Being on the road gives us the opportunity to see things that we’ve never seen before and also to visit a few friends. We were so fortunate to be able to catch up with our friends the Smiths in the Denver area. (Picture Gallery) We have known them for about 14 years now, through childbirth, job changes, and moves.  Jean, working homeschool mom to two of the brightest and most well behaved children I have ever met, is the one who first inspired me to homeschool.  She showed me that it was possible to educate your children at home (and do it well) even when you’re working shift work.  Not only did she show me that it was possible, she practically held my hand when I took my first tentative steps.  She answered all my questions, shared her resources, and showed me where to find the information I would need.  I would not be a homeschooler today if it weren’t for her.  Because of that experience, I am now a huge advocate of finding a homeschool support group that fits with your style of teaching.  As you can guess, there are many, but we all need help along the way – a guide, a mentor, a friend.  I am still a member of a great support group back home that I access through an internet forum.  If you homeschool and don’t have a support group, check out this listing of groups by state.  Although it’s not an exhaustive list, it’s a start.