So why do it?

A few years ago in my mom's kitchen...

Mom: You know I wanted to homeschool you kids, but your father thought it was a bad idea.
Me: (looking at dad) Thank you dad!

Really? Did I say that?

Yet here I sit on the brink of my first year of homeschooling, totally excited, totally convinced that I always thought homeschooling was a great idea.

Clearly, I didn't. So what changed? Why homeschool?

I have no clue what changed, but I am so ready for our homeschool journey to begin! Why? Why do I want to do it?

So in NO particular order, other than the order they came into my head:

1. God's leading. Ultimately, I am choosing to homeschool because my husband and I both think that God is leading our family toward homeschooling. At least for this school year. And for these kiddos. We feel a calling to homeschool them until late elementary school. For now. We remain open to God's guidance in this area.

2. Freedom. Freedom to travel when we want. Freedom to study what we want. Freedom to call a PJ day in the middle of the week. Freedom to start school at 7, 9, or even noon. Freedom to explore interests outside of the school curriculum. Freedom. Good 'ole freedom. I think this is what I am most excited about!


3. Extra-curricular Activities. I refuse to be the mom with a kindergartener who goes to school from 9-3:30 and then rushes off most days to sports, dance, piano, or church. For our family and our children...that is too much. Homeschooling allows us a bit more free time to pursue some activities without feeling like our kids never see their home.

4. Their education. While I have no major issues with public schooling AND think highly of the public schools in our county, all educational options have negatives. (including homeschooling) I find myself becoming more excited about the education I can provide my kids that they won't receive elsewhere. Not to mention, the teacher-student ratio can't be beat!

5. My education. Right now, I am just as excited about the education I am going to receive! All this cool stuff I never paid attention to in school, I am going to get to learn again. Yippee!

6. Family Focus. I am excited to give the kids a bit more time to be at home together. I can't imagine K (age 5) going to school all day next year while her little brother (age 17 months) is so young. They are just getting to know each other. This will give them more time to foster these sibling relationships before they are apart all day.

7. Time. Time to chase the butterflies. Time to watch clouds. Time to run around the park. Time alone. Time with siblings. Time with God. I hope this will give my children a few extra years with the beautiful gift of time to fill as they desire.

8. Relationship with God. I hope some extra years at home will ground them more firmly in their walk with the Lord before they "head off" to school. I hope create habits of spending time with Him.

9. Field Trips. We live very close to Washington DC, Annapolis, and Balitmore. Philidelphia, New York City, and Williamsburg are all possible day trips! (well, maybe overnight to Williamsburg) Who could ask for more? We are surrounded by history and culture! We can take advantage of these places at off hours, off season, and during homeschool weeks. (where they offer GREAT discounts) I love to get out there and "go", so I can't wait!

I think that about sums it up for now!