12 Things This Pregnant Woman in Her 8th Month Would Love for Christmas

Just over one month to go. I'm tired. Everything hurts. Actually, everything has hurt pretty much this entire pregnancy. I'm glad my oldest son's was fairly easy, or he could very well have been an only child. :)

I was thinking about my least favorite Christmas song, "The 12 Days of Christmas." I thought I would compile a "12 Things This Pregnant Woman in Her 8th Month Would Love for Christmas" list. I think lists are fun. So, bear with my silliness as I list away. :)

12. Grandma's Christmas wreath cookies (I'm hoping to have a few when I visit her in a week!)

11. An iMac (as I'd prefer one over my ancient PC, but am thankful it still runs :)). 

10. Healthy, quality, made-from-scratch gourmet meals each night that I don't have to make.

9. A clean oven (I've been stalling at cleaning mine since Thanksgiving when a few things spilled over).

8. Not to gain any extra weight while limiting my indulgence in the bounty of delicacies this time of year.

7. The bathroom sink to always be magically cleaned.

6. The new toilet installed in the basement bathroom; along with a complete remodel of the room.

5. The ability to sleep well each night (free of the baby's hiccups and kicking as soon as I hit the pillow).

4. A bowl of fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries to go with my steel-cut oatmeal every morning.

3. Dinner to a fine restaurant in downtown Chicago, with my husband.

2. The baby to turn vertex (head down) so that I can attempt a natural birth this time (hey, I ran a marathon this year, surely I can do this!).

And the most wonderful thing this pregnant woman would love to have for Christmas....
 
1. A masseuse on call everyday. :)

Comparing {My Child is Better Than Yours}

We all do it. 

"Is this peach more ripe compared to that one?"
"Does this Cabernet have more bold zing than the one I tasted yesterday?"
"Does this sweater look better on me than that shirt?"
"Your child can do what? Mine can't."
"My child can do this, but yours can't?"
"Look at how they're raising their kids."
"They homeschool? That explains it."
"They public school? Sinners."
"Why would anyone buy a minivan? An SUV is the way to go."
"My house looks so much better than theirs. They need to rethink a few things."
"Why do they moralize food, but ignore what Scripture says about the morality of sex and modesty?"

Not all of these might have come from your lips, but have they been thought? Several of these have both escaped my mouth to my husband, or been thought over and over in my mind. Is it bad to compare fresh produce in order to get the most for my money? I don't think so. 
But, is it beneficial to compare myself to others in such a way that elevates me over them?  

What do I gain?

Why do I do it?

Why do I care what other people do? Is it healthy to compare? Is it Biblical? Does it draw me closer to the Lord?

No. 

In my recent study of John I was dumbfounded by a conversation between Peter and Jesus. In John 21, the two men are taking a walk. Peter looks behind him and sees the disciple whom Jesus loved (John) and said to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?" 

Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." 

Jesus and Peter had a conversation previously about Peter and Jesus. Apparently what was being discussed didn't quite sink in as Peter felt the need to be concerned about John, instead of his own relationship with Christ. I find Jesus' response to Peter's question interesting. "...what is that to you? You follow Me." 

If I may put it in my own interpretation, I would write: "Peter, if I want John to live until I return, why must you be concerned about it? You need to focus on what I have called you to do: that is, follow Me. Don't worry about John, don't compare yourself to John. You, do what I've told you and follow Me." 

There are times when we do need to consider other people and butt in. A person being mugged, a child needing discipline and correction, our aged parents needing physical help. The list can go on.

Lately, I have found that I've spent too much time comparing myself to others, in essence, butting in to how they live their lives. Comparisons that don't bring the Lord honor. Comparisons that put me above others without even thinking about how I am being disobedient to what God has called me to do.

Cristen, you follow Me.

Family Pictures

Family Pictures. The very thought brings some to cringe and keel over in angst. This was the first year we actually attempted them. The weather has been somewhat nice and of course, I picked a day that we were all fighting sickness. 

