National Hug a Sheep Day! {contest}

Crazy Sheep Lady has coined National Hug a Sheep Day and I am loving it.

This year, National Hug a Sheep Day will be on October 29th and you better believe I am celebrating it!

So, here's how we are celebrating at City Life to Ranching Wife.

No, we aren't strangling sheep despite what the picture above looks like.

We are {hugging} sheep!

All you have to do is email me a picture of you hugging a sheep (it can be any kind of sheep – a doll, a picture. Get creative!) before October 29th and you’ll be entered in my little giveaway. That's it!

What will you win?

The winner of this contest will win this sheep picture frame.

How will I pick the winner? 

I will pick the winner at random, using a random number generator like this.

So, get to hugging and send me the picture! That's it! It's simple. 

By entering you are giving consent to have your picture posted on the ever so scary internet! I don't mind linking your picture to your blog or website, either. (Just a little more incentive to enter.) ;)

Email your pictures to citylifetoranchingwife(at)(gmail)(dot)(com) on or before Friday, October 28th.
 
The winner will be announced on October 29th.

Can't wait to see the entries (and crossing my fingers that I have at least one participant)!

Sleeping Single in a Double Bed.

It's haying season and our tractor only plays cassette tapes.

Unfortunately, J and I both the world stopped buying cassette tapes and made the switch to cds about, I dunno ten years ago?

Needless to say our cassette tape collection is non-existent. There is one cassette tape around these parts and it lives in the baler's tape deck. It's been in the baler's tape deck for a very long time. A very long time.

You might be wondering how I know this and what the name is of the lone cassette tape?

Well, I know this because J comes in every night singing and whistling the same tune from said cassette tape. It is pretty catchy, I'll give him that, but still quite annoying.

Take it away Barbara....

He's going to soon find himself sleeping single in the guest room.

I'm looking forward to whenever it is that haying season ends!

{and the Winners are...}

Thank you for the wonderful support over the past year! 

I'm glad you took the time to participate in my giveaways this past week and to all the sponsors... 

thank you!  thank you! thank you!

Stay Gold Media

Tragedies Cheesecake

JuJu Bees And Co.

Susan Alison Art

Crafty Carnage

Cedar Tree Farm Soap

Switch Designs NYC

Outside Peg

Lather and Lace

Without further ado....

Monday's Border Collie Card Set by Susan Allison Art winner is comment # 2:

Gin from Life As Topher's Mama!

Tuesday's winner of a Sheep Shaped Soap Bar and Knit Cloth made by Cedar Tree Farms is comment # 28 - Debbie of Ewenique Essentials!

Wednesday's winner of the Keep Calm And Count Sheep poster from Stay Gold Media is comment # 5 - Val!

Thursday's winner of the Lamb Earrings from Crafty Carnage is comment # 2 - Emery's Mom over at Our Life and Love Story!

Friday's winner of the Great Pyrenees magnet from Outside Peg's shop is comment #3 - Kristin from Domesticated Kris(tin).

Saturday's winner of JuJuBee's and Co.'s Little Lamb Headband and a 15% coupon code is comment #11 - Tara at Fleener Family!  

{Tara, be sure to tell me which of the three you'd like!}

Sunday's winner of the Black Sheep T-Shirt from Switch Designs NYC. is comment #12 - CWL!

Sunday's swinners of the Sheep Shaped Glycerin Soap from Lather & Lace are commenters #9 - Nancy at A Rural Journal and #12 - Jodi

{Congratulations to the winners and our awesome sponsors!}

Thank you everyone for participating!

If you are a winner, please contact me via the Let's Connect button and provide your shipping address. 

Please put the item you won in the subject. 
You have until Friday at midnight (MST) to claim your prize.

Thank you!! 

{Blogiversary Giveaway #7} Sheep Shaped Soap

No, you aren't seeing things...this is the second giveaway of the day! 
It's the last day of the Blogiversary week so we have to go out with a bang, right?!

This giveaway is from Lather & Lace - it's Sheep Shaped Glycerin Soap!

Two people have a chance to win this giveaway item! Look how cute it looks all packaged up!

{I love to hear that people feel better in their own skin. - Lori Abercrombie}

Lori Abercrombie prides herself on her extensive research into special needs of skin care more so than creating the fanciest products.

“I like to say Lather & Lace is Mae West meets Martha Stewart! Sexy and playful, yet incredibly useful! For specific products, I get inspiration everywhere. I am also driven by my customers. Designs and scents come mostly from nature - Herbs, Fruit, Flowers."

Lori's dream is to reach people to the same degree as when she had a brick and mortar store – where people feel comfortable to call and talk about their skin concern. 

Want one? Here's how.

Please post a separate comment for each entry.
Mandatory Entry – head on over to Lather & Lace and come back and tell me what item is your favorite. This entry is mandatory and no others will count if this is not completed.

Additional Entries –
1. Be a following of this blog.
2. Add Lather & Lace to your Etsy Favorites.

Winners will be announced on my one year blogiversary - Monday, August 8th.
Now, go back and enter Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday's giveaway!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

{Blogiversary Giveaway #7} Black Sheep T-Shirt

One of the final giveaway items ending my blogiversary giveaway week is brought to you by the uniqueness that is Switch Designs NYC.

