So why DO I home school?

Is it because I can meet my childrens' individual needs? because I can preserve their valuable childhoods? so I can protect them from unwanted influences?

Sure, I can relate to all these reasons.

Is it because I enjoy teaching and sharing their learning with them?

Yes, that's a good one.

Or what about the repeated pleas of "Oh, just one more chapter!" and "Please don't stop reading there!" as we read a history novel like Johnny Tremain?

That certainly is motivating.

But really it's the little moments that catch me by surprise that reinforce our decision to home school. Bear with me as I paint you a picture from this morning:

It had been a busy morning - cold and with lots of rolling power outages. I came out of Baby Braden's room after feeding him and putting him down for morning nap. Across the hall I see a five year old sitting on the potty in a dimly lit boys' bathroom. This is the boy who had been loudly requesting my assistance while I was busy with Braden. He has been quiet for a while and now I see why. The dark windowless bathroom is lit by a lantern and on the floor nearby is his big sister. She is patiently and with much encouragement guiding him through his stack of reading word cards. I come close and he smiles big. An easy "No, that's not it." or cheerful "Good job!" sounds so natural coming from her. She smiles big. So do I. She has made his day.

These moments don't happen everyday - not even every week. But when they do come, I am reassured and encouraged in this journey. It is not easy. But these precious, God-given moments are just enough to make me want to press on. This is why I home school. This is what it is really all about.

Good night and God bless you.