Happy New Year!!

Cause I'm Scrappy Like That!

I was "scrapped" by CindyDiane a couple days ago. Now I must tell you 10 tidbits about moi. Look at me gettin' all french on ya! Anyhoo...I'm really not that interesting, so I racked my brain for a day to think of 10 things. I still couldn't come up with all ten so I had to ask the husband if he knew of any. Lordy be here we go!

1. I have never been in a physical fight. But I think I could kick some serious a$$. I've told the husband that if I ever get mad enough to cause physical pain to someone, there will be no stopping me. He will have to literally pull me off. It would be a Ralphie moment (you know the Christmas Story).

2. When the husband and I were in college, he was elected mayor of the small country town where we lived. Let's just say the elderly locals did not appreciate the mayor shackin' up with his girlfriend. I dubbed myself the "Mistress of Penelope".

3. I don't have any children. I don't want any children. Just not my thing. No one has ever said to me, "You would make such a great mother." Actually, my mother said, "You would probably eat your young." Wasn't that sweet of her!

4. The husband has several nicknames for me. They include: Grace, Cow Whisperer, Mapquest, and Master Blaster (yeah, not going to explain that one!).

5. When I laugh really hard, I snort. It's very attractive.

6. If I were a lesbian, I would want a really hot brunette girlfriend. I mean really, who wouldn't?

7. Several months back the husband decided he wanted to wrestle with me. Somehow he got knocked out. The details are very sketchy. One pupil was the size of a penny! He had two knots on his head. I told him I couldn't take him to the hospital 'cause a spousal abuse charge would most likely hinder my career. Needless to say, he hasn't wanted to wrestle since then.

8. I was addicted to Coke. The drink not the drug! It was really bad so about 10 years ago, I quit cold turkey. I released myself from the monster's grasp! Now I drink Sprite Zero. I'll have one in the evenings with supper.

9. I have NEVER gotten a ticket. All the officers I've encountered have been sweet enough to let me off with a warning. I find that the truth is the best policy. I say, "Yep, I know why you stopped me. I was going a little too fast. No real excuse for it either." Luckily, I haven't been stopped in a good long while. I don't care to press my luck anytime soon.

10. I LOVE hockey. Especially the fights. That's why I enjoy minor league hockey the most. They fight more. I am the freak sitting on the ice, banging the glass when the players slam against it on the other side. Yep, my name is The Wife and I am a hockey nut. The husband used to take me to a game every year for my birthday. Since we've moved, it's been harder to make it but I still love it just the same.

Wow, looking back over my list, it seems I have some violent tendencies. Hmmm, let's move on shall we.

Now that I have strained my brain, I want to pass the burden on to others. I would like to know more about the people who follow me. So for all you followers listed over there, if you haven't received the Scrap award yet, take it and tell us something about yourself. Be sure to let me know when you've posted it so I can come check it out.

The Sun is Showing Thru the Clouds

I think brighter days are ahead of me now. After three days of crying, I feel better. I made it thru the night without bawlin' (but the two Tylenol PMs I took might have played a factor in that!). So there was a reason I was drooling on my pillow this morning when the husband called to see if I was awake!

Anyhoo....I want to say THANK YOU for all the kind words you left me. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of people out there. Y'all are awesome!

Now, I was "scrapped" yesterday so I have to start thinkin' of some great things you all don't already know about me. Hmmmm. I thought y'all learned your lesson from the last meme not to be asking me such things cause you never know what I am going to say. Alrightie then, I will see what I can come up with and get back to ya. Until then, peace out my pretties! (Yeah, I know that doesn't make sense! Work with me here!)

The Duke

Many of you had asked about Duke. I have been putting my thoughts together to post on him. But I never thought my post would turn into a memorial. My precious Duke was hit and killed on a country road Saturday morning.

The husband and I left the house early to go to the lease place to check/feed cattle. As we pulled out of the lease gate, the husband got a call from our neighbor. He said he saw Duke alongside the road. I could tell by the husband's conversation, it was not good. Our plans for the day were no longer important. As we made our way home, it came a downpour. Thoughts were racing thru my head...maybe it's not Duke, maybe he's only hurt and we can rush him to the vet. As we got closer to the house, my heart dropped. We found him along the road in a field. I jumped out of the the truck and went to him. As the rain poured and the tears streamed, I knealt down in the mud and stroked his sweet head. His beautiful life had been extinguished. The husband grabbed me and put me in the truck. I sat there bawling as he placed Duke on the flatbed. Then he drove us both home.

The husband buried Duke on the tank dam overlooking the place. He said that was the last place he saw him sitting. We had went out to the tank on Christmas and let the dogs play. His grave is marked with a wooden cross along with his collar and tags. As I cried at his grave yesterday, the husband hugged me and said, "He was a good dog. He will continue to look over us from here." Yes he was and I know he will be in my heart forever.

