We've had a really great week of homeschooling this past week.  All was going smoothly.  We took yesterday off and I didn't even feel guilty about it.  The boys all have colds so I let them sleep as late as they needed to.  I had a lot of things to get done for our homeschool group and around the house.  My oldest son had Taekwondo in the afternoon.  So instead of cramming homeschooling in between all that stuff, I decided to give us the day off.  I quickly learned that trying to get it all in when it is obviously not possible to do so just stresses everyone out, most of all me.  So I figured today we'd get an early start and get everything done. 

But of course there is a problem.  My neighbors next door moved out a few months ago.  The person they sold the house to is not living there.  He is renovating the house and then selling it.  He is here today power washing the house.  I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with the sound a power washer makes, but it is LOUD.  It sounds just like a jack hammer.  Needless to say, the atmosphere is not conducive to learning.  So so much for my plans for a productive day. 

And since I'm on the topic of obstacles, I thought I'd discuss the biggest obstacle I'm facing right now.  It is a self made obastacle but I am having difficulty figuring out just how to deal with it.  I've been quite overwhelmed lately with too many outside of the home obligations, mainly the children's extra curricular activities.  When you pair those up with errands, doctor appointments, dental appointments, haircuts, etc. I feel that I am not home as much as I need to be.  I am a firm believer that in order to homeschool, you need to be home.  I am not an unschooler, though I envy their lifestyle.  I wish I could be that relaxed but I know I never will be.  I've come a long way in easing up on my rigidity, but I don't think I'll ever ease up enough to call us unschoolers.   

Here is a list of the activities we currently participate in:

1. Library story hour--a six week program that runs twice a year

2. Soccer--a 7 week program that runs three times a year

3. Bowling--weekly, all year long

4. Taekwondo--a 10 week program that runs three times a year

5. Gymnastics--weekly, all year long

This does not include the occasional field trip either.  There are some months where we will only be doing 1 or 2 things, but then others where we wind up doing everything. 

I've been trying to think of what to do away with.  I decided gymnastics will be the first to go.  My oldest son already stopped going due to a conflict with his teacher.  My 4 year old will not mind if I take him out, since his older brother doesn't go anymore.  Plus this is the most expensive, time consuming activity we are engaged in.  So that leaves me with the first 4 things.  Library story hour is the one thing that is fun for my youngest son (16 months) and we have to go to the library anyway, so we're keeping that.  Soccer is a lot of fun because we get together with our homeschool group and all the kids hang out and play together during (for those not doing soccer) and afterwards.  So this is something my kids really enjoy.  Bowling is something new, that I put together. I belong to a co-op and every member has to participate in some way, so I put together a homeschool bowling league.  I know, I did it too myself and deserve no pity.  But I think this will be a great indoor winter activity that will run when soccer is out.  Taekwondo is my oldest son's absolute favorite, so that is definitely not out. 

So I think I've gotten us down to the bare minimum.  Or maybe I'm just rationalizing.  I did turn down a lot of things. Tuesdays our group gets together at a community center for various activities.  Tuesdays and Wednesdays they go ice skating.  There was a neat t-ball league on Saturdays that I turned down.  I don't go to the play dates for the various groups I belong to. I have said no to many field trips.  I'm trying to say no to the good and even some of the great things so that I can say yes to the best things. 

My challenge now is to find a way to make all this work.  To balance these activities with our lessons and try to fit in the housework, errands, etc.  Unfortunately it is usually my house that suffers the most when we have a crazy week. Perhaps I will find a balance or perhaps I will be forced to drop something else.  Or perhaps I will just go crazy in the whole process. 

Anyone who has had similar experiences or can offer any advice,  I welcome and would greatly appreciate your comments!