Experiencing 4-H

This past year was our second year in 4-H.  The first year we joined an official club, but unfortunately we didn't learn a lot about actually participating in a project and entering the fair.  It was a great year filled with fun activities and interesting learning experiences, but we left still not knowing how to prepare for and enter the fair.

Our second year was much different.  A fellow homeschool mom and myself formed our own little "farm group" with our two families.  The kids chose the meeting topics, and we planned the lessons.  Our meetings were run by the kids in a fashion very similar to an official 4-H club.  We chose to remain unofficial, and it seems to have been a perfect choice for us.

Anyone can enter the fair, so we spent the year facilitating the process of preparation for each child.  All in all five of our children entered the fair, and it was an amazing experience all the way around.  Bella and Avery are both looking forward to participating next year.  It was difficult to rope them in this year, but they are much more interested having seen Harmony go through the full process.  We also took some time in the still exhibit barn exploring what others entered in their age groups since they would be Clover Sprouts.  There were some pretty interesting things to behold.

Initially, Harmony was interested in entering two projects in the fair; drop cookies and photography.  Ultimately, we decided to go with one project; drop cookies.  She found a recipe via my vast Pinterest collection that sounded good to her, and she set about making it her own.  Beginning in February she started practicing her recipe and altering it to her liking.  The most challenging part for her was learning to make the cookies all a consistent size despite using a cookie scoop.  After a little concerted effort she's pretty well got it down.

She was super nervous about the interview process, but it went wonderful.  I'm glad she had the experience.  I'm sure she won't be quite as worried next year.  The judges are super friendly, and it really isn't an intimidating process at all.  The two comments she got on her recipe were "very, very good" and "good job knowing the recipe".  She worked on it so much that she pretty much had it memorized by the time she made them for the judges.

Here's a little scrap book of her experience:

She is super proud, and so are we.  I don't think any of us expected anything like this.  What a wonderful first time experience it was for us.  If you've been thinking about 4-H for your family, I cannot recommend it enough.  Whether you join an official club, meet with some friends, or do it on your own it's totally worth it.  We are fortunate to live right near the fairgrounds in our county, and fair week is much anticipated in our family.  Now that we're actually part of the program it will bring even greater anticipation and excitement.  So glad we finally did it!

All Work, No Play

I've been pushing myself pretty hard the last several weeks, and it's starting to show.  June started out with two weddings, one of them for our daughter.  Then, our oldest at home ventured off to summer camp for the third year in a row.  Right after that the hubby took a week off of work to work at home.  LOL  That's life married to a work-a-holic.  We did accomplish a lot here on the homestead though.  We've got 38 chickens and four sheep now.  Our new wood shelter is just waiting to hold our winter heating fuel.  The felled tree is still begging for our attention, but the bobcat is up and running and being useful.

Now, we're in full swing for our first time participating in the 4-H fair.  We're blessed in that the St. Clair County Fairgrounds are "just around the corner."  Attending every day of the week has quickly become a family tradition.  The kids spend all year looking forward to Dollar Day, the only day they actually get to ride the rides.  There is so much to see and enjoy, and it's a much anticipated event for us.  This year Harmony will be entering her Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Pecan Drop Cookies.  I can tell you first hand that they are wonderful.  We've been her test subjects for a few months now, and we will surely miss our weekly batch of cookies after her cookies have been officially entered.  She's both excited and nervous, but who wouldn't be.

In the meantime I have been laboriously re-purposing FIVE ROOMS in our home.  Talk about a HUGE undertaking!  I'm exhausted, but does it ever feel good to finally be reclaiming our space after all the changes our family has faced these last few years.  So many people moving in and out in such a short time, adding two children to the family, and plunging head first back into homeschooling has taken a tremendous toll on the state of our home.  We've still got a lot to do, but the dust is finally settling in the rooms...thankfully!  The next big project will be going through ALL of the closets.  I say, "BRING IT!".

