I am a western mom and rancher's wife living in western, ND, with my husband and 3 kids. We are surrounded by an ever-changing landscape shaped by wind and weather. Days are never dull when you factor in a dog, numerous barn cats, 6 horses, 125 yearling heifers, 450 cow/calf pairs, and 25 bulls.

I can let my kids run free outside with only cows, snakes, and mountain lions to watch for and don't have to worry about a stranger grabbing them. My nearest neighbors are far enough away that the only way to reach them is by phone or to take a drive, but yet I could have a yard full of help at only a moments notice should the need arise.

My kids aren't in old enough for 1st grade yet, but they all know where meat, milk, and eggs come from and have watched a calf being born. They all know how to start the 4-wheeler and side-by-side, but also know that they are too little to drive them.

I can chase cows miles across the pasture without a tom-tom for directions, build a barb-wire fence, pull a calf, wrestle,brand and castrate calves, cook a meal for 80 people, sew a quilt and decorate a wedding cake. I can also put on a pack and spend 2 weeks fighting a forest fire, or respond to an ambulance call at 2am.

On the other hand, I really HATE shopping. The only good thing about it is the 50+ mile drive to town can be kind of relaxing if I can find a neighbor to watch the kids!