Annual 4H Bakeoff and Christmas Party

Last night was our annual 4H Bakeoff and Christmas Party. I think our county is the only one that does the bakeoff. The kids bake an item, or there are other categories too but most kids make a baked item. The most coveted prize is the Golden Spoon for each category. I think this is the fourth year the bakeoff has been done. DJ won a blue ribbon, and the Golden Spoon for his mint chocolate brownies, made from scratch. This is a modge podge recipe, put together by me, due to the fact I don't care for any of the ones I could find. I saved the recipe, so we could make it again. Caitlin made the kitty cake shown above.  We were somewhat unprepared to make this properly, due to a family emergency that ate up a lot of time.  She did get a blue ribbon, but still has not won a Golden Spoon.  Then the kids in the Guitar Club play Christmas songs, and then games for all the kids.  All in all a good time, and the kids love it!

Fanning Springs, Underwater Pictures, and 4H Project Books

Today, was my Father in Law's last day with us, before he goes back to NY. We decided to take him to Fanning Springs, and as you can see on a Monday we had the place to ourselves. Unfortunately it started to thunder pretty quickly after we arrived, and we only got about an hour to enjoy the springs before we had to leave. DJ and Caitlin did get to use the underwater camera we got for them. I can not wait to see how those pictures come out. I haven't used a disposable camera in at least 20 years, or had to have one developed. Grandpa Ed said his goodbyes about 4. Now we have to get ready for the first 4H meeting of the year. Tonight is election night. DJ will most likely be Vice President by the end of the day. He has decided he wants to take guitar lessons with 4H, this year, but no shooting sports. He loves the shooting sports, but it is not a convenient day or time. I am still waiting to hear about the Marine Ecology and when those classes will be held. Both of them have picked their project books. DJ will be starting with Life in the Sea, and Caitlin with The World Around Us 4H Wildlife Book 1. Because we are outside so much, I decided on books that will just come naturally to how we learn and spend our time. If you are a fan of the Charlotte Mason style of learning, 4H and their project books might be perfect for you.

Gilchrist County 4H Award Banquet 2014

Those of you who follow this blog, and our activities, knows that I am a huge fan of 4H. My kids have both been in it for 4 years. Each year, usually in August, the county holds the annual award banquet. DJ accomplished so much in 4H this year, that he won 4Her of the year, for the intermediates. Both won Gold certificates for the 4H portfolio, and blue ribbons for their project books. No 100 Club this year. But, that is OK. It gives us something to strive for next year. Our little county grew a lot, in new 4Hers. There were a ton of first year pins handed out. 4H is an affordable, and fun way for kids to learn leadership and team work. I highly recommend it!

Gilchrist County 4H Award Dinner

Tuesday evening was the annual Gilchrist County 4H Award Dinner. Everyone had to bring two side dishes, and of course yourselves. This was our first time and I was surprised how long it took. I assumed, that is why you should never assume, because it was a small county it wouldn't take a very long time at all. The kids were excited, and Caitlin went right up to get her Cloverbud pin without making me accompany her. I was shocked and happy all at the same time. She is my shy child and 4H has done wonders for her. Since she has not completed the Small Animals book, she couldn't get a ribbon for that. But she did get a pin and a ribbon, and boy was she excited. DJ got three pins, and almost got a fourth. He missed the 100% on his Photography one book by two points. I warned him his sloppy handwriting would come back to get him, and it did. He also got a few ribbons as well. If you homeschool your kids, or even if you don't, 4H is a very affordable way to have your kids learn and the great thing is it isn't all agriculture anymore like when I was a kid. Now next year both DJ and Caitlin will have to try to get in more community service time, which is not going to be easy with my husband starting fire fighter classes three days a week, and I work every Saturday. But, I am going to try my best. There has been a whole lot more going on, which I will share in the coming days. In September our 4H meetings start back up again, with a dinner at a local restaurant, another annual event. Even though our county is a very small county, their 4H program is wonderful. Oh, I forgot to mention DJ just finally got his entries into the National Geographic Kids photography contest. There were some glitches that got in the way, but it is done now. If you have a child that loves photography, be sure to check my archives to the link to join that great contest.