Sunday, April 12, 2015

Testimony of Friendship


Reeder Branding 2015
Penelope Hoggan riding Pepper

Testimony of the Power of Friendship

Today’s post will be different than what normally share with you.  Normally, I share fun, cool wrecks, rodeos, and even essential oil tips.  Today, I would like to share with you a very real an intimate experience.  I stood in church today and attempted to share this experience…..I was nervous, shaking, and filled with so much gratitude that I don’t know if you could understand me.  Here is a written version.  My intention is to more clearly share this testimony of friendship and fellowship with you.

This weekend I had the opportunity to load up my youngest brother and sister to go to a branding in Utah.  Dad called me Friday night and asked if I wanted to go. Lol….I didn’t really have an plans so I decided….WHY NOT?  J2, Penelope, and I piled in the car and headed South! The branding was at  Bret and Jeri Reeder’s place in Northern Utah.  Just a three hour trip…..but when the “Are we there yet?” and  “I’m not touching you!” comments started an hour into the trip…….I suddenly understood WHY my parents had us ride in the top of the trailer most of my childhood. 
We arrived about half way through the branding.  They were just going to gather a new bunch.  When looking out across the pasture….you saw a Herd….of small cowboys and cowgirls.  I lost count of how many cute lil’ buckaroos where there.  All were mounted on nice, trust worthy ranch horses. 

Bret and Jeri have have four amazing children, Ty, Katie, Bucky, and Rowdy.  They all have beautiful families.  Not to mention, cousins, neighbors, and friends who had come to help.  Even tho Bret and Jeri had more than enough help…..they welcomed us with open arms.  Literally, when I saw Jeri, she gave me the biggest hug ever and such a sincere smile of a friend you haven’t seen in way to long.  Ty (oldest son) instantly gathered up J2 and made him feel welcome.  (Ty is a stud and if you are with him…you just got a few pegs higher on the cool scale too) They got J2 a horse and let him rope, which is an honor at any branding. 
Penelope was quite taken back by the herds of people, kids, and cattle running around.  She stuck pretty close to me during that first set.  Well, Bucky ( the middle son) came over and said hello.  I think that was the only person Penelope would talk to.  When that set was finished we all went up to an AMAZING dutch oven meal, homemade with love.  Every one gathered on the grass to eat and visit.  Kids playing everywhere.  Penelope had finished eating and was playing by herself in the sand.  Bucky could have easily sat and visited with everyone but instead he gathered up Penelope and headed to the barn.  He saddled quite possibly the most prize horse, Pepper, and stud, that has been in the family for over twenty years.  Bucky lead her around.  She was instantly more comfortable and confident.  She even got to gather with everyone when they went to do the next set.  She was a different kid after that.  She was talkative and played effortlessly. 
Everyone was welcoming and friendly.  You visited, caught up, and just enjoyed company.  Rowdy (youngest Reeder son) went out of his way to come say hello, catch up and make me feel welcome.  It is amazing how a sincere conversation can fill your heart with so much light. 
Katie ( Bucky’s wife) has a beautiful fancy camera and let me play a little!  Aww, I don’t remember the last time I was behind the lens shooting something fun like that!  It was great to capture glimpses of the amazing moments unfolding in front of you. 

Up until now….this seemed like any other great day with friends, enjoying this life that we are so blessed to live.  It wasn’t until we were heading home that the fullness of the day would hit me. 

Bret and Jeri have been friends with my parents for as long as I can remember.  Bret is one of my Dad’s best friends, spoke at family funerals, and has been an amazing friend through the years.  Dad didn’t come with us tho….it was just us kids.  Bret and Jeri didn’t have to welcome us into their lives but they did and always have.  Memories from my youth came flooding back……Staying at their house after Utah rodeos, horse ropings, and I even stayed with them one summer.  I remembered the example their family had been.  Jeri ALWAYS had a hot meal and a place for you to sleep.  She makes the best Carmel brownies and that is where I learned my LOVE of homemade strawberry jam.   I remember traveling with them to a rodeo that Bret was picking up at.  They drove all night to get home and go to church the next morning.  They never pushed or judged.  They just lived their beliefs.  They are the example.  They love unconditionally.  A simple day of branding.....opened my eyes to the profound impact that this family has had on my life.


I remember Ty coming up to stay with our family and help Dad when he was younger.  Seeing him help J2…it opened my eyes to the ripples that one friendship can have. Dad and Bret being friends had brought us all together and the Reeder’s showed us…..and truly live fellowshipping.
Grateful for their fine examples.  Grateful to call them friends.  Grateful for an amazing day spent together. 
I share this humbly, thank you for reading.  I hope you are blessed with friends that love you, lift you, and lead by example. 
Mindy


Oh....and on the way home...when my cute siblings where tired...I was the one torturing them
with 3 hours of endless car karaoke ...to music made before they were born.

