another year (2009).  I feel like we are just starting school for the school year, although I do see growth in what the children have learned so far.  This year has been one of hectic caous.  Ok, I think I spelled that word wrong. 

I am trying to get more organized.  I have totally cleaned out my room, well the things from the floor, under the bed and dresser tops.  I filed paid bills away.  I feel much better.  I have also got the kids to clean their rooms and all is well with that.  Except for dd6 who insists on messing things up before we get one day away from clean rooms. 

We are trying to teach her to keep things cleaned and put away things after using them.  This is a toughy.  Since she is still growing and gaining her wonderful personality, I am also finding that she is hyperactive, disorganized and also destructive.  In the past week she has found permanent marker and written on my bedroom furniture, walls and even my lightswitch.  She has cut her hair (again) and who knows what else she has done that we haven't found out yet.  She is one child you have to watch all the time.  Most of these things happen when I am not home--I do work outside the home 3 evenings a week.  So, our family is trying to adjust to an overzealous child. 

Since none of the other 4 older children are this way, it is something new to us to have to be on the lookout for.  My dd15 just finished a puzzle (1000 piece) and dd6 tried to pick it up and ruined it.  This is not the first time this has happened, but since it is happening to other children (stuff being ruined) I have told the older kids they must be on the watch also, it can't always be put on me. 

I am going to try something new this year with school work, and make a new schedule, trying to get the younger two kids into some sort of routine. 

Mondays: We are going to focus on writing, reading and games---with gymnastics as PE.

Tuesdays: Focus on writing, reading and social studies.

Wednesdays: They go to their charter school workshops (this next 5 weeks will be math games and writing--lapbooking, storytime) no other school work other then reading at home.

Thursday: math day, writing and arts and crafts, with maybe library time and reading.

Friday: focus on writing, reading and science and maybe parkday.

Saturday: will try and be a catch up day if possible.

I am going to try this for the month of January and see if it works better then what we have been doing.  My work schedule is changing here real soon and so trying to get the younger two in routine is critical, especially with my 3 upcoming trainings (total of 4 weeks away from home, spread over 3 months).

Deb