It's Worth It

Please indulge me this sentimental post.  I sense the years left with my children slipping by so quickly.  Fortunately, I have very few regrets about the time I did spend with them as little children.  I gave myself wholly to their daily needs.  I am so thankful that I can say that I like who my children are and am thankful that I was able to give them the gift of home education. 

It's just that only one short year ago, he was just a boy.  (But he seemed so big.)I look at that picture and I see just how much he has matured this last year.

At age 13

And in the course of this short year, a young man emerged!  (Although his taste in cake decorations did not change.) *grins* 

Two weeks ago, age 14.

I knew this would happen.  I saw it happening to others.  Two years ago,I remember telling myself that in a couple of years, Ryan would morph into a young man.  I tried to prepare myself. 

Two years ago at 12, just a baby, really. 

In two years from now, he'll be even more transformed than he is now!  Why don't they warn mothers at their baby showers that they'll blink and that little baby will be all grown up?  (OK, they did tell me, but I couldn't comprehend!)

So, I'm trying to hang on to the last years with my last "baby"...

He's only 10, but 29 is just around the corner!  I don't even want to think about Grace being 13 this summer.  (Suddenly, I feel old and really nostalgic.)

Just 4 years ago

Just 4 short years ago! 

Again, what saves my sanity is that  I have very few regrets.  Keeping them home all these years has been a blessing to our whole family.  Any sacrifices we have made have been worth it all.  I never regret giving up my nursing career.  I am thankful that I do not look back and wish I had spent more time with them.  I do not think of it as giving up anyway.  I received so much in return.

If you home educate your children long enough, you will run into so many people who say, "I could never do that!"  I usually just smile, they probably wouldn't understand the joy and peace I receive knowing that I have found contentment in being at home, serving my family.   It's such a short time.  It's worth every thing to hear my 14 year old tell me, as he's watching the school bus drop off some kids, that he loves learning at home.  He loves being with me.  *melt*

It's worth it.