Just one more.

Just one more conference.  Because they are all different.

Like previous {blogging} trips in my short career as a writer, Maureen and Buzz were my companions to the 2:1 Conference.  Thankfully we had purchased our tickets months before . . . as we ummmm made last minute preparations via email around 11 pm the night prior to departure.

Sarah we missed you!

We gained a new companion, Connie, from the Daisy Head, who has an incredible gift of encouragement . . . she remembers the details.

She also has a nice shoulder to sleep on – at least the man beside her thought so.

Why did I go to another conference?

To get fun pictures of Buzz?

He certainly does get around.

Enjoys past presidents.

And goes to infinity and beyond.

Really, why did I go to another blogging conference . . . and one so specific – a blogging conference devoted to homeschoolers.

Talk about a narrow niche.

It must have been to jump on a bed.  No.  I totally forgot to jump on the bed.  Sarah where were you to remind me!

I went because God told me to go.  I stepped out in faith.

So . . . what happened?  Right?  When you step out in faith you expect something earthshaking to transpire.

Well, I laughed.

I stayed out way past my bedtime.  Who knew that people sightsee at midnight!?

(Ahem Madonna and Amber of 2 Teaching Mommies and {gasp} author Dianna Wiebe of Grapevine Studies keep me out by providing Starbucks.  But it was so worth it.)

I wonder sometimes.  Did God have me go to the 2 to 1 Conference just to see the heart of our country?

I have long dreamed to visit this well-known destination.  Washington DC.

It is awesome . . . almost a palatable power within it.

Did you know that when it is late enough at night . . . they turn the White House lights off?  Guess the President does get to sleep.

But God never slumbers.  He has my back.  And I think He loves me so much, He sent me away on a vacation.

I got to sight see.  I didn’t cook one meal.  I exercised without the need to put someone in a time out.  (Yes.  I exercised on vacation.)

I came back choosing joy.  (Thanks, Rachel Carmen.)

When the plane landed in Hoosier land, I was refreshed.  Happy.  Excited to see that handsome man I call the Engineer.  (Then again, I am always delighted to see him.)

Do you know that he meet us at the airport?  With all the kids.  (He even took them to the Children’s Museum by himself.)

What a sight to see my lover surrounded by his offspring . . . and six out of those ten legs came sprinting at me faster than Usain Bolt.

Why did God send me away?  Because it was His good pleasure.  He provided all the money for my trip.

Sure I learned some bloggy things . . . like internet security.

Take this one tip . . . only have one tab open if you are engaging in a financial transaction.  Close your browser.  If you have more online things to do, just open a new browser.  Trust me.

I was reassured of the direction we are taking for learning next year.  Classical Education.  I am giddy with excitement.  To better achieve God’s heart for my children, we are going to be involved in Classical Conversations.

In fact, I’m going to have a little ‘ol book club soon where we can discuss The Core:  Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education by Leigh Bortins.

This would be a great book for you to read if you are unsure of your school plans next year or you are just curious to see what Classical Education really means.

I’ll give you two weeks.  Grab your book or read it on your Kindle.

I was reminded (once again by Rachel Carmen) that the Engineer and I are raising world changers.  World changers.  Parents . . . let that sink in.

Raise them in such a way that when you release them from your carefully constructed bow . . . that your quiver(s) follow the direction the Lord has for them.

Release them and train them with joy.  Not out of duty.  Not with the thought in mind that you are having a bad day.  And never as the priority, setting God and your husband aside to communicate with when you have time.  Because you won’t have time.

Pass the baton on so that, should the Lord tarry, your children will replicate what you have done . . . and home school.

Why do I homeschool?

Because God told me to.  I’m passionate about my kids.  I love investing in their thinking.  I only have them for a short time.  My goal is to live fully with them for that short time.

What has God told you to do recently?  Are you doing it?

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