Today is my last full day in Washington DC. Life is funny at times. I cried when I left my family and I cried last night saying good bye to my new YCC family. We are already planning a reunion!
This has been one of the best weeks of my life. I have learned so much and made so many friends. It truly has been an honor and a privilege to be on this trip.
Today five of us YCC girls, me, Nevada Susan, Georgia Ashley and Texas girls Jill and Tina are going to see a little more of Washington. We plan on seeing the Tomb of the Unknown soldier, take in a couple of museums and just have a little down time. We really need it after the full schedule of the past 9 days! Our tour guide of the day will be fellow YCC delegate Cameron who lives in Washington and is a lobbyist for JBS. Thanks for following me!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day 9
June 10, 2010
Welcome to the U.S. Department of Agriculture! Anyone know what APHIS stands for? It stands for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. In a four hour period we heard five different speakers. These speakers tried to explain to us what is happening with the beef industry from their prospective. One thing I found very discouraging and frustrating is that the scientific information supplied by the agriculture industry to our government officials is not used unless "asked" for! I'm not sure what that means to you but to me it means "our voice is not being heard as loud as it should!" Looks like we have one more project to work on folks!
The next stop was the Canadian Embassy for lunch and to hear from Canada and Ireland on their prospective of the trade relationships between them and the U.S. We need to continue to facilitate the relationships we have with Ireland and Canada. Trade is a two way conversation and we must continue to work together.
Our last night together we each had to tell what the trip meant to each of us. While everyone had a favorite stop each and every delegate said the best part of the trip was the friendships that were made. I almost feel like I am leaving my family. After 10 days of eating three meals together, jumping off and on of buses and planes, attending meetings and touring all the various facilities you really get to know and love one another. This YCC trip has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.
One last wish I have for all my fellow YCCers is this—I wish you all enough. Enough laughter, tears, good times and hard times to make your lives memorable and wonderful! Until we meet again, may God Bless each and everyone of you!
Special thanks to ANCW members for allowing me to represent our organization. I would also like to say a big thank you to my employer the High Plains Journal for helping finance part of my way and for allowing me the time off. And thank you to my friend and co-worker Deb for taking care of my accounts while I was on this trip.
At the end of each YCC tour a chairman is elected to travel with the 2011 class. Our new chairman is JJ Goicoechea from Nevada. Congratulations JJ you will do a great job!
Welcome to the U.S. Department of Agriculture! Anyone know what APHIS stands for? It stands for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. In a four hour period we heard five different speakers. These speakers tried to explain to us what is happening with the beef industry from their prospective. One thing I found very discouraging and frustrating is that the scientific information supplied by the agriculture industry to our government officials is not used unless "asked" for! I'm not sure what that means to you but to me it means "our voice is not being heard as loud as it should!" Looks like we have one more project to work on folks!
The next stop was the Canadian Embassy for lunch and to hear from Canada and Ireland on their prospective of the trade relationships between them and the U.S. We need to continue to facilitate the relationships we have with Ireland and Canada. Trade is a two way conversation and we must continue to work together.
Our last night together we each had to tell what the trip meant to each of us. While everyone had a favorite stop each and every delegate said the best part of the trip was the friendships that were made. I almost feel like I am leaving my family. After 10 days of eating three meals together, jumping off and on of buses and planes, attending meetings and touring all the various facilities you really get to know and love one another. This YCC trip has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.
One last wish I have for all my fellow YCCers is this—I wish you all enough. Enough laughter, tears, good times and hard times to make your lives memorable and wonderful! Until we meet again, may God Bless each and everyone of you!
Special thanks to ANCW members for allowing me to represent our organization. I would also like to say a big thank you to my employer the High Plains Journal for helping finance part of my way and for allowing me the time off. And thank you to my friend and co-worker Deb for taking care of my accounts while I was on this trip.
At the end of each YCC tour a chairman is elected to travel with the 2011 class. Our new chairman is JJ Goicoechea from Nevada. Congratulations JJ you will do a great job!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
PAC auction results
Here are the results......drum roll please.....the 2010 YCC group raised approximately $41,500! A big thank you to everyone who donated an item and to all the buyers.
An extra big thank you to Tim Lehmann of Colorado for the donation of a 5 day elk hunt for two people in Gunnison, Colo. Tim's item was the highest bid item bringing in $5,750! W0w!
