A Sad Day at the Hacienda

Whelp, today was a pretty sad one for this cowgirl, as well as for McHotterson and many others.  

As you know I have claimed many times in this blog that we have too many horses.  And I mean it.  But what's a cowgirl to do when her husband, whom she adores like no other, is a horse man?  I mean, I do see the reality of time vs. horse passion actually becoming a realization to McH, but as of now we're still full-o-equine (and in all fairness, I love 'em, too).  

About five days ago we had a pretty bad storm here; it was bad enough it blew the rods off of one of my wind chimes on the back porch and sent it flying across the yard.  There were big limbs all over the front and back, and during the storm there were HUGE strikes of lightning, and booms of thunder all over.

A couple of nights ago, we noticed the horses hadn't been seen since the day before.  We were out at McH's parents, so he and his mom pulled on their rubber boots and headed out hunting the group down.  They found them lotted at the neighbors and knew they would be returned the next day.

The only worrisome part was one of them was missing.  Her name is Amanda and she is the BEST horse ever.  She has a sweet disposition, is about 22 years-old, and her only flaw if you will, is, as a former roping horse and in her older age, her feet were just not great.  In fact, I'd say you could call her crippled.  The only time she has been ridden since we've had her is with my nephews, 5 and 3, and we never ran her.  She was perfect for the little kids and we looked forward to many more years of kids getting on her back for a walk around the pasture.  She was the sweetest mare I've ever been around.  She foaled many times, and was a good momma and a sweet companion.  We have some of her offspring in our group.

All this to say, somehow during that storm, and we really have no idea what happened, she started to follow the other horses to the neighbors and never made it.

They searched and searched for her that night, but when she didn't come up and they couldn't find her, we were worried, but really thought she would wander back after resting a while.

Unfortunately, my mother-in-law discovered her this morning from the smell.  She passed away sometime between the storm and this morning.

Needless to say, we are really down around here about it.  Amanda was a great horse and loved by many people (and I think probably some horses, too).

Here's a little video of Amanda (the bigger one with white socks) and Amigo, her grandson.  I L-O-V-E this little colt.  The minute I saw him and was around him, I fell in love.  He's beautiful and has a really sweet disposition (hence his name).  It only sealed the deal when weeks later McH told me his birthday was April 10th, the same day as mine!  

Anyway, this day McH and I rode out into the pasture to find these two.  We left them together, alone, so Amanda could teach Amigo the ways of a horse and to calm him down a little bit. 

By the end, she was annoyed and he was in love.  (FYI:  I would love it if you turned the volume down so you didn't have to hear my annoying voice.  But, because I asked you to do so, I'm sure you will do the opposite so just know I know it's annoying). 


Amanda and Amigo from Charla Jenkins on Vimeo.

R.I.P. Amanda.  We will miss you so much!

Puttin' the Burn Back in Sunburn

Bad news...long post. Good news...lots of pics!

Well, it's been TOO long since an update and I apologize for that.

But, I'm back and I have lots to catch you up on!

First, I must just say that including today, I have 3 days until my summer vacay and I couldn't be more excited. Those who think teaching is the easiest gig in the world because you get summers and holidays off, I'd like you to do two things; 1.) come teach my classes for one week AND, it must be sometime during the 4 weeks before the TAKS test, then tell me your thoughts and 2.) check out my paycheck. Nuff said.

Today's the last day with most of my students and Thursday and Friday will be spent giving final exams and wrapping up my classroom.


















Last Thursday and Friday was Play Day here in C-town. This is the equivalent of Field Day for the elementary kids, and I am responsible, along with my co-sponsor, for taking 100 + high school kids to help out with Play Day. We had a GREAT year this year and I was so proud of all of the kids for their hard work and dedication and for being wonderful role models for our elementary kiddos.

Helpin' out...it is so sweet to see these big, football boys having so much fun with the elementary kids!

At the awards assembly...if you look very closely you will notice the little red-headed girl is sitting in G's lap. The elementary kids really get attached to our Bobcat Stars through the year.

And of course, the big kids have to get in on the action, too...after all, they're just little kids in bigger, smellier bodies! Check out M on the back of D's trike on the right! HA!

