Country Folk?

*Are we country folk? No, but we sure had an amazing time at the fair last week!

*I was never part of 4-H growing up, but it was suggested to me that maybe Jaina would enjoy joining a "bunny club" to learn about rabbits and meet other kids who have the same interests.

*So, for the last year Jaina has been part of a 4-H Rabbit Club.

The crowning moment comes when you enter your rabbit(s) in the fair.

There you and your rabbits are judged on lots and lots of things.

*Jaina entered Oreo...where he was quickly "disqualified" for his markings.

*You might think this would be the worst thing that could happen, but it really didn't matter!

*The judge was so great with the kids. He brought Jaina around the judging table and told her why Oreo's markings were not in line with the standard for the Dutch breed-aside from that he was a great representation of a Dutch rabbit. He showed her the problem...then went on to tell her how he could tell that she was taking great care of him - shiny coat, trimmed nails, good teeth, perfect weight - and that he could tell that Oreo was a well loved rabbit.

*Jaina just beamed. The fact that Oreo was DQ'ed didn't even matter.

Then she was able to show the judges all she knew about rabbits, which won her another ribbon for "Showmanship." She got 3rd place for that.

*In the end Jaina left her time at the fair with a handful of ribbons, her "prize" rabbit (even if it is only in her mind) and some fantastic self-esteem building experiences.

*So, are we country folk? No, but I do think that "country folk" have a great start on helping kids see what is really important in life.

*Thanks to all of the 4-H leaders who made my little girls day brighter!

Jaina made some great friends who love the same things as she does!

Jaina at the judging table

Showmanship judging

More Showmanship stuff

All of the 4-H rabbit kids

Jaina and her "prize" rabbit, Oreo