The Independent Woman

    The independent woman. She is loved, she is feared, she is misunderstood. She can hook up the 5th wheel, saddle and load her horse, and take off to move some cows. Yes, she has a sense of direction. Yes, she can drive a truck and not wreck it. She is not small minded. She is not an airhead. She has more common sense than most men.

She doesn't need your help, or anyone's help, and when she bites off more than she can chew, she may have a hard time admitting she needs a little support.

She is strong. She is opinionated. She is not everyone's cup of tea, but she doesn't mind. She is fiercely, unapologetically herself. She knows it's none of her business what you think of her.
Many admire her, and some want to be just like her.

Every man knows she is a great woman, but it takes a special kind of man to understand her. She is not easy. She is not a "yes girl". She can be frustrating at times, and nobody but a strong, kind man can handle her.

She is often told she should be less independent, or she'll scare off all the boys, but she doesn't want a boy who expects her to laugh at all his jokes and go along with whatever he says.

She is not frivolous or silly. She wants a man who supports her ambitions and her strengths. A man whose ego isn't bruised when she is as handy or as strong as he is. She wants a man who admires her strength and pushes her to better herself. She wants someone who understands she needs her alone time and doesn't want to be treated like an invalid.

Cheers to all you independent women out there, whether you're going it alone and loving it, or you've found the person who understands you and loves you all the more for your fierce independence.

If you're still looking for that one, never settle. Never change just because an old lady told you to be more lady like. A real man will come along one day, and he will realize you don't actually need him. He will feel lucky you chose him anyway.
Keep on trucking, like you always do. You have admirers in this world.
XO, The Cowboy's Wife 

How Tell Came Into The World

Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely ladies out there. I'm sure blessed to call myself a mama to the cutest, wildest little guy. He's the best little boy in the world. How he got here, though? My goodness.

When I found out I was pregnant, I was both elated and terrified. Heck, we'd only been married a month! This definitely wasn't what I had expected. My husband didn't even believe me, regardless of many positive pregnancy tests. He didn't believe me until we went to the doctor! I guess neither of us quite knew how we felt about it. Of course we were happy, but were we ready for this? It didn't matter now!

Right when I hit 7 weeks, I got so horribly sick. Couldn't even keep down water for 5 minutes. #HGsurvivor. After about a week of this nonsense, I was admitted to the hospital to receive an IV. My doctor prescribed me Zofran, which helped some. At least I could eat, but I was still guaranteed to puke at least 5 times a day. I lost 15 pounds my first trimester, and I looked like the walking dead. Couldn't even stand up in the shower.

Time marches on though, and pretty soon I had a little more energy, even if I was still puking all the day long. I just got used to it and carried a bag with me. We made it through the whole pregnancy that way.

June came around and I was about 8 months along. We moved up to the summer range, thank you Lord, and I felt a lot better. 80 degrees compared to 105 out on the desert? I'd take that any day! I wasn't AS swollen.

When I hit about 35 weeks, I started having high blood pressure problems. I had been having swollen feet since April, but at this point I almost couldn't put on flip flops. I had to sit. ALL. DAY. I about went crazy. I went to a few rodeos with the husband to watch him ride some broncs, but man it was miserable.

At 37 weeks, they sent me to the hospital because they were worried I was pre eclamptic. They said they may have to induce me that same day! I sure was mad when they sent me home instead. I just wanted this wild, kicking, feet-in-ribs, no sleeping critter out of me!

At 38 weeks, my doctor told me to come to the hospital the next day. They were going to induce me for hypertension. Well, they did just that, and I'll tell you what gals, don't ever be induced if you have a choice!!

Baby boy had a bad reaction to the pitocin and his heart rate just plummeted. (60ish BPM I think) The nurse hit the button on the wall and suddenly, there were about 20 people in my room and a doctor I didn't know, talking about emergency c-section. I was strangely calm through this. Somehow I knew he was fine. I had prayed day in and day out for God to keep my baby safe during this part, so when everyone else was in a panic, He whispered to my mama heart that all was well.

Lo and behold, a few seconds later, his heart rate was back up. They turned off the pitocin to let me progress on my own.