Wedgie Free Please

Usually I give the husband a very detailed list for Christmas. It includes the what, where and how of the present. That way he doesn't have to fret much with my present buying. Well this year, I couldn't really think of much of nothing for Christmas. Plus he has been working lots and hadn't had time to shop. So I didn't give the husband a list. On Christmas Eve, he asked what he could get me. I gave him a couple ideas and turned him loose on the town. Boy, I don't think some of the sales associates 'round here will ever be the same!

Christmas morning, he wakes me up at 4:45 to see if I am ready to open presents. Yeah, I'm not kiddin'! Finally, at 5, I rolled out of bed and went into the living room. Santa had come and our stockings were full.

Quite the mound of stuff, huh! As I made my way thru the goodies, this one item caught my eye....

Only my husband would go in search of wedgie free panties (which was not one of the items I had mentioned. Nor have I ever mentioned to my knowledge). He told me there was a funny story behind them. He went to the store in search of 'em. He finally found the sales associate that worked in the section and asked where the "wedgie free" panties were. I think she gave him a rather odd look but took him to the area. He said there were all kinds of wedgie free, no ride up drawers. As he sat there and looked, on one of the main isles of course, he grew a little embarrassed. The sales associate asked him what kind he was looking for. He replied he didn't know, just wedgie free. He grabbed what he thought were good ones and she said you sure you want those? He said he didn't know. The girl said those are also know as "granny panties." The husband said he threw 'em down like a hot potato. No granny panties allowed in the Crazy M house! He advised the girl he had the task under control now and she could return to her post. He searched the masses of wedgie free drawers until he found some he thought would work, hipsters. He was a little disappointed he couldn't find the bikinis but the hipsters were much better than "granny panties."

Later that morning after the present openin', I took a shower and tried a pair of my new wedgie free panties. I'll be doggone, all day long, I didn't have one wedgie. They are true to their advertising! The husband has released me from the evils of wedgies! Oh what a great Christmas!

A Merry Christmas Wordless Wednesday

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Y'all are so lucky you can't hear me singin'! I love the Christmas tree. It is one of my favorite things about the holiday season. The husband and I usually get a real one. I love the smell of pine in the house. But since we moved into our house two years ago this December, we have realized that a real tree is just not feasible for our tiny living room. I tried last year but it took up most of the room! So this year I broke down and bought a slim artificial tree. I figured we might as well get a tree that will fit in the small area allotted since I doubt we will be moving anytime soon. Despite the disappointment of not having a real tree this year, the fake tree turned out pretty nice. What ya think?

Pretty cute, huh! That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

I have a passion for ornaments as well. I buy a few every year to add to the tree. And of course, there is a theme. Let's see if you can figure it out....

I know, I know, it's not very obvious. I just can't walk away from a western ornament or a cowboy santa. Is there anything you can't walk away from this time of year?

Sunday Stills-Food Challenge

Is it bad that I haven't really cooked much since last Sunday. I had to get up this morning and bake to have pictures for this challenge! Then my internet went down and I couldn't post until now. I think the stars are against on this one!

Anyhoo...here is the preparation and my big stack of ingredients to start the morning off.

What a mound of stuff! Okay, I started off baking mini pecan pies. I make these for the husband to take in his lunches every once in awhile. I give em as treats at Christmas to co-workers as well.

I've gotten the crusts in the muffin tin and filled them with pecans.

Then I add the ooey gooey mixture that makes them so yummy!

Then after a little over an hour, you get these lil gems....

And while the mini pecan pies were in the oven, I made my yearly Christmas candy.

The husband loves the candy. His favorite thing to do is eat it with his morning coffee. I've never had anyone turn this stuff down! It looks pretty funky but it tastes delicious!

And finally, from my kitchen dish towel to yours.....

The Final Version

We did manage to get one decent photo for the Christmas Card. It's not the best but it worked. My grandmother called earlier this week. Asked when Duke was going to start school. My kid was getting very big!

I know everyone is busy so I wanted to take this chance to wish y'all a Merry Christmas. I hope Santa brings you everything you wished for and more.

Happy Holidays from the Wife and Husband!

When Yorkies Attack!

If his body were as big as his attitude, we would be in trouble!

Burnt Hair to Marshmallows

We worked the last of our calves on Sunday afternoon. They got their shots, ear tags, wormin', brandin' and blood sample taken for DNA purposes. They did really well. No great wreck to speak of or excitement.

Here are a few shots of a couple in the chute....

This is Mojo. He's a little on the crazy side. He gets all twisted up and will run blindly in all directions.


As you can see, he was not a happy camper. He was tellin' us about it too!

And then there was Bambi. I named her that because when she was born she looked just like a sweet little deer.


You can see by the expression on her mug, she was pretty perturbed with the whole situation. The "can we just get this over with" look kills me!

