Scrubs for Calving....

Yesterday I made a comment on FB and it gots some feedback.

So I'll share with the blogger family too.

Before we know it the calves that will be arriving!

Calving can be messy business as with any baby delivery.

Sometimes there is that case where I have to help a momma out.

Pulling calves is a wet, bloody event.

Having the proper work wear can be costly.

There are those times when the clothes your wearing don't survive.

So a few years ago I came up with a solution.

I went to Goodwill and got scrub pants.

They are great! And they don't cost that much.

I wear yoga or dry fit pants with my scrubs most of calving season.

Yes I have water proof wash pants.  And I have used those over the scrubs.

But occasionally the noise from those can freak the cows or a first calver out.

The best part for me is the pockets. 

I can put chains, syringes and gloves in them and they are right there clean.

Not too mention they are comfy and easy to move around in.

I mean sometimes your on your tush bending and moving in ways that bibs don't allow.

Then when I'm done all I have to do is throw them in the washing machine.

Once they are too stained or torn I just throw them away.

Let's face it for $4.00 I will get my monies worth.

So while most people relate scrubs to Dr.s, hospitals and vets I use them here in my OB unit.

I mean I like our babies to be born in a nice clean environment too.

They are not just cattle to us.



My New Journey....

I said I was going to blog more and it's been a few weeks.

It's far from intentional. It's that time of the year where so much is going on.

But with raising babes, cattle, crops and fur kids it's always busy.

I'm sitting here with so many thoughts and ideas of things I want to share with all of you.

The biggest and most exciting thing is something that is changing my as a momma, wife and photographer.

Sounds scary I know.  And it was at first.  But now we embracing this new journey.

Back in April my best guy friend Dave Vansickle at http://vansicklecattlecompany contacted me.

He told me he found the thing for me combining both my love for cattle and photography.

Ya right.  So I listened and thought about it.  It was a posting for livestock photography.

So I took a leap and applied.  I went to Texas for a Ranch House clinic.

I came home to an email.  Welcome the http://livestockpromotions family.

Say what.  I couldn't believe what I was reading.  So started the journey.

After a few web seminars, a few on farm helping in the picture pen and then a trip to Nebraska I was ready.

Working with B.J. Eick and Marlene Eick has been so great.

The man is amazing at what he does.  He's patient, kind and a true talent.

I have learned more about cattle. About lighting and how it effects my pictures.

I have learned how to work with people and how to let them know what I need to get them what they need.

I have learned how to take a photo of cattle with little editing.

How to move cattle in a picture/video pen.  Then to make that video a work of art.

Most of all PATIENCE.  For myself, the cattle and the people helping.

So the biggest thing for me this year has been this challenge do two things I love.

Work with cattle and photography.

For me that is a life goal.  One that I hope to learn from every time I walk onto someones farm.

I'm excited for the opportunity, the experience.  And the peole I'm meeting along the way.

This is my favorite from training.  These are the kind of picture's Im excited about taking!

Hey Everybody....

Hey Everyone!

I know it's been forever and a day since you have seen anything out of me.

I took a break to be with my babies and enjoy some new things that are happening.

Now that things are slowing down for the winter I'll catch you all up and get back to blogger world.

I've missed interacting with all of you, but that is all changing.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving..

I'm excited to start blogging again

Have a great day!

School is coming to an end....

The school year is coming to an end. 

It's hard to be believe that a whole school year has went by already.

This Thursday is the last day.

Then we will have a 5th grader. 

I can't believe I'm saying this, and a 7th grader in junior high.

The Little Mister had a tour of the junior high last week and loved it.

Tonight we get to go and see where he will be going to classes and spending his day.

On Friday he came home and said they had to fill out a paper about what they wanted to do.

He chose Architect, and two other things.

But he said he was upset because farmer/rancher wasn't on there because they don't consider that a career.

WHAT! The Mister and I were both shocked.

So evidently the fact that we farm and raise livestock is not a way to make a living.

Not only that but the fact that the Mister works for Pioneer which is an Agricultural company.

There are so many things wrong with the fact that Farming/Ranching was not on there.

Who is going to grow the foods we all eat everyday.

That are so readily available at the local grocery.

Who is going to be the stewards of our land.

Who is going to raise our livestock.

Who is going to work from sun up to sun down.

Who is going to work their butts of come sun, rain, snow or whatever God has in store.

Not too many people!

So any way.  I can't wait for Thursday.

The babes will be home with me.

We will get to do some things around here.

