Every spring, I attend the Midwest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati. It blesses my socks off every time. I always leave there feeling as though God designed this conference just for me. You know how if feels when you’re in church and it feels like the pastor is preaching just for you? It’s the same kind of feeling.
I remember 2 years ago, leaving there feeling as though I had just attended the Mark Hamby conference. I heard him speak my first day there, and promptly rearranged my schedule to hear him just about every time he spoke that weekend. What I didn’t get to hear in person came home with me in the form of audio CDs. He encouraged me in ways no one ever has.
Then last year, it was the “homeschooling the ADHD child” conference for me. Several speakers were addressing parenting and homeschooling issues with ADHD kids, and since we were just about to go through having Ben tested for ADHD, it was timely for me to hear every one of them. Both years, I heard exactly what I needed to hear to be a better mom and teacher for Ben. It was amazing both years. And completely designed by God, I know.
One of the fun things to do at the conference is peruse the vendor hall. There you’ll find a plethera of curriculum vendors, booksellers, and fun, hands-on games, toys, and other must-haves for every homeschool. It can be overwhelming, if you don’t know what you’re doing. Going there without a plan is a huge mistake for me. It’s easy to be swayed by getting your hands on all these amazing products or speaking with the vendor rep (often the author of the curriculum), not to mention the awesome speaker you just heard!
I always ask Tom for a budget and then make a list of needed items and a wishlist in case there’s money left over. I simply cannot go there looking for “something” to use for science. I have to know what I’m looking for, less I blow budget. Needless to say, I spend every cent of the allotted amount!
The convention is coming up again soon, April 8-10. The lineup of speakers and vendors is just as impressive as always. There are some new names there that excite me. And there will be performances by comedian, Tim Hawkins! Another thing that excites me is the Kid Convention they are offering this year. Ben will be able to go with me to the conference and attend. We are both looking forward to that!
So if you happen to live within a half day or so drive of Cincinnati, OH, you may want to consider attending. You won’t regret it, I promise. Early registration has already begun!
