Thanks for the help you all have given so far. I have been funneling and sifting ideas and I have a plan that I'd appreciate you looking over. I have used the placement chart extensively, talked with my DH at length, honestly evaluated my children & our family dynamics, etc. I need to be able to combine 2 of my children so that I am only teaching from two guides. DS8 and DS6 are only 19 months apart but they are farther apart in maturity and academic ability. The oldest is much stronger while the younger has needed more time to mature . DD is almost 5 and she has strong skills already. She's much different than the boys. We are planning to start the oldest in Bigger right away. I have nearly everything I need. He places beautifully in BH and I hope to try DITHR with him after we settle in to a BH routine. He's mid way through 2nd grade and so Bigger will take us partway into 3rd but it's a great fit skill wise right now. There is no sense in waiting until the fall. DS6 is about half a year "behind"
. He started first grade this school year but I had to slow him way down for a variety of reasons. I will think of him as a first grader again in fall of 2011. I think he may move up a grade about mid school year each year. He'll be 7 right before summer. My DD will be 5 this spring which makes her nearly 5.5 in September. My plan is to combine DS7 and DD5 in LHFHG and start this in August or September (when the new school year begins; we take off about 6 weeks during summer). He places SQUARELY in Beyond right now but I cannot run 3 guides. I know my limits and two is going to challenge me this first year. Can I teach LH to those two but use Beyond for "skill content" for him (copywork, grammar 1x week, spelling, etc.)? To me, it seems like it would work out just fine. The next year he'd move into Beyond with her but he'd be doing right side of Bigger (English 2) and the next year he could stay in the Bigger guide using English 3 and increasing the dictation level as needed. Any thoughts on using LHFHG with an "older" kiddo? Any thoughts or suggestions on what I could or should do to make sure I am meeting him "skill wise" without actually having to use 3 guides in full? I believe he will benefit from the storytime in LH and the devotional is right at his level. Oh, I forgot to mention he is using the ERS now. He may be through that by the fall so I'll have to consider reading as well. I won't want to start him with DITHR until he's at least 8 so that won't be an option for this fall.
Another question swirling in my mind . . . Since I have to wait until the fall to begin Little Hearts (DD isn't ready yet as she's still 4!) I'm not sure what, if anything, I should do with this DS6 right now.
He can certainly listen in to his brother using Bigger. He is doing the ERS and his math at a gentle pace. He is also working through the Explode the Code series which gives him handwriting practice every day 
. I know that HOD is flexible but I have a lot to learn in that regard. If anyone sees another way that would work better or if my plan is "sound" as far as you can tell, I would appreciate feedback!
Oh, I forgot to mention that DDalmost 5
is just starting LHTH. I think she'll enjoy that as a runner up to starting Kindergarten. I do think she's about ready for reading instruction as she knows her letters & sounds very well. She can write well too!! I am considering using The Reading Lesson with her alongside LHTH. Thank-you!!!!!!!!!!!!
TRL was perfect for ds and I. I thought he would need more hands-on activities, but it turns out that he distracts himself with manipulatives, like letter tiles (or MUS blocks - we switched to Singapore and that works better for him as well:D) I'll be interested to see how TRL works for my almost-4 dd...
I really understand the longing to feel well, to have smiles & energy, to function . . . 24/7 sickness is very overwhelming. I hope & pray you'll pull out soon. I HAVE been praying for you when I'm overwhelmed by the anticipation and start praying for myself 