The Homeschool Conference

This is by far the best homeschool conference ever. What's a homeschool conference you ask? Well, it's where minivans, capris, baby slings, tote bags and moms come together to soak in the wisdom of those who have gone before us and to enjoy the convergence of so many that have chosen to take the same path, the same journey that requires a certain level of sacrifice and dedication.

It definitely helps that we stay in a beautiful hotel surrounded by a plethora of opportunities to entertain us should we get overwhelmed with information on educating our children and need to fill our empty tummies or empty our overcrowded minds. My favorite part of this hotel is the complimentary warm chocolate chip cookie that awaits our arrival. Yum. No picture available due to my lack of self control. Sorry.
And then there is the vendor hall. Oh, the vendor hall. A homeschool mom's dream come true. One huge room filled with every imaginable homeschool curriculum available to peruse, touch, ask questions about and really see if it would be a good fit for our child. It can be overwhelming but I absolutely love it and there are times when I need to just stay out because I always manage to find some amazing stuff in there.

There are so many tables, displays and booths that it's challenging to know where to start. I just go to one end and weave my way up and down each aisle until I get to the other side. Either that or I leave when I can no longer carry the weight of my bags or I need to get to the next amazing workshop that I just can't miss.




This was by far my favorite booth. Amazing. Handcrafted items and do it yourself supplies. All made in America. Wholesome, beautiful, pleasing to the eye. I had the need to touch every item in this booth. Real felt, real wood skillfully cut by a laser, embroidery thread, beeswax made from their very own hives.They were a new vendor this year and I asked if they offer field trips. They laughed. I wasn't joking. I want my kids to see that type of entrepreneurship, the willingness to work hard, to create a quality product, one that can stand the test of time. This is just one of the things that I love about this conference. You never know what you'll find and yet you know you will find quality.



And then there are the workshops. With a plethora of subjects to choose from one can find something that will meet your need. The great thing is you can go to a workshop from the moment you get there until the moment you leave or you can go to a few and spend the rest of your time in the vendor hall, you can do whatever works for you and that works for me.




And at the end of the day, there is a soft pillow to lay your head and you and your roommates can chat away about the day, the upcoming school year, your children, your homelife, whatever is on your heart.
Because this conference is set up to allow for the freedom to do as you please there are opportunities to explore just a little outside the hotel. This place is a must. Cupcakes. Need I say more? Nope. Go there. That is all.


If you've been paying attention you will notice that some of the people are dressed a little differently. This particular convention has a Mennonite presence and in some small way it's comfortable, familiar, right. It feels nostalgic, the dresses, the head coverings, the modest shoes and clothes. It reminds me of a time in our country when our children were educated at home or at the one room school house and it was the norm. I am so thankful that we live in a country that allows us to choose how we will educate our children and I am thankful for gatherings like this that remind of us why we do what we do. I feel ready to take on the year but first I need to sew myself a dress and harvest some beeswax. Just kidding. I think....

Enjoying the Time Together

While Marcus was away at scout camp Justin enjoyed being the oldest brother in the house. I tried to make our time special so we redid their room. It was painted sky blue and he wanted it grey, well, he really wanted black but there is no way one of the rooms in my house will ever be painted black. I compromised and painted all of their furniture black. That wasn't too hard since it was already navy. We bought new sheets, comforters and curtains, all black of course. The room turned out great and we're all happy with the results.


This one wants his hair long, wants to wear only black and purple and insists on wearing his socks and shoes no matter how hot it is outside. I always said he'll be the one who is cool. He knows what he wants and what he doesn't want, this one.

It used to frustrate the heck out me but I've been thinking a lot about how I was at that age. Um, ya, exactly the same, except for the purple and black thing. Come to think of it, I'm like that now. I'm learning to give him space, encourage and support his strengths and interests. He's a great kid, extremely talented and can make you laugh. The boy in as incredible artist, one that has talent and needs a place to express it. He's learning Japanese since he's very interested in manga art and manages to impress all the teachers at the Japanese school especially since neither of his parents are Japanese. My favorite question at the Japanese school that I get every time I go- "Is your husband Japanese?", um, noooo.....


Although it was hard to have Marcus gone for so long, it was nice to have more time to spend with Justin. I'm always happiest though when all of my family is under one roof, our roof and everyone is sleeping soundly in their own beds at night.

Freedom

Bryan and I learned long ago that we don't do crowds and I don't do freezing cold temperatures. The two combined does not make for a happy holiday. After schlepping our kids down to the local fireworks a couple of years in a row only to hear mostly complaints and a few oohs and aahs, we decided to stay home and do our own fireworks, like when we were kids. Well, when we were kids things were a little different. California wasn't such a nanny state that told you what you could and could not do everytime you turned around. It's illegal to set off "safe and sane" fireworks in Contra Costa County but you can buy the fireworks all over the place. We're pretty safe and sane people but unfortunately in this state a few numbskulls can ruin it for those of us who are safe and sane.

We decided we would be law abiding citizens and set off our fireworks in a city where it is legal, Dublin. Luckily we have some really amazing friends who live there and let us join them in their 4th of July celebrations. It was a tough decision, I'm not gonna lie. We like setting off fireworks in our own backyard but we're doing our best to raise children who follow the law even when we don't like it.

We ended up having a really great time and we're happy we did it the way we did. In the end, we know that the rewards are greater for those who live righteously and with integrity. It's doing the right thing, the more uncomfortable way, sometimes it goes against our will but we know in our heart that it's right. Sometimes it involves fireworks and sometimes it involves something so much bigger, like a life altering decision. Why don't we listen to those who are closest to us, the ones who love us the most? Why do we go against those who want to protect us? Is it a fight for independence or is it stubbornness? We have to be careful because we don't want to be burned, scarred forever doing damage to those around us and those who never asked for any involvement but became a part of the situation simply by a careless action of our own. It can start with something small, something we think is small, but it can lead to something so much bigger, with such a huge impact. Fireworks are beautiful and fun and exciting, especially because we don't get to see them that often, but they can also be very dangerous.
There are situations that come along that are beautiful and fun and exciting but can be very dangerous if handled incorrectly. There are rules set in place to protect us, especially for those who tend to be careless. We may not like the rules but they are to protect us none the less. Following the rules gives us security and reaps a reward that only those who choose to follow the right path seem to enjoy.
The other path only leads to heartache and destruction, not freedom.

I for one am happy that I live in a country that stands for freedom. Sometimes it seems like that freedom is being infringed upon but it's still the best country in the world and I'm so blessed to live here and to raise my family here. I'm thankful for friends and celebrations and choosing the right path.