The people have spoken.

and has won a $15 gift certificate to PGG!!

Goin' Green!!

It's Leap Day - Vote Now!

If you want to learn more about Leap Year - click above... it's interesting!!



Voting ends at 2:00 p.m. today - Pacific Standard Time

** and I thought I could live without comments :) ha!

mack's first ride...

in the wagon.

**listen carefully and you might even hear Ian say:

"I can't believe you let him do that"

... like he has any room to talk.

Name This Photo

I chose this picture for the HSD Education Foundation Art Auction, but am having difficulty in giving it a proper title or name.

so... I'm seeking your help!!

Give it a shot & you may just be the winner of a fabulous gift certificate!

Leave a comment with your suggestion by 7:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (2-29-08).
(one entry per person please)

** Be creative.
** Think outside of the box.
** Have fun and good luck!

I can't wait to see what you come up with ~

P.S. I figured that if Pioneer Woman could do this ... I might as well give it a try too.

just in case you were wondering

Murdock Lindsay sold yesterday for $1300.

Of the 80 ladies that were sold, my price was about average - not the highest, but definitely not the lowest.

Never fear - I'm not going to take it personally that I wasn't the top lady of the day, I'm just going to enjoy the fact that several cattlemen at the dinner last night said: "saw that your husband named one after you... and you're still married... that's a good sign."

** If you have no idea what I'm talking about... just re-read this post & you'll be feeling the love all over again!

comments

they're back...

this morning during my quiet time (away from the comments and the computer... totally HEALTHY - and a step in the right direction in GOOD use of my time)

I realized that the comments I receive are just as much of a ministry to you as what I write...

reading others thoughts...

thinking about things in a different way...

and developing friendships through comments...

so, I guess you can say that I needed the freedom... and still want it... but am at peace with putting them back.

call me indecisive.

call me crazy.

Connections, friendships, faith... they are happening... and the comments will stay.


... but the addiction is on it's way out the door!

Read away folks, comment if you want - but don't feel pressured ... and most importantly live the life you were created to live.

Peace.

my mom

always has the right things to say.

lives a joyful life.

knows me inside and out.

gives unconditionally.

is my biggest supporter and fan.

prays for me & my family faithfully.

enourages others whole-heartedly.

laughs easily.

sings birthday songs better than anyone I know.

appreciates simplicity.

cleans like nobody's business.

enjoys moving furniture.

is the definition of happiness.

radiates peace.

is a cheerleader at heart.

loves Jesus passionately.

speaks kindly of others.

is the best mom in the entire world.

I love you mom!!

...and I hope and pray that I can be half the mom you are!!

Happy Birthday!

a bit of a change

We pulled onto the interstate and headed west. The blue sky was just beginning to make its way through the fog. We began sharing the highs and lows of the week that had just ended. Laughter arose periodically. Moments of silence were few are far between. We talked about our children. We talked about the day to day struggles of household chores & work. We talked about love. We talked about birthdays. We talked about life.

We live different lives, yet struggle with similar things.

She has girls, I have boys. We both have short hair. We both drive a Chevy Tahoe. We both enjoy Mexican food. Jack Johnson is a favorite of both of ours. We like "order," but haven't been able to find much of that lately. We enjoy learning about and experimenting with photography. Technology is a common language. IKEA makes us sing.
But most importantly, we share the most amazing friend... Ronda.

Stacy hit the nail on the head with this post. PRESSURE. It made sense yesterday when I read it & it still makes sense today. It's something that a lot of us struggle with. Can you disagree?

I write my thoughts and feelings and insights and special moments and not-so-special moments, not for comments, not for praise, not for assurance... although each of those brighten my day and have allowed me to get to know my readers just that much better... but, I don't want to write just to get comments.

I want to write to share my life with those I don't have the opportunity to interact with on a daily basis.
I want to write to let others know that they are not alone.
I want to write so that someone somewhere will get a glimpse of God through me.
I want to write because I'm passionate about writing & about my life.
but...
I spend too much time with this wonderful thing called "blog world."

