Feeling Dejected │ Homeschool Convention Day 2 ║ Large Family Vlog

Today went nothing like we'd planned. We started off with a stop at the doughnut shop and then settled in for many hours of lectures at the convention. A few minutes into the first session, we were asked - not so kindly - to keep our kids quiet or leave. The kids already were quiet, so we left. I shed quite a few tears and we all felt pretty down about it. We made the 2 1/2 drive home stopping to see a herd of sheep, to wash the van, pick up some tomato plants and to buy milk and cereal.
(I'd like to express that it was only one person who was so unkind; everyone at the convention was wonderful, including the other board members.)
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Mills Family
P.O. Box 323
Moorcroft, Wyoming 82721
USA
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[@lanarose3783]

I am so sorry that this happened to your sweet family . I've been watching your channel for a long time . I can honestly say that you have the most well mannered , loving , sweet , helpful and respectful children out there . Your children were the best kind of kids to have in session like that . You guys even sat in the back out of respect. It sounds to me like we need to say a prayer for someone as miserable in their own life as that guy . If it was such a big problem to him , he should have had classes or activities available for the younger ones . Especially knowing it's a family event . You are an amazing mom and I feel blessed to have found such a loving channel . 💜

[@chjoed]

I'm sorry that this happened to your family. From your videos, your children are some of the best behaved I've ever seen.

[@jessicaeaton3183]

Asher is BEYOND amazing with Claudia!!! You can tell that those 2 have such a great little bond! I see it with them almost every video and had to say it. So sweet. 28:32 is a great example. He is her protector and its just him being himself. You are raising great kids.

[@brendafranco1046]

Im sorry this happen to you. You and your husband are a amazing couple. That man was wrong to do what he did your children are very polite and well behaved. Maybe he has no experience with children and he should get a new job. I have two adult children .Six grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren . Children need to be children . I have been married for 48years and i think your a great person and handled the situation like a true lady.

[@analizcutie123]

Have you ever considered starting up your own homeschool convention? Both you and your husband seem incredibly business minded and very passionate about homeschooling so I'm sure it would be great! ❤️❤️

[@NJSMKMMS]

You were such a sweetheart Andrea. I hope you are watching down over your lovely kids and family and are so very proud of the people they all are. You were one of a kind.

[@SweetlyHome]

My heart hurts that this happened to your family. I just love y'all so much. Andrea, you are truly a representation of grace in the midst of even ugly circumstances. 💕

[@JustJudy]

God Bless y’all.. makes me so sad Andrea is so wonderful.. Tom..y’all did good and you still are. When I homeschool, from my experience with others.. many believe they were “experts”.. it was always about making friends to me for my sons...but soon it become way too much of a competition and became more like schools .. the very thing o pulled them out of.. take care and you all are in my prayers.,,

[@TheNoacks]

I'm so sorry for the families that are missing out on the sweet fellowship with other homeschoolers. Perhaps a trip to Montana next year is needed. That 'gentle'man can have his homeschooling convention for families with no children and sit in the sanctuary alone. You handled yourselves with such dignity and grace!

[@volition51]

I was thinking yesterday, while watching the first video: "It's a *Homeschool* Convention - do they not have the resources to have activities for the little guys?!" That man was obviously trying to protect something; but he's destroying the convention. Loved how the sheep visit was like a "reset". Onward, Mills family!! ❤

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

It was; we'd been feeling so yucky. Tom had already stopped once so we could pray about everything and then, later, when he saw those sheep so close to the road he said, "Let's turn around and go look at those sheep." It did make us all feel better.

[@pattymassey5357]

Hugs to you all ! I can't imagine why this kind of person is working with something for families! You all are sweet gentle people and there is no reason you should ever be treated this way.

[@gracie2298]

Oh my, it’s a Homeschooling convention. Last time I checked it meant Children are involved. I wonder if he has children & how he treats them? Eventually he will run everyone away from attending. How fun to go thru the car wash! Miss you Andrea.

[@shemom4]

One of the biggest reasons to homeschool is to be with your child and experience things together, to see the wonderment from their viewpoint. Has that man ever homeschooled? Hugs to you!