Playin' chase!

A giving instructions to the bitty ones about how tug-o-war works.

All morning outside + no sunscreen = SUNBURN #1

Saturday we had some people come down from Amarillo to ride horses with us at the ranch. Richard was going to be their trail leader and he was really looking forward to it. We both were, especially since I hadn't ridden in a while. There were 4 couples total, but one of the husbands didn't ride as he had had quadruple bypass surgery a year ago. So, seven of us headed into the hills and had an awesome two-hour ride through brush, up and down the breakers. Only one of the women had some problems, but all in all it was wonderful.

Unloading and saddling up everyone's horses.

This is towards the end of the ride, but you can see some of the breaker country in the background. It was gorgeous!

McH riding off at the start of our ride...ooh wee, love me some cowboy...well, love me ONE cowboy!

A post-ride munch and cool down. That is Roscoe on the left (McH's horse), and Professor (my horse) on the right.

I LOVE this pic I got of the Pro-man as he snacked post-ride. Isn't he a handsome dude? Especially for 24!

And, as much as it pains me to even post this picture, here I am on Professor mid-ride. What is it about sitting on a horse that makes your arms look large and your thighs thunderous? OKAY, maybe it isn't the horse, but whatever. Here it is.

2 + hours on a horse + cloud coverage = SUNBURN #2

Last week was fairly uneventful and I wasn't planning on a big Memorial Day weekend because I had to work on Monday anyway. However, Friday I talked to my SIL and turns out the McHotterson had failed to inform me his brother, SIL, and our nephews were coming to C-town and we were going camping with them in Altus at the lake. Hm.

Thanks for the warning, McH. I love ya, but sometimes I wonder if you even realize there is another person living in the same house that needs to know these important pieces of information! End of vent.

So, Saturday after riding horses all day long, taking the crew to lunch and not getting home until 4-ish, we started packing the car for our camping trip to Lake Altus/Lugert.

For those of you who don't know, Rich and I are avid campers but don't get to do it nearly enough. He never really camped as a kid, it just wasn't their thing, but we camped all the time with my parents and when I say camped, we did some primitive, lean-to camping which is my favorite!

We got to the dock at the lake, met Ronnie with the boat, and made our way with all of our stuff and the dogs to our campsite.

9 years ago, before we were even engaged, Rich and I took the boat to the lake and headed away from the crowd, across the lake. We found a secluded beach, decided to camp there and had a blast; until we woke up after a horrible wind/rain storm the night before, and the boat had been beached. Thank goodness for the ATV'ers who helped us push the boat out into the water.

Anyway, so we knew there were good spots away from the Memorial Day crowd and we took advantage.

The camping was so much fun. I don't have any pictures, but I borrowed a few from Dawn (thanks, SIL)! Sunday was filled with fishing, reading, taking walks and hanging out.

Time on the boat + chasing 2 dogs and 2 nephews around the beach = SUNBURN #3

My nephews...What's a camping trip with a little movie-time before bed? Aren't they the sweetest things you ever saw?

This gives you an idea of what the beach looks like...it was perfect because it was shallow enough for the boys to wade in and play without the danger of getting too deep.

Here we are Saturday night. That's our tent in the background and R & D's tent is to the right.

Finally, yesterday I played in my first golf tournament in at least 15 years. The first annual CISD Staff Scramble was yesterday at Stoney Ridge golf course, our local country club. I played on a team with 4 other women and we had a blast! Can I tell you how much more fun it is to play Scramble-style golf? I grew up playing golf and played in some little tourneys but never played competitively through school or anything. My family are all avid golfers, as well as McHotterson. But, I have the worst slice you've ever seen in your life. McH says I have a pretty good swing and form, whatever that really means, but that slice makes me crazy and I'm just slightly competitive. Just slightly. So, why play something that makes you crazy? Duh! But yesterday I truly had a great time, and you know what? I played pretty well.

Whoda thunkit?

Head down, arm straight...McH would be so proud!

Paige and I rode together...hurry up, Paige Ann, pedal to the metal! HA!

Puttin' around...

We're wanting to get a group together that plays on a regular basis and I'm excited about that!