Plus we may take a day trip here and there.

We also have county fair to get ready for.  So there will be lots of barn time!

Have a great day Everyone!



Our Miss Lily....

Lily is a one of a kind.

She was our Little Misters show heifer 2010-11.

She was shown at state and national levels and won many times.

She is more like a pet than one of our cows.

She's the one who comes to you and still likes to be pet and brushed.

She's a momma for the second time around.

She did a bang up job with this babe, which we are excited about.

Soon she will go to the donor pen to be flushed and I will be nervous till she comes home.

Miss Lily with her Joyride heifer, Texas.
She was born the day I left for the Ranch House Designs clinic.

Lily is a great momma.
She doesn't like Texas to get far.
She was kind a butt about it at first, but now the doesn't mind us getting near Texas.

They play lots.
I was laughing so hard when I was taking these.
Rotten things!

Did I mention she hates her picture taken.
She either is with another calf, runs or wont look at me!
Shes just gonna have to get over that!


Have A Wonderful Day!!!!!

I have a surprise!

At the end of Mach my very good friend Dave Vansickle of Vansickle Cattle Co. tagged me in a attachment on Facebook.  Later he texted me and ask if I saw it.  I said I had and he asked if I was going to do it.  Well here is what the attachment said:

Apply to become one of our Livestock Promotions Network Photographers. We provide training, so all skill levels are encouraged to apply. Deadline is April 20. Check out today's blog post to learn more.

So I read it and later I talked to the Mister.  He said go for it.  And I thought what the heck why not.  I love cattle, I love taking pictures and I love talking to people.  So I filled out the questions on the application.  Then i picked out my pictures that they asked for, for examples. Off the application went.  Then i went to Texas for five days for a Ranch House Designs clinic.  And I highly recommend if you want to learn, have fun and promote your farm/ranch/cattle it is great!  So anyway I forgot about it for a bit.  Then I got home and didn't hear anything..  No biggie I tried that's all I can do.

Well, a little over a week ago I opened my email and I saw one from Livestock Promotions, Inc.  So i opened it and it says "Welcome To The Livestock Promotions Family"!  Say what... so i read it again.  Yep that's what is said.  So in my excitement I called the Mister.  He was in a meeting so I told him to call me pronto.  It was true.  Out of several applicants they picked four and i was one of the four!

I am completely excited about this adventure.  I get to do something i love to do.  Take pictures, take pictures of cattle, meet new people and do a little traveling.  My family and my friends have been so wonderfully supportive.  I cannot believe that all the things that i have been through in the last 2 years has led to something so wonderful.  I will be doing what a love at a job that i know that i will love!

So to those of  you that have a goal or a dream.  Don't give up just keeping working, praying and doing what you love to do.  Because all good things come to those wait and have a great support team!

Happy Mothers Day....

Happy Mothers Day!

We hope that you had a wonderful day with that special lady in your life.

Farm kids are no fools....

I want to share with you a story that my son came home with from school.

I would like to say first and foremost that I am not making fun of anyone.

I am repeating the story from our 12 year old son.

So as always I ask the babes how their day at school was.

The Little Mister just looks and me and shakes his head.

I'm like okay what happened.

Today two older ladies came to school today to talk to us about farming.

They were talking about calves.  I'm not sure what kind of cows they are raising, but they don't know much.

So I ask why he would say that.

Well, they said they don't give their calves any shots till after they are a month old.

He proceeds to tell me that he thinks they must have a lot of sick cows, because everyone knows you have to give newborn calves shots to keep them healthy and from getting cocidiouses.

Plus we spray our calves navels to keep them from getting infected.

Then mom they tell us that when you tag them you need 3 people.

He says, well that's just stupid!

My mom tags them by herself all the time. 

Mom then they tell us how all cows are mean and you should not bother them when they calve.

Well mom how do they think your gonna help if you don't bother them.

Silly ladies don't they know that if you have a mean cow, you take her to Producers because you just don't keep mean cows.  Especially when your mom does it by herself when dads at work.

The Little Mister just shook his head.

Mom they should have had you come to school.

You know way more about cows than those ladies.

You could probably tell them how to pull them and breed them too.

Who knows what they do about that!

Oh I love that boy....

Yes he's 12.

Yes they know how to breed them, feed them and care for them.

Sorry silly ladies you are not fooling my babes..

Loving Life....

Things have been great but busy!

I took a break from blogging to keep up with all things at home.

There is lots i want to share with you.

So I'll just give you a little here and there so you don't get overwhelmed.