The major reorganization of our space will have to be put on hold for at least a couple weeks while we enjoy our 4-H week as well as the company of our Navy son before he leaves for his next deployment.  Some things are just more important than projects.

Today, we took a much needed break from all the work around here.  We slept in, listened to Pam Rossi and Sunday Morning Overeasy while cooking a big breakfast together, played a round of the old board game LIFE, relaxed a while, took the kids out for pizza, stopped by the park, and watched them play in the sprinkler.  It was a much needed remedy for two very overworked parents.

Now, the evening is coming to a close.  We introduced the kids to The Dick Van Dyke Show, and now we're watching M*A*S*H, another family tradition.  The time has come for teeth to be brushed and kids to be tucked in.  Wonder what stories they'll choose tonight.

What have you been up to this summer?  Are you looking forward to any traditional activities this year?  Have you already honored some?  We'd love to hear all about it!

For now, sweet dreams!

Our Week at the Fair

The Midway at Sunset

Since moving to our new home just under three years ago (Seriously, where does the time go?) we have developed a new tradition.  The county fair grounds are right near our house.  We ride our bikes there, have homeschool park days there, and enjoy events and activities held there year round.  However, there is one week each year that we really look forward to.  The last full week in July gets busy in our neighborhood. The St. Clair County 4-H Fair comes to town.  The Skerbeck Carnival pulls in, and scores of 4-H members set up camp.  It's amazing to watch the park transform into this beautifully functioning city of sorts.  There is more that goes on there than we are able to participate in, despite our best efforts.

The Sings at Sunset

This year marked the third summer we've spent at the fair, and it held many new experiences for us.  We actually participated in the Scavenger Hunt hosted by the St. Clair County Library System.  The area they set up in the Welcome Center is a refreshing oasis for those of us with young children.  There are puzzles, games, crafts, books, bathrooms, and air conditioning.  What more could a mom ask for after spending a long day on her feet in the hot sun than a cool place to rest while the kids unwind with some quiet activity.  Seriously, whoever thought up this idea is a genius in my book, and I thank them heartily.  The library oasis was made even a little more sweet this year when I received a phone call this past Monday morning asking, "Is this Annabella's mom?"  Talk about weird to hear that on the other end of the phone.  She won an awesome Little Critter gift pack in the Scavenger Hunt drawing which we will pick up next Tuesday on our regularly scheduled visit to the library.  How exciting for her!

Annabella cooling off with an A-B-C puzzle.

Avery loved the farm toys!

Harmony creating a farm scene.

Make a Wish!

The fair is always a little extra special for Harmony as it is always held the week of her birthday.  It's like one giant celebration all week in her honor.  Not really, but what memories she'll have for the rest of her life.  If only it were so exciting around here in January!  I love, love, love that they have a dollar day for the kids.  All rides are one dollar from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on one special day of the fair.  That is the only time we ride rides, and how exciting for me to realize that my little kids are not so little any more.  There are "big kid" rides that they can ride with me.  Wow!  How did that happen?

Avery on the Carousel

Annabella on the Carousel

Harmony with my niece, Jordan, on the carousel.

Me riding with Avery as his friend, Justin, drove the car.

The first night was the rodeo.  Flying Star Rodeo put on a wonderful performance.  It was so refreshing to me to be at a public event that opened with prayer followed by the Star Spangled Banner.  The kids loved it! Avery played cowboy with his jump rope as a lasso for the rest of the week.  Super cute!

A Cowboy Welcome

Country Pride

The Clown

Bucking Bronco

Maybe the biggest highlight for our family was when Avery got to participate in the Power Wheels Race on Saturday night.  What fun!  He did great coming in 3rd Place making the cut to participate in the final race.  He was slowed down, and didn't place, when his wheels got caked up with mud.  He was super bummed, but he enjoyed the experience greatly.  I sure hope we can get our hands on another vehicle so that Bella can do it with him next year.  It was precious listening to her cheer him on.

He's wearing the red helmet.

More fair fun:

Daddy having fun with the wee ones.

Papa and Harmony