Freedom!!!

Okay, so I'm overdoing it a bit. However, as I left the library for the last time this semester and headed for the junior college parking lot, I had this mental image of Mel yelling FREEDOM in Braveheart. While it was not a nation at stake, it was at the least...my sanity. When we made the decision last summer which led us down this path, I knew it would be difficult but I had no idea how much of my time, finances, and patience would be required. It is a good thing we do not know the future at times.

It has been worth it, though. So much of parenting can be exhausting and require great patience (let's not even go down the road of expense) but when one sees the results...it is worth it. I can't think of anything I have ever done that is as rewarding as being a mother. I don't believe it will fully sink in that I no longer have to make this commute three days a week until Monday morning when...I don't!

One of the advantages of educating at home is the flexibility of schedules. My son has been able to work full time (while also studying for math finals) this week and through the Christmas vacation weeks of the University. He has had an education in "Real Life 101" with this part-time job. His dad and I have told him it is good to learn all those "first job" things in entry level jobs and not when one graduates from college or takes on other adult responsibilities. One of the first things he learned was...work is not a democracy. (Now, that is a very important education already!)

I did bake another cake and some mini muffins (for those who perhaps cannot eat chocolate...poor things) this afternoon and dropped them by the bookstore.. Certain people have been asking him, "When is your mother going to bring something"? It didn't take long to get the hint. I told a friend at church recently, as we were walking out the door together, that I must have the spiritual gift of cookies. :)