An extra big thank you to Tim Lehmann of Colorado for the donation of a 5 day elk hunt for two people in Gunnison, Colo. Tim's item was the highest bid item bringing in $5,750! W0w!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 8
June 9, 2010
Another early morning! After heading to the hill for group and individual pictures in front of the Grant statue we all broke off and headed to our individual Congressional visits. My three appointments were with Representative Frank Lucus followed by Senator Inhoff. Senator Inhoff graciously came out of session to meet with me for a few moments and take a photo. My last meeting was with Senator Dr. Coburn. After visiting with all three then speaking to my fellow delegates I am pretty lucky for the majority most everyone representing Oklahoma is pro-ag and have a lot of common sense!
A few of the items we discussed were the death tax, water rights, the right for producers to use antibiotics and the problems production agriculture as a whole is facing. Overall, I felt everything went well. One thing that really stands out is a statement from Dr. Coburn. When I asked why he had given up a successful career in medicine to come to Washington he told me point blank "I have children and grandkids and I was tired of all the B.S. going on in Washington that is slowly destroying America!" How cool is that? So nice to know we really have a few in our corner.
We are now off to White Stone in Aldie, Va., for dinner, a little fun and the auction in which each delegate and/or association had to donate an item. The money raised goes to the NCBA PAC (political action committee). Another way we have been raising money for PAC during our trip is through the $5 fines for rules we break. The fines are as follows: nodding off during meetings, not wearing your name badge and not having your YCC pin on. So far I've had to pay $10 to the PAC. My two fines were forgetting my pin and nodding off! However our Sergeant-of- arms JJ from Nevada told me he was proud of me because after I feel asleep I continued to set straight up! Maybe I have just discovered my special talent "set sleeping!"
See you tomorrow!
Another early morning! After heading to the hill for group and individual pictures in front of the Grant statue we all broke off and headed to our individual Congressional visits. My three appointments were with Representative Frank Lucus followed by Senator Inhoff. Senator Inhoff graciously came out of session to meet with me for a few moments and take a photo. My last meeting was with Senator Dr. Coburn. After visiting with all three then speaking to my fellow delegates I am pretty lucky for the majority most everyone representing Oklahoma is pro-ag and have a lot of common sense!
A few of the items we discussed were the death tax, water rights, the right for producers to use antibiotics and the problems production agriculture as a whole is facing. Overall, I felt everything went well. One thing that really stands out is a statement from Dr. Coburn. When I asked why he had given up a successful career in medicine to come to Washington he told me point blank "I have children and grandkids and I was tired of all the B.S. going on in Washington that is slowly destroying America!" How cool is that? So nice to know we really have a few in our corner.
We are now off to White Stone in Aldie, Va., for dinner, a little fun and the auction in which each delegate and/or association had to donate an item. The money raised goes to the NCBA PAC (political action committee). Another way we have been raising money for PAC during our trip is through the $5 fines for rules we break. The fines are as follows: nodding off during meetings, not wearing your name badge and not having your YCC pin on. So far I've had to pay $10 to the PAC. My two fines were forgetting my pin and nodding off! However our Sergeant-of- arms JJ from Nevada told me he was proud of me because after I feel asleep I continued to set straight up! Maybe I have just discovered my special talent "set sleeping!"
See you tomorrow!
More from Day 7
June 8, 2010
Last night after a very nice reception compliments of John Deere we were given a tour of the monuments by Colin Woodall, NCBA VP of Government Affairs. Colin was great! How he is able to retain all the facts on every monument and historical site is beyond me. Very impressive indeed!
While walking through the World War II monument there is a wall of 4,000 stars and each star represents 1,000 fallen soldiers. The monument alone is enough to make your heart ache but when our group of cattlemen ranging from the young age of 24 to 55 took off their cowboy hats and showed their respect my eyes watered and my heart swelled with pride. It is truly an honor to be a part of such an elite group of respectful, honest and hard working men and women. Some of those on the hill could take a few lessons from this group! See you tomorrow!
Last night after a very nice reception compliments of John Deere we were given a tour of the monuments by Colin Woodall, NCBA VP of Government Affairs. Colin was great! How he is able to retain all the facts on every monument and historical site is beyond me. Very impressive indeed!
