I was impressed with the success of my home education program when Stephen announced in the car on the way to church this morning that he wanted to be a chemist! 

"How much school do chemists need, Mommy?"  he asked.

So I casually told him that they have to finish high school, get a four-year degree, go on for a two-year masters, and probably a doctorate.  I was trying very hard to make it sound like not that much school.  Still, he seemed resolved that chemistry was his chosen profession. 

Conversation in the car continued for a few more minutes, then Stephen said, "Mommy, do you know why I want to be a chemist?"

"No, why?" I answered, assuming it was because he has had this unchanging love of chemistry for about the last year and a half.

"Because all the superheroes get their powers from lab experiments!"

Uuuuugggghhhh!