Frugal Abundance

55 responses so far ↓

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  Kathy Jones // March 17, 2008 at 4:38 pm

  I was going to unsubscribe from the OFE users group anyway, because it seemed to have so little to do with OFE anymore. But I wanted to thank you so much for all you have done for my family in particular with the curriculum, and also with HBHW. May God bless you and your family, and grant you much success with Frugal Abundance and future endeavors.

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  frugalabundance // March 17, 2008 at 5:00 pm

  Thank-you Kathy. I apologize for not being a better leader of the user’s group. I’m glad my websites have been a help to you though. Thanks for the well wishes. MM

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  Lucy Tascone // March 17, 2008 at 5:39 pm

  Thank you for all you do. They bickering and the sheer volume were getting out of hand. I did join the new group. I’d like you to check it out. Some of your stuff (like the curriculums) has been uploaded into the files there and I personally think you need to give your OK. email me directly if you want more info. I might not see your note if you comment here.

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  Karen // March 17, 2008 at 5:42 pm

  Thank you so much for the information on your OFE website. It has been a life saver for me and for my son. I didn’t always agree with comments on the OFE group, but I could easily enough ignore what I disagreed with and concentrate on the tremendous ammount of useful information and support I found. Anyway, isn’t that the way life is? You take what’s good and filter the rest.
  By the way, I am Catholic. So not all the resources you listed were appropriate for my family. I simply use—-gratefully and thankfully—what God has led you to provide. Once again, THANK YOU!!!

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  CMD // March 17, 2008 at 9:54 pm

  Dear Miss Maggie,
  I had not been on the computer for a number of months and do not know what happened on the OFE yahoo group. I went on the computer this evening when I found the group was cancelled.
  I know I left a note or two in the yahoo group before, but I feel sooooooooo compelled to thank you again for alllllllllll the work you have done and for freely sharing it with the rest of whoever wants it.
  Thank you so much!
  May the Lord richly bless you for your service in Him.

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  CMD // March 17, 2008 at 9:57 pm

  I forgot to ask, - what is the other yahoo group’s name that seems to be affiliating with the OFE curriculum?
  Thank you.

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  Dawn // March 17, 2008 at 11:04 pm

  Actually, there really wasn’t much bickering on the group. The recent event was very unusual; we had gone for a very long time without any problems whatsoever, but then all of the sudden, there were a couple of flare ups.

  And even when a mod asked people to be respectful and to drop the subject, people refused to do so; going so far as to start a new thread to have their say even when the old thread was deleted.

  I think, though, that the real problem is that a couple of moderators were unsure of how much authority they had to ban or put on moderated status and wanted clarification from Miss Maggie before doing anything drastic. Basically, they wanted some guidance on a game plan should another like situation arise in the future.

  Unfortunately, rather than discuss it or even ask what was going on, the group was just deleted. In fact, it was deleted AFTER the ‘bickering’ had already been resolved and everything was back to normal.

  The saddest part is that we had formed relationships and were like one big family. Not to mention, we have to look for old e-mails lying around on computers to try to rebuild the extensive links of free or cheap stuff that we used to supplement OFE. A warning would have been nice.

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 12:32 am

  Dawn, you are absolutely right. I acted quickly and without consulting anyone. It would have been better if I had done so. I apoligize for pain or trouble I’ve caused you and many of the other users. Thank-you for sharing your feelings and please encourage others to do so too.

  If you know of any groups that would like a link to their group on the main OFE site, please let me know. I would be happy to direct users to other groups.

  With sincere apologies,
  Maggie

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 12:33 am

  Lucy I’m not sure I have your email. Could you direct me where to find it please?

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 12:35 am

  Hi Karen, I’m so glad you’ve found it useful. I think each of us has to develop our own methods using materials that best suit our family’s values. It’s what I try to. Some days more successfully than others.

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 12:36 am

  CMD, I’m happy you’ve enjoyed OFE. I’m not yet prepared to post links to any groups (don’t have all the links handy and haven’t checked them out as of yet.) I will keep everyone updated as I learn more.

