A Fly on the Wall

Oh what I would give to be a fly on the wall in another home school moms house. I wonder, does it take as long? Do they get into the same deep discussions that we do? Is there a lot of 'rabbit chasing' going on? Is the baby screaming "mom, mom, mom" over the gate, even though daddy is right there to meet her every need? Is the mom fully dressed? Are the breakfast dishes from yesterday still in the sink? Has the baby spent the day in her PJ's? Does it take them all day and does the mom just want to veg for a few minutes after assigning the final lesson for the day?
I love home school. It is great to be able to learn together, to discuss history and choices and consequences to actions and sing and recite and laugh and cry and play together. To study God's word, to explore new places and cultures through great literature. To know that YOU taught your kids to read and introduced them to the great world of knowledge that books hold.
It is a wonderful accomplishment -but as my kids get older, I am realizing that it is one that comes with a lot of sacrifice. Yet, without sacrifice, how can great things come? I am not the type of person that would tell you to home school, thinking that it is the only way. It definitely is something I feel called to do for my family. That being said, it would be easier to send them off to school, let someone else teach them, influence them. Strangers at that, whom I barely know. I just can't do that and even though they hold a teaching degree that doesn't mean they are more capable of teaching my children than I am. I can't imagine a "more" important job than what I am doing. I cannot imagine giving the best of myself to other people, over my children/my family. Most people don't understand, most people disagree....Most people say they could 'never teach their child'. They say 'we just clash, we aren't a good mix, I am not disciplined' ..I never would argue that w/ anyone..however, I do find that sad. I cannot imagine, my children looking at anyone else for the direction and tools they need to become adults capable of contributing to society. I don't understand that. Hear me when I say that, I am not saying that they do not need others to help shape them, but shouldn't I, we be the primary teacher (s)?
My neighbor really wants me to home school her child, something I would never do. Guess, it just has me thinking. She talked a lot about the problems she has w/ her school, etc.. I just listened. My father is a public school teacher w/ a masters degree in World History. I have much respect for teachers and would never speak ill about them..so I just listened...