A couple hours later, I finally got an epidural, after 13 long hours. The doctor broke my water and put in internal heart rate monitors. I got a couple hours of blessed sleep, after maybe 2 hours of sleep the night before on account of my contractions coming about every 2 minutes.

When he broke my water I was only at a 4, and two hours later, still a 4. Suddenly baby was struggling again, and my doctor said he'd have to do an emergency c-section. Again, I felt strangely calm. Excited, even. I was finally going to meet my baby boy, and not even have to push him out a 10 cm hole?? Yes please! Turned out, he was struggling on account of umbilical cord prolapse. Thank goodness for a great doctor. 🙏

They started cutting, I felt a shove around my ribcage, and a strange sensation of little guy exiting. The first thing I said was, "Oh, I can breathe!" Then, I heard him cry. His little voice somehow sounded familiar to me. The respiratory therapist checked him out and then they brought him to me. He stopped hollering the instant they laid him on me...his little bottom lip was just a quivering. Cutest thing I ever saw. He was so perfect.

I marveled at this tiny human with a head of black hair, perfect skin, and the sweetest dimples you've ever seen. Nothing mattered but that he was finally here.

So happy mother's day to all you mamas, and mamas to be, whatever your story, however you got here. Or, however you plan to get there. God and angels are hearing your prayers, whether they be for your little wild tikes running around, for your babies in heaven, or the babe you're constantly praying for. God hears you, and he will bless your life accordingly. So hang on, and don't ever lose faith!

XO, The Cowboy's Wife

The World Needs More Manly Men

The world needs manly men. Men with beards and calloused hands. Men with muscles from an honest day's work. Blue collar working men. Men who live up to promises, whose word is worth something. Men with "old fashioned" ideals and morals who cling to their roots. Men who believe a handshake is as good as a signed piece of paper. Men who respect women and will hold their door. Men who will expect their sons to live up to the same standards, and their daughters to be ladies who deserve and demand respect.

I am lucky enough to have married a manly man. A cowboy, who some may argue is the manliest kind of man. (Which is now apparently a bad thing for some reason). Cowboys live by a code of hardwork and honesty. My man's hands are rough and calloused. He rides rank horses, pulls calves, builds fence, among other things! He also has a soft word and touch for a broken heart, a sad child, or a wounded animal. He can bust a bronc or quiet a skittish colt. He is the epitome of quiet strength.

He knows when to be firm and when to offer grace. I don't know how I got so lucky, because men like him are a dying breed.

Manly men are looked down on in society because the world is all sorts of backwards. You can't argue with facts or with nature, though. He is what man was created to be. He is a God fearing, church going, hand holding, needy helping man, and I am so proud to be the one who stands beside him through this life.

That's right, beside. A real man doesn't look down on his woman. He knows she is tough and strong, and deserves respect. He knows that while men and women have different roles, they are equal partners.

The world needs more manly men to do away with the corruption we face. To teach the next generation how to be good people who contribute to society. To remind the world that God exists and that we need Him, oh so badly.

We need men who aren't afraid to stand up and tell it like it is...especially when certain folks in the world are demanding from us "political correctness" and saying people like us are the problem.

We need men who won't sit idly by when the loud mouths of the world are demanding gun control and the doing away of our basic rights. We need men who remember that this country was founded on strength and grit, and that when someone tries to be a tyrannical bully, he needs to be knocked off his high horse. We need men who aren't afraid to be tough in a world that's increasingly weak. Men who aren't afraid to tell someone to stick it where the sun don't shine, if need be. Men who don't take ANY shit.

I know you're out there, manly men. Keep doing what you're doing. Keep up all the small good deeds. Keep raising your children to be good people who are tough. You're making a difference! 

Dear City Folk

  Dear city folk who think they know what's best,
 
Please stop trying to be a judge of something you know nothing about. Stop saying cows are part of the "global warming" problem. (Which isn't even a thing...climate change has been happening naturally, well, forever.) Stop saying hunters are vile and evil people for killing animals. They actually control animal populations so none get out of hand, thus a healthy and harmonious balance. Plus they use the meat to feed their families.
Stop creating bills banning people from shooting predators like coyotes. They can be devastating to a new and helpless calf crop. Ranchers have the right to protect their own livelihood.