Of course, there is a BIT of silliness, always! Me, Donna, Taylor Ann, Paige, and laying on the tree, Amanda.

I would love to get better so McH and I can go out and play and have a good time instead of me just being frustrated. I mean, it's really no fun to play when you can't hit the green for your life, and then your hubby goes up and hits a perfect shot every time. Blah.

A few hours on the golf course + good friends and great weather = FUN IN THE SUN and more to come!!

Happy summer to me, happy summer to me, happy summer to ME-E...happy summer to me!

What's Up?

Okay, first I must ask...what's up with http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/? I know some of you have gotten your backgrounds from them, too, and mine has been acting all funky for a couple of days with the mustard color in the background instead of the brown and hearts. So, I just went to their website and it said it was unavailable. What the heck? It makes me wonder if they were illegal or something? Yikes. I just want my dang background back, please! The sidebar is almost impossible to read now. I'll have to work on it.

UPDATE: After I typed that last sentence, I decided I needed to do so right then, so I'm back from my investigation. The website is still not coming up, but my background is back. I went to their blog and they said they were having server issues as of yesterday. I'm just glad my background is here again! Hopefully to stay this time!

Where do I start? I haven't posted in about 5 days which is highly unusual for me. What's sad is it isn't necessarily because we've been exponentially busy. Not really. Life has just been going. Let's see if I can catch you all back up on this Cowgirl's life the last five days.

I have been playing with my new camera a bunch! Is love an appropriate affection to have for a piece of technology that cannot love me back? I don't care if you said "no" because I will still say it...I LOVE my new camera!

I will share some of my playing throughout the post.

So, the first thing I can remember right now about the last week is early, I think Tuesday morning, I let the pups out for their morning stretch and business. Since the fence has been "down" or "propped" as it is now, and since their last Houdiniesque escape, I have not trusted to leave them outside for any length of time alone. I have been getting up at 5:30 (ugh, during my summer break that is TOTALLY not fair...pass the cheese, please), to let the potty and have waited at the door with them, or just went back to the bed for a few minutes. This time I fell asleep. I think I was out for an hour or so, and when I woke up can you guess what I found? Well, I'll tell you what I didn't find...two schnauzers in our backyard. Yep, once again they had SOMEHOW escaped. What's that little quip..."fool me once, shame on you," etc... Long story short, after a while of driving around, looking like death warmed over mind you, someone called from the clinic across the street from us and had the girls. I told McHotterson that I gave them a stern talking to on the way home and they were not allowed to be outside for any extended period of time alone. We found the problem and McH fixed it, but I still don't trust them. So, until the new fence is in, too bad, so sad for the schotzies!

Maggie Louise...the older and much wiser baby schnauzer.

Marlee Jane...the younger and more adventurous one.

McH went to the dr. and is on meds for a sinus infection. I'm sure you were really excited to hear that. I started running. Oh, yes. Those of you who know me, are thinking...wait, laughing and thinking, "yeah, right." But it's true. I have started the Couch Potato to 5K program from http://www.coolrunning.com/. Some friends of mine have done it, and one has lost over 30 pounds in 3 months or so and is getting into really great shape. The other got pregnant, so I'd say she has a pretty good reason to stop but I'm sure will start again afterwards. So, I started this on Thursday and I ran Thursday and Friday. You are supposed to space your running out, so I am going to go to the gym MWF to run and T/Th just to lift weights. I do NOT want to workout on the weekends. I have been praying diligently for a direction as far as my motivation to work out goes. God has really answered that prayer (partly when my jeans don't fit me when I wake up in the morning, which is supposed to be your skinniest time of the day, right?). I would really appreciate your supplication for this part of my life. I need workout less for losing weight, and more for getting in shape, but mostly for my mental and emotional health. I've heard running can really minister to these needs, as well. I hope I can stick with it, at least for the 9 weeks of the program.