This shop has clever designs and are one of a kind. One of my favorites is...

Switch Designs NYC is giving away one of their most popular the Black Sheep T-Shirt. There is one in every family. A black sheep, that is.  ;) 

I claim it loud and proud in mi familia.


Here is how you enter.

Please leave one comment for each entry for multiple chances to win.

Mandatory Entry – head on over to Switch Designs NYC. and come back and tell me what item is your favorite. This entry is mandatory and no others will count if this is not completed.

Additional Entries –
1. Be a follower of this blog.
2.  Like Switch Designs NYC on Facebook.
3.  Follow Switch Designs NYC on Twitter.

Winners will be announced on my one year blogiversary - Monday, August 8th.
Now, go back and enter Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday's giveaway!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

{Blogiversary Giveaway #6} Little Lamb Headband

The Blogiversary fun continues!
Are you having fun yet?

This giveaway makes me want a baby girl in my life! Just for a moment, anyway.

The creative genius behind this giveaway is Debbie of JuJuBee's and Co.

Are these Lamb Felt Headband the cutest thing you've ever seen or what?

One lucky person will be have their choice between these three headbands - two are a lamb print and one is an adorable little lamb face. Oh, I love it. They are darling!

The winner will also get a coupon code to JuJuBee's and Co.'s Etsy Shop for 15% off their first purchase! 

"JuJuBee's & Co. came about out of a need and a passion. I have always enjoyed some form of crafting, and now it has become a full-time job. My need was that I have a special needs child who requires me to be home when he is not at school. The added bonus is honestly the best, I am very blessed to get to know some wonderful people. Photographers, new moms, new grandmothers, and college students. I look forward to see what the future holds for JuJuBee's!"

Here are just a few more precious headbands Debbie has available.

Here is how you enter to win. 

Please leave one comment for each entry for multiple chances to win. 

Mandatory Entry – head on over to JuJuBee's and Co. and come back and tell me what items are your favorite. This entry is mandatory and no others will count if this is not completed.

Additional Entries –
1. Be a follower of this blog.
2. Add JuJuBee's and Co. to your Etsy favorites.
3. Like JuJuBee's and Co. on Facebook.
4. Tell me who you want to win this for?

Winners will be announced on my one year blogiversary - Monday, August 8th.
Now, go back and enter Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday's giveaway!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

{Blogiversary Giveaway #5} Great Pyrenees

It's Friday already?!  

What animal on the ranch is being honored in today's giveaway??

Here are a few hints.

Tank

Embre

Joe



Scout



You guessed it, my Great Pyrenees friends!

The winner of this giveaway will win a Great Pyrenees magnet.

Do you just love it?

I had such a hard time picking a favorite.

Here are some others from Outside Peg's shop!

Outside Peg is an awesome shop for all dog lovers and more! You must go and check out the goods!

Here is how you enter. 

Please leave one comment for each entry for multiple chances to win. 

Mandatory Entry – head on over to Outside Peg and come back and tell me what item is your favorite. This entry is mandatory and no others will count if this is not completed.

Additional Entries –

1. Be a follower of this blog.

2. Like Outside Peg on Facebook

3. Follow Outside Peg on Twitter. 

4. Add Outside Peg to your Etsy Favorites. 

Winners will be announced on my one year blogiversary - Monday, August 8th.

don't forget to enter the giveaways from Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday! :)
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

{Blogiversary Giveaway #4} Lamb Earrings

If you have a little girl in your life - you must enter this giveaway! Heck! Just enter for yourself. I would totally rock these!

These are from Crafty Carnage.

Are they not adorable?

Heidi started making jewelry to keep from going bonkers while dealing with an illness.

"It kept me busy and helped me heal :) And now that I'm better I have committed myself to helping others, be it people or animals. I work for a non profit organization that helps shelter abused women and I also volunteer for the HIV society in my city. I have also applied to be a volunteer with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to help stop the destruction of the oceans resources and endangered animals. I actually have another shop, Whales Forever where 50% of my proceeds go to Sea Shepherd.

I love making people smile, something I hope my jewelry does."

I know you are dying to know how you win these cute earrings?! 

Please leave one comment for each entry for multiple chances to win. 

Mandatory Entry – head on over to Crafty Carnage and come back and tell me what item is your favorite. This entry is mandatory and no others will count if this is not completed.

Additional Entries –
1. Be a follower of this blog.
2. Add Crafty Carnage to your Etsy favorites.
3. Tell me what little girl do you want to win these for? 
4. Visit Whales Forever and tell me what your favorite item is.

Winners will be announced on my one year blogiversary - Monday, August 8th.

*There is still time for you to enter Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's giveaways! :)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

Random Wednesday Giveaway!

Remember when I told you I have some awesome giveaways coming up in celebration of my one year blogiversary starting Monday? Well, that is still happening, but here is a little fun to start the fun!

I recently hit 100 Followers and that is pretty darn cool to me! 

 

I don't get paid to blog; I blog simply to share my story about ranching life.  

So, the fact that you are here because you like what I write is flattering and pretty awesome!

