Jasper County Fair has come to an end. Our beginner showman has her first year under her belt. The whole family has our first year under our belt. Do you remember trying something out for 4-H and loved it or hated it? Wanted to try something new the next year? If you ask Macie what she thought about her first year, she would tell you she had a great week. We might have signed up for a few more general projects than needed on her first year, but we also learned more about time management! Kids still talk about the fair, showing pigs, playing with friends, battle of the barns, milkshakes, and plans for the next year.
I knew her first trip to the ring might be a little emotional for me. I am not sure how to explain it, but she is a determined, hard worker. She has big plans, big dreams and I hope we can fulfill those dreams for her. One step at a time. One day we will have a house, then we will build the kids a barn and then fill it with animals. So, one step at a time. Try out the first year of showing and see if she likes it. She loves it. It is moments like these when we realize the dreams and plans we have mirror our children's wants and have's (and have-not's).
We are very proud of her. She received Champion Microwave Cooking in her Division. She participated in the Battle of the Barns, and her team ended up in 3rd place. Macie also received 3rd overall in the Beginner Swine Showmanship Class.
I can remember my last year of 4-H like it was last summer. My grandpa Eich was always up in the announcer stand, my grandma's were sitting in the stands, and my mom was always ring-side holding the rope halter and a can of final bloom, not the camera. I also remember my first year of 4-H, and the first trophy I brought back to the stalls and showing my grandpa with pride, and him wiping his tears with his handkerchief. Showing cattle was about family tradition, and working through things one step at time, and raising our own cattle to show.
Challenge yourself and your family. Try something new. Get out there in the ring. Many life lessons are learned in the ring and in the barn.
This post is sponsored by Indiana's Family of Farmers, but all opinions shared are my own.
