The good news: Three programs seems to definitely be doable

[StillJulie]

My 8yo (Bigger) did most in the morning. I think it was around 9 once we got started. I did the left side with her and then storytime. Then she did her language arts, reading, math, and piano independently. She also did the extension readings. We did science after lunch.

My 7yo (Little Hearts) did his after lunch. It probably took us about an hour. He doesn't do too much independently yet... just handwriting, I think. Although even with that, I tend to hover, so he doesn't rush sloppily.

My 3yo and 5yo (Little Hands) also went after lunch. That took between between 20 and 30 minutes. The older kids helped them with cutting out of magazines and glueing.

Everything was done by 2:30.

I was also able to do my big laundry day (eight loads washed, dried, folded, and put away) and get a batch of chocolate chip cookies baked. Also did an hour worth of exercise (20 minutes in the morning, 40 minutes in the afternoon).

I'm just so excited that we can do this! Thank you so much for making things so simple for us Carrie!!!

[Carrie]

StillJulie,

I am so proud of you. You had an amazing day, and you even baked, did laundry and exercized. I agree that with organization 3 programs can still be done efficiently enough to still have a life. We find the same to be true here, as I'm able to be done and visiting on the board now with each of you.

For those moms who are not organizers at heart, or for those who love to add and tweak, it can be better to stick with 2 programs and tweak a bit. One of the blessings of HOD is that you can make it fit your goals and lifestyle well. One of the blessings of this board is that no matter what type of person you are, you'll find someone on the board who is similar to you and walking a similar walk!

Thanks for sharing! I'm celebrating with you today. Do you want to bring the cookies over?

Blessings,
Carrie

[Kathleen]

Yeah, Julie! It looks like you had a great day!

[netpea]

OK, I'm jealous! You got a lot more done in a day than I seem to.

[moedertje]

What an incredible day you had. Such encouragement! I love it when the Lord shows you that you can do all things through Him and some!
I am excited for you and the kids that all went so well.

[StillJulie]

And today seems to be going just as well!

I prefer to get as much done as possible in the morning, which didn't happen yesterday. However, now it's only 10:30 (or so) and my oldest is over half done with Bigger, next guy is completely done with Little Hearts, and the two littles haven't done theirs yet. But, that only takes 30 minutes max, so there's still time.

I just love the HOD materials/layout!

[my3sons]

That's so great, Julie!!! EIGHT loads of laundry - 60 minutes of exercise? - chocolate chip cookies to boot!? THAT in itself deserves an award! One added perk - as the year keeps going, I've found the dc get even more adept at doing HOD, using the guide (if they're older), and finishing even earlier. Thanks for sharing - sometimes the ladies on the board help people out - and never hear back how it went. It's great to know it's going well!

In Christ,
Julie

[StillJulie]

I have been called an overachiever more than once.