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  Dawn // March 18, 2008 at 12:52 am

  Note to Lucy:

  Miss Maggie’s curriculum has NOT been uploaded to the new group, although her 40 week schedules have. However, according to copyright law, the schedules are copyrighted, so she has been given clear credit.

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  Jen in Budapset // March 18, 2008 at 1:42 am

  I just wanted the thank Miss Maggie for all the work she has put in over the years! Everyone makes fast decisions sometimes to fix a situation. I applaud you in making a decision and not just himming and hawing. In hind sight, we sometimes see a better way we could have handled things. But we are all the children of God and like all children we are still learning.

  Thank you again for the work you have put into OFE. Now sit down have a cup of tea and enjoy the day!!

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  Sharon // March 18, 2008 at 1:53 am

  Maggie,

  I am one of the moderators Dawn was referring to who wanted guidance from you about the authority we had as a moderator. As Dawn mentioned the recent bickering was just that recent. As a result of that bickering the moderators of the group had already gotten together to form a plan on how to deal with those types of situations. Since you were the owner of the group, I felt we should get your approval. Because it was the right thing to do. Well it looks like my instance on doing the right thing was the wrong thing because you misunderstood what was going on and deleted the group. We as moderators understood that you were busy with another direction in your life and that was okay, but we did want your approval before acting. We did not want to do things against your wishes.

  As for your curriculum being uploaded to our group, it has not been. We are only trying to band together to recapture the lost files and links that were on the group you so hastily deleted.

  I’m not sure what you meant by your comment that the posts on that group were getting out of hand, could you elborate? There had been some recent ugliness, but we were dealing with it.

  When you deleted the group, at least 3 people e-mailed me personally asking what had happened. I had no answer for those people.

  I had been a member of the OFE group for a few years and I am very saddened by this situation.

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  Jacee // March 18, 2008 at 2:38 am

  Ms Maggie, I am so thankful for your website (OFE). Obviously you did what you deemed necessary so I can find not fault in that especially if it brings you peace of mind.

  I look forward to seeing a new link listed on the website ASAP!

  As for the rest of us, this is just a bump in the road, ladies. Someone will pick up the banner and run with it. Patience is a virtue. (So Im learning daily)

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  Beth // March 18, 2008 at 7:20 am

  I loved the yahoo group, and because of it got the confidence to begin the next school year completely old-fashioned education. I noticed this week there were no messages and when I looked into it, I found it had been deleted. I am trying to find a new way to find help and support with this curriculum, but I can’t find the new yahoo group made.

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 8:58 am

  Sharon, you did the right thing. I am the one who over-reacted.

  I have been feeling like the Yahoo Group was a burden to me for a couple of years now. I felt obligated to it, but had been unable to make it the priority it deserved. You and the other moderators have been faithful and honorable and you deserve a great deal of credit for your devotion. I don’t think I realized how important and vital it was to so many. As I already mentioned, I did not handle this situation gracefully.

  Sharon and Dawn, would you please post the link to your new group and if you’ll allow me to, I’ll share it with the other readers on the OFE site.

  Thank-you Sharon, for taking the time to explain things here and sharing your point of view.

  blessings, MM

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  Another Beth // March 18, 2008 at 8:58 am

  Miss Maggie, I don’t use OFE, but have gleaned many great ideas from this group. I, too, am an owner of many Home Education groups and understand that there are periods of time where they can be “the straw that broke the camels back.” Your decision was what was right for you and I applaud you for doing what you thought was right. Just as I miss your version of HBHW, I will miss the suggestions received from this group, but, we must listen to the voice in us that prompts us what to do for the benefit of our own circumstances.

  Warm wishes!

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 9:01 am

  Jen, thank-you for your support. I did make a fast decision, perhaps too fast under the circumstances. Like you said, I am a child of God. I still make mistakes and I’m still learning. I hate it when my mistakes affect so many good people. It’s humbling, bordering on humiliating, and makes me much more careful, realizing the ramifications of my choices.

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 9:02 am

  Jacee, “a bump in the road,” Yes. I like that.

