Last night we tried to gather the cows from the south pasture into the corrals so they were ready to sort and load this morning.  It usually works perfectly, but tonight they didn't want to come to the pickup because they actually had enough to eat in the pasture.  Clint wasn't very happy they wouldn't come in.  Thankfully, he called for help and Kirk, Gayla and Kaycee came down very early this morning to help.  We got out in the pasture at about 6 am to start gathering.  Kaycee stayed in with the 3 kids that were still sleeping.  Jaide, Jett and I went in the Ranger and Kirk and Gayla were each on a 4 wheeler.  Clint led all the cows with the pickup and we helped to push them all in.  Again, thankfully, it all went well and we got everything in.  Clint went down to our pasture in Oklahoma and gathered and sorted the cattle down there.  He keeps the heifers there for our replacement heifers, so he just loaded all of the steers onto his truck (Clint uses our semi truck and borrows the cattle trailer from friends) and Brandan's (the guy that buys our calves) trailer and came back up here to the Ranch to sort and load these.  I didn't take many pictures, because I got to help a little today.  Brandan brought his 2 daughters with him which worked out so nice.  The kids all enjoyed playing while I was able to hold Jaide and help sort (the calves from the cows and the heifer calves from the steer calves).  Both trucks and the pickup and trailer were loaded and pulling out around noon.  Clint made it back home around 6:30 pm.  I am thankful I got to help and be involved and that my kids had fun playing while I was helping.  I am thankful that the calves are sold.  I am thankful for great friends that are so willing to help.  I am thankful for my handsome beloved that provides so well for our little tribe.

My beloved.  I like him.  I like him a lot.

The kids headed back to the house to play

Bristol, Saige, Jett and Judd

Brandan and Clint

I grew up in town and knew nothing of this lifestyle and yet, it gives me a little adrenaline rush to see the cattle trucks lined up and hear the cattle load.  I could be perfectly happy living in town, but I love living where we live and doing what we do.