Never fear - I'm not going to stop posting. I can't. It's too much of a good thing, but I am going to stop worrying about who's commenting or who's not commenting. Are there any of you who think, "Man, I have 5 comments and she got 24?" Well, you're not alone. I'm pretty sure we've all done that (at least once).

I remember when I first started my blog. I would get 2 comments, 4 comments, and on really good days, there would be 7 or 8. I get more now. Blogging isn't so foreign any more. It's a buzz word. When you hear the word blog, you don't shake your head and say huh?! It's a technological tool that makes journal writing interactive & "alive." Having a blog has made my relationships with the people I care most about fun, but it has also become addicting. There, I said it... addicting.

I treasure your comments, but I also just treasure the fact that you read Bales & Tails, a.k.a. The Windy M.
I appreciate the time you take to catch up on what's happening in our life & the lives of those closest to us.

So here is the deal:

I'm going to join Stacy in taking some steps to managing my time a little better. If you want to comment on a post, or just say hi, or share a thought or two, I've added my email to the side, and would love to hear from you... but am not going to make it mandatory (not that it was before)... but I'm hoping it takes some pressure off of you too!

You don't have to come home from a vacation, or a weekend away and think to yourself: "oh my gosh, she's posted 5 times... I don't have time to comment."
Just read the journal of our life... and smile, laugh, cry, be inspired (or not), read a book I've recommended, and maybe even open your Bible.

Here's to a new adventure... and who knows, I may absolutely hate not having your comments and have to activate that little button again ... we'll see how it goes... but until then -

May your days be filled with peace.
May you walk with a skip in your step.
May your life be filled with purpose.
May you know that you are loved.

Geocaching

There are days when Mason doesn't get to go with Daddy.

There are mornings when the tears won't stop because Daddy has left without him.

There are mornings that the routine he once knew so very, very well is foreign to him.


... but on those days when he has to be away from the cows, the 4 wheeler, the feed truck, the semi, the loader, the dogs, the farm...

he gets to go geocaching!!

... and in his world, finding treasure is almost as great as being with Daddy... almost!

** pictures taken by our #1 daycare mom - Deb **
Thanks Deb for helping keep his mind off of the cows... at least for a few minutes! :)

Reading...

a little bit of this, and a little bit of that.

and wishing all my Saturdays allowed for such things.

but then again... I guess I wouldn't treasure such things if they were to happen all the time.


"Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be a living expression of God's kindness. Kindness in your face, Kindness in your eyes, Kindness in your smile, Kindness in your warm greeting."
~ Mother Teresa

** Hmmm... I wasn't as kind as I could have been this week. I had some issues with communicating clearly, too high of expectations set for myself and others, and a slight ego problem. Looking forward to leaving those issues behind as a new week begins!!


"The Bible says: God speaks once, or twice, yet no one notices it. Most people have no template for intimacy with Him, yet it isn't enough to simply believe in God. ... I found that God not only spoke in the crises but also in the mundane events of my life. Soon intimacy with God was no longer a myth. He was available, responsive, and interested in making contact. I only had to ask and believe it was possible in the first place. After all, God Himself said: And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you.
God is knowable."
~ Susan D. Hill, Closer Than Your Skin

** Susan is an author that is going to be coming to our community in a few weeks. I'm looking forward to meeting her and really diving into this book I was given!!


"Time is a noun, a verb and an adverb. " Have you got time?" "Time yourself." "What a timely idea!" May your life be filled with the best use of the word time."
~ Claude Farley, When the Light Turns Green... GO!

** Uncle Claude - a man who spent his life constantly trying to strike the note of positivism... "think, speak, listen, eat, drink and sleep positively." I was blessed to know him and miss him dearly.

Each of my "reads" were:

Thought provoking.

Challenging.

Inspiring.

and definitely worth reading.

Hoping and praying that your Saturday was just as great as mine - if not better!

an interview with my cattleman

Ok - so I just want to ask you a few questions... are you alright with that?

Yeah - fine... but what's this for?


Well... um... probably the blog.

Seriously?

Well... maybe not... we'll see.


Who in the world is going to want to read about me on the blog?

Lots of people Ian. Not very many people know you that well... and I hate to tell you, but they read about you almost every day in some sort of way.

