Weird looks and Homeschool..

Greetings-
I am still amazed at the reaction I receive when people find out my children are homeschooled.chose to homeschool when the children were younger and we were living in Michigan. I became a fixture in the principal's office and realized I was spending more time there than I did when I was in school myself.  We struggled with kids slapping my daughter in the face during class, sitting on her on the playground. The only thing that ever happened? She was scolded for not telling on the other students. How can a 2nd grader yell for help when her chest is being compressed by someone sitting on it :/  We also ran into the school system allowing registered sex offenders on field trips and in the building for class parties. Sorry, not something I could deal with!So, I took the plunge-I had two in 3rd grade, one in 1st, and a newborn. Yes-it was difficult, but knowing my children/nieces were safe made up for the fears and doubt I had put needlessly into my mind. We moved South 3 years ago and I thought I'd let them experience the schools here.  After a year the kids weren't happy so we decided to transition back to home school by using an online virtual school. We will be forever greatful to this wonderful school, but I didn't want to learn by "teaching for the test." I finally got my nerve back up and started to do it all on my own again. Now I get to see smiles on the kids' faces again. We learn our basics, learn to cook, play crazy games that go with our Units at the time, and most of all-enjoy learning again.So for the weird looks I mentioned (amazingly mostly from family)...Yes, we are up to date on our social skills. Yes-my kids are learning and able to pass the normal tests. I know where they are at, they are safe, and most of all-they have manners! I hope to share ideas on homeschool...maybe laugh a little..cry some too!
Jules