My First Homeschool Convention

Well, mark your calendars because June 2nd will be here in no time. This year will be my very first year attending the CHOIS (Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho Sate) annual homeschool convention. I feel like a super nerd talking about my excitement over the whole thing.

Several years ago, our church was hosting an Answers in Genesis conference I attended and CHOIS had a booth. I started talking up the gals and telling them all about my excitement to homeschool and how I would love to receive their quarterly magazine.

Then one of the gals asked me how old my children were.

I said “Well, I don’t have any children yet, but I just want to be prepared.” Her response was “Honey, you’ve got some time before you need to worry about that.” They then proceeded to laugh me out of the room. Needless to say, I received the magazine and saved all of my back issues for a full two years before I even had a kid.

So what are my expectations?

Do I need to dress up?

Is this like Comicon?

Maybe instead of a Captain Kirk outfit I should wear a denim jumper?

I could wear braided buns like Princes Leia and I would fit in either way. hmmmm…

I jest. But seriously, I am really excited! There will be 2 1/2 days of workshops plus a used curriculum sale. I am hoping to gain some knowledge and see what’s out there. Idaho is a huge homeschooling state and I know that the possibilities are endless. I just need a place to start. l feel like a ship that’s about to set sail on her maiden voyage; off to discover a new world as I move toward the future. But I need a map. And a compass. And a crew. And a boat. And a parrot.

I know. I’m in a cheesy mood tonight.

Sam is even going to come. And guess what? There will be a special section on marriage. I’m sure he penciled in his days off the moment he read that one! I don’t know about you, but there’s nowhere else my husband would rather be on a Thursday night than attending a marriage seminar. Just kidding. Actually when I told him about it, he was enthused. And I thought I was going to have to break it to him gently.

So, I’ve got my ticket confirmation, I’m checking out the guest speakers, and I’m picking out which Crocs to wear. No, I don’t own any Crocs. Just checking to see if you’re still there. And no offense if you wear Crocs- I don’t blame you, they look comfortable (and big. and bright. and plasticky).

Here is the link for the CHOIS Convention 2011 They have a whole breakdown of the daily events and info on each guest speaker. The cost is $45 and your spouse gets free admission. They also have children and teen programs for an additional cost.

I will be counting down the days!