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 9:05 am

  Beth, apparently there are a few (at least 2, perhaps more) groups that have sprung up in the ashes of the old group.

  I request that those with access to new groups please share the group addresses so that users can find them and I can visit them. I am hoping to provide links to new groups on the main OFE homepage. I have to know where they are first though.

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 9:11 am

  Dawn (and Lucy), I’ve always been pretty generous about sharing information with others. As long as there are no cash transactions involved, I think the more people who can be helped, the better off we all are.

  The whole point of all of this is to spread Christ’s Love to the corners of the earth. If the few things I’ve written are able to contribute to His purpose then I am honored to be of help.

  Also, remember that helping children today is an investment in the future of our world. When we are serving Him and working within our own abilities to improve the world (such as it is), then whomever gets the credit, is not so important in the long run.

  Dawn I’m glad you’ve been able to salvage things. It’s to your credit and the other moderators that you are so willing to do so.

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 9:15 am

  Another Beth, thank-you for understanding. We all make mistakes and I am no stranger to them. It’s hard to face the consequenses of bad decisions, but I think it’s the first step in mending fences. Better to face the consequences than dread them afterwards.

  I know HBHW was popular, but I no longer had the spark for it. Hopefully, as the years go by, I can develop Frugal Abundance into something that can be as useful as HBHW was.

  Thanks again for your understanding and support, Maggie

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  Jenn // March 18, 2008 at 10:53 am

  Thank you so much all you provide for all of us. You are a true blessing to me and my family.

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  Another Beth // March 18, 2008 at 11:32 am

  PS. I LOVE Frugal Abundance. I love your wit and the hominess of the sites you create. I was lucky, I had a prompting before you handed it over to copy all of the recipes. I now have a HBHW cookbook that I refer to often.

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  Maggie in AL // March 18, 2008 at 12:14 pm

  Hi darlin’
  Totally off topic…wanted to let you know T. had open heart surgery 3 weeks ago. Been meaning to call you. We’re fine, he’s recovering very well….he’s a tough one….God is good.

  Love you,
  Maggie

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  Lori // March 18, 2008 at 12:47 pm

  Hi Maggie, I am new to OFE, but familiar with Ambleside - so I understand the concept. My question is about the password for the math curriculum. Is there a standard password to enter the ‘P’ protected links or do I need to contact the developers in the UK for the password? Thanks for all your hard work!

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  Dawn // March 18, 2008 at 1:19 pm

  Dear Miss Maggie. Thank you so much for your response, and for the closure. We all appreciate it.

  The OFE mods were in touch with each other and when the group shut down, we quickly debated and decided to put up another group pretty quickly. Out of approximately 1300 members, we were only able to locate about 25 percent.

  I’m sure that many are still wondering what happened, but most importantly, worried that the OFE curriculum site will shut down. It is a big concern for many.

  We would greatly appreciate for you to link the group on the OFE page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/3RHomeschooling/

  If at any point in the future, the curriculum site becomes too much, please feel free to contact me or any of the other mods, and we will work something out.

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  Lori // March 18, 2008 at 1:42 pm

  Hi again Miss Maggie - I am trying to choose what year I should start my oldest in. I don’t want her to think she is being taken “backwards”, but as I look at the ‘8th grade’ books, I don’t think she is prepared enough for this level. It is definately true how public school and our society is ‘dumbed down’. I didn’t realize it until I took a look into yester-year! Since you took your boys out of school at the ‘older’ ages, where did you START with them? Thanks, in advance, for any wisdom you may depart.

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 1:58 pm

  Lori, the password is available at the Yahoo Group mentioned by Dawn. I started one of my oldest a year behind and my youngest a year ahead. Some things they do the same and some they do differently. My youngest is gifted, actually my oldest is gifted too, but in math and science more than reading and writing. I customize a lot of things for them. I don’t follow the lesson plans exactly but I do follow them for the most part. I recommend joining the Yahoo group, posted above. I think they will be best able to help you figure out what to do first, adn then what to next.