We'd thought about doing something with the horses but decided to wait until next year, when we will have all four of our horses trained well as my niece is currently working with our youngest mare, Eowyn (for all you fellow Lord of the Rings fans :)).

So, this year we thought about incorporating guns. Something fun, something different. How many of you actually receive a Christmas picture with a friend carrying a gun? We thought it was a fabulous idea! 

I realized after the shot was taken that although Marty is proudly displaying his .270, his face is blocked and we aren't doing an ad for Ruger. I would normally have noticed something like this right away, but my brain isn't working as normal (or maybe it never did) and running back and forth from the camera, set on timer, to my spot has it's disadvantages.

It was slightly windy that morning, as noted in my hair. Jacob also decided that my pistol looked more interesting than his rifle. 

We traded guns. Apparently it was more fascinating than looking at the camera. (For all you concerned parents, the pistol is not loaded.)

I wanted to do something fun with our boots, and to share with those who didn't know, that we're expecting. 

The one to pass the test. Later to be seen on our Christmas card. :)

Jesus Christ {The Divine God}

I have been slowly reading through the gospel of John. Each day I've been taking a small section and journaling about the character and nature of Jesus Christ. 

As many times as I've read this book, reading in small chunks and really looking at Who Jesus Is has opened my eyes to some vast discoveries; things that I knew, but hadn't really absorbed. I thought I would share one of them with you. 

John 2:13-22
It's the Passover, Jesus has gone to Jerusalem. He finds the temple turned into the local sale barn where all animals needed for sacrifices are being sold, and money changers exchanging money. He makes a whip, drives everyone out, pours out the coins, turns over tables, tells those selling doves to "stop making My Father's house a place of business." 

vs. 18 "The Jews then said to Him, "What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?"

vs. 19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.""

They, of course, argue the fact that it took 60 years to build the temple and how could He do it in three days? Vs. 21-22 go on to say that Jesus was speaking of the temple of His body and when He was raised, "His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken." (italics mine)

I tried to do a brief summary, with keeping the most important words of Jesus written out as it says in Scripture. As you may have noticed, I took the liberties of bold-facing one word in vs. 19.

I read and reread and read this passage some more. "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."


I'm not always very good at thoroughly explaining my thoughts, and I hope that you can follow me on this one. I believe in the Triune God, the Trinity-that God is Three in One-Father, Son, Holy Spirit. He never ceases to be one of the other three while He manifests Himself as One of them.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking of Himself. He says He will raise Himself up in three days.

Do you see it?

Without those He's speaking to realize what He's saying, He's telling them that He is the Divine, Holy God! 

I have known this. I have believed this for a long time. But not until the other day when I read through this passage did it hit me right between the eyes! 

I cannot express my great joy as the tears roll down my face right now. This is Jesus. To whom I shamelessly bow before. 

He wasn't just a man who walked the earth. 

He is Jesus Christ, the Divine God. 

Cattle Drive and A Walk through Our Wood {Adventures of the Week}

One of my absolute favorite parts of Marty's job is getting to move cows. We had a small cattle drive this week of about five miles. We've begun the gathering of all our herds into one big herd to prepare for calf sale day in November.

Since it was a small herd, we only needed one extra person and recruited our Cousin A. It worked out that I was able to ride, while my mother-in-law kindly watched J and flagged for us. Flagging involves driving a vehicle a fair distance in front of the herd to warn on-coming traffic of a temporary road blockage, the cows. With our area being hilly, this is especially helpful as a semi could come over a hill as we're going up and.....splat. You get the idea. 

I haven't been able to do this in a while as I'm usually the one flagging, or for whatever reason it hasn't worked out. I was very excited to participate in my favorite ranching activity and asked my mother-in-law to take some pictures to prove to the world that I do do more than just keep house. :)

Marty and A making sure her stirrups are at the proper length. Riding with stirrups too short or too long makes for a very uncomfortable and unenjoyable roundup.

