Blocks, books, bags and “b.o.b.”
July 7-10 I was in Ontario California at the Christian Home Educators Association (CHEA) of California’s annual convention. I flew out to meet our California representatives, help with the Math-U-See booth, and to meet all the wonderful California Home educators.
Here is the booth before the vast throng came in
I arrived that afternoon and got to interact with the wonderful group of California home educators. That evening and the next two days were quite busy, except for the keynote addresses the Math-U-See booth was occupied with a constant flow of customers, happy users and convention browsers.
One of the convention attendees and happy Math-U-See users was Jenny, we had met through blogging and it was fun to meet her in person.
Jenny and I
There were nine people, including myself working behind the booth, luckily we all liked each other and showered each day so it was bearable 
Our job was to answer any questions, demonstrate how Math-U-See is used and to assist with purchases. I even helped a few ladies carry books out to their cars, I guess I was a b.o.b. as well (see end of post for explanation of b.o.b.)
The new and improved booth setup
One of my favorite things to do is to illustrate how to teach polynomials with the blocks. I showed this to one couple and I got to see the “light bulb” of understanding turn on. Now we have another member of the MUS family
I also got to attend the Math-U-See vendor workshop and see Dan Sinclair demonstrate how Math-U-See is used. Both the workshops were filled to overflowing with people so it was a little hot but the presentation was well done.
Explaining “decimal street”
What about b.o.b.? b.o.b. is the acronym I made up for the husbands at homeschool conventions, they are generally laden with numerous packages and pulling some form of curriculum carrier. I call these courageous souls, b.o.b. meaning, beast of burden Keep up the good work of supporting your family and serving them.
It was a busy, fun, tiring weekend but one that leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment. I enjoyed meeting new people, seeing California and spreading the news that Math can be fun and doable.
A beautiful view
If you were at CHEA (or wished you could have come) leave a comment.
To see a list of upcoming events where Math-U-See will be click here.
So fun to see you there! My husband is a b.o.b. and his name is Bob (he says that his name means “floats well”-HA!)…so he will relate. He totally spoils me in grabbing any burdens/finds/treasures I am lugging around and carts them off to the car for me.
He gets very excited about math and will tell anyone he can about how well manipulatives work…esp for upper level math because hardly anyone who is not math oriented understands what is going on.
Keep up the good work! CHEA was great…it is like a family/homeschool/marriage retreat all rolled into one.
Lord bless,
Jenny
Good report, especially since my sister Jenny got mentioned!
Math has never been my gift. When my daughter was younger, Uncle Bob (Jenny’s husband) brought over his MUS manipulatives, and math got a lot easier
We finished her snior year with MUS’s Stewardship, which was a great tool for preparing her to be on her own next year in college.
Tell your dad THANKS!
Mary
Hey Math U See family!
I just discovered your blog and wanted to say thank you for everything. I met Steve at the Memphis Area Home Education Association conference and left there feeling so encouraged. Thanks for reminding me what it is all about!