Hog Hunting

This is an old picture (October 2006) that I recently found and wanted to share. It's of Ryan and his friends w/the hog they killed.

Ryan talks about hog hunting a lot and my dad and Ron (brother in law) always want to go. Dad has gone a couple of times, but they have yet to kill any hogs when he goes.

This particular group goes on horseback.

Team Roping - 2nd Place

This weekend was a good weekend. Friday night we had the Rangel's baby shower. It was fun having everyone over, but very hectic getting ready for it since it was on a Friday. I didn't get home til 5:30 and I had people coming at 6 pm. Crazy!



Saturday Ryan got up early to go to a roping. He had another successful weekend. He had 13 runs and only 1 guy caught for him. But, in roping that's all it takes. That is my motto for him when he's having a bad roping day. It only takes 1 to win! They did awesome! They won 2nd place....a $500 paycheck and a nice winter blanket. The pay out wasn't as good as the last one, but we are thankful for the xtra cash to pay bills.


Speaking of, our lawn mower is on the fritz again. arg....I have given up on it and agreed we could look at lawn mowers. But, it's not going to be the $5K one he wants...so he's going to look at lawn mowers in the more affordable range for us. I figured if we can have a solid lawn mower for a few years then he can get the one he wants. We are just not there yet!



Finally, Here is a video of my friend, Libby. I tried to upload it for her last week with no luck. Hoepfully it will work this time.

Very Busy

I have been very busy this week. Dad was here until Wednesday. So, we were busy doing just about everything around the house and yard. It looks FABULOUS! Dad and Ryan did most of the work and did an awesome job too!

I have been very busy at work as well. I've got a lot of upcoming deadlines and projects with teachers. That keeps me very busy, but I'm excited to see them doing some really cool and fun things in class.

This weekend we have a team roping in Rosenberg. The weather is supposed to change drastically and get really cold tonight and be cold tomorrow. So, I'm not sure if Shelby and I will go. I will see what the weather is like.

Tonight we are having a couples baby shower at our house for Ismael and Amber Rangel. That should be fun. It's kept me busy this week trying to get things ready to go. I have ladies coming to my house at 6 tonight to help decorate. So, with that said, I must go.

Here is my run from last Saturday. It's not very good, but now I see why. Badger is a literal horse. I taught him to curve his body around the barrels more and I did this at a lope while exaggerating my turns. Well, as you can see in the video, he did just what I taught him. So, next time I practice we'll work on staying close the barrels.

TTYL

Shelby, Shelby, Shelby

I have added some cute pictures of Shelby to her link.

This pic is one of my favs...

Here is a fun video of Shelby from a couple of days ago.

This is just for Nancy...This is her horse after a rain...hehehe...Don't worry Nancy we washed him.

We have also done lots around the yard. Here is a picture of what it looks like after we took out 4 trees and 2 sets of H posts. I'll add more to our house projects link.

Here is my new (used) saddle.

Last Saturday's Run

Busy Week

We have been very busy this spring break around the house. Dad came down for a 10 day visit and we've worked all week to get things done. Dad fixed our generator and put new brakes on my truck as well as rotors on the back. It feels so much better now. He's still working on the lawn mower and hopes to fix it before he leaves on Wednesday. We hope the fuel pump is the problem. The part should be in Monday or Tuesday.

Ryan and Dad have also worked hard cutting down trees and burning brush. The burning brush is also for fun. We had an old cement water tank that works great as a fire pit. It is round and about 2 feet tall. So, they have enjoyed a fire every night. I have been staying inside while Shelby sleeps. Tonight I decided to join them, but after a while (and checking on Shelby several times w/the monitor) I decided to go in. I'm glad I did cause as I walked up to the house I turned the monitor on to hear Shelby crying. Ugh...what a terrible feeling as a Mom. I don't think she was crying for long (thank goodness), but I still felt terrible. I began to run into the house and rushed to her room to find her with a blanket over her head and she was holding it down. Poor thing...She is still trying to go to sleep. She starts to fall asleep then wakes up and cries again. I guess she was just as traumatized as me. I hope she sleeps ok tonight. Last night she woke up 3 different times. I had to get up each time and give the pacifier to her. So I didn't sleep well.

