The little cowboys have extremely, large imaginations. They never cease to amaze us with their unique outlook on life. It is truly a blessing to have them so involved in our daily routines. No matter the mundane task, the little cowboys manage to find the beauty and adventure within. Sometimes I wonder how my grandma managed to raise her 3 wild boys, constantly steering the ship of motherhood with the unpredictable waves of childhood. Then I remember her ever present cigarette smoking mixed with her faithful prayers. Some days it takes all that you have, rewarded with the unconditional love from a child that we so many times take for granted.
Frogs and toads seem to be a constant source of amusement for the little cowboys. They proudly pack their prize along for the ride of the day. Recently, Nate found the king of all toads. The toad would have generously filled a gallon size coffee can. Mr. C. was especially fond of this gigantic version of desert amphibian. The toad expressed his affection towards his new playmates by promptly inflating to the largest size possible. He was obviously unaware that the little cowboys much prefer popsicles to frog leg fare. They spent the most of the morning performing swimming exercises, in the large horse trough we have enlisted as a swimming pool. Before long, the toad was exhausted from all the fun. After much coaxing, Mr. C. agreed to let the toad rest in the grass alongside. Never the less, the toad seized the opportunity to quietly retreat from his captors and return to his swampy homeland.
Big W. has been training our current orphan bottle calves to ride. Bottle calves seem to be naturally obnoxious, being raised without the maternal guidance of a bovine mother. What they lack in manners though, they do make up for in personality. Most bottle calves closely resemble the family dog’s behavior, rather than their sibling counterparts. Every chance he gets, Big W. is in the calf pen. It began with friendly games of tag, evolving into his training program. He coaxes the calf closer, offering pets and scratches. Once the calf is lured in, Big W. slides one leg over the calf’s back. The calf seems to go along with the fun momentarily, before bolting away or performing a quick reverse maneuver. Both result in dismounting of the rider. The process is repeated over and over, until one or both parties lose interest. They are creating an amazing bond that will last forever. We have cows in our herd that began life as an orphaned bottle calf. They never seem to lose that friendliness and connections to their human parents.
Dennis Timm
Another lovely story, Temi. Kids are so aware of what’s going on right in front of their feet so they don’t need long holiday trips like most of us to find their adventures. They are unconsciously a genuine part of the wonderful experience of life. It reminds us as adults of what we have lost in a long process of alienation towards Mother Nature.
Cowgirlcosmetologist
Thank you! They definitely live in the present, instead of being focused on the future. I fear we miss so much planning for the “tomorrows”, when we should be enjoying life today. Nature helps ground us, in that way too.
Linda Gage
Watching your boys makes me smile!
Cowgirlcosmetologist
Thank you! They definitely keep us entertained! 😊
Connie Blele
Awww….loved hearing about the adventures of the boys, brings back memories having two of my own. Kids have too much these days, it’s the simple life and appreciating it that are worth more than silver or gold, and make childhood memories that last a lifetime.
Cowgirlcosmetologist
We are very blessed to have the opportunity to live and raise the boys, where we do. It helps change our perspective of “happiness”. The joy of just being together in nature 😊
Becky
❤️
Shawna Ineck
Brings back fond memories of my little man at the ranch testing his cowboy skills, and usually his Dad’s and Uncle Tim’s patience. Love reading about all the great adventures! ♥️♥️
Cowgirlcosmetologist
Thank you! I remember one of the first times we had feeder onions delivered, Quinten was so little, he wore a one piece snow suit the whole time 😊 Amazing how fast time goes by!