We are a homeschool family residing in Naples, Florida.  Our homeschool adventure began approximately twelve years ago when our eldest son entered first grade.  While we had no problem with his public school year of kindergarten, we intrinstically knew that there was a lot lacking from the experience, both from our standpoint and his.  So, we decided to give it one semester and see how that went...

    As they say, the rest is history. 

    Homeschooling has given us more opportunities than we envisioned.  We've been able to travel together, embark on interesting career projects that wouldn't have been viable for our family had we been chained to school schedules, we've been able to meet people we never would have met and seen places and things that we would have only read about or seen through someone else's eyes.  This hasn't happened because we did anything special nor have we gone out of our way to do so.  It's just the natural blessing of taking advantage of the freedom and excitement that this adventure offers.  Your children will see nature and people and everything from a different vantage point than so many of their public schooled contemporaries -- their own vantage point, uncolored by the opinions and values of others. 

     So many people have told me (unsolicited, I might add) that they could never "do what we do" because they wouldn't have time or couldn't be "trapped at home with their kids all day".  I always find this so sad, not only because we, as mothers are called to be lovers of our homes but, because I know that if I could choose one word to describe homeschooling, I'd choose the word "freedom".   Free to be with my children all day, to know them as my children, as individuals and as they grow older, as my brothers in Christ -- my friends; free to learn together, to discuss our OWN opinions and ideas.  Freedom -- everyone talks a lot about it but, so few of us ever really experience it.  It's the ultimate gift, the one our Saviour died to give us over 2000 years ago, our forefathers fought for over 200 years ago and one that I hope you're living to the utmost with your own families.

    From our house to yours, God bless you and here's hoping that your HOMZKOOL!