Totally agree.  Somedays sticking to it just doesn't work.  But for the most part we are in routine.  I have 3 children, 16, 14, and 11.  My oldest is at his desk or where ever he plans on schooling by 8 a.m. and my two younger children start by 9 a.m.  I typically try to get math going first thing in the morning with my 14 year old son because math has always been a challenge for him and it seems easier to tackle first thing in the morning when he is fresh.  When someone has a science experiment to do it seems like it always becomes a family thing.  But that's a good thing because we are all learning.   What's really helpful to me is that my older son is very helpful with stepping in to do a lesson or 2 with his siblings.  That's really helpful to me on the days when I'm overwhelmed. 

I have a 5 1/2, 4, 2 and waiting for the arrival of #4.  This is the first year that we are in deep for homeschooling and have decided to go with My Father's World for both K and Pre-K.  I plan to do the 5 1/2 and the 4 yr old together.  Last year we did Abeka and found we are not that kind of family and got burned out with the demand.  So for the first time, I am hoping to be more relaxed from our initial effort.

I am planning to break our school day into 3 half hour sessions.  Math at/or after breakfast. (this should be easy since our calendar and 100 chart will be at the wall next to the table).  Sometime before lunch is our phonics session ( I am hoping for some great cuddle time). And in the afternoon, would be our Unit study session.  I am hoping by breaking it up, it will keep it from being overwhelming with the 2 younger ones being put off and keep me from stressing to hurry through it.  I also plan to start in June and learn through out the year, especially with a newborn. 

I think the hardest part of sticking to a schedule are unexpected guests dropping in, 'important' phone calls, or having to take children to appointments and then trying to get back to the work.  The easiest part is scheduling important subjects to be finished before lunch can be served.  Ahhh, the power of food!

Bonita,
I'm terrible about having to just not do anymore school if there are too many interruptions.  It just seems impossible.

Lori,
I've recently decided I have to do phonics w/ my daughter first thing or I neglect to do it.  That's my challenge.  I think it's a good idea to get it "out of the way" first!

I loved what Trish had to say!...the idea of 3 half hour sessions!  I'm gonna have to see if that works for us come August!  (we'll be doing MFW too)

My biggest "woe" is reading aloud honestly.  I love to read to my kiddos but it's hard with my littles...my two youngest aren't really ready to just sit and listen yet.  We're trying to train them (esp my 2yo) in this but it gets exhausting :)  Even if my 2yo has a toy to play with, he's just kinda a loud little man :) and it distracts my 2 older boys.

The easiest part of "homeschooling" this past year (doing preK with my 5yo) was Bible time--they color while I read them a story...then they answer questions.  It's neat to realize they really *are* listening!

We only homeschool on T/TH because they are in a classroom setting MWF...so I'm not sure I'm "official" :)

...but I do love it...and I love spending that time with our crew and knowing what they know and learning along side them.

We 5 (4 here, 1 in Heaven)...grades 4,3,1, and then a 20 month old.

I find that the most challenging thing right now it figuring out what to do with our "busy little" while the others need to concentrate :)

I'm getting ready to put together a Toddler Box for my little ones to use ONLY during school time.  I'm hoping that will help with some of the "distractions" they cause! ;)