You could see the anticipation building all week long. Every preparation possible was done. We practiced with dad, watched YouTube videos so there would be no surprises, and thoroughly discussed his technique. Every morning the same question was asked and I would respond with how many days left until THE day. And every day he got a little bit more excited.

Friday when I answered his question his eyes lit up. Today was the day that kid had been waiting for all week. The most exciting thing this momma has ever let her little boy do and he couldn’t be more thrilled. Every person we ran into got to hear all about what his evening would hold and just how awesome it was going to be. He made sure I had everything loaded in the car, because I better not forget his cowboy hat or the night would be ruined.

I let my boy ride a sheep and it went worse than I expected. I was nervous until I watched several kids even smaller than Grady fall off and hop right back up. Most of them had been crying because at the last minute they decided that they in fact did not want to ride a sheep. But not my little cowboy. They called his name and his eyes lit up. He could hardly contain his excitement. Jake picked him up and plopped him in the chute on top of the sheep. The cowboys helping got him all situated and asked if he was ready. With a toothy grin he nodded his head with a death grip around that poor sheep’s neck. The chute gate swung open and out ran the sheep sideways with my cowboy on top. What I’m sure felt like an eternity to Grady was really 1.9 seconds. Quite possibly the proudest 1.9 seconds for Jake because his smile was even bigger than Grady’s.

Since the sheep went sideways my view was partially blocked and I just saw him start to slide off. What I didn’t see was the sheep step on my child’s face. Jake is always the calm to my storm and this was no different. I scooped up my bloody and bawling child and was hauling him to the EMT’s to look at. Just as they were going to take us to the ambulance to asses the damage, the voice of reason stepped in. Since it was clear no teeth were missing or crooked, I agreed to a bag of ice and some kisses for the treatment plan. A few minutes of ice and some funnel cake later he was good to go and even went back in the arena for the calf scramble.

The next morning I was a little bit relieved because I figured I wouldn’t have to worry about him ever wanting to bull ride let alone probably mutton bust ever again. Then he sleepily stumbled in the living room and said “Mom, I’m gonna ride a sheep again today. But this time I’m not going to fall off!” Well shoot.

I’m not used to boys. I grew up with all girls and I’m still getting used to being a boy mom. I’m always amazed at how tough and fearless he is. Always up for an adventure and never afraid to get dirty. They make my life so much more fun.