About

Welcome

Working with The Head of the House (I love that smile)

The saying "Begun is half done" is true when it comes to anything I want to accomplish.  I spend more time planning and preparing.  Half the time, I have planned something but never even started.  You can imagine my craft area!!!!  I think it is a genetic trait, as my parents (and late grandparents) have multi-generational projects started.  So I am beginning my thoughts, FINALLY, after many years of planning (or wishing).

WARNING:  My ability to write, spell check, and edit are nonexistent.  I really think I have some impairments in the "English" department.  I had great teachers, parents, and helpers during my education, however, the task of writing perfectly ain't there.  (Stupid spell check doesn't have ain't).  So please read the intentions or have a great laugh on my lack of writing ability.  I am taking the plunge and getting started, regardless of the inadequacies (that was a big word that required spellcheck).
I am Erica's husband here to add my thoughts and a male perspective.  The italicized words are my point of view.  I will also proof read so it doesn't sound as bad.

I am a wannabe perfectionist!!!!  I have realized the standards I set on myself are unattainable.  The goal of this blog is to embrace what I love and my personal view on what is perfection, and also laugh at the things and events that do not meet par.  "Working On Paradise" has dual meanings: I live on my family's ranch on Paradise Road and I also want to better my self everyday for the paradise I will see one day.  Yes, I am a Christian, although not a perfect one.  I definitely fall short everyday, but that makes God's Grace so wonderful.


So here we go, I am finally starting even though my planning and preparation is far from completed.  It is an on-going process I want to involve anyone who is willing to "work on paradise" with me. 

Who Are We?

Erica 
I grew up on a cattle ranch in southwest South Dakota, where the Black Hills meets the Wyoming and Nebraska prairie.  This is ranching country and although the distance between neighbors is many miles, help is always available.  This piece of paradise is located on the Cheyenne River and has been in my family since 1911, now on the 5th generation.  I left this home to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian.  After 8 years gone, I returned with my loving husband Dustin, "The Head Of The House". I am a partner in a rural veterinary mixed animal practice with my passion being cow/calf ranches.  I am a working mother of two who enjoys (in my limited spare time) all outdoor activities including gardening, hunting, gathering cattle, and playing with my kids in the snow. My indoor projects of cooking, canning, sewing, quilting, and crocheting make me feel like a pioneer woman.    

Dustin

The Head Of The House

The Head Of The House grew up in central Iowa where most of his time was spent riding/driving horses and playing sports. Although he grew up close to the city, he was always a country boy at heart and loves the ranch life. He now works for a land surveying company and hikes the black hills daily enjoying all of the views.  His passion is helping work cattle on the ranch and hunting. Other things he enjoys are leather-working, working with the forge, and shoeing his own and the neighbor's horses.    



Tucker

The Boy is 5 years old. He loves to "help" with anything you may be doing. He loves his cowboy hat and boots, which he would never leave home without. He loves music, riding horses, and books. His attention to detail (which he gets from me) is turning him into a great help.  He is very beneficial at helping me keep The Head Of The House in line.  






Harper

The Girl 3 year old.  She is daddy's girl.  Grandpa calls her a hurricane because of the path of destruction she leaves behind. For being an easy baby, she has turned into quite the handful as a toddler.  Everything has to be done "by herself".  She is a ham and usually leaves the family in stitches with her giggly grin and mischievous ways.  Like The Head Of The House, she is a bulldozer when it is something she wants.