Homestead happenings at the County Fair.

Well another county fair has went down in history.  We just completed our 13th county fair.  This is Elizabeth's last year to show and it was all so bitter sweet.  I finally cried Saturday morning when we were leaving out of the drive way.  I had to pull over and get myself together.  I do NOT like this thing about my children growing up!!  I feel very proud of Elizabeth and I know she is going to do great things, but on the other hand I have a huge knot in my stomach.  I don't think any mother can ever be prepared for this.  I know I am not!

Any ways.  The kids did great this last week.  Elizabeth won Grand champion Hereford, Grand breeding heifer and Supreme heifer.  Josh won Grand exotic commercial and he took the res. supreme heifer.  It was him against his sister.  She took the supreme heifer, but he beat her in showmanship and won that.  He also won the herdsman award.  J.C did great with his little lamb also.  We had to fight the heat something terrible this week.  Little Cora Mae was so good.  I could not have asked for a better baby this week.  She took it on like a little trooper.  She just smiled at everyone and just did great.  Looks like we will be in the show ring for another 18 years.  

A lot of people just does not understand why we do this.  Yes, it costs a lot of money, yes, it takes so much of our time, yes, we are tied to the house.  But, it teaches our kidos so much that they would not ever learn other wise.  These animals are their responsibility.  If they want to win, it is up to them.  They know that their animals come first.  Most mornings they are at the barn first thing with washing and feeding and then they get to come home and eat.  They learn that some things come before themselves.  It teaches good sportsmanship. How to get along with others.  How to be a gracious looser or winner.  That nothing in life comes easy.  

We have eaten a lot of beans and tators over the last couple of years to support our kids and their animals, but we think they are worth it.  To see a wall of ribbons and trophies and the family time we  get to spend together, all the memories made together is priceless.

Elizabeth with her market lamb.  In the background you can see our

lovely county agent holding Cora for me.

J.C with his lamb.  He did a very good job.  He is just a pee-wee still, but 

next year he will get to finally compete

J.C was very proud of that ribbon! Sister and little brother did well!

Josh with Mississippi Princes.  This is an exotic commercial.  
I think Josh has his game face on in this shot!

Elizabeth with her heifer, a Horned Hereford.  This was the first time we had ever had anything red.  The hair work was hard.  She has spent hours at the barn working her hair.

It is always fun when it is brother and sister against each other for over all.

 Elizabeth and Josh have been a team for 13 years.  Some days they want to kill each other, but 

when it comes to showing, they are game on!  It is hard to think She won't be here next year to help him or him to help her.  

Little Cora Mae was so sweet this week.  This was at the premium sale and dinner.  She couldn't show, but she could sure be cute!

Carlton Family show team!

Way to go guys!! We are very proud of you!

The Good Lord blessed me with some beautiful and great kids!
 

 Well as you can see they did well, now it is on to the next one.

God bless ya,

Tara