From the moment they called for the kids to come to the arena, she did not want to go.  She cried from the time she had to line up, waiting with the other kids for her turn.  We could see the little tears streaming slowly down her face.  But she kept walking forward, with her face mask helmet down over her head and her protective vest on tight.  I saw the volunteer bend down to talk to her and she moved forward to the bucking chute where the sheep was waiting.

Then she disappeared behind the chute and we all crossed our fingers and hoped that when the gate opened Jo would be up on the sheep’s back.  And so we waited.  Ally had told her to get in her jumping position (from her horseback riding lessons), put her arms around the sheep’s neck and hold on tight. Finally the announcer said “Next out of the chute is Jordyn Taylor!”.

And out she came, the sheep running into the arena.  Jordyn up on the sheep’s neck, little legs clasped around.  It lasted about ten feet and even fewer seconds.  Off she came, hard into the dirt.  Then the crying started in earnest.  We all cheered for her and told her how great she had done and how proud we were of her.  But she said she didn’t ride far enough and that she didn’t do well.

She had scraped up her arm.  She had scraped her side.  Not bad, but I knew it stung.  We all tried to console her but she was very disappointed in her debut.    Ally, Luke, Kendyll and Jo headed off to get ice cream (ice cream makes everything better).  Lauren and I prepared to head home.  As we came around the end of the arena we saw a big box with belt buckles.  The announcer was calling for all Mutton Busters to come back into the arena and get a group picture.  But more important-everyone no matter how long their ride would get a belt buckle.

We called Ally on the phone and told her to get Jordyn back to the arena.  And the little girl who had bravely jumped on the back of a sheep when she wanted to quit, stood proudly in line and received her buckle. I told her “you did a great job, Jo!” And she answered,  “Yep, I did, Granny.”

My pictures are not loading.  I have some good ones of this-so will upload as soon as I can.

I had an unexpected half day off today, following what I thought would be an involved Dental appointment (that wasn’t) I ended up with much of the afternoon unscheduled.  Rain had returned to Texas and the storms were rolling along off and on all afternoon.  It set the stage for getting some quiet time and chores done inside the house as all riding activities were cancelled.

Jordyn usually comes on Friday but she has her big debut at the Fort Bend County Fair in Mutton Busting tomorrow night and Ally did not want her over-tired.  What, Granny would make her over-tired?  Never.  I don’t know what I will have to report to you tomorrow.  Jo may go into the arena on the back of a sheep and ride her full eight seconds or she might balk at the last moment.  Either way I will be there with the camera ready. 

One time when Jordyn was about two and a half, my old boss had a great summer office party at the local airport.  When not playing in the giant bouncy house or eating Texas barbeque, he had arranged for helicopter rides out over the surrounding area and the Gulf.  It was all Jordyn could talk about.  Lauren and I kept telling her that we didn’t think she could go, that she was too small, but she just would turn and look at us and say, “Yep, I am, Granny!”  This went on over and over for two full days preceding the party.  When we got to the airport we got special permission for Jo to go in the helicopter on Luke’s lap.  Then we awaited our turn.  All Jo was focused on was the helicopter, each time it came and landed she was more enthusiastic. 

Finally, they called for Ally, Luke and Jordyn.  She got up to the helicopter and all was well until they started to place her inside.  Then it was “Granny, get me out, get me out!!”.  Needless to say, I held Jo as her parents took off in the sky.  I will never forget the “Yep, I am”.

So, tomorrow, I do not know if it will be another day of “Yep, I am” and then last minute bail out.  I am proud of her for trying and believing she can do this.  I will give you the update Sunday.

Rain is to continue all night and all day tomorrow.  I should have some nutty stall-bound horses by then.  But fortunately, Lauren and I got Rye Grass seed spread earlier this week so timing should be pretty good for our rain.  Also, it is almost time for the last cutting of hay where we will hope to put up 100 bales or so for winter.  So, the rain will give it an added push before the cut.

Lauren and I saw momma this afternoon and as we walked into the lobby we saw Jeff Davang.  The Davangs are long-time friends and yet we had no idea Jeff’s mom was at the same center as mine.  Jeff’s mom has been there about six months so that eases my mind.  Momma was so surprised to see me and just couldn’t believe I had come!  I was just there yesterday.  What a horrible disease this is-taking your memories and leaving fear and anxiety.

Keep Jordyn in your prayers as she goes into the big rodeo arena tomorrow.  Thanks and good night.