Summer Fun - The Idaho Rancher's Wife

Summertime on the Ranch

July 1, 2014 by Allison

Oh what do you do in the summertime? That’s the line to one of my kids’ favorite songs. Our answers aren’t like the song… We don’t have a stream to sit lazily by, or trees to swing on… Instead we have a ranch with hundreds of opportunities for fun. But when the votes were in, everyone around the ranch agrees that these are the summertime favorites!

1. Roping at the arena- We have an arena, we have the roping steers, and obviously we have the horses and ropes. What do they all mean? Roping. Lots of roping. The Rancher is all over it… You say roping and he will beat you there. The rest of us tag along of course! The Rancher’s Sidekick floats. He spends some playing in the dirt, some time riding his horse, and some time working the chute. The baby hangs out with me. Somehow we manage… We love every bit of those nights. There’s nothing better than playing out in the arena as the sun goes down!

2. 4 Wheeling- Hands down, this has to be The Ranch Princess’s favorite. The first place I go to check when I can’t find her playing outside is on the 4 wheeler. I’m terrified for the day that she can actually start it. There are so many trails and roads to just head out for a drive. You can get a little crazy with some off-roading or you can take it easy. Either way we have a great time!

3. Cookout, or “roast out” as The Rancher’s Sidekick calls them- When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you massive tractor tires, you make a fire ring and have a cook out. Tin foil dinners, weenies on a stick, mallows… its ALL SO GOOD! There is no shortage of scrap wood here at the ranch, so bring on the bon fires!

4. Hanging’ out at the reservoir- Ok so its not AT the ranch but its where we head when the work is done. We have a few old jet skis that occasionally work to make it a really good time. Once I asked if they were sick of fixing the darn things but they told me that was half the fun of them! Actually, they have been working GREAT lately. I’m working on my 360 when I get pulled on the knee board… we’ll see if I can conquer it this summer!

5. Bunny hunting- Don’t be weirded out, but we love to bunny hunt. And I feel a little justified because they are terrible out here. There isn’t too much more fun that loaded up the truck in the dark to spot bunnies. After a good bunny hunt, I start seeing them all over the road!

Summertime means fun family time. We work hard during the day to play hard at night. Cool off in the reservoir, take little drive, have dinner around the fire, and have a little excitement with the hunting or at the arena. That’s how we summer at the ranch!

A Big Ride for a Little Cowboy

June 27, 2014 by Allison

Being only four years old doesn’t stop this little boy from believing that he can do ANYTHING he wants to do, or more importantly- what his dad is doing. He is called The Rancher’s Sidekick for a reason- he goes everywhere and does everything with his dad. The first thing he says in the morning (after his request for hot cocoa!) is “where is dad?” And no matter what dad is doing, he is distraught that he was left behind.

Until last week.

The cowboys were moving the heifer pairs to new pasture not far from the ranch. Being the awesome mom that I am (and with The Rancher giving the idea) I loaded up The Rancher’s Sidekick’s horse and headed out after herd.

We caught up to the bunch and before I could park the truck, my little cowboy was scrambling out of the truck to get his horse out. He had one request- I want to ride by myself, and nobody pull me! Can you say independent? As nervous as I was (because I’m still a mom and the ground is pretty far down…) we handed him the reigns and let him go!

It was somewhat of a moment for me to watch him ride off following his dad. Here is my firstborn showing his momma that he is growing up. And as much as I’m not read for that, there is no other way that I would rather him do it than as a cowboy!

I just kept thinking, how many boys have this chance? Go to work with dad, everyday? How many little boys get to ride with his dad, grandpa, and great grandpa? How many little boys get to live their dreams of being a cowboy before they have ever gone to school?

Of course he is a crazy four year old that spent more time picking his nose than watching the cows. But the great thing was that he was there, in the middle of all of it. We don’t live on the sidelines out here. We live in the thick of it all!

