April is our busiest month with both cattle and farming. The fall cows were preg checked, we finished working and tattooing the spring calves, and are starting to move the cows to grass. The heifers and cows were synchronized and A.I.’d, and the herd bulls were fertility tested before going to pasture.

We have started planting corn and finally got rain the last day of the month. We really needed the rain as we had had been in a dry pocket. Now the grass will grow and it will help the planted corn. Since we are limited on our irrigation water, we never turn down rain even during planting time.

Hannah’s confirmation with Dru and Uncle T

There was joy this month with the Easter Season. And on Easter, Hannah came to an important event in her life and was confirmed. As she promises to live her faith, we hope God’s love will warm her heart and fill her life with blessings every day.

Coloring eggs was serious business for Tavin

Tavin proudly showing his dad colored eggs

Hannah with her karate trophies

Hannah accepting champion 4-H public speaking winnings

Hannah decided to enter the 4-H public speaking contest for the first time. I am a firm believer that being able to stand up and speak before a group is a valuable asset. We are proud of her as she won the county contest and received a purple on district level. She is enthused and ready to enter another competition. She also had winnings in karate this month. Needless to say she has had a busy month.

During the Easter holiday, our family was together for the last time. Vance lost his fight with cancer on the 18th of April. He was able to be home for the last few weeks, looking out the window at some of his beloved Angus. We have received hundreds of calls and cards for which we are very thankful. We miss him terribly as we continue down the trail, and go about the business of furthering his life’s work: God, Country, and Angus.

As per Vance’s request, the family held a private service in his favorite pasture. There is a memorial service online at www.tcranch.com.

I leave you this month with . . .

“May you always have Love to Share, Health to Spare, and Friends that Care!”

– anonymous