitely going to drop ds9 to the right side of Bigger Hearts. I think it would do him some good to follow the emerging reader schedule and do the hands on math activities. I had planned for both of my ds's to begin DITHOR this week, but I think that I'll just use the storytime in Bigger for my 9yo (in addition to the emerging readers) and my 11yo has requested to finish out the BJU reading program that he had already started this school year. We will then do DITHOR for both boys next year. I am debating on the Science in Bigger for ds9 as well.
Both of my ds's are really enjoying the History in Preparing. Both of them have only had American History and Geography up until now, so they are really enjoying this. I don't have the heart to switch it....b/c they are actually excited to do History everyday. I will just tweak it for my 9yo. My only hang up is where would this put ds9 for next year? Could he do the left side of bigger and the right side of Preparing? I'm assuming the new Ancients guide may be too advanced...unless we make a lot of progress between now and then. Let me know what you think. If it's too complicated I may have to move him to Bigger for everything now, but I wouldn't want to move my 11yo as Preparing is such a GOOD fit for him all around.
Julie,
I have to admit that your post made me chuckle

I loved the gym story. It helped me to remember that just because skip counting, multiplying, dictionary skills, etc... come easy to me, doesn't mean that they come easily to him. Poor baby, his little mind is probably on overload
It was a blessing to see him excited about the placement test today. It was the first day in a while that Math didn't end with tears. It felt good to explain to him about the levels of the books and have him understand. I know that he will be able to accept whatever level he needs.
BTW, I so wish that I could have my sister along side me for this hs journey. You gals are so blessed to have extended hs family. Thankfully, I've found my extended hs family through all of the ladies here.
HUGS
Joy,
Thanks for helping me to realize that sometimes we have to take a step back in order to move forward. My 8 month old is learning to crawl and is only moving backwards at this point, but I know that he's building his strength to move forward. How about that, God drove your point home by giving me a visual! I love when he does that, he knows that he created me a very visual learner
Also, I am feeling much better about going to R&S 2. Thanks for the alphabetical order tip.
Again, Many thanks to everyone who responded with thoughts, prayers, and advice. You are gems
Many blessings,
Jenni