Heading to Allume ~ Come Meet My Sponsor!

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Seven years ago, when I began homeschooling, visiting homeschool forums, and blogging, I never imagined how much my life would be changed by the sense of community in the online homeschool world. 

I never imagined the people I would meet online who would become real life friends. I never imagined hours spent talking on the phone — deep, meaningful conversations — with women I might not ever get to hug in person. I never imagined how often I would pray for and be prayed for by ladies with which I would likely never have the opportunity to share a cup of coffee. 

Beyond my imagination — that is how I would describe the sense of community among homeschool mommas, bloggers, and even publishers. These amazing ladies have taught me so much about life, marriage, parenting, faith, friendship,and blogging. It is amazing. 

Tomrrow, I will be heading down to Greenville, SC to spend a few days with about 300 bloggers at the Allume Conference. There won’t be many that I really “know.” There will be several I feel like I know because I read their blogs, share their insights with my own followers, and occasionally chat on Facebook. Despite this, I am sure that this time together will be blessed, friendships will be formed (and strengthened), and once again, I will be changed. 

There are a few people I already owe a debt of gratitude, before I even get there. So please indulge me while I publicly thank them — 

Leslie Nunnery — thank you for opening your home to all of us on the Teach Them Diligently blogger team, and making these days an extra special time of retreat and refreshment. I can’t wait to hang out with you and the girls. 

Candace Crabtree — thank you for being my sidekick on the road. I am thrilled to have this extra time with you, sweet sister friend. (I know some of you are wondering — the answer is no, Candace and I are not related, but we have been friends for a long time)

Gina Glenn — thank you for opening your home up to my boy for a couple of days! You are a treasured friend and I appreciate how much your family loves my Ben.

Nancy and Paula at A Journey through Learning — thank you for helping to make this possible for me with your generous sponsorship. 

I’ll be sharing through Instagram and Twitter while I’m at Allume. Be sure to follow me and/or the #allume hashtag Oct 24-26. I cannot even begin to imagine all of the wonderful people and words I will have to share with you! 

An now, please indulge me while I make a PSA for my sponsor,  A Journey through Learning — they are currently having a great sale on nearly all of their lapbooks, notebooking pages, and Binder Builders — 40% off! This is a great time to stock up on those Thanksgiving and Christmas lapbooks! Or if you use Apologia Science, they have awesome lapbooks to go along with those as well. AJTL has been our favorite lapbook company for years. I am thrilled to be partnering with them at Allume!