While walking through the World War II monument there is a wall of 4,000 stars and each star represents 1,000 fallen soldiers. The monument alone is enough to make your heart ache but when our group of cattlemen ranging from the young age of 24 to 55 took off their cowboy hats and showed their respect my eyes watered and my heart swelled with pride. It is truly an honor to be a part of such an elite group of respectful, honest and hard working men and women. Some of those on the hill could take a few lessons from this group! See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 7
June 8, 2010
Our boots hit the ground running with breakfast and a welcome by the NCBA Washington staff followed by issue briefings and hill prep by the staff. Although I already knew that production agriculture was being shot at I really didn't realize just how many hunters were out there. A few of our hunters include; CNN, Time magazine. NY Times, animal activists such as PETA and HSUS, Michael Pollen and every environmental entity you can name. We really must roll up our sleeves tell our stories and spread the real truth and facts to anyone and everyone within hearing distance.
Did you know that currently there are 2.2 million farms/ranches in the U.S. but only 125,000 produce 75 percent of the U.S. food supply. It's estimated by 2050 the world population will increase 2.3 billion. Wow, that's a lot of mouths to feed!
It is so hard for me to understand why people cannot see the importance of agriculture. Without agriculture the world will die! Our NCBA staff is working hard but they cannot fight this battle alone. Whether you are directly involved in agriculture or not your help is needed. If you eat you are involved in agriculture so let's circle the wagons and prepare to fight!
A big thank you to John Deere for sponsoring the nights reception. Below are some photos from the John Deere offices in Washington DC.
Our boots hit the ground running with breakfast and a welcome by the NCBA Washington staff followed by issue briefings and hill prep by the staff. Although I already knew that production agriculture was being shot at I really didn't realize just how many hunters were out there. A few of our hunters include; CNN, Time magazine. NY Times, animal activists such as PETA and HSUS, Michael Pollen and every environmental entity you can name. We really must roll up our sleeves tell our stories and spread the real truth and facts to anyone and everyone within hearing distance.
Did you know that currently there are 2.2 million farms/ranches in the U.S. but only 125,000 produce 75 percent of the U.S. food supply. It's estimated by 2050 the world population will increase 2.3 billion. Wow, that's a lot of mouths to feed!
It is so hard for me to understand why people cannot see the importance of agriculture. Without agriculture the world will die! Our NCBA staff is working hard but they cannot fight this battle alone. Whether you are directly involved in agriculture or not your help is needed. If you eat you are involved in agriculture so let's circle the wagons and prepare to fight!
A big thank you to John Deere for sponsoring the nights reception. Below are some photos from the John Deere offices in Washington DC.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Day 6
June 7, 2010
I will have to admit this morning did not start out as smoothly as the last few and I had a moment of frustration. Due to the high prices of hotels in Chicago we had to stay at a not-so-suave 12-story hotel with an elevator that was slower than molasses in winter. We had to be on the bus by 7 a.m. At 6:30 a.m., me along with several other YCCers, are standing at the elevator ready to roll. At 6:50 a.m., still no elevator. (Yes we pushed the button!) So we head to the stairs with our luggage. Oh did I mention we were on the 7th floor! All that with no coffee!
After loading the bus we all headed to the Chicago Board of Trade where the kind people of the CME group gave us a great tour and presentation on how everything works and all the new technology. For a few minutes I had nightmares remembering all my old economic and risk management classes.
After our tour we were off to OSI in West Chicago. This particular plant is one of three. The two other locations are in Iowa and Utah. OSI is the only supplier of beef products for McDonalds. The most unique thing about this relationship is that this business agreement is based solely on a handshake agreement from the original two owners who are now deceased. Just goes to show you the that people are still honest and respect is not a thing of the past!
We are now headed back to the airport to once again "herd" our way through for our final destination, Washington DC. Look out "DC" the cowboys are headed your way and we mean business!!
See you there!
I will have to admit this morning did not start out as smoothly as the last few and I had a moment of frustration. Due to the high prices of hotels in Chicago we had to stay at a not-so-suave 12-story hotel with an elevator that was slower than molasses in winter. We had to be on the bus by 7 a.m. At 6:30 a.m., me along with several other YCCers, are standing at the elevator ready to roll. At 6:50 a.m., still no elevator. (Yes we pushed the button!) So we head to the stairs with our luggage. Oh did I mention we were on the 7th floor! All that with no coffee!
