Where we live out in the country the pastures are rented by ranchers and filled with cows that are ready to calf. My children love this time of year and spend lots of time counting, and then naming, the newly born calves. To say that they are in love with these little creatures, that aren't even our own, is an understatment! When spring ends and warm weather heads our way they take the cows and their babies up to higher country and this is a very sad day!
On this particular afternoon, the ranchers are fencing right next to our property, readying the ground to put more cows in. My children are once again thrilled and are loving the idea that the cows will be even closer to us. We have spent lots of time explaining to them that these are not our cows and that very soon they will be taking them away until next year. Somehow the idea that they are not ours stuck and was soon replaced with the idea that we need to get our own.
Now those of you who know me best know that I am NOT an animal person at ALL! I do not enjoy the hair, the smell, the mess, the licking, and the list continues...but I DO LOVE COWS!!! I have loved cows from the time I was a child and that love still continues. Why, I do not know, but for some reason there is something peaceful and completely adorable about cows. I love to watch them grazing on the hillside, love to watch the babies chase each other, love to hear a "moo" from time to time, and I love to stop my car beside the fence, roll down my window, and just listen to them chew. ☺
Every year when the cows arrive I tell my kids that I would love to own some of our own someday. I have even gone so far to have Brook talk to the rancher to ask how much they cost. ☺ When asked what I wanted for Valentine's Day this year I replied, " a calf." Yes, I have always dreamed of owning our own, but alas, upon hearing the cost, I decided that it will always be a dream. But...Brittan...he didn't give up quite so easily.☺
When Brittan looked out the kitchen window this afternoon and saw the 3 ranchers sitting on our grass taking a break, he decided to go out and talk to them. I looked out the window and watched as he carefully walked toward them, his arms carrying 3 Coke's and his face sporting a smile from one side to the other. I should have grabbed my camera, but didn't because I knew the ranchers could see in my window. Still, the moment was picturesque! He stood there, 3 Coke's in his arms and started to talk, as only Brittan can! He said a quick hello, asked them if they were thirsty, and then proceeded to tell them that he had been saving his money to buy one of their calves. (And seriously, how could they resist?) He told them he had saved 5 pennies and wanted to know if they could sell him a cow...I watched the 3 ranchers chuckle under their breath and tell him that was a pretty good offer and that they would see what they could come up with. He then handed them each a Coke, turned on his heel and scampered down the hill and back inside. His smile couldn't have been bigger..."Yep, mom! I'm gonna get a cow. They said it and It's a deal! Oh, and I have to give them my 5 pennies!"
