Kate Sanchez
“The Ranch Wife Life”
     2016  has been a year of abundant blessings.  With Thanksgiving upon us, I thought I’d take just a few moments to share all that I’m thankful for.  Some of these things may seem peculiar, but to a ranch wife, they are things which I thank the good Lord for at the end of each day.

Each day that my husband and I wake, early before the sunrise, I’m thankful.  Thankful for another day, for our health, and for a house that keeps us cool in the summer, and cozy in the winter.   I’m thankful for a job that allows him to do what he loves, and for a country which is free and allows him to do so.  Although the hours may not always be ideal, we are very blessed to be here.  And who can forget…as odd as it sounds, because of some of those hours that are worked, I’m very thankful for a loyal alarm clock that sings to us every morning.
I’m thankful for our animals.  Our four dogs remind us how to live without a care, every day- how not to be worried about judgement.  Have you ever noticed that dogs are always happy to see you?  They often remind me that life is such a beautiful thing, that what may seem like a huge problem, probably isn’t, and that everyone needs to laugh a little more.  And for that, I’m thankful.  Similarly, our horses- they bless us.  Day in and day out they work hard for us as ranch horses and some as show or rope horses too.  Hearing them munch on hay as we turn off the barn lights makes me feel true contentment, and for that, I’m grateful every day.
I’m thankful for cattle.  They are our job security.  They put a roof over our heads and food on our table.  They, along with their calves, serve as some of my best photography subjects.  I’m thankful for green grass, turning windmills, and every drop of rain the good Lord blesses us with.  That rain leads to fat cattle, high prices, and a true feeling of achievement every fall.
I’ll be forever thankful for family, those related by blood and those here on the ranch.  Our families are our heart, they are our support systems, sounding boards, and places of security, so saying I’m thankful for these people is an understatement.  As for our ranch family: these are friends who have grown into far more than that.  We’ve been blessed to gain some of our greatest friends in just two years of being here.  That’s certainly something to be thankful for.
I’m mostly thankful for my husband.  He makes me laugh every day.  He’s my best friend and does so much work for the life we get to live.  He is my whole world; I’m just blessed to be in it.
What’s most amazing about this list of thankful things, is that I could go on forever.  My heart is full and indebted.  I’m thankful for every opportunity that arises; for every success and every failure.  It’s those things that keep me striving, reaching for the stars, and most of all, humble and appreciative.
It’s a wonderful time of year to acknowledge what a wonderful world you’re in.  Take it upon yourself to find the good in places that most wouldn’t see it.  Have a grateful heart and extend a helping hand where you can.
What are you thankful for today?