Hometown Rodeo

Recently we attended my hometown livestock show and rodeo in Humble. I grew up showing animals and preparing jellies, cakes and pies for this very same event each year. My sisters and I traveled across the state showing lambs, pigs and steers at every opportunity. This was really a family affair. You get to know each other really well when you travel from Humble, TX to Muleshoe, TX in search of next year's lambs and pigs to show - that's about a 12 hour ride in the truck!

This year the 2010 Humble Livestock Show and Rodeo was dedicated to my parents. It was such an honor in our small town (or what used to be small). My parents have continued to sponsor FFA and 4-H students with their livestock projects, my Dad buys multiple animals each year at the auction, and my Mom puts together Special Kids Day each year the show (a program for handicapped students in the area to come out and learn more about the 4-H livestock projects, reaching over 1,000 students).

It was truly a special honor because 7 years ago the same show and rodeo was dedicated to my grandparents, who were also big supporters. I was very proud of my Mom and Dad! They have taught me so much about being an active, responsible and caring citizen in your community. Plus, they were the youngest recipients of this honor! They have inspired me to become more involved in my community.

Here's a photo (not a very good one unfortunately) of our family at the Livestock Auction where my parents, sisters and I were asked to speak about the honor and the 4-H/FFA programs. Of course we're laughing, it's hard to be serious with a 2 year old nephew who wants to grab the microphone!!