Stop trying to "protect the mustangs". You think you're doing a good thing, but you're really letting yet another animal population get out of control. Their numbers NEED to be kept in check however possible. There is only so much land and over running it with pesky mustangs won't help anyone. Speaking from personal experience, the studs get in with our well bred quarterhorse mares. They ruin fences. They use up valuable grazing land. I'm not saying they should all be killed off, but let's just say if you're not willing to take them all in yourself then stay out of it. You don't have to experience first hand what it's really like.

Don't be so quick to judge farmers and ranchers. We're not cruel to our animals. Branding and castrating calves is a necessary part of our lives. Roping them to doctor them isn't cruel. Rather, it is the kindest thing we can do to keep them healthy. If you think you can give a calf or cow a shot without a horse or rope, be my guest. You are certainly welcome to come and try.

I think if any of you came and spent even a few hours working on a farm or ranch, you would change your way of thinking. Possibly, you might gain a little common sense.

The few brave people in this country that are still willing to bust and occasionally lose their asses (praying for you, Nebraska) to feed YOUR COMPLAINING MOUTHS should be thanked. Please remember that without farmers and ranchers, you would be hungry, naked, and sober.

Quit looking for problems where there aren't any and mind your business. Don't you have anything better to do than pointing your fingers at everything you think we're doing wrong? If you think you could do a better job, have at it!

-Sincerely,
A fed-up rancher

Before You Date a Cowboy

Before you date a cowboy, you should know that he lives an hour from town. When you go to visit him (since he won't have time to come visit you), you might get lost the first couple times on account of the awesome directions he gave you. You're not sure where you are, and now his phone is either dead or he doesn't have service. You eventually make it there, though.
Before you date a cowboy, realize that he lives with two other cowboys and none of them grocery shop or clean. You may end up cleaning their house and cooking for them when you visit.
When you drive three hours to visit your cowboy, any plans you may have had for the two of you will most definitely go out the window. You will end up shoeing horses late into the night or pulling a calf at 3 am.
Before you date a cowboy, you should know that he will expect you to be able to saddle your own horse and keep up. He will probably send you off by yourself to "get those cows a couple draws over and kick them down to the bottom. I will go this way and meet you with more cows." Be aware that he will not show up with his cows for quite some time. Don't worry though, he ended up riding a lot farther than he told you. It's best to sit and wait with your cows so you don't lose them. Or get lost yourself.
When you all finally end up back at the truck after what was supposed to be "a quick little ride" there won't be water. You should ALWAYS bring your own. And extra for everyone else.
Don't expect to get his undivided attention when you go to work with him. He has a job to do and assumes you are there to help. Don't be offended if he yells at you. He will probably apologize later.
Before you date a cowboy, I will tell you that he dances to the beat of his own drum. If you want to be part of his life, you have to learn to be super flexible with your plans. He will not be on time for anything but a roping.
Before you date a cowboy, know that the most valuable thing he can give to you is his time. If he takes time out of his day for you, or comes along to this or that family party for you when he'd rather be at that branding he was supposed to go to this weekend, he really cares.
He will probably be afraid of his feelings, and leave you wondering. However, his actions will show you how he feels. He will pick his gentlest horse for you. He will buy you Denny's in town after a long day. He will drive to meet you halfway and take you to a movie when he gets that occasional day off.
Girl, he may not act like he notices all the little things you do, like leaving little notes when you go back home. Or washing the dishes at the bunkhouse. Or doing a little bit of grocery shopping on your way out to see him. Or not complaining at all when you're dead tired, hot, and dusty from your latest "date". Keep it up though, all those things get him thinking you might be more than girlfriend material.
Before you date a cowboy, know that you have to be tough if you want to be in it for the long run. If you stick with him long enough, you will see what an amazing man he is. You'll see that he's the sweetest person you've ever met. You'll realize how big of a heart he has and that he actually has tender feelings. Be careful with his heart and be faithful to him, and you will have a life and a love like you've never known.
These are just some of the things you should know, before you date a cowboy. 

