When we decided to homeschool, I was certain that I wanted to be involved in a homeschool community. The boys would need interaction with other boys. I needed it. The boys would need field trips. I needed it. The boys would need co-op classes. I needed it. Did I mention that I needed it?

But never before had I been judged by the number of children that I did NOT have or the size of my uterus (obviously not flourishing, in my case). I distinctly remember sitting week after week in a room that was visibly growing smaller and smaller by expanding pregnant bellies and terminology that I was simply ignorant of until I was simply crowded out.

So I really was uncertain of whether to attend the first meeting of our county homeschool chapter. Maybe "belonging" to a homeschool group was just not for me.

I arrived with my usual punctuality and saw only ONE conversion van. And much to my relief, other moms like myself, who wanted to discuss curriculum, how to make homeschooling more effective, or field trips. NO discussion as how to add one more car seat to an already full 8 passenger van or how to begin nursing a child already weaned after a new baby is born.

That was the day I met Gina. We (I) began talking and didn’t stop. She seemed so “normal” and when I walked outside and saw her Mustang, I was certain! Our friendship blossomed over emails, spinach-feta croissants, and latte’s.

It was over a 5-hour coffee that she invited me to a Ladies Conference hosted by her church. A Southern tea complete with an 1880's fashion show. Oh, what fun!

But did I mention the subject of the conference?

Contentment.