Yeah - I guess. I'm kind of a "by myself" kinda guy huh?


Sometimes.... but that's not a bad thing - it's just how you are.

Ok... so are you ready?

You act like this is some interview for the news or something.

Well, in my world... an interview with you is HUGE!

Ok, well - let's get this over with. (Chuckle)

What is something that you've learned during the last year?

Hmmm...That it's ok to do nothing, and enjoy it... it's actually kinda nice, but I don't think I'd make a habit of it.

Is there anything that I do that frustrates you?

Now, what kind of question is that?

Well - I just want to know if there is anything that I do that you shake your head at... don't worry, I won't get mad.

You never sit still. You're always on the go. It drives me crazy.

and you're not? Hmmmm... next question.
I know you love having cattle, but there has to be something about it that isn't so great.

Well, the hardest thing for me right now is finding pasture. Someday, when I have my own land (for grazing) it won't be so bad. Right now - it's hard. Oh, and everything costs more... but that's true with everything I guess.

And what is it that makes you so passionate about cattle?

It's challenging. It's different every day. It is a lifestyle, not just a job. Agriculture is changing daily... seems like hourly really, and that makes farming and ranching a hard career, but at the same time, it makes it unique. My dream is to own and operate my own cow ranch. Someday... it'll happen... and my boys will continue doing what I do. Hopefully. Well, I know Mason will.

Speaking of Mason - how has it been calving this year with a 3 year old by your side?

Linds, that boy is amazing. Parenthood has definitely taught me about sacrifice. It's hard work, it's challenging, it's different every day. Having him with me during calving was um...interesting, but worth it. He's the smartest dang 3 year old I know... and I love him. I love Mack too, but I definitely couldn't have taken him with me too. (chuckle, and a huge smile) Could you even imagine? Maybe next year.

Ok... here are some easy ones...

Town or country?

Country... miles and miles from town.

Pick-up or Semi-truck?

Semi.

John Deere or CASE?

John Deere.

Winter or Summer?

Summer. (not sure why, but I like summer... even if it is crazy busy)

Pull on boots or Lace up boots?

Pull on.

Barbed wire or wood?

Wood. These questions are kind of ridiculous.

Sons or daughters?

Now, what would I do with a daughter? (smile)

So, to sum up your life... how do you feel?

I'm healthy, I'm strong, I work too hard, I love to work, I'm learning to relax more, I appreciate you, I love my boys, I love you, I have a good life. I'm thankful.


Thanks - now that wasn't so bad was it?!

No, I guess not - now can I finish watching Lonesome Dove?

oh Ian - you are a classic... but that, my sweet cowboy, is why I love you!!

Cowboy? Hmmm... well, I guess you can call me that.

Happy Birthday Ian!

You are loved.
You are blessed.
You are one of a kind.

and I'm so very, very thankful you're mine!

crying doesn't last forever...

although it feels like it... especially this week.

It's been a long week - physically, mentally, emotionally...

just all around LONG.

There is hope.

There is a new day just around the corner.

and...

I'm encouraged by my youngest son
that even when it seems the tears won't stop...

sweet, sweet smiles still exist!

why, oh why, oh why??

do beds not make themselves?

do dishwashers always seem full?

do the floors always look dirty?

does my oldest son insist on doing everything himself?

do I dislike junk mail?

do my pants not fit so well?

does the line at Wal-Mart seem longer at the end of a day? (because it is)

do my boys change so fast?

can't Spring Break start tomorrow?

do I always forget to to charge my phone?

do papercuts hurt so dang bad?

does having a long weekend make it just that much harder to go back to work?


why, oh why, oh why ??

Progress.

It may not look like much to you, but to me... it's huge... and tomorrow should be even better!

casual conversation

our Sunday afternoon

Mason spent about 2 hours in the swather.

Mack spent some time in the laundry basket.

~ and that just about sums up our Sunday afternoon!

feel the love?

So for probably 3 of the 6 Valentine's Days I've shared with my husband (the farmer/rancher/cattleman), my gift has been new tires.

Yep - you read it right... tires.

