The Answer To Why...

People ask me almost daily why we are homeschooling our girls.  Is it poor schools in our area?  Are we extremely conservative and sheltering?  For religious reasons?  Special needs?  Fear of school shootings?  So...here is my answer...
No, no, no, no, and no...
The truth is, my husband and I were both extremely opposed to the concept of homeschooling.  That was prior to having kids and any idea of what a homeschooling lifestyle would actually look like.  I think we both envisioned ankle length denim dresses and a quiverful of children seated at small desks in our living room reciting archaic poetry.
Now, as I explain myself you will see that for me (I won't speak for my husband on here) a Christian conservative worldview is at the core of my logic although religious pursuits are not the mainstay of my decision.  Also, I want to preface my explanation with the fact that I am not judging anyone else in their educational choices for their own children.  I believe that children are a gift to us from God and that He has made the perfect match.  As such, we are each entitled to make the educational decision that best suits the needs of our children and families as we seek His direction.
With that preface I have already summed up my entire explanation in a nutshell (faint of heart, feel free to quit reading).  I have two beautiful girls, they are the most precious gifts I will ever receive.  I am blessed to have an incredibly supportive husband who is completely like minded with me in our desire to have me stay home with my girls.  This has provided me with an opportunity that many do not have, and for which I am immensely grateful.
If someone gives a child the gift of a toy, what is the intention?  To be given away for another child to play with?  No, the gift was given for the enjoyment of that first child.
This is how I feel about homeschooling.  I have the unique opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest with my gift everyday, I have no reason to give it to someone else.  Now, I can come up with a lot of  things that I do not like about the other children I would have to share with, but ultimately that is not the point.  I just want to enjoy the time I have been given, recognizing that many aspects of our life could change at any time making this no longer a possibility...so, for the here and now I enjoy the gift.