Muddy Boots and A Happy Marriage

Shortly after I got married, my grandparents came out to see our new place. We were excited newly weds, in our first home together. I had everything perfectly organized, every item in place and the house spotless to show it off to them. My husband came stomping in from outside, muddy boots and all, and (shockingly!), didn't even take them off. 😧 I couldn't believe how inconsiderate he was! I had just spent all this time getting the house ready! Didn't he ever think about my feelings?! I was so angry with him. I chastised him (in front of my grandparents). I asked him if he was raised in a barn and if he didn't know better than to wear his muddy boots on a clean floor! Sheepishly, he took them off and cleaned up his mess. I felt satisfied, sure he had learned a lesson.
Later that day, my grandma said to me, "You know, you sure married a good man. He is honest, hard working, and patient."
I beamed with pride and love for this man, glad he earned the acceptance of someone so important in my life. I felt smart and sure it was all me, I chose him, it was my doing.
Then she said "A man like him will put up with a lot of crap from the people he loves. But he shouldn't have to."
I turned red as she said this, suddenly realizing my fault in yelling at him earlier. I hadn't taught him anything. I had only been cruel to the sweetest man I know. I realized that messes can be easily cleaned up, but me badgering him about every little thing was only poisoning our relationship.
Since then, when my temper and my OCD and need for a clean house get in my way, I have taken up the mantra, "Would you rather have a clean house or a happy marriage?" Sure, I keep the house tidy. But I've realized that when my man walks through the door after a long day, he doesn't need someone telling him how he's messing up or what he's doing wrong. He needs two loving arms and a hot meal. He needs listening ears and a patient, understanding heart that's always on his side. He needs a partner, not a helpmate. I married my husband for the man he is, muddy boots and all. Without the mud, what would be left for me to clean up?

The World Has Lost Its Marbles

When I was a little girl, I remember my Grandma preaching to me about the last days. I remember her saying how the world would go crazy and truth and lies would be misconstrued. There would be no black and white, everything would be in this gray area so we would no longer know right from wrong. I just thought to myself, "How could something as solid, obvious, and just downright factual as truth not be believed? How could anyone switch truth and lies around that much?" That was 15 years ago, and now here we are. The world has lost its marbles.
It started off small. Common sense became less common, truth and lies became a matter of opinion, humans started caring more about animals than other humans, and they pushed their liberal agendas on the rest of us who rolled our eyes and continued to provide for ourselves. Now this country is split right in two. If the leftists believed in guns, we would probably have a civil war on our hands.
I can't believe all the hate I see. I can't believe people would rather save a rare species of frog than our most innocent members of the populous.
People who are candid and honest are called racist, sexist, close minded, hateful...among other things. Some are so confused that they think gender is optional. As if you weren't born with either male or female genitalia. They argue that they have a right over their own bodies so they should be able to kill their unborn child. What? I'm sorry, but you aren't taking control over your body. You are simply ending the life of another person who was ultimately created by consequence of your decisions!
Kids are being raised to be entitled brats. Spanking is child abuse. Everyone shames everyone else for every. Single. Life. Choice. As if it was ANY of their business.
It is so scary to be a parent right now. Not because I'm afraid of how my kids will turn out in this crazy world, but because I'm afraid I will get in trouble for..I don't know..letting my kid play outside alone. Or ride his pony in bare feet. Or skinny dip in the pond. The world has really come to this. A parent can get in real trouble for raising their own children how they see fit.
I know my babies will grow up okay. They will have roots. They will be surrounded by people that love them. They will be taught common sense and decency. They will have respect for others and a love for God. Being raised on a ranch in tune with nature makes the biggest difference. You can't see, know, love, and be a part of the majesty of God's creations without believing in Him.
My only hope and my only anchor in all of this is my love for and my trust in God. As long as I can keep my family rooted and praying for this crazy world, I know we will be okay. My Savior is my best friend and I can always feel His presence in my life. He guides me and my family. He comforts us. He keeps us spiritually grounded and safe. It's the only way to stay afloat in this world. 🙏
-Rambling thoughts of a Cowboy's Wife