New.
Expensive.
Tough.
Durable.
Reliable.
10-ply.
Did I mention expensive?!
Les Schwab tires.

Each year I received this gift of love, I would also hear the line: "Now Lindsay, do you really know any other girl who got a present worth $976.43 ??
And my response was always: "Well, I guess not." (in a confused, questioning sort of way)

This year was different.

I had already received new tires for Halloween and although that flyer that came in the mail a couple of weeks ago stating "Free Beef with purchase of new tires"was tempting, it only took me one quick trip out the freezer(s) to quickly remember this post: Freezer Space.

I should have known this year would top the charts because, well... it just was destined to be different.... and being the cattleman's wife that I am, I knew when the catalog arrived (well, actually the 3 catalogs packaged in the priority mail envelope) that this year's gift was straight from the heart.

Inside was this:



and on page 58:



Now... who wouldn't want to be 1 of the 80 heifers in the Lorenzen Red Angus Heifer Sale this month?

Happy Valentine's Day to me!

and just so you realize how simply amazing & wonderful my cattleman really is... I also had these delivered to me during the school district tech. meeting:



yep... a heifer named after me & roses.

It just doesn't get much better than that.

What makes a friend?

(photo taken by Shannon)

You’ll find her in her favorite GAP khakis, a white t-shirt and flip-flops. She’ll have on her wedding ring and maybe a pair of earrings. Her eyes are green, her lips might shine from her favorite Bath & Body Works lip balm, and her hands are always moving while she talks to you.
She’s expressive with her eyes and hands, and her words flow easily. She does well in a crowd. Her enthusiasm can be contagious… or at least that is what she’s been told. She likes to laugh, but doesn’t do it enough. Smiling is something that comes easily, and her ears are always “listening.” She lives a busy life and really doesn’t have much “extra” time, yet, somehow, she has these “relationships” with people. People of various ages. People with various interests. People who have crossed her path … maybe just a few times, maybe every day… those people are people she has connected with. Are these people her friends?... or are they just simply acquaintances that she’s had the opportunity to work with, eat lunch with, scrapbook with, share a coffee or two with, or maybe pray with?

What makes a friend?

She shares her heart openly and willingly most of the time, and even when she doesn’t know people that well, she does her best to give them the best she has to offer. Her blog has definitely given her the opportunity to connect with and develop relationships with people that she may see only once or twice a year, each Sunday at church… or maybe she has never even met them.

What kind of friend is she?

Do you know her from her youth, her days as a college student, as a teacher, as a co-worker, as the girl who greets you at the door of your church sanctuary, as the wife of the cattleman you knew as a boy??
If someone mentions her name, do you think friend or acquaintance? Do you say “I know her?” Do you say: “She’s my friend?” Do you feel like your life wouldn’t make sense without her?”

What makes a friend?

Do you have to spend a lot of time with them? Do you need to know their birthday, their favorite color, their shoe size? Do your similar interests or styles make you connect?
Or… do you just have to have an open heart, a listening ear, and the willingness to be a human being? A real human being… a person who, like so many others, spends time each day, wishing and praying and hoping for people to cross your path, for that person or people that just seem to make your world better… people who make you feel of worth, valued, important, special, irreplaceable.

This girl, me… I have many, many acquaintances. I come in contact with many people of all ages daily. I love walking through the grocery store and seeing people I know. Having conversations with Ralph, the doorman, at Wal-Mart is meaningful. I'm good at being an aquaintance. A happy person that knows a lot of people... but, I don’t want to be an acquaintance of many and nothing more. I want to be a friend. A person that people know they can call morning, noon or night with anything. I want to be a friend… even when it seems like there is not time, or it’s a lot of work, or it would be easier to just stay an “acquaintance.”

I want to be a friend.





... and I hope and pray you want to too!

today is...

my Papa's birthday!!

Papa - your little Lindsay loves you ~
and even though I'm a bit bigger now, there is no better place than in your arms!!

May you know today, tomorrow and the days to come, that you are loved!!

i'm lovin' it.

2 years ago I started this blog.

2 years ago I did "McTeacher's Night" for the first time.

