Good answer! It's challenging to write an impromptu autobiography, isn't it?--LOL!
I envy you your homeschooling. Homeschooling would've been good for me. Both of my parents were teachers, so I started reading young, with the result that school bored the heck out of me. I always wish I would've been homeschooled, and am a big advocate of it.
On the dragon thing, I was at the library today and found a copy of this neat-looking book by Montse Sant, Dragons. Have you read it?
I'd have to think about whether I think Silmarillion is better than LOTR. There are some things I like about each. The historical scope of Silmarillion is awesome, and there are some great scenes in it--one of my favorites is Huan's battle with Sauron. On the other hand LOTR is a great story with some unsurpassed characters and settings. And then there's always The Hobbit, which was my introduction to the series and was what really got me into it. So trying to decide which one is best puts me in a dilemma--LOL! I've gotta think about that one some more. Meanwhile I guess I'll cast a primary vote for Farmer Giles of Ham--ROFL!