Calving Season 2010

Well, I'm finally getting a moment to catch my breath and write about our busy month. We've been calving for about 21 days and have just over 1200 calves on the ground. We've enjoyed such good fortune this year with calving. 3 weeks in and we're already close to 3/4 done, and beyond that...we're at 100% calf crop!!! That's not to say we haven't lost a few...but we've had 17 sets of twins already!!! Anyone who's lost a calf has adopted one of our twins. We still have 9 or 10 cows raising two calves. This is simply unheard of! Our busiest day we calved out 52 cows during the day and 41 at night making it 93 in a 24 hour period. That's a lot of babies!

Reiny really enjoys helping at the barns. Everytime she comes with us she screams "Bye Grandma, I'm going to help the baby cows!!" It's really so darn cute! I love when the weather's good enough for her to come with us. She's so funny in the barns. The other day she was helping me clean a stall that had a calf in it and she went and pet him. After a minute she said "Mommy, he's cold." I told her to help warm him up by placing straw around him. I left her to the task and went on cleaning pens. When I came back, she had that calf COMPLETELY covered in straw. I said "Reiny, where's the baby?" and she said "Right dhere, Mommy" pointing to the pile of straw. I couldn't stop laughing and had everyone come take a look at Reiny's hard work!

It's been exhausting, especially since I've had to go home and take care of our 9 baby lambs we've adopted after working all day long, but nevertheless, it's rewarding. I know Reiny's having the time of her life, and that really makes it all worth it!

As a side note, Megan (Chase's wife) has been helping us this year and I can't say enough about how awesome she is! Honestly, I'm amazed at how well she's picked everything up! She so fast and it seems like she never gets tired! I'm amazed and I attribute a lot of our good fortune to her being here this year. I'm so excited to have her with us now. I really look forward to the years to come.

Here's some recent pictures from the barns...I'm post more when I can.

When the Cows Come Home...

Yes, friends...it's that time of year again. Last Friday we all came together and drove the cows the 16 miles home to the ranch headquarters, which can only mean one thing! CALVING SEASON!!! Jordan, James, and I stayed back at the ranch to sort and vaccinate the 2nd and 3rd calvers while Chase, Megan, April, Brian, Gracie, Natalie, and their friends Casey and Flora (as well as Olivia and Abby) all started the rest of the herd home from my house. Reiny, Jordan, and I went out and met them when they were about 6 miles from home and Reiny and I rode Reggie (the horse) the rest of the way home. Reiny looked so cute up there and was having a ball! She got tired by the time we made it back to the ranch and had all but fallen asleep on the horse in my arms.

It looked like quite a circus with all those little kids on horseback, but they seemed to handle things quite well. Gracie has great balance on a horse, and Natalie rode all by herself for the first time on a horse she's named "Snow" (can you guess what color he is?). We made it home...ate ourselves silly on "gut-buster chili," and watched the openning ceremonies for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The next day, we all took turns sorting the rest of the cows (about 1200!!!) and then vaccinated all the "heavy" ones. "Heavy" refers to the ones that are closest to calving...it's a good thing Jordan never used that term with me when I was expecting! April and I got COVERED in cow crap, but it was still a lot of fun...if you can believe that! I always like when April and Brian come for a visit...they are such a breath of fresh air.

Saturday night, Chase, Megan, Jordan, and I went to Salmon for dinner and a movie. The dinner was delicious and the movie probably the best one I've seen in years! We went and saw The Blind Side. That was such an awesome movie and I wish I had the nerves of steel like Sandra Bullock's character did!

Anyway, here's some pictures of the cows we moved home from about 40' in the air. Jordan lifted Brian up on our loader and he took some pictures for me. The only cows missing in this picture are the 2nd and 3rd calvers (about 450) since they were already sorted and vaccinated. Still quite an impressive herd...

It's true what they say...

There's no place like home!!! Oh how I just love Kauai...it really is starting to feel like my 2nd home. I know where everything is, where to find the best deals, and even the best places to eat. We had such an amazing time on the island. This trip was definitely not as stress-free as last year's trip, but I'm sure the 6 hour plane trip with the 2 year old had something to do with that.

Reiny LOVED the ocean!!! She was not even the least bit afraid of the waves or sand. One day the weather called for high-surf on the western shore, so we drove over there to see what their definition of high-surf was...oh, holy crap!!! Those waves were HUGE!!! (that's what she said :) ) There were locals on the beach with their surfboards saying "dude...no way am I going in today!" I look over and there's Reiny making a bee-line for the water! Needless to say...she LOVED IT!!!