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Fallin Everyday


A recent conversation got the gears turning about love…relationships…. and flirting.
That piece of a person that wants to “Know that they’ve still got it” Grabbing the opposite sex’s attention  is still as easy for you as you remember. 

It is easy to grab someone’s attention for the night.  Can you grab "Your Person’s" attention everyday?
Dance with the one that brought you….It’s making that person WANT to go home with you everyday.  It’s flirting, and courting, and putting out that effort like the 1st time….everytime.  It’s proving you still got it…..with the person that knows you past the 1st cheesy line and still winning their heart.

Fallining in love many times…all with the same person


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Dirty Rotten Buckers 2014

Dirty Rotten Buckers 2014
 Dirty Rotten Bucker's is the ORIGINAL BUCKING HORSE FUTURITY!!!  Celebrating the 8th annual Dirty Rotten Bucking Horse Futurity!!!

What is a DRB Bucking Horse Futurity?
Dirty Rotten Bucker's Inc. Mission Statement:
Our mission statement at Dirty Rotten Bucker's is to produce a Bucking Horse contest to find out what young horse in the country is the best. This contest will consist of Bareback horses that are 4 years and younger, and the Saddle Bronc horses are 5 years or younger. In this contest we will also be determining what cowboy can ride these horses the best. While doing this, we will bring people and families together to have fun and enjoy the contest.
Who has the BEST HORSES IN THE NATION????
2014 Dirty Rotten Buckers Champions(Horses are judged on a scale from 1-50, 50 being most points possible)

 
2014 Dirty Rotten Buckers Champion Bareback HORSES
1. Korkow's Diablo Sandwich #015, Score 44 points,  2014 DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKER – BAREBACK of the YEAR!!!!
2. Daniel Beard - Trailer Park Charm #W0, 43.5 points
3. Bridwell Livestock's Cloud 9 #031, 43points
2014 Dirty Rotten Buckers Champion Bareback RIDERS
1/2. Mason Clements 82 points, riding Cloud 9, #031 of Bridwell Livestock 
1/2. Mason Clements 82 points on Waynette Snow, #023 of Korkow's 
3. Evan Miller 81 points on Trailer Park Charm of Daniel Beard
2014 Dirty Rotten Buckers Champion Saddle Bronc HORSES
1. Leavin Home #I9, owned by Daniel Beard ~ 44 points, DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKER - SADDLE BRONC of the YEAR
2.Black Hay #N9, 43.5 points, owned by Daniel Beard
3. Angel Eyes #914, 42 points, owned by Bridwell Livestock
2014 Dirty Rotten Buckers Champion Saddle Bronc RIDERS
1. Brock Winn, 81 points, Riding Daniel Beard's Black Hay #N9
2. Brock Winn, 79.5 points, riding Korkow's Special #904
3. Allen Bore, 77.5 points riding Gene King's Popeye

MY FAVORITES:
WT Bruce Photo
Order here: www.wtbrucephotos.com
SB~Black Hay #N9 rocked my world!!!!  LOVED this horse!  He was a big pretty flashy black horse that jumped and kicked OUTSTANDING!!!!  Really caught my eye!  Definitely looking forward to seeing this Daniel Beard bronc down the rodeo trail! ***
SB~ Smack Down #04 was a stand out!  Jumped and kicked GREAT!  Caught big air and was kicking through!  Nice horse Bridwell Livestock! 
A glimpse of the action  ***
SB~ Blazin Guns #98 was a nice bay horse.  Jumped and kicked great.  Liked Bayes/Jordan horse. 
BB~ Diablo Sandwich #015 Jumped and kicked nice.  Faded left a little.  Good high kick and kicked thru. 

Overall, fun horses and good contest!  Dirty Rotten Bucker's is getting better every year.  Impressed with the quality of horses that are competing every year.  Now the only thing better than the bucking horses....the the Dirty Rotten Bucking Good Time after!  Just when you think it can't get any better...this crew will raise the bar! 
DRB After Party ~ Donkey Polo!
2014 DRB Donkey Polo Women's Champions!!!!!!! 
Photo by Photo Courtesy Nicole Crowley ~ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PURCHASE Here: http://www.nicholecrowley.com/index2.php#!/HOME

This was EPIC!!!!  So much fun!  By the end of the day....everyone old and young was in the arena in a wild game of soccer/football/something....it was crazy fun! 
WATCH the a glimpse of the action right here! :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRRIMSVKnkc&feature=youtu.be



