I co-presented the 'Getting Started' talk at out local Catholic homeschooling conference again this year. I am so impressed with the love and dedication of those rookie homeschooling parents. I think the question time is my favorite part of speaking. I just pray that I gave them good direction and encouragement.
We enjoyed hearing some great speakers. Fr. Thomas Eutenuer spoke on spiritual strengthening and protection for families.
Dr. Damian Fedoryka spoke on viewing all life as a gift. That man is brilliant, a good lecturer and intellectually waaayyy above me. I was operating on little sleep and was worried about the kids at home where the power had gone out. I had to fight to mentally hold onto every point as he built up to his main points. It was well worth the effort. A good mental stretch for me.
You know how I admire Mrs. Ginny Seuffert. I only made it to one of her two talks. I heard her speak on Perseverance, Running the Race of Homeschooling. She works for Seton homeschool and counsels moms who Seton directs to her for assistance. Most of the primary problems were no surprise. Lack of support from husbands, lack of organization, trying to do too much, children with behavior problems... the one that surprised me was families who do not have reasonable bedtimes and nap times for little ones. Ginny said that there have been many situations where she has counseled enforcing bedtimes and the result was a much happier household and a mom who could move on to get other areas under control.
Speaking of admirable homeschool moms, I ran into many that I know in person or from the Internet. One I always enjoy visiting with when she comes to Michigan is Michele Quigley of Family Centered Press. She and her husband come to the conference to sell her lovely planners and this year she presented a talk on her Mater Amabilis curriculum.
Kari, Michele and me
Michele's husband and Bridget's husband :) (aka Tim and Kevin)
We also got to briefly meet 4 lads mom (I don't know if she uses her real name anywhere on the Internet) and her handsome lads and sweet Lily. We have been praying for Lily through all her health struggles and surgeries so it was a privilege to see her in person.
We never purchase many books at the conference but we are so strongly fortified in our faith and our commitment to homeschooling when we attend. It is such a joy to go together now that we have babysitters at home. They did a great job, even after the power went out. The house was very neat and everyone happy when we arrived home. It was a good day.
Hi Bridget!!!
It was so, so nice to see you all as well! Lily has improved even more this past week, and I really appreciate all prayers, they are working! I wish we could have visited more, and I think you are right....we should have a little “pre-conference” blog meet-up! God Bless you for all of you prayers and kindness!
Posted by: Diana | June 26, 2010 at 11:24 PM