Thursday, April 28, 2011

Bucking Horse Ballet


Let’em Dance in the Big Pen Boys
Crack of the Latch and I’m ready to play
1800 pounds of pure muscle unleashed out of the chute
The earth shudders under the powerful blow of my body hitting the ground
In the blink of an eye, I’m air bound
Jump Kicking in the Sky
Most beautiful dance know to the bronc rider
Working together in perfect rhythm
Stretched Out in perfect form
Contracting every muscle in my body, rebuilding energy
An explosion of horse flesh, passion and power let’s loose again
So the dance goes
Building Stronger & Stronger
Matching you move for move
Fiercely pushing into the halter, afraid of nothing!
Strength and Determination…I get STRONGER!
Confident and head strong, kicking through every move
We move together until the end of our ride
One final kick, thank you cowboy for the ride
You were a good partner at that
Don’t stub your toe, I might get you down next time!
~~~

THANK YOU to Jackie Jensen Photography! All images used on todays blogs were provided by Jackie Jensen Photography!
LIKE Jackie Jensen Photography on facebook to see more amazing photography!
Also, see all the great Big Sky Region College Rodeo Action captured by Jackie Jensen Photography!
Bozeman College Rodeo Pics!
THANK YOU ALL for taking th time to travel the gypsy trail with me this morning!
~ That Girl

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

All I Know Is I Love You

All I know is I love you

A few years back, after Grandpa passed away, an onslaught of telemarketing spam artists began calling my Grandma. They offered a life time of financial security, or she'd won millions....she just needed to send money to begin the retrieval process.

This had been going on for months. Well, one day I happened to stop in to see Grandma when one of THEM called. I listened quietly for awhile and then told her I wanted to speak with them. She said, "My Grand Daughter wants to speak to you" and handed me the phone" This is where it get ugly. I completely lost it! The verbal beating began....I don't remember word for word but it involved ....calling them Rat Bastards.....and You should be ashamed of your self targeting the elderly and sick! All of this speech was delivered in that Hoggan, sorting voice and ended with slamming the phone down on the receiver.

Grandma was in early stages of dementia and didn't understand why I would hang up on someone who wanted to give us money. Not that I accomplished anything....but it did make me feel a little better.

Close to 5 years later, Grandma's dementia has progressed considerably. My cousin, Regg walks into Grandmas home a few days ago and hears her talking on the phone with someone. She is telling them how much she loves them. Eventually, Regg gets on the phone to see what the deal is. It one of those Scammers. He listens briefly and gives the phone back to Grandma. Grandma continues to tell them how much she loves them and how pretty they are.

Now that is Frontier Justice!
(...and yes, much more effective than yelling at them through the phone)

Regg said it best, "Grandma doesn't know who you are she only knows that she loves you"

All I Know is I Love You
Mindy, Elaine, and Rita Hoggan ~ Dillon College Rodeo

Every week my Aunt Nancy loads Grandma and goes to town for prescriptions, dinner, and groceries. Last night I had the opportunity to go in with them. As we went through out the nights activities Grandma told people I hope you know I love you...always have, always will and You're so Pretty! From the waitress down to strangers passing in the grocery isle. It is especially fun to see the smile on a young woman's face when a stranger tells her that she is pretty. The only thing better is when she tells one of her burly bearded boys how pretty they are. :)

What an amazing example of unconditional love!
I don't know that I will tell my waitress I love her but the next time I go somewhere I will definately try to SMILE, give sincere compliments, commend the good in people, and try to live up to the example set for me.

Thankful for my Grandma, for everything she knows, and the amazing example she is to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read and traveling the Gypsy Trail with me today.

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Some like it HOT pads!

Cowgirl Creations Western Hot Pads! Some like it HOT Pads!!!



Hello Friends,

For the record, I realize how funny it is when I share recipes or kitchen stuff because...well, let's be honest....I'm not a very good cook. That never seems to slow me up though. I've been cooking up a storm of 1st in the kitchen lately. Deviled Eggs, Candied Yams, Baked Asparagus and I even Cooked my 1st Steaks tonight!