Tomorrow I have church and then off to a barrel race. I had a great practice and got a new saddle that fits me really well. So, I'm anxious for tomorrow. Badger is getting smoother and working harder around those barrels.

Well it's late and I hope to go to bed. Hopefully SHelby won't wake up anymore. I also think Dad and Ryan are coming in for the night as well.

I'll add pictures of Shelby and the work we have done as well as my new (used) saddle sometime next week.

Spring Break & Fast Run

My spring break officially started on Friday evening. It feels good to get a break. It's been hard keeping up with my schedule of full time job, full time Mom and part time barrel racer. I was getting pretty burnt out. I even said I was done riding all the horses except Badger and Romeo. I will probably ride Twister on occasion just cause he's fat and needs it...and is easy to ride.

Yesterday my friend, Karen, watched Shelby while we went to the barrel race. It was in the 40s and raining. Not good baby weather! Boy were we glad she was able to help us out. Badger and Ryan were not too pleased about being out in the cold weather. Ryan handled it better than Badger though. When I would talk to Badger his ears would go back and he would give me nasty looks. One time he literally turned around and started to walk away...probalby back to the trailer. He just wanted to be home and left alone.

He got over it and sucked it up like any great horse will do. I stretched him then warmed him up. He is starting to get a little more seasoned and not so nervous. He just walks around and waits for his turn. When it was close to our turn I took him to the back of the pens where the alley way is and waited there. That's when he started to get squirrely and ready to do his job.

The first barrel was ok. I didn't time things well, but he made up for it and we turned it and went on to the 2nd. In the meantime he's picking up speed and getting ready to sit and spin on the 2nd...lol...He turned it so quick that I flew up from my saddle. Good thing I was hanging on to my horn with my right hand cause I was able to get back in my seat and ready for the 3rd. The third was great too. I decided to use a whip coming home cause he tends to shut down a little early and I wanted to get a little more speed out of him. Every little bit can make a BIG difference. I stopped the clock at 15.4...just 3/10ths off of the winning time. I ended up 10th out of 106 riders. I was really pleased with my run. I would've easily been in the money if I hadn't passed up the 1st and stayed in my seat on the 2nd...but that is ok. We are getting there!

We are staying on their heels and ready to take it all. The competition is really tough down here and I'm so thrilled Badger is right in there with everyone else. We watch the video and it looks like he is not moving that fast. He's just so smooth! I'm so proud of him and us!

I have a video and will add sometime this week. I'm off work so have to find a place w/wireless.

I also sold one of my trophy saddles yesterday. I decided not to keep it cause it doesn't fit my horses. We have wide horses and need wider saddles. I also have a friend who is selling a double J saddle. I tried it on Badger and it looks like it fits him. I'm going to try it out once the weather clears. I hope it works out. Finding an affordable saddle that is in good shape and made well is VERY difficult.

Shelby News:
Shelby is doing very well. She is growing, but is still on the small size. We are not big people so it doesn't suprise me. She is trying really hard to crawl. She has the but movement and knows how to move her legs. She is still trying to figure out how to get her arms to move forward. I don't think it will be long before she crawls. She is a very determined little girl!

We also decided not to get her the pony. I was sad, but it is better to wait. We also want to get a pony that we know is safe and ready to go. They are much more expensive, but worth her safety. Besides, with her determination she might just skip the pony and go right to one of our horses!

My dad is coming down to visit tomorrow. He'll be here for a week and a half. He misses Shelby and claims he misses us. hahaha...I know he's looking forward to seeing her and we're all looking forward to seeing him. We also have a small list of "To Dos" for him. Thank goodness he's handy because we are not! We also lack the time to get stuff done.

I also hope to go to Brenham with him. The blue bonnets will probably be in full bloom towards the end of the week. I want to get pics of Shelby in them and I'm sure dad will enjoy the nice trip up there. We may also tour the ice cream plant (Blue Bonnet). It's the BEST ice cream ever!

Well, i guess I better get back to cleaning the living room. I like my wood floor but it sure keeps me busy. Carpet is nice cause it hides all the dirt...hehehe...of course that is what makes it bad too.

