Chaos ! Homeschooling Four Children !

I have a new admiration for those of you who have multiple children. I always thought you were ** miracle workers. ** But, now, I am reminded of how wonderful you are ! Shayna was never meant to be an "one and only" but that is how life ended up. I quickly got used to having a "one and only" ! It is just the way "the cards were delt". This is why I tend to do a lot of the organizing for field trips etc. I have the time.

This week our friends, the McBreen Family, came into town from South Carolina. Amanda has to take some "classes" at Quantico. So, I volunteered to keep her three children (who are good friends of Shayna's) at our house. I adore her kids. They are like second children to me and are wonderful.

In the past, I have taken them. However, only two of the three "were doing school." The two who did school and my daughter are around the same age so we "schooled" together. It was easy. This year, Amanda's youngest, age 6, is added to the homeschooling mix. Boy that threw me for a huge loop. Four children certainly keeps you on your toes.

I have NOT stopped for two days. The kids today (our second day HSing together) certainly grew more patient and cooperative (helping the youngest when she needs helps) with one another. However, my house is now officially a disaster ! I need, need, need to vaccuum. My house is NEVER pristine; however, now it looks as if a tornado has gone through it.

I ADMIRE anyone who homeschools more than one child and has a clean house. I ADMIRE anyone who homeschools more than one child and looks like they got a full nights sleep. I ADMIRE anyone who homeschools more than one child and can actually eat breakfast AND lunch on time. WOW ! My eyes have been open.

I adore Amanda's three children. They are so well behaved ! It has nothing to do with that. It has to do with going to the bathroom without someone asking for help on an assignment. YIKES ! I guess there is a reason why I have a "one and only gem."