We also took a train ride through an old sugar plantation, fed some wild pigs (and goats), went kayaking on the Wailua River up to Secret Falls, took a catamaran boat trip around the Na Pali coast to see whales and dolphins, went to Luau Kalamaku, and still found time to relax by the ocean and watch Reiny bury Daddy in the sand.

We also went snorkeling with sea turtles and Reiny would lay on her boogie-board with a "peep hole" into the water and watch the fish swim underneath her. She loved the brightly colored ones!

The whole trip was just awesome, and everywhere we went the people kept saying they couldn't believe how well-behaved Reiny was! I thought so too!! When we took our boat trip, the crew was so worried that she was going to be seasick that they stuck us in the back of the boat. Reiny had about enough of that and ran to the front, held on to the railing and was squeeling at the top of her lungs "wook at me! wook at me!!! wook mommy a doffin!" There were grown men spewing there guts out off the back and there's my 2 year old trying to jump in to catch the dolphins!!! It was amazing!

We went to a luau and Reiny just watched in total amazement! During the dinner portion, Reiny went up on stage and started shaking her hips. Everyone started to laugh and some people were actually taking pictures of her!! AHH...she'll probably be the next star on YouTube!

We had such a great time as a family and I even got to do a little shopping this time before we took off, much to Jordan's dismay :) Reiny slept the whole flight home and picked up her usually schedule like she'd never missed a beat!

Now we're home and potty training!! Reiny's doing awesome. I was ready to quit half way into the first day, and started crying when she wet her 5th pair of panties. Reiny said "Mommy, are you sad?" and I said, "yes, Reiny, I just want you to pee in the potty." She said, ok, and went in the bathroom and peed in the potty!!! After that she didn't have anymore accidents that day. On Sunday she only had two accidents, one as they were saying the closing prayer in Sacrament. She said I have to pee and I ran her to the bathroom, but we didn't make it in time. then during the Super Bowl we all got distracted and forgot to take her when she asked...opps! In any case, she's doing awesome with that too and today (cross my fingers) no accidents yet!!! Yay!! Wish us luck...we might be getting somewhere!

Reiny...where are you???

So the other day I was busy doing something in the bedroom (probably folding the massive amounts of laundry) and Reiny disappeared on me. I searched everywhere calling her name and nothing...no reply. As I was standing in the kitchen, I notice a cabinet door open just a crack that I don't use very often. I listened carefully and could hear what sounded to be candy wrappers being removed. I openned the door and low and behold, Reiny had found where I stuffed her leftover Halloween candy. Pretty cute...she even offered me some!


PS Please disregard the shaggy-looking hair...her hairstylist was on strike that day!

Hair...It's a girl thing!!!

Reiny has hair! Well, she's had hair for a while, but everytime she reaches a new milestone with her hair I just have to stop and remember the months of baldy-baby comments I endured to get to this point!!!

Behold...the pig tails!!!



The last picture was taken at nursery...Reiny's Aunt Catherine made this awesome dress!

Christmas 2009

Ok...I have my camera, the toddler's asleep, my house is freezing, but I'm ready to recap Christmas 2009.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. For some reason, I was really into the Christmas Spirit this year. Maybe because Reiny's two and can actually open her own gifts and actually knows who Santa Claus is! In any case, I decorated the house more than I ever have, I made a gingerbread house with Reiny...which I neglected to photograph for evidence of the day...CRAP, and I got most of my shopping done weeks before Christmas! The only exception to that was when someone asked Reiny what Santa was bringing her and she replied..."A new baby." After Jordan came down from the shock and we determined she meant a "babydoll," we headed back to Toys-R-Us to "send Santa a letter about Reiny's wish" (wink, wink). While there, Jordan found this Radio Flyer bike that had a seat that adjusted all the way up so Reiny's stubby little legs could reach the pedals. Even better, it was on sale! So, Santa got a request for that as well.

We went to Jordan's parents house on Christmas Eve like we always do, and had strawberry waffles and openned our family gifts to each other. That was a lot of fun. Jordan got a new hydraulic jack from Boyd (probably so he'll stop borrowing his!!!), and I got a huge scrapbooking kit from Marijill! It is totally awesome and I can't wait to start working on it. I made a picture book of last years major events for Paula, and we bought Dad a new Hot-Shot electric cattle prod...nothing says "I love you, Dad" like a new electric shocking stick!!!

