In mid-June, I went to a large homeschool conference in Denver at the Merchandise Mart. Though parts of it were a little too conservative for my taste, overall it was a time of encouragement and so refreshing. I had planned to meet up with two other girls from my homeschool support group; one I had met once before and the other I had not yet met. It was nice having a couple of people to pal around with. Both Heather and Lindsey have girls around Adrianna’s age and they are newish homeschoolers too, so we were interested in many of the same workshops and could all go together. We also ran into two other women from our homeschooling group, Beth and Becky, later on. I love my homeschool support group. This group is such a welcoming, encouraging group of godly women. I really need such influences in my life right now.
While there, I was pleasantly surprised to run into three moms from my MOPS group! I knew Laressa was considering homeschooling for her preschooler but didn’t know she’d be in attendance. Sarah has already been homeschooling for a year; she must have a child around Adrianna’s age. I will have to make a point to ask her next time I see her. And I had no idea that Jennifer was also considering homeschooling for her oldest (preschool) next year. I am excited to have some fellow homeschooling moms in our MOPS group.
I also ran into a girl I went to college with. And she happens to attend church with Lindsey from my homeschool support group. And I ran into two girls from my hometown who were a part of the homeschooling group when I was homeschooled during high school. Granted, Shae lives in south Denver now, but still small world! And Lindy still lives in my hometown and was at the conference helping in one of the curriculum booths. It was so good to see all of them too. Definitely another highlight for me.
Another thing I really enjoyed about the conference was the many booths of curriculum samples! This was very helpful for me to be able to page through the different subjects and choose what we want to use next year. I have already ordered most of what we will need: Spelling, Phonics and English, Writing, Reading, Math and Geography/Maps (Adrianna likes maps). All I have left to order is History/Social Studies and Science.
While I attended the three day conference, Janette watched my girls one day, Aunt Karen watched them the second day and Greg watched them on the third day. I am so grateful for their help. I needed this conference!
I don’t know how Janette was able to get my active toddler to sleep just on a mat on the floor. She was able to work this same magic on Adrianna when she was this age.