After loading the bus we all headed to the Chicago Board of Trade where the kind people of the CME group gave us a great tour and presentation on how everything works and all the new technology. For a few minutes I had nightmares remembering all my old economic and risk management classes.
After our tour we were off to OSI in West Chicago. This particular plant is one of three. The two other locations are in Iowa and Utah. OSI is the only supplier of beef products for McDonalds. The most unique thing about this relationship is that this business agreement is based solely on a handshake agreement from the original two owners who are now deceased. Just goes to show you the that people are still honest and respect is not a thing of the past!
We are now headed back to the airport to once again "herd" our way through for our final destination, Washington DC. Look out "DC" the cowboys are headed your way and we mean business!!
See you there!
Day 5
June 6, 2010
Woohoo we got to sleep in! Instead of the usual 7:15 a.m., departure we did not have to catch the bus until 9:30 a.m. Before heading to the airport to catch our flight to Chicago we toured the Safeway Lifes Styles grocery store located in Littleton, Colo., just south of Denver. For anyone who knows me grocery shopping falls into my least favorite things to do category so you can understand my lack of enthusiasm for the tour. What an eye opener! This particular store was known as the flagship store. I had never seen anything like it. The store was almost “boutique” like. This “grocery” store had a coffee bar, sushi bar, gelato bar (that’s Italian for ice cream), a sandwich bar, a nut bar, the largest selection of fruits and vegetables, a complete liquor store with everything from beer to $2,000 bottles of alcohol. No, you did not read that amount wrong I said $2,000! The best part of the store was the phenomenal meat and seafood department. It had fresh fish, pork, chicken and of course “BEEF.” What really impressed me was along the cooler they had pictures of cooked meat and even the nutrition values of each and the newest cuts of meat such as the flat iron and petite tender were actually in the meat case. On each package of meat there were even cooking instructions which is so helpful for consumers who often do not buy a particular cut of meat simply because they do not know how to cook it. If we had a grocery store like that in western Oklahoma maybe I wouldn’t hate grocery shopping so much!!
After the tour we headed to the airport to catch our flight to Chicago. And yes it was a little like herding cattle trying to get our entire group through security. A big “thank you” to Sara Konkel with NCBA for all the work she does in booking our flights, making our hotel arrangements, getting us the information we need for each day and basically helping to plan every step we take along the way. Hey Marvin, I think Sarah needs a raise!
As I am writing this our group is waiting on our flight I am listening to the conversations and laughter around me. These past five days have been wonderful and I have a feeling that I will not only be taking home a lot of knowledge but I will be adding a few more life long friends and happy memories!
More updates to come!!!
Tater and JR waiting on our flight to Chicago. (Photos by Ddee Haynes.)
Visiting with former President George Bush—actually our own YCC President Bush look alike, Shelmer Blackburn from North Carolina.
Woohoo we got to sleep in! Instead of the usual 7:15 a.m., departure we did not have to catch the bus until 9:30 a.m. Before heading to the airport to catch our flight to Chicago we toured the Safeway Lifes Styles grocery store located in Littleton, Colo., just south of Denver. For anyone who knows me grocery shopping falls into my least favorite things to do category so you can understand my lack of enthusiasm for the tour. What an eye opener! This particular store was known as the flagship store. I had never seen anything like it. The store was almost “boutique” like. This “grocery” store had a coffee bar, sushi bar, gelato bar (that’s Italian for ice cream), a sandwich bar, a nut bar, the largest selection of fruits and vegetables, a complete liquor store with everything from beer to $2,000 bottles of alcohol. No, you did not read that amount wrong I said $2,000! The best part of the store was the phenomenal meat and seafood department. It had fresh fish, pork, chicken and of course “BEEF.” What really impressed me was along the cooler they had pictures of cooked meat and even the nutrition values of each and the newest cuts of meat such as the flat iron and petite tender were actually in the meat case. On each package of meat there were even cooking instructions which is so helpful for consumers who often do not buy a particular cut of meat simply because they do not know how to cook it. If we had a grocery store like that in western Oklahoma maybe I wouldn’t hate grocery shopping so much!!
After the tour we headed to the airport to catch our flight to Chicago. And yes it was a little like herding cattle trying to get our entire group through security. A big “thank you” to Sara Konkel with NCBA for all the work she does in booking our flights, making our hotel arrangements, getting us the information we need for each day and basically helping to plan every step we take along the way. Hey Marvin, I think Sarah needs a raise!