Well, regardless of how the food turns out...I have fabulous taste in cute, functional kitchen wares! Today I'm going to share with you my FAVORITE HOT PADS!!!


Some like it HOT Pads! by Temi & Michelle Freeman
Handmade in the USA
Giving Old Jeans New Life
Lots of Super Cute Designs
&
not only are they super cute but they are
GREAT HOT PADS!!!!
Just so you know that I'm not bluffing....Here is a peak into the kitchen!
That's right they are so HOT that I hang them on the wall as cute kitchen decor
and they are right next to the stove when you need them :)

See...don't they look cute!

Oh...see that super cute tea towel....they make that too!

Cowgirl Creations is the maker of all these amazing wares! Mother & Daughter duo, Michelle and Temi Freeman are the SUPER Women behind the scenes of this amazing company. Ok, can I just tell you...these are too of the most talented ladies I know! They can make just about anything!

To see a glimpse of some more of their products you can click on the below link:

http://www.myspace.com/my/photos/album/894996


Tea Towels

Ok..so seriously! They lovely ladies make the coolest Ranch wares!
HOT Pads, Tea Towels, Place mats, Aprons, Custom Ranch Dishes, Coasters, Shower Curtains, and More!!!!!
Interested in getting some Cowgirl Creations
Tell them Lil' Red Roan sent you!!!
Contact Info:
Michelle & Temi Freeman
Box 262
New Plymouth, ID 83655
208-880-4326
freemancrew85@yahoo.com


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Monday, April 25, 2011

Congradulations to Our Mad Scientist!



CONGRATULATIONS to Ms. Rita Elaine Hoggan!!!

This morning I'd like to give a shout out to my super talented sister for completing her
Bachelors degree in Applied Physics from BYU!

Mom, Dad, and I spent 2 WHOLE days in Utah celebrating her achievements.
Here is a picture tour of the world of our lil' mad scientist!

Graduates filing into the Commencement Ceremonies in the Marriott Center.
The building holds over 22,000 people and is the 4th largest college basket ball venue in the country. With the use of cell phones, Rita was able to see where we were sitting and wave from across the arena :) As my family and I made our way through the sea of people to seats
I was reminded of a scripture.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.
~Matthew 18:20


The proceedings were long but Elder Scott gave a really good talk. It had a bulleted list with 10 important things to help you in life. ...Ya, I only remembered a few but these were the things said from the day that stuck out to me most :)
  • Smile
  • Serve
  • You will soon learn that everyone has problems and no one wants to hear yours :)
  • Don't Complain
  • Do what is right and let the consequences follow
  • Use the Savior, Jesus Christ, as your example in life.
After the ceremonies Mom, Dad, Rita, and I all went out to dinner to celebrate. Thank you so much for dinner Dad! Nice day spent with my family


Day 2 of graduation begins with the usual frantic navigating of this gigantic college campus in search of a parking spot and then wade through people to find seats. This is the day that she actually walks across the stage! Each department has its own ceremony so it is a much smaller group of graduates today. Don't get me wrong....there was still a lot put it was only 4 pages of graduate names instead of the book of names on the previous days program.


Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics!
Congratulations Rita!

Rita shaking hands on stage as she gets her degree

Proud Parents! Mom & Rita at graduation!
Dad & Rita!

So you might be wondering what Rita has been doing all this time at college. Well, don't you worry! Here is a sneak peak into the daily workings of her college life. She took us on a tour of the "Underground Lab!"

After going down several flights of stairs, we are greeted by this! Seriously, doesn't it look just like the security pads you see on tv! This isn't the lab Rita works in....her door warnings are even better!

Radioactive Emissions: Stray Neutrons looking for a home.

Rita in the lab!
Rita testing for radiation! Seriously! Crazy!


Device Rita made and wrote her thesis on.
(No idea what it does, you'll have to ask her)


Box that her device is in....this seriously reminded me of something in a rodeo clown act :)

As if I wasn't convinced already, we went to a Physics demonstration. After that I was convinced that she now has all the skills to be a successful rodeo clown!

Mom, Dad, & I Soaking up knowledge in a BYU classroom.
Just one of the many super cool tricks that you can do with Physics!

