The Branded Mountain Blog Spot

The last 2 weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster. When every other text message from your husband is negative, you start to doubt the process.

It all started back in January when we received a hefty amount of snow and sleet that remained for weeks.

Fast forward to February 16th. We had just returned home from a jackpot and found a cow in labor.

Unfortunately, we quickly realized that she had been in labor most of the day and the calf was backwards.

We slowly moved her to the barn and began to pull - with very little hope that this calf would be alive...

except it was! Knowing this situation all too well, we still did not give in to our wishful thinking. He could still perish.

There is always more to the story and I am sure you are wondering how the first 4 parts of this story have anything to do with The Branded Mountain.

Let's back up to the State Fair of West Virginia.

For the past 8 years, David and I had agreed we did not want any children. We had 7 amazing and beautiful nieces and nephews to care for and that was enough for us. We both absolutely love kids, but to be completely candid, the pregnancy journey never appealed to me. Of course the topic of adoption had come up, but David didn't want adopt without trying to have one of our own. Fair enough. No kids. We were perfectly content with our lives.

Anyone that truly knows me, knows that I crave structure and I love having control over my own life. Giving someone else the reins absolutely terrifies…

After the disappointment from Indiana, I was trying my best not to doubt the process. His timing and plan is everything. I just kept my prayers heading up.

This win restored my confidence in the plan and I couldn't quit thanking Him. I felt like we were back in the game. There is no doubt in my mind that God had a hand in that win and we had to keep going and building the boat.

Ok. What next God?

Kentucky State Fair is always our quickest turn around with less than three days. This would be the toughest and most emotional show thus far. Family was the competition and it was stiff.

Arriving in the middle of the night, we slowly set up and unloaded the cattle. Running on adrenaline and a short cat nap, we made it through the "settle in" day.

As we did our best to…

As the first outing quickly approached, my nerves began to spiral out of control. My number one concern was other people's perceptions. The last thing I wanted was to look like a fool.

The word about Man in the Mirror - affectionally known as "Pacer" - had gotten out. Pictures were distributed carefully and with intense calculation as he developed. So many people were waiting to catch a glimpse of this bull. I prayed to God and I gave it all to Him. It was all in His hands. The nerves started to subside and the excitement set in.

He hit the last pre-show weight goal two weeks ahead of schedule. He was finally growing some hair - which all livestock exhibitors know is hard for bulls in the summer months. His appetite was phenomenal and he was the easiest fellow to work with.

He was ready.

The first destination…