mcconnellboys Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Oh my goodness, this may be where I go from now on, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Oh, Lisa, I want you! OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. Okay. Now I'm swooning. And a plug for my area: I have downsized and don't have the house for this anymore, but I will do what I can to HELP anyone in the Sea/Port area. The population is skewed toward Pugetopolis but we have a solid base out here in WA/OR! (And now my little rant about all these Great Whatevers, from the point of view of a secular-type: Do not all these people have enough churches to go to hear all about their religion? Can not all but the most geographically isolated USians find a sermon, a Bible group, a potluck, a women in Christ group 7 days a week? Are there not enough of us who just want to know how to get math to soak into the thick pates of our charges? Who want to know just how long an essay is acceptable from a 15 year old? Who want to know about workbooks that don't thwart lefties (I mean handedness, people)? Who want a little inspiration not on our afterlife and everlasting soul but how to make it summer without strangling our middle kid?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristinaBreece Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Oh, Lisa, I want you! OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB Maybe we could actually put Faith's Columbus conference in practice in the same manner. Larger scale, same idea, just one central mini-conference as opposed to 4-5 house conferences. There are many options for convention centers close to CMH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) Yikes. This is big, isn't it? Edited March 30, 2011 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB It's redundant, but thank you. You give me *hope.* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB And I thank God for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. Okay, and I'll plug for the middle of nowhere Maine. Late summer/early fall here is nice. You know, I've been talking to this lady from the state group about something up this way today. It is almost like kismet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GardenGirl639 Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 You guys all know that I'm a Christian.... I'm an educator. ... I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. SWB Beautiful! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Wow. :) This is supposed to happen. Oh, Lisa, I want you! OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H.S. Burrow Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Oh, Lisa, I want you! OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB When do we sign up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 This is wonderful! I appreciate you SO MUCH SWB!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Those would be conferences sponsored by the Church of Buffett, Orthodox. I attend regularly. :D I go to that church! And SWB - I will travel wherever necessary to go to that convention. I need a new excuse to travel anyway. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I love you, Susan, thank you so much for standing your ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 You don't need a convention center. Hotels all have conference rooms, how much could that cost? I live in a small town, and can think of several hotels that have this. The larger the city, the more options. I'm taking bets there will be too many to fit in a home! Maybe we should do a poll to see where everyone is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. SWB I do not have the home for hosting, but I'm highly interested in this! I can bring curricula from my shelves and homemade cookies.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patchfire Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Oh, Lisa, I want you! OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB Okay, SWB, I adore you even more, and also? I'm volunteering my house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I would volunteer my house and/or reserve a community center if necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AvasMom Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I'm voting for South Jersey for that home conference! What a cool idea. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scuff Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Our conference is on the list. I've never been, but I've heard good things about them. They really have a desire to encourage homeschoolers. I havdn't read enough about this whole mess to choose a "side". I hate crap like this. Seems to me a lot of people on both sides just need to relax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy loves Bud Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Oh, Lisa, I want you! OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB :hurray: I have a house in the north Dallas suburbs that will most definitely be open for this. I suspect a house probably won't be big enough, but I've got a line on a couple of options we could use - a community center and a church where a friend's husband is pastor. You can definitely count me in for setting up Dallas if you want to do a house conference here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Mom Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing.SWB :hurray::hurray: SWB, your vocation has had a profound influence on our homeschool. You are gifted and using your gifts to bless others and I thank you sincerely for that. I too am a Christian, but I am also in the second camp. We pulled our oldest two out of a Classical Christian school so they could have a better education. We choose our materials with the perspective that we can teach our children our beliefs while exposing them to views that differ from ours. They need to be able to think, develop their beliefs and defend them. They need to be able to express themselves through written and spoken words. For us, homeschooling is an educational endeavor, not a religious endeavor. This has put us at odds with many other Christian homeschool families. I do not go to a convention