[@JCTVYouTubeChannel]

Well said!! We homeschool too for that reason.

[@alicruise2313]

I just love sweet little Solly. When he talks about "pop tawts" it melted my heart! ❤️

[@Nightowlnursery]

😢It looked so sad when y'all were leaving ... so sorry this happened ... glad y'all loaded up your sweet family and left. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Raialari]

Ah, you are making me cry! Seeing grown adults act so immature.... it really grinds my gears. It's actually kind of sad when you realize that a 6-year-old is much more well-behaved than someone 6 times their age. Well, it's their loss anyways ;) Y'all are so admirable. The fact that you don't let the rudeness of people (and false advertisement) stop you from having a good time and making the most of a bad situation.

[@paulaboynton2425]

Andrea, sweetheart, I am so sorry that your nice family was treated with such disrespect! All it takes is one person being grumpy to drag everyone else down. So sad for him! You and Tom are so kind and loving and patient. Your children are living proof of your excellent qualities.

[@kathyeichorn7228]

Andrea, you are amazing parents. Your children are very loving and kind. please don't let this man's actions bother you. When we go out to eat, if the children are behaving, I always tell the parents what a great family they have and how well mannered they were. I have just started watching your videos and love the way you all interact. Also thumbs up for the boys room. Love it!

[@krisfasse1183]

This isn't the first tineseeing this but I can't recall commenting. I homeschooled my kids and went to co OP and conventional really found the experience a struggle...if personalities like that got involved. Homeschoolers are a free spirit bunch and always keep kids involved!

[@maggiefrench3691]

oh all that work and time and energy to get there and uhhhh! what a mean man! I feel that you made such an effort to support the local homeschooling there in a state where homeschoolers are really spread apart. I felt your defeat and also see the vastness of Wyoming. We feel isolated enough as homeschoolers my heart goes out to you. You may not have been able to connect to new friends but your family has each other. You all stood together and you will be even stronger and will make a decision about conventions in the future. I love your channel and some of your ideas have really helped me. Thank You!

[@juliawisbey3614]

I'm so sorry that man was so mean to you. You have an amazing family and you and Tom are brilliant parents. God bless.x

[@beachsandinmyhair5429]

I am very sorry that this happened. I can relate, something similar happened to our family. Keep moving forward!!

[@imogenethomas1138]

So sorry your sweet family had such a bad experience at the convention. You deserve better. Your kids are precious.

[@lacedreason]

What an awful thing to happen, and you all handled it so well, and the perfect music while leaving! lol Your family seems to be the model of what a homeschooling family should be, atleast to me. I would think they would want to encourage families like yours to attend! At the very least if they dont want kids to attend they should say so ahead of time and save you the trip! Your wonderful kids take it all in stride, proof of your wonderful parenting! I bet it felt great coming home again, my favorite part of any trip!

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

The very first time we went, we didn't take our kids, but once we got there we saw families with children everywhere, including in the sessions, so we always took them after that. We like being together so we'd rather take them than not. That's partly why it was so surprising. It's _always_ been a convention with little ones padding around while the parents listen.

[@alenajackdaughter1055]

Im so sorry that happened. But when you mentioned Montana i got all excited because on Thursday me and me parents are making the four day drive from Nashville to Montana because my dad took a pastoring job up there. It's a huge move but it's easier because I'm homeschooled and watching your videos on homeschooling and everything else you guys do kind of brightens up my day. Keep doing what you do and don't let anyone get you down!

[@GreenMama93]

Welcome to Montana! You will love it here!!!

[@kolbyperry5119]

Your boys are sweet comforting Claudia and blocking the window during the car wash

[@coffeeandcraftinmama6054]

I second many of these comments! I hate seeing your family hurt. The closer you got to home, the better I felt! I'd love for you and Tom to host a homeschool forum! It would be a drive, but I'd try to attend! May God continue to bless you, as you honor Him. I'm so glad you got the pop tarts for Solomon! 😊

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

Wouldn't that be fun?!

[@jenniferknight1511]

Andrea is such a smart and thoughtful lady.

