Ranch Raised

And just like the song says, “it’s the hap-happiest season of all.” It is officially kidding season at our house, I mean barn. I was going to announce my maternity leave today, but I didn’t want to confuse listeners with what kind of kids I was welcoming. [READ MORE…]

Candy, fudge or cut out sugar cookies? Peanut clusters, no bake cookies or buckeyes? Chocolate crinkles or thumbprint cookies? Monster cookies or the good ole fashioned chocolate chip seem to always be crowd favorites! But, yesterday I broke a recipe I had not used in awhile and I don’t know why. I guess with my girls baking so much now, they tend to steer towards chocolate. So, I rarely have to bake cookies. [READ MORE…]

Did you actually think I would skate through this holiday season with out talking about Christmas cookies?!?! Is there anything more flattering than receiving something homemade by someone. I mean truly, in my world it is the ultimate gift to give and receive. My love language is totally “acts of service.” [READ MORE…]

The days are ticking and flying by. The holiday hustle and bustle has dust flying and wrapping paper rolling, or anyway that is what they tell me. I tend to keep it pretty simple. I look around at what is available to me in my rural area and make my gift giving lists based on what I can get locally. [READ MORE…]

I am in the middle of doing a little inventory around my mud room. You see, I have a STRONG philosophy about only buying Christmas gifts that are useful. Is that called being a “utilitarian”? [READ MORE…]

I was once again doing some traveling yesterday and my destination was another cattle market auction barn. Like, where else would I go? Once again, this sale barn is no doubt the economic driver of that area. I’m sure that on sale day the population of this community swells and there is more gas and diesel pumped and more groceries sold than any other day of the week. [READ MORE…]

I have had to do some traveling through a lot of small towns the last few weeks. I love slowing waaaaaay down as I cruise through these little town’s main streets. There are hidden gems all around us! If we want to keep these small businesses open in our communities, we have to support them. [READ MORE…]

It is so exciting to watch men and women with roots in the ranching community go on and chase their dreams at the highest levels. No one is cheering louder than little wranglers sitting back here in the heartland watching their idols and heros on the big screen. [READ MORE…]