After we finished and were in the truck, I mentioned to the husband that I could still smell the burning hair from branding. The odor gets in your clothes and sticks with ya. What's amazing is a few hours later, I was soooo hungry the smell had morphed into roasted marshmallows! Sick, huh!

Doghouse

This seemed appropriate after this weekend. This is what I received at work today...

You think the husband knew he was in the doghouse!

A Difference in Opinion

Not only did the husband get the head mount of the elk, he also had a few other things done. He had the hide tanned and a gun rack made. The hide is nice. I don't mind it. We have cowhides around the house. So it's not a big deal. The husband put it over the back of the leather loveseat. It's fine. I'm cool with it.

But then there is the gun rack. The husband was so excited about it. Thought it was "awesome" in his words. Then I saw it.....

It creeps me out. I don't mind heads and hides laying around the house. But when we start decorating with limbs and parts, that's just where I have to draw the line.

I told the husband he was NOT putting that in the living room. He layed it in the office. Now he's hid it in the corner. Said he was afraid I would "do" something to it! I did have thoughts of letting the dogs "find" it. I bet they would like it! But I wouldn't do that.....really, I wouldn't. So what do y'all think? Awesome or creepy?

There's an Elk in my Bed!

The husband went on a Colorado hunting trip the Thanksgiving before last. He shot a huge elk and had it mounted. Well, he just got it back and let me tell ya, our house was not built for an elk mount (fyi, our house is only about 1000 sq ft.). He had wanted to put it in the living room. We tried several different spots but our ceiling is too low or the elk's antlers are too wide, or the possibility that I will poke my eye out is too great!

The husband finally decided to put it in the spare bedroom. So he and the father-in-law attempted to take it down our small hallway. Well, the husband tried on his own at first as me and the FIL watched. After giggling at him, the FIL decided he should step in and help. I on the otherhand thought getting the camera would be more appropriate. It took the both of 'em and several minutes to get the thing manuevered thru the hallway door and down the 3 ft. hall.

They saw me taking pictures, so they thought they would add a festive touch to the poor thing.

They finally got it in the room and the husband decided it would work on the wall. But, as you can see, it is only a few feet off the floor cause the antlers hit the ceiling. Not the best placement.

So he was placed on the bed for further consideration.

I think the elk's expression says it all during this quandry.....

Do ya think he's laughin' his butt off about the situation? Well, figurative butt that is!

Some Housekeepin'

Now, y'all know me better than to think I was being literal about housekeepin'! Come on. I have received two awards and been tagged with a meme. So I thought I would kill three birds with one stone cause I'm cool like that.

First, Mickey over at The Horsehoeing Housewife gave me both these awards over the past couple weeks. I think she's been in the sun too long looking for Sugarfoot or something! She has a heart of gold and I just love keepin' up with her adventures. So for each one, I will pass it on to some new blogger buddies I have found.

I pass this one of to:

1. Reddunappy

2. Carrielt

3. Tatersmama

And this one goes out to:

1. W.O.W. Factor

2. Neas Nuttiness

3. J&J Acres



Now, down to the business of the meme. I was tagged by Lil Mama over at Mommy in Spurs. She's a hoot and I'm glad I found her. Or she found me. However it happened. So I must tell you six things about myself that you most likely do not know. I don't think she knew what she was getting into by givin' me this meme. Alrightie, here we go:


1. I was issued a bulletproof vest and a 40 cal. semiautomatic when I took my current job. Yeah, scary! I'm a klutz with a gun! My last job, involved a gun as well but they didn't bother with the vest. Hmmmm!? Where they trying to tell me something?


2. I was a sex offender therapist at a juvenile boy's prison right after I graduated with my Master's degree. In no way did my education prepare me for that job! But I sure got a new education!


3. I love rap and rock music. Especially dirty lyrics (how horrible is that!). I had one CD that was so bad, the husband took it away from me and gave it to a college boy!


4. I don't drink alcohol. No reason really, just never have. Though at times, I think I should. Please don't hold my nonalcoholic ways against me.


5. I lost about 70 lbs around 5 years ago. I got "fluffy" after we married. Lots of exercise and calorie counting. It was a hard long process but it worked.


6. I've had plastic surgery. Yeah, these teets are fake! It was my, well the husband's, present for me losing all that weight! (Family, if you didn't know, really? I know some of ya haven't seen me in awhile, but come on now! Love you!) On a side note, the father-in-law told me yesterday that according to MythBusters, they will not explode at high altitudes. Phew! Thank goodness for that!


Added bonus #7. And as you can tell, I will talk about anything! Sorry!


Oh, I hope I didn't run anyone off with my secrets! Please come back, I promise to keep more things private next time. Really, I swear! Unless you want to know something, then I'll tell ya.


