Why I homeschool:

I never expected to have children. In fact at one point, I definitely said I was not going to have any children. Now I have 5 wonderful blessings. They are all so wonderful. I could not imagine my life without them, and I can not believe how much I have changed because of them. Homeschooling was never on my radar. That was my husband's idea. I resisted it mentally for a number of years, because it was not my idea. You know how we need to feel like we thought of something to want to do it. Last year, my 3 older children went to school for the year. The year was amazing, as far as school goes. I was happy with everything, but, I missed something, we missed something. They missed what I feel like children need most. They missed the extra hugs, and kisses. They missed quiet talks with me. They missed the slower pace. They missed the one on one attention that they receive at home. They missed the camaraderie of brothers (4 boys), and the connection with their sister. They missed the time to daydream and think of the future, and who they want to become. They missed the sunshine, and fall leaves, and reading books outside. I know they missed all these things, because I missed them too. I grew up away from home. I had two loving parents who did what everyone else did. Put kids in school, sports and a slew of activities. I wanted nothing more to be home with my family, and spend time making art, and going outside. I lost myself, before I ever found myself, because that is what happens to a child when they are with groups and peer pressure constantly. They learn how to fit into a group, but they do not learn who they are. I want my children to know who they are, and be connected to where they come from. To me, that is the greatest gift that I can give them- the gift of themselves.