Putting the bridal on my beloved, Twilight. She's about 20 years old and is finally slowing down. It's rather sad as she's spent most of her life a spirited and spunky gal. 

A and I heading out.

Bringing the cows under the interstate. As you can see in the background, our state is extremely dry and fires are a huge threat. The land behind you was burned a month ago and threatened three homes, all of which were saved.

A, myself and Marty. I love seeing him on a horse. It makes me excited. That's probably what I was telling him. :)

On another adventure of the week, J and I went for a walk through our woods. Our "homestead" is surrounded by a belt of trees on the north and west side, the "shelter belt." It's very much appreciated when the winds are horrid and the snow deep. When I leave the shelter, it amazes me how much of a difference it makes. I love taking him on adventures there because 1) I really miss Wisconsin in the fall and I can almost pretend I'm there and 2) we love the sound of the leaves crunching beneath our feet. 

"Come on, Mom! This way"

Some areas of exploration involve some tricky moves to get through.

Sticks are perfect to protect Mom from any unfriendly fiends.

Picking "blueberries" to carry through the woods and throw at random objects. :)

Dinner Tonight

Creamy Herbed Chicken on a Brown Rice pilaf with Raisins and Sliced Almonds, topped with Pears 

and Herbed Peas on the side

I tried a new recipe tonight. It was superb! Marty has already requested it again. 
As I was preparing it, the intoxicating scent of shallots and thyme brought many warm and comfortable feelings. I thought since it smelled so wonderful, I would take a few photos to add to my food portfolio.

To Seven Years

Seven years ago today I made a lifetime vow and commitment to this man. 

Some days it seems as though those seven years have flashed by and I am left with all that has been accomplished to show that it hasn't. These seven have not always been easy, in fact, much of it has been hard. It's been hard for me to adjust to this different lifestyle, small community, distance from family. During these seven years I have lost many things, but gained more of what matters.

I have lost the close proximity of my family and gained a oneness with my husband.

I have lost much of myself and gained more of Christ. 

I have lost some independence but gained a companionship that far outweighs. 

I have lost my virginity and gained a bond with one man that our current culture cannot conceive of.

I have lost site of a career outside the home and gained the joyful thrills of motherhood. 

Some days I morn what I have lost, and then I look beyond myself and see what more I have gained.

I am humbled. I am thankful.

Each day I praise the Lord for this incredible man that He's given to me. I wasn't really looking and he just showed up. I wasn't really interested but we developed a friendship that soon caused me to desire more. 

He leads our family. He provides for us. As far as I'm concerned, he is the standard I look to in his occupational field. He is a man of respect and dignity, kindness and truthfulness. He seeks to be careful how he treats people, but also wants to gently challenge them in their thinking that might be misconstrued.

He is a man of prayer and deep thought. He is a humble servant of Jesus Christ. He desires and acts upon a lifetime goal of glorifying the Lord and enjoying Him forever. 

He has taught me much of what the ultimate goal of working should be-not for a paycheck, but to honor the Lord in all aspects.

He is my closest and most trusted friend. He is my husband.

Happy Anniversary, Marty. I love you more each day.

April 2005

Fall Cow Working

Every September we have what is known as "Fall Cow Working" or "Preconditioning." The herd is rounded up and all the spring calves are given shots that help them fight possible illnesses during the winter. We usually sell calves six weeks later, when the new buyers will then give them a booster shot. 

We also weigh the calves. Marty likes to have a record of how productive the mothers have been in raising their young. This year, with the drought, some people have had a tough time. There isn't as much grass to go around and there are a lot of ranches in South Dakota struggling. Our calves, however, have had some of the best weights we've seen. Especially considering this years weather conditions.

A few years ago when we experienced drought, Marty had told me that the dry grass is actually better for the cows/calves than the greener grass. The nutrients are more condensed/concentrated and the cattle tend to do better on dry than wet grass. The only problem is that a rancher needs more of it. This year we were able to lease some more land, which helped a lot, and Marty's really good at proper land management. This helps insure good grazing seasons by rotating pastures during certain times of the year. 

