Homeschool - Part 1

I have had a few people ask me about our homeschooling so I thought I'd blog about it.  Our decision to homeschool was a hard one, especially because I felt I was being "forced" into it.  I wasn't really, but it was overwhelming because so many things in our life were changing at the time.  Another difficulty was that I always imagined I would go back to work when the kids were both in school.  My plans were not God's plans in that area.   Now that we have a year behind us I can say honestly that I'm glad we homeschool and I can't really imagine doing anything else (at this time anyway). 
Casey and I made the decision that I would be a stay at home mom while I was still pregnant with Ethan.  At the time is seemed like an easy decision.  We moved when I was 7 months pregnant and getting a job at that time was not really high on my list.  It was a little tough at times.  Casey had one permanent part-time ministry position and then had several other part-time jobs to make up the difference.  The ministry position eventually turned into full-time.  Now, almost 9 years later we are again at a part-time ministry position, other part-time jobs on the side and attending seminary!  And, I'm still a stay at home mom, except now I homeschool too. 
So, I guess I just want to say that you have to be committed to what you believe.  We made the decision for me to be a stay at home mom and raise our kids.  If you didn't, I'm not getting on you, I'm just saying that if you want it, you have to be willing to make some sacrifices (like the big house, new phones, cars, etc.).   It's not easy, but you CAN do it if it's what God has laid on your heart.  Okay, I'll stop there before I get myself into trouble.
So, back to homeschool.  We believe our first responsibility toward our children is to love them and train them to love and obey God.  So, for us, sending them to public school just does not fit into that equation anywhere.  We don't see public school kids being taught that.  So, do I "shelter" my children?  ABSOLUTELY!!!  That's my job, to protect their hearts and minds until they are ready and have the maturity to hear and talk about certain things.  Okay, enough said. 
I guess that covers our thoughts on why we homeschool.  Next I'll post on our curriculum and then how we homeschool.