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 1:58 pm

  Thank’s Jenn, Thanks Another Beth

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 1:59 pm

  Maggie Dear, Praying for T and for the rest of hte family too. He’s a strong man, with a strong faith and I trust all will go well. Holding yall in God’s Love.
  Hugs & Love Honey, M

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  frugalabundance // March 18, 2008 at 2:03 pm

  Dawn, thank you soooooo much!!!

  {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{3RHomeschooling}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

  I have joined and am waiting to be accepted so I can see how it all looks.

  OFE isn’t going anywhere but should it ever become a burden I promise to contact yall and give you the opportunity to take over. For now it’s pretty easy to maintain. It might be better served by a group than an individual though, and that’s definitely something worth considering. Thanks again. Maggie

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  stacy // March 18, 2008 at 4:46 pm

  Miss Maggie,

  I’m sorry to see the OFE group is gone, though I do understand your feelings. Even though you had moderators, you still, it seems, felt responsible for what was being posted. You seem to have a very generous and giving heart (based on you posting so much online for the rest of us, and at no charge), and I’m guessing it hurt your heart to see the bickering. The last incident (at least the last one I’m aware of) was especially bad. I try to keep out of such things, but I really wanted to tell them to grow up! I do understand you making a quick decision; I’ve done the same thing many times-maybe the way you did it could have been better, but I’m sure there is a huge burden lifted now that it is done. I had also considered unsubbing from OFE due to the abundance of off-topic posts, so in a sense I feel confirmation of that thought, in that you took care of it for me. Please don’t feel guilty, those of us that were on the list can, with a little effort, find other list to meet our needs. May God strengthen and bless you!

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  Rachel // March 18, 2008 at 6:32 pm

  Miss Maggie:

  Wishing you the best Miss Maggie: Thanks for sharing your hard work with us. I’m glad to have learned of your curriculum but to tell you the truth, I’m glad the Yahoo group is gone. I was a part of the last little “bickering” scenario and for that I apologize to you (not the big one, thank goodness, but I guess any is bad). I know that’s not what the group was originally intended for. I’m finding myself spending way too much time on these groups. I just unsubbed from quite a few of them. This whole thing has made me think about why I’m doing this in the first place. I do this for my kids, not to spend 2 hours a day on the computer reading posts from various Yahoo groups. The only groups I stayed on were the ones who limited the discussion to a specific curriculum that I’m using. Anyway, you’re a special one Miss Maggie and thanks for giving me the gift of your curriculum.

  Rachel Litmer

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  Sharon // March 19, 2008 at 1:07 am

  Thank you for joining our group and listing it on the OFE website. We are grateful that you appointed all of us moderators on the old group and that in light of the recent bickering that was going on had banded together to form a solution to the problem. Had none of that happened then, we (the moderators and owners of the new group) would not have formed the relationship we have now. May God Bless you for all you do.

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  frugalabundance // March 19, 2008 at 10:36 am

  Thank-you for understanding Stacy. I’ve received so much forgivness from so many. I’m not proud to have taken actions that require so much forgivness, but am filled with joy to have it given to me so freely and with so much love. For me, this is strong evidence of God’s Grace & Mercy.

  blessings,
  Maggie

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  frugalabundance // March 19, 2008 at 10:37 am

  All is forgiven Rachel. With as much forgivness as I’ve received over the past week, it would be foolish of me not to hand it out with equal generosity. The slate is clean. Maggie

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  frugalabundance // March 19, 2008 at 10:40 am

  Aww Sharon, thank you. I may be getting sappy now, but I keep thinking of the bible story where Jesus says “Let he who is without sin among you cast the first stone.” I really feel like all of you have treated me with much more kindness and respect than I deserve under the circumstances. thank-you for being an example of Christ’s wisdom and love in my life.

  Blessings Maggie

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  Nancy~Jane // March 19, 2008 at 2:37 pm

  I was pretty new to the OFE group and was just wondering if the old emails/list is retrievable not to be reactivated but so that all the other free resources could be found? I have seen many Yahoo groups that are inactive. I assume shut down but not gone. Is it too late for that.
  I have not even had time to read all the comments here it may have already been asked.