With that said, I thought I would share just a few pictures I'd taken of the day. I didn't do a whole lot this year as I've been feeling pretty sore. My busy day is always the one before when I prepare food for the crew.

My sister and brother-in-law and their two oldest girls helping to round up one of the herds.

Marty and our son, on the horse in the middle.

So thankful for this crew. They worked so hard all day long.

 I thought I would play around with some food photography, while I was waiting for the crew to come in for dinner. 

Deviled Eggs are generally a staple when I cook for a day of working cows.

Fresh fruit is, too.

Marty requested burgers and what good are they plain without the fixings?

I made them "Marty style". Thick and huge. They were over a pound each! Several of the guys had two! I could barely eat one...

What meal is complete without dessert? I usually make pie, but my sister-in-law's birthday was a few weeks prior and I'd been meaning to make her an angel food cake. Yum!

Also made Spiced Plum Tart. This was a new one. I think I'll add it to my repertoire.

  Would you like to join us next year? We'd sure love to have ya! :)

Some of My Favorite Things

I live in a little yellow house on the top of a hill.

It's not a fancy, elaborately built house. It's warm in the winter (except for a draft around the baseboard on the north side), and cool in the summer. It has wood paneling, which I've gradually been painting over the year that we've owned it. I've lived here for seven years. Six of them we leased it and just last September, we were able to purchase it and the 50 acres surrounding it. 

I try not to place great value in material things, as one day they will all be gone, as well as I. However, I do want to take care of the things we have, the things God has blessed us with while we are on this earth for the duration of our lives. 

Almost our entire house has been furnished from the kindness of others. Grandparents moving and passing on their items, a church giving away it's older piano. I sometimes just sit (I have to rest a lot more now with this baby getting bigger) and thank the Lord for all that He's provided through the generosity of others. I thought I would share a few photos of some of my favorite little places in my house. 

I love pictures of family. I love my parents. I love my grandparents. My great-grandmother, Jennie Tobiassen, traveled from Norway to New York when she was 19. She worked as a maid in the city and then eventually moved to Chicago, where she met my grandfather, Karl Jacobsen, who was also from Norway. He used to drive up to Wisconsin to purchase eggs from farmers and then he'd sell them to restaurants, grocery stores and families in the Chicago area. My grandmother, Shirley, grew up in NW Chicago with fields of wildflowers on it's edge. Those fields no longer exist as they now exhibit homes.

I love fresh produce ripening on my counter.

I love my little boy and how much he loves to snuggle and play with Sock Monkey. They are the best of friends.

This wooden cabinet was found in an old school house on my property. It used to be a hideous shade of turquoise. I've found that I very much enjoy taking old pieces of furniture, (or making something new from reclaimed wood I've found) refinishing them and using them in my house. I've fixed up a hutch and made a headboard for our bed, a coffee table and an entertainment center. 

On top of the cabinet sit a little blue vase my sister made in college and a green vase that displayed the most beautiful flowers from my husband. A good friend gave me the wine rack, which is another of my favorite things. It all makes much kitchen give a little flavor of Tuscany.

I love watching my little boy play. He loves his tractors. The green ones. Only. Any other tractor different than John Deere is cursing in this house. :) He imitates everything that Dad does. He loads "haybales" of wooden blocks onto his little flatbed trailer. He would do this all day if riding in the tractor while Dad actually does it wasn't more fun.

Everyone in this house has a hat. I love them. They make me smile. The cowboy hat is such a great piece of American history, yet still alive today.

My flower garden didn't do so well this year. The grasshoppers and the heat really beat us down. My husband has helped keep it watered and flowers are coming back and blooming! I feel like it's spring all over again! 