We had my parents here this year for the big day, which was a lot of fun. Of course, old traditions stood and we couldn't open our gifts until mom was dressed and had all her makeup on! We got the whole thing on video! Reiny came out of her room...saw all the gifts...then ran right to the kitchen set my mom and dad got her for Christmas. She played with that forever before we could convince her to open her other gifts. She also got a Melissa & Doug art easel from Jordan's parents, the baby and bike from Santa, Elmo Live Encore from Mom and Dad, as well as some clothes, candy, and an Elmo movie. Needless to say, Reiny made out A LOT better than any of the rest of us. I got Jordan a motorcycle helmet (kinda a crappy gift, but expensive and necessary none-the-least) and new skis and boots for his birthday (which we bought back in August since the deals were so awesome). Jordan was kind enough to wrap up my hot glue gun to throw me off his trail...he booked another trip to Kauai, Hawaii. We leave Jan. 23 and don't come home until Feb. 4th!!! The best part is...Reiny is coming with us this year! I'm so excited to get away and especially excited that Reiny will be with us the whole time. This should be nice for all of us.

Anyways, Christmas evening, we had EVERYBODY out to our tiny 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house for Christmas dinner. Jordan's parents, Chase and Megan, Jilli and the boys, as well as my parents and our family crowded into our little kitchen and had apple-spiced pork for dinner. It was a lot of fun, and slightly overwhelming to the obsessive-compussive neat freak (ME!!), but nevertheless, I wanted to do Christmas dinner for once, and I did!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year, but I must admit that it was a bit of a letdown when it was all over...I was like "ok...what now" and I cried when I had to watch my parents leave yet again. It's hard not being closer to them. I just need to make more of an effort to get to New Mexico and visit.

Anyway...on New Years we went to my brother's cabin in Heber, Utah and used the ski passes my mom and dad bought us to ski for 2 days. It was "fabulous" (using a favorite word of Lauren's). I loved being on the hill again, but it was perhaps the best to get a call from my brother David saying he just changed a really nasty poopy diaper on Reiny while I was enjoying my winter fun!

I wish I was independently wealthy and every week could be like the week between Christmas and New Years...maybe someday...

Time to put the thoughts into words...

I need to post about Christmas and New Years...this I know, but since I left my camera upstairs in my dresser and my toddler is such a senstive napper, I really don't want to walk past her room to get it and chance her waking up (pathetic I know...all too well). So, rather that post a bunch of cool pictures and talking about the awesome things we've done, I'm going to take this time to put my thoughts into words regarding New Years Resolutions.

Here goes...Susan's 2010 Goals:

I have a lot this year. As some of you may know, 2008 was quite possibly the worst, most depressing year of my life. 2009 showed great improvement, thanks mostly to my drastic change in attitude. So, in effort to avoid a relapse into my 2008 self, I've been thinking a lot, and reading a lot, about ways to keep myself happy. I know a person has a greater chance of keeping resolutions if they are in writing where they can be seen frequently for motivation, so hopefully the same is true for typing...

Intellectual Goals:
~I want to finish reviewing algebra, trigonometry, and calculus and finally take, and pass, the math competency exam for teacher certification.
~I want to get my CDL (commercial drivers license)...yes folks, I want to drive the big-rigs with my husband when he needs my help. This goal sorta scares me to death, but hopefully with Jordan's help, I can feel more confident behind the wheel of our semi...
~I want to read 2 financial books a year. This one seems funny, but every year my father-in-law gives me books on financial literacy (perhaps he knows how truly illiterate I am on this subject), and I want to actually read at least 2 of these books every year, rather than stick them on the bookshelf in the basement. I know absolutely nothing about stocks, commodities, or trading...I rely solely upon Jordan to manage our stock portfolios, and it is time that changes. I need to be prepared for the emerging markets and hopefully this goal will help guide me.

Physical Goals:
~I want to be healthy, and look smokin' hot! I know that this one seems petty compared to some of my other goals, but everyone wants to improve on some part of their physical self, and I'm no different. I look in the mirror and see bat-flap arms, and thighs that rub in the middle (pleasant picture I know...). I'm sick of walking past the mirror as I climb in the shower and noticing a whole new plethora of cellulite bumps on my tushie. Time for a change...these next goals will help.
~Get up when Jordan leaves to teach seminary, rather than staying in bed 'til Reiny calls, and do my Pilates exercises for 20-30 min.
~Take a shower and get ready for the day before Reiny's up...this might be a challenge to do everyday, but at least do it on the days you exercise early.
~Take more time with yourself when you go out in public. Just because I spend most of my time around cows doesn't mean I have to look, smell, and dress like them too...
~Make a meal plan monthly. Hopefully, laying out a written plan for meals will help me stick to healthier eating habits.
PS If I looked like this when I'm done...that would be ok...