2 years ago I gained a whole new appreciation for smiling.

Click on the golden arches and read all about it!!

The best part about my night...

• I was able to work with 2 of the same girls again this year
• I worked the drive thru and saw several familiar faces
  (I love living in a "somewhat, small town)
  
  and...
  
• I enjoyed a nice large "Rocky Heights Sundae!!"

That, my friends, makes my Tuesday just about perfect.

** if you'd like to see some photos of the night, you can check out our school site by clicking here **

Remodel

If you were given the option of starting from scratch or just fixing and remaking around what was already there... which would you choose?

How many times in my life have I wanted a fresh start? Something completely different?

I'm a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend. My life has lots of "stuff." There are days when I want a new look - new clothes, a new car, new shoes, a new hair-do, a better attitude, a constant smile, a peaceful world - who doesn't?!

But... I'm reminded today, that without the "stuff"... the freckles, the short hair, the dry skin, the head cold, the smile, the frown, the size 8 shoe, the cattleman & two beautiful boys... without that stuff, I'm not me.

I can grow my hair, I can take Airborne every 2 hours (probably not), I can take a bath in lotion, I can dream of a clean house, hay & poop free... but it doesn't change who I really am.




We're remodeling.
I've never been a key player in a remodel job. It's challenging, it's interesting, it's intense, it's unpredictable. It's a lot like life.

Life... starting as something created with perfection in mind... but from the very minute it's created, begins changing. Changing - sometimes slowly, sometimes at the speed of light, and most of the time, without a second thought.

As the next few weeks unfold, and the tile is layed, and the walls are re-built, I'm going to look at this part of my home and be reminded of life. My life. I'm going to remember that the stuff that holds me together, the stuff that makes me unique, the stuff that I so desperately want to get rid of at times... that stuff is ME.
The beautiful creation that God had in mind about 32 years ago... that girl... well, she has been living life to the fullest, she has experienced a bit of remodeling over the years (& is sure there is more to come)... but most importantly, this girl... this mother, wife, and friend... she's so very, very thankful that when things weren't looking so good, the best option was remodeling, not just striking a match and then starting over from scratch.

And the WINNERS ARE:

Don't you just LOVE being in a "comment drawing"??!!

(me, I'm just eatin' it up)

Are you excited?

Is the suspense just making you giggle?

Anne

Renee

Misty

Your prizes will be coming soon... thank goodness for the ESD courier!! :)

... and for all of you who commented, but didn't win (this time)... thanks for your comments, your friendship and for joining in on the fun!!

Pretty in Pink

Task for today:

1. Visit this GREAT blog: The Bugs Story
2. Smile.
3. Leave a comment for my creative friend at her blog.
4. Your name will be entered in a "comment drawing."
5. 2 names will be drawn at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow (2.7.08) morning.
6. Winners will be announced tomorrow!

Guarantee: You will LOVE the prize! (at least I think you will)

So... go leave a comment, say hello to Stacy and the Bug family, and have a happy Wednesday!

seriously people... all you readers out there... GO... NOW!

You may be a winner... what do you have to lose?

Who doesn't love an unexpected prize??!!

Cattle Questions (and Answers)

My childhood home on Wade Street was right in the middle of town. The grocery store was just a few blocks away, the fire station was across the street, and each of the schools I attended were within walking distance. I didn't have animals or pets. I rode my bike and played with dolls for fun. Town life (not necessarily "city" life) was the only life I knew.
I found it thrilling to ride the school bus on Thursday afternoons to Kelly's house for our 4-H meetings. Our club the Yummy Bunch was centered around cooking and crafts.
None of my friends had cows. Sarah had a horse that scared me to death, Micah had a dog as tall as I was, my cousins Brooke & Brianne had a pet mouse, John showed pigs every year at the fair, the Anderson kids had rabbits and the Freeman family had the dairy that I LOVED.
I was just fine with cooking and crafts, my dolls & Little People, and walking to and from school. Don't get me wrong, I liked animals/pets, but was totally fine with "visiting" them and not "owning" them. I liked going to the various farms of friends and family, & in my mind that dream of being today's version of Laura Ingalls Wilder seemed almost possible... but I never really thought it would become MINE - really and truly MINE!

so... my post today... "Cattle Questions (and Answers)" is more of a celebration of sorts. Celebrating the things I've learned, the questions I've answered, and the thoughts of this crazy cattleman's wife.

