Cows, cows, and more cows!

We've decided to jump right in to the cattle business! We purchased a small amount last year (about 30), but this year we felt really good about it and decided it was time for this new learning experience. So far we have purchased about 180 and are looking for a total of about 300. Its been adventure so far, but we've been in it all the way together and its been a good experience thus far. The following pics are of us working our cattle. We had to brand, tag, and vaccinate them all. Tyrel did most of the branding and I was in charge of the vaccinations. Thanks to Tyrel's family for all of their help! We really appreciate it, it was a much faster process with all of their help!

The cows all lined up and ready to go.

Branding is a very smoky and stinky process!

This is our brand, TB.

Tagging

Our brand

Ya I know we look puffy, but come on we're wearing about 5 layers, it was freezing! (By the way Dad and Mom, thanks for the new boots, this was the first time ever that my feet stayed warm the entire time!)

Tytyn helped Tyrel brand the last cow, he thought that was pretty cool! I branded a bunch too, but unfortunately none of those were caught on camera.

Thanksgiving

We were very blessed this year to be able to spend Thanksgiving with my family in Washington. We drove up to Utah the Tuesday night before Thanksgiving and spent the night at my Grandparents house and then got up at 430am to catch a 645am flight. Wednesday was my Birthday! So besides having to wake up super early to go deal with an airport, it was a great Birthday because I got to be with my family!!! The whole weekend flew by way too fast, but it was so fun to visit, play games, go shopping, watch the kiddos play together, and eat yummy food of course! I wish I lived much closer to my family, but it always makes the time we do spend together that much more special! Here are some pictures to highlight the fun times we had together, enjoy!

Tytyn was helping me blow out my candles.

Tyrel took the kids for a ride in the tractor, but of course it started to rain.

This photo will probably be in our Christmas card, I can't get enough of Tytyn's sweet smile in this pic!

My cute little buddy!

Getting pictures of these 4 kiddos was a job!

They're not quite sure of each other in this one!

My 2 best friends growing up came to visit me!

I love Thanksgiving! I should be conscious of my blessings the entire year, and I try to be, but at Thanksgiving I become more aware of all that I really do have! Despite a few setbacks in the past couple weeks (Tyrel losing his job, some health concerns, and 4 of our cows dying) I really feel SO extremely blessed. I am well aware that the Lord really does know us so personally! He know our weaknesses and strengths and the true desires of our hearts. Its amazing how specifically my prayers are answered sometimes! I am so grateful especially for my family! I don't know what I would do without my boys, they are everything to me! Tyrel is the most wonderful husband! He works so hard for our family and rarely complains about his long days! Tytyn's sweet spirit is so special! He is such a Mommy's boy and I love it! I love his constant kisses and hugs and his need for snuggling! They bring me so much joy and happiness I can't even describe it! I was born of goodly parents who have supported and loved me in all that I do! I have the best siblings! Even though we are all spread out in different places siblings are always permanent friends, no matter where they are you always know they will be there for you if you need it! My weekly and sometimes daily chats with my Mom and sister are what keep me sane! They are my best girlfriends! These are just a few of my blessings, but I wanted to share them with you. I thank the Lord daily for all that I have and always try to remember this saying; "What if you woke up in the morning with only the things you thanked the Lord for the night before."