Montana Mule Days

June 19, 2014 by Allison

Every town has their funny/crazy things that they do. In the little town where I grew up in they celebrate Mule Days. Seriously. Three days of mule games, events, parades… you name it they do it. I’m not really sure why though. I can only think of a handful of people in our valley that has mules so I don’t know why Drummond is the place for it. Actually, there was a time when they tried moving it somewhere else, but apparently that didn’t go over so well because it is back in Drummond!

We were visiting my parents over Mule Days and took a spin around. We missed the parade… but we did get to watch a little of the wagon events and some penning. For the life of my I don’t know why people prefer mules to horses (unless your packing… those animals can HAUL) but these folks do. We found mules in all colors, shapes, and sizes. And I must admit that some of the teams hooked up were beautiful!

Growing up we always said the best thing about Mule Days is the rain that comes with it. Not kidding. It seems that it rains this weekend every year. Boy we sure do love Mule Days!

The Midnight Rescue

June 14, 2014 by Allison

It was a week ago that I was sitting at the Blackfoot team penning and branding. I had been looking forward to that day for so long because I planned to absolutely nothing. Just sit. And take pictures.

It didn’t start so simple since The Rancher and I were doing it solo. Normally the whole family comes out and we have more than enough help. But The Buckaroo is madly in love and decided to go branding with his girl instead (but really, who could blame him? A weekend of branding is always a great time!). What really took away the help was the fact that Cowboy E was in the hospital in Salt Lake, so he wasn’t around and neither was Rancher Sr. That left the babies and I to be the help that day.

Of course we are the best help he’s ever had, but only so much can make up for missing water troughs, a screwy chute set up, and wound up heifers. It took some time, but we got the heifers ready and out for the sorting.

Once we got things running it was a pretty typical hot, sunny day at the fair grounds. The Rancher’s Sidekick had to check everything out and The Rancher Princess could barely keep up. We fit in a few naps and lunch in between switching cattle and cheering for dad. Everyone had to take a turn sitting on the horse and we roped everything in sight. And I did have a few minutes to take some fun pictures (forthcoming, I PROMISE).

The day ended up long, and just when we thought we were to the end of our busy day things got a little crazy. We left for home about 9:30pm, later than we had anticipated because we had such a great turnout. Things were going good until just before Rockland, about 45 minutes from home. All of the sudden there was a weird knocking sound in the motor of the semi. I figured something must being going really wrong if it was loud enough for me to notice (I could never double as a mechanic…), especially in my tired, worn out state. I looked at The Rancher to confirm my suspicions that we were in trouble and yep… he had that oh-crap-don’t-let-this-be-happening look on his face. Of course we were part way up the hill and it took all the power the broken down semi had to make it to the top. I might have been saying, “I think I can, I think I can…” all the way up…

The Rancher jumped out to look under the hood to see what was happening (and borrowed my phone for a flashlight since it was dark at the point) and saw that oil was shooting out one side (if he was telling you the story he would tell you where, but you already know that I can’t tell you those details of the story!). The final diagnosis was that something had broken and that semi wasn’t going to make it home.

Hmmm… what is a rancher, wife and kids supposed to do with a dead semi and a bull wagon full of tired, sore, hungry, thirsty heifers. I dunno either… Call the calvary, I guess. So we did.

First we called The Buckaroo (who had managed to make it to the tail end of the branding earlier in the night) to turn around and come get myself and our tired kids. To make it a little more tricky, his phone was dead so we had to call his girl (she was following him home for the weekend) to get him to stop and turn around. Then we made a call to some of our dearest friends and neighbors, who farm and have their own semi. We interrupted their night to beg them to come and save us.

It ended up that they needed a little saving (thank goodness for brothers that live close by!) of their own because their semi was dead and had to jump it to get it started. Not a very good way to start a midnight rescue. But the pair of them got it running and headed out.

The Ranch Boss must have had a moment of inspiration because he called us just as we pulled off the road to see how things were going. When we explained what was going on, he jumped in the ranch truck and had the sense to throw in some blocks in the back, just in case.

