Why Smaller is Better

Today is the day! I’m headed to the local homeschool convention.

It’s true, it is much much smaller than FPEA in Orlando, but I still go every year. Why? Because sometimes smaller is better!

1. It’s local! I can get to know other local homeschoolers by volunteering with HERI, chatting in the hallways, and meeting friends of friends.

2. Networking… it’s helpful in homeschooling just like it is in corporate America! I learn who to go to for testing, evaluations, questions about high school, great field trip ideas, and tips on how to homeschool with preschoolers by talking to others who have “been there”.

3. Smaller crowds mean I can have “face time” with speakers. If I am fascinated, challenged by, or curious about a speaker’s topic, I can follow up with a conversation. The same goes for vendors- if I’m having a hard time teaching a particular concept in Math, I can go to Math-U-See’s booth and speak to my rep in person!

4. Convenience. If I don’t go local (and my friends & their friends don’t go) then I may not have the OPTION to attend my hometown convention next year!

5. I already know where all the Starbucks are!!  (Timothy & I enjoyed this homeschool-convention must on the way!)

So, if you’re undecided, take the time and make the effort to attend, glean from, and support our local convention. See you at HERI!

HERI- Jacksonville Homeschool Convention!

I’m excited for this weekend… tomorrow and Saturday I’m headed to the annual H.E.R.I. Homeschool Convention at the Prime Osborne Convention Center in downtown Jacksonville.

What a blessing to have this helpful resource for current or potential homeschooling families RIGHT HERE in our own area!! The very first contact I had with homeschooling information was a H.E.R.I. (Home Education Resources and Information) convention.

Our first field trip this year!

Today was our first field trip with our Learning on the Go co-op! The children learned about the history of the pretzel (a monk shaped bread dough into the shape of a child praying w/folded arms & the 3 holes represent the Trinity) and then shaped & baked their own. Afterwards, some of us went to the pool for some fun splash time. Good times.

Right now, the kiddos are enjoying popsicles on the back porch- then we’re going to go out front to put up some flags and pray for the families who lost loved ones eight 9/11s ago.

I’m also praying that the Lord will continue extending his care & mercies to us. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray then I will turn & heal their land.”