I planted watermelon for the first time and thought I wasn't going to get anything, due to the heat and grasshoppers. It's not the middle of the summer anymore, but we'll be eating watermelon! 

Although sometimes he appears gruff and mean, this is the first dog I've ever had and I love him. Bo. He's been with Marty for 12 years. He has arthritis. He was hit by a moving vehicle when he was young. As a dog, he has a right to be a little grouchy. He's loyal. He's lovable and no matter what kind of mood I'm in, he always wants to be scratched. 

This is Silver. She's a blue heeler, too. Bo is a mix of blue and red. She's very fluffy. It's not very common for her breed. She's a great dog. Very happy and loyal. She like skunks a little too much. 

This is my little boy. He's a great helper. He loves working with Dad. He also loves cooking with Mom. We love him. We'll keep him. I'm very proud of him. I think I love him more and more each day. We laugh and play together a lot. Mostly tractors. 

My Parents Ruined My Teenage Years and Now I'm Reaping the Benefits

My parents ruined my life. They didn't let me do anything as a teenager. I couldn't go to prom, I couldn't go out with my school friends on the weekends, I couldn't even have my own car. When I did, as a senior, I had to keep it in storage because they didn't want their insurance to go up until I left home after graduation.  

I wasn't allowed to go to dances. Not even homecoming, and I was the homecoming queen! They limited who I hung out with outside of school, but never once did they tell me not to be nice and friendly with those in my small town school even if I couldn't hang out with them afterwards. 

I wasn't allowed to drive around. Growing up in a small town (pop. 800), there wasn't a whole lot else to do after classes got out for the day, unless one was in sports. I was a klutz, at least back then, so I just went home.

My life was ruined. I spent most of my time with my other seven siblings. I went to youth group every Wednesday night. I learned photography. I played my violin. I read books. Lots of books. I got to spent time with my friends.

I missed out on all those wild parties I'd hear about on Monday morning. I missed out on getting all that's involved in getting a DUI, losing my virginity, immersing myself in illegal drugs and struggling to live a decent life now. My parents protected me from much unnecessary hardship. They were my parent first, not my friend. Man, they really ruined my life.

After I graduated high school, I moved to Illinois and lived with my Grandma to cut living costs. I had a full time job, I took college classes, traveled the world, made wise choices in who I allowed to become my friends. Slowly, I lost touch with most of my friends from high school. Now, thanks to Facebook, I'm able to keep in touch with plenty of them. That and the fact that I'm back living in my high school town/area. 

There's is friend I've kept through all those years that has grown closer and closer as I age. Because I wasn't allowed to run wild after school, she and I grew in our relationship. Thanks to my parents, who ruined my life, my closest friend is my sister. (Don't cry, Beans. :))

In fact, all the people closest to me are my family. It's not an artificial close. It's real. We had each other as friends, roommates, an entire touch football game or baseball. 

So, thanks a lot Mom and Dad, for destroying my life and teaching me values, respect for authority, how to make wise choices (please disregard the "few" that weren't :)), how to lead a family in Biblical character and values, the importance of putting Christ first and trusting Him (especially when things aren't going so great).

Now I know how to ruin the lives of my children. I only hope that someday they will see the great benefits as well. :)

Saying "Goodbye" to a Very Good Friend {My Tribute}

She was a fantastic friend.

We shared a lot together, especially the love of driving. She was very good at it. One of the best, in my opinion.

She never yelled at me, never blamed me, never criticized me. In fact, she never said anything. She was just there. Every time I needed her, she lent me aid. And when I didn't need her, she still sat. Ready for our next adventure.

She was there the first time I was pulled over. A pivotal moment in my life. I was released with a warning, when I was in clear violation of the law. I was given such a life changing picture of God's grace in that instance, and from that moment my relationship with Jesus Christ became more vibrant. 

She went with me to work every day. She played worship music on the commute, which helped me keep my focus on Jesus instead of frustrating traffic and people. 