to learn how to be a better wife, to be spoon fed what to believe, or to be indoctrinated. I yearn for information on how to work with hormonal middle school girls, how to teach the bright boy who can do complicated math problems but cannot sit still for 5 minutes, how to teach writing and how to tackle the monumental task of homeschooling through high school. None of these are religious topics. The house conference idea is an intriguing and important one. There are many community centers and neighborhood venues that could be used for this venture and the idea really supports the notion of a homeschool community better than any convention requiring a statement of faith ever could. Count me in. As home educators I believe we must stand against the notion that this movement belongs to a select group with select beliefs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Oh, Lisa, I want you! OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB What a cool idea!!!! Can I jump on the bandwagon???? Pretty please?? I don't currently have a house to offer (we are trying hard to leave this house and start a new life an hour north of us) but would definitely love to contribute in some way to an effort like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iona Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Oh, Lisa, I want you! OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB i love this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowperch Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) Love this. Just love it! I live near a beach/airport/trainstation in RI. Summers are amazing here, and not crazy like Cape Cod, etc. I'd host, happily. I know where to get inexpensive lobsters. Please come! SWB--you are a credit to your faith. Does your husband fish? My DH know where the fish are running...... Edited March 30, 2011 by yellowperch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 A few years back (2004) I organized a small social convention for about 60 people. We met in a hotel for a weekend at an unpopular time of year (January). - We were able to get two hotel meeting rooms for the weekend for $100 each. - We were able to get a nice group discount on hotel room rates. - The hotel made a deal that if we rented a total of 80 "room-nights," we could have one of their giant two-bedroom suites with a huge living room for the price of a regular hotel room. That was our "hospitality suite," where people hung out at every hour of the day or night and shared food. - We had a fancy Sunday brunch which made the conference significantly more attractive to the hotel. They gave us the brunch room for free; of course, we paid a fair amount for hotel food. But it was yummy. The total cost per person, including brunch, was somewhere around $50 plus your own hotel costs. Yes, that would be more than meeting in people's homes - but think how many more of us could go, and how fun it would be to have slumber parties and hang out. :D This is a depressed economy with high gas prices. Hotels are hurting for business. I would not be at all surprised if we could get an excellent deal on hotel rooms and meeting space, if we held Homeschool Festivus at a time when people are less likely to travel. (Maybe October, somewhere without pretty leaves?) With no need for a large vendor hall, conference services, etc., this could happen in almost any hotel anywhere. If y'all want to come to Baltimore, I would be happy to find a hotel and make the arrangements. (Southwest flies here!) If consensus is that it would be better elsewhere, having some experience with this I would be happy to advise whoever wants to find a hotel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Dominion Heather Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Next year perhaps denim jumpers will be standardized and someone with a measuring tape will be at the door to insure compliance.... This is about the only thing that has made me laugh today. Have I ever outted myself as having gone to a Christian college that measured your skirt length? In the hall? And wrote you up if it wasn't long enough? Can I just say that me and the skirt police did not get along so well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) This is about the only thing that has made me laugh today. Have I ever outted myself as having gone to a Christian college that measured your skirt length? In the hall? And wrote you up if it wasn't long enough? Can I just say that me and the skirt police did not get along so well. ...was it the latex? Edited March 30, 2011 by Mrs Mungo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) this whole bunch of judgmental garbage just makes me ill. I am SO over it. I havent been to a convention in about 7 years. Edited March 30, 2011 by StaceyinLA Removed something that was inappropriate to this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Dominion Heather Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I think it was the hair... theirs - long and flowing. Mine? shirt and spiked and bleached blond, ala Roxette. I liked my hair, but I envied theirs. Hair was a very big deal back then. I think in their own sad way, they envied my (not-quite) mini-skirt. We were never meant to be... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) I have a huge house in the middle of Kansas and a school room that could double as an exhibit hall.;) I'm ten minutes from our little regional airport. ETA: My DH just offered to pay your airfare, and my DC will make crepes! Edited March 30, 2011 by Sugarfoot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I am sorry, Heather, but now the only thing on my mind is giggling to myself about latex jumper ideas. Bedtime for me. :grouphug: to everyone. I wish this did not suck so much, I hope we can work together to make it suck less. That is the ultimate goal, yes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avila Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 :hurray: I have a house in the north Dallas suburbs that will most definitely be open for this. I suspect a house probably won't be big enough, but I've got a line on a couple of options we could use - a community center and a church where a friend's husband