Overall, it was very cool to get a glimpse into her college life. Congratulations Rita! We are so proud of you!
Love ya,
Mindy

p.s. If you ever think you should move again out of an apartment that is up three flights of stairs
... I'm busy. ....

Oh wait....p.p.s....more to come!

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P.P.S. ...Ok, I just found a note in my purse from great quotes from our Graduation adventure!

Pedestrians~
  • Dad calls Rita to get directions to campus. During the course of the conversation he asks "Do I have to stop for these people in the road?"
    Rita replies, "Ya, you have to stop for pedestrians. They won't yield for you" (Rita knows, she hit one once) Dad, "Ya, I noticed they are kind of stupid"
Executive Inn & Suites ~
  • Mom and I are getting a hotel room. Mom is checking in and I'm on the phone with Rita. I tell Rita where we are staying and she says "Ya, that should be good if you don't get murdered"
  • Mom comes back from the office. She is backing the room key and the TV remote. Mom says " I didn't know if I rented a room or bought a burro.
  • We get into the hotel room and it is ok...shady but definitely not the worst I've ever stayed in. I go check out the bathroom. Ya...the toilet is like Old Faithful....every time you flush it shoots water upward so not only do you have to make sure the lid is closed before you flush...you have to dry down every before you can use the facilities.
  • Last but not least...it is an adjourning room. Usually there is 2 doors, one in each room with a lock on both sides. Nope, not this one. One door and it is on their side but the lock is on our side. Luckily, I checked it before we went to bed...because at 12:30 in the morning we someone was trying to come into our room!
That's all the randomness for now :) Maybe I'll remember more later



Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Gettin' WESTERN!!!

The banquet was April 1st...but I was a lill' late on the update :)
WESTERN Rodeo Banquet 2011

CONGRATULATIONS to the Western Rodeo Team and amazing rodeo coach, Olie Else, for putting on yet another FABULOUS Rodeo Banquet! What a great event. It is always an honor to be able to attend!

Picture an arena full of 1,000 of your favorite Western friends! Prime Rib Dinner that is DELICIOUS! Silent and Live Auction donated from the best in the west! Endless rows of tables filled with endless treasures from Bob Burkhart Bronzes, David Stoecklein Prints, Sitz Bulls Strands, Lil' Red Roan, Montana Silversmiths, Ariat, Silver Lining Herbs, Martiny Saddle Co. and more!

Pahsimeroi Puppy ~

Mr. Shorty ~ Live auction star went to a happy new home in Dillon, Montana

Mr. Shorty was one of the only auction items I got a picture of. I wish I would have taken more pictures but I always get so wrapped up in all the amazing Montana friends that I got lost in the FUN of the night!

Catching up with my dear friend, Stephanie Hagenbarth!
Love my Hamer girls!

The shopping is awesome, supporting a great cause, the band & dancing are great, food is fabulous, love Montana.....but the real reason I go to the to the banquet is the seeing all my WESTERN ALUMNI FRIENDS!!!! Great time visiting and dancing the night away!

Traci, Me, Tifany...Oh these lovely ladies are fun!
Matt, Me, & Petey ~ Love these boys!
Couldn't ask for better friends!

Who knew that at college...I would meet some of the best friends of my life :)


Yes, they are looking for a good time!

Yes indeed! They found it!
Always a good time in Dillon!

Ya...we're fun ;)

Last but certainly not least....no rodeo banquet would be complete with out giving mention to the women behind the scenes. Olie Else and Amberly Pahut do such an amazing job of organizing the banquet, putting on a successful fundraiser, and a great night for everyone attending!

Ms Iola Else is one of the most amazing woman that I've ever had the honor of meeting. She changed my life when I attended Western, as she did most of her rodeo kids. She teaches you responsibility and gives you the skills to put on an event. The most valueable thing that I learned from Oilie...is how to care! Always aware of the people around her and striving to make the burden of those around her lighter. She truely cares for people and is a shining example and leader to all those around her.

Blessed to be a part of Western!

Thank you so much for traveling the gypsy trail with me today.
Peace be with you. May the Lord's love fill your heart and
may his blessings overflow throughout every part of your life.

Mindy

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