Marci Whitehurst

We know the old sayings “opposites attract” and “let your spouse be your best friend.” These sayings are great. But when you look at cowboy attraction … well, the norm doesn't always apply.

Summer is a time when other professions take vacations, but universally, it's also the season of backyard barbeques – which means yard work.

Here's the deal with yard work to a cowboy: What's the point?

My idea of a risk is far different from my cowboy's. I take tiny, calculated risks. My idea of a risk involves trying a new recipe or taking an alternate route on a trip.

My hubby's idea of risk includes life-altering circumstances. It's not a risk to him unless someone might die.

Current culture focuses on success. Topics ranging from successful parenting to business success to a successful marriage fill our headlines.

What is success? Money, fame, power?

Time. We all wish we had more of it. It slips through our fingers. We start a project and it takes longer than anticipated; the cows move slowly or the barn is dirtier than we thought. Now in springtime we're checking calves, building or repairing fences, and lining up irrigation equipment: We're busy.

Our oldest child is 17. What if she wants to come back to the ranch after college? What if our other kids do too?