Ice in Michigan - WOW

My sister, Shelly, sent these to me this morning. These are REAL pictures that she took. That is not snow that is piled up, that is ice! Some of the ice actually went into these homes too. These pictures were taken in Linwood, MI just miles from where I grew up and where my family currently lives. The winds were extreme and blew all the ice on Lake Huron onto the shore and into some homes. I have never seen this happen and it is very rare.

Go to http://www.wnem.com/video/18892074/index.html to watch a video with even more footage of this rare event.

Click on pics to enlarge.

I got some new pics of Shelby last night. I've added them to her link. Here's a cute one of her.

Here's a pic of Shiner. It's not that good. He was eating and was not interested in a photo, just his food.

Saturday's Run

Here's a video of Saturday's run. The ground was a little slick and Badger struggled to keep his footing. He went to fly around the 1st, lost his footing and then safety'd (sp?) up the rest of the run. That's ok, I'd rather him do that then get hurt.

WoW- I just went back to see how I did the last time I ran in that arena. I ran a 17.4 in January and I ran a 15.8 this time. Big Improvement!!!

Ryan worked Shiner yesterday. He did a nice job. I think he had a little 'trailer lag' when he rode Shiner last week. He had more energy yesterday, but still behaved. Ryan is doing some slow work with him for a few rides then he'll step it up a notch. He rode Shiner maybe 15 min. yesterday and he was covered with sweat. I guess he's adjusting to the warmer (83 yesterday) temps.

Romeo did AWESOME too. Second time outside of the round pen and he didn't care. Sandy's donkey didn't even bother him. He was more curious than anything. So, I am so anxious to get some more time on him then take him out trail riding.

Shelby did very well this weekend too. She is such a trooper. She went with us to New Caney on Saturday for the barrel race. Sandy rode with us so Sandy kept Shelby occupied...or was it the other way around!?! ha Then, Sundy, we spent the afternoon at Sandy's riding and Shelby had so much fun being outside and just relaxing. I can't believe she is 5 months old. I really need to take some more pictures of her. I have been so busy with the horses and tryiing to get them rode and sold.

Oh, I also put my barrel saddle up for sale that i won in 2005. It doesn't fit our w- i - d - e horses so I decided to try and sell it. I put it on Craig's list and got two people interested already. So, I need to take pics of it tonight to share with them. Hopefully they'll still be interested! I am going to save that money and put it towards another barrel saddle. I definately need another one! My saddle is almost 10 yrs old and it is getting tired. I also think it might be slightly snug on Badger...so it'd be good to get a saddle that fits him well.

Well, that's it...off to finish my lunch before getting back to work. It's been a VERY busy day already!

Thursday - w/a headache

Man, I need to be worked on. I have this terrible headache and I can feel my neck and shoulders are tight and sore. I'm no longer a spring chicken I guess! HA! We're also investing all of our money into our horses, which leaves me w/o a massage that I really need. So, I just take drugs and try to rub my neck hoping to relieve the headache. Oh, the joys of owning horses! That's ok, as long as Badger runs hard and wins then I can live threw the pain! HA!

This week has been very busy. With work, horses to ride, fence to build, Shelby to tend to and the in-laws in town. Needless to say I am tired.

Ryan did an AWESOME job on completing our fence this week. (I'll take pics and post in the near future.) Mito and Cowgirl enjoy all the fresh grass. This morning I went out and saw what I thought was two piles of baling string. I went back and looked again because I knew there shouldn't have been baling string where I saw it. Anyhow, at second glance I realized it was Mito and Cowgirl sleeping. (It was from quite a distance...) Both of them were laying on the ground sound asleep. Too cute!

Last night we took the horses down to the Maresh's to work on the pattern and ride. I worked Badger on the barrels and got some kinks worked out. I wanted him listening to me more. It took one correction and he was ready to do it right...my way...and when I wanted. I like that in a horse. I want them to listen to me. While I was riding Badger, Ryan rode Shiner (his Mom's horse). He did AWESOME! He was calm, cool, and collected. His Mom said if he behaved like that in New Mexico she would take him back w/her. Ryan was really excited and anxious to get him to the point of teaching him how to rope. He wants to get some basics accomplished before he puts him on cattle, but he doesn't think it will take too long.

