Homeschooling, a tough choice

I have been struggling with the idea that I really am going to homeschool during the elementary grades. I've felt pretty overwhelmed with my three kiddos recently, and the thought of finally being able to send them out the door for a while sounds like pure bliss. As I've been working with Ruth on her alphabet and phonetics there are times I just want to rip my hair out because she won't focus for 5 minutes.

Then I start to think about all the horrible social aspects of school that I observed while student teaching and think, "Really, I want to expose my babies to that stuff when they're 5?!" I also worry because I know Ruth would ADORE going to school. She is so social and I know she would soak up every second of school just like I did.

Then there are the days where I listen to will sing the ABC's in his room and listen to Ruth telling Will all the sounds of the letters. Those days are so rewarding. In an attempt to figure out what I really want to do I've been reading lots of pros and cons lists on the internet. Whenever I read about homeschooling I get such a sense of peace and a desire to teach my kids. When I think about the reality of being responsible for their education I freak out and get so overwhelmed. But then I remember that I know what I'm doing, and have done a good job so far. I just need to stress less and take it one day at a time.

Kelsey Richards has been a huge inspiration to me. On her homeschooling blog I found this article which really hit home with me. This is something I want to do. There really is a leap of faith required, this article helped me feel like this is something I really can and should do.