As I am writing this our group is waiting on our flight I am listening to the conversations and laughter around me. These past five days have been wonderful and I have a feeling that I will not only be taking home a lot of knowledge but I will be adding a few more life long friends and happy memories!
More updates to come!!!
Tater and JR waiting on our flight to Chicago. (Photos by Ddee Haynes.)
Visiting with former President George Bush—actually our own YCC President Bush look alike, Shelmer Blackburn from North Carolina.
Day 4
June 5, 2010
The day out began with a very informative presentation by Randy Blach, CEO of Cattle Fax. Balch predicts 2010 will be a weather market and that in order to continue market growth. Beef producers need to figure out a way to keep replacements to meet future market demands.
Dr. Bo Reagan, NCBA VP of research, innovation and education, Jacque Matsen, NCBA executive director issues management and Kim Essex, NCBA Senior VP of consumer marketing talked to us on how the Checkoff dollars are at work. They and their teams are doing a great job and should be applauded!
After a great lunch by the NCBA Culinary team we began the afternoon with a presentation on U.S. beef in the world marketplace. One of our own YCC teammates Bridget Wasser, NCBA director, product enhancement enlightened us with some of the newest beef cuts. Remind me not to make her angry as she wields a mean knife! Thanks to the culinary team we were able to taste those new cuts.
Shenoa French, NCBA director, Beef Demonstration Center was our last speaker. She spoke to the group on how the culinary services team are making a delicious difference to the beef industry and once again we were given samples. Yummm! Good news cooking in wine is a great low calorie way to add flavor. Sampling while cooking is accepted. We all should be very proud of the NCBA team players who are behind the scenes working diligently to support the # 1 protein - BEEF!
A fun evening awaits us - team building at Dave & Busters (kinda a Chuckey Cheese for adults) I can't wait!!
YCC delegates listen to Joe Schuele with the US Meat Federation. (Photos by Ddee Haynes.)
Fellow YCC delegate Bridget Wassar, NCBA director of product enhancement research demonstrates where the new beef cuts such as the short rib and flat iron are cut from.
Sheno and her "Beef Boy" Brooks!
The day out began with a very informative presentation by Randy Blach, CEO of Cattle Fax. Balch predicts 2010 will be a weather market and that in order to continue market growth. Beef producers need to figure out a way to keep replacements to meet future market demands.
Dr. Bo Reagan, NCBA VP of research, innovation and education, Jacque Matsen, NCBA executive director issues management and Kim Essex, NCBA Senior VP of consumer marketing talked to us on how the Checkoff dollars are at work. They and their teams are doing a great job and should be applauded!
After a great lunch by the NCBA Culinary team we began the afternoon with a presentation on U.S. beef in the world marketplace. One of our own YCC teammates Bridget Wasser, NCBA director, product enhancement enlightened us with some of the newest beef cuts. Remind me not to make her angry as she wields a mean knife! Thanks to the culinary team we were able to taste those new cuts.
Shenoa French, NCBA director, Beef Demonstration Center was our last speaker. She spoke to the group on how the culinary services team are making a delicious difference to the beef industry and once again we were given samples. Yummm! Good news cooking in wine is a great low calorie way to add flavor. Sampling while cooking is accepted. We all should be very proud of the NCBA team players who are behind the scenes working diligently to support the # 1 protein - BEEF!
A fun evening awaits us - team building at Dave & Busters (kinda a Chuckey Cheese for adults) I can't wait!!
YCC delegates listen to Joe Schuele with the US Meat Federation. (Photos by Ddee Haynes.)
Fellow YCC delegate Bridget Wassar, NCBA director of product enhancement research demonstrates where the new beef cuts such as the short rib and flat iron are cut from.
Sheno and her "Beef Boy" Brooks!
Friday, June 4, 2010
More from Day 3
June 4, 2010
Bright and early we hit the road for Greeley Colo., where we toured the JBS packing plant, a family-owned operation. The plant employs approximately 3,100 people and processes around 5,400 head of cattle per day. Most of the cattle are age and source verified.
While this was not the first packing house I had ever been in, it was a good reminder of all the hard work that goes into producing a safe and healthy source of protein. A big thank you to all the workers behind the scenes!
