Next week (September 1st) we start our new school year. This week I’m focusing on trying (focus on trying) to get things organized and ready.

I sat down with the kids and explained we WILL be doing language and mathematics each day and one special subject. I reminded them about chores and piano practice and those things they need to do daily, I showed them where their math and language books are kept and how it’s set up now so they can do their math sheets even if I’m busy (I put the week’s worth of worksheets into page protectors so they can grab it and know what’s next.)

Kit and I get distracted when we’re on IM with each other so we both decided better to keep IM off while he’s at work and we get more focused work done. I usually open the laptop so I can have music playing for the kids but he got some speakers set up in the living room and transferred my iTunes list so I can plug in the iPod and have music that way. Perfect!

We had circle time and family prayer, he left for work and we got to work. I let Bennett and Emy play on Starfall on the computer in the sunroom while I did math and language with Christopher and Moira. Joseph nursed or played with toys I pulled out for him. By focusing we were able to get math and language done within an hour (Joseph taking a catnap during that time.) Bennett was reading Emy stories on Starfall, it was great! (I told them NO other computer time except during lessons for the big kids.)

Then we all came in for lunch and quiet time. I was able to eat with the kids and we then all cleaned up together. Christopher did his piano practice, he and Mo both got some time riding bikes out front while I played with the little kids. I read stories to some of the kids in their beds while Christopher got some quiet time (without little kids stalking him, which they do a lot.) It’s been lovely! I hope we can keep this up. 🙂

Cuddling in bed with four of the five: