Oh dear God...it's happened.

For the last 10-15 years, I've made a pretty firm stand that I was NOT going to be a 4H Show Mom.

First, there was the obvious reason: I knew absolutely nothing about it.

But secondly, and the biggest factor by far, was that.....how do I put this gently.....4H moms in action scare me. Eleven months out of year, they are some of the very best women this world has to offer. They are kind, they raise good families, they are valuable assets to their communities. But that other month...the one leading up to show time....they are a different level of terrifying. They are angry. They are exhausted. They are frustrated with someone. They are probably letting someone else know that they are frustrated with someone, and although they aren't actually yelling, the person on the other end of that conversation absolutely knows they are being yelled at.

Showing in 4H is not something you just show up and do. It takes weeks of preparation. And no one knows that like a 4H Show Mom. She is hyper aware of this. She would also like to know where in the hell 4H Show Dad currently is, because it's not where she thinks he should be. And if that damn kid of hers doesn't start showing up where he is supposed to be when he is supposed to be there, she is going to rip his arms off and beat him with them right here in this very showring. Oh and also, she has several excellent ideas on how this whole show should be run differently, and is actively seeking out people she would like to share those ideas with.

4H Show Mom's are not humans to be messed with. They are only surviving on coffee, dry shampoo, and rage. They muster a smile while they tell themselves through clenched teeth that they are doing it for the children.

So I think most of you can understand why I had a firm stance on not joining the Crazy Club.

Well, this morning as I'm watching my adorable little eight year old son show his bum calf, it hit me.

Oh dear God....it's happened.

I'm in the club.

I'm a 4H Show Mom.