Our next stop was the JBS Kuner River feedlot. A 549-acre feedlot,with a 100,000 head capacity. Currently they have 68,500 head on feed. the percentage of heifers fed is around 20 percent. Last year an extensive renovation began to improve pen drainage, replace the pine pens with steel and to basically improve and replace anything and everything to increase productivity and the bottom dollar. All renovations are scheduled to be completed by October.
We were also taken though the feed mill to see how all the rations were made. Cattle are fed three times a day with the goal of having all fed by 3:30 p.m. Approximately
2.7 million pounds of feed per day is ran through the mill. For those number people get out your calculators and figure that on a monthly and yearly basis!Now we are off to eat a steak dinner!
Pictured in the feedlot mill is Susan Casey, Nevada, Ddee Haynes, Tina Loeffler, Texas and Jill Ginn, Texas YCC Chairman.
Day 3
June 4, 2010Friday stops include visits to the JBS beef plant and feedyards in Greeley, Colo. Here, Sarah Harris from Texas and Bridget Wasser from Colorado get to know each other on the bus ride. (Photo by Ddee Haynes.)
Day 2
June 3, 2010
Whew! What a day it's been! At 7:15 a.m., we loaded the buses and headed to the National Cattlemens Beef Association office where we had a full day of knowledge poured into us. From an NCBA organizational overview by Forrest Roberts, NCBA CEO, to the importance of meat tenderness and the latest in technology by Dr. Glen Dolezal with Cargill Meat Solutions. Dr. Dolezal was also one of my favorite and former professors from OSU. Go Pokes!
In the middle of the day we received the results on a personality quiz we took a few a few weeks back. I'm an inspirer. I do need to work on my detail skills. Anyone know what the first check-off amount was? 5 cents! Not per head per car train load! WOW! We've come along way haven't we!
Until tomorrow "Beef" It's what's for dinner!
Whew! What a day it's been! At 7:15 a.m., we loaded the buses and headed to the National Cattlemens Beef Association office where we had a full day of knowledge poured into us. From an NCBA organizational overview by Forrest Roberts, NCBA CEO, to the importance of meat tenderness and the latest in technology by Dr. Glen Dolezal with Cargill Meat Solutions. Dr. Dolezal was also one of my favorite and former professors from OSU. Go Pokes!
In the middle of the day we received the results on a personality quiz we took a few a few weeks back. I'm an inspirer. I do need to work on my detail skills. Anyone know what the first check-off amount was? 5 cents! Not per head per car train load! WOW! We've come along way haven't we!
Until tomorrow "Beef" It's what's for dinner!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Ddee departs for Denver
June 2, 2010
Later today I will head to Oklahoma City to board an airplane bound for Denver where I will begin the first leg of the eight day trip (ten days including travel) for the Young Cattlemens Conference (YCC). While I am both honored and excited to be one of the 55 people chosen for this trip I also feel a little sadness in my heart. While I am away I will be missing a rodeo camp for my youngest two, Joe, 12 and Hattie, 7. Not to mention a couple of coach pitch baseball games for Hattie and a junior bull riding for Joe. I will also miss seeing Melissa my 21-year-old recent college graduate who is coming home this weekend for a few days from her summer job as a camp counselor and wrangler. But I have faith that my husband Mitchell will take care of everything while I am away. Will it be done the way I would do it? No probably not but everything and “everyone” will be taken care of. The kids may be dressed funny, forget to take their vitamins and eat a lot of take out, but all will be fine.
One favor, please say a prayer for Mitchell’s stress level! See you in Denver!!
Later today I will head to Oklahoma City to board an airplane bound for Denver where I will begin the first leg of the eight day trip (ten days including travel) for the Young Cattlemens Conference (YCC). While I am both honored and excited to be one of the 55 people chosen for this trip I also feel a little sadness in my heart. While I am away I will be missing a rodeo camp for my youngest two, Joe, 12 and Hattie, 7. Not to mention a couple of coach pitch baseball games for Hattie and a junior bull riding for Joe. I will also miss seeing Melissa my 21-year-old recent college graduate who is coming home this weekend for a few days from her summer job as a camp counselor and wrangler. But I have faith that my husband Mitchell will take care of everything while I am away. Will it be done the way I would do it? No probably not but everything and “everyone” will be taken care of. The kids may be dressed funny, forget to take their vitamins and eat a lot of take out, but all will be fine.
One favor, please say a prayer for Mitchell’s stress level! See you in Denver!!
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