Grateful for a DIRTY ROTTEN FABULOUS TIME with FRIENDS!!!! 
Dirty Rotten Fun Havers
Molly, Melina, Mindy, Bri, Jenny, Kristen
A special THANK YOU to BOB MARRIOTT & the entire Marriott family for the hard work that they put in year round to produce the  DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKING HORSE FUTURITY!
It is a privilege to work with such amazing friends.
THANK YOU to all the Dirty Rotten Buckers FANS, Contestants, Personnel, and Stock Contractors that travel thousands of miles to compete and enjoy a Dirty Rotten Bucking Day with us!
Hats Off to You!!
WT Bruce Photo
Order here: www.wtbrucephotos.com

WT Bruce Photo
Order here: www.wtbrucephotos.com



DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKER PRINTS
Want to get a Dirty Rotten Buckers Picture? 
Here are a list of amazing and talented photograpers!
James Fain: http://www.jamesfain.com/
Nichole Crowley Portrait Boutique: http://www.nicholecrowley.com/index2.php#!/HOME
WT Bruce: www.wtbrucephotos.com
THANK YOU to these talented photographers for the great images
to remember our Dirty Rotten Bucking good time!

Where do ALL the COOL KIDS go after all that Bucking Excitement? 
The YARROW HOTEL of course! 

Hang out with NFR pickup man Bobby Marriott, Livestock Superindent John Wright,
Stock Contractors, Cowboys, and more! 

Stay and play all in at the Yarrow! 
Call & make your reservations for 2013!
Yarrow Hotel and Conference Center
1800 Park Ave
, Park City, UT.

(435) 649-7000

Mention the Dirty Rotten Bucking Horse Futurity and get a special rate! 



DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKERS HATS, HOODIES, COATS,
T-SHIRTS, STADIUM SEATS & MORE!
Get your own DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKERS APPAREL
Please email us at dirtyrottenbuckers@hotmail.com to purchase merchandise.


FAVORITE T-SHIRT of ALL TIME! SO CUTE! SO COMFY!
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
AMAZING Dirty Rotten Bucker Sweats! 
Long Length, Draw String Waist, Pockets & super cozy material!
Get your own DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKERS APPAREL at the DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKERS FUTURITY, MEMORIAL WEEKEND
See more Dirty Rotten Bucking Horse Action!
LIKE DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKERS on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Rotten-Buckers/112552985497386


SEE RESULTS from the 2011 DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKERS FUTURITY
SEE RESULTS from the 2012 Dirty Rotten Buckers Futurity
SEE Results from the 2013 DIRTY ROTTEN BUCKERS FUTURITY
See Results from the 2014 Dirty Rotten Buckers Futurity

THANK YOU so much for traveling the gypsy trail with me today!  It really is impossible to convey how much Dirty Rotten Bucker fun we had .....so you better put it on your calendar for next year! 
See you there!
Mindy 


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Saturday, February 7, 2015

Ballard GRILLED CHEESE Boat



New Favorite Ballard "GRILLED CHEESE" Boat!!!!

Sliced Turkey and  Ballard Grilling Cheese smothered  Cranberry Salsa all nestled Crispy Romaine Lettuce Leaf!!!!  It is a Lettuce Wrap of Grilled Delightfullness!!!!

Ballard GRILLING CHEESE
LOVE IT!!!!  Looking forward to trying all kinds of Grilled Cheese Boat combos! 

(Click here to BUY Ballard Grilling Cheese: http://www.ballardcheese.com/baskets.html
LEARN More about Ballard Cheese here:http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2014/06/say-cheese-ballard-cheese.html
Bonus:
AMAZING Jana Davis Cranberry Salsa:


1 Bag of whole Cranberries
1 Jalapeno, seeded (I leave seeds in)
3 Green Onions
1 Cup Sugar (I used whole)
2 T Cilantro
1/2 tsp. Cummin
(K - DOUBLE the recipe...it is delicious & will go fast)
(Another option: Add 1 can of Green Chiles to a double batch)
Put all ingredients in food processor or chopper.  Great w/ Cream Cheese and CrackersTHANK YOU at Jana Davis for the Salsa Recipe!

Monday, January 19, 2015

Brockman Rifles - Custom Built Rifles by Jim Brockman



Oh my goodness….I just got a sneak peek tour thru the AMAZING Brockman Gunsmiths shop!!!!  I am so dang excited!!!!  They had brand new innovations that haven’t even been released yet ….and I get to SHARE them with YOU today!!!!  So cool!!!!  