[@mysocalledmomlife1932]

I'm so sorry you guys were treated so poorly, of course there are going to be children at a homeschool convention. Some people are just not good fits for the positions they hold, that man is most definitely in the wrong position. I just love watching how sweet and caring Asher is with Claudia, warmed my heart!! And Solomon with his pop tarts 😂😂 So stinkin' cute!!!

[@dragonflyneb]

All you can say it's good to be home and have a party with all those good snacks!

[@heatherkoczan8722]

Bless you heart! I hope that they find a new venue for years to come, because that is unacceptable!!! You are awesome parents! May the Lord continue to bless you and your home school!

[@lynnwilson665]

I can relate in a different way, we homeschool… And our youngest son is adopted several disabilities. Having a special needs child no one seems to have Grace or understand. Like you said you kept them quiet but it still never enough for some people.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

That's what felt so heartbreaking about it; they're only little children and why isn't there any compassion for them or their needs? The man we're speaking of has 7 highly achieved children, based on what I read in his bio. He's a judge and it reminded me of once when I took Eden, as an infant, into a courtroom because I had a family member being sentenced. I was the only person in the room aside from the people involved in the hearing. When the judge came in, he immediately and without niceties, made me leave because I had a child. It didn't matter that she was silent. That's kind of the way this man was so maybe he's used to running his whole life like a courtroom. Either way, it's their convention, not ours, so if we have a different vision than they do, we're the ones that need to move on.

[@lynnwilson665]

Andrea Mills that man might have seven well achieved children… but you not only have well behaved children, your husband, a family, your testimony, and the blessing from the Lord that you are!!!!!!!!💕

[@notes1980]

Andrea, I am so sorry that you experienced what you did. You and your husband are amazing parents. You guy's have such a beautiful family. Forgiveness is sometimes difficult, but it gives a lot of inner peace. I would honestly pray for the man involved..we never know what someone's life is like on the inside..it sounds like this particular man has quite an anger/power issue and a lot of the times that is just a result of something much deeper that a person has experienced in life. I will be praying for his heart to soften. God Bless.

[@mrspuac4540]

2:44 Solomon is me everyday getting ready for work 🤗 I'm so sorry someone was lacking something inside themselves that they choose to take that path, you are a truly lovely family. Kindness costs nothing, and when we choose to be kind we become so rich, some haven't found that out yet. MUCH luv from our family to yours. xx (Don't know if you can recall way back I commented on a video of you and Tom on a date night "I really needed a laugh tonight" and you took the time to comment back...well, the source of that very late night sleeplessness has arrived at 8lbs 5 oz) Your videos and advice have been such a treasure and blessing to me, thank you.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

I can't tell you how that thrills my heart to hear! Congratulations!!! (Also, your comment about work really cracked Tom up.)

[@mrspuac4540]

Andrea Mills 🤗our 3rd girl, Hope Marie. I'm loving the Moses basket, I got it seeing it on your videos. Glad Tom got a chuckle 😁

[@tkat1660]

I love that you and Tom do it "your way", and that you stand up for yourselves. I appreciate how hard both those things are but you and Tom seem so solid I know you can face a lot together

[@thistleberrycottage2792]

So very sad that the mean spirit of one man has so much impact. Bless you guys!! And Solly is so cute with his plea for "poptowts".

[@jesscatley4383]

It makes me so sad to hear that anyone would expect small children to sit quiet for hours on end. I think you did the right thing with leaving. Hope you can find another convention that isn't too far away that supoorts young children and their needs, and also the older children to and allows them to have fun.

[@lizlane6490]

Andrea--this is so sad! I am so sorry someone who should have been encouraging you and your family and blessing you and fellowshipping with you, instead hurt you and discouraged you. I so appreciate your heart to want to support the local convention but it sounds like they need to make some big changes to the convention and they might not understand that unless people just choose not to attend. As one of my dear friends and I like to remind each other from time to time..."The Lord knows..." Sometimes that is all I need to hear and I feel comforted and much better! I pray you will, too, my online friend! Enjoy this weekend with your precious family! The way Solly said Pop T-ah-wahts made me smile so much! You all are such a dear family! Press on! You are on the front lines! Blessings, Liz Lane

[@beemeemee9051]

What I love is that something ugly / uncomfortable happened but all solly is aware of and wants is pop tarts! It's so lovely that your kids feel safe and loved even when things get tricky... also your boys looking after their sister when she's scared! Soooooo sweet!!!!

