Our family is now 6 weeks into the school year and I think we have struck our stride.  The crockpot usually emits savory scents while we work and the three-year-old is underfoot while we memorize math facts.   Days begin early, difficulties arise, we put out mini-fires along the way but we are together and learning. 

What I have learned from our homeschooling adventure is if I am not organized, the whole process can come to a screeching halt.  The boys can sense when I am not "up on my game" and as children will do, they take advantage of my temporary weakness.  Although I am not a fan of science, I have had to learn to keep my own feelings in check and exhibit enthusiasm for the subject.  I create lesson plans on Sunday afternoons on my laptop while watching football with the boys and I organize all supplies for the upcoming week.  This prevents the "running around like a chicken with her head cut off" syndrome that can quickly ruin a school day. I make lists (sometimes on the backs of envelopes), a chore chart is posted on the refrigerator and we had a lesson on laundry one day.  I cannot believe how much free time I have now that the boys do their own laundry!  Next - teaching 3 young boys to cook!