We have no pool in C-town because the country club pool was destroyed in the tornado and because the NEW country club will be opened to the public in September as far as the pool goes. So, the powers-that-be decided we didn't need the old pool this summer since the new one would be here soon. WHAT? There are some people in serious chlorine withdrawl mode. Some have even resorted to renting pools and inviting over friends. See, this is where having a kid would really come in handy. They are renting for birthday parties. Do you think I could get away with it if I brought a gift? Hmm...Steph?? Hee hee. So, it's hot as blue blazes and there is no place to splash around and get your tosies wet...well, unless you want to brave the city pool. Let's just say the sign for the rule, "There's no P in our OOL, let's keep it that way," either doesn't exist or, well, I'm not sure what. I just know I'm a chicken.

We've been out riding horses a bunch this week. We actually bought another mare this week, too. She's 18, and has basically been out to pasture for the last 11 years and just used for breeding. Nevertheless, she acts like she's been ridden every day and with some work on her ground skills, I think she's going to be great! She came with the name Shenandoah, but I didn't really like it so it will be changing. Any suggestions? I'm open to some help! I had a little scary incident on her the other day, but again it was really more me than her. I'm getting so much better but still have so far to go. Sometimes I get frustrated with my riding, but I know it's just one of those things you have to keep doing in order to get better. I'll get there. Just pray I don't break anything or have a nervous breakdown before then. So, now we have 3 horses of our own...Liesel, Buckwheat, and the yet-to-be-named mare.

My tomato plants finally started putting on fruit. They are DELICIOUS! Here are two of them. There are about 15 more that I've counted but haven't turned red yet. I've already eaten one a week or so ago.

I'm bonafide. Don't laugh. I really am. According to me, I'm bonafide. As you can tell from the name of this blog, since I was little I've always wanted to be a cowgirl. We had livestock growing up and I wore my boots and jeans all the time, but I wanted to ride horses and live on a cattle ranch. We're working our way to the entirety of the dream, but half is not bad. Why am I bonafide you ask? Well, I just acquired my first pair of GENUINE spurs and leathers! Yep, if you hear a jingle jangle coming up behind you, I'm not begging for change. Just check out the back of my boots! I seriously was so excited that I even felt embarrassed for myself. Does that ever happen to you? Probably not. But, no matter. I always thought spurs were a little showy, but they actually DO help you a lot when you're riding. I was having the worst time getting a couple of the horses I've been riding to get going because I'm still scared to kick the daylights out of 'em!

Leathers and spurs...

In detail...what would we do without Ebay?

Now, just a little nudge with my spurs and they're off. Richard just laughs (really rolls his eyes and chuckles) at me and tolerates me. He's so over all this new "stuff" that makes me happy andexcites me. He's so been there, done that. Ha. But can I tell you, he lives up to his name, McHotterson, when he's on a horse. Oh, I could just die. I love to watch him ride and to watch him work with the horses, especially his colt. He's so patient and knowledgeable. Plus, he's SO CUTE in his boots and jeans and hat, all sweaty but so happy. It makes me really proud and I get a little weepy thinking that I am literally watching his dreams come true before our eyes. This is all he's ever wanted and it's finally started to happen for him. How awesome is our God? Beyond my comprehension, friends.

Friday we went out to Francesca's and family's for a little mini 4th celebration complete with weiners, 'Smores, and fireworks. They are building a BEAUTIFUL new house out on the family farm, complete with a stocked tank so all the kiddos fished and rode the 4-wheeler. We had a great time with great friends.

Saturday was the city's fireworks show. So, we rode horses all day and then cleaned up to watch the show with McH's parents and grandmother. We even had homemade chocolate ice cream made by his mom. Yummy! What is it about homemade ice cream on the 4th of July? So Amercian, don't you think? Although it was a day late this year, the fireworks show is always so impressive to me because C-town is so small. It is one of those high dollar shows that they have to train someone to execute. This is actually why we had to have it a day late...the guy couldn't make it until the day after the 4th. Here's a little video (yes, shot with my new camera...hee hee). PLEASE ignore the annoying voice and laughing (mine) in the background. Who likes their own voice on video? I'm pretty sure no one! Ew.

We tried to take our traditional self-portrait but this is what we got FOUR times in a row! By the fourth take we were laughing so hard we just gave up and settled. I seriously could NOT keep from blinking at the flash. I tried. No avail. But I'm smiling thinking about it, so maybe that was the plan all along. ;)

This morning we didn't make it to church because McH got a phone call from a friend in crisis. We have a good friend, newly married, brand-new baby, lots of debt, and now he's getting divorced...not even married a year. It breaks our hearts and we feel so helpless. Please keep him in your daily prayers. He sure needs them.