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

It was so cute when I was in the hall crying Solomon started fishing around in his pocket and pulled out one of those little stretchy clip things you use to hold ACE bandages closed. He said I could have it. Then he fished out a little plastic gem and gave that to me, too. It was so sweet having him try to think of something to make me feel better.

[@martaaberg3330]

Heartmeltingly sweet.

[@galady8632]

Andrea Mills ... Such sweet, small treasures. And such awesome memories.

[@sharonspears4989]

I predict that your experience will be the catalyst that prompts change at that conference.

[@galady8632]

Sharon Spears ... I certainly hope so! If I had the info I would personally write a letter to the organization's headquarters and refer them to this video. All info was certainly included in a positive and gracious manner (typical of Andrea, of course), but the underlying truth is there. A bully is a bully. His actions certainly does more harm than good. The Wyoming event will never be successful as long as he is involved. Period. No silk purse will ever come from this bully's ear. And on a positive thought - wouldn't it be awesome if they eliminated the bully and asked Tom and/or Andrea to present a session? Karma indeed. Or as it was called when I was young - the Golden Rule.

[@MrsDigiot]

What a bummer! I feel bad for you. That sad solemn music you used was perfect after hearing your story about the mean man.

[@lruss5050]

I am nearly twice your age and at the first wrong thing I leave! That's because I have had instances where I waited through 3 bad experiences before I left a situation and I now recognize the signs. such a shame this happened to you!

[@donnawall6922]

Sorry for the sadness you felt, BUT great day with your family.....and YEA no convention !!!

[@KidsFunScience]

Great family. So well behaved.

[@kellihammond4956]

Just love her

[@CollinsFamily9]

you deserve so much better. I hope you can find a better convention next year.

[@galady8632]

Faithful Healthy Homeste .... Or maybe sponsor their own

[@theoriginaledi]

I have all sorts of thoughts racing through my mind right now, but I really just want to say to you and Tom that I have great respect for your grace in both good times and bad and for the spirit of joy and peace and kindness that you're obviously instilling in your children. You're truly an inspiration to me. And of course I'm terribly sorry you had such an unpleasant experience. I wish I could give you a good tight hug... and I'm not even much of a hugger usually! :-) As always, thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You'll never know how much it means.

[@almostemptynester777]

I am so sorry that happened to you. That man would have gotten "schooled" by me about how a homeschool convention is supposed to be. But God is still working on me about that part of me. You guys took the grace and peace route which was the better choice. Sounds like if that keeps up that homeschool convention will be no more. That's too bad. Looks like you guys had a better time when you left! :)

[@TomMillsFamily]

I was furious as well, I fantasized the whole drive home on ways I could have told him off. I consider it a win because I didn't actually use them. :)

[@galady8632]

Tom Mills ... Yes, you used massive restraint. You opted for the greater good for your family. If I knew the official name of the organization that sponsored the event I would certainly write a letter and include a link to this video. Headquarters needs to know a bully is keeping the Wyoming event from expanding. I find it so sad he thrives on making not one but two women cry in mere minutes.

[@anchorsandarrows6935]

I will echo what everyone else is saying here: that I'm truly sorry you had to experience being treated so poorly. It really does hurt my heart! You have a great family; don't let this one bad experience cause you to second-guess anything you are doing. I say that only because we have been there too--most of the time when we are out as a family, we are constantly stopped and told how wonderfully behaved our children are and/or what a great family we have (I'm not saying this to brag; we just love being together, like you said you do too, and that usually shows to others without even having to try. We are told a lot that when you walk in our door, you can feel the love in our house!) I'm sure you are told that as well, because I am sure it shows when you are all out and about. It surely shows in your videos! But every once in awhile someone has something terrible to say and for some reason that can make me feel completely awful for longer than it should; I guess I am letting it bother me more than I should be and I start questioning and second-guessing myself!

