As I think about the last week, it brings tears to my eye and a lump in my throat! Colorado State Fair was another one for the books. Not exactly what we were looking for, but we cannot complain. The week was busy, crazy, memorable, full of work, joy, disappointing, reconnecting with friends, and so much more. We met some goals and were way off on others. It also means another year completed. Brock informed me when we got there that in two years he would be in college, and we would be bringing animals to him. That was so hard to hear, and I need to do a better job of living in the moment. As a family, we do not really go on vacations. We spend our money and time going to fairs, showing animals, and within the livestock community. Fairs are our vacations!!
Kids around the state work all spring and summer, or longer with cattle, to bring the best that they can to the compete at fair. There are hours and hours spent in the barn to get the animals as close to perfect as these kids and families can do. So many hours spent washing, feeding, exercising, analyzing, weighting, washing, brushing, shearing, showing, and so much more. These kids are learning hard work, dedication, grift, determination, sportsmanship, resiliency, leadership, record keeping, perseverance, and so much more. And I am so grateful that this is our sport!
As a parent, one of the hardest things about fairs is how to teach our kids how to be good sports winning or losing and how to support them. Our family is a competitive family, and our kids have big goals and dreams. They are amazing goals and dreams and there are so many other kids that have those same goals and dreams. There are no participation awards when it comes to the show world and that teaches our kids so much. I am thankful to have the tool of this amazing program to use to raise our children.
Most of the time I enjoy the championship drives no matter the species. I love to listen to the judge and hear what he has to say before selecting the winner and making some young kids dreams come true. It is gives me goose bumps and brings tears to my eyes most times. The judge during the market beef grand drive said “You have already won because you have kids in this program. No better way to raise kids than in a barn.”
As state fair is over, all that is left is the memories we will cherish, never ending laundry, unpacking trailers, and getting caught up!! And don’t forget, sweeping up the saw dust from the clothes. I am grateful we can give our kids this wonderful opportunity!
These kids are the future of agriculture and are going to be leaders in the industry and in-charge of feeding America. The skills they are building are going to help these kids to succeed as adults!! So, we will continue to RAISE OUR KIDS IN THE BARN!