  I also want to thank Miss Maggie so much for the OFE site and all the work she has put into it and making it available to use. What a blessing.
  Blessings
  Nancy~Jane
  I Thes 4:11
  Hosea 10:12

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  Dawn // March 20, 2008 at 2:38 pm

  Nancy, it is not retrievable unless Miss Maggie backed it up somewhere first. On the 3R Homeschooling group (see link above or the OFE homepage), we are working to recreate all of the wonderful links and resources.

  Some members still had archives of e-mails on their computers, so we will also be working to put together a “best of” file.

  This will take some time, but with everyone working together, we can get it done.

  HTH

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  Nancy~Jane // March 20, 2008 at 6:56 pm

  Thanks Dawn so this means I should join the 3R yahoo group then?

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  Dawn // March 21, 2008 at 10:47 am

  Nancy Jane, Sure, if you’d like to Our purpose is as a resource and support group to users of OFE as well as other types of similar curriculum (CM and such).

  You’re certaintly welcome to join us there.

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  frugalabundance // March 22, 2008 at 7:37 am

  Nancy Jane, yes, you should join the 3R group.

  Nothing was backed up on my end. Hence my apologies and regret.

  I’ve visted the 3R group and heartily endorse it without a single reservation. These are a great bunch of Christian ladies doing their best to help other homeschoolers. They’re supportive, kind and understanding, plus they cover a broad range of topics. Easy to recommend on my part. Maggie

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  Lacey // March 23, 2008 at 8:45 pm

  I just wanted to say Thank you! All the knowledge in your webpage has been such a blessing to me! I have been struggling with “what is considered modesty” for a long time! I recently met a friend who wears a covering and I have felt compelled by it. Your information and kind words about it have been so wonderful! Thank you somuch! God Bless you! :o)

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  frugalabundance // March 24, 2008 at 12:10 pm

  My pleasure Lacey, happy to oblige.

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  Angela // March 25, 2008 at 10:31 am

  (((hug)))

  God bless…Angela

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  Amy // March 26, 2008 at 2:52 pm

  Hi, Miss Maggie! I had unsubbed from the user group because it seemed to have lost it’s focus.

  I just wanted to say thanks for continuing to make OFE available. What a blessing it has been to our family and a couple of other new homeschooling mommas who were intimidated by the cost of curriculum!

  God bless you today and in all your future endeavors!!

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  Ginger // March 27, 2008 at 11:09 pm

  i left the OFE group because of all the bickering. I havent been back since. OFE has been a lifesaver for me. Thank you. All of your sites the old housewife and this new one have been. YOU are truly a gifted woman. I love looking at your site and like to glean from you as much as I can!

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  jstme // March 28, 2008 at 7:46 am

  Wow. I am shocked. I have been looking for emails from the group for 2 weeks now. Finally today I decided to go to the group’s homepage to see what was going on and it’s gone. Wow.

  I am so disappointed that the entire group and all of the wonderful, helpful posts in the files and archives are gone forever. Wow

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  Angel In NC // April 8, 2008 at 12:13 pm

  DEAR Miss Maggie,
  THANK YOU! For everything. You are a blessing from God.
  Love-In-Christ,
  Angel

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  April Williams // April 28, 2008 at 10:52 am

  I am looking for the password to use for the MEP math. Is it still available?
  Thanks,
  April

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  frugalabundance // April 28, 2008 at 5:55 pm

  Yes April, go to the new user’s group and ask them for it. They’ll be glad to share.

  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/3RHomeschooling/

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  Vickie // April 29, 2008 at 9:16 am

  I just wanted to say how glad I am I found this site. It is going to save me so much $ next school year! On the old group there was a file where a mom had put some of the books in a format where it had 1/2 page on each sheet & then you could print on the back to make a book. If anyone still has the link to this (if it’s still there) PLEASE email me. I only printed one off but it saved so much on ink & paper. Thank you all so much!

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  Dawn // May 9, 2008 at 11:38 am

  Vickie, I don’t know which file you are speaking about, you can join the group and ask your question there. There are quite a few members from the original group, so someone there may know

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