[@weaver7249]

Andrea, I am so sorry. There is something very wrong with this man. I will pray God will show you just what he wants, not just you, but your viewers as well, to learn from this. I watch your channel, because I have such a dysfunctional family, you and your family are so uplifting for me. You are such a good wife and mom. I love seeing your behavior in all areas of your life. Please don't be discouraged - just know - your are amazing and Godly example for all your viewers and family. Never change. Please get that little guy some pop-tarts.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

Tom picked some up at the stop at the grocery store on the way home. :)

[@mildredlane3717]

so sorry that the bully was at the convention...but as always u handled it well and made the day a happy one for the family....

[@heatherfeather2711]

I watched this video earlier today, then went grocery shopping....Solly made me want pop tarts, I'm having one now...yum.

[@charlotteblue3422]

Such a shame that you had to have such a negative experience regarding the homeschooling convention!! On the bright(er) side, it was so lovely to see the landscape of your country on your drive home!

[@DisneyPoppinsDisney]

Hold your head held high... The library my charge and I study at 2x a week asked us to leave because we had one giggle... no one was in the library... my charge is 9 years old... I mentioned the Library Police and we giggled all the way to the car. The lesson, adults are not always fair or right, but being respectful is always the best way to react.

[@daisy8585]

28:01 my heart melted!!!!

[@poppycopper1]

I'm so sad that people treat you like that. You're a wonderful family. I loved looking at the country side, I can see how big USA is compared to England. God bless you all xxx

[@lemonmeringue7824]

I'm so sorry that happened to your family.

[@101Phantomwolf]

You and your family are wonderful :) sorry the convention didn't go as planned! Claudia really seemed to like that donut lol

[@hoosierladyus48]

So many people fail to realize, they too were children at one time. That's such a shame and I don't blame the Mills family for leaving.

[@proverbs31mrs]

So, sorry this happened. This is exactly why we don't even go to Homeschool Convention seminars anymore. We go to shop but that's all. My children are 12, 10, 8, 6 and 4. So yes, they could be in a program, but we don't want them to! We want to be together. It's ridiculous what homeschooling has become about with forgetting about keeping the children's hearts and the terrible attitudes towards any family who wants to do just that.

[@christyfinley9099]

I am so sorry that happened to your family.

[@annielemaster]

I am so sorry you had to go through that.

[@1fisch2fisch5]

So sorry that happened to your family and want to recognize your hurt heart. It sounds like you and your husband handled the situation Biblically. "Cast not your pearls before swine." I think you can be a blessing elsewhere.

[@JCTVYouTubeChannel]

Well said Joanne. I was reading through the comments and it's nice to see other people encouraging them. We homeschool as well.

[@NudgingCharlie13]

I wouldn't go back again. You had a bad experience two years in a row, your kids aren't enjoying it. What's the point. I wouldn't waste my time. Do something fun with your family. Life's too short.

[@bethsbookishreviews9374]

I'm so sorry. The children were being so good. I cannot understand why people are the way they are.

[@Ladiebuglane1]

I am so sorry this happened to you and your family. There has to be somewhere God would rather you be than there. Oh and don't forget to get Solomon his PopTarts...lol!!!

[@cryssbou7864]

I've gotten to the point the only part I go to for our convention is the Friday night yard sale thats open to everyone ....

[@Calmly-replied111]

A sign of the times we all live in! ! When a sad person can't even be loving to a family that came to share and participate in a family activity. Let us forgive him!!

[@kathleenl4387]

I know that is what I should do, and for all of those wonderful families I will. But I hope in God's eyes, that man needs to learn a good lesson about love and humanity. 🌈🕊💚

[@galady8632]

Elizabeth A Daly ... Sadly I cannot forgive that level of selfish stupidity. Tom displayed high restraint, he even reentered the area to again speak with the bully, obviously hoping to smooth over the guy's silly ruffled feathers. If the Jerk had made my dear, departed Mother cry, for any reason, I would have called 911. Yes, find a legal reason to remove me or leave us alone. Tom's restraint is admirable but somewhere, somehow the bully needs to learn a strong and memorable lesson. Since he seems to thrive on making women cry I shudder to think of the life his wife or Mother endured. I think Andrea and Tom should consider starting an annual small group gathering. I know their lives are already crazy busy but if they could work with another family in order to share the responsibilities (maybe even the second lady the bully made cry), it might be doable. Tom, the oldest son, maybe with assistance of one or two of the older boys, might could lead a session for young teens. Both Andrea and Tom could lead a session and maybe have one or two leaders in the homeschooling industry present a session or two. Tom wanted a video of one session in the past but it wasn't made available, maybe include that speaker. Andrea's KZbin channel following would certainly be a great platform to help promote the event. Probably having it in their area would be much more affordable, if a facility is available.

