Question #1

Why do I homeschool?
For me, it was never something I planned on doing.  In, fact we had some friends when Will was in graduate school that said they planned on homeschooling their kids and we both remember thinking that was strange.

My oldest attended public school in North Ogden and kindergarten was great!  Wonderful teacher!  We LOVED her!  She let me come in weekly and help the kids with reading.  I loved that!  I had done a preschool co-op with Sasha and enjoyed that very much.  1st grade was a bit challenging for me.  Sasha was gone all day and I had no idea, for the most part what she had done all day.  She never told me much!  Her teacher was not as willing to have parents help in class; she just wanted us to come and do the parties.  Not what I had in mind.  I was unhappy with the way things were that year and actually concidered homeschooling at that point, but I didn't know anyone who did, so she finished out the school year.

Then we moved to where we are now and she began 2nd grade; year-round and I was not keen on that.  Her teacher told me pretty early on in the year that she was behind in math and reading; something I had not been told before.  Yet, she offered no suggestions for me nor told me HER game plan to help my daughter.  Homeschool came back to my mind again.  I felt frustrated and angry that my daughter was away from me all day, needed help, and the only time I had with her at night, and I needed to have her study all night.  Not what I had in mind.....I had met two homeschooling families in my neighborhood and I yearned to do what they were doing.

During this time, we also were struggling to add to our family.  We could not seem to get a baby here healthy and strong.  It was a hard time for us all. I realized that three kids might be it for us.  I might not be able to have any more.  Did I really want to send them to public school when there was another option out there??  After several months of pondering, praying and talking about it, we pulled Sasha out of the 2nd grade in October. 

I love that homeschooling allow the freedom to study what you want, how you want and when you want.  The sky is the limit.  I love that my children are here with me, and with eachother.  My hope that our family unit will be strong and happy throughout the rest of our lives.

I want my children to reach their full potential and I will do my best to mentor them and help them, whether we are homeschooling or not.  For now, homeschooling is right for us and we are gearing up for a new school year.  Boo-yah!