So, after a couple of hours on the phone with him, McH decides he wants to FINALLY clean the garage! Alleluia! He's been saying he was going to do it for weeks, so I was ecstatic. We worked SO HARD in the heat, and we ended up cleaning both the garage and the storage building in the backyard. We had so much we wanted to move from one to the other, we ended up cleaning both. They look GREAT! McH still has some work to do on his workbench to complete the cleansing, but it feels SO good to have it all organized. We even put Christmas boxes up in the attic, something I've been wanting to do since we moved in! Sigh.

Here are a couple of pics, but it isn't quite finished yet and I don't have any after shots or progress. These are both before...



Then, about 5:30 we get a call from our great friends Nathan and Aaron Phillips. Nathan is training in Altus and Aaron, his twin brother, was coming up to visit him. We met them in Quanah at The Depot for dinner and some great conversation. The place closed at 8:00 and we were still there at 8:30. Oops. Sorry waiter and waitresses.

The boys...Rich, Aaron, and NathanNathan, Aaron, Cowgirl, McH

When we finally got home after dinner and then feeding horses, I remembered something I forgot. Don't you hate it when you do that? Only this was so dumb. I was feeding the dogs, and I all of a sudden realized and blurted out, "McH, I forgot Bible Study tonight." So, it's one thing to forget and not go, but when you are co-leading it and you are the one who usually brings the discussion questions with you, it is quite embarrassing! Oh sheesh. I feel so bad I let all those ladies down. And, what in the world was I thinking? I guess I was so focused on the garage clean-up, it just slipped my mind. I even talked about the study tonight when I was retelling the tornado story tonight at dinner and I STILL didn't realize that tonight was Sunday night, which means Bible study! McH says that's what we get for skipping church today. Another, sigh. He was kidding, of course.

Some of you have specifically asked for pictures of me riding. So, Corrie, Mom, Amy and anyone else interested, these are for YOU! This is me riding the new mare.

NEXT POST: Videos!

Humanship Class

Okay, so it was really a horsemanship class, but I felt more like the horse was training me instead of the other way around. The county extension agency hosted the 36th annual horsemanship clinic here in Childress. The clinic was held for two days, Monday and Tuesday. Overall, it was a good experience for me, but it was much more of an advanced-beginner class instead of a beginner-beginner class and I was lost half the time.

The first day started off well on Liesel, but by the end of the day she had kicked at least 3 other horses and scared a little girl into tears. I was in tears because I felt so bad, but was holding them in so I wouldn't look like a big 'ole baby! I was definitely one of the oldest in the class. Our instructors were two Aggies, both part of the Equestrian club/team at A&M. They were awesome and it was really nice to have other Aggies to chat with about College Station and Aggie "stuff."

So, after lunch on Monday, after asking David Davidson, a local cowboy and horseman to ride Liesel around, the diagnosis came back...I have an officially SPOILED horse! She spent way too long doing nothing before we got her and she wants her way and knows she can get it if I'm on her back. He worked her hard, but I decided to retire Liesel and he offered for me to ride one of his horses he had brought with him, Nacho, the next day.

Tuesday was MUCH better! Nacho is a great horse; four years old but very calm and with great manners. The afternoon was slow again for me, because the exercises were things I didn't feel comfortable with, nor understood really. So, I was an observer, learning just by watching and not much by participating...and man does my rear hurt!! When you don't ride horses on a daily basis, two days of being in the saddle for about 6-7 hours per day will make you feel 30 years older!

I did make arrangements with David to take riding lessons from him this summer which I'm REALLY looking forward to. I will start off on one of his horses and then work my way back to Liesel after she gets some manners and I feel more confident.

So, my first experience with a horse class/clinic and I survived to tell about it.

Oh, and the arena was outside, uncovered and it was at times 100 degrees outside. I had jeans, boots and a long-sleeved shirt on and was drenched with sweat, dirt, (and a few tears) when I came home.