Brockman Rifles ~ Jim Brockman


Ok, back track a second, first….who is Brockman Rifle?  Second, how do I rate???  Well, I will answer them both for you!!!  Brockman Rifle, is a world owned and operated by talented Gunsmith, Jim Brockman.  He also happens to be my Uncle.  (Yes, every member of my family is ridiculously talented!) My intention today is to share with you Brockman Rifle and the amazing talents of Jim Brockman.  I hope to be able to connect those searching for the perfect rifle with skills of this talented gunsmith. 


History -  
When asked, how Jim got into Gunsmithing…..he jokingly replied that “ I was allergic to hay”
Jim was interested in guns from a very young age.  He received his first gun was a Bolt action 22 when he was 9 yrs old.  He got his first lever action at age 12. It was a family heirloom, his Grandpa Brockman’s  25/35. 

Brockman is also an avid hunter.  When asked about his favorite hunt, he said he liked them all.  A few of the hunts we visited about were:
-Alaskan Caribou
-Africa Plains game: Zebra, Kudu, Impala
-Texas: Free roaming audad, deer, pigs, and more
-Idaho:Mule deer, antelope, whitetail


Jim is the youngest, with 2 older sisters
Not a gun pic...but seriously....so cute!
Jim graduated college with a Machinest and Gunsmithing degree.  Brockman then spent a year in Germany apprenticing in the original Mauser factory.  While there he gained a great appreciation for the value of a Stock Making. 


Brockman's Rifle Stock's Start to Finish Most stocks are walnut, various varieties of American, English, and Turkish.
Returning  to the states, Jim was hired by the US Importer of Mauser in Segiem, TX as a gunsmith.   In Alpine, Texas, Brockman Rifles would take life in 1992.  Brockman moved back to his home state of Idaho in the mid 90’s.  Present day ,Brockman Rifle is based out of Gooding, Idaho and employs an average of 4 employees. 

Brockman's Rifles- In the Shop

Brockman Rifle is most know for lever and bolt actions.  Here are a few that were in the shop during my visit. 

Brockman's Bolt Action
Brockman's Bolt Action
Fluted Bolt Action

Custom Color Case and Engraving
Brockman also refurbishes classic guns like this giant .50 caliber
BIG GUNS ~ Brockman also reburishes classic pieces
.50 Caliber
The shop is full of excitement in every corner you turn.  The re-load room was awesome!  Check out all that ammo! 
Brockman's Re-Loading Room
My FAVORITE is the AMAZING INNOVATIONS Brockman Rifle is coming out with!!!! 
Look at this!  Awesome Brockman's cartridge trap in the stock of the gun!!! 

Brockman's Cartridge Trap
So genius!!!!!!
Saving the best for last, Brockman's NEW TAKE DOWN MODEL!!!! 308 cal.
Brockman's TAKE DOWN MODEL
SO COOL!!!


GIVING BACK -
Not only is Jim a bad-a gunsmith, he is a family man and active in his community!  He has even started a 4-H Group for Youth Hunters.  Gooding, ID produces one of the west's best professional rodeos.  Brockman Rifles made a custom rifle for the High Money Winner this year.  They also provide and cook a the delicious Cowboy Hospitality Meal for the first night of the rodeo

Jim Brockman presenting CUSTOM BROCKMAN RIFLE for
HIGH MONEY WINNER at the GOODING PRO RODEO

 As I was visiting with Jim about rifles, his customers, and who he his customers are....It was so cool to hear the passion in his voice as he described why he builds guns and who he builds them for.  Most of Brockman's clients are custom ordering personalized guns tailored to them.  They are look for quality, hand crafted pieces and appreciate the work that goes into them.  They are extreme and they want the best! 

Brockman Rifles - Why are they the best?
Making a quality product but innovative enough to make it personalized for our customers. 


ORDERING YOUR OWN BROCKMAN'S RIFLE

There are a number of questions you will need to consider to start your ordering process.
*What enviroment are you going to use your rifle in? Hunting or Casual
*Physique of the person ( a lot like fitting a saddle)
*Cartridge you plan on using
Women’s Hunting Rifle – usually much different fit than a man. 
Typical base price is $2500 to $3,500
There are a lot of serious factors to consider.  Brockman's rifles are in high demand with a wait list of about 3 years right now.  If you are lucky, on occasion they do have limited show rifles available to purchase. 

LEARN MORE HERE:
Brockman's Custom Gunsmithing: http://www.brockmansrifles.com/index.asp
Contact Information:
Jim and Jessica Brockman

2165 South 1800 East
Gooding, Idaho  83330

208-934-5050
brockman@brockmansrifles.com


  Thank You so much for stopping by the Rodeo Tales and Gypsy Trails! It was my pleasure to share Brockman Rifles with you! 
See you again soon,
Mindy

Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
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