[@marilynziesmer287]

I'm sorry this happened. Nobody should be that rude.

[@galady8632]

I bought a few groceries today. When I saw the cereal sign I immediately thought of Solly and Pop Tarts. I did not purchase any but of course I had a huge smile on my face remembering his focus and the depth of his Pop Tart urgency. His cuteness and seriousness was priceless. I did purchase crunchy peanut butter, I left all the creamy for Solly.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

I got two cases of creamy peanut butter when they were on sale today. It made him so happy!

[@ggandbb1702]

hugs :) x what an upsetting situation! I think i would have reacted the exact same way if it happened to me x

[@dmirabal7984]

As I watched your children I had a hard time imagining anyone complaining about anything . It is amazing how miserable people can be. You are blessed with a wonderful family .

[@Hoglen06]

There are always going to be those that are rude no matter what you do. Peace be with you all. I am so sorry you had to deal with that. But a powerful lesson was learned by your children. You can always walk away from a bad situation. YOU and Your family are a powerful example to so many. You are so encouraging and loving. Never let anyone take that from you. Hugs From GA.

[@JCTVYouTubeChannel]

This is the truth!!

[@galady8632]

Hoglen06 ... well said

[@annmarielowe9253]

hi there from England. xx awww Andrea it really up set me to hear how you and your beautiful family were treated disgraceful how dare they do that to your family your so good hearted you havent one nasty bone in your body there not worth your family's time disgusted if i lived there I would of spoke up for your beautiful family so sorry to hear this in this day and age there is no respect for each other in this day and age any more it just shows how nasty people can be. God bless you all. xxxxxxxxx.

[@brielynn]

Solomon really wants some pop tarts. I have honestly never had one.

[@JoshsCindyLouakaTwinnyTwinMom]

Andrea, I got do upset & emotional that I couldn't finish watching. I'm going through a similar situation, we live in a condo & the board president thinks he's we live in the Gulag or something. (it's like this place turned into nazi germany). Sometimes the only thing people understand is a swift kick in their pocket...it's disabled & they are discriminating against me so that = lawsuit. I think you & Tom should create & facilitate your own home school convention. it would bring revenue to your immediate area & you've already accomplished so much in this regard. Hit them in their pocket by giving your state a better product. God bless you.

[@sallymetz8517]

Love the crickets sound effect. Ha ha

[@denacarson32]

Solly and his pop tarts! Bless it I've heard him say it 2 times hahaha!

[@christineearl1731]

Aww, I got a little choked up seeing you so hurt. Sorry that you had such an unpleasant experience.

[@tabbym22]

That guy was a jerk! I'm sorry. You handled that so much better than I could have. You are awesome!

[@ammoannie]

Asher is so amazing with Claudia, you are raising a wonderful bunch of guys, who will be amazing husbands and fathers... KUDOS!

[@altogetherextraordinary6846]

Oh how sad! I'm so sorry for your experience. I've been meaning to attend the Wyoming Homeschool Convention for years, but something else ALWAYS interferes. Maybe there's a good reason it's never worked out... I love seeing your footage of the green season. It sure doesn't last long in Wyo, and now with our negative temps, it's nice to look back on summer! I'm sure you guys have moved on from this heartbreaking incident, but thank you for the transparency in your video and speaking up yet still maintaining a spirit of graciousness.

[@ChihuahuaMama54]

I don’t understand how some people can be so rude. The whole convention is about kids; for the kids; and then you’re treated like the bad guy because you have kids being kids? Your kids are so well mannered and have such big hearts. I’m so sorry you all went through this Andrea. No one deserves to be treated that way😞♥️

[@rueivy]

I am sorry you had such a negative experienve. I have had a similar experience and understand the unpleasant feelings that go along with it. PS. I hope Solomon got his pop tarts!