We went on trips together. Ontario, the woods, the prairies, planes, the East coast and back. We would drive the country roads through northern IL together, just to unwind. We'd speed through the highways just to feel the wind in our hair.

She was with me the first time I realized who my husband would be. She took us safely on our honeymoon through Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.

She brought us on several vacations through the prairies, over two major rivers and then the woodlands. Even Deep into the mountains of Colorado. 
We also saw Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Missouri, and Kentucky (I'm sure I'm missing a few).

The day I knew our relationship would change, was the first time I put an infant car seat in her. She only had two doors, and being a small sport coupe that didn't leave much room in the back seat for anything. 

Two years went by and I managed stooping low to help a little one in his safety device. 

Then, I found out we were expecting our second. Time to pass her on to someone else. She'd served me well. We had many laughs, cries and joys together.

Tears seeped down my face as I drove her out of our driveway for the last time. Our last road trip together; through the prairies, over two rivers and into the woodlands back to where I first found her. There she will be a great friend to my brother. She's still in the family, but she's no longer mine. 

She never leaked, never exploded, was always dependable. Gram found her one cold January day while snooping at the Saturn dealership. She was mine for 11.5 years. Gram named her the "Green Machine."

I know she was just a car, but she was more than than to me. God provided her at a time when I really needed her. She ran well and efficient (getting 42 mph during her prime years!). 

She was ever a constant reminder to me of the Lord's faithfulness. 

Goodbye, dear friend.

Parenting Together

The longer I've been married and the longer I've been a mother, I've come to realize what a blessing and joy it is to parent together. By this I mean, both parents agreeing on how to parent and act as a team in leading, teaching, correcting and disciplining their children.

Marriage is hard work and then to add children to the mix can cause even more chaos and confusion. Working together and enjoying the ride as it travels is much more enjoyable, stress less and productive.

Not to say that parenting together isn't stressful. Teaching young minds is tiresome, endless work.

Can you imagine how wonderful a marriage would be like to live in, in the following example (which doesn't have to be exactly as I've described, but along the same lines)?

Mother stays home with her children instead of having a paying job. She spends her days caring for the home and teaching, correcting, training and disciplining her children in her ways. Father comes home from work and proceeds to spend time with his children and teach them his ways, which may be the exact opposite of what Mother had been doing all day long. 

What will happen in the home? It will become a house of chaos and disarray. The children know that each parent will teach them in opposite ways and they will be confused, frustrated, angry; not to mention the fact that they will also try to pit the parents against each other.

The next day she starts all over again, and he undoes everything. This continues everyday.

What will her reaction soon be, if it hasn't already started the first day? What will her relationship with her husband be like? 

Won't this make for a wonderful marriage? A wonderful life? 

(Here my tone is a bit sarcastic, if you hadn't already pick up on that. :))

Can you see why it would be so beneficial to not only your children to be parented the same from both parents (in a Biblical manner I might add), but also the husband and wife and the benefits to their marriage?

I'm so thankful that my husband and I see things similarly. The issues that we might not agree or are unsure of, we spend time communicating with each other so that we can come up with a plan and act it out together. As a team.

I'm no psychologist, psychiatrist or the like and what I say might not be completely accurate. I've just come to realize how important it is to be one as a husband and wife. Not just in those moments when my husband and I have conceived your children, but in every day matters of life. 

Marriage, as God intended and created it, is attacked from so many directions. Don't let this be one that's allowed to fall unnoticed and vulnerable.

When To Speak and When To Keep Silent?

It's so easy for me to judge. It's so easy for me to look at the speck of dust that is in another's eye, while ignoring the log that is in my own.

What about the issue that I've been able to over come? One that is no longer a stumbling block to me or never has been? An issue that I can see going awry is my fellow Christian sister's life that is not master of me, but I can see the downfall coming to them? What do I say? Do I say anything?

I hear so much of tolerance these days. Tolerance defined in our current culture really isn't tolerant at all. It's only a glorified word for letting me shove my ideas down your throat to obey, but I won't hear a word of your ideas.

