Last Spring, Grandpa Bob  decided to start a small herd of Red Angus cattle.  Now that the cattle have grown, Grandpa announced last weekend that it was time to brand the herd.  If you are a passionate PETA participant, this is probably not your cup of tea.  If you are the People Eating Tasty Animals type, then read on!

Years ago, Bob created a special brand that can be recognized on the animals as being unique to the Husband Ranch.  

The branding process was a family event.  Everyone was involved in some way, and for our boys it was very exciting!  This is the "We don't know what we're doing, Mom, but we know it's going to be sooooo cooooool!" pic.

First, the cattle are guided into a corralled area within the pasture.  

Don't they look thrilled?

Then, the kids are corralled. (Hee, hee I think I like this plan!)

Actually, the kids, and dad walk slowly and speak softly, guiding the cattle into a small corral to then be led into the chute and administered medicine and the brand.  This scene reminds me of the movie City Slickers (ancient for some of you, but no, not black and white.) Two of the city characters are discussing the successful herding of the cows on horseback: Mitch: "Those cows trusted us!"  Ed:  "Trusted us?  They followed us because we yelled 'Yah!' They're cattle!" (Translation: Cows aren't the among the most intellegent of God's creation.)

This is the management squad.  They came along to ask a bazillion questions, ensure that the spectator seating is comfy and keep Henry out of the poop.

Eeeewwww, Henry!!  Hello, managment squad - poop alert!


Ok, back to the branding.....


Next, the cattle are herded into the chute one by one.  Once the cow/bull is in the chute, the gates have to be dropped, so that the beast is secure.


Ben and Ethan think this job is awesome.  It's the whole testosterone-filled,  man-power, I conquered the beast thing. 

"Dude, we totally rock at this job.  It's like capture the flag, only capture the cow!  Whoa!"

Now, you know what's up next.  Yep.  Fanny Fry.  Saddle sizzle. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Way to go, hon.  All for the greater good of the yummy steak dinner I'm going to make just for you next year.

The syrnge used to inject drugs into a 500 lb. animal is no tiny thing.  Thank goodness Steve and Jen know exactly what they're doing.  Right, guys?  Guys?  Management??....

Dad let's Andrew help give the medicine, applied under the skin in the neck of the cow.

Cousin Ethan jumps in to lend a hand with Henry.

All in a day's work... 

Queen of My Double-Wide Trailer, Part III

Home, the spot of earth supremely blest, a dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest. ~Robert Montgomery


On the day the movers were scheduled to arrive, I found myself wide awake at a very early hour.  Unable to overcome the force of a restless mind, I decided embrace the day and head out for my morning jog.  The harvest moon still hung majestically in the sky, lighting my path as I followed a trail of deer tracks out on the gravel road.  


In the silence of the early morning, I felt a deep sense of hope.  The moving process began last May....and four months later I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I knew that the time for making our house a home, and filling it up with all of the sights, sounds, scents and scenes of family life was very near.

Then, to my delight, the sun awakened, and broke through the sky, spilling it's warmth upon this little spot of earth in the corner of Kansas. 

The rising sun unveils the most unique colors in everything it touches.

The brilliance of reds, browns and green in the milo  -

And softness of happy yellow exuded in sunflowers that line the country roads.  

They are my morning greeters when I jog, cheering me on, keeping me going, choosing to be lovely just for me. 

I don't have any pics of the movers - we were all like scurrying mice trying to get to the cheese that day - there just wasn't time for pictures.  They came, they saw, they conquered. Thankfully, everything found a landing place.

And, there are signs of progress: steadily boxes are being unpacked, belongings once again finding belonging...

Stella has found her royal spot as official guard dog...hmmm

The boys no are no longer forced to find temporary shelter in a tree (kidding!...actually, they would love that!)...

The front door awaits the presence of visitors...(and a wreath, some flower pots...)

And, thanks be to God, there is coffee...

...when coupled with prayer, it has the power to transform a drooping mother into a sorting, organizing, decorating, educating, cooking, cleaning, laundry force to be reckoned with!  

A hundred men may make an encampment, but it takes a woman to make a home. ~ Chinese Proverb