[@desireesmanyhats9468]

I am so sorry that your sweet family was subjected to that rudeness. Of all places in the world a homeschool convention should be a place of tolerance in inclusion. Do go back to that convention. Find one that appreciates the true message of homeschooling and teaching.

[@JCTVYouTubeChannel]

Hi guys!! We homeschool too. We've never gone to a convention before. New to the vlog!!

[@_GiGiBloom_]

It’s so hard seeing Andrea so upset, you can hear it in her voice and she’s getting flushed on her neck 😔 that’s so terrible that someone would treat you guys or anyone like that. Sounds like that guy has a problem and it’s not with you all. Sad. Beautiful landscape on the way back home! Those sheep were probably so confused seeing a group of all different sized people wearing the same clothes 😂 I hope Solly finally got his Pop Tarts! Lol your girls are so lucky to have the Brothers they do, they’re such caring young men! You guys have done such a great job raising those kids, they are going to make great parents one day! 💝 they’re all pretty darn cute too! 🤗

[@InHimAlone]

Oh man, that sucks. Sorry that happened to you. I would have been crying too :'( I am assuming he has kids, being on a homeschool board, but I would imagine he was either no fun to be around, or was very hands off and checked out of reality. And what kind of man does it take to feel good about making multiple women cry. I was thinking from the first video that the kids program seemed really dull. I was wondering why it looked like they were in school, but also not very age appropriate. That, coupled with the hotel bait & switch, what a bust! I hope you were able to have some fun and didn't completely regret going :/

[@juliebahr3736]

Andrea and Tom, I'm so sorry. This rude man wouldn't surprise me here in Maryland. We just spent an amazing week in Wyoming/Montana and everyone was so nice. I almost brainwashed myself into forgetting that rude people exist everywhere. Did the kids hear the gentleman's "Keep them quiet or leave," comment? I truly hope not! I was going to suggest that maybe you should go back to the Montana conference but a quick google search (we're moving there soon and I wanted to know for myself as well) told me they maybe no longer have them? I completely understand blooming where you are planted but maybe the Lord wants you to share your light elsewhere this time? Whatever you all decide, I'll be praying for you. On another note, on our way to Devil's Tower, we passed the library in Moorcroft. The kids recognized it from your videos are were so excited lol. The bugs that were stuck to the grill of our van and the windshield were unlike anything we've experienced before. That car wash would have been great, except that we would have needed it again once we made it home, lol.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

We're going to be "sort of" neighbors! It made me laugh that your kids were excited to see our little library. :) It's true about the bugs. I've only taken two trips since we went to the car wash and you can't tell we ever washed the windshield. We're back to having a buggy view of the world in our videos. (At least Knuckles hasn't been in the van to smear up the insides of the windows, but that'll change after our trip to the grocery store tonight since he always goes with us.) Someone else here in the comments told me Montana doesn't do their convention anymore. That's unfortunate because it was really nice. Where in Montana are you moving to?

[@juliebahr3736]

We checked out Broadus, Miles City, and Billings. We loved them all. My husband is a truck driver that prefers to stay local (for the family). So that may impact where we can go. It's going to be a huge move and we have two large dogs in addition to our four children. So there are pros and cons of renting vs buying. We would appreciate prayers in seeking His will while trying to make this work.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

We will be praying for you; so many things to work out...

[@galady8632]

Andrea Mills ... If you start an event in your area this family might be potential attendees. Might be a jumpstart idea for 2018, especially since the Montana event will not happen.

[@calebshipley9831]

So sorry that happened. Hugs to you. I would be so upset, mama bear would have come out and probably caused a scene. I just went to my first convention. It was in Minnesota. They are very strict about kids being in the room. They won't let strollers in the room for space in case of fire. Which I get, but when you are going to something like that all day, how do they expect a family to enjoy what they are paying to watch. I went by myself, just because my kids are so little and I wanted to really focus. But it was only an hour away, too. Again hugs to you.~Sara

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

The first year we went to the Wyoming convention we went alone, but once we got there we realized that lots of people had their children with them. Many little ones were freely playing in the back of the room and we always felt comfortable taking them after that. It wasn't until last year that I guess this person decided it wasn't acceptable.