Spiritual Goal:
~Say your personal prayers every morning and night. Yup, and this is the only one I'm putting in this category. Someone once told me, that if I would commit to personal prayer twice daily, then all the other spiritual problems I'm facing would soon begin to disappear, so there you go...Just pray.

Business Goals:
~Write up a Business Plan for 2010 with Jordan. We need a map for where we want to go this year.
~Finish the paperwork to get our FIRC license for the hydroelectric powerplant. I want this done sooner rather than later, since practically everything we made last year was dumped into this idea, and without the FIRC license we will never see a return on our investment.
~Get the paperwork and red-tape done to finally separate all of our operations into LLCs. The cows need to be separate from the irrigation business, which needs to be separate from the powerplant, which needs to be separate from our personal assets. To truly feel financially secure, we need to brace for any legal liabilities we may incur in the future. Forming an LLC is the best way to do this.
~Send out bills monthly. Jordan and I need to sit down and bill for our labor every 3rd Sunday in order to not overlook things like we've done in the past.

Personal Goal:
~I want to be a bigger person. Jordan and I were talking the other night, and I came to the realization that I gather so much of my self-esteem by what I do for our business and the ranch. I'm good at what I do, go figure...I'm sure no one thought I would be when I first came here, but I've surprised everybody, mostly myself. In light of recent events, which I won't describe here, I need to be a bigger person and step back from these things I do so well, and let someone else try to learn them too. I love what I do here. I love all of my responsibilities. I love that I can be trusted with these responsibilities. Stepping back and letting someone else come in and essentially take over what I've learned to do in order to better themselves, will not be easy, but it's necessary. I must be a bigger person. This might not make sense to a lot of people that read this, if you actually made it this far, but that's ok...this is MY goal, and I know it's a necessary one for me.

Well, I'm sure I could list a hundred more goals I have, but I have to start somewhere, and these are the most important to me. I want to be happy. I want my family to see me be happy. I never want to return to "2008 Susan" ever again. I feel like I'm on the right path now and I just need to keep pushing ahead to help make 2010 and every coming year the best one of my life.

December 4, 2009-Happy 2nd Birthday, Reinster!

On December 4th you turned 2 years old. I can't believe it's been 2 years since you came into our lives. It seems like I was just 8 months pregnant, complaining about back pain, leg pain, and every other kind of pain there is! You have grown into such a beautiful young girl! I'm so glad that you finally have HAIR!!! You were our little baldy for the longest time.

This year has been one of the greatest years of my life. I'm so glad you shared in it with me. You've become my little buddy and I hate when I don't get to spend every minute with you.

Here's some highlights of your accomplishments this year: ~you became a walking and running machine!
~you learned, much to mommy's dismay, how to repeat every word you hear
~you became the youngest mascot of Leadore High School volleyball and the first toddler to have a vertical jump higher than most elementary kids!
~you managed to wrap your daddy even tighter around that adorable little finger of yours ~you learned how to float on your back in the tub
~you helped mommy raise 3 bum lambs this year (as well as learned how to kick some little lamb behind)
~you carved your first pumpkin ~you found out what "monsters" are
~you used the potty for the first time! (we'll continue to work on that!)
~you road a big yellow bus for the first time, and now have some strange love of this mode of transportation
~you learned how to roll your eyes!

Beside all you've learned and all you've accomplished, you have brightened every single day of my life. I love you, Reiny Marie...I always have and I always will. If I've learned anything during this 2 year journey we've taken together, it's that time goes too fast and I'm not sure I'll ever be ready for you to leave my side. Thank you for being patient with me as I learned what it means to be a mother. I hope some day you get to experience this same thing. Continue being my sweet little girl, and know that no matter where you go or what you do, Daddy and I will always be here for you!

Cute Video

Growing up so fast...does that mean it's time for the next one? Eeek!!!

Halloween 2009

Jordan and I had a very difficult time agreeing on a costume for Reiny this year. I wanted her to be a hula dancer and Jordan wanted her to wear her skunk costume again from last year. He claimed that she would fit in the hula costume next year, but not the skunk costume...true...and also, did I really want my daughter to learn to show off her "boobies" at such a young age? All crap, but I guess it worked cus she went as a skunk again...

We went to the trunk or treat at the church. Reiny loved it! She was a little scared at first, but quickly learned that all she had to do was walk to the next car and shout "trick or treat" and she'd get candy. I'm sure she was thinking "wow! I wish everyday was Halloween!" Here she is with her friend Jared (raggedy andy) and Lexi (pumpkin princess) and her cousins RJ (transformer) and Wyatt (Nemo).