For believers of Jesus Christ, isn't it part of our responsibility in the body to aid in healing that which is sick amongst us? How can I help if I'm too afraid to even address an issue because of fear of being shot down, criticized for even bringing up an issue as sin, or being accused of seemed judgmentalness?

How can I ignore Matthew 18, Luke 17, Galatians 6, 2 Thessalonians 3 and James 5:19 which all speak of going to my brother or sister in Christ and talking to them of this sin in their life? Matthew specifically points out that it should first be in private, and Galatians says that I should look to myself to see if I'm being tempted as well. If I'm free and clear of an issue, why then am I so afraid to be obedient to Scripture? 

There have been times that I've been "reprimanded" by fellow believers. It was done in love. It was done in true desire to see me grow closer to the Lord and not distanced. 

I want to help also. To speak with a spirit of love. When I don't say anything to someone that I'm close to, does that mean I don't really care about their spiritual growth?

Am I not then, also sinning?

At the end of James 4, he talks about going to a city and starting a business and being so sure of the future when we don't know what tomorrow will bring; instead we should depend on the will of the Lord for the future. James states: "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin."

I don't know the future, I don't know the outcome of a conversation. Am I just as guilt of sinning by keeping my mouth shut when I could help my fellow believer, even if they become angry with me?

I am more concerned about how people will treat me and respond to me, than ME being obedient to JESUS CHRIST. 

In the end it won't matter what people will think of me, and say to me and treat me. It will matter that I was obedient, to Jesus, and only to Jesus. 

Ranch Rodeo

Over the past few years, my husband and his brothers have been participating in local ranch rodeos. They differ from a typical rodeo and feature events that you would find happening on a working ranch today.  

 A ranch rodeo consists of activities that can be and once were found on a ranch.

My husbands team consisted of him and three of his brothers.

Their first event was "Trailer Loading". 

Each event must be completed in 2 minutes or less.

 Each participant loaded their horse into the horse trailer.

 The whole team had to be in the pickup and when the judge gave the cue, they could exit the vehicle and the clock would start ticking.

 Each brother unloaded his horse.

They were given a number, which was on a steer on the other side of the arena.

 

 Brice was the first in the saddle and headed for the herd. 

 Lonnie and Marty were close behind.

Brad tosses a loop and ropes the steer. Notice his fantastic orange boots. :)

And the rest of the boys loaded him into the trailer.

 Lonnie, Brice and Marty.

All team members have to be in the pickup before their time stops.

  1:27!

 The man in blue has a special interest in the team. He "purchased" them during the Calcutta before the rodeo and will receive a winning purse if they place.

The next event was the "Hide Race." Although most people don't do this identical activity on their ranch, the same elements are used-pulling and dragging.

Two teams ran against each other at the same time, giving the crowd some excitement! 

They have to complete one lap around the poll, and yes, that's an actual cow hide that Brad is riding.

Marty and Rock are roaring to go!

Here comes the turn.

The rope got caught under Marty's leg and they didn't finish as fast as in times past. 

Next year... :)

This next event was "Stray Gathering." This actually happens on the ranch - roping a calf out in the prairie to take care of an illness or other issue he might have.

For this event there are two steers loose in the arena. Each steer must be roped.

Brice has roped him and now Marty is going to "dog" him, wrestle the steer to the ground with his brute man strength. :)

Once the steer is down, three of his legs are tied together and they must stay tied for 6 seconds. 

Lonnie ropes the other steer, while Brice and Marty are taking care of the first one.

Brad helps Lonnie. 

Brice comes to add a third hand while the first steer stays on the ground, his legs tied for well over 6 seconds. :)

The job is done! 

There were two other events, both of which I didn't capture. Marty, Brice, Brad and Lonnie, known as Roghair Ranch, came in third place! 

There will be another Ranch Rodeo that they will participate in later in August. Stay tune for future footage! :)