announcing... homeschooling!

the disappointing thing about announcing on your blog that you have decided to homeschool your kids is missing out on the shocked looks on the listening faces. the jaw dropping... the horrified gasps... the looks of "why don't you just permanently tattoo 'big fat dork' on your kids face"...i love it. it would appear to me there are few things more "controversial" than deciding to educate your kids at home.

and while most everyone in our life is supportive of us (or very good liars), there are some who are confused and more than likely concerned.

and i get it. because if you would have told me 3 years ago i'd be writing this blog post my response would have been: AHHHH HA HA HAAAA! fat chance!

but here we are. many people ask us questions and are genuinely curious about our plans. i welcome this and think its great. i love sharing our journey to embracing homeschooling.

there may be some, though, that i encounter who lack verbal filters. or think they know everything. basically, people like this don't really bother me. in fact, i find them entertaining since they provide excellent blog fodder.

so here is a sampling of some of the questions we get (the ones which are far less inquisitory and far more accusatory.)

"why on earth would you chose to do such a thing?"

what i want to say: because i feel like it and its really none of your business.

what i do say: because we are excited about the opportunities we find in homeschooling. i really enjoy my kids and see it as my responsibility not just to raise them, but to help form their character and instill godly values.

"there really are some good teachers out there, you know."

what i want to say: yes, but they didn't actually give birth to my children and love them their whole lives and have any desire whatsoever to nurture their soul.

what i do say: absolutely. and i'm sure there are many people who would be a much better teacher than me. but not a single one of them would actually love my children more than i do. and this is a life adventure.
"aren't you afraid your kids will be complete freaks?"

what i want to say: not as afraid as i am of them going to hell. (KIDDING, people. kidding!)

what i do say: nope. and i'm not convinced that the people coming out of public institutions are "normal" and best equipped for life.

"what!?! i sure don't think that's a good idea."

what i want to say: oh, that's funny, i don't remember asking you. i don't tell you that you need to put down your fork or spend more time with your kids or check into getting some valium, so maybe keep it to yourself.

what i do say: nothing. i just smile and pretend to be gracious.
so anyhow... this should be an interesting journey, one i'll be sure to document for your reading pleasure.

you may have perceptions of what the ideal homeschool family look likes, all perfect and peaceful and patient...

i'll sure do my best to shatter those illusions and help you realize that you can be completely flawed and God can use you anyway.

and i'll just share one of the favorite responses i hear from others: "well... I could NEVER do that." to which i often say, well, i really can't either. not in my own strength. i'm lazy, impatient, disorganized, uncreative... all which forces me to rely on God and trust him to do things in our family beyond my wildest expectations.

"Many Christians estimate difficulties in the light of their own resources, and thus attempt little and often fail in the little they attempt. All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence with them."
- Hudson Taylor

oh, and please, DO pray for us...