That reminds me, I was blown away by his papers. For those of you that know barrel and race horses you'll appreciate this... Duel Fuel is his dad, Beduino is his grandfather, and Easy Jet (one of my favorites) is his Great Grandfather! WOW is all I can say. He was raced on the track, but did not have much luck.

I also got to ride Romeo for the first time outside of the round pen. He did awesome! He has a bit of an attitude, but, like Dick said, I believe it fits in our family. Hahaha! He worked great for a horse that doesn't know much. I even walked him around the barrels. It looked like he was already hunting them. Ok, so it was at a walk...really a 'drunk' walk...but it doesn't matter. He noticed they were there and his ears were up and looking for them.

Today I plan to just go home and spend time with Shelby. I feel like I have not seen her this week. I miss her so much, but Grandma and Grandpa Boudrie are doing a great job spoiling her and keeping her company while we are at work.

World Barrel Racing Run

Here is the picture of our run. LOL It's a nice pic but all I see is my BIG, FAT toe sticking out! Good thing there is another race this weekend. I'll be able to right my wrongs. haha! You can click on the pic to enlarge it.





Here is the video of my run.

Dick and Nancy arrived safely last night with Shiner around 9 pm. Nancy was able to sneak a peak of Shelby sleeping. I know she is going to have so much fun playing with her today. I'm looking forward to being able to work with Romeo this week. I'm so excited to get him out in the pasture and getting him to the point to where I can take him off on my own.

Shiner looks AWESOME. I can't believe how big he is. Ryan is so excited to have him down here. I know he can't wait to start working him too. I'm anxious to see how he'll do with the steers. This morning when I went to check on him he was staring out in the neighbors pasture. I'm sure he was checking out his cows.

Expensive Mistake

Well, yesterday's run didn't go exactly as I had planned. The arena set up was difficult because there's basically no alley way so your horse had a hard time maximizing his speed before reaching the 1st barrel. That was ok, but when I came out of the 1st barrel I lost my left stirrup and wasn't able to regain my balance well enough to push Badger over with my left spur. We made it around the 2nd barrel, but because I had my toe sticking out I hit the barrel. Normally I can bend over and pick it up as we go around, but this time I was just off balance and didn't want to risk falling off. So, I had to let it fall. That proved to be an expensive mistake. I am pretty sure if I would've left the barrel up I would've been in the money. But, there are almost 200 runners left tomorrow and a lot of pros...so maybe I would've been bumped out of the money.

I was REALLY frustrated at first, but I prayed about today for several weeks and felt that it was just not our timing yet. After thinking about it, Badger and I have only run maybe 5 races since I had Shelby. Only two of those races have been with us on top of the game and working well as a team. And those two were just last weekend. So, it is just not our time yet. We are blessed to have our sponsors pay for our entry fees so I am only out the diesel to drive up there.

I know Ryan is really dissappointed in me. I am sure he'll get past it over time. He says he is not but I know he is mad. Badger is his horse. So, I guess that comes with high expectations. After all, I took his only head horse away. I do wish he'd keep roping off of him, but he said he won't if I have a barrel race that same weekend.

Tomorrow (Sunday) is church and I need to go buy some groceries. Ryan and our neighbor, Kim (Sandy's husband), are going to finish the fence out by the road. That will be good. I'll take some pics of it when we get it all done. It sure will look nice.

Oh, I also have a picture of Badger and me from today. I'll scan it and post it on Monday as well as my run on video.

Ok, back to Sunday, we expect Ryan's parents to arrive sometime later that evening. They are leaving Las Crucos (which is close to El Paso, TX) Sunday morning. That is a loooong and boring drive. It will be good to have them visit this week .I won't get much time with them because I will be at work most of the day, but I know they will enjoy their time with Ryan and Shelby.

Finally, Dad called this weekend and is planning a trip March 16-25. He'll be here for my spring break plus a couple of days. I already warned him that I plan to do a lot of riding. :) We also have plans to go up to Rodeo Houston to see Gary Allen. I don't think he's ever been to Rodeo Houston so hopefully he'll enjoy that. There are no barrel races or team ropings planned for the weekend he is here. So, at least he won't have to do that! HAHA

Well, I guess I need to find something to make me sleepy. I slept for a couple of hours but now I can't sleep anymore and I'm out of Benadryl. Arg...