I hope everyone has had a good week so far. My work week was shortened due to the Youth Fair. Mind you, just because the kids get out after lunch doesn’t mean teachers do!

We had a short training session on our new AR system before we could head back to our rooms to clean up. We are scheduled to have another session on web pages.

I have to admit I’m not doing too well in that area. I’d like to get the 6th grade page up and running the way it is supposed to so that parents can go online and check homework. I console myself with the thought that not all of my parents have internet at home. Sad though it is, it’s my only excuse.

I went Thursday night and watched the heifer and steer judging. I am revising my opinion of this process; not that it was bad, it just wasn’t deep enough. I watched the range of emotions that crossed the faces of young Bralei and Hutton Lusty. This view opened up new insight into the importance of these events. A touch of fear, a hint of determination, a glimpse of hope, a tear of disappointment, what a range of emotion for such young competitors!

They’ve been taught the needed skills to succeed. Their success or failure hangs on the thin thread of their show animal and the judge. My heart goes out to the winners and finishers. They’ve all done their best. As the judge said when he presented the Junior Showmanship trophy to Bralei, he wished he could give awards out to all of them, since they were all champions. I agree. You’ll see all the proud pictures in the paper this week. You may not see all who competed. Some of the champions just didn’t get the top award.

The Soto’s, Miranda and Frankie, showed some beautiful animals! I’m glad I wasn’t the judge for their event! Mind you, I would have been somewhat prejudiced. They had tough competition. Even to the eye of this city girl, the animals were magnificent! I’d like to see someone who hasn’t worked with these giants, move these creatures around the ring and make them do what they are supposed to do! Believe it or not, that determination and training transfers to all areas of life. School work or paid work may not be as much fun, but they have the skills to succeed.

The Fowler boys were all there. You can tell they spend time with their animals and listening to Mr. McKee. Come to think of it, most of Mr. McKee’s students know how to show. They watch the judge and try to present their animals to the best of their ability. We should be proud of all our young showmen and women. Way to go champs!

I guess I want to take a time out to put in a plug for coaches. My eldest granddaughter is playing basketball this year. Her coach had to resign, and they brought in a new person. Unfortunately this new person doesn’t know basketball very well. The result is a dismal failure, even with decent athletes. It takes talent to win games, but it also takes a talented coach to get the best out of the players. They have years of expertise at their fingertips, and a good player soaks up all he or she can learn. So thank you coaches for all your hard work.

Friday I went to see the rest of the animals, and the Youth Fair educational judging. I know many of my students worked hard to get projects in for judging. Mr. Fowler will put out a list of results for the paper so I won’t spend much time on individual entries.

I heard one of those little family hand me down stories that just strike a chord of recognition in your heart. Carol Bryant was saying her Granny, I believe, used to say if you put everyone’s problems in a pot, then drew from it, we would all take our own problems back. How right that sounds! No matter how heavy we think our burden is; we sure don’t want to take someone else’s. Best of all, we can take our own problems to the Lord, as well as someone else’s if we so choose. I have to say that I have had a blessed life. Some folks might not think so, but when I think of where I have come from, what I have been through, and where I am today.I am blessed.

Don’t forget the benefit for Jerry Benton this weekend. They will start serving food at 5:00 p.m. at the Fire Station. Can’t wait to see how this chili pancake thing is going to work! No matter what, the cause is important, so please come on by.

Next week will be the benefit for Mary Cummings. Your prayers are requested for both members of our community in their struggle against sickness.

Junior Evans is still working his way through some health issues. There are many others carrying burdens of sickness. Our prayers go out to them and their families.

Congratulations to all the Youth Fair winners from participants to blue ribbon winners. Every last one of you is a winner. Good luck in the future. For those of you who made the sale; every dollar paves the way to a brighter future. Pick your college or tech school, and make a new way for yourself.

My computer is doing ugly things. One of those nasty little bugs has invaded my system and it keeps crashing. I am trying to get this finished before it leaves me again. Please pray for our departing President and our incoming President. Remember, our system works, we don’t have to revolt here; we just wait four years. That goes for all politicians; you can be unelected just as easily as you were elected. “Ya gotta love it!”

Please send up your prayers for our precious troops and their families. If you have a chance to help out a family, or be part of the welcome home committee, take the time. Have a great week.