Once everyone arrived the fun began. They had to unhook and jack up the trailer, still full of heifers. And that wasn’t as simple as it sounds. These jacks aren’t ones that you can adjust. Its a one time guess to have them up to the right length. Being on the road they had to add in the blocks The Ranch Boss brought to make sure they didn’t break through the asphalt. You can imagine that 30,000 pounds of pressure on two small jacks could present some real issues. Once the trailer and jacks were set, they were able to limp our dying semi off the road and out of the way.

The next step was to hook up the rescue semi. Again, not as simple as it sounds. this semi wasn’t as tall as ours (apparently we have big tires- once again I can’t tell you the details…). The guys had to rig up a sort of ramp to get the back end high enough that they could hook on to the trailer and get the jacks off. That only took like 4 tries…

Finally the rescue crew headed home and made it to back up and unload in the dark. I quick jumped in my mom-mobile to help shine a little light on the unloading chute to hopefully make it a little easier for The Rancher to back up to. And here I have to throw in how awesome of a backer-upper (is that even a word? I just made it up…) The Rancher is. He backed that semi up in dark and hit it right on the first time. Amazing! Who knew such a skill existed! All that was left was to convince the worn down heifers to unload.

What began as a long fun, long, hot day turned into an even longer, exhausting day. But we made it, thanks to some incredible friends and neighbors. I’m pretty sure that I owe those boys some brownies!

Changing Sprinklers with The Rancher’s Wife (because I LOVE it!)

May 20, 2014 by Allison

My high school summer work was working for a neighbor on his ranch (no surprises, right?). Every morning we would start the day moving the wheel lines and a few hand lines. I loved it. Every part.

I’m not really sure why- maybe it was knowing that the work we were doing was growing the hay we would harvest. Maybe it was doing a job that I could do well. I would say that it was playing in the water, put at that time in the morning the water was COLD. I actually wonder if I didn’t love it because it was one of the times that my OCD-ness really came in handy- straight wheel lines, unplugged nozzles, the birds standing upright…

It has its bad moments- like when you have to get the heavy mover through the ditch and you fall in. Ya… not so cool. Or you have a riser blow its top, continually. In fact, I have an Instagram buddy say Irrigation=Irritation. So true.

But still… I loved and still love moving sprinklers. And The Rancher loves that I love it. Its not too hard to hard to get me to come help and make the work go a little faster (isn’t that what every rancher wants in a wife?). Thankfully, he does it in the evenings when I can help out (and not egg cold!). He’ll go in one direction to work on a line while I turn off another. We jump between the different lines to get them drained, moved and the pressured up again. Of course along the way there are seals to fix, drains and nozzles to replace, or lines to wash out. It seems that something always needs a little fixing…

Doing this together for a few years we have learned a few things- bring the bag of tools, have a stash of oil and gas, and always wear water boots- even when you shouldn’t be in the water… because Murphy’s Law is a part of changing sprinklers!

** Funny side note- when I asked The Rancher’s Sidekick what I should title this post he said, “Um… Lemonade!” Yes, it is a sprinkler changing, lemonade sippin’ spring day at our house. Summer is on its way!

Made it to the Finals!

September 13, 2013 by Allison

After the summer of team penning and brandings (and sortings… I don’t know why we don’t ever mention that in the name…) the winners have a chance to come back at one final competition. The Rancher made it on a team for the team sort. The team wasn’t too competitive but The Rancher did good. And more importantly he looked good doing it!

The Rancher’s Sidekick even took some pictures on my phone. Yes, kids are so tech savvy…

Can you see all of the MUD in the arena? We had a beautiful, wonderful rain storm the night before that soaked the arena. Along the side of the grandstand was especially bad because there was runoff from the roof as well. It made for a fun ride!

My Favorite Kind of Day

September 9, 2013 by Allison

The ranching men were moving cows again and they did it in the best way. They brought them in front of the house so we could easily grab some pictures and come along. They initially were only moving one bunch but since they had the men and the time they moved another group. It was really time that they did too because this darn bunch of cows were always getting out! Funny how being without feed makes these cows get out…

The Super Rancher

September 6, 2013 by Allison

There is a lot that being a dad requires. Probably more than what The Rancher ever thought he would have to do (you can imagine some of the icky things has been privileged to do). But there are days the cool days when he is so much more than a dad. Days when he gets to strap on his Super Hero cape and save the day!

