Every year the county fair comes, and it’s a magnificent time. Every year, as a part of the 4H program, they host a Homemaker of the Year award. It’s a fairly basic application. You can be a male or female. I applied once a couple years ago and got 2nd runner up. So that was fun. Last year I was really struggling emotionally so I didn’t try. When this year rolled around, I thought what the heck, I’m going for it! So I applied.

Then I realized that ladies day falls on a Thursday, and that I have my wild little grandson on Thursdays. I began conjuring up ways I could convince another son, or even my mother to come sit with the 2 kids that day for an hour or so while I attended the event. Then I agreed to keep the granddaughters that Thursday through Saturday while Boyd & Whitney celebrated their wedding anniversary.
I was totally ready to just withdraw my application, knowing full well I couldn’t have someone come sit with 4 kids, and I for sure wasn’t going to brave the event with all of them, especially knowing the colverbud ceremony would be that same afternoon. Which in reality would equate to me having all 4 kids at the fair, solo for like four hours!

Then I just decided to embrace the chaos and stroll up there with all the kiddos.

You know what??? We had the absolute BEST time! I prayed before going. I set myself up for zero expectations, and loaded up the kids and we went. The only thing I totally forgot was that the youngest grandson is not fully potty trained. To be more clear….He struggles with going #2 in the potty :/
We’re all sitting, kids are being amazing, despite the boring (to them) quilt chat. When I notice the boy squatting in the isle, I call him out and he declares he has to go potty.
So incredibly thankful for my friend (a cool one that has not only won the county homemaker, but also the state award) who was near and kept her eye on the 3 while I shuffled out the side and took the kiddo to the restroom.
Nothing. I mean, he peed, but nothing else. We go back. Five minutes later he declares he has to go potty again. Now I’ve raised enough kids to know this is a sure sign he needs to identify what his body is telling him..lol! So off we go again. All the while, I’m begging him, and God “please don’t poop your pants…please don’t poop your pants” Thinking…even with zero expectations, this would totally ruin my day.

Y’all…HE WENT IN THE POTTY!!! HE WENT #2 IN THE POTTY!!!!!!
Ok, back to the Homemaker event. We scurry back celebrating ladies day.

They call all eight of us up to the stage and the kids sat so well. They announce 2nd runner, 1st runner and then Homemaker of the Year….none of the names called were mine.
I knew as soon as they quoted one of the applicants
“Homemakers are the cornerstone of America“
that she was going to win; and she rightfully did 😉
Now, we’re a part of 4H but I am most definitely a total rookie. I felt so accomplished to finally get some projects entered for Matthias that I missed entering anything for myself for Open class, and from what I hear, the judges really like to see how involved you are with 4H. So I wasn’t shocked that I didn’t win.
I could’ve easily felt defeated, but instead I went through the day celebrating that we made it through the event alive!
We had about 2 more hours until Matthias’ Cloverbud Ceremony (which I know from last year is quite the chaotic experience) but I was so ready.
The kiddos and I walked through the vendor buildings, they got to play games, collect loot and eat a whole bunch of free candy. It was seriously the best time.

Emma was the best helper VIP of the day!!
And so, there you have it. While I stepped out in bravery and applied for Homemaker of the Year, and didn’t win; I consider myself the biggest winner that day because conquering the fair with them all was not only a success, it was the greatest day building core memories and enjoying the county fair with those sweet faces!!

Final win…I spent LESS than $20 the entire day and those kids had a BLAST!!!