That is if your still following along.

Monster is getting so big.
Before we know it he will need to be weaned and started on creep.



Journey, is the comedian of the group.
She loves to get her picture taken and is nosey.







Stink, she is the last calf that arrived.
She isn't too sure about anything yet.

Duff, well he is a busy body.
He and Possum are always into something.

Hank is doing well with the warmer weather.
Like any senior citizen he has good days and bad.

We have yet to get into the fields to get our crops planted.
The crazy weather is not being very cooperative.
The hay is ready to be baled.
The babies will be out of school soon.
Then the fun of summer comes along.
Fairs, swimming, hanging out and much less sleep!

I hope you all are having a great spring.
Be safe, Be Happy....

This is not Spring....

Supposedly it's Spring. 

If this is what Spring looks like I don't like it.

I hope this is the last of the snow for this winter and we can start getting some sunshine.

We have two calves due tomorrow and we have luckily had them when it's dry and somewhat warm.

So here's to warmer weather, sunshine and outdoor fun.

Killing Time....

I have been home bound a lot lately.

One of the jobs I do during calving time is I check cows, a LOT.

I'm okay with that.  I'm becoming more and more of a homebody.

So while I'm home I have gotten lots done.

We moved into our old bedroom and I almost have it decorated.

I redid the living room.  I am so in love with how it turned out.

I have kept up with dishes, laundry and housework in general.

I've done a few small projects.  I feel like I'm nesting waiting on these calves.

The best part is I will be all ready when Spring does decide to arrive.

Then I will be ready to spend all my time outside!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

A Dose of Cuteness....

The babies have started coming on a regular basis.

We should be done by the end of April with all of them.

Even though they are not done we are planning what the mommas will be rebred too.

For those of you that follow us on Facebook have seen these.

We actually had some sunshine the day that I took these.

The calves were all out soaking it up.

This is Ila, she was the first born.  And boy was she zonked!

Monster, he is the only bull calf we have so far.

He and Ila are half brother/sister.



Miss Dahlia.  She is our Little Ladies baby.

She reminds us of a baby lamb with all her curly hair.

She has a ton of personality to go with her cuteness.

Miss Decarlo is our two toned baby.

She is black with a brown strip from tail across her belly and up to her chin.

She is the runner, so I haven't been able to get a photo of it yet.

We have another baby, but she's not photogenic.

The best part is they go from these soaking wet bundle.

To this FLUFFY baby that you want to cuddle and pet.

Then they get some confidence and get away from their mommas some.

Then game on.  They run, buck, chase, attack the ground and try to sneak up on the dogs.

It's the most wonderful thing in the world to watch them be born. 

Then grow and thrive and get those personalities.

It never gets old and I wish everyone could experience it.

Have a wonderful day!

14 Years Ago Today....

14 years ago today I married The Mister.
I was excited, scared and so incredibly happy.
I never planned to get married and have kids, until he came along.

We worked together when we met.
We started dating in June, engaged in October and then married in March.
We were young to say the least!

 The Mister with Hank when we moved to the farm.

We are older, wiser, have gray hair, wrinkles and wouldn't change a thing.
We have been through some of the worst things together.
And stood by each other through it all.
I love that we have our life together, yet are able to do our own thing.

14 years has gone by incredibly fast.
So here's to another 14 years!

We met, became friends and started a life together.
Most importantly we have two great kids.
Our life on the farm.  Amazing friends and family.
And through the good, bad and everything in between, we are doing it together!

Happy Anniversary Mister....

Happy 12th Little Mister....

12 years ago today we welcomed our first child.

Little Mister was the best baby!

He started sleeping all night at 3 days.

He hardly ever cried.

We were so lucky and scared to death!

First Christmas.

He loves Hank to pieces.

He takes safe shooters and is interested in firearms.
Hes a history buff.
He love Vietnam and the World Wars.

He likes showing.
Livestock judging and the challenges.

It's hard to believe it's been 12 years!

We are proud of the Little Mister he is.

He's smart, funny and so much fun to see when he has a project on his brain.

The possibilities are endless of what the next 12 years will bring.

But we can wait!

We LOVE YOU!

Loving Life....

We would like to apologize for not posting on a regular basis. 

Things are rolling along here. 

 The 2013 calving season is under way. 

So far we are having heifers.  We have one little guy out there.

 The weather is like a roll a coaster. 

With all the ups and downs we are trying to keep us and the animals healthy.

The kids have started Livestock Judging.

This is so great that they get to work with the High School kids.

