I am so excited. We are on our way! We are probably driving down the road by now.
I am writing this post the day before the homeschool convention in Oklahoma City. By the time you read this I will be there and having a wonderful time. We have done this every year, once a year, for the last 12 years or so? Maybe slightly less than that but I bet it is close. I look forward to this all year. Here is a link to information about the convention in case you are interested....click here.
If you click on the above link you can see the list of speakers and/or speaker schedule (lists names of classes/workshops) on the left.
A few of the years one or both of the girls went with us. Then we discovered that it was a great couple get away thing to do. It is a great way for Michael to get to be involved in the homeschool community and with other homeschool Dads. He is always so supportive. I know I am blessed in that area. I recently talked to a couple of Moms that told me of their experience with their husbands. Many times in the beginning of homeschooling there was a lot of pressure from Dad. He wanted to SEE how the children were doing. He would say that if they did not measure up to his standards back to school they would go. I was grateful that I didn't have that. I don't like that kind of pressure. Of course, those Dads came around. They realized what a blessing homeschooling was. One of the Dad's was 100% convinced when he saw a 12 yr. old girl receiving an epidural. He was glad his children were being educated at home and had no desire to put them back in public school.
It means so much to me that my wonderful husband has always gone with me. He always takes me there, spends the day with me, and then we have lunch together...usually at Zio's. In the last few years it has been Zio's. Before that we were thrilled to get to eat at a fast food place. ;-)
There are several workshops that I am looking forward to attending. The other fun part is the shopping or browsing. It can be overwhelming to see ALL that is available. It makes it hard to choose. I am sure it is surprising to a lot of people to understand why it can be so overwhelming. I am sure many people think there is not much available to homeschoolers. The reality is that there are too many possibilities that are excellent. I always feel like a kid in the candy store!
The first year and first several years we went we stopped at almost every booth. We noticed last year we skipped a lot. That is the benefit of doing this for such a long time. You most likely already have what works or know what does NOT work for you. As a veteran (that is what they say I am -although I don't feel like it) you are able to just go look at what you know you need or want. Of course, there are always tons of awesome books that I would love to purchase.
Since one of my children is going to be a Senior next year (could you hear the trembling in my voice) I am almost done with one. That is pretty remarkable. It doesn't seem like it was all that long ago that we were making the "All About Me" booklet in Kindergarten. That was the day that Catrina told me her favorite color was brown. ;-) Too cute. Turns out, (I thought she was kidding) she looks amazing in brown!
As of next year I will only have 1 year of homschooling for one child and 5 years left to homeschool the other one. It makes me a bit sad. I know at that point I will be on a new and different season/journey in life. However, this part of my journey has become a way of life and has been so amazing. I can hardly imagine life that is different than this.
Rather than thinking of the sad parts I like to think about the graduation. That will be magnificent! I have been to a homeschool graduation and will be attending another one in a few days. I was totally choked up at the last homeschool graduation and I suspect it will be no different at the next one.
Mark your calendars for NEXT May.
I will be such a proud Mom!
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