Could this be it...

As our family ebbs and flows, grows and changes, so does our schedule. However, even though I could go onto my computer and look at the multitude of schedules we have enjoyed over the past few years, I somehow forgot recently that schedules aren't static, that even the most "perfect" ones won't remain perfect forever. I think I forgot because for nearly six months we had one that fit so well.

When things began going awry, I first thought to blame the kids for being off-task. I then blamed myself, I obviously was not staying on top of the kids enough. And then, this past month or so, we have had activities which have uprooted us from our little perfectly designed (and color coded) system. In the last two weeks we have been trying to get back on schedule and nothing seems to fit anymore.

So, last night, after having mulled over the struggles in my mind, Elliott and I were able to discuss some of the challenges I was facing as we chatted over bun-less burgers on a date. I asked him to point out some areas where he thought maybe I was expecting too much, or where maybe he could see the kids slacking up, or where my expectations were too high. We also had to address the two littlest, our little tornadoes of activity, and be creative in finding ways to accomplish school and keep them from killing themselves or burning down the house.

Here is the plan. Some of you will laugh, as it is here in all its color-coded wonder (Blue is "everyone", Yellow is "with Mom", Green is "independent"). I will let you know how it goes. My humble attempt at Proverbs 16:9.

Hannah / Noah	Grace / Faith	Caleb / Micah
7:30am – Wake Up	7:30am – Wake Up	7:30am – Wake Up
7:45am – Breakfast	7:45am – Breakfast	7:45am – Breakfast
8:30am – Morning Chores	8:30am – Morning Chores	8:30am – Morning Chores
9:00am – Walk/Outside Time	9:00am – Walk/Outside Time	9:00am – Walk/Outside Time
10:00am – Family Worship	10:00am – Family Worship	10:00am – Family Worship
10:30am – Begin School	10:30am – Begin School	10:30am – Begin School
Quiet Time	Quiet Time – ABC Bible	Quiet Time – ABC Bible
Handwriting	Picture Books	Picture Books
Math	Finger Songs	Finger Songs
Drawing	Calendar	Calendar
Grammar	Bible Memory – L.I.G.H.T.S.	Bible Memory – L.I.G.H.T.S.
Copywork	Handwriting	Free Time
Explode the Code	Math
Recitations / Memory Work	Drawing
Spelling	Alpha Phonics Lesson
Reading – Assigned	Explode The Code
11:30am – Mom Reading	Free Time
Tales – Narration
Geography
12:30pm – Lunch	12:30pm – Lunch	12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Mom Reading	Piano Practice (15 minutes)	1:30pm – Micah Nap / Caleb Free Time
World History	Free Time
American History
Science
Writing – Narration
3:00pm – Afternoon Chores	3:00pm – Afternoon Chores	3:00 pm - Afternoon Chores
Piano Practice (15 minutes)	Handicrafts (20 minutes)	Free Time
Handicrafts (20 minutes)	Free Time
Free Time

* As a side note... not all things are done all days. I am not a total task-master. :) If you saw each child's daily checklist you would notice shaded blocks which tell which days were associated with which assignment. The above is what I am calling "The Whole Flock Daily Schedule".