The best part is that when they get to High School they will be way ahead.

Our Little Man will be 12 soon.

We are planning his party.

The Mister and I will celebrate 14 years of marriage.

Easter will be here before we know it!

We are tying to soak up as much family time as possible.

With spring comes the summer business.

The Mister will be busy at work.

Cattle shows will be in full swing.

County and State fair time.

We still keep up with everyone.

Thank you for your patience while we are loving this time.

I have so much to share and photos to show you.

Maybe this next week, but no promises!

Have a great weekend!

Learning new things....

On Wednesday my babes get home a little earlier than normal.  And they love that! This past Wednesday was very exciting for them.  We live on a farm and there is lots to see and learn.  The Mister and I share all aspects of this life with the babes.  We want to teach them everything so that they can be a part of it all. They will one day run this farm.  Little Lady is treated no different than her brother.  They work with the brood cattle, show cattle, breeding, calving, planting, hay and harvest. They are in the trucks, tractors, skid steer and semi.  The more knowledge they have the safer they will be when they are out with us.

Right now the big question is "did we have a new baby?" They ask first thing in the morning, when they get home from school and after the last check before bedtime.  Their is excitement when there is and groans when there isn't.  We have talked to several people who have mentioned that their calves are coming early.  We move the mommas to the calving lot at 10 days before their due date.  Our first calf came 8 days early and number 2 just one day.  We currently have 3 that we are watching closely.  The cattle are checked several times a day and when one shows signs of going we will check during the night.

1st calf is out of Little Ladies show heifer from last year.

On Wednesday one of the mommas was acting strangely so I decided to put off going to the grocery.  I texted the Mister a few things I needed and asked him to stop before he left town.  At about 2 I checked and momma was definitely in labor.  So I let the Mister know.  I went to the house and got all the baby shots ready. I stuck a post it note on the door for the babes to let them know I was in the barn with a cow calving.  We give a round of things.  A&D, nasal, selenium, bolus and we douse the naval good with iodine, and they get a tag.  I trudged back to the barn and I saw a foot from the angle I was at and it was pointed right.  After 30 mins and no progress I texted the Mister to let him know she had 15 minutes and then I was jumping in.  I called the babes when I was sure they were in the house and told them to get their barn clothes on and come to the barn.

After no more progress I let the Mister know that I was going to help and I would let him know when  I was done.  I had Little Lady give me the chains and gloves.  I got the head out but I only had one leg.  So I sleeved her and couldn't feel the other leg.  So I asked the Little Mister to help me pull.  We ended up  pulling for a bit and out came the calf.  The shoulder got caught on the pelvic bone because of how the leg was pointed the wrong way.  Even with how hard it was to get HER out, she was up and at it in no time.  The babes were troopers!  Little Mister was super excited that he got to help deliver his first calf.  Little Lady was great help making phone calls and giving us what we needed to get the calf out. 

This is the calf we pulled.
She is doing really well, and momma loves her.

It's so interesting when they try and explain some of the things we do to their friends, because they can't understand it. The kids just don't understand why their friends don't understand, when it is so second nature to them.  So we let them know they have to explain it the best the can and answer any questions. Like showing cattle, helping with planting or harvest and helping a cow calve!  The best part is their friends faces when they come over and see new things and all the space they have to run around.  Life is awesome on the farm.  We love sharing it with friends and family.  Knowledge of this life is what helps keep people from making assumptions and wrong decisions about something they don't know about.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend!

It Begins....

Our Little Lady and her first show season and heifer!
DCCO Dream (shocking dream)

I-80
daddy to a few of our babies this year

Our official due date to start calving is February 14. 
We have a cow and a heifer that are A.I.ed to calve that day.
So a few days ago after taking the kids to school I was surprised to go to the cow barn and find a surprise.
Dream was standing there doing the momma talk with a beautiful babe running around her.
I had just checked them not an hour before and no sign of anything.

So I got momma and baby moved to the calf barn.
After I got them all nestled down I processed the calf and couldn't wait till Little Lady home.
This is her first show heifer and first baby.

Meet Miss Ila (eye la).
DCCO Dream x  I-80
She is a bouncing, healthy baby girl.
She has lots of hair and spunk, just like her momma and owner.

Dream and Miss Ila.
Our Little Lady is over the moon.
Some little girls love their ponies, ours loves her calves!
She is my daughter after all....

Happy calving to everyone this season.
I hope that they all arrive alive, healthy and spunky!
Have a wonderful weekend.