is pastor. You can definitely count me in for setting up Dallas if you want to do a house conference here. I can help you in Dallas! :D It would be so lovely to go to a homeschool convention and get to talk about homeschooling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skissugar Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 ugh i got the same type email from christian homeschoolers of hawaii.. Oh, Lisa, I want you! OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB Can you come to hawaii?? I will feed you!! I will give you a place to sleep!! and really?? you could claim a pretty awesome vacation as work :) I promise i wont act like a crazed fan (okay i wont act like a crazed fan 95% of the time) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Oh, Lisa, I want you! First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. SWB Yea! This sounds like a great idea! I'm really hoping to get to see you in Houston this summer! It's a ten hour drive from where I am in Texas, but I think hearing everything that has happened recently has made me even more determined to come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Lulu* Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 :hurray: I have a house in the north Dallas suburbs that will most definitely be open for this. I suspect a house probably won't be big enough, but I've got a line on a couple of options we could use - a community center and a church where a friend's husband is pastor. You can definitely count me in for setting up Dallas if you want to do a house conference here. Yes, yes, please pick Dallas! It is central for several mid-sized cities, and I can already think of at least a dozen families locally that would drive the 4 hours for what you've described! BTW- Before now I have never attended any homeschool convention, or even wanted to for that matter. Once again, SWB has changed my mind on a subject! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveBaby Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I haven't run into that one in a while. I think I may scare such commentors away. I'm with you though. My dh is out the door by 6am and gets home around 7-8 pm. He has steered me well over the years (realizing that TOG fixed a problem I didn't have, telling me to buy the Latina Christiana DVDs so that we would actually DO Latin) and we make a great team. But Bible lessons at 5am wouldn't do any of us much good. Thank you for this! Amen! I also don't like the ones who make me feel like a leper because we listen to music other than Bach, we read books other than the Bible and happen to enjoy Fairy Tales and Fables and *gasp* even the local newspaper. I'm undecided about OE/YE, but hey...I certainly don't think that should be a deal breaker and I seriously question those who would choose not to interact with me or want to be associated with me based on that reasoning alone. OK, two things. First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. I have some ideas about the money end, but I'm still formulating. Second: There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB Yes!! Home conferences would be great! The list at our local conference this year is great if you are wanting to remember why you homeschool and get more ideas on Christian living (whatever that means) but doesn't offer anything of educational value. Susan...we have a fairly large Classical following group here in SW MO. You spoke last year and were the hit of the conference, perhaps MO as a middle ground for the midwest would be a good idea?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mother Superior Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 There is definitely a schism coming; in my opinion it will be between those who see home education as PRIMARILY serving the specifically Christian purpose of reclaiming families for God, and those who see home education as PRIMARILY about educating kids. Notice these things don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think one is always going to dominate and to affect how you view other home schoolers. You guys all know that I'm a Christian. But I'm in the second camp. I'm an educator. I want you to be able to teach your kids how to read and write and think and understand history. (Just to make my position clear.) I actually tend to think that when I'm doing that, and doing it well, I'm bringing glory to God. Anybody remember Chariots of Fire? "When I run, I feel His pleasure." It's a vocation for me. I don't need to see your statement of faith before I talk to you about writing. SWB AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! THERE IS SOMEONE ELSE IN THE HOMESCHOOLING WORLD WHO "GETS" ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <deep breath> <deep breath> Okay. So, I live in the middle of no where. You KNOW I am sitting here like Horshack going "Oooh! Ooh ooh!! PICK ME!!!" And though I live along a pretty cool wine trail, near an excellent martini bar ;), walking distance from Food Network's favorite barbeque, and have a decently large house, I am a realist, and know that I don't live in the ideal geographic location. However. I would be more than happy to put something together in St. Louis, which is just under two hours from my home. I am up there frequently because of my daughter's medical issues. Given that it is a major metropolitan area and right smack-dab in the middle of the US, I think the location might work out. Or would you all rather have a giant slumber party at my house??