A few things I've learned:

• when building fence, put the boards on the inside (even though it doesn't look as nice)
• a tamper is essential when burying the bottom 1/3 of a t-post
• when your husband tells you to "go" while you're driving the feed truck - it is not the same as "hit it" when you're driving a boat
• bulls love lilac bushes and find it a wonderful place to bed down if by chance they are wandering freely in your yard
• even if your BBQ is on your deck, don't assume that it is safe from a raging bull or cattle stampede
• a boulder or rock isn't always the best option when trying to get a cow to listen to you
• when your husband tells you to get out of the way - he usually means it
• taking pictures while sorting cows isn't the best or wisest decision
• if your husband nods to the left, you should automatically know that he's telling you to shut the gate, not open it
• slamming on the brakes to avoid a baby calf is the worst thing you could do while your husband is on the back... unless of course you're mad at him... then it's probably the wisest decision you could make all day
• fancy cowboy boots are pretty, but pretty much useless... rubber boots are essential, can get covered in crap and you don't care... and they wash off in a matter of minutes.
• if a cow starts charging you, don't just stand there, but watch out for slippery cow pies while running for cover.

A few questions I've been asked and done my best to answer:

• Q: Do all cows (boys and girls) have tits? A: Um... no... interesting question. Have you ever seen a bull?
• Q: Is it safe to wear red? A: I do, and I'm still alive.
• Q: If a cow has twins (a boy and a girl) are they fertile? A: The boy is less fertile, but the girl is infertile.
• Q: Doesn't branding the calves hurt them? A: Of course it does. Would you want to be branded? ... but, it's over in a matter of seconds and they seem to get over it quickly.... honestly, I guess I've never asked.... so I really don't know.
• Q: Why do the baby and the mama have the same number on their tags? A: It's easier to know if they're paired up or not... especially when there are a lot of them in one place.... and well... it just makes sense.
• Q: What do cows eat? A: Ours eat Alfalfa and Oat Hay. Not sure if that's what every cow eats or not.
• Q: Do you feed your cows every day? A: Of course we do. In Ian's mind, they should eat before we do. I don't agree. (In the summer they fend for themselves in the mountain pasture.)
• Q: What is scours? A: The worst smelling, rankest, calf-killing diarrhea you can imagine.
• Q: Is your barn big enough for all of the cows when the weather is bad? A: Um, no. They get to enjoy life in the great wide-open spaces... rain or shine.
• Q: Why do you all have sticks in your hand? A: To protect ourselves. :)
• Q: Did you know that there is a sale on hamburger at Safeway? A: Seriously. You must not read the blog... or you've never had home-grown beef.

A few random thoughts from this cattleman's wife:

• The smell of cow manure is 10 times better than dog doo... and it washes right off.
• Each winter I seem to relate better and better to these ladies that give birth to their beautiful, precious babies... and I can see why some of them seem to hate my husband after he takes their baby away 9 months later.
• Rubber boots, a sorting stick and gloves are necessities of life.
• Owning 10 cows is really no different than 200... they still have to be fed every day, and you might as well have 200 if you're going to have 10 and maybe make some money... or not.
• Cooking and craft 4-H was a great investment of time... I can cook for the crew on branding day, I can set a beautiful table for the luncheons I host (oh wait, that just happens in my dreams), I can take pictures of these animals I now get to call "mine" and scrapbook with the best of 'em, and I can honestly answer "I don't know how" when Ian asks me to help with something.
• Prayer is essential for everyone, but farmers/ranchers & their wives need it even more.

So... there you have it... a few questions, a few thoughts and another glimpse of our life (from my view).

Happy Tuesday!

Beauty Captured

Had some fun with my sweet sister today... can't wait to meet the little life growing inside her!!

Blessings to you sweet girl - only a few weeks to go!!