Big teet hugs to all! Oh Lordie, I can't believe I just said that! I'm out of control. Please no more memes. I will run everyone off!

Sunday Stills-Pet Assignment

Linda, over at Just Another Day on the Prairie, has her friend Ed giving weekly photography assignments. That is right up my alley. Nothing better than issuing me a challenge! So this week's assignment was pets. Here is my submission.....




They have also set up a new blog just to showcase everyone's photographs. You can go check it out here. Maybe it will inspire you as well. The next assignment is Holiday Lights.

Miss Crazy M Ranch 2008

Big doin's at the ranch last night. We held our first annual Miss Crazy M Ranch pageant. All the cows were a buzz with the thought of being crowned Miss Crazy M. The barn was packed when the festivities began.

After several rounds of competition, it was down to the top two, Ruby Sue and Mudpie.

Ruby Sue

Mudpie

They had stunned the audience in the talent portion (Ruby Sue burped the alphabet and Mudpie mooed a revised classic called Who Let the Cows Out) so it was no surprise they were the ones to beat.


They each were given a current events question to help determine the winner.

Ruby Sue's question was: The administration of the nation will soon change hands. What do you hope will transpond from the change?

Ruby Sue's answer: "ummm..........World Peace!"

Mudpie's question was: The nation's economy is currently in a negative slide. What would you suggest to people in an effort to make it through these trying times?

Mudpie's answer: "I would suggest everyone become a vegetarian. Plant a garden. I will even fertilize it for you!"

The crowd erupted in applause. By the reaction from the audience, there was a clear favorite. However, it was up to the Judges to make the final decision.




There was a lot of headbutting going on by the Judges but a winner was chosen.


And the winner is.....................




Ruby Sue!


The crowd was stunned. They couldn't believe Mudpie was beaten out. The grumbles grew louder and louder. How could this have happened? But then, the realization hit them.

Of course Ruby Sue won. She has.......


well.....


BIG TEETS!

Friday Photos

First, can I just say, I really hate the shorter days. I leave in the dark and return home in the dark. How in the world am I suppose to enjoy my new camera if I'm not able to use it?? Can someone please answer me that! I have been in a tizzy about it all week. The couple of days I did manage to get home just before sunset were spent taking care of the animals. Yesterday was the only day I might have had time to take some photos but I had to move bulls by myself and I really didn't want a camera in my hand! The task involved moving the bull that chased me before and I know I would save the camera before myself!

Anyways, I did take some pictures last weekend. Oh, I've had several people ask what kind of camera I bought. It is a Canon Rebel XSi. I just received a new telephoto lens but haven't been able to use it yet. Plan on lots of photo time this weekend! Okay, here are some pics from the new camera.....just an odd asortment.

Harley was out working cattle with me.

Minnie and Pearl "Black Ops Commando Donkeys"

Some Fall foliage

"Ditch" the leg humping pitbull

And some cute lil donkeys. They were in a pasture by the arena where we bucked the calves last Sunday. The husband pulled the truck and trailer over on the road so I could take their pictures. They were too cute!

Okay, I promise great photos from this weekend. Well, maybe mediocre photos. I don't want to push my capabilities! ;o)

Way Back Wednesday!

The Wife at 15 months old.

Little Buckers!

Sunday morning we took the last of our 2008 calves out to see if they were going to be keepers or sale barners. Of course, Sunday morning was miserable. It was cold and windy. But that didn't deter us from our mission. We piled on the layers and headed out to our friend's arena. I think the babies were cold cause they bawled all the way there. Everytime we stopped, you could hear them. At one point, the husband got out to make sure they were okay. They were fine, just being very vocal about the trip.

Most of them had a good showin'. Here are two of the good ones. The first is a little heifer. I haven't named her yet. We bucked her about two months ago. She didn't fair very well so we gave her another shot. Sure glad we did.

Then there was this little bull. I call him Eyebrows cause of the markings above his eye. The husband says I have to rename him.

A couple will be headed to the sale barn this Friday. So long babies!

But a lesson was learned on Sunday......what was that you ask? Well, I found out that I can hold a camera pretty still while a pitbull humps my leg! Yeah, seriously!

Family Photos

The husband and I had the bright idea of taking a "family" photo for Christmas cards. For the picture, our family was going to include the husband, myself and our four dogs. We figured that would be enough of a hassle not to include the horses, donkeys, cat or cattle!

I put the camera on the tripod and set the timer. Then ran back and forth between takes. Here are some of the out-takes!

As you can see from most of the pictures, Duke was the major problem throughout the photo shoot! By looking at him, you would never guess that he just turned one. He's still a pup and doesn't quite like to sit where you tell him to. And when you try to move him, he thinks you're playing and takes off. It tested the husband's patience but since we did it on my birthday, he stayed out there longer than he normally would have. And we did get ONE good picture. You'll have to wait for the card to see it!