{Thank You!}  

Stay Gold Media is going to help us celebrate by giving away an 8 x 10 Barnyard Animal Print!

 

Here's how you get your hands on this adorable print. 

Please post a separate comment for each entry.


Mandatory Entry – head on over to Stay Gold Media and come back and tell me what item is your favorite. This entry is mandatory and no others will count if this is not completed.

Additional Entries –
1. Follow my blog. You are already here so why not?! If you are already a follower, just leave a comment so I know you were here.
2. Like Stay Gold Media on Facebook. 
3. Follow Stay Gold Media on Tumblr.

Winner will be announced Friday, July 29th!

{happy weekend!}

What do you think of the new layout? I am really happy with it. Thanks Jillian!

We are gearing up for a fun Independence Day weekend.

B-Town has an annual July 4th celebration and it's a pretty big deal. This weekend is one of two weekends everyone looks forward to on a yearly basis. The other fun weekend (which happens to be my fave) is in the Fall. It includes sheep taking over a main street in the town!

Not only do all of J's high school buddies come back to town for the 4th of July but, their fabulous wives (aka B-Town Wives Club) come to town as well! There WILL be pictures!

This weekend will definitely include some target practice,

a barbecue, a birthday celebration, pet costumes while parading down thee Main Street in town and lots of Red, White and Blue fun!

Our friends Lisa and Thor are coming down from the BIG city and although they couldn't bring the mall they are bringing my two favorite black labs and some Oskar Blues' goodness!  

What exciting things do you have planned?

If you are a B-Town native (I know there are a few of you reading this) will you be in town? If not, what is your favorite July 4th hometown memory?

With a little help from a friend...

I barely made the deadline to apply for a hunting license.

By barely, I mean 30 minutes before the clock struck midnight barely. My friend Kennie called and said, "Just calling to remind you today is the last day to apply for a license". Say WHAT?! I guess I figured I would be getting an email, phone call or I'd see it in the paper.

Apparently the DOW doesn't advertise things like that.

I have no idea what season I applied for but I do know I applied for an Elk tag because Kennie told me I did. :)

After I submitted the application J said, "Well, what will you shoot?" I replied, "My 22. The same gun I go prairie dog shooting with." He laughed. Apparently you need a bigger gun to kill an Elk.

Whatever.

Don't worry, I'm being honest with myself. The chances of getting picked in the draw are slim to none. If I do get lucky and actually get a license the chances of seeing an Elk are even more slim. Let's take this even further and say that even if I get a tag and see an Elk the likelihood of being able to actually pull the trigger.... you get the picture.

I figure if I do get lucky, but don't get see and catch shoot an Elk I'll get one heckuva workout hiking those mountains, it's a win-win!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .

This post has been sitting as a DRAFT in my Blogger Dashboard for months. I don't know what I was waiting for to hit PUBLISH, but since writing the first half I've received the Draw Results.

Drumroll, please.

I was successful in the Big Game Limited License Draw Results! I have no idea what the hell that means, but I know I got an Elk tag! I also know it's a private land tag so this means I can sit in our "backyard" and wait for an Elk to come to me. Hopefully.

NO HIKING REQUIRED!

Ladies and gents, be sure to wear your hunter orange this season because this city girl is a-goin' huntin!

Still dreaming big...

You can read about my first steps before applying for an Elk tag by taking my Hunter Safety class  here and here. There is a gun wound involved. ;)

June is a good month.

What a wonderful month this is going to be! Let me give you a few reasons why.

Summer is here!
The lambs are looking strong and healthy and our feed is nice and green.
Vegetables have been planted in my first garden. (With the help of my green thumb mother-in-law.)
We've booked our summer trip to Mexico. Yippee!
My mom is booking her tickets to visit me next month. Double Yippee!
My sister-in-law, her husband and my nephew will be here in a few weeks.
Morgan and his girlfriend are coming back for a visit this month. 
My best friend shared with me the most wonderful news a few days ago.
AND I am celebrating 2 years of marriage today ya'll!

I love that our wedding day remains to be the happiest day of our lives. J and I often talk about all the fun we had and how wonderful that day was.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our wedding day.

Here we are, two years later living in J's hometown tending to hundreds of sheep and most importantly, we are happy.

Now, it's your turn. What is going to make June a wonderful month for you? 

30 years

My lovely husband,

Happy 30th birthday.

You have worked so hard this past year (especially the last few months) and deserved a birthday celebration to remember!

This past weekend was a great way to ring in not only the new year but the next decade of your life! Can you believe that twenty of your hometown friends came, some driving as many as 16 hours, just to celebrate your special day?! Goes to show how very special you are to everyone that knows you.

I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays together and on your 60th being able to look back and see how far we've come.

I love you so very much.

Happy Birthday.

At J's b-day dinner. He walked into a room full of his closest friends yelling "Surprise!"

J grew up with these boys. They hadn't skied together in years.

(Not) Getting Jiggy With It.

Jiggy doesn't seem to care that Will Smith has written a song about her. I played it and she fell asleep. Guess she's heard this tune before.

This was her response. 
*Please excuse her dirty paws...she plays hard.