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dulcimeramy Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I would very much LOVE to come to something like this! A house conference about homeschooling would be wonderful. I never go to the lifestyle conventions, but I would like to meet more homeschoolers and learn from authors, thinkers, and experienced homeschool moms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mother Superior Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Thank you for this! Amen! I also don't like the ones who make me feel like a leper because we listen to music other than Bach, we read books other than the Bible and happen to enjoy Fairy Tales and Fables and *gasp* even the local newspaper. I'm undecided about OE/YE, but hey...I certainly don't think that should be a deal breaker and I seriously question those who would choose not to interact with me or want to be associated with me based on that reasoning alone. Yes!! Home conferences would be great! The list at our local conference this year is great if you are wanting to remember why you homeschool and get more ideas on Christian living (whatever that means) but doesn't offer anything of educational value. Susan...we have a fairly large Classical following group here in SW MO. You spoke last year and were the hit of the conference, perhaps MO as a middle ground for the midwest would be a good idea?! Maybe we could go to Branson in September? I was raised in Joplin and got my undergrad in Springfield. Love that area in the fall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawna in Texas Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 We're in Houston and my DH works in hospitality. He has several connections in town. Depending on the weekend, and the hotel, we could get it for next to nothing. You don't need a convention center. Hotels all have conference rooms, how much could that cost? I live in a small town, and can think of several hotels that have this. The larger the city, the more options. I'm taking bets there will be too many to fit in a home! Maybe we should do a poll to see where everyone is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Nobody in New England? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) First, I really am going to work on this "house conference" thing for next year. Ideally? I'd get seven or eight hosts who would be willing to invite others to their homes, preferably within a two-state area. I'd fly into the nearest airport, rent a car, and schedule, say, a four hour lecture/discussion series at each house. The host would have to commit to publicizing the event and finding a certain number of attendees who would bring their own books and curricula for others to examine, plus I'd bring samples of all our stuff. SWB I would go to this, or host this. I stopped going to the conservative Christian conferences a few years ago. I was no longer a goggly eyed admirer of the male speakers who put their spells on the women. The speaches weren't even about homeschooling! They were all about how to raise perfect children and have a perfect marriage, etc. I fell for it for a couple of years, but no more. I'm interested in solid ideas and resources to educate 4 children, primarily in the home, not necessarily exclusively, but definitely practically and academically. I want them prepared for their future away from my home. This is a tall order. I could use some help, so a practical home conference like this would do wonders for encouragement to keep on keepin' on. Edited March 30, 2011 by JenniferB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcelmer Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 ""Don't confuse us with other homeschool conferences who don't have "American" in their name.We're Great American Homeschool Conferences from Maine to Hawaii."" This was in response to quite a few angry comments mistakenly sent to them that were actually aimed at the other HS conference group. People were actually getting them confused... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Nobody in New England? I think there are a couple of people in Maine? Err...does that count? I have never lived in the NE. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I think there are a couple of people in Maine? Err...does that count? I have never lived in the NE. :D lol It does. Side trips to LL Bean matter, kwim? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 SWB, swoon! I love this idea! Can I suggest Orange County, Ca?? Maybe when this starts shaping up, you could have a form where people could offer their houses or cities, and then you could choose the more promising areas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebug42 Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I would be happy to help with something of this nature. I am in SW Ohio close to the Indiana border and an hour or so to Kentucky border. I have a smallish house but would be happy to pack everyone in. I could also help with a local venue to accommodate more people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinyhappypeople Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Isn't there a secular homeschooling convention of any kind anywhere in the country? What about Missouri, which is sort of the middle and doesn't have one of those other things? Could we all just go to Missouri and have a "we don't care about your religious beliefs, we just want to do school" convention? Northern California has a big one every summer, but my impression from looking at the web site is that it's mostly unschooling focused and very expensive. SWB, swoon! I love this idea! Can I suggest Orange County, Ca?? Maybe when this starts shaping up, you could have a form where people could offer their houses or cities, and then you could choose the more promising areas? :iagree: California... PLEASE! Northern (prefer), Southern (I'll drive!)... just somewhere close enough for me to come. For such a big state, we have no really good homeschool event options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mother Superior Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 lol It does. Side trips to LL Bean matter, kwim? I think Parrothead is in New England. In addition to LL Bean side trips, I feel confident she'd make sure we had Cheeseburgers in Paradise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mother Superior Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I am sorry, Heather, but now the only thing on my mind is giggling to myself about latex jumper ideas. Bedtime for me. :grouphug: to everyone. I wish this did not suck so much, I hope we can work together to make it suck less. That is the ultimate goal, yes? The latex jumpers (and your whole exchange on this) makes me LOL every time I think of it. My husband keeps asking me what is so funny, but I don't want to give him any ideas. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.