[@DisneyPoppinsDisney]

when you first mentioned the younger children had to stay with adults... I thought it was odd that a toddler and infant nursery was not set up... especially for a home schooling conference. The day-room providers could text for diaper changing and feeding.

[@martaaberg3330]

First want to say, I have never homeschooled. I have friends who homeschool, but I don't know much about it. One thing I do know is that the sole purpose of homeschooling is the proper education and development of children. I don't know what is lacking in the life of the man whose behavior was such a bad example to children and adults alike, but I suspect it revolves around heart, ethics, and conscience. Do the Montana convention next year. Even if you never go to another convention afterward, at least the children will not be left with such bad memories about homeschool conventions. Peace unto you and yours.

[@junbh2]

Ugh. What an unfriendly environment. I'm confident you guys will find other ways to make homeschooling friends and support other families, though; you seem to be a pretty resourceful bunch! I am not a confrontational person myself, though, so I totally get how shaken an interaction like that can leave you. Be kind to yourself today :).

[@takingcareofmine]

Wow for such a small group that is crazy. Our convention is very large here in Nebraska and they do say up front that no children that are not breast/bottle babies not be brought into the lectures-and if they cry please leave to the cry room--but it is explained up front-they have some kind of "camp" for the kids but we usually left ours at home and I went alone or with a friend. They even have a large graduation the last night for all the kids graduating. I understand if it's a large group as some people don't keep their children quite and others may be bothered when they have paid to hear a speaker-but like you said it's a small group and they are missing opportunities to develop friendships and a sense of community. So sorry your trip was a bust but looks like you had a wonderful rest of the day. You family is a joy to watch. And buy that boy some pop tarts!

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

As far as I know, there's never been any restrictions and there have always been families with small children in the sessions as long as we've been going. In fact, the first year we went, Tom and I went alone but when we saw how family-friendly it was we started taking the kids. Times have changed!

[@123mintjelly]

I enjoy the music that you choose. So sorry that guy ruined your convention. All of your kids are sweet and respectful. And every day is a good day with Solly around. He just says the funniest, cutest things. I wonder what made him think of Pop Tarts out of the blue like that.

[@mindbodyandsoul.myjourneyt9797]

wow he doesn't sound like he represents the home school community well,,first of all to keep small children completely quiet is unrealistic,, your children are always so well behaved what wold he have done with some children who dont have as much respect as your children do? Sounds like he wants to run it like a dictatorship,, big hug and good job for standing up for what is right, I would have left s well.

[@ashlieleavelle]

Andrea, how would you and Tom approach if one of the kids wanted to quit homeschooling and attend school? Has that ever been an issue? I loved both being in school and also the couple of years I was homeschooled. I want to homeschool my children.

[@jessicaeaton3183]

I hope you get that little man some pop tarts! lol so cute

[@TheSueb0154]

i wish Montana were still doing homeschool conventions... I've been homecoming for the last four years and we haven't had one in that time...

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

I didn't know they weren't doing them anymore. That's too bad.

[@TheSueb0154]

Andrea Mills i know it is... I'd like to be able to go to one but traveling out of state is cost prohibitive... what town did they have it in when your family came here...

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

It was in Billings, so not too far to go. The next year it was going to be in Missoula which settled for us that we would go to the Wyoming one.

[@TheSueb0154]

Andrea Mills ok... geography/ history question for your family...i live in the city that the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled through... they had to portage around water falls...

[@martaaberg3330]

Great Falls, MT?

[@CookieCrumbFun]

Thank you for the good example you and your husband were in the way you handled this. I am sad that something like this would happen to anyone. Everyone seemed so relieved to be home. Do you think you will be going back next year? I am going to my first convention next month. I am so excite.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

I don't know; my friend said they almost didn't have one this year because attendance has been so low and they're losing money on it. There's another conference we've wanted to go to (not homeschool related) so we discussed maybe trying that next year.

[@mariaa7588]

So sorry this happened! We almost went to it this year. We are about two hours away. Now I'm glad we didn't do the journey. I would love to get together with you all one day as fellow WY homeschoolers!