Life and Times of the James Gang: "Cultured"

Some may say that I am not your typical girl. There are several reasons for that.

Example A: I do not like wearing pink, walking through aisles of pink, or pretty much be near anything that has to do with baby pink. I'm pretty sure it makes me nauseous. Reason #1 why I am pretty sure God gave me two boys.

Example B: I'm an outdoors girl. I like to go camping and be outside. I have been camping since I was pretty much only a few months old. I have been in close contact with raccoons, skunks, and several other outdoor creatures. I don't mind living outside in a tent for a few days and would actually prefer it to a hotel room(HINT HINT, Brad. One day, I will succeed).

Example C: I'm a gearhead. I would much rather go to a car show than spend several hours at a mall. Call me crazy, but I enjoy looking at old cars, going to drag races (not funny cars, mind you, but supped up hot rods), and listening to engines. Yes, Dad, I have actually turned down my radio and rolled down the window so I could hear the engine of a Chevelle SS with dual exhaust and a big block engine.

Example D: I avoid wearing dresses like the plague. You think I'm kidding, don't you? When I had to shop for wedding dresses, I told my mom that I didn't want to shop for it, and she could just pick it out. I told Brad I would've been just fine wearing jeans, a T-shirt, and no shoes walking down the aisle. (Most of you know how that battle went.) Reason #2 why God gave me boys. THANK YOU.

And finally, my last confession to make is I'm a bit of a redneck. I can't help it. That's just the way I was raised and I appreciate my family for that. A fun time for me is going to a rodeo, watching bullriding, or watching a demolition derby. And you know what, I am completely okay with that. I can get down and dirty with the rest of those folks. In fact, I pride myself with the fact that I got a black eye from a clod of dirt that was spun from a tire at the derby when I was about 8.

I'm pretty sure this "fault" has helped me be a good mom to my boys. For instance, I have realized that boys get dirty. But, the best part about that is they wash. Who knew? So, its okay if they roll around in the dirt or get paint all over themselves. That just means longer bathtime and more scrubbing behind the ears.

So, my boys are getting their culture in the best way possible, I think. Yes, they still listen to music and go to different fine arts events(Taylor's even in choir at church), but they have also been spectators at demolition derbies, car shows, and rodeos. I'm hoping that by going to all kinds of different events, they won't be afraid to try new things and they will see that boys and girls don't have to live up to stereotypes that are placed on them throughout their lives.

Oh, yeah, one more confession. I do have some "girly habits." I enjoy watching figure skating and gymanstics events. Purple is my favorite color and I like to cuddle. If you still don't believe this, you may want to revisit my "Confessions of a Shoeaholic" post.

Here's a bit of that culture now. We went to the CBR Bullriding event at the American Royal last weekend. Taylor had a blast. Josiah fell asleep. Well, for 8 seconds at a time. That buzzer was loud!

We sat in general admission, but apparently we were destined to sit in the seats we chose. Relax, the name was all ready there. We didn't deface property.

Josiah getting a better view.

Taylor in his "Tuff shirt." Tuff Hedeman is a famous bullrider who has been around for years that was holding the event. If you want to know more about him, I suggest you rent 8 seconds. (One of my favorite movies next to Grease and A League of Their Own.)GO! GO! GO! Eight seconds seems like an eternity when you're messing with a bull.