Like Friday. I opted to not do laundry and go on a ~~rough~~ romantic ride to help fix fence (read wrangle kids while The Rancher fixes fence). This fence was by a water trough, that had a hole. Which meant there was mud… everywhere. That innate-boy-instinct to get in the mud got the best of The Rancher’s Sidekick and before long he was in the mud UP TO HIS KNEES. This momma was so thankful he was in shorts and water boots (minus socks). Ya, we have learned over time…

But when you are up to your knees in mud you need a little help. A Super Hero to save the day! Like The Super Rancher! What a dad!

The Color Green

September 6, 2013 by Allison

The Ranch Boss, The Rancher’s grandpa, was looking over the hay fields and commented how he loved that color of green. We looked out across with him at the new seeding that was just popping up through the dirt. He turned to the other end of the field and commented with an air of satisfaction that the only color of green better is the rich color of the growing alfalfa hay.

He is right. Nature’s shades of green are so beautiful, but especially these shades. This color of green is more than a hue. It shows the hard work, diligence and commitment these men have had to grow their crops, especially in the midst of a drought. The straight continuous lines of sprouting grain give hope of a new harvest. I think mostly this kind of green means success and satisfaction.

I guess we like to GO GREEN after all, just not the green most think of.

At the County Fair

August 16, 2013 by Allison

Oh how we love fair week! I thought I would drop a line to tell you I am still kicking, just busy playing at the fair. I don’t have any pictures for you today… Sorry about that… But soon, very soon!

In fact, I don’t know if I have told you or not (I don’t remember very well) but I am having camera problems. One afternoon I picked it up to take some pictures and I noticed the sensor had gone haywire. I took it in praying it was a simple fix. Of course it ended up being bad enough we had to send back into Nikon. That was two weeks ago… I checked in on it and they haven’t even done the diagnosis yet. I am beginning to feel IMPATIENT!! Thankfully The Rancher’s mom has the same camera and will loan it out to me when she’s not using it. But then I still need to grab pictures from her… I know, I am letting you down.

So lets talk about the fair instead, it is much happier to chat about.

Even though we don’t have any kids old enough to be in the fair, we still have been averaging about one trip a day and which are usually followed by LATE nights. Starting with Monday, the Team Penning and Branding that besides The Rancher roping we also provided the heifers. This is such a fun one to go because so many of our friends and neighbors come out to it.

After sleeping in the following morning (I’m not going to admit how late we slept) we began the work of prepping to go over once again. Besides gathering dinner, jammies, blankets, and tractors every cowboy and cowgirl needs, I had a little extra work of getting together my pictures to enter into the fair. Don’t worry, we made it amidst all of the craziness and all I forgot to do was my makeup, no biggie… Besides entering my pictures the fair that night we took found a seat in stands for the free concert- Charley Jenkins! He is an up and coming country singer from Utah. His songs were so awesome- they were all about The Rancher, I swear!

We weren’t terribly interested in the sheep show so we chose to stay home Wednesday. Oh how I loved it! I even swept and mopped my floor! Of course you would never guess it at this point. Living with a little boy that plays in the dirt and a big boy that work (plays) in the dirt all day means that this house doesn’t stay clean.

Thursday was our big day. Cowboys Pete and E had their steer show- a must see! And to know surprise they did a great job showing. When the cattle are all done they do an open showmanship class that I borrowed Cowboy Pete’s steer. We totally took first place! I’ll have to see if anyone took a picture for proof. The night ended with the Family Fun Rodeo. This isn’t a typical rodeo, in fact when The Rancher did his team roping he was minus a horse. That is what we call the poor man roping. I can guarantee that if they don’t catch right out of the chute that they won’t chase that calf down the arena.

Now I am sitting in sweats in my nicely air conditioned house, debating if it is nap time